Scripture Application & Leadership Training (S.A.L.T.)

Miniafia SALT - April 2011

2011-04-25T07:43:00.002+10:00

Our travel to Tufi on Sunday 3rd April on the Airlines PNG flight from Port Moresby took an hour with a short stopover in Popondetta. Josiah Javeve met us at Tufi. He had left Ajoa the day before to paddle to Maras village where he organized a dinghy to come and pick us up. The trip on the 40 HP dinghy took a little over an hour. We arrived at Ayuwan beach around 11 A.M. Church Service was in session when we arrived. They stopped briefly to to welcome us. Shouts of Oro! Oro! Oro Kaiwa! Oro Kaiwa! echoed to the beating of drums as our din- ghy came to shore. Sunday School children dressed in their traditional attire led the welcome with singing and dancing as we were led to the church building. We joined them for the rest of the church service and were welcomed into Miniafia land. After church service, some lunch and a bit of rest we began the one hour walk inland to Ajoa Mission Station.

A large crowd awaited our arrival at Ajoa station to welcome us. As we were about to enter into the Station grounds, we were surprised with a mock attack by would be warriors hiding in the nearby bushes. Re-enacting what happened to strangers entering new ground in decades past, it was part of their welcome ceremony. Again, the shouts of Oro Kaiwa! and the beating of the drums wel- comed us. We were led into the Station with dancing and singing – “Tamei o ameraraji Ensairen Orokaiva, Iesu o ameraraji . .. Anun Kakafijin o ameraraji . . .” “Father God ... Jesus ... Holy Spirit we welcome you!” It was a humbling experience to be accorded such welcome! In reality, this welcome was more than just to us, they were really open and ready for the Word of God.

The workshop was opened by the Chairman of the Translation Committee, Moses Sairad. Sixty six people from all the Miniafia villages attended the SALT training. From young to old, they all represented a cross-section of the community and church. The majority of them came from the Anglican Church, a few from the CMI (Covenant Ministries International) and SDA (Seventh Day Adventist) churches. Entire families came – husbands and wives together with their young adult children.

According to the church calendar it was the Lent season, a time for prayer and fasting. What better time than these two weeks leading into Easter to sit under the Word of God. As early as 4 A.M. each morning, we were awakened to the beating of the drums and singing as the people went to prayer to prepare for the day. The course was conducted in the Anglican Church building.

Each day classes began at 8 A.M. and ended at 4:00 P.M. with a lunch break in between. There are 19 lessons in the SALT curriculum. Two lessons were taught each day, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The lessons are de- signed to involve class interaction and participation through group discussions, skits, etc. The use of posters helped greatly to bring the message across. Each day began with the review of the lesson for the day before. This gave opportunity for people to share what the Lord was teaching them. Two brothers who were estranged from one another for a long time came together again in reconciliation. A church leader testified that he went home and told his wife to hold him accountable to speak the truth. It was the small lies that were a hindrance in his walk with God. These are a couple of testimonies that I understood because it was spoken in English. Many others were in Miniafia language so were unknown to us. However facial expressions and gestures revealed clearly that the Word of God was indeed making an impact in the lives of people.

An outreach to the community is a compulsory part of SALT. The group was divided to visit four villages that were within walking distance at the end of the first week. This gave opportunity for participants to share and apply what they learnt. The Miniafia New Testament was used in all sessions. This workshop revealed too that adult classes for fluency is a big need to help the people use their New Testament with confidence.

The visit from the Ubir team on the second week was a special highlight. Translators and storytellers with their spouses walked for 3 hours in the hot sun to come see us. Besides wanting to see what SALT was all about, they came with baskets of food and gifts to share with us and their Miniafia brothers and sisters. This gesture of love and sharing showed true brotherly love and their concern and desire that the Word of God be grounded and established in their Miniafia neighbours.

The last day culminated with much activity. What was originally planned to take a couple of hours took almost the whole day as we joined in celebration of God’s wonderful works of grace in building and strengthening the Church of God in Miniafia. This was more than just the celebration to end a course, in actual fact, it was the celebration of the beginnings to go out to every village in Miniafia and share the Truths of God’s Word.

Thank you for the many prayers made on our behalf and the Miniafia people. The BTA family in Port Moresby prayed and commissioned us and wel- comed us on our day of return. Wives and families of the BTA members in Ajoa ministered to our physical needs. All these and many others for one purpose – that the Church of God in Minifia grow strong to maturity and stand with the hosts of believers on the Day of the Lord! ORO KAIWA KERISO!

Closing word Ivan Kauyet:

“The Word of God is like seed. Most of us received the Word a long time ago and some of us just received it now. I now understand that having the seed to myself is not what Christian life is all about. It is in planting, looking after it and letting it grow and bear- ing fruit in my life that makes the difference. These last two weeks, I learnt how to apply the Word in my life. For a long time I did not know the importance of planting the Word and so I just kept it to myself. I’m old now and very happy to grow and apply it in my life. God’s Word promises that if we look after it properly it will bear 30 fold, 60 fold or 100 fold. Jeremiah 1:10 exhorts us to build and plant. SALT has given us the tools to do this. I have attended many courses and re- ceived many certificates throughout my life. But I must say that I value this one much more. Even though it is only a piece of pa- per—the real certificate is in my heart. With God’s help I want to apply and live out this certificate moment by moment. We have a task as individuals to be careful how to lead and manage our lives first of all. Through our lives, people will be led to God.”

Report by Sineina Gela,
Certified SALT Instructor and BTA Member
April 4-15, 2011

Tabo SALT - March 2011

2011-03-08T21:59:00.000+10:00

First of all, we would like to give all the glory to our Lord, Jesus Christ. To our prayer warriors, thank you so much for keeping in touch with us through your prayers, also to those who prayed with us while we were teaching God’s Word among the Tabo people.

We thank the Lord for transforming the lives of the Tabo Pastors and Leaders during the SALT course.

The Holy Spirit touched the hearts of the participants during the first week of the course. Each morning, before the review session, we asked the Lord for His forgiveness and annointing on our lives and to receive Gods’ Word. Matthew 9:17.
117 participants attended the course. Then, seven outreach groups took the teaching into local villages and churches during the weekend. More than 600 people heard the Gospel in the Tabo language during these events; and forty new believers dedicated their lives to the Lord.

In evaluating the SALT course:
many participants felt that this course gave them more confidence to stand in the presence of the people and share what they have learned.

Some said that The SALT course is just like a mirror, and they saw themselves through God’s Word and at the end they are set free to continue with their ministries.
During outreach programs the people had new messages and drama’s and were inspired by the Holy Spirit, so they asked for further teachings.

In fact, many people requested a SALT course annually. Therefore, the leaders asked for a SALT Instructors’ Training Course to train local teachers in how to run SALT courses by themselves.

Report prepared by Pastor Fred Igami.
Tabo SALT Team Leader
February 21 - March 6, 2011

Aiyugam SALT - February 2011

2011-02-14T21:49:00.001+10:00

We praise God for the 54 graduates of the Valley Scripture Application and Leadership Training course. Thank You Holy Spirit for encouraging many people to intercede for this important training for Pastors and church leaders in the Aiyura Valley. The outreaches have been very successful, encouraging other valley people to check their walk with the LORD. Those students doing outreaches in multiple church gatherings have touched many lives.

“During the graduation the Holy Spirit gave me the idea of symbolizing the messages of 2 Tim 2:2 and Matthew 5 with candles:. The SALT Instructors, Orim and Tinkui and David and Carol, were lightning the candles of the teachers from the instructor course from last November, and all together they were lightning the candles of the others, while I was reading 1 Thess 2:13, 2 Tim 2:2 and Matth 5: be the SALT and the LIGHT of the world, so people may see your good deeds and glorify God. It was really powerful. We sang altogether with our candles: From the misty mountain peaks to the valleys, we are the Papua New Guinea, Gods people to spread the gospel.” - Marjan Sikkema, Certified SALT Instructor

Aiyugam SALT course
Ukarumpa, EHP, Papua New Guinea
January 31 - February 13, 2011

Numanggang SALT - January 2011

2011-01-28T21:37:00.000+10:00

First of all, on behalf of the SALT team I would like to say thank you for keep in touch with us through your prayers, and to those who pray with us too.

All through the Numanggang SALT course, which ran from 9 - 23 January, the Spirit of the Lord ministered to the participants and revealed who they are in Christ. We had many people come for counseling nearly every night who asked us to help them to understand the truth about God and to pray that His truth would transform their lives.

Fifty-six participants graduated from the course; however, between 80-100 people came to listen while we were teachings every day.

Nine outreach groups went out to one Apostolic Church, bringing unity among believers.

The total number of people who heard the Gospel in the Numanggang language was 1,245.

More than three hundred people came to witness the graduation.

The Numangang people have asked for a second SALT course so that many more people will attend the course.

Report by Pastor Fred Igami
Team Leader, Numanggang SALT
January 9-23, 2011

Ukarumpa SITC - December 2010

2010-12-08T21:33:00.001+10:00

Ukarumpa SALT Instructors' Training Course (29 Nov - 4 Dec)

Mick Bandy, Palmer Bandy, Marjan Sikkema, Carol Saferita, Fred Igami and Abra Noso facilitated this SALT Instructors' Training Course in Ukarumpa Training Center, PNG. At the graduation ceremony on December 4, 2010, nineteen new SALT instructors were recognized as Certified SALT Instructors.

These participants will now join SALT teams throughout the nation of Papua New Guinea and the Pacific to encourage the study of God's Word in their own heart languages.

"The Power of God’s Word … in every language … in every heart."

Iyo SALT - November 2010

2010-11-28T21:28:00.000+10:00

Iyo SALT course, Madang Province, PNG, November 12 - 27, 2010

For two weeks, four Papuan New Guinean instructors led upwards to 80 people in the Iyo language group to become better acquainted with who God is, who they are, and what it means to be a Christian. Using the translated Scriptures, the participants engaged in 19 half-day sessions on the essential truths of the faith. By the end, even the trained pastors in the group, were excited about the things they were learning.

Lives were searched, tears shed, reconciliation enacted, and God was praised. It was really cool to see some of our Iyo friends use the Iyo New Testament, come alive in the Lord and resolve to use their new found fervor with others in the group who had not there. Pray with us that the seeds planted during the SALT course will bear fruit in many lives for the glory of God.

Paul & Jennie Minter, Bible Translators

Solomon Islands SALT - September 2010

2010-09-30T21:21:00.000+10:00

During the Solomon Islands Pisin SALT course we had 24 participants from 5 different language groups attending. The Solomon Islands consist of 992 little islands, all scattered throughout a bright blue ocean. People live in small hamlets; and eighty-five percent of the inhabitants are living in villages with no more than 50 persons. The Solomon Islands has about 75 different languages. The New Testament is translated in 17 languages right now; and Bible translators are working to get the NT translated in the local language in another 17 languages. Two languages have the whole Bible translated in their own language.

The SALT course was conducted in Honiara, which is the main city of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. One of the participants, before he became a believer, had served in prison. Behind bars he had composed a song entitled: Cry for mercy. It was so impressive to hear his life story: in and out of jail for many years because of robbing people, threatening people and other crimes he had committed. However, God spoke to him in jail. God changed his heart; and now he was one of our SALT course participants, eager to learn how to communicate the gospel to others because he longed to show others God’s love and mercy. So, that’s what he did: during the outreach practicum at the end of the course he shared his testimony to 150 young men and women, all gathered from four different denominations. It was completely silent in the church, especially when he started singing his own song. After the service everybody was still impressed and reflecting on the words they just had heard and asking themselves: “What is my goal in life? What am I doing and how do I act in my daily life? How much time do I spend with God, daily? Do I really think I can live without Him?” It was a powerful testimony and a challenging time of ministry!

After the SALT course, we conducted a SALT Instructors’ Training course in Honiara for 18 pastors and church leaders from 5 language groups. These leaders are now certified to teach the SALT course in their own language group.

It was wonderful to see Gods Word, the Truth that brings you Life, being spread throughout the Pacific in this way. SALT starts with a couple of chosen men and women and empowers them to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2), and these reliable men and women continue to share the gospel, each in their own place. Satan is not able to stop the powerful work of building God’s Kingdom. As it is written in Revelation 12,11: “They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”

• Please pray for the wonderful people of the Solomon Islands.
• Please pray that these people will be set free from all sorts of witchcraft, sorcery, black magic and ancestors’ spirit worship and that all demons will be cast out of their lives.
• Please ask God in your prayers to help these participants apply all the SALT lessons in their lives, by the power of the Holy Spirit; and that they will be empowered to continue to teach others as well.

