The Word For The World

Are you in London?

2012-01-11T08:47:27-06:00

OPEN DAY
SATURDAY, 28TH JANUARY, 2012
1:00 TO 4:30 PM

West Hendon Baptist Church
Wilberforce Rd, London, NW9 6AX

A light lunch, Tea, and coffee will be served.

Pastor Ian Christensen will speak on Bible translation and the ministry of prayer (30 min).
Dr Barry Funnell will give a presentation on the work of Bible Translation and feedback of his 1,000 mile hand cycle trip. The book “Operation Jonah” written on the kidnapping of their son while they were working in Malawi, will be on sale.
Dr Regine Koroma and Dr. Melanie Underwood will give an insight into the training of Bible Translators.
There will be a time for prayer and also seeing video clips on the translation ministry.

For further details please contact:
Dr Barry Funnell
Tel 07508920602
email: bfun@twftw.org

or

Winston Bygrave
Tel: 02084211652
email: wbygrave@yahoo.co.uk

Please note: It is best if you come by train or bus as parking is limited.

Dawro, Gamo and Gofa New Testaments!

2012-01-06T08:27:29-06:00

Jud Jusell and Teri Sheffield of TWFTW USA holding copies of the newly-published New Testaments in Dawro, Gamo and Gofa.

“Happy are those who… find joy in obeying the Word of the Lord, and they study it day and night” (Psalms 1.2).

November 2011 was a joyous month for three nations in Ethiopia. The New Testament was published in the languages of the Dawro, Gamo and Gofa people!

This was a joint project between The Word for the World and The Seed Company. The translators were all members of the Dawro, Gamo and Gofa nations, who were translating into their own language. They were trained in The Word for the World’s training program, and were assisted by consultants from both organizations.

Every person deserves Bibles in their own language

2011-09-16T08:35:40-06:00

Ruth Naude teaches at a private school (Penryn) in White River, South Africa. She asked the school Chaplain to explain the importance of Bibles in evangelizing to the children. They were all fired up with the adventure and were right behind Barry. They made banners which read: Every person deserves Bibles in their own language. Please see the photos which were taken during their "Civvies Day" last week. They got together R2 500 for Bible Translation.

Click here to read more on Barry's cycling event.

President's Report

2011-08-10T08:31:41-06:00

"All glory belongs to God for what has been achieved through The Word for the World (TWFTW). Many thanks also to our partners, including other organizations, donors, prayer partners, volunteers and churches. It is a great privilege to be part of the work of the Lord, and to work alongside of a large group of people and organizations, each bringing their own unique contribution to the work.

A special word of appreciation to those who are at the core of what TWFTW does, the Bible translators who toil unabated to bring God’s Word to everyone in his or her own language. Seeing their commitment and perseverance are an inspiration to all of us. An interesting fact worth mentioning is that all of our translators are nationals working in their own languages. We praise God for raising up people who have this vision for their own languages, and for the privilege we have to train and assist them."...

Click here to download the full report.

Wheels for the Word: UPDATE

2011-07-26T08:20:33-06:00

Barry will be setting off on his hand cycle on 8 Aug and hopes to finish the 1000 mile hand cycle ride on 30 Aug. Julia and Timothy will be riding with him, as well as a supporter and a friend from London. He has raised £10,000 pounds so far, but has a goal to raise £100,000 to start 5 new Bible translation and literacy projects.

For daily updates on his ride please visit: http://wheelsfortheword.posterous.com/.

Wheels for the Word

2011-03-31T11:30:04-06:00

I am a paraplegic, 48 years old, and from 8 to 30 August 2011, I will be handcycling from Lands End to John O'Groats (1000 miles!!) through the entire length of UK to raise funds for Bible Translation and Literacy projects in Africa, India and Eastern Europe. I also am raising funds for printing of the Sena Bible in Malawi.

Cycling 1000 miles by hand is pretty tough, but so is not being able to read...! By sponsoring me 1 pence per mile, you can sponsor two literacy teachers for 1 month; or purchase 20 literacy primers!

By sponsoring me 1.5 pence per mile (i.e. £15) you could pay for one verse of the Bible to be translated in an unreached language.

Click here to learn more about this fundraising effort and how you can help!

This video is a product of TWFTW UK.

Friends and Partners in the UK

2011-01-24T09:49:00-06:00

Open Day on 15 Jan 2011 in Clapham Parish Church Hall with about 40 people attending: We started with a celebration for the 30th anniversary of The Word for the World, which came into existence on 9 January 1981. An inspiring PowerPoint presentation was done on the transformation of the UK due to The Word of God being translated into English 400 years ago. Barry and Julia spoke about the explosive growth of TWFTW's work - from 33 projects last year to 46 now, and 3 literacy programs.

Barry had his hand-cycle on display for his 1000-mile fund raising cycle in August this year.

For more info on this fund raising event, please click here.

Regine and Mel shared about the training of Bible translators - a staggering 178 students from 66 languages were trained in 2010 and we now have 114 students who graduated with TWFTW Diploma in Bible Translation. The highlight of the day was the presentation of Pierre and Marek, straight from the field! Marek shared his powerful testimony of how the Word of God transformed him and is now transforming his Roma (Gypsy) community in Eastern Slovak! We spent time in small groups praying for various aspects of the work.

