God’s Word is close
So much progress has been made on the New Testament in the Southwestern Palawano language that missionaries are starting arrangements to get it printed.
In eight days earlier this month, Bill and Donna Davis and their Southwestern Palawano co-workers completed the final consultant check of the entire book of Mark, “and much more,” the couple wrote. “Way beyond our expectations. We were able to finish all the material we had ready.”
They were also able to ensure that the translation will be usable by the Southwestern Palawanos who live in a valley about four hours’ hike away and speak a slightly different dialect.
“We want the New Testament to communicate and sound good to the widest possible audience,” Bill and Donna wrote.
Ruben, a church leader from that area, came to help and fit in well with the translation team. He provided good insights, and better yet, was able to confirm that key theological terms in the Bible translation will be clearly understood by others who speak his dialect.
“So no changes need to be made to make the translation usable and acceptable there,” the Davises wrote.
Therefore, last week they were able to do “something we've been looking forward to for the nearly 28 years we've been translating,” Bill and Donna wrote.
They started making arrangements to get the New Testament printed.
The first step is finding out what they need to do before the books are turned over for digital typesetting. That includes any reformatting, knowing who to correspond with, what the timetable is and how to select illustrations and pictures, among other things.
They also go an idea of printing options and the costs involved.
“We're excited. God's Word is that much closer to being in the Palawanos' hands,” they wrote.