Streams of Prayer for 31 July 2023
The Streams of Prayer for 31 July 2023, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. Wycliffe Caribbean makes this available.
July 30 – August 5, 2023
Effectiveness and Transformation
Prayer has always been the bedrock of the Bible translation movement. We produce Streams of Prayer to help people to pray and to encourage prayer for Bible translation movements worldwide. Twice a year, however, we like to look back and celebrate how our prayers have been answered. We rejoice at how God’s Word is impacting individuals, communities and nations and how churches and partners are joining together to participate in his mission.
The current theme of Streams of Prayer is Effectiveness and Transformation. Together we thank God for how he graciously responds to our prayers, and we are encouraged as we consider all he has done for Alliance organisations and the communities they serve. Then we continue to ask he who began a good work in us to carry it on to completion. (Philippians 1:6)
Bible translation awareness training: Indonesia
Thank the Lord for the mission and Bible translation awareness training conducted by Pusat Penerjemah Alkitab (Bible Translation Centre, PPA) for candidate pastors of Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa (Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa, GMIM). PPA is the Bible translation department of GMIM. There were 142 participants in the first training and 150 in the second. Ask the Lord for his guidance. Pray for God’s inspiration for these pastors as they apply what they have learned about Bible translation. Pray that they will actively participate in helping with translation work. Pray that God will continue to strengthen their vision and commitment.
Transforming communities through Bible translation: Nigeria
On 1 July, the Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT) celebrated its 47th anniversary. NBTT is currently engaged with over 150 language communities in Nigeria working on both oral and written translations. The task is far from complete. Numerous communities still lack a single verse of the Bible in their language. Pray that God will grant effectiveness and unhindered speed in translating the Bible for these language groups. Pray that he will bring heart transformation to people who do have Scripture in their languages. Ask God to use NBTT’s training programme for staff to enhance their leadership skills, effectiveness and efficiency in serving communities throughout Nigeria. Pray that despite challenges, local translation teams will have the necessary grace to be effective and diligent and that they will be able to witness the life-transforming power of the Word of God in their communities.
Joining the Latin American Bible Translation Tables: Paraguay
The Indigenous Peoples Alliance, a collaborative network of ministries serving indigenous communities in Paraguay, was formed in 2016. In 2021 this alliance formed a subgroup to focus on Bible translation and Scripture use, but because of the pandemic were unable to come together to organise their work. The vision of the Bible Translation Tables model was shared a few months ago with both LETRA Paraguay’s leadership and the Indigenous Peoples Alliance, and they decided to join the Latin American Bible Translation Tables. On 9 June, a meeting was held with 23 people from nine ministries. The group worked on a collaboration map of all ministries that participate in the partnership, and their relationships within Paraguay’s Bible translation movement. The director of LETRA Paraguay, who also serves on the steering committee of the Indigenous Peoples Alliance, will facilitate the process of Paraguay’s network joining the Latin American Bible Translation Tables. They will invite representatives of the church and indigenous peoples to be part of the Paraguayan Table. Pray that the Holy Spirit will lead this process. Also, give thanks that all indigenous people groups in Paraguay have the New Testament translated and that several Old Testaments are in progress.
JESUS film for Scripture engagement: Papua New Guinea
Praise God for the successful recent meetings between the Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA) and the JESUS film. The objective was to discuss ways to develop PNGBTA’s capacity for dubbing the JESUS film in languages they are working with. Pray for the next steps as leaders of both organisations work together to increase Scripture engagement in the country through the JESUS film. Ask the Lord to bless the networking and collaboration with other mission organisations and churches as they work together in these efforts. Praise God for the powerful impact that the JESUS film brings to language communities.
Launch of the Gospel of Mark in Romanian Sign Language: Romania
On 17 June more than 40 Deaf and hearing people gathered to celebrate the launch of the Gospel of Mark in Romanian Sign Language (LSR). Deaf people planned and organised the event, which included dramas, a short report of the ministry, prayer and songs, all signed in LSR. The enthusiasm on their faces proved once again that the work of Bible translation is worth all the effort! On this occasion, Wycliffe Romania prepared USB memory sticks containing all the passages translated into LSR so far (Mark and the 32 Chronological Bible Stories), to be distributed to every Deaf church in Romania. Praise the Lord that each church will have its own copy of these Scriptures, accessible at any time. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness, guidance, and providence along the way. Pray that the translated passages will continue to bear fruit among the community and that more and more Deaf will come to accept Jesus as their Saviour.
“Scripture Through the Arts” engages people: New Zealand
The Scripture Through the Arts (STA) team of Wycliffe New Zealand continue to thrive under Jenny Eirena’s leadership. The team’s calendar is completely booked for 2023 and they are now opening slots for next year. After a recent performance at the Mahurangi Presbyterian Church, someone said, “The STA performance was a truly remarkable experience. From the powerful singing to the captivating drama, it was an inspiring event that left me feeling uplifted and hopeful. The talent on display was simply breathtaking.” Praise the Lord for using these performances to draw people closer to Himself and to inspire them to a greater love for Scripture and translation. Pray for strength and stamina for Jenny as she leads the team and for balance among her other responsibilities and family needs.
Provision of people and finances for whole-Bible translation project: Malaysia
Praise God for his provision of two new mother-tongue translators for the Kenyah translation team in April. Wycliffe Malaysia helps facilitate this Bible translation programme together with partners. Pray for good teamwork among the translators and all involved, and that God will grant them wisdom and understanding as they work on the revision of the Kenyah New Testament. Praise God for the funds received so far for this project that aims to complete the whole Bible in Kenyah by 2027. Ask the Lord to strengthen the team’s trust in him as they wait for the provision of the remaining funds needed.
Streams of Prayer is the prayer bulletin of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Copyright © 2023 Wycliffe Global Alliance. All rights reserved.
Valrie McCarthy
Proclaimer Officer
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