HELPING THOSE WHO HELP OTHERS
Reaching the unreached of the world is a team effort, with many people using the unique and various gifts God has given them. This is the “body” principle, as described in 1 Corinthians, in action.
We just returned from several weeks in Thailand. While there, Bill fulfilled his responsibilities as the chairman of a conference focused on helping language learners and those who help language learning. He was also able to attend another workshop called the “Language Coach Workshop.”
One of the most vital keys to success in any missionary endeavor is the ability to communicate God’s truth clearly. So language learning (along with culture learning and adjustment… it’s a package deal) is extremely important.
The trouble is, of course, that learning another language to a high level of fluency is one of the most demanding tasks that can be undertaken. So learner need as much help as possible. This is where “coaches” (language consultants, teachers, tutors, school directors, etc.), along with those giving oversight to new missionaries, come in.
But it’s not easy to “coach” or help others learn a new language, either! So the workshops are to help those who must help others.
Praise the Lord we had a very profitable couple of weeks where language coaches, etc., from a wide range of evangelical organizations, could interact, discuss issues, ask questions, listen to presentations by others with more experience, and look at each other’s materials.
Bill has handed over the chairmanship of the next Asian conference to someone else, so we can continue to focus on the Palawano translation.
It was a good feeling to head home from these workshops knowing that literally hundreds of missionaries will be helped to learn to communicate God’s truth… learning more quickly, and communicating more effectively.
