Streams of Prayer for 27 November 2023
The Streams of Prayer for 27 November 2023, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. Wycliffe Caribbean makes this available.
November 26 – December 2, 2023
Bible Translation Programmes
Wycliffe Global Alliance serves Bible translation movements because we long for language communities to encounter God through his Word. The Alliance trusts ‘God to transform lives through His Word translated into the languages and cultures of the world’s peoples’ (from the Alliance Foundational Statements).
We are excited that 69 language communities that had no access to Scripture a year ago now have some access*. Another lens through which we can measure Bible translation progress is changed lives and communities as people encounter God through his Word. The current theme for Streams of Prayer is Bible Translation Programmes, one of the Alliance participation streams. We will pray for Bible translation efforts around the world. We will also celebrate lives changed through Scripture and pray that many more communities will be powerfully impacted by encountering God through Bible translation.
*2023 Scripture Access statistics.
Children listen intently as a woman reads from the recently translated Basketo Scriptures in Ethiopia. Photo: Adam Jeske (2011)
Continuing to respond to the demand: Cameroon
The Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) continues to increase its Bible translation potential to meet the need. While additional linguistic communities are requesting the organisation’s expertise, CABTAL is equipping itself to respond to the demand. Give thanks to God that CABTAL continues to meet this demand. Thank God for the nearly 60 active translation programmes which are locally managed by the interchurch committee in each of the programmes. Some programmes are in the exploration phase, others are doing community mobilisation and others have completed the translation of the Scriptures. For each of these levels of programmes, CABTAL deploys qualified technicians to come alongside language communities. Let us not cease thanking God for facilitating access to the light of his Word through local churches and communities together with CABTAL.
‘Love your missionaries’ app: Hong Kong
It is a good reminder to all that missionaries are ordinary individuals who face everyday challenges like everyone else. Wycliffe Hong Kong is introducing the Love Your Missionaries mobile app (in Chinese), offering 60 practical tips to express support and care for cross-cultural workers. Praise God for prompting this initiative. Pray he will use the app to encourage a deeper understanding and support for missions and cross-cultural workers. Ask the Lord for the success of this initiative that it may strengthen the bond between cross-cultural workers and their partners.
Pukapuka Bible edging towards finish line: Cook Islands
The Pukapuka translation team is on its last lap of a marathon-like translation and publishing journey. Pray for them as they edge closer to the finish line. The glossary of Biblical terms and names will be the first of its kind in any Cook Islands language and will be a valuable tool. The 400 entries will take a long time to complete. Pray that this goes smoothly and also for the team as they make adjustments to the already typeset New Testament. Pray that the chiefs and council on Pukapuka will soon reach out to notify all the diaspora communities regarding the launch next year and fundraising for launch costs.
Working together for greater impact: Europe
One way that organisations in the Europe Area are positioning themselves to respond to changing contexts is through discussion tables on various topics. The members of the Bible translation table would like prayer for:
- Good collaboration as they develop plans from their discussions. For people to identify what they can bring to the table and that these contributions strengthen what organisations in Wycliffe Europe can do.
- Discernment as they consider various courses of action. Ask God to guide as they deliberate over where best to focus their attention.
- Interaction with other tables and European organisations not currently sitting at the Bible translation table. Pray for help to involve others when it would increase the impact of their participation in the Bible translation movement.
- Plans and discussions to grow into practical application, successfully reaching people living without Scripture in their language.
Kamali people translate first Scripture portion: Papua New Guinea
Praise the Lord for the successful One-Book workshop on Ruth held for the Kamali people in the Central Province. For two weeks from 4-15 September, 32 people received training in translation steps and principles and various subjects for beginning Bible translation work. Many expressed that in addition to learning to do Bible translation, they learnt Biblical truths that encouraged and deepened their faith in God. In a special Sunday service on 17 September, the 32 Kamali people read from the trial copies of the completed Kamali book of Ruth. Many people shared tears of joy in hearing the Scriptures for the first time in their language. Pray for the Kamali translators to maintain steadfastness and perseverance as they embark on this Bible translation journey to produce Scriptures for their people.
Working on translation projects: Paraguay
The consultant checking process has been completed for the book of Joshua in the Aché language. The translated text effectively shows the message of the Hebrew text. In addition, LETRA Paraguay is assisting with translating the book of Genesis in the Ñandeva language with five people from the consultant-in-training program working together with the Ñandeva translators. It is a team effort. Gives thanks to God that little by little progress is being made in the translation of the Old Testament in Aché and for the teamwork in the consultant checking process of Genesis in Ñandeva.
Promoting the vision of Bible translation: Hong Kong
Mankin Chiu, the Ministry Development Officer of Wycliffe Hong Kong, has been organising events and new courses for mobilisation and mission education. One example is The Journey, a simulation mission game. The next game will be held in 2024 in partnership with a church. Pray for good interaction with the church. Pray for wisdom and strategies for Mankin as he works out a ministry plan to promote the vision of Bible translation to churches in Hong Kong.
Streams of Prayer is the prayer bulletin of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Valrie McCarthy
Proclaimer Officer
Wycliffe Caribbean
7A South Avenue
Kingston 5
JAMAICA, W. I.
876 754 9334, 908 2970, 582 6592
Let us know if you wish also to receive the “Streams of Prayer” bulletin sent to your inbox. If so, send us an email at gro.acm-cmg@retsambew and we will gladly add you to our list.
