When Barbara first learned of the work of Bible translation, she recognised the Lord’s calling to follow this path regardless of all the obstacles.
Barbara began working amongst the Ngaing people of Papua New Guinea in 1996 and has built up an enthusiastic team of local people that she has been training and assisting to translate the Scriptures into Ngaing. There have been many challenges in working in this isolated, mountainous area but the Lord has enabled great things to be accomplished.
The Ngaing language had never been written down before Barbara commenced work there. Vernacular pre-schools and adult literacy classes have been established, now managed entirely by the local people. Some of the first pre-school graduates have progressed through the government school system and have completed university courses.
Several portions of both Old and New Testament Scriptures have been published, with the NT now 100% translated and into the checking processes.
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Latest Updates from Barbara Hodgkinson
21 June 2022
Barbara is currently back in Australia waiting for processing of a new visa. While in Australia Barbara is assisting her parents through some medical issues, but is also continuing to work on aspects of the Ngaing Scripture translation program. When she returns to PNG Barbara will be working under the PNG Bible Translation Association, as advisor to the Ngaing team and other BTA teams in the Rai Coast District, as well as consultant checking for any other translation programs as needed.
21 April 2021
Currently on furlough in Australia and not able to return to PNG for a while yet. While I have been in Australia I have kept in contact with the Ngaing translators and they have made good progress on revision, back-translation, and village checking several NT books. It has been challenging working with my team through irregular phone calls as the only means of communication. They are eagerly waiting for my return.
16 March 2020
Barbara is currently on furlough in Australia. If you would like her to speak in your church or group please get in touch through Wycliffe Australia. In order to return to her work in PNG Barbara needs several more financial partners to support her work. However, travel restrictions imposed due to the worldwide COVID-19 situation may delay her return.