Spreading the Word
Pastor Joanie Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. – 1 Corinthians 14:10 (NIV)
This past Sunday, we were introduced to Sonya Paoli, a missionary with Wycliff Bible Translations to
Papua New Guinea. Papua New Guinea is off of Australia and is about the size of California. Papua New Guinea has 850 native languages. 300 of these native languages still do not have a Bible translation. Sonya is working with a team that is working on the Yamap native language.
Sonya is 27 years old and graduated from Holmes Bible College. She serves as a translation adviser. The team of translators is made up of people that are native to the area, culture, and language. Sonya’s role is to look over translations for accuracy, look
for cultural nuances, and answer any questions that may come up. She has lived in Papua New Guinea for two and half years, getting to know the people the culture, the language, and has become part of a family there. She also spends time helping the people find ways to bring the Bible to life through plays and stories because many in the culture still learn and know the Bible by word of mouth. They are also working on recordings of their translations. The beauty of her ministry is that she immersed herself into the culture and life of Papua New Guinea. Sonya is truly learning from the people and getting to know all the ins and outs of life in Papua New Guinea. She believes that truly being a part of the culture and family life and working together with people native to the Yamat language will lead to a Bible translation that is more authentic.
Sonya came and shared with us while she was on furlough. She is taking linguistic courses while here in the US to be more equipped for the work of translation. She looks forward to returning to Papua New Guinea in May of 2020.
We pray for Sonya and her work through Wycliff Bible Translators. We pray that she will have the emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual support she needs for her ministry. We are grateful for her willingness to walk with the people of Papua New Guinea in the process of translating the Bible to preserve and bring to life God’s word in the Yamat language. We pray for God’s presence to be among all of her translation team. May this furlough bring her rest and a willing spirit to continue to work of advising Bible translations in Papua New Guinea. May God’s Holy Word bring new life and hope to the people of Papua New Guinea.
This Week:
Wednesday, September 18th, 1:30 pm – Prayer & Inspiration
Wednesday, September 18th, 6:30 pm – Choir Practice
Thursday, September 19th, 3:00 pm – Ladles of Love Meal Preparation & Delivery
Saturday, September 21st, A Little Pumpkin is on the Way. You are invited to a Baby Shower honoring Terri & Tyler Barefoot, 4:00 – 6:00 PM at the Gleneagles Clubhouse. Terri & Tyler are registered at Target & Amazon. RSVP to 910-289-0141.
Sunday, September 22nd , 9:45 am – Sunday School Series
Sunday, September 22nd, 11:00 am – Worship, Pastor Eric Thorton preaching
Upcoming Events:
**Save the date cards are being sent out for Homecoming/130th Anniversary Celebration on October 20th. We have more postcards available in the church office. We would love your help making sure we get the word out. Please send postcards to former church members, family members, friends, and others who we want to welcome back for this special time of worship together.
**We are looking for folks to help us with Sanctuary Flowers each week. It is a great way to honor or remember someone special in your life. Flowers can be a homemade arrangement, artificial or real, or provided from a local florist. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside of the children’s classroom.
**The next Fellowship Meal is Sunday, September 29th immediately following worship. Our menu is casseroles.