Pray for Canada

Bill and Norma Jean Jancewicz are translators working on the Naskapi Bible translation in Quebec. They were invited by the Naskapi Development Corporation to choose persons for positions as "Naskapi Language Specialists-in-training" to help them with translation projects. Bill interviewed, then hired four, nicknamed the "Fabulous Four" because they have made tremendous progress during their probationary period of employment. They have received some grammar and literacy training, and are now each working on a book of the Old Testament. Pray for these new candidates as they continue to learn the skills and art of crafting a translation of the Bible into their own mother tongue.

Translators Bill and Norma Jean Jancewicz working on the Naskapi Bible translation in Quebec, Canada, were invited by the Naskapi Development Corporation to choose persons for 2 to 4 positions as  "Naskapi Language Specialists-in-training" to be paid by the corporation to help them with the translation of the Bible and other translation projects. God sent them four applicants. Bill interviewed the four of them and prayerfully decided to hire them all. Known as "The Fabulous Four", these trainees have made tremendous progress in their classes of instruction and applying themselves through daily practice. They are learning to work as a team and independently, and have improved on many levels during their current probationary period of employment. They have received some grammar and literacy training, and are now each working on a book of the Old Testament, truly a new adventure for them! Pray that these new candidates for translation will work through for the long-term, as they continue to learn the skills and art of crafting a translation of the Bible into their own mother tongue.

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH; Canada and United States; 83,700. The finish line is in sight for this language! The whole Bible in Pennsylvania Dutch is going to the printers in early 2013. Pray for wisdom in planning its distribution. Seventeen thousand copies of the New Testament have already sold, which shows a great interest in the Scriptures. Pray that the Old Testament will also be received well. The translated Scriptures have been used mostly by individuals or in family devotions. Ask the Holy Spirit to motivate ministers to use the Pennsylvania Dutch Bible in their churches. Pray that as people read the Bible in their heart language, they will grow in their love for the Lord.

ATIKAMEKW; Canada; 5,000. The team is doing a last check of the New Testament. Pray for excellent progress in finalizing the text during the first half of 2013, after which the manuscript can be turned in for typesetting and printing. Pray for good relationships, communication, and the availability of everyone needed to push toward completion. Ask God to protect each person. Pray also for wisdom in knowing how to organize the distribution of the Scriptures, and how to proceed with translation into the next dialect. Ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the Atikamekw people to receive God’s Word in their language!

CREE, NORTHERN EAST; Canada; 8,000. The translation is moving forward despite severe setbacks in the past, including the death of the main translator. This year the translation team hopes to finalize the text and perhaps even complete the publishing process. Ask God to provide just the right people to help them at each step, as translation is a team effort. Please pray them on to the finish line.

In May, several First Nations groups are invited to the first Aboriginal Heritage Trauma Healing workshop. This workshop will look at issues that have come out of the breakdown of the family that happened primarily because of residential schools, the resulting family issues of addictions, violence, abuse, and suicide, and give help in recovering as a people from these destructive patterns. Please pray for God's healing presence during this time.

GWICH’IN; Canada and the United States; 800. The Gwinch'in New Testament was dedicated April 9, 2011. Praise God!

CREE, NORTHERN EAST; Canada; 8,000. Due to severe setbacks, including the death of the main translator, this project has yet to cross the finish line. The translation is moving forward, though, and the team aims to have text revision and perhaps publication done by 2012. Ask God to send along the right personnel at the right time to help the team, and pray them toward their goal!

ATIKAMEKW, Canada; 5,000. This project faced a major hurdle when the previous project coordinator died just as the end was in sight. However, a way forward has been found, and the team is doing final checking of the New Testament. Pray for excellent progress as the team works to finalize the text and for wisdom in knowing how to proceed with the next dialect. Pray for good relationships, communication, and availability for all involved in the project as they push toward completion and for God’s protection over them. Also, ask the Lord to prepare the hearts of the Atikamekw people to receive Scripture in their language!

A linguist/translator working with the Mi’kmaq of Novia Scotia, praises God for progress made in learning the language and culture, studying Mi'kmaq discourse, and developing relationships.  The Bible translation team is translating Scriptures that are read in the local church, and have begun a Bible story retelling group that is being trained to produce oral and written Bible stories.  May God continue to strengthen this Bible translation effort, and empower the Mi'kmaq to know Him more in the process.