Life anywhere seems like it is the daily normal schedule (whatever that is for you) punctuated by big events.
So.
The Future Big Thing:
Translation work here has typically been done by a formula. A couple goes into a village, learns the language, assembles a team to help them, and begins a translation. But that formula, while still employed, has many obstacles.
One language program here is a pilot program for a new way of doing translation. Aitape West. Using technology to find similiarities in local language groups this project uses a few ex-pats to help with 15 languages not 1 alone. This helps overcome the lack of ex-patriot trained people to assist. We simply can't do all the work there is to do without help.
Enter technology.
Many times ex-pats have to go home to help with elderly family. What if we could use ALL those trained people in their home country to help with language here!
Technologies:
Bomgar - an appliance that lets a technician control your computer desktop from anywhere in the world.
Vsat - satellite internet connection
hf-email - radio based email system (slow)
Skype - internet communication
Paratext - translation software
Netbook - think of it as a low power consuming laptop for our purposes
The leader couple of this project needs to return home to care for elderly family. But not before they equip their project with the means to continue in their absence. We will be installing a Vsat in Aitape so that this couple can help them via bomgar and skype to support their netbooks running paratext! Not only that... but we can leverage all the people in the U.S. who are caring for their family, as being a virtual presence here! This requires a STRONG infrastructure of support people here as well as nationals and ex-pats who can get the work done. But the technology can be used to get the experienced consulting for checking their work!
It is an exciting way to see technology being used because while it doesn't solve our lack of personnel, it does at least fully utilize what we do have. It wasn't long ago that when the ex-pat left a village work would cease, now it can continue.
This is what we're working on now, and it's the next BIG thing we're hoping for an April installation of the VSAT dish.
I can not tell you how exciting it is for a guy like me, to see a place where network is a completely foreign idea, begin to get connected and online, not for the sake of being online, but for the purpose of getting Bible Translation done more efficiently.
THE NEXT BIG EVENT:
Kendal is helping with food for the women's retreat here. It is a time once a year where the women can bond, get good Bible teaching, and spend time with each other. Last year's was essential in Kendal's personal emotional health as it was a time for her to be able to cope with some tough issues that come with living here. We're hopeful that it will be a good 3 days of hearing what God has to say to their hearts
The LAST Big Event
2010 Scripture Use Conference
An unprecedented event took place recently at Ukarumpa that focused on the use of Scripture resources in the local languages of Papua New Guinea.
70 national-level leaders from 14 denominations and 20 parachurch organizations met for three days of discussions on the importance of Scripture - especially the use of vernacular scriptures in ministry. God blessed the gathering with unity and encouragement. One participant remarked, "You are in God's timing to be a catalyst for a great move of God."
