After a nice Christmas visit from Donna’s sister and family, we’re headed back to the tribe.

Bill will dive back into translation, which is now his full-time activity (much to his delight) at last!

He has set up a Translation Committee of about 6 or 7 Palawano men, all believers, most of whom are teachers in the church here. They range in ages from 26 to 45, so bring a variety of perspectives to the translation process.

The youngest man, Arnel, is the “youth pastor” in the church here. He was a member of our “Emmanuel” youth group in the village back in 2000, along with Arlyn, his wife-to-be at the time. He has a keen mind, a love for the Scriptures, and he gives good insight into how certain words and expression might (or might not!) be understood by the younger generation of Palawanos, as the language is changing.

The other men are older and help Bill to access a broad range of vocabulary. Bill is so thrilled to them all helping, quite a change from working with one 22 year-old guy back in the mid 80’s (although that young man, Arturo, is on the committee now, at age 45!) All the guys have a good grasp of what the Scriptures are trying to say and that is a help in discussing how to render that meaning in Palawano.

Many others will be used to check, revise and confirm comprehension of the translation… and they are ready to roll! Right now, Bill is working on Acts, Luke and Ephesians.

Donna will resume her role of helping with some of the translation process, while continuing her language study, which will enable her to have a more extensive role in a wide range of the steps involved in the translation process.

Please pray with us as we labor to see God’s Word translated and published for the Palawanos!