I (John) received the sad news yesterday that Joseph Gofi, one of the members of the Fataleka translation team, passed away a couple days ago. Evidently Joseph had gone to the hospital about two weeks ago because of a problem with his heart, but he was told they couldn’t do anything for him and they sent him back to his village where he died.
It makes me sad that I won’t see Joseph at the dedication of the Fataleka New Testament next year, as he was really excited that we had finished all our work and the NT was in the typesetting process. I am, however, very thankful that Joseph was able to be on our team for the last 5 years. He was dedicated to seeing the Fataleka NT finished and commented often that he was so glad that finally the Fataleka people would have a Bible they could understand.
Joseph had arthritis in his knees and while he had to miss one of our checking sessions because he had fallen and was unable to walk, he was at all our other sessions even though it was evident that it was painful for him to walk. Last year I was asking the men what time suited them for our next checking session and Joseph said, “John, you are the one who has a busy schedule. This checking is the most important thing we have all year, so whatever time you set is fine with us.”
So while I will really miss seeing Joseph next year, it will give me joy knowing that what he saw as so important will be in the hands of the Fataleka people.
Joseph, far left
TO BE IN TOUCH:
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea – john_bruner@sil.org
Grant Bruner, PO Box 2159, John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 – brunerg@jbu.edu
Joey Bruner, ETBU Box 6-331, One Marshall Drive, Marshall, TX 75670 – joseph_bruner@etbu.edu
TO GIVE ONLINE:
https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners
TO GIVE BY MAIL:
send gifts to:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862
(The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators – include a note that says it is for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner)
johnandbrena 
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear friend and coworker in God’s kingdom. May you and the rest of your team be comforted in knowing that he is now with the Lord and completely healed of all his ailments. Praying for you. Love, Larry & Myrl Burdett
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Just prayed for you and others especially if he has family.
Scot
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Praying for you and all those affected by this sad loss. I’m sure Jesus welcomed him with “well done my good and faithful servant.”
Praying,
Pat Headon
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So sorry other this, but I cannot wait to meet him in heaven! So many amazing brothers and sisters there. Thanks for the work you do in the Solomon’s, guys. We appreciate you! Julie
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John, I don’t know you personally, but I empathize with you in the loss of a dear friend and colleague. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. I imagine you meeting him again some day along with all those who we also with Jesus because of your and his work translating God’s Word.
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Dear Randy,
Thanks for your note of encouragement after the news of the death of Joseph Gofi. It is much appreciated. I was surprised by how much his death impacted me as it was only twice a year for 3 weeks at a time that I was going to Solomon Islands to work on the translation. Just difficult to know he won’t be at the dedication next year as I know he would have been so happy on that day. But I’m very thankful he was able to see the New Testament finished up to the typesetting phase and know it would soon be in the hands of his people. And it is encouraging to know I will see him again!
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sounds like you lost a great man and competent colleague. sorry to hear. Paul Sailhamer
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I’m so sorry that he passed away. Kim
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We have prayed for Joseph for a very long time. We are so sad to hear this news and will be praying for all who are grieving as well. Praying for this whole team and the precious people who are awaiting their Bibles in their own language.
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So sorry about the loss of your friend and co-worker.
It’s been a rough time at LABC. We had 5 losses within 9 days.
Otherwise, I sure hope and pray that all is going well with y’all. Hope Joey is adjusting to DBU. I did tell Bre Witter to be looking for him. She is involved in BSM there.
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Thanks for the sad information,,,thanks for the picture also. We do pray for the team. have seen prayers answered in the past….one was that the men would finish early with the translations and they did. also another prayer is that they don’t become drowsy in that kind of climate
thanks again The Routledges
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