Yapno S.A.L.T.

2010-08-25T08:36:00.000+10:00

The Yopno SALT course ran from August 9-22, immediately after the dedication of the New Testament on August 8, 2010.

Scripture Application Changes Lives - by Karen Weaver, Papua New Guinea, (See PacificBible blog.)

After more than two decades of tedious translation work, the Yopno New Testament and Psalms was printed and ready to be placed in the hands of the Yopno people. But would they know how to study it and apply God's truth to their daily lives?

That's an important question, and it's the reason Wes and Lee-Ann Reed followed the example of some other translation teams in Papua New Guinea in inviting a SALT team to come to their village following the New Testament dedication.

SALT stands for "Scripture Application and Leadership Training." Marjan Sikkema and three others formed the SALT team that went to Tapmange village to teach basic Biblical truths and how to use God's Word and apply it to daily life.

The building was full of people, so some sat around the outside listening intently to the lessons on God’s word through the thatched walls

More than 200 participants were enrolled in the course, and many of them had purchased the Yopno New Testament and Psalms at the dedication. They were eager to attend the SALT course which began two days later. In fact, so many people wanted to hear the lessons that there was not enough room for them in the building. Some sat outside, listening intently to the teaching through the thatched walls.

SALT teacher Marjan Sikkema said, "The people sat on the ground inside the building from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day for two weeks. The first several days we could hear their tongues clicking to express their wonder as they learned things that were new to them. They especially responded to the part about God's love and his holiness."

Another topic that touched their hearts was the teaching about families. They studied II Timothy 1:5, "I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother, Lois, and in your mother Eunice . . . " This verse taught them that it is important for children to grow up with the example of parents who put their faith in Christ. They also studied Ephesians 5:22,25 to learn how husbands and wives should treat each other in the home. God's Word in their own Yopno language spoke clearly to them and motivated them to change the way they treat each other so they can live for God's glory.

One church leader testified, "Our village has had programs to teach us about the dangers of AIDS and how people need to change their lifestyles. Even though there has been a lot of money put into these programs, they haven't worked. But having the Scriptures will be the key for solving all our problems. People have to know God. He is the only answer."

Another man told Marjan, "Now I am sure of my faith in Christ. But I wonder how people will react. How do I go back to my village and tell them what I believe?" Marjan showed him Scriptures to help him remain strong in his faith. She assured him, "The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." (I John 4:4)

Each morning of SALT, participants were given the opportunity to share what God was teaching them. Early in the second week, a young man stood before the group and told his story. He said that previously he had been involved in a life of sin, but now he wanted to follow Jesus. He pointed to the chart that showed the evil things the devil puts in our hearts: greed, envy, wrath, etc. He told the group, "I am turning away from all these things." Later one of the Christian leaders put his arm around him and said reassuringly, "God still loves you and with Christ you have the opportunity to start again." He burst into tears upon hearing this message of hope and forgiveness.

Each of the 200+ participants left the SALT course knowing how to dig out the truth in God's Word and how to apply it to their lives. They returned home to their villages armed with a two-edged sword for combating sin, fear and hopelessness. When friends and family ask questions about the Lord, they will now be able to open God's Book and read to them the message of life and hope in the language that will speak to their hearts - God's Word in Yopno!

Mandara Instructors' Training Course

2010-07-27T20:11:00.009+10:00

After the S.A.L.T. course, the Mandara Bible Translators hosted a S.A.L.T. Instructors' Training Course (SITC).

Committee Chairman, David Sombara, said: "Our vision is for our local translation committee to use the S.A.L.T. material to evangelize the Mandara people and encourage them to study God's Word in their own language. We thank the S.A.L.T. team for coming to Simberi Island and teaching this course!"

Mick Bandy Teaches Melanesian Leaning Styles
Instructors-In-Training Teaching Practicum
Instructors-In-Training ask for feedback about their practicum
Participants celebrate with ice cream. A real treat in the village!
12 new Instructors are certified to conduct S.A.L.T. courses.
We are praying that a group of the Mandara S.A.L.T. Instructors will help teach the Sursurunga S.A.L.T. course in July of 2011. Please pray for these new instructors!

Mandara S.A.L.T.

2010-07-27T19:00:00.011+10:00

Wycliffe Bible Translators Steven and Holly Hong have spent almost twenty years with the Mandara people of New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. On May 20, 2010, the fruit of their years of labor was realized with the dedication of the Mandara New Testament in the Mandara language. The Mandara Bible Translators then hosted a S.A.L.T. course with thirty-seven pastors and church leaders graduating from the course on July 19th. Please pray that the over 4,000 Mandara speakers continue to use their vernaular New Testaments to the glory of God!

Mandara S.A.L.T. Team
S.A.L.T. Class Meets Under A Tree
Pastor Fred Teaches About "Communicating With God"
Demonstrating The Armour of God
Build Your House on a Rock Skit
S.A.L.T. Teams prepare for Outreach
Students Leave for Outreach to Islands
Beautiful Sunsets on Simberi Island!

Burum-Mindik S.A.L.T. (2)

2010-04-06T11:55:00.000+10:00

When Fesi (a Burum-Mindik translator) originally talked to me about a Burum-Mindik SALT course, I was impressed that the language group had already translated the SALT material before she came to request the course. When we held the first course in August 2009, it was our biggest SALT course ever. Over 250 people came every day for the course, with 200 participants receiving certificates at the graduation ceremony. The people were hungry for the Word of God and requested another course in 2010.

Studying the Bible during the Burum-Mindik SALT course.

The second Burum-Mindik SALT course ran in Morebe Province in Papua New Guinea from March 22 - April 5, 2010. This course was taught by an all national SALT team consisting of: Pastor Fred Igami (leader), Abra Noso, Susan Sofoyo, Ninau Ephraim (BTA), and Tingkui Joel (BTA). In this course, 68 participants received certificates and over 900 people heard the Gospel in their own language during the SALT outreach practicum. The SALT graduation ceremony was a community event with over 500 people attending to hear testimonies and to support the participants.

68 participants receive SALT certificates of completion.

The SALT course and material has encouraged use of the vernacular Scriptures in many areas of the Burum-Mindik community life. The primary school principal testified that he is using the vernacular SALT material in RI (Religious Instruction) in the primary schools to teach the children about God and foster a Christian world-view.

Additionally, local church leaders are using the vernacular SALT material to preach from the pulpit in both Sunday and Wednesday church services; and after all the churches have gone through the SALT book, they plan to hold a celebratory crusade in the village.

The church leaders have now requested a SALT Instructors Training Course for January 2011 to train their own people in SALT teaching skills.

Praise God that many lives are being transformed through God's Word and Scripture Application & Leadership Training (SALT).

SALT graduation festivities in the village over Easter weekend celebrating our resurrected Lord PNG style.

The Cross in the Pacific

2010-03-17T11:34:00.000+10:00

Pacific S.A.L.T. Planning Committee

2010-02-01T13:52:00.002+10:00

Bible Translation Association (BTA) members and Pacific SALT staff meet to plan future SALT courses in Papua New Guinea.

(Top) Orim Joel, Fred Igami, David Gudiri, Carol Saferita
(Bottom) Tingkui Joel, Julie Mare, June Bandy, Ninau Ephraim

Jacob Bullock Completes SALT Internship

2010-01-04T13:41:00.002+10:00

Having completed a six month SALT Internship, Jacob Bullock is heading back to Washington as a recent graduate from Western Seminary.

Mick and Abra wish Jacob Bullock farewell as he waits for the P2 bus to transport him to the Aiyura airstrip.

Burum-Mindik S.A.L.T. (1)

2009-09-01T12:19:00.002+10:00

Jacob Bullock, a Western Seminary graduate student, interned with Pacific SALT from July to December 2009. In August, Jacob joined the Burum-Mindik SALT team in Morebe Province, Papua New Guinea. Over 250 people came everyday to the Burum-Mindik SALT course, with 200 participants receiving certificates at the graduation ceremony. Our biggest course ever! The Burum-Mindik people are hungry for the Word of God and have requested another course in 2010.

Jacob hiking into village.

Villagers bring garden produce to feed the SALT participants.

Jacob holding pet opossum.

Over 250 people came to the course everyday.

Our biggest SALT course ever, with 200 participants receiving certificates at the graduation ceremony!

Abra and Jacob visit with graduates.

Leaders requested a second SALT course in 2010.

Bougainville S.A.L.T. Instructors

2009-03-17T08:30:00.008+10:00

Four language groups were represented in the recent SALT Instructor's Training Course in Buka, which was led by Pastor Fred Igami and Dave Wake. Please pray for these nine new Certified SALT Instructors and the courses being planned for Bougainville. We have now certified a total of forty-six SALT instructors in the Pacific.

Mini S.A.L.T. courses in the Sepik

2009-02-27T05:07:00.003+10:00

Aluis Simatab has been conducting Mini S.A.L.T. courses in the Sepik area of PNG to promote vernacular Scripture Use. He recently sent me this photo and letter:

"Mick, this is Old Elijah Gabuor who is 87 years old now whom I have been telling you about. He did not go to any school. In 1994 he heard the gospel in the Agapes Language for the fist time. He was baptized in 1995 and Chose to be named “Elijah” because he always liked to hear the story of this great prophet. He wanted to read the Agapes booklet of “Jesus Christ has power to save” and he prayed a lot that he could (learn to) read. The Lord opened his eyes in the same year to read! Then, he still wanted to eat pig meat and other protein so the Lord gave him new teeth! So you can see for yourself now. Elijah heard about our Mini SALT Course and came down from the head-waters of the river that you use to have your wash in during the 2005 SALT Course in Woginara. He wanted to be a participant in this Mini SALT course. During the Mini Course he asked me to read with him the story of (Luke 15: 11-32) from the Agapes NT. Please pray with him because he shared that the devil is trying to trick him by making him tired and not reading the Agapes NT Bible. Blessings, Aluis Simatab"

Waima S.A.L.T. II Course

2008-12-03T09:29:00.001+10:00

Six more national SALT instructors were certified at the SALT Instructor Training Course in Port Moresby in November. We have now certified a total of thirty-seven SALT instructors; and these instructors have now trained 2,500 pastors and leaders in twenty-five SALT courses, ministering the Gospel to over 20,000 people in eighteen language groups in the Pacific!

This team left for the village to conduct the second Waima SALT course, which was conducted entirely in the Waima language by native Waima SALT Instructors!

Please pray for the 26 Waima pastors and leaders who He chose to attend the Waima SALT course.

Please pray for Korean Wycliffe Bible translators, Namsoo and Duckshin Kim, as they continue to minister to the Waima people.

Translating God's Word

2008-09-30T06:45:00.001+10:00

Translating the SALT material into a people group's heart language is always a challenge, which takes many hours of hard work and concentration. Here John is seen translating the material for the Aiyugam SALT course. Although he has been working for several months on this project, in a final push, John worked all night Friday until 5am in the morning and then until 10pm Saturday night to finish the first draft of 19 SALT lessons. This first draft will now be consultant checked, edited and revised before the material is printed for the Aiyugam SALT course. Praise God for the dedication of national translators like John who have dedicated their lives to the service of our Lord.

Vernacular In Ministry at CLTC

2008-09-29T06:23:00.000+10:00

From September 15 - 19, Mick lead a VIM (Vernacular In Ministry) course at CLTC (Christian Leaders Training College) near Mt. Hagen, Papua New Guinea. The purpose of this course was to introduce the work of SIL and vernacular Scripture Use to the future pastors and leaders of PNG. Mick's presentation on SALT was received enthusiastically and we have been asked to consider taking several CLTC student interns to work with SALT during 2010.

PNG SU Strategy Workshop

2008-09-01T05:41:00.004+10:00

It is great to see SALT being accepted as a valuable Scripture Use tool by the academic community, as well as at the grass-roots level. From August 4-20, we conducted a Scripture Use Strategies Workshop in Ukarumpa. Drs. Wayne and Sally Dye came to facilitate the course. Wayne and Sally are SIL International Scripture Use Consultants at the Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL) in Dallas. Mick was asked to help staff the course and to make a presentation on "Scripture Application & Leadership Training." Wayne and Sally are great advocates for SALT; and Sally encouraged every translation team in the Pacific to conduct a SALT course!

