Giving Thanks with the Mayangna Translators

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Posted on: 
January 28, 2021

After twenty years

“Our first efforts at translating into Mayangna were soon after Ben arrived in the territory in Nicaragua. We felt my people’s desperate need for scriptural teaching material, so we started translating La Antorcha de la Verdad (The Torch of Truth, published by PLM in Costa Rica).

“I worked long days in the fields and forests, and would try to do translation at night. I remember sitting at the table with La Antorcha, some notepaper, and two candles. Sometimes I was so tired I would doze off. One of those times the candles burned down and caught fire to some pages with my translation on them.”

Felipe’s* thoughts traced a long trail as he told me this story. It was December 31, 2020, and my family was visiting the Mayangna translation team in Central America. Together we rejoiced at God’s guidance through the years. Today Felipe and Ben are surrounded by an energetic, well-equipped team that is poised for progress on the eagerly awaited new Mayangna Bible.

We thank God

For the team He’s brought together. First, God gave Ben a burden and brought him into contact with a Mayangna man in 1999. Ben was able to live with the few faithful believers there for many years. Now, though living in the States, he is able to lead the work. Several of Felipe's family are able to help as well.

For a place to live and work. God laid it on the hearts of some Anabaptist brothers in another part of Central America to provide a place for this family and bless them in the work. He enabled all the family members to make their way out of the violence in their area of Nicaragua to this refuge.

For translation resources and help. God opened the door for the team to use quality translation software and connect with several highly qualified translation consultants.

Forward into 2021

The team has produced a first draft of most of the New Testament. However, they plan to produce some of Genesis before proceeding with the New Testament, since this foundational book is exceptionally poor in the old Mayangna Bible. If the team makes good progress in the coming months, a small portion of the Scriptures may soon be ready to share with Mayangna communities.

—Aaron Crider

Visit the Mayangna Project page


*Felipe is not his real name


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Mayangna
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