Even though we are bound to our houses, God's Word is not bound! We are continuing to translate the Bible into the Jita language. I've been checking the first draft of 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 1:23 says, "but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles." Is Paul using the word "stumbling block" in the same sense as in Romans 9:33 or in Romans 14:13? What is the best way to communicate that meaning in Jita?
We are also doing the final check on 2 Corinthians. We discussed 2:17, "For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word." What does it mean to be a peddler of God's Word? In Tanzania (and in America!), many preachers twist God's Word in order to manipulate people into giving them money. Some preachers will sell "holy water," or "sacred oils," or even "anointed pens" for ridiculously high prices. One preacher refused to start preaching until people in the congregation gave him enough money to buy a new smart phone. Clearly, this idea of peddling God's Word is well-known in Tanzania. After lots of discussion, we made sure that the Jita translation is accurate, clear, and natural.
Please keep praying for the Jita translators: Magesa and Neema. Pray that God will protect them and their families. And please keep praying for us. I cannot be back to working full-time on the translation until we get back to 100% of our ministry budget. We realize that this is a difficult time for everyone, but with all of the fear and uncertainty, it is even more important that people have God's Word in their own language. If you would like to join our team as a prayer and financial partner, go to our Wycliffe ministry page here:
Thank you!!
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