Thank You for Praying

In last month’s post, I asked you to pray for the upcoming consultant checks of the books of Hebrews and James, two of the harder books to be checked during 2026. Thank you for praying, friend. We met during the first three weeks of February in the city of Madang, on the north coast of Papua New Guinea. Our consultant was a professor from the Midwest in America, a scholar who has taught Greek and New Testament for over 30 years.

The first week was consumed with final preparations for the check. During the last two weeks we performed the checks. At the end of the three week period, we had successfully completed the checks, which means that these powerful books may now be distributed throughout the Somau Garia speaking community.

As the community uses these books in their heart language, they will potentially gain a much deeper understanding of Christ’s role in our salvation. Indeed, it is through Christ that God has spoken in these last days. It is through Christ that an everlasting priesthood has been established—one not based on lineage, but upon the power of an indestructible life. Because Christ lives for ever to intercede, he takes his own blood as an offering into the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, where he makes atonement for our sin. It is Christ who has overcome the last enemy, death, and has sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews takes us from law to the finished work of Christ, from ritual to restored relationship. Properly understood, Hebrews empowers the believer to walk victoriously by faith.

James takes expands beyond the foundational principle of living by faith, espousing the need to put hands and feet on faith, to practically live out the reality of faith. In his letter the believer learns the conditions and practice of effective prayer. The believer learns to reign in the tongue and bless rather than curse. In this way, the believer is equipped to function in godly wisdom.

Just imagine the difference that could characterize a group of people informed and inspired by these powerful truths!

Please Pray!

During the month of March, Angela and I are asking you to continue to pray as we dive into the books of 1 and 2 Corinthians. We are scheduled to check these books mid-year.

As you pray, please pray for the following:

• Our team will be working remotely from one another, beginning mid-month. Pray that each of us will have wisdom and discernment as we work.
•  As the team member responsible for ensuring accuracy, pray that I will see potential issues very clearly and that I will find creative solutions to whatever issues arise.
• Pray for the Somau Garia-speaking teammates, that they will also be able to offer creative solutions to translation issues—solutions that result in clear, accurate, and natural translation.
• Pray that the portions of Scripture that are already checked and in circulation will bring about genuine transformation into the likeness of Christ.
• Pray for God’s favor as we work toward finishing the checking of the Somau Garia New Testament in 2026.