Solomons Training: This was the fourth January in a row I (John) went to Solomon Islands for two weeks to teach translators how to use two computer applications that are considered the basic tools for translators. It was nice that Pat Andrews, my brother-in-law and boss, was able to come with me to help, especially since we had 30 participants!

This year, Dr Zobule, the head of Islands Bible Ministries (IBM), suggested that we focus on the translation process itself and teach how the two applications are to be used in that process. So, I chose three short Scripture passages and during the week we went through the entire translation process for each of them (translating from English into Solomon Islands Pijin). Before we had the eight different teams read their translations of the first passage (Luke 2:36-38), Pat and I were a bit nervous, wondering if their translations would be alright. But when each group read theirs, we were greatly encouraged because they all produced translations that were accurate and understandable. At the end of the training many of the translators expressed their gratitude for having training that enables them to use these computer applications. Reuben Pae (below front left) said, “Every year the training pushes us up a bit higher so that our translations are getting better and better in quality.”

For me, I’m just thankful I have the privilege of being involved in training these Solomon Islanders who are committed to helping people in their language groups understand God’s Word.

Decision Made: Brena and I want to express our thanks for your prayers regarding our decision about where we will live and work after our year of home assignment is over. We have come to a decision! After considering staying in the U.S, going to Solomon Islands or moving back to Papua New Guinea, we feel like God would have us go back to PNG and continue in the work we were doing there. We are thankful that our boys and our parents are alright with us going back overseas. We haven’t yet set a date for our return, but it will likely be sometime this summer.

UPCOMING/PRAYER:

1. We are involved in two missions conferences here in Charleston in the next few weeks. Pray that we would be able to communicate effectively about the continuing need for Bible translation in many parts of the world.

2. Pray for continued healing for Brena’s dad (since his stroke last summer). His heart is doing better but he still needs to regain strength.

3. Pray that during our remaining few months in the States we would have encouraging times with our family and friends.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)