I was really tempted to despair but God was faithful and he sustained us by his grace.
Back in February, we had a plan to do the consultant check for the book of 1 Peter in Jita because the consultant from America would be visiting Musoma. Sadly, both Jita translators were sick that week so we couldn't do the check.
Then, for the next two months, at least one of the translators was sick almost every day. Malaria, typhoid, fevers, eye infections, severe back pain, sick family members, and even the death of a family member in the village.
Finally, in April we were able to set up a meeting by Skype to do the consultant check.
We had to work through some difficult issues like, when Peter mentions "Gentiles" is he intending the same sense of the word as when Paul used the word in Ephesians or when Luke used the word in Acts? If not, should that difference be reflected in our translation?
In another place, Peter tells the believers to "Greet one another with the kiss of love." Surprisingly, the Jita people have no word for kiss! What should we do?
After many more conversations like these, we finished the book of 1 Peter!!! Now the Jita people can find comfort and hope in the midst of suffering because they know that...
After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.1 Peter 5:10-11
Here's what it looks like in Jita:
Nyamuwanga wa obhwitiriranya bhwone, ꞉aabhabhirikiiye korereki musangire aamwi nage mw‑ikusyo ryaye rya akajaanende koone, aamwi na Kirisito. Omunyaaka kwa omwanya mutooto era, nawe Nyamuwanga omwene aribhakomeesya, aribhayaana amanaga na okubhakuumisya. Nyamuwanga niwe ari na obhuturo akajaanende koone! Aamina.Thank you for praying and please keep praying for the Jita people.
