Category Archives: This Just Posted

This Just Posted: Teaching a Paratext Course Next Week

Paratext 2 Class Photo

2013 Paratext 2 Class

Next week, James will be teaching another round of participants in a Paratext 2 Course (July 16-29).  Paratext is the Bible translation software that is used throughout the world. Many Papua New Guinean Bible Translators are excited to learn how to use it better so they can translate faster and more accurately.

The initial Paratext 2 Course was run last year (more photos below) and had lots of positive feedback including, “Before… I didn’t understand it.  But now, it is clear and I understand.”  It was encouraging to hear this, especially after James had invested so much time in making the Course Handbook easier to follow and understand.  He has continued to make adjustments to the Paratext Handbook in hopes that it will be even more clear and easier to understand this time around.

We are looking forward to meeting new participants as well as becoming re-acquainted with participants who graduated from last year’s Paratext 1 Course.  Last year we enjoyed having the course participants come over to our house for tea.  In the more casual setting of our home, they often take the opportunity to share their stories with us.  It is inspiring to hear about the journeys God has brought them on as they have given their lives to serving Him.

Please Pray
-For final preparations for the Course, including printing the Handbooks (about 150-200 pages each).
-For James as he teaches the Course.
-For continued adjustment back to “normal” life after a very fun visit from family.
-For James’ motorcycle to get fixed “hariap” (hurry-up: quickly).

Praise
-After an unexpected delay, we finally have our vehicle (today!)!!!
-For the amazing time we had with family visiting us here in Papua New Guinea.
-Christina’s ankle is doing MUCH better.  THANK YOU for praying.

Below are some more photos from last year’s Paratext 2 Course.

Ainde at His Computer

Papa Ainde Wainzo at his computer

Participants during practice time

Participants during practice time

"Tupela helpim" (two people helping each other)

“Tupela helpim” (two people helping each other)

"Tripela helpim" (three people helping each other)

“Tripela helpim” (three people helping each other)

Using the Handbook

Using the Handbook

This Just Posted: Learning Bible Translation Tools

Ukarumpa National Training Centre classroom

We just received this short update from Brian Chapaitis, a friend and co-worker here in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and wanted to pass it on to you.

“Over the years, by the financial gifts of many, we have built up a National Training Centre (NTC) with classroom sessions in a variety of disciplines.  Churches and NBTOs (National Bible Translation Organizations) in this country are now sending their best to come and learn.  Here James Post teaches future Bible Translators how to run the program called “Paratext” on their notebook computers.  James is the co-author of a beautiful set of handbooks that reinforce daily lesson plans with lots of exercises.  This makes new procedures “stick” in the minds of the PNG students.  These coworkers can then go out and proceed to work in their home communities.  The academic calendar is quite full, and it’s not uncommon to have three different courses held at the same time.  We also celebrate that this year, the NTC is financially “in the black” and we pray self-sustaining.”  — Brian Chapaitis

Please Pray:

-For the Arop-Lokep people, who just dedicated the New Testament in their language 2 weeks ago, to be transformed by the Word of God in their OWN language.
-For preparation for teaching a Paratext Course (like the one mentioned above) in mid-July.

Praise:
-We came to PNG to help give people God’s Word in their own language and it was very encouraging to see the Arop-Lokep people so excited to receive it!!
-Our colds are gone!
-James’ WHOLE family is here in PNG!!

In Christ,

James and Christina

This Just Posted: Bible Dedications

We are going to the Bible dedication for the Arop-Lokep people group on Saturday (TOMORROW!!), and it’s exciting!  Mikayla and Laurel keep asking when we’re going to “go on an airplane and see our Papua New Guinean friends.”  :-)

We wish you all could be here to feel the excitement and experience the joy of the Arop-Lokep people celebrating Scripture in their language!  It’s been a LONG process but was undoubtedly worth it!

Be sure to check out pictures from the Bariai Bible Dedication that James went to 2 years ago below.  They will give you a taste of what we’re looking forward to.

Please pray:
-For full recovery from the nasty colds we’ve had for over a week, especially for congestion to clear before the plane trip.
-That our family would do well in the tropical heat and in the village.
-For preparations and smooth travels for James’ family’s visit.  They arrive in Papua New Guinea next Thursday!

Praise:
-We are recovering from the colds!
-James’ family is coming!!
-The Arop-Lokep people are excited to receive God’s Word in their OWN language!!

Now on to the pictures!

The Bariai Scriptures were brought in by boat:

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With traditional style songs:

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“Tok Ples” means “language”:

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Then they were carried up to the church with ceremony:

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Scripture in a place of honor

It was a LARGE gathering!

Big Procession

They celebrated with traditional clothes and decorations:

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And got to read their own copy!

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Sharing the Scriptures

Our favorite: excited to receive her own Scripture!

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Do you have goosebumps yet?