We had the amazing privilege of attending the dedication of the revised Waskia Bible on KarKar Island on September 27th, 2014. The original translation of the Waskia New Testament was completed in 1985. This revised translation included the New Testament, as well as Old Testament portions including the Psalms, Proverbs, Genesis, Ruth and several prophets. Interestingly, it was produced as a diglot, meaning it included two languages, both Waskia and English, printed in columns side by side. This can be used as a powerful literacy tool for people who desire to learn English as a second language. We traveled with a group from Ukarumpa to KarKar island, an active volcano off the coast of Madang, via two SIL Kodiak aircraft. We received a warm welcome from the Waskia people and were introduced to the villagers by Fay Barker, one of the members of the Waskia Bible translation team, during a ceremony to distribute the new Bibles. One of the guest speakers reminded everyone that, even though this was a great day for the Waskia people, they need to pray for other language groups in PNG who still have not yet received their first translation of the Bible in their tok ples (heart language). After the ceremony and Bible distribution, we were invited to the pastor and translation team leaders home for a mumu, a traditional meal of pig, taro and kaukau (sweet potato) wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked underground. As we flew back to Ukarumpa, we praised God for the work He is accomplishing here, as His Word continues to transform lives and communities. It was also a terrific encouragement for us, as support people, that ultimately this is why we are here!.
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