This is a short video clip of Wayne, Sally and Mick doing a skit called Blind Man's Bluff at the Scripture Use Strategies Workshop. This was to demonstrate Satan's strategies to kill, steal and destroy.

Natqgu S.A.L.T.

2008-08-24T18:39:00.003+10:00

On Sunday 27 July, the Natqgu speakers of Santa Cruz became the first language group in Temotu Province, Solomon Islands, to receive their New Testament.

The Natqgu project, which was facilitated by Wycliffe Bible Translators Dan and Brenda Boerger, is the longest existing Bible translation project in the Solomon Islands, and the scriptures launched on Sunday were the result of the work of many people over more than 30 years.

The Bible launching was held at the new St. Thomas church building in Bznwz village on Graciosa Bay. Worshippers came from all around Santa Cruz Island to attend this celebration.

After the dedication service 360 New Testaments were sold. There was feasting with speeches by church and government Leaders and entertainment was bamboo band music.

A SALT course followed the dedication with 32 Natqgu pastors and leaders attending the course.

Pray that the Natqgu pastors and leaders apply the Scriptures and make them relevant to the lives of their people.

Solomon Islands S.A.L.T.

2008-07-13T16:31:00.009+10:00

Honiara, Guadacanal, Solomon Islands

A Pijin SALT (Scripture Application & Leadership Training) course was conducted at St. Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara. Approximately 25, 000 people speak Pijin as their mother tongue in the Solomon Islands. Pijin is also spoken by 70% of the total population of the Solomons, which gives it a coverage of over 350,000 people!

Holi Baebol

The goal of the Pijin SALT course is to make the Scriptures relevant in every aspect of life in the Solomon Islands, including intercession and worship, evangelism, discipleship, works of service and theological reflection. SALT encourages pastors and church leaders to use the new Pijin translation to develop a love, wonder and understanding of the Scriptures in their own heart language.

Solomon Islands SALT course graduates and instructors

The Pijin SALT team will fly to Santa Cruz on July 16, where they will conduct a second SALT course immediately following the launching of the Natqgu New Testament, translated by Wycliffe Bible Translators Dan and Brenda Boerger.

6,497 copies of the Pijin Bible (Holi Baebol) arrived in Honiara days before the dedication aboard a ship from South Korea. The Bibles arrived just in time for the launching celebration!

The Governor General and the Prime Minister were among the guests who attended the launching at St. Barnabas' Cathedral, Sunday, July 6, 2006. This celebration was one of the major events during the Year of the Bible, and most of the service was conducted in Pijin, not in English. A specially commissioned 4-foot canoe built in Morovo Lagoon was designed to hold a copy of the Pijin Bible, and the canoe with its Bible was carried into the Cathedral during Sunday's launching service.

Then on Monday, the canoe and Bible were presented to the Prime Minister during Independence Day celebrations and put on permanent display in Parliament House.

The Pijin Bible translation project was sponsored by SICA (Solomon Islands Christian Association) and supported by several organizations including SITAG (Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group) and the Bible Society of the South Pacific. The Solomon Islands Government contributed part of the funds needed to print the Bibles.

Primary Pijin translators Gerry Beimers, Robert “Bob” Carter, Aloysius Jack, Conrad Mountfort and Hilda Kwanae Steele were all present for the launching, having traveled from as far away as Australia and the United States.

Other international guests included former SITAG Director and current SIL International Executive Director Freddy Boswell, Wycliffe Australia Director Barry Borneman and dignitaries from around the world.

ATW Team at S.A.L.T. Manor

2008-06-21T12:47:00.003+10:00

We have been facilitating a YWAM "Around The World" (ATW) Discipleship Training School team for the last two weeks. The team joined with the Aiyura Valley Ministry and ministered to the people in the valley - performing and teaching Christian dramas at schools and churches, encouraging pastors and leaders, joining in Bible studies, and generally bringing salt and light to the valley community. The team left today headed to Australia, Thailand, India, Nepal, Amsterdam and then back to their Denver, Colorado mission base. What an awesome team! Jacob, Hanna, Shay, Olive, Heather, Barbara, Danielle, Sam, Andrew and AJ, we love you guys! You made a lot of friends here, so please keep in touch. May God bless your travels and use you to his glory!

ATW team talks to youth at local school

The team ministered to over 900 kids at Professor Shindler school

Andrew clowning around with friends

AJ "the kid magnet" making the kids smile

Patty and the team pray for Guna, a local leader

Shay teaches dramas at the Bamboo House

Sam, Andrew and AJ leave for village to show the Jesus Film

Barbara, Heather, Danielle and Olive leave for overnight visit in village

Nate driving Hanna and Shay and others to the village

Team leaves for village visit

Theological Education by Extension Bible study

Vasui S.A.L.T. II

2008-05-28T12:10:00.003+10:00

39 Pastors and Leaders graduated from the Vasui S.A.L.T. II course

Vasui S.A.L.T. team - Nick, Fred, Linus, Mick, Debbie and Carol

We conducted the Vasui S.A.L.T. II course with Roman and Carolyn Hostetler over the last three weeks. 39 pastors and leaders graduated from the course. Graduation went from 10:30am until 4pm on Friday! LOTS of speeches... the Chief, the local Government Member, Father George, the President of the Women's Union, the President of the BKK (Bikpela Kristen Komunity), a representative of the class, Pastor Fred as representative of the S.A.L.T. team, then a few others. Then, we presented graduation certificates and after, Mick presented the Headmaster of the school with 32 Vasui Bibles to give to 32 kids who were to be confirmed on Sunday. All the community leaders said they really support S.A.L.T. It was very encouraging. Father George said he saw S.A.L.T. as "Re-evangelization" because many people may have heard the Word of God, but it had become stale and they did not apply it to their lives. He said The S.A.L.T. Project was an important program because it made people excited about the gospel in their own language, and it encouraged them to incorporate the Word of God into, and make it relevant to, their lives. There was also talk about how the Spirit of God had sent the S.A.L.T. team to bring reconciliation to the island of Bougainville. The Vasui leaders have asked us to return next year to conduct a S.A.L.T. Instructors' Training course in Buka for 3 or 4 different language groups. To God goes the glory!

S.A.L.T. Instructors Training Course

2008-02-18T22:43:00.004+10:00

On February 15th we completed our second S.A.L.T. Instructors Training Course (SITC) at the SIL-PNG Center in Ukarumpa.

At the graduation ceremony, sixteen new S.A.L.T. Instructors, representing five different language groups in PNG, were certified!

Please pray for the Bible translators, as they translate the Scriptures and prepare for the S.A.L.T. courses in their own languages.

Watch a slideshow of the SITC by pressing arrow above.

Kein S.A.L.T.

2007-09-30T06:04:00.000+10:00

Kein SALT team leaves for the village

This report was written and submitted by Pastor Fred Igami, team leader for the Kein SALT team. The Kein SALT team was the first all national team sent out to minister cross culturally to their fellow Papua New Guineans.

On behalf of the SALT team I would like to give praise and honour to our Lord Jesus Christ and also thank you for those of you who are praying for us while we were out in the village.

We arrived in the village by 11:30 on the 7th of September 2007, and the Yall community gave us a warm welcome with a few traditional dancers. On Monday 10th of September about 30 participants came to register so we started the class. Tuesday and Wednesday another 14 people came and joined the class. The total participants that graduated were 46. All of them were Lutheran except one Anglican. During the first week we really found it a little difficult with the participants because these topic were new and their hearts and minds were closed.

After the classes we sat down and discussed this and asked the Lord to bring healing to their hearts. Praise the Lord that the second week the Holy Spirit really touched their hearts. Starting Monday, Sept. 17 up to Sunday, Sept. 23, two or three families would meet after class and invite us to review what we had taught them. We encouraged them with the Word of God and we prayed with them. It’s true that they really were hungry and thirsty for the Word of God. We saw it was real hunger.

The SALT course was a blessing to the whole community. Nine outreach teams went to nine different places Friday night and Saturday morning. Some teams also went on Sunday morning too. There were 500 adults and over 400 children at the outreaches. The team leaders came and gave their reports on Monday morning.

The Christians were so excited and asked the participants if they could still continue to teach them what they had learned for the two weeks. The church leaders and pastors and course participants agreed to do so. The co-translator, Mot, challenged the course participants and the whole community to cooperate and sell all the Kein New Testaments. He also urged them to start up a literacy school. It’s time to organize and help people to understand the Word of God in their own language. He asks us to keep in touch with him with prayer.

Saniyo S.A.L.T.

2007-06-30T13:50:00.000+10:00

Saniyo SALT Team

The Saniyo SALT course had its challenges! First we had some health concerns with Ron Lewis, Mike Howes and one of the female leaders in the village. This was on the second day of the course, so we spent some time in prayer for these and all the participants and their families. Unfortunately, an infant girl passed away about 4am the following morning; so, we did not have class Wednesday as the child was buried that day.

Ron Lewis, Translator, and Mike Howes

I tell this to emphasize your support through prayer. During the last three SALT courses, we have experienced village leaders getting sick at the start of the course. In all three cases we have seen remarkable answers to prayer, but there seems to be an escalation of attack. Please continue to pray for the SALT courses.

Saniyo SALT course graduates

Almost 50 people attended the course daily, with 43 Saniyo pastors and leaders receiving a SALT course certificate. The Saniyo people were very appreciative of the course. The participants struggled with the concept of grace (don't we all?). They enjoyed the outreach phase, and there are indications that the graduates will continue to conduct mission outreaches in the community. They requested a follow up SALT; and we encouraged them to share the material from the first course before we commit to a second course.

Saniyo Pastors on outreach

This course was also an opportunity to prepare three PNG'ians for leading other courses. Team members Uko and Collin gained experience in anticipation of the SALT courses they will be doing their own Waima language group. Uko and Collin reported that they learned a lot and are ready to go forward with the next Waima SALT course. They were aware of the Holy Spirit's enabling in their teaching and interactions with people. They are grateful to all who prayed for them. Collin and Uko even translated a Waima song into Saniyo and sang it! They see their experience as one of having been on a mission and are eager to report back to their church and village leaders.

Fred, Collin and Uko

In addition, Fred Igami (from the Inoke language group) was on the course. He will be leading the Kein SALT course, so he was making sure he knew what the leader needed to do (he has been on six other SALT courses and is an excellent teacher).

Ramoaaina S.A.L.T.

2007-05-30T17:24:00.000+10:00

SALT Team travels to Duke of York Island

The Ramoaaina SALT course was held on the beautiful Duke of York island shortly after the dedication of the Ramoaainan New Testament. This course was very special because Orim and Tingkui Joel were members of our team. Orim and Tingkui are Ramoaainan and this was an opportunity for them to return to their village and teach the Gospel in their own language! 35 pastors and leaders graduated from the course.

Orim teaching SALT in his own heart language

The following excerpts are taken from Robin Davies’ article about the dedication ceremonies:

Sunset on Duke of York Island

From beginning to end, the day of the Ramoaaina New Testament dedication, 15th April, was truly one of great rejoicing and giving glory to God for what he has done.We awoke to a beautiful calm, sunny day with lots of activity already going on in preparation for the celebrations. A few hours later the programme began as six boats travelling side by side looking like a big raft rounded the point into the harbour. They were filled with a choir of about 80 men dressed in white, singing hymns in four-part harmony. Lisbeth and I, together with one box of New Testaments were in one of the middle boats, which was decorated with flowers, leaves, streamers and balloons. As we moved slowly towards the shore dolphins joined us, frolicking in the water around the boats.

Volcanoes seen from beach

To me it seemed like God was assuring us that we had his seal of approval, as creation rejoiced with us at the arrival of the New Testament in the Ramoaaina language. Another wonderful sight was the great crowd of people standing on the beach, who had come here to witness this special occasion. There must have been 2-3000 people, who had come from all the villages in the Duke of York Islands, as well as from other parts of Papua New Guinea, Australia, Sweden, Fiji and the USA. Many of them had tears of joy in their eyes.

