Indonesia (MNN) — Translating God’s Word is not a cushy office job with regular hours. Every day presents a new challenge for Indonesian Bible translators, Wycliffe USA’s Melissa Stillman says. “Many of the translation team members have a full-time job. They have family commitments, and they’re working to translate Scripture,” she explains.
“In addition to that, transportation in the area is notoriously difficult.”
Take Kuhin translator Risnawati, for example. “She’s the only leader that lives in a different village, so every time they meet as a team, she has to drive by motorcycle for 30 minutes,” Stillman says.
Indonesia’s geographic location results in excess rainfall and frequent flooding. When the Kuhin team began translating Genesis, Risnawati encountered so many obstacles she almost gave up. Today, Stillman says Risnawati praises God for helping her endure this difficult season.
“Through each of these experiences, she felt His presence and knew that He was always there to give her strength to face it all.”
Most of Indonesia’s Kuhin people follow a religion influenced by the spirit world. There are a few Christians – like the ones on this translation team – but most of the believers have nominal faith. Kuhin Christians don’t have God’s Word in their language, so they often mix faith with Spiritism.
The Bible translation team desperately wants to change this. “They’re very dedicated to seeing God’s Word made available in their language,” Stillman says.
“Their work requires the personal sacrifice of their time, resources, and sometimes even their safety.”
You can help the Kuhin on Wednesday, April 21.
Learn more here. “Give the Word Wednesday is a one-day digital giving campaign, and Wycliffe hopes to raise $12,500 that day for the Kuhin translation project in Indonesia,” Stillman explains.
(Graphic courtesy of Wycliffe USA)
Many Kuhin place their trust in spirits. With your help, they can be freed of their burdens and trust in the living God.
“We would love for people to prayerfully consider a gift. Even a gift of $10 could make a difference,” Stillman says.
Save the date and connect with Wycliffe USA here. Most importantly, pray. Use the prompts listed alongside this article to guide your intercession. “We always want prayer,” Stillman says.
“We would love for your readers to take this story and pray for the people mentioned: the people group, the specific translators.”
Header image courtesy of Wycliffe USA.