Thank you for your partnership with TWFTW in prayer and finance to bring God's Word to all people in their heart language. We are trusting God for an abundant harvest of souls this year through the power of His Word!

Thirty Years of Serving the Word

2011-01-11T09:08:24-06:00

Dr Veroni Kruger and P J Vivier. On January 9, 1981, they sat around a dining room table and signed a dream into existence.

January 9, 2011 marked the 30th anniversary of the day The Word for the World came into existence. On that day two people signed the organization into being in Pretoria, South Africa, with nothing but a dream they believed God had given in their hearts.

“The Word” has become somewhat of a catchword in sermons and talks and books on how to live as a Christian. “Read the Word”, “Listen to the Word”, Pray the Word”, “Believe the Word”, “Live the Word”, and many other expressions are used with great creativity when referring to the Bible.

Justifiably so, because the Bible contains everything God knows we need to live in this world, and to prepare for the new heaven and earth that He is preparing for us.

The Bible is central to everything the church ever does. Yet, with approximately 340 million people who speak the more than 2,100 languages that do not yet have a translation of the Bible, there remains a crying need for Bible translation worldwide.

The Word for the World is overjoyed at the privilege of being a part of the work of ensuring that every person hears the Word of God in his or her heart language. TWFTW provides an avenue through which many people can make a contribution to fulfill this greatest need of all time – the Word of God.

It is against this background that we celebrate the 30th anniversary of The Word for the World.

Our celebration of thirty years of fruitful ministry is in humble recognition of the fact that all good things come from God, and so He is the one to be honored above all. TWFTW also recognizes all who worked together to achieve what God enabled us to achieve. We salute all who are involved in the work of Bible translation, distribution and Scripture engagement.

Of course we cannot report at once on thirty years’ blessings. We will continue to do so throughout this year. However, looking back over the past year is a good beginning, and we invite you to read the full report. Click here to download.

Soli Deo Gloria!

Véroni Krüger
veroni.kruger@twftw.za.org

We celebrate Thirty Years with this song that was written and performed by the Chikundas in Kanyamba, Zimbabwe.

The gift we have been waiting for has come to us this day.
Our God is great. Young and old, let’s thank Him.
The gift of your Word is great. It helps us to understand and follow God’s ways .
The gift we have been waiting for Has come to us this day.
Although we may have many things Your Word is more precious than all.
We thank you Lord! Help us to live by your Word .

Composed by Chapoto Blessing

UK: OPEN DAY - Saturday, 15TH January 2011 - 10:00-2:00 PM

2010-12-20T11:43:00-06:00

Clapham Parish Church
Green Lane
Clapham, Bedfordshire
MK41 6ER

-Tea, coffee and a light lunch will be served

-Dr Barry & Julia Funnell will give a presentation on the work of Bible Translation.

-Dr Regine Koroma will give an insight into the training of Bible Translators.

-Pierre van Vuuren, who is working in Slovakia, will introduce, Marek Olah, a Romani Bible Translator, who will tell us about their work. Pierre and Marek will be visiting the UK in January.

Please come and discover what The Word for the World does by hearing from those who are involved, seeing videos from the field and a demonstration of how the Bible is translated. There will be open discussions, and to a time to partner with us in prayer.

For further details please contact:

Dr Barry Funnell
Tel: 07508920602.
email: bfun@twftw.org

or

Dr Regine Koroma
Tel: 020 8428 5061
email: rkoroma@twftw.org

What happens during group consultation?

2010-12-15T08:35:54-06:00

The Word for the World and Pioneer Bible Translators are partnering in Bible translation projects in Tanzania. During November, Dr Barry Funnell, a consultant of The Word for the World, checked the translation of 1 and 2 Corinthians in eight languages in Morogoro, Tanzania. The languages were: Lughuru, Kwere, Kutu, Vidunda, Nguu, Zigua, Pogolo and Ndamba, all from East Africa. Group consultation is an innovative approach to consultation that saves money and time, because one consultant’s services benefit more than one translation team simultaneously.

This video explains how such a group consultation works.

Funding for the projects comes from The Seed Company, as well as a foundation in the United States and private donors. Prayer support is through intercessor networks. TWFTW thanks God for all who contributed in so many different ways to make this possible.

TWFTW Gives Thanks For Progress in South-East Asia

2010-11-16T08:22:44-06:00

• Key organizations, churches and individuals who partner with TWFTW. This has given great speed to translation work
• Recent completion of training for 22 people, mostly with degrees in linguistics or theology, who will take the training to tribal communities where translations are planned
• Introductory Course in Consultant Training November 2010
• Consultant Workshop on Acts November 2010
• Good progress made in nine projects

Join this chariot! Let us work together to help bring God’s Word to the people of India in their heart language. Click to donate.

Insane India

I’m sure you have all heard of “Incredible India.” It’s a phrase most tourism companies have used to market the country and has been widely adopted by many people and organizations.

However, I feel that the given title is more appropriate. I do not mean “insane” in any derogatory sense, but rather in the modern sense of awesome, intense, extreme, and wildly different to anything else we westerners and Africans know!