Ramoaainan ladies studying Gospel

Under the magnificent rain trees, people sat looking at and reading their New Testaments for the first time. About 1200 were sold that day and since then people have continued to buy them. Many people have told us how happy they are with their New Testaments, and how clear the meaning is. We’re very excited to see people using them in church on Sundays. You really notice it when the reading goes over the page and you hear the rustle of everyone turning the page at the same time. In one village, Nakukur, they had a special service to mark that they have changed over to using the Ramoaaina New Testament, instead of Pidgin or English or Kuanua.

Mick speaking about faith in God

Our praise and thanks go to God for giving us such a wonderful day of celebration and that his Word is now available to the Duke of York people in their mother tongue. Please continue to pray that they will read it and God will use it for his glory and to accomplish his purposes in their lives.

Tingkui, Mike and Carol

Imbo-Ungu S.A.L.T.

2007-03-22T14:10:00.000+10:00

A report by Paul Donovan
S.A.L.T. courses are usually held following the dedication of a New Testament translation to encourage the use and understanding of the Scriptures. The Imbo-Ungu people received their NT in 1997; and they now have a desire to have the Old Testament also in their language. Therefore the additional purpose of this S.A.L.T. course was to help the church leaders raise enthusiasm and support for tok ples (talk of the place) Scripture and an OT project.

Five expatriates (an interesting mix of 3 Americans, one from the deep south, an Australian and me - an Englishman), traveled up the Highlands Highway through the Eastern Highlands and Chimbu Province. Below is a photo of myself, Paul Williamson, Ian Tupper, Mike Howes and John Miller, which was taken right before we left for the village.

The Imbo-Ungu S.A.L.T. team
Pastor Tande’s village had been preparing for our arrival. We were very warmly greeted by villagers and Sunday School children adorned with flower garlands and a singing procession to our house. The house had belonged to the SIL translators but was donated to the Lutheran church upon completion of the work. The church has maintained the basic but comfortable building and its contents impeccably over the past ten years. Our leader told us we were very spoilt as we had not only running water but hot running water (solar heated), a western flushing toilet, beds and a kerosene cooker!

Paul Williamson pictured with Imbo-Ungu friends
The course ran Monday to Friday, 8am – 3pm over two weeks and was aimed at, but not restricted to, those who have Christian leadership roles such as Sunday School teachers, Elders, Evangelists and Pastors. Students came from surrounding villages; some walked over four hours to be present and then stayed the week. Throughout the course we had a committed core of about 50 students with others on the fringe and numbers going up to 70 at times.

A distinction of the S.A.L.T course is the focus on the use of ‘tok ples’ (heart language) rather than Melanesian Tok Pisin or English. We taught in English (though I found myself often slipping into Pidgin!) and a local man and women translated for us.

Ladies celebrate with singing and drums

The people said it was good to have the scripture in Imbo-Ungu and a common report from the outreach groups was that the people said it was sweet to hear God’s word in their heart language. We encouraged the students to persevere with their reading and the Bibles they had used during the course were offered to them at a highly subsidized cost of 5 Kina (less than $2.00).

Each of us taught four lessons using the S.A.L.T. outlines and posters, which give pictorial representations of the subject. The posters and the student’s workbooks/lesson outlines had previously been translated into Imbo-Ungu. A subject was taken each morning and afternoon along with the students doing reviews of the previous day's lessons, which helped us in some ways to assess understanding. The outlines were helpful for preparing my lesson and the range and sequence of subjects well planned. The students were very appreciative of us being there and giving the course. I pray that it will have taught, encouraged and equipped them a little more for their area of service.

Ladies singing at S.A.L.T. course

Once all lessons had been taught, the students were divided into eight outreach groups and given a village or church to take and teach some of the material we had covered. To earn a certificate, students had to attend at least seven of the nine teaching days and participate in outreach. Leading worship, prayers, reading tok ples scripture or teaching were the ways they could be involved.

Pastor Tande teaching

Pastor Tande taught the final lesson on the great commission and the groups were sent out over a wide area, some walking up to four hours and staying the night. Once all had returned we had a feedback session on how it had gone. Most groups reported a very enthusiastic response from people hearing scripture in Imbo-Ungu and wanting more of the teaching. A few reported how groups had requested that a S.A.L.T. course be ran in their village or church. This was all encouraging and we were able to emphasize that now the responsibility to teach the material and promote the use of the Imbo-Ungu Bible was with those who had received the training. We had trained the trainers! We did then hear suggestions from the students that they rotate around the venues with their lessons until all the villages had heard each topic. We congratulated them on this desire and left the organization of such with the S.A.L.T. committee, which had been formed from the start and oversaw all practical arrangements and decision-making.

53 students graduated. The committee had decided they wanted graduation as part of the Sunday morning service. The turn out of friends and family for the occasion meant there was not room in the church so we relocated outside in beautiful sunshine.

People gather for graduation

The number gathered, the effort put into the celebration and the well groomed students showed how much the course and the graduation meant to the people – it took me quite by surprise and I felt was on a par with how we might celebrate after completing a degree! Yet another expression of their appreciation were the traditional gifts they had jointly paid for or made and lavished on us. This was especially touching as the area’s staple crop; Kaukau (sweet potato-like and often the only meal of the day) had been affected by frost and therefore the little money they do have (as many do not have paid employment) was needed for food. Out of their need they gave as they had done throughout the course, bringing us food gifts from their gardens.

Graduates line up to receive their certificate
We pray that any subsequent outreaches that the students make in the language area will work in hearts to bring about a greater desire to have the complete word of God in their heart language. Pastor Tande, Carrie (a woman who translated for us) and Nick (an Imbo-Ungu man who is a PNG BC Pastor near to the SIL base) have been accepted into a five week Translators Training Course (TTC) at Ukarumpa. This starts April 25th and is aimed at giving national people the basics to begin translation work themselves. Subsequent training is then given over the years. One of my fellow teachers (Ian Tupper) has also been designated a language advocate for them. Ian is a linguist and will help and encourage them in the program and ensure they get the necessary training and support, but will not be a resident translator who does the work for them.

Mike shares photos with a look in the camera

SIL is developing more programs and courses to empower nationals to do the work, which I find very encouraging and believe is the right way to go with all of our kingdom building work. We need to be training and discipling Papua New Guineans to translate God’s word into their own language, to teach it to the church and proclaim it to the lost. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be involved in supporting such an aim. It has been a wonderful experience and one that I am very thankful and privileged to have had the opportunity to be involved in.

Blessings, Paul Donovan

Inoke S.A.L.T. II

2007-03-07T14:09:00.000+10:00

In February 2007, YWAM BELT partnered with PNG - S.A.L.T. to bring a second course to the Inoke people.

Team traveled to Imaka village by helicopter

The course teachers this year, on outreach from YWAM Perth's Bible School for the Nations (BSN), were, Tim Bergman, Joshua and Sarah Seykora, and Nathan Nita. S.A.L.T. Intern, Daniel Connor, also joined the team.

Tim Bergman, Daniel Connor and Pastor Fred

Josh and Sarah Sykora and Nathan Nita at airport

Graduatates of Inoke S.A.L.T. II course

45 Pastors and leaders graduated from this course with another 7 who are going to work with the course coordinator to finish the work they missed due to absences. 26 of the S.A.L.T. II participants also graduated from S.A.L.T. I in 2006.

Most of the participants are Four Square members with two from the Lutheran Church and two form the Evangelical Brethreren Church (EBC).

Topics included in this course were: Review of “Pursuit of Truth”, Review of the “Father Heart of God”, The Power of Prayer, Principles of Intercession, Biblical Stewardship, Principles of Giving, Right relationships, Christian Unity, Walking in Forgiveness, Biblical View of Sex, The Necessity of Holiness, Living in the Fullness and Power of God, Breaking Sinful Habits, The Heart of a Leader, The foundation for Leadership, Characteristics of Servant Leaders, Preparing Textual Messages and Overview of the Old and New Testament.

The course was two weeks with an outreach on the second weekend. During the outreach, the pastors and leaders went to 14 different churches and spoke to a total of 875 people. They reported that 35 Christians repented and that 5 people received salvation.

Daniel playing guitar for kids

In addition to the full day of class for the two weeks, the BELT team also: Preached in 5 different churches and some of them more than once; Taught 300-400 kids for three Wednesdays in a row with about 40 receiving salvation; Taught the Biblical View of Sex to the older students and people from the community.

Another highlight of the trip was movie nights. We were able to use the course fees to buy fuel for the generator to show some videos. We showed the “Luke” video in the Inoke language as well as “The Passion”, the “Transformation” video and “The End of the Spear”. We showed “The Passion” and the “End of the Spear” several times in other locations. 300-400 people would show up to watch these movies and every time you could see revelation and conviction come to the people.

Josh and Nathan enjoy local food

I can confidently say that for the three and a half weeks that the BELT team was in Imaka village with the Inoke people that every person in the village was impacted by the power of the gospel. We are also confident that the teachings that the pastors and leaders received have empowered and equipped them lead their people more like Jesus would lead.

Mark Joshua, the leader of the Youth for the Four Square Church in that area said that for the Easter gathering of the youth, he would make sure that the youth received all of these teachings.

Eli Bugeme went home after the lesson on servant leadership and told his wife that he needs to become a slave(servant) leader like Jesus. He said that he used to hate the drug users and wanted nothing to do with them and now he knows he needs to reach out to them and serve them.

Abra shared through tears that he feels like “A man equipped”. He also said that this is more than education, it is better, it is all about God.

Susan J said, “In BELT I we talked about love and I put it into practice, my husband and I helped others. When I saw other people that were in need, I helped them. This year I learned how to be a servant leader. These two courses will work together to help me work with my people. Thank you for leaving your country to help us”.

Agena thanked God for the first and second course. “It is like Bible College at home and what I learned last year I put into practice and this year’s course has helped me a lot. This is very helpful”.

Kemega never went to Bible school and he said “I am happy to be here to learn how to prepare a Bible sermon. I now have some idea on how to prepare a sermon”.

Sarah and participants praying for man

There are many more testimonies to write but to say the least; we are very encouraged with the response of the participants. It has been worth all the distance traveled, the money spent and the time away from my wife. The S.A.L.T. courses have made a difference in the lives of the pastors and leaders and as a result it will affect their families, churches and communities.

-- Report written by Tim Bergman, BELT Team Leader, YWAM Perth

Prayer Requests - Inoke SALT II

2007-02-23T08:17:00.000+10:00

Joshua & Sarah Seykora and Nathan Nita leave for Imaka
Fifty Inoke pastors and leaders are currently attending the Inoke SALT II course. Please pray for these fifty participants, who have formed outreach ministry teams and are taking God's Word into eleven villages this weekend. We praise God for the 300 school children who have attended a Bible program held by the SALT team the past two Wednesdays. Also, please pray for next Tuesday, when the young men and women in the community will attend a workshop on God's plan for Christian families and Godly relationships. Tuesday evening the team will show an AIDS awareness video in the village. Then, next Wednesday two members of the SALT team (Nathan Nita and Daniel Connor) will conduct a praise and worship workshop with guitars and drums. Pray that the Inoke people will be encouraged to hear, read and study God's Word in their own language!

National Translator's Perspective

2006-12-20T17:50:00.000+10:00

Photo by David Ringer

Jude Mengumari is a national Bible translator who worked with Pat and Mel Edmiston to translate the Alamblak New Testament. After the Alamblak SALT course, we asked Jude to give us his impressions of the SALT course. To view the video, click on the following link:
http://thesaltproject.info/AVI/alamblak.htm

**Video shot on location and edited by Mick Bandy in PNG.

Angaatiha SALT

2006-12-03T17:09:00.000+10:00

Date and Place: November 13-24, 2006, at Langimar village, Morobe Province.

Team members: Mike Howes (leader), Badi Vila , David Gudiri, Abra Noso, and Susan Sefoyo.

Translators: Ainde Wainzo, James Namaranso (New Testament); Ainde Wainzo and Andrew Jacob (SALT course Translators).

Angaatiha man plays flute at SALT graduation celebration

History:
The Gospel first arrived in the area when three evangelists came in 1957. Richard and Marietta Brett, Wycliffe missionaries, ministered to the Angaatiha people from 1961-63. Ken and Donna Jean Davis, Wycliffe missionaries, then came to live with the Angaatiha people from 1963-67. In 1967, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Ron and Bertha Huisman, began the New Testament Translation with Angaatiha translator, James Namaranso. In 1981, Ainde Wainzo takes over the Angaatiha New Testament translation project; and the Angaatiha New Testament was dedicated on December 4, 2004.

