Working hand in hand with the church

By Deb Fox  |  Wycliffe Today Autumn 2023 Edition

Bible translation is not something done in a vacuum. There are many different roles, people and groups involved in supporting the work. One of the most important partnerships in the process is with local churches. The Ambonese Malay New Testament is a perfect example of the blessing that comes when churches have a close working relationship with a Bible translation project.  

Ibu Din (Mrs Din) has been involved in getting churches on board with the Ambonese Malay Bible translation. This led her and her team to create an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for each church joining the project. Many churches expressed interest in joining the work and Ibu Din says it was ‘overwhelming’ how much support and help the translation team has received.

Ibu Din shares:

Reading the Bible in Ambonese Malay is important for the Ambonese Church because it is their mother tongue. Not everyone can understand the Bible in Indonesian. But around 80% of the people in Maluku speak the Ambonese Malay language. I hope that people really open their hearts and their minds to the Word of God and turn to follow Jesus.

PRAY

• for unity among churches and church leaders involved in Bible translation projects in Indonesia
• that more churches will catch the vision to join the work.