Praying through May 2026

Perhaps you wonder what it takes to be a Bible translator. For those of us working on New Testament translation in Papua New Guinea, the ability to plod  would be towards the top of the list of qualifications. On must patiently work month after month, year after year, methodically moving from verse to verse, studying each and every one of the 7,956 verses of the New Testament, clarifying its meaning, finding ways of expressing that meaning in a language that has perhaps never had a writing system, a dictionary, or a grammar. This process often takes decades.

But there is more to translation than being tucked away in an office, studying. Vitally important is the development of deep, inter-dependent relationships. In the mission world we call this incarnational ministry. We do life together, cry together, rejoice together, sing together, work together, dream together. This kind of relationship is very compatible with Melanesian cultures.

As we close in on finishing the translation checking of the final books (1 & 2 Corinthians, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude, and Revelation), it seems that the enemy of our souls has intensified his opposition to our work. He has attempted to disrupt our work at every level. You will have read last month that he, along with the fallen nature of a bunch of people, incited a great deal of violence in the Somau Garia speaking area. Pray that God will bring peace and restore civility to the peoples and villages adjacent to the Ramu Highway, that they might cooperate with one another for everyone’s good. Pray that the fallout from the previous violence will subside and order will return to these societies.

Parallel to his attacks, my work permit and the attendant visas expired between scheduled checking sessions. These are necessary for us to enter and work in Papua New Guinea. Our applications are in process and we are waiting for approval. Pray that our paperwork will be approved sooner than later and that we will be able to travel to Papua New Guinea later this month, as scheduled. The enemy can certainly use delay to disrupt the work God has laid before us–and God can certainly use delay to build the faith, hope, and love of those who give all things into his hands.

So, as we kick off the month of May, we find ourselves plodding along, hoping that the Prince of Peace will intervene in the mayhem of this world, that the Holy Spirit will raise the awareness of government employees who also plod along day by day, making it possible for people like us to enter and work in Papua New Guinea.

Thank the Lord that he has provided for our deepest needs—through Jesus Christ His Son. Thank Him also that He has provided us the resources to continue working—even when things are not proceeding according to our plans.

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