Dedication of the Notsi Scripture Portions

Since we have been spending most of our time in the town of Kavieng and not in the village of Lossu, I was not sure just how to plan for the dedication of the Notsi Scriptures portions (John, Galatians and 1 Timothy). I thought it would be easier for the translators to just plan for 3 or maybe 4 smaller dedications at different churches. So first week would be at Lossu, then Libba, and Amba, etc. hoping that since it was close by all the churches would be a part of it.

The section leader, the super minister, thought that it would be better to have just the one at the church in Libba. They did all the planning and organizing of the dedication. I was so encouraged that the church would take the responsibility to do just that. In the above picture Rev. Stanley Lavoi is praying over the Scripture Portions. He invited all the pastors and elders who were present as well as the translators. He also asked for some young and some old to join the group represent all who were present. I would guess there were about 200 or more people present.

After the prayer I was given an opportunity to share. I spoke about many who have come before us. The previous translators who started the work back in 1987, Lee Ericsson and his coworkers. Those who continued the work Joe & Jill McCarthy with their coworkers. Then in 2006 the Notsi became part of NITI to continue the work of translation. In 2009 I became the adviser for the Notsi translators. As this book was dedicated it is the first Scripture portion to be published in 20 years or more.

I also shared about William Cameron Townsend, who started Wycliffe Bible Translators. From his vision it has sparked a movement of Bible translation work that is being doing around the world. I also mention John Wycliffe who was the first the translator the Bible from Latin into English. At that time  it was quite a radical work going against the norms of the time.  I thank God for His Word, for the power of the Gospel to change lives; that through His Word we can come to know about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

I then spoke about how much more we need to complete to finish the New Testament. We need many more people to help, in translating, reviewing and helping to edit. Give us feedback on ways to make the translation more clear. Most important though, is that they need to make use of God’s Word to let God’s Word work in their lives. It was such an exciting day.

Click here to view collections of pictures from the dedication