Marietta Brett has continued to provide prayer, mentoring, and financial support to the work in Angaatiha; this report would be remiss if her steadfast loyalty to this people were not acknowledged.

Group discussion during Angaatiha SALT course

The Gospel came to this people group less than 50 years ago. The first group of Angaatiha believers was baptized in 1960. Ainde Wainzo was among the third group who were baptized in 1963. These are first generation Christians! Currently there are two denominations in the area: ELC (Evangelical Lutheran Church) and ALC (Association of Local Churches).

Based on the 2000 Census, there are 2,100 people in the Angaatiha language group, 1,800 of them live in the valleys around Langimar. This people group is growing, although there seems to be a high mortality rate of young parents, leaving many families with only one parent.

Susan Sefoyo, our youngest Certified SALT Instructor, teaches about the Character of God

Course highlights: Some months before the SALT course, Ainde Wainzo started translating the Jesus film (based on the book of Luke) into Angaatiha, in hopes of stirring interest in the Angaatiha New Testament. After completing a significant portion of this work into the vernacular language, Ainde called a meeting to get a committee together to assist in organizing and planning this work. No one came! Ainde scheduled another, and another, and still no one showed up. Four meetings were scheduled, yet no one attended. Ainde was disappointed and confused and he abandoned the project. To Ainde’s surprise, when he proposed a SALT course, there was interest in this! Initially about 50 participants signed up for the course. But, when the course was completed, 96 had graduated.

Angaatiha men listen attentively to SALT teachings

The community was extremely positive about the course. Each day the course started at 7:30 AM with praise, worship, and a short devotion arranged by the SALT planning committee. At 8:00 the participants enthusiastically reviewed the previous day’s lessons for about 45 minutes.

Angaatiha women are thirsty for the Word of God

The Angaatiha people were so enthusiastic about outreach that all six groups did outreach Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday (some groups taught all day Saturday). In one area, a local sorcerer threatened to club the outreach leader (his nephew) if the team came to preach the Gospel. So, when this team got close to the hamlet, they stopped and prayed. The sorcerer did not harm the team; however, he did lock most of the men in the small village in his house during one of the outreach sessions so they could not hear the Gospel message. When the team left, Joshua, the leader called out to the sorcerer that they had come in the love of Jesus, that he had refused to welcome them, and they were now leaving. The sorcerer ran out of his house, broke down and cried, and asked for forgiveness!

Angaatiha SALT course was held in a local church

Approximately half of the entire people group was involved in SALT either through attending the course or the outreach sessions.

Results: Literacy appeared to be at a moderate level in the vernacular language; and, the fluency improved as the course progressed.
The Angaatiha people were extremely thankful for the course. During graduation speeches the chairman of the regional Lutheran churches even paused and asked the SALT team leader, "When will you come back to do another course?" The Translation Committee Chairman sent a letter to SIL administration requesting two more courses in 2007 and 2008.

96 participants received a SALT certificate

Many said they did not understand before, but now they understand. While it is difficult to know precisely what this referred to, it is believed most were speaking of "The Father Heart of God," "The Nature of Sin," and "The Grace of God in Salvation" lessons. In their evaluations of the SALT course, many participants said that all the lessons were helpful. Many stated that the course lessons "pierced their heart;" some said that they had recommitted their life to the Lord.

On the last day of the course, during the review of the lesson "Walking in Forgiveness" one of the participants asked another person in the class to forgive them. This was followed by another and another. Before it was finished, about eight different individuals or groups had requested reconciliation with someone else. This included one lady giving up her land rights to another; as well as two different denominational leaders reconciling with one another.

Please pray that the Angaatiha people will continue to study their vernacular Scriptures and apply the Word of God to their daily lives!

*This report was written by Mike Howes.
**Photos by Mike Howes.

Korafe SALT II

2006-11-22T19:31:00.000+10:00

Korafe SALT participants arrive by outrigger canoe

Participants unload their cargo

The first Korafe SALT course was held in November 2004. Two years later (November 6-20, 2006) we conducted our first SALT II course. Personal relationships with the people had developed in 2004, which gave depth to the second course.

Father Lucas, the local Anglican Parish Priest, reads from the Korafe New Testament

Wycliffe Bible Translator, Cindi Farr, said, "The second Scripture Application and Leadership Training (SALT II) course for the Korafe people has been a blessing in many people’s lives. Just as the Lord sent rain down on us twice, He sent His Holy Spirit down on us and called many Korafe men and women to a new commitment to Him."

SALT Instructor, Peter Brook, talks about Forgiveness

SALT Instructors, Mick Bandy, Peter Brook, Andrew Tiki, and Valarie Johnson, taught on such topics as the Character of God, Pursuit of Truth, God’s Laws of Love, Biblical View of Sex, Christian Family, What is Salvation, Living in the Power of God, Skills of a Leader, Stewardship, Satan and his Strategies, and Walking in Forgiveness. Other topics also discussed included HIV/AIDS and sorcery issues. Diaz Mukawa, Leonard Kunita, Jim and Cindi Farr interpreted the oral and written teachings into Korafe.

Sixty Korafe people attended the course; and fifty-three participants qualified for SALT II course certificates at graduation.

Many Korafe made new commitments to Jesus Christ—at least 23 made initial commitments to Him.

All of the participants gave overwhelmingly positive course evaluations. Here are some excerpts:

Stanley sang his testimony as he beat his kundu drum and praised God

“Now, I’ve come to know God for sure. I’ve changed my Life completely and I am here to serve God in my personal Life.”

"In the last two weeks I stopped telling lies, stopped stealing, and started to pray daily.”

Cecilia gives testimony of how the Holy Spirit has given her the grace to forgive her enemies

"I am one of the disobedient children, but as I’ve entered this course, it just totally changed my life."

“The SALT course has brought me to know who is God.”

Monika attended the first SALT course in 2004; she is now a leader in the Mother's Union

Alongside the Korafe pastors and church leaders who had attended the SALT I course, we had the opportunity to pray with many people individually. We prayed for healing of bodies, reconciliation in family disputes, prayed against demonic possessions, prayed for spiritual strength and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, etc.

Elinor asked for prayer for healing and reconciliation of family members

One evening, Oswin Tangiri, our host and one of the Farr's national co-translators, asked Jim Farr, Peter Brook and Mick Bandy to pray with eight young men who were attending the course.

Oswin's son, Ivan, accepted Jesus as Lord of his life

These young men were new converts that Oswin had been ministering too; so, one evening they all accepted Jesus as the Lord of their lives! We prayed for each individually and we encouraged them to continue to read their Korafe New Testament and study His Word. Six of the eight young men have now applied to attend a Discipleship Training School in Mt. Hagen.

20 year old Alfred Furifuri reads his Korafe New Testament

During the course the participants talked a lot about sorcery. The Korafe people traditionally practice sorcery and the leaders asked that we pray one day against generational curses. The 60 participants broke up into small groups to pray.

Wycliffe Bible Translators, Cindy and Jim Farr, have lived with the Korafe people for 35 years; and the Korafes have adopted them into their clan. Jim and Cindy led our Bible study to look at what God says about sorcery.

We prayed with five family members who are known to come from a line of sorcerers. Actually, one of the young men's fathers is currently a sorcerer. However, the sorcerer's wife got sick a few years ago and sorcery did not help, so Oswin had prayed over her and she was healed. That apparently put her sorcerer husband to shame! His 20 year old son saw all that and became a Christian.

Alfred explains the tricks and plans of satan

The sorcerer's son attended the SALT II course; so, we prayed together with him and his relatives that the Lord would forgive his father and fore-fathers for delving into witchcraft and satanic practices. Then they repented on behalf of their fore-fathers and committed never to follow that path themselves.

Oswin Tangiri speaks against the practice of sorcery

During one discussion on sorcery, Lucas, a Korafe leader, left the meeting house abruptly. Later, we found that he was upset because his 17 year old son had been sick for two years, and he had indeed hired a local sorcerer to come to "heal" his son. Apparently, the Lord was convicting Lucas because during the discussion he had heard that if a Christian really trusts in Jesus, he will not turn to sorcery. Lucas told us he felt angry because during the two years of his son's illness, none of the local Christians had ever come to pray over his son. For this reason, he had hired the sorcerer! Lucas asked us if we would come to pray for his son; therefore, a few days later, we traveled by boat up the coast to a small village where Lucas greeted us with many pineapples and fish. After the feast, we were introduced to his son; and we anointed him with oil, laid hands on him and prayed for his healing. Lucas was very appreciative and his faith was renewed.

During the two week course, Edrick's father and six year old daughter both died suddenly. Traditionally, such unexpected deaths would have been blamed on sorcery; however, Edrick publically denounced this idea and stood firm in the Lord!

Please pray that the Korafe people will continue to use their Korafe New Testaments, study God's Word, and apply the Scriptures to their daily lives.

Ainde Wainzo, Bible Translator

2006-10-26T18:04:00.000+10:00

Ainde Wainzo holds the Angaataha New Testament

The dedication of the Angaataha New Testament was held on December 4, 2004. We will conduct the Angaataha SALT course from November 13-26, 2006. Please pray for the Angaataha people, that God will transform their lives with His Word.

After completing his BA at the University of PNG, Ainde Wainzo won a scholarship to attend Christ For The Nations Institute in Dallas, Texas. While there in 1978, God spoke to Ainde about Bible translation through these verses:

"How I wish my words were written down, written on a scroll. I wish they were carved with an iron lead, or carved into stone forever." Job 19: 23, 24.(NCV)"Write down the vision; write it clearly on clay tablets so whoever reads it can run to tell others. It is not yet time for the message to come true, but that time is coming soon; the message will come true. It may seem like a long time, but be patient and wait for it, because it will surely come; it will not be delayed."-Habakkuk 2:2 (NCV)

Ainde returned home to Papua New Guinea and two years later he joined Wycliffe Bible Translators, Ronald & Roberta Huisman, translating the Angaataha New Testament. When the missionary family had to leave in 1982, Ainde took over responsibility and the Angaataha New Testament was completed in 2003.

During this twenty year period, Ainde faced many trials, including death and desertion by his family. Ainde was hospitalized nearly 30 times between 1959 and 2003, often coming close to dying, but God saved him each time from death.

Ainde says, "Now our present task, if the Lord is willing, is to help the Angaataha people grow spiritually and develop a living relationship with the Lord Jesus through Scripture-in-Use Bible studies, literacy and reading clubs. To God be the glory forever!"

It is an honor to work with Ainde Wainzo in bringing a Scripture Application & Leadership Training (SALT) course to the Angaataha people!

Borong SALT

2006-10-11T23:49:00.000+10:00

The Borong SALT team.

Team members: Fred Igami, Andrea Braun, Larry Doyle (SIL liason to Borong language project), Anne Smith, Andrew Tiki (leader).

Translators: Soini and Kaija Olkkonen (New Testament and materials); Dan Tumaka and Jerry Tekare (materials and SALT course speakers)

Borong New Testament and Borong SALT manual.

History: The Borong New Testament was dedicated 18 May 2003, having been adapted from the Burum-Mindik (Somba and Siawari dialects) New Testament. The Olkkonens worked in the project from 1996-2003, and Larry Doyle presently visits the language area to facilitate progress in Scripture-in-use, literacy and community development projects.

Travel: The area is noted for being clouded in most days, with a window for airplane landings in the early morning. As a matter of fact, the team left Ukarumpa on Monday morning, 18 September, and did not arrive at the Mindik airstrip until Wednesday morning 20 September. Four of us had been waiting at Nadzab for two days, and Andrea, who had attended the Dedua NT dedication over the weekend, was waiting for the MAF 206 to pick her up at Masa. This made the course start two days late, so four lessons were condensed into two, and two lessons were taught on the first Saturday and Sunday. From the Mindik airstrip the team hiked 2 ½ hours to Ebebang village, and returned to Mindik late on Monday, 2 October to wait for pickup on Tuesday, 3 October. That day the skies were clear and we returned to Ukarumpa, four of us on the SIL 206, and one on the MAF 206.

Fred, Andrew and Larry at dinner time.