India is a country of such diversity when it comes to culture, language, race, wealth, health, and religion that it is truly impossible to summarize India into a blog, or even a hundred.

By Jonathan van Aswegen

TWFTW and The Seed Company

2010-10-27T13:22:06-06:00

The Seed Company and The Word for the World Bible Translators both have the same vision: That the Bible may be translated into every language on the face of the earth that needs it. The Seed Company and The Word for the World are partnering to bring the Bible to the people of Tanzania, Ethiopia and India. More partnerships are envisioned.

In this partnership, The Word for the World trains Bible translators and consultants, and manages translation projects.

From October 21 to 23, international leaders of The Seed Company met with leaders of The Word for the World in Kleinmond, South Africa.

On Saturday, October 23, there was a meeting of supporters/partners with the leaders. The purpose of the meeting was to enable supporters/partners to meet the leaders, and to hear more of the work of the two organizations. The Seed Company presented Dr Veroni Kruger, International President of The Word for the World, with a painting as token of appreciation of the partnership between the two ministries.

Would you not agree that He is still the One writing His word, and able to speak to the hearts of His people?

2010-09-30T08:34:57-06:00

On completion of a 8 week stint in OT consultation in Ethiopia, I once again stand in awe of the grace of God - giving physical strength for very strenuous work, health in a culture not one's own, guidance and wisdom by His wonderful Holy Spirit ... where does one stop? His mercies are truly new every morning.

Ethiopia is a fascinating country - Huge, her people hospitable and hard working, a God fearing people whose influence on society is felt in the low crime rate. I find working with the teams absolutely invigorating. They have a commitment and perseverance that astonishes. Chatting to one of the teams about the obstacles they face in certain areas, and sort of wondering aloud how they will be able to do it, the only remark was "We will never give up!" - God bless them.

Coming from a culture where we name our children after parents or movie idols, I find their names intriguing:

Adani - Save
Andinet - Unity
Degu - He is cheerful
Gizadchew - Let him rule
Miskana - Praise
Salaam - Peace
Tesfaye - He is my hope
Tessema - He is heard

In working on Proverbs the Aari team came up with the following dynamic equivalent for Prov 5.15 - 18. The Aari's do not have individual cisterns. These verses mean nothing to them, as everyone drinks from communal springs. In Aariland however, each man has a specific tree where he is the only one allowed to put his beehives, it is a criminal offense to take honey from another man's tree or to put his beehive in that tree.

15. As you put the beehive on your own tree, and as you eat and enjoy the honey, let it be your own tree.
16. Can it be that you can put your beehive on another person's tree?
17. No one should put his beehive on your tree, it should be yours alone.

Nel Claassen

Redemptive analogy among the Maale of Ethiopia

2010-09-16T08:26:53-06:00

The concept of redemptive analogies is credited to Don Richardson. In two books, Eternity in their hearts (1981, 1984, 2006) and Peace Child (1975), he describes how stories and practices in pagan cultures often illustrate aspects that are essential to the Gospel. These stories and practices can then be utilized for the presentation of the Gospel. God has embedded the truth in strange places!

“The key God gave us to the heart of the Sawi people was the principle of redemptive analogy – the application to local custom of spiritual truth. The principle we discerned was that God had already provided for the evangelization of these people by means of redemptive analogies in their own culture. These analogies were our stepping-stones, the secret entryway by which the gospel came into the Sawi culture and started both a Spiritual and a social revolution from within.” (Peace Child [Regal, 1974], p. 10)

Here is a redemptive analogy from Ethiopia.

Among the Maale there is a man called a “Maale Master”, who acts as “asylum-person”. Belonging to a tribe of priests, he helps to appoint the king and is like a high priest.

When a murder has been committed, by accident or pre-planned, he hastens to the accused, in order to prevent war between the clan of the murderer and the murdered. He sends messages to the two clans promising that he will organize reconciliation, and that therefore no revenge should be taken. He warns them that, if they disobey, people of both clans will die.

He summons the two clans to a meeting, where he separates them into two groups. A lamb is cut in half, and strung up in a structure specially built for the occasion. The two groups pass through the dripping blood, walking from one side to the other. By this act, they are reconciled. There is no more talk of revenge and no fighting. They are totally reconciled. The message is that ‘killing each other for whatever reason is wrong.’ By this ceremony, even the murderer is completely absolved.

The analogy is obvious:

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed, … but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Pet 1.18, 19)

Paul points out that God reconciled us to each other and to Him through the cross (Eph 2.14-16).

Veroni Kruger

Ethiopian training programme and diploma ceremony

2010-08-30T09:23:17-06:00

Diplomas and Certificates were presented to the students by Dr Regine Koroma, TWFTW International Training Director.

A total of 39 students received a Diploma in Bible Translation, and 7 students received Certificates. The diplomates represented 23 different languages of Ethiopia. Most of them were from existing Bible translation projects and a few of them were from possible projects in the near future. Twelve of the diplomates were from SIL Ethiopia translation projects whose training expenses were covered by their respective translation projects.

Click here to read the full article.