Pray for Africa Area staff as they meet early in 2012 in Nairobi, Kenya to plan for the work of this new year. Pray especially for i-DELTA* planning meetings January 24-26 with the SIL Africa Area coordinators for Bible Translation, Scripture Use, Literacy, Anthropology, Language Assessment and Language Technology—as plans are made for the second and third Academic Courses in 2012 and 2013, in both English and French. For each track, students take three modules during an eight-week academic course, over three successive years.
Several SIL trainers are preparing to teach units for two e-learning/distance Masters Degree programs in Bible Translation and Management for the University of Free State in South Africa. One trainer writes, "Specifically, I will be teaching 'Core Linguistic Concepts (including Phonology, Morphology and Syntax),' 'Language Documentation' and 'Sociological Aspects of Bible Translation.' Most of us have never taught distance courses before, so would especially appreciate your prayers."
Pray for those working to produce a commentary series for Deaf translators. These will be used by translators from many Deaf groups as they translate the Scriptures. Also, pray for Deaf translation consultants as they encourage translation for Deaf groups around the world. Click here to learn more about the Deaf and their need to 'see' God's Word in their heart languages.
A dictionary with entries from a minority language and a national language will be printed during the first half of 2012. The final checking and formatting work is underway with about 80% completed. This has been a huge project for the team over the last two years. Praise God that the team of expatriate and national co-workers has had good relationships during this period, despite the intensity of the work at times. Please pray that no computer issues will hinder this last stage of checking. Pray that the printing process will go smoothly.
Please pray for the visa situation in West Asia. Recently several team members have been denied visas. One team member will be attempting to work long distance until it is possible to reapply. Another is making plans to begin work in a different country. Pray that those needing visas to live and work in this area will find favor with government officials. Pray for wisdom for team members who have had to change their plans unexpectedly.
From January 2-7, students from Translators of El Salvador visited active missionary programs. Guatemalan missionaries who received the students report, "God surpassed our expectations for the visit of the 15 people who came to San Miguel...They spent three days interviewing Achi speakers to learn about their language, and many hours analyzing what they discovered. They gave practical help by moving dirt under a fierce sun to help prepare for the construction of a church building." The students also observed Achi Old Testament translation, and learned about day-to-day missionary life. Ask God to guide these young people to the places of service He has for them.
There are 158,000 speakers of the Me'en language. Me'en believers are eager to understand Scripture in the language of their hearts. Two local denominations requested this New Testament translation project, and they are ready to participate. The project is just beginning with additional plans to produce the JESUS Film. Please pray for a translation planning meeting scheduled for January. Praise God for His mighty work among the local churches. Pray for the Me'en team as they learn and face challenges, including recent computer and electricity issues. Pray that God will supply Scripture reviewers.