Choosing the best thing
Lori Morley loves to hear her translation co-workers visiting on her porch. As they work together on translating the Bible into the Simbari language, they often share about what God is teaching them personally.
One day, Raymond, a well-educated and respected man in his community, told of a difficult decision he and his wife had made recently.
He had struggled with inconsistencies in teaching and scheduling in the local school. His concern was that local children were not learning the basics they needed to know. In the effort to improve the quality of local education, Raymond decided to put in a request to become a teacher.
There was just one problem. Raymond learned that in order to receive the required teacher training, he would need to leave the tribe and his Bible translation work for 6 months or more.
While waiting for final approval of his request to become a teacher, Raymond and his wife prayed. It was difficult to choose between the improved education of their children and the opportunity to translate God’s Word into Simbari. But soon Raymond and his wife had an answer. They did not feel God’s peace about leaving the work of Bible translation—even for a short time.
And so when Raymond got the word that he was officially approved for teacher training, he sent back the response that they would need to find someone else to fill that position.
Soon after he made his decision, Raymond was encouraged when he arrived at this verse while working through the translation of 1 Timothy: “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8)
As Raymond thought about this verse, he felt certain that God had confirmed his decision. He still hopes to receive teacher training in the future. He still hopes to someday become a teacher who will bless the Simbari children with a good education.
But for now, Raymond feels certain that God has given him a most urgent task which must take priority. And he knows that his work in Bible translation promises great eternal reward.