Have you ever seen someone use a tool, like say a circular saw, without first receiving proper training? The phrase “armed and dangerous” comes to mind. Not a pretty sight is it, when a tool designed to be helpful is turned into something dangerous?!

Well, the main tool for translators is a software program called Paratext, and when someone without proper training uses it, they can cause a lot of damage. As a consultant I’ve seen translations that are in a bad state when I look at them, all because the translators have not adequately learned how to use Paratext. So, when I was asked to spend two weeks training national translators in the Solomon Islands in the use of Paratext it was something I was happy to do.

Last year I went to teach Paratext to 12 translators associated with Island Bible Ministries (IBM) the Bible school started by our friend, Dr. Alpheaus Zobule. This year the number of projects IBM is involved with has grown, so I had 20 students representing 8 different languages! It was encouraging to see all these men committed to translating the Scriptures into their respective languages and eager to receive training so they can be “armed” but not “dangerous”.

THANKS & PRAYER:Thank you for praying for my trip. I remained healthy, but as soon as I got home I came down with a bad cold. Brena and I leave in a few days for the States to attend meetings so pray that Brena doesn’t catch what I had. Pray for safe travels and also for energy as it will be a quick trip (two weeks total) with jet lag. Luke will be staying with a family here at Ukarumpa, so please pray for him while we are away. He’ll continue with school and basketball.

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

(*new address) Joey Bruner, c/o Dave & Ceil Bruner, 206 Forest Trail, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 – joeydbruner@gmail.com

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)