Accommodations: The three men lived in the tiny house which the Olkkonens had built onto the back of the big Lutheran church building. The two women were given translator Dan Tumaka’s house. The team was fed in the Olkkonen’s kitchen-dining room by Depa Tumaka, while the 130 course participants were fed breakfast, lunch and dinner by 6 local women and their helpers at a temporary haus kuk built and staffed by the community just for the course. Cooks were awakened by a conch shell blowing at 4 AM to begin cooking for the participants. The course participants came from all over the Borong language area, and a few walked from as far away as the Huon Gulf or traveled from Lae. They were housed in Ebebang or a few neighboring hamlets. Local people brought in huge amounts of taro, kaukau and greens; participants were charged K6 for food, most of which probably went for the pig for the graduation day feast. We could bathe and wash clothes in the river, or a little farther away at a shower where a bamboo pipe carried water out of the rocks, or in the shower in the kitchen. We wanted to conserve the tank water for cooking, but it rained pretty frequently and kept the tank full anyway.

Over 300 people attended class most days.

Reception: The community was extremely positive about the course, in spite of the uncertainty about its starting date due to the weather. 135 church leaders registered, although a yearly Lutheran church conference was being held the second week in another area; only one representative from Ebebang attended that, while the rest stayed at the SALT course. A high level of vernacular adult literacy was evident, as many different people read aloud from their New Testaments, some very fluently, and others with help from the audience for long words. The two translators seemed equally comfortable translating from English or Tok Pisin, and many times the audience reacted as the presenter spoke in Tok Pisin once, and then again when it was repeated in Borong. There was much “tsk, tsk” and even clapping when an important point was made – sometimes during the reading of the scripture passage itself. Each class, morning and afternoon, began with enthusiastic singing of Borong songs, accompanied by 6-8 guitarists, or by several kundu drums. Many of the women would clap and do a two-step dance while singing; a few men stood and clapped, many sat, some didn’t sing. Although we planned class from 8:30-ll:30 AM, music generally started at 7:45 AM, and we ended at noon. Afternoons generally started at either 1 or 1:30 PM and went to 4, unless there was a reason to get out earlier.

Daily highlights:

Thur. 21 Sep.
First day of class. Andrew introduced the course, books were distributed. Lesson 1- “Pursuit of Truth” (Anne) and 2- “The Father Heart of God” (Andrea). Lots of audience reaction (especially “tsk, tsk.”)

Fri. 22 Sep.
Review of previous lessons was introduced. People were shy at first but got into it. We were never sure of what was said, although when the posters were pointed to, we could follow a little; the loud, enthusiastic oratorical style of many of the reviewers made it seem as if they were preaching rather than reviewing. 3- “The Nature of God” (Andrew). He spoke in Tok Pisin without using an interpreter, and we found that a number of people, especially women, did not understand him well. Next time he used a translator. 4- “The Character of God” (Larry) – there was a lot of audience reaction to the idea of “love your enemies.”

Andrea teaches on how to become God's friend.

Sat. 23 Sep
One lesson in the morning: 5- “Developing Friendship with God” (Andrea). After the beginning worship time, three prayer points were announced, and each was prayed for in loud, clear Borong with the audience agreeing with murmured prayers and “tsk, tsks.” During the review, one man brought up 5 others who stood up straight and tall, then had them twisted into different shapes (showing either deceptions or how sin messes up people’s lives) and then had the Bible straighten them out again. It was creative and entertaining too. No one attempted to review the poster on the Nature of God (very hard material) but there was a lively review on the Trinity poster – and that had seemed a very hard concept to explain, yet Larry’s repetitions of “the Son is not the Father” etc. stuck with the audience. The course organizers instituted a question box (Askim Box) for people to write out their questions for us. We began picking out questions that matched our lessons, or answering them at the start of the lessons before the review (or ignoring them if they were too sectarian or off-the-wall.) Some people asked us to answer questions privately, and that was ok too. But the Box was a definite positive addition to the course. Saturday afternoon was reserved for baths, volleyball games, and a soccer game.

Sun. 24 Sep.
There was no pastor at the Lutheran church (Dan Tumaka takes care of the building and preaches) so there was no problem having a lesson instead of a sermon. There were more formal prayers, an offering, and the curtains that screened off the altar were pulled back for this service. 6-“The Design and Purpose of People” (Fred) was very enthusiastically received, and people often applauded Fred’s points, especially that people are tremendously valuable in God’s eyes.

Mother uses SALT book to teach 10 Commandments.

Mon. 25 Sep.
7- “God’s Laws of Love” (Andrew). People were responsive and laughed at Andrew’s examples of following God’s design (Law) for people. He caught everyone when he asked “since the Ten Commandments are God’s good laws for people, can obeying them save you?” Nearly everyone answered “Yes.” He blew them away when he said, “NO! If you could be saved by following the 10 commandments, Jesus would not have had to die for your sins.” 8- “Satan and his Strategies” (Larry). Everyone was very interested in understanding Satan’s tricks, and the reviews the next day were lively.

Tues. 26 Sep.
9- “The Heart of Sin” (Fred) People responded audibly to his examples. 10- “The Destructiveness of Sin” (Anne). The morning session had less people than usual, and the afternoon even less. Depa, our cook, had told Anne at lunch that many people were “covering their ears,” going outside and even hiding, so they would not have to hear the lessons on sin. So Anne told people that if their neighbors were feeling bad about sin, and staying away, to tell them that tomorrow the lessons would be on salvation and that everyone should come. It worked. This was a short session because people needed to get to their gardens to get kumu and more food to bring in, as a larger number of people registered than was expected, which meant food was running out quicker than estimated.

Three generations of Borong women study God's word.

Wed. 27 Sep.
11 and 12- “The Grace of God in Salvation” and “What is Salvation?” (Larry) were combined into one lesson. The large church building, with bench seating for 200, was packed to the back and up the aisles today (maybe 300 people). The prayer time following the lesson was very fervent. 13- “The Marks of a Christian” (Andrea) She started by writing three of the questions that people had put in the question box, but which we felt had been already been answered by previous lessons, on the blackboard. She challenged people who thought they now knew the answers to stand up and answer them. Then she led a study on the book of I John. We often had an individual read the passage, although many people were slower at finding references, and weren’t there yet when the reading started. Sometimes we made everyone wait and all read the passage aloud together. During the lunch break a visiting Christian singsing group from Hamoronong entertained people.

Thur. 28 Sep.
14 and 16- “Overcoming the Enemy” and “Breaking Sinful Habits” (Fred) These two were shortened and taught for an hour each, since they had some common themes. Then 15- “The Necessity of Holiness” (Larry) showed the positive side of the same theme. Announcing that they would all be on outreach teams to teach these lessons scared some people, as they didn’t feel capable of teaching.

Participants camped out on the floor.

Fri. 29 Sep.
17- “Walking in Forgiveness” (Andrew). His moving and humble example of his own need to forgive another Christian drove the lesson home. During lunch a husband and wife who had been divorced for a year, but who were both attending the course, reconciled! They got onto the same outreach team and testified to their reconciliation the next day! 18- “The Christian Family” (Anne and Andrew). Anne asked people to read the passages on responsibilities of husbands and wives, and form groups of all women or all men to discuss what they read. Andrew emphasized the husbands’ need to love their wives very forcefully, with the translator enthusiastically translating his words and repeating his gestures. Then Anne talked about raising children. We broke up at 3 PM so the outreach groups could chose their posters and practice.

Sat. 30 Sep.
Outreach teams left at 6:30 AM, some hiking out 1 hour, some 2 and one 3. There were 10 teams of 13-14 adults each, plus teenagers and children. The leaders had the responsibilities of assigning which part each team member would do, and reporting on their experience at the graduation. Some shyer team members preferred to pray silently while others taught. Some villages were expecting the team and prepared a singsing and gate to enter the village, and a feast afterwards. Some didn’t. The last team returned to Ebebang at 7 PM. A leadership team stayed at Ebebang to plan food for the graduation feast and build an outdoor table and serving area.

Sun. 1 Oct.
A normal church service with the afternoon off to rest – except for finishing the outdoor table area and hearing speeches about people’s responsibilities for bringing food for the next day. There was a battery-operated megaphone that was very popular, and amazingly enough, it lasted until the speeches on graduation day were almost over!

Men dancing at Graduation Celebration.

Mon. 2 Oct.
Graduation day. The start, a welcome parade bringing the team and graduates through 3 gates and singsing groups, was scheduled to start at 8:30 AM. But since the pig for the feast didn’t arrive until then, and still had to be butchered, the program started more like 10:30 AM. We reached the church at 11:30, and recognitions, reports from the 10 teams about the outreach results, a very Biblical sermon from the Hube Circuit Vice-President, presentation of 131 certificates (we were 4 short), and thank-yous, lasted until 2:30 or so. An offering was taken and K35.90 given to the SALT course. We got a huge group photo, and then people went off to get their food ready. The rest of us listened to speeches outside, and then some singsing groups got ready to entertain during the meal. The team ate fast and left Ebebang at 4 PM for the 2 ½ hour walk down to Mindik.

We stayed overnight with Russu, the Mindik MAF agent whose guest room and house are near the airstrip. He speaks Borong fluently, and was the one representative of the Burum-Minkik people who attended the Borong SALT course.

Tues. 3 Oct.
The SIL and MAF 206’s arrived at the same time and we took off about 10:30 AM for home.

135 participants qualified for SALT certificates.

Results: 135 participants graduated from the Borong SALT course; however, on most days there were 300-350 people attending! In fact, there was so much enthusiasm for the course that the organizers announced that they would have a SALT II next year. (None of the team had suggested that!) Many attendees expressed their appreciation, said they “never heard these things before” or discussed ideas with their friends. It was obvious that the community enjoyed the presentations because a large number of people came who were not enrolled in the course. They enjoyed doing the outreach. One man, who had long been a self-proclaimed evangelist, but was universally scorned by the community for his mixed up ideas and for leaving his wife and children while he wandered around, testified that he finally understood God’s truth, would change his life and take care of his family, and freely forgave the people who had talked about him behind his back. It still remains to be seen whether barriers between the various area churches really do start to break down. It was also unclear whether the course had caused more people to buy and pay for New Testaments. When Larry Doyle returns to the area in November he will have a chance to assess the results.

SALT Instructors' Training Course

2006-09-15T21:46:00.000+10:00

We conducted our first SALT Instructors' Training course this week. It ended today (Friday); and we will fly a team of five to Mindik airstrip for the Borong SALT course on Monday.

15 new SALT Instructor's were certified in the course.

Rambai, Mick and Fred laugh during a skit.

Duckshin Kim dresses Anne in the "armor of God"

Participants study adult teaching techniques together.

Paricipants pray and worship together.

Each participant conducted a practicum / presentation.

And, each participant received feedback on their presentation.

Fred, Abra and Susan will now facilitate Inoke SALT courses.

Collin will help lead Waima SALT courses.

The SALT Project continues to grow in Papua New Guinea! In fact, the Borong SALT course will be led by two nationals (Andrew and Fred), who will be leading a team of three newbie ex-pats. Together they will equip Borong pastors and leaders to effectively use their vernacular New Testaments in their ministries.

Waima SALT

2006-08-25T08:33:00.000+10:00

The Waima SALT course was conducted in August. The translators, Namsoo and Duckshin Kim, are a wonderful Korean missionary couple who have dedicated the last 20 years of their lives to the Waima people. It was a privilege to partner with them to bring SALT and light to this area of PNG! Waima is situated in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea.

For more photos of Waima, visit David Ringer's The Translation Beat.

Waima SALT team: Namsoo and Duckshin Kim, Badi Vila, Mike Howes, Dave Wake, Carol Saferita and Mick Bandy

The Kims helped set up a Christian radio station in the village. It reaches more than 20,000 people in their own heart language. Here, Mick is being interviewed about the Waima SALT course.

Badi Vila urging the Waima people to read the Word of God in their own heart language.

Mick talking about how God’s Truth requires not only intellectual understanding, but also application in all areas of a Christian's life.

Carol talking about AIDS awareness.

Mike talking about the nature of God.

At graduation, Dave was asked to join the men in a celebration dance.

150 participants attended the course some days, and 98 qualified for certificates of completion at graduation.

