In 2022, the Mayangna translation team faced many difficulties, changes, and blessings. After an invasion of Mayangna lands in 2021, several Mayangna who were influential in protecting the land were arrested and accused of planning the attack on their own people. Please pray for the rapid release of these men.
This spring, the team here embarked on a new venture on land generously provided by the local Mennonite mission (which has facilitated a place for them to live outside their own country). The goal is to provide the Mayangna with more sustainability as well as experiment and learn about growing different crops. The project has had delays, including cows breaking in and eating small plantain plants and one of the main workers leaving. A new barbed-wire fence was recently built to keep cows out, and preparations are being made to break ground and begin planting vegetables.
The Translation Team
This year I married one of the Mayangna translators and joined the team. I am focusing on linguistic/Bible training and language learning (Mayangna, Hebrew, and Spanish). My wife is also studying linguistics and is involved in language learning (English and Hebrew).
Our team lost a member when he strayed from the Lord. Ben leads the translation team remotely from his home in Washington and works for the release of the Mayangna prisoners. My wife's father and brother provide a foundation and stability to the translation project through their faithful involvement. In 2022, we welcomed my wife’s cousin to our team. He is a great help with translation and is interested in continuing his studies in linguistics.
Translation Progress
As we are able, the team has been working in Genesis. Currently we are preparing the book of Esther for a consultant check. In September, the team met with our consultant to check the book of Ruth. This book is ready for final testing, and later, publication. The week with the consultant provided us with many learning opportunities. For example, it reinforced the importance of a translation that is clear, natural, and faithful to the original text, and natural.
We put these ideas into practice as we worked on Ruth. Please pray for progress on the translation and that the team could work efficiently together.
—DS in Central America
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