Meet Elsi

Elsi, from Kalimantan, Indonesia, speaks six languages. Last year Elsi came to Wycliffe Australia’s National Centre to improve her English.

For Elsi, knowing what language to use in which context is the key to good communication. She adapts her speech to different settings. She uses her Dayak language with her family, Indonesian with colleagues, and other relevant local Dayak languages in central Kalimantan. And of course she uses English with foreign visitors or in Australia.

The right language in the right context brings acceptance and understanding. Consider this translation of Matthew 28:5-6 from Da Jesus Book for the Hawaiian Pidgin language:

Da angel guy tell da wahines, “Eh, no scared! I know you guys looking fo Jesus, da guy dey wen kill on top da cross. Eh, he no stay ova hea, cuz God wen make um come back alive, jalike Jesus wen say befo time. Come! Try look da place wea he wen lay.”

Though it is highly meaningful for speakers of Hawaiian Pidgin, for English speakers, this translation may produce only confusion. Your ongoing partnership through your prayers and gifts helps accelerate translation for people groups around the world who are still waiting to clearly understand God’s Word.

Story Source: wycliffe.org.au/meet-elsi/

Spring Opportunities

April 7-20, we will host another group of new colleagues for their onsite Equip orientation. It is a privilege to extend your ministry to the peoples they will one day serve. I’ll get to teach some new things this session; I’d be grateful for your prayers for effective daily preparation.

Another part of my ongoing role is coaching co-workers who are building teams of prayer and financial partners. Pray that I will have much wisdom to encourage and advise them as they ask the Lord to complete their teams.

I am thankful for the ebb and flow of the Orlando program schedule which helps me be ready for each new session. It also permits some travel through the year. It was a joy to see many of you during my brief visit to Indianapolis in March.