When we think of Bible translation needs, we’re often looking around the world to the East or West, or down to our South. Our eyes don’t as quickly go North.
That was true at ABT until a member-in-training noticed a flyer appealing for Bible translation help for the First Nations people of Canada. Feeling that this may be God’s leading, her team and their church support committee made additional contacts to better understand the needs.
Bill, the face behind that Macedonian call, is a Wycliffe translator working with various First Nations groups in the North. He comments on the long, cold winters in northern Canada, which is no doubt connected to the culture of depression, drug and alcohol abuse, and youth suicide that permeates these regions. In order to effectively minister with Bible translation, Bill says, a team will need to minister to the people in relation to these social ills, besides complementary language work such as literacy programs.
A recent series of conference calls led to the invitation to spend some time ministering with Northern Youth Programs in a nearby region. This way the team could get better acquainted with the communities and their needs and pursue further contact if God opens those doors.
You’re invited to pray for the team considering this opportunity.