This is a short update on my (John’s) recent trip to the Solomons. While not everything turned out as planned, there were a number of things that made me thankful for the privilege of being involved in the work of Bible translation.

Luqa Exodus Check:

I went to Solomon Islands to finish the consultant check of the last 20 chapters of Exodus for the Luqa language, but because we found a number of problems in the translation, we were only able to finish 15 chapters. While that was discouraging, it was good that I was able to help the Luqa team identify the problems so that future checks will go better. One thing is for sure; we all came away with a much better understanding of what the tabernacle, priestly garments, etc., might have actually looked like. It is challenging to translate!

Starlink Installed:

In the past it was very difficult to communicate with the Luqa translation team as they didn’t have internet access. Just before I arrived in the Solomons, Chris Chance (far right above), who works with Seed Company Field Technology team, taught the Luqa team how to use a Starlink satellite internet unit. This now makes it possible to communicate with the Luqa team from anywhere in the world!

Zabana New Testament Finished:

I had consultant checked a number of New Testament books for the Zabana translation team, so it was great to see the head translator, Isaac Matezama (I have known him for over 20 years) with the published Zabana New Testament. It is wonderful that another language on Santa Isabel Island (where we worked with the Bughotu people) has God’s Word in their language!

The Bughotu New Testament:

Some colleagues of ours in the Solomons traveled by boat to a Bughotu speaking village (the language group we worked with from ’97-‘09) and saw this Bughotu New Testament in the church there. While they obviously need a new one, it was encouraging to see it is being used regularly!

We appreciate your prayers,

John and Brena

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• I was supposed to leave with a group of Seed Company interns (11 PNGans and 1 Solomon Islander) later this week for a two-week study tour of Israel. Unfortunately the trip has been postponed indefinitely due to the attack on Israel by Hamas. While it is disappointing to not be able to go, we are very thankful that we were not there or en-route when the attack happened. Hopefully the trip will be able to be rescheduled for sometime in 2024.
• Please pray for Brena as she continues with her roles here at Ukarumpa. She asks prayer for energy, contentment, and wisdom as she decides how much to take on and how to do her jobs. She has gotten a few more helpers for the café, which is an answer to prayer, but could still use a few more.
• Thanks for praying for Grant’s trip to PNG recently and Sara and Lillian back home. They all did OK, but prayers are appreciated as Sara has now started her full-time work at M.D. Anderson hospital in Houston.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org

*We no longer have U.S. phone numbers

Permanent Address: 4807 Ruidoso Dr., Arlington TX 76017

Overseas Address: PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea

WEB ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:

https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners

MAILING ADDRESS FOR PARTNERSHIP:

Send gifts to: Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862-8200 (The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators and include a note that says preference for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner)

VIDEO:

You are welcome to view a short video of our work with Wycliffe. It is located in our About page.