Pray for Europe

You prayed: We focused on translation among sign languages in Europe, where there are still no complete New Testaments.

The Austrian Sign Language translation team still need prayer for the production of a video of Jonah. They need creativity to find funding and discipline as they work.

Some of the language groups in Siberia are remote and widely dispersed. How can they be reached with the translated Scriptures that speak most clearly to their hearts? A team in the region has been looking for effective approaches. The team leader writes, “Over the past few months, plans have come together for a new initiative that is really exciting. It includes communicating the Good News in culturally relevant ways, involving local churches and native speakers, and partnering with a national organization in a new and sustainable way.” Pray that God will guide as these plans are developed.

You prayed: We focused on translation among sign languages in Europe, where there are still no complete New Testaments.

Please continue to ask God to provide the funds that Netherlands Sign Language team need – there has been no progress on this yet and it is slowing down the work.

You prayed: We focused on translation among sign languages in Europe, where there are still no complete New Testaments.

‘Thank God for a great kick-off day for the Netherlands Sign Language translation of Mark and for a number of new people who are enthusiastic about working on this project.’ Please continue to pray for cooperation and good communication within the team.

The weekend starts now, as people from across the UK travel to the GO2013 mission festival. It’s a chance to explore how God could use them in different ways around the world. Ask God to give people a heart to see the nations come to him, and pray for all the missions represented there as they answer questions and inspire enquirers. gofestival.info

Since March, a new team has been forming to provide resources for language communities in this region. Three workers are now in place, and others are on the way. Pray for all that is involved as they begin – finding appropriate apartments, meeting local people and building friendships, doing language learning, and setting up an office. May the team develop good relationships with local people and partner agencies, and may they be a catalyst for language development and translation. In May the new team will get together to plan their work for the next few months; pray for a helpful time of team-building.

God has created intricacy and variety in nearly 7,000 languages worldwide. We honor God when we study his creation and strive to understand it. Linguistic analysis also enables good alphabet design and accurate scripture translation. A scholar is working on a number of linguistic papers, some of which are related to a language of Eastern Europe: his dissertation is in the final stages before printing; a draft paper on intonation needs extensive revision; he is also preparing to present a paper to a linguistic conference in Spain. Pray for God to guide his research and writing and to give him clear insights into how this language works.

A large team focusing on languages across this region is in the process of dividing into two groups, each associated with a smaller area. The new structure went into effect on May 1, so this is a major time of transition. There will be sadness as people leave the team they know, along with excitement about new possibilities. Pray for the two group leaders – Tracy and Roelie – that God will give them wisdom, insight, and vision as they lead their teams into new ways of working. Pray that each person involved will move forward with confidence and find fresh courage and faith in the Lord.

Training is vital to the process of Bible translation. The training arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators in the United Kingdom is moving. They write, "Please pray as we establish the Centre for Linguistics, Translation and Literacy at Redcliffe College." Pray especially for a smooth process for changes in the Master's degree accreditation.

The training arm of Wycliffe Bible Translators in the United Kingdom is moving. Please pray as they establish the Centre for Linguistics, Translation and Literacy at Redcliffe College. Many practical details need to be put in place before July including: 1) the successful installation of what seems like miles of new library shelving at Redcliffe; 2) careful preparation by a specialist library software firm, for the incorporation of Wycliffe's library catalogue into the Redcliffe library system, and 3) the physical move of the library, physical and electronic files, furniture and equipment in early July. Thank you.