Praise Report / Prayer Requests

2006-08-03T07:09:00.000+10:00

The SALT Project is an international Scripture Use project funded by Wycliffe USA and Wycliffe Australia. The purpose of the SALT (Scripture Application & Leadership Training) course is to partner with the local churches in order to train national pastors and leaders to effectively use the translated Scriptures in their ministries.

Since November 2004, we have conducted eleven SALT courses and have trained approximately 600 pastors and lay leaders in Papua New Guinea; and, these participants have, in turn, gone out on outreach and ministered to approximately 10,000 Papua New Guineans in their own heart-languages!

This coming Monday, August 7th, we will start our twelfth SALT course, working alongside Waima NT translators Namsoo and Duckshin Kim.

Please pray for the Waima SALT course:

- That God will prepare people's hearts to learn what He wants them to learn from this course.

- That the right people will be in attendance at the right time.

- That the information will be translated clearly into Waima, and that the participants will understand the truths presented, with the aid of the Holy Spirit.

- That the course will help attendees to develop a distinctly Christian worldview.

- That the course will result in better understanding and more extensive use of the Waima NT in daily life.

- That the teachers (Badi Vila (BTA), Carol Safirita, Mike Howes, David Wake and Mick Bandy) will be well-prepared and able to teach clearly and meaningfully.

- That the teachers and their families will enjoy good health for the duration of the course.

- That church leaders will be motivated to do all that needs to be done logistically ahead of time so that the course can run smoothly.

- Specifically that the enemy will not be successful in hindering any aspect of the course; the course content is powerful and helps people to gain a proper understanding of what it means to be a Christian - something that is vital for the growth and effectiveness of the Church.

Bo Ung Mara Gomu SALT

2006-06-25T23:37:00.000+10:00

SALT team leaves for village.

Have you ever felt something is successful, and judged whether God has been at work, by the number of people who attend? I fell into this sort of thinking over the last SALT trip. We had 7 people graduate from the Bo Ung Mara Gomu SALT course this weekend. This was far short of the numbers we had hoped for. One denomination had 40 of their pastors and leaders booked into the course and not one of them came! We are still not really sure why. Many others said they were coming and did not.

We know that God has a plan for those that did come - to use what they learned to bless others in their villages. One Lutheran pastor was so excited to see the impact of the Gospel when he taught in his own heart language. This is one of the aims of SALT - to equip the pastors to use their translated Scriptures. In fact, this pastor's personal reading skills improved greatly during the course because he had to look up and read out loud many Scriptures passages related to the many Christian worldview topics. The outreach times were definitely a highlight and the Lord worked in many hearts and minds.

Our team had a few challenges. When we were in the village we ran out of water! Also, several on our team got sick for a short time. Unfortunately, there were many deaths in the surrounding villages during this two week period, so there was much sadness for some families.

Compensation ritual in which one family-group pays for man's death with money trees and cassowary birds.

The bottom line is that we leave the end results to the Lord. I know God will use all our efforts for His good purposes. In fact, another SALT course is planned for the same people group, but in a different area, next month.

Please pray with us that the enthusiasm of those who came to the first course will be passed on to other pastors and leaders in the area and that many more will come and receive this excellent discipleship training.

Blessings to you all! -- Dave Wake

SIL-PNG 50th Anniversary

2006-04-23T15:05:00.000+10:00

Grand Chief, Sir Paulias Matane, Governor General of Papua New Guinea, during the 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebrations

As we gathered in the meeting house, anticipation crackled through the room. Conversation rose to a din, and organizers rushed to and fro on last-minute errands, wondering what had been forgotten. Excitement mounted as 9 o’clock approached, all of us wondering exactly what the day would have in store.

The program started with a celebration of God’s greatness and of the power of His Word. Hundreds of voices swelled in song: “Sing your praise to the Lord!” “He is exalted, the King is exalted on high!” “Let the amen sound from His people again!” “Wonderful words of life!” “Great is Your name in all the earth!” “Alleluia, alleluia, for the Lord God almighty reigns!” “O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever!”

Meanwhile, dozens of our Papua New Guinean colleagues gathered outside, many arrayed in spectacular traditional “bilas” (decorations) of feathers, leaves, flowers, bark cloth, teeth, fur, seeds, beads, paint, and shells. Each man, woman, and child held one of the 159 New Testaments that’s been completed in the last 50 years.

When their time came, they entered the meeting house and streamed across the stage as the names of their languages were called. On and on they came, in a procession that left many onlookers in tears. I don't think anyone could have seen those faces — and the growing piles of Bibles — without crying out in thanksgiving to God for all that He has done.

Then another procession came through, a procession representing all of our ongoing translation programs throughout the country — nearly 200!

After the processions was a time of reminiscence, introduced by a film dramatizing the arrival of the first Wycliffe personnel in 1956. Then we got to hear from some of those people in real life. Alex and Lois Vincent and Des and Jenny Oatridge are four of our pioneers. The two men arrived in 1956, and their wives-to-be arrived a short time later. As they talked about those very early days, we laughed together, and we all ached as they remembered tragedies of long ago. Through it all, for 50 years, God has always been faithful.

And what kind of celebration would be complete without a speech or two? Our guest of honor was Papua New Guinea's governor-general, Sir Paulias Matane.

Sir Paulias was clearly touched by the procession of New Testaments, and by the testimony of our early pioneers. “I was very moved by the faith that you people have,” he said. “Thank you very much for your faith in God.” “Only God,” he continued, “will fully repay what you have done, and your sacrifices for the people of Papua New Guinea.”

Yes, we celebrated our anniversary today. But we also looked toward the future. “You have a long way to go,” Sir Paulias quipped during his speech. We laughed at that, but we also understood the gravity of his challenge. Today, 350-400 communities in this country are still without God’s Word in their mother tongues. We have received more than 100 requests for assistance with translation and language programs, but we do not have the personnel or the resources to respond.

Only God can fill a need so big. So tomorrow, and the next day, and in all the years ahead, we will press forward in the ministry to which He has called us.

And you, friends, are a vital part of that ministry. Throughout the day, we remembered your prayers, your giving, and the countless other ways you support the work in Papua New Guinea. Without you, the work could not go forward. Thank you, thank you for your part in these 50 years.

“By the grace of God, we will carry on,” we sang in the morning worship time. By the grace of God, we will carry on. And won’t it be amazing to see what He’s going to do?

*Article by David Ringer.
*Photos by Craig Campbell.

Vasui SALT

2006-04-20T14:59:00.000+10:00

The Vasui New Testament was dedicated in August 2005; and we conducted the Vasui SALT course in March 2006. The following report is by Roman and Carolyn Hostetler, translators of the Vasui New Testament:

On the 2nd of March we met the six members of the Scripture Application Leadership Training (SALT) team at the airport as they arrived in Buka from Ukarumpa. We came to the village that afternoon and arrived here about 4pm. We showed everyone to their sleeping places. We ate supper and everyone was pretty tired from the long day.

Vasui SALT team: Pastor Fred, Carol Saferita, Dave Wake, Kate Semmelbeck, Mick Bandy and Andrew Tiki

Before the team came Mick Bandy, the team leader, had asked us how many books of the outline and class notes he should print. We just did not know how many to expect; and I am afraid our faith was not very big. Demien Kilaon suggested twenty but then we decided to tell Mick to print twenty-five copies. By the time Mick received our message he had gone ahead and told the printshop to print sixty-five copies. When he received our message he didn’t know for sure what to do with all the books. But since they were in Vasui he really couldn’t use them anywhere else so he decided to bring sixty of them.

Roman and Carolyn Hostetler in Vasui SALT class

Again we were made aware of the verse, “Before they call I will answer”. The course started on Monday morning the 6th of March. To our surprise forty-six people came on Monday and on Tuesday eleven more came making a total of fifty-seven participants. Later two dropped out and we had a total of fifty-five students. Now you see why I said, “Before they call I will answer”. The four different churches in the area were well represented at the course.

Dave Wake teaches on "Satan's Strategies"

The six SALT teachers, with the help of the Lord, did a great job in teaching the different subjects. The subjects covered were basic teachings of the Christian life, such as: The Nature and Character of God, What is Truth, The Father Heart of God, Satan and his strategies, The destructiveness of sin, Salvation, Marks of a Christian, Christian Family, Breaking sinful habits. In their teaching the SALT team used posters to try and help make the material come clear. These topics were well accepted as these were felt needs in their lives. The classes were held for nine days and went from 8:30 am to 3:30 or 4 pm and even then some were reluctant to leave because they had learned so much and they were still hungry.

Mick Bandy reviews "Salvation"

During the course the use of the Vasui New Testament was really emphasized. Roman and I had been praying that through this course people would have a hunger to read the Word of God in their own language. Some people have not read Vasui very much and they were feeling somewhat embarrassed and shy to read in public. In order to overcome that we read the Scripture references together as a group and they soon got over their shyness. We just heard that one of the men in the class who really could not read well has now started reading the Vasui NT in his home and teaching his family. PTL!

Participants prepare for outreach

The fifty-five students were divided into ten teams. The people who divided the students into teams decided that they would put members from the different churches on the same team. On the 10th day of the course the ten teams went on outreach to the different villages and taught the things they had been taught. Each team had a different subject and each team used the posters that went with that lesson as an aid in teaching in the village. The reports came back that the people in the villages are hungry for this teaching and asked the teams to come back again and teach some more. During the course and also during the outreach eighty-six more New Testaments were sold. There are around 2,400 Vasui speakers and during the outreach over 600 or 25% of the Vasui speakers were reached.

Praise: The people are hungry for the Word and are using the NT’s. Sunday morning in church we saw people carrying their Vasui NT’s to church and used them during the service.

Praise: This past Friday the ten teams went out again and the reports that we have heard are all really good and encouraging. One village said that one day of this teaching is not enough that they want it on Friday and Saturday. In some of the villages the teaching went on for four to five hours. Everyone is still really enthusiastic. PTL!

Pray: For these same teams as they go on outreach again. Pray for the people who will hear this teaching, that lives will be changed and they will buy NT’s and read it in their homes.

Vasui SALT course graduates

Thank you each one for your prayers, letters of encouragement and your gifts. May the Lord richly bless you!

Your partners for the Vasui people,

Roman and Carolyn Hostetler

Center For Christian Leadership

2006-04-16T22:35:00.001+10:00

The Center For Christian Leadership (a.k.a. SALT Manor) is located in Ukarumpa, in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea.

Formerly NIPA Hostel, the Center For Christian Leadership has been refurbished to provide a facility for Christian leadership training and to accommodate Scripture Use Assistants and teams working with The SALT Project.

Center For Christian Leadership

SALT Audio-Visual Training Room

Susan Williams orients YWAM team to Ukarumpa

SALT Manor Living Room; Double Bedroom

Kitchen at SALT Manor

Double Bedroom

Triple Bedrooms

SALT Orientation - Gail Edoni teaches "History of PNG"

Kate Semmelbeck

2006-04-12T15:26:00.000+10:00

Kate Semmelbeck left Ukarumpa today headed for her home in Flower Mound, Texas, where she attends Crossroads Bible Church. She plans to attend Moody Bible College and pursue a career in missions. God used this young lady mightily during the Vasui SALT course! She taught with authority and warmly ministered to the Vasui people. Thank you Kate for being obedient to the Lord. You have blessed us!

My name is Kate Semmelbeck, and I am 18 years old. For the past 5 years or so I have been considering becoming a Bible translator, so last spring I decided to graduate high school early (in December) and look for opportunities to serve and look more closely into translation work in the field. Through some contacts at home I got in touch with Mick Bandy, who agreed to allow me to join the Vasui SALT course in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea.

Being a part of The SALT Project has probably been THE most rewarding experience of my life. I have been part of numerous mission trips and countless hours of community service, but never before have I seen the message of Truth snatched up so hungrily. Never before have I witnessed people, upon hearing the Truth, immediately turn around to spread their new knowledge to all that they can reach in their community. Granted, I've only been on this earth 18 short years, but I know that this has been the privilege of a lifetime!

How cool is it that you also get be a part of this incredible ministry! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and giving that make it possible. I know that each time Mick returns from doing a course you hear of all the amazing ways God moved. Some day you will get to hear it from the mouths of the people themselves! I know that this is what I look forward to most; just hearing (with all language barriers and pride removed!) the ways that God used me to encourage His people and spread His truth.

Now, let me tell you about the Vasui SALT course. It is hard to summarize three and half packed weeks into one report, but here goes:

(I'll start with the basics.) Living arrangements in the village were pretty nice. We stayed in the translator's house (well, at least Carol and I did) and so we had running water (from a rain tank on top of the house) and electricity for a few hours in the day and beds and everything! Electricity was the best because that meant we got fans...it was so hot in Bougainville! At night it cooled down to 80 or 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so I could sleep, but the heat, coupled with the humidity, was a real challenge for me. We would also go down to the river most days for a "was-was" to cool off; we called it our "river dance."

The village food wasn't bad, and I think it was pretty much worm free! A pleasant surprise! Mostly, it was "greens" on top of rice, with "kaukau" (yams). "Greens" are tips of vines and other plants that the Vasui people clip off and boil. It was funny because when we would hike they would point to half the plants growing on the ground and say, "yu inap kaikai dispela" (you can eat this). That was interesting. But this was the menu at pretty much every single meal, except when the translators would cook for us. Honestly, I never realized how important food was to me until this trip!

Our SALT team consisted of six teachers, four men and two women, half nationals and half "white skins". It was a pretty diverse group; and I was the youngest by 10 years! The translators were expecting about 24 people to show up for the course, all church and community leaders. The first day we had 35 students, but ended up with 56 graduating! It was very exciting for us and encouraging to the translators.

My greatest fear was standing up in front of these 56 people and teaching; but that went extremely well! I do feel like God really spoke through me to give these people something they needed to hear. For example, the last lesson I taught was on "Walking in Forgiveness," which was a very important and meaningful topic for the Vasui people. The whole team kind of stepped up to field all the questions, but the class definitely had quite a debate over it. Also, in the students' final evaluation of the course, many said that this session was their favorite. Praise God!

Apparently, having two younger women (Carol and me) teaching was a huge blessing. About one quarter of the students were women, and Vasui women normally do not speak in front of men. However, during morning review the first day after we taught, women came to the front and shared what they had learned with confidence! Very cool to see these women gain that respect for themselves. The Paramount Chief (tribal leader) gave a speech at graduation in which he gave recognition to this fact; and he personally thanked Carol and me for being examples to the Vasui women. That was very cool!

On the last weekend of the Vasui SALT course the students went on "outreach", and they presented the material they had learned to outlying villages in their language group. The students were divided into 10 teams (of five to six persons each) and every individual on the team helped teach part of the assigned topic. The outreach team that I tagged along with did very well; and the people were very receptive to what they were sharing. In fact, many of the villagers asked the students to return and give more teachings. Again, praise God!

There are approximately 2,500 speakers of the Vasui language, and on these outreaches, the students witnessed to over 600 people. This represents almost 25% of the entire people group!

Overall, I think it's safe to say that the SALT course made the people thirsty for the truth of God! The students requested the SALT team to come back for a second course next year; and many others in the community are clamoring for this as well.

I cannot express enough how much of an impact these teachings made on the Vasui people; and I feel very privileged to have been able to serve the wonderful Vasui people through the ministry of SALT! Thanks to all of you who prayed for this course and made it possible!

Kate Semmelbeck and Carol Saferita

Tribute to William Edoni

2006-04-06T11:01:00.000+10:00

William Edoni passed away on February 28, 2006.

When I walked by William Edoni's empty office today, a smile came to my face as I reflected on a presentation he made to the SALT Orientation class last January.

I had asked William to talk about "God's Providence in PNG." William spoke eloquently; and he humbly gave a personal testimony of how God had moved in his life. William encouraged the SALT interns, saying that what they were doing through The SALT Project would have a lasting impact on his nation.

After William left the classroom that day, I could not help but comment to the interns, "You have heard Mr. Edoni's testimony that he is the grandson of a cannibal. What he did not tell you is that he currently serves as the Chairman of the Bible Translation Association of Papua New Guinea, the Public Relations Director of SIL-PNG, and a Board member on Wycliffe International's Board of Directors. Ladies and gentlemen, William Edoni is a living example of God's providence for the nation of Papua New Guinea!"

I miss William Edoni! He was a servant leader who spoke with great authority. He had a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. William was 64 years of age at the time of his death. He is survived by his wife Gail and their three children, Stanley, Timaima, and Dominic.

The following tribute was written by PBT Director, Jim Davis for the PBT Storyboard:

The Heart of a Giant’s Final Beat…

Yesterday I attended the funeral of a good friend and a great man. William Edoni was warm, humble, and personable, a man who loved a good joke, who smiled often, and loved the Lord with all of his heart. He was devoted to the Word of God, loving it and cherishing it as a treasure. William demonstrated leadership qualities rarely found in the average man. He worked tirelessly to develop the qualities of leadership, of love, and of Christ in countless Papua New Guinean men and women.

William was also committed to the task of seeing God’s Word in the hands and hearts of all the people groups in Papua New Guinea. One of his deep desires that drove him onward was to train the people of Papua New Guinea in the ways of truth and Scripture, and train them also to be able to do the work of Bible translation, of teaching literacy, of developing their communities. He recognized that missionaries could not and would not be able to do it on their own.

His death was sudden and shocking to us all. On Sunday afternoon, February 26, he collapsed in his home from a massive stroke, never regained consciousness, and died Tuesday evening, February 28.

William was born on Fergusson Island in the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea. His cousin said at his funeral that he and William were “law breakers” in that where their traditional customs and ways diverged from Scripture, they would break the laws of tradition, and follow the truths of the gospel.

William was indeed a man of his people, and man of integrity, and, even more than that, a man of God. He loved his people with all of his heart. He loved them enough to confront culture when it went against Scripture. He loved them enough to preach with boldness the good news of Jesus Christ. One missionary said at his funeral, “When I came to PNG 21 years ago, William came and spoke to us at the Pacific Orientation Course. When he finished speaking, I thought God had made a mistake in sending me here, because if PNG had men like William, there was definitely no need for me! But I soon realized that men like William were few and far between, and I wanted to emulate his work and life in my own.”

William wanted with all of his heart for the people of PNG to be involved in the work of Bible translation, in the work of developing literacy programs within the country, and for them to be doing this because the need for Christ to infuse the cultures of PNG was so great. William, although standing barely 5’6” tall, was a giant of a man in PNG. He will be deeply missed by many individuals and, indeed, the country as a whole.

William has served with the Summer Institute of Linguistics since 1983, served as board chairman of the Bible Translation Association of Papua New Guinea, and also served on the board of directors of Wycliffe International. He also was instrumental in setting up the partnership that now exists between SIL, PBT, BTA, and the Bible Society of PNG.

World Wide SU Consultation

2006-04-02T23:08:00.000+10:00

From March 27 – 31 Wycliffe Bible Translators hosted a World Wide Scripture Use Consultation (WWSUC) in Horsleys Green, England. The purpose of this conference was to share ideas and find the best strategies for promoting the use of Mother Tongue Scriptures around the world. Attendees to the conference represented 29 different organizations and came from 37 countries. Three people from Papua New Guinea (Danny DeLoach, Carol Jean Gallagher and Badi Vila) were present at the WWSUC and gave a presentation about SALT . Badi Vila, who attended the Filifita SALT course, shared powerful stories about how the course had deeply impacted the Filifita church and community. Badi, Danny and Carol Jean explained the purposes of SALT and demonstrated how it could be carried out in other locations. Please pray that the impact of SALT can be repeated throughout many more countries of the world as a result of this presentation at the recent World Wide Scripture Use Conference.

Inoke SALT

2006-03-02T21:52:00.000+10:00

Partnering with Youth With A Mission, the Inoke course was staffed by an outreach team from YWAM Perth (BELT)

Team leader:
Tim Bergman

Team members:
Nellianne Bergman, Anna Sykes, Michelle Volgamore, Andrew Fones, Nathan Nita.

Facts:
44 participants graduated from the course;

15 different Churches were represented;

The students of the course did a weekend outreach where they ministered to 700 people in 11 different Churches;

At least six students received Salvation during the course. Many others had deep repentance;

Over 30 Bibles were sold for the students in the course and we used them throughout the course.

Evaluation:
From the teams perspective this was a wonderful course! The participants responded to the word of God; their hearts appeared to be good soil; and we believe that good fruit will come from what was planted during this course.

Pastor Fighety is the head pastor of the Four Square Church in the area. He is a good leader who loves his people, one that will be able to follow up after the course. He also plans to lead evangelistic campaigns every month in a different village of Inoke. He has a heart to reach his people!

The Inoke people have requested a another course in February 2007. Please pray that the Lord will provide the resources to make this happen!

44 participants graduated from the course

Quotes and Testimonies:
Ps. Moses said that he has been a pastor for over 30 years and he has been trying to feed the people but they have not been growing. Now they are growing. In tears he said, “I just hope I am alive for the next course!"

Kay Igami – “God used to be small to me and now I know He is big” Kay also said that she enjoyed the "funeral service" (a symbolic ceremony in which we buried confessed sins which had been written on paper). She said “This is the first time that I have felt free and forgiven from my sins."

Ps. Micky – “I was not sure who my enemy was and now I know.”

Ps. Micky’ wife said that, "Micky and two other ladies shared so many things with me the first week that I knew I had to come for the rest of this course!" She said that she now knows she needs to forgive others when they do something wrong to her.

Ps. Seth – “I went to Bible School in 2003 and I thought I was okay. But when I was here(in the course) I nailed some things to the cross that I was holding onto. I was touched by the verse that we have to pick up our cross and follow Jesus."

Karen - After hearing the class on the Character of God she went home and asked for forgiveness.

Helin – “I learned that God is bigger than the enemy and I do not need to be afraid of evil spirits.”

Namiai SALT

2006-02-28T23:45:00.000+10:00

Partnering with Youth With A Mission, the Namiai course was staffed by an outreach team from YWAM Perth (BELT)

Course Location: Tahama village in the Namiai people group

Course Dates: February 6- 24, 2006

Team Leader: Ben Poulton

Team members and their responsibilities: Stephanie Munfrada – Food supplies and meal coordinator, Elizabeth Primus – Reporter and photographer, Rebecca Jellum– Course supplies and materials, Shaphan Williams– Worship and prayer leader.

Statistics:

There were 29 participants who received certificates for participation at graduation. There were between ten and fifty additional observers who attended some of the teaching/ workshop sessions apart from the graduates.

On the outreach weekend February 17-19, 2006, the 29 participants and YWAM team visited nine different villages and taught/ preached to 884 persons.

At the Graduation ceremony most of the villagers attended and about 120 were present for the dramas and testimonies that were presented.

Testimonies

“The YWAM team’s presence here was very important for most of the people whose spiritual understanding is very limited and don’t have resources to grow either.”

“The course helped us to know how to apply the Bible – how to equip souls to be willing to learn more.”

“These were not new Bible texts but the texts were explained to us and they actually mean something to us now”

“It is a waste of time reading the Bible if we don’t apply what we learn – and that’s what this course has done - give us understanding of what the Bible says and how to practically apply it to every area of our lives. “

Philip – Before the course I felt a hindrance (blockage) in my relationship with God in coming near to him. I used to play music alone as a way to relate but now I know I can talk to God and have a better relationship with him.

Claire – The course helped me to better understand the true meaning of Jesus’ death on the cross. I am now more confident to pray. I see how Jesus as God extended the cross to us in the toilet pit. Before preachers did not have a clear message and took a long time to prepare a message. The course showed us how to do it better and to prepare and present messages.

Malcus (Anglican church leader) - The biggest thing that came out of the course was that we need to be holy (no sin) and that we need relationship with God not just religion.

Joel – I did not receive much education in reading and writing. Before the course I did wrong things and thought I was not valuable because I was not educated, but now I know God sees me as valuable.

Claire – I learnt that sex should be done only in marriage and how going out from under the umbrella of marriage grieves the Holy Spirit.

Ruth – Before I felt sad and ashamed to share from the Bible in the home and in the village. Yesterday I went home and confidently shared the word of God to my parents.

Colin Aseto – I was the leader of the gambling ring in my village. The YWAM team came and preached God’s word. I was living in darkness and now I am living in the light. Through this I was able to share my testimony on outreach in church in Kaitama and to tell my friends what I was doing was wrong. I want to thank the team for coming.

Timothy Barbaru - I was a leader of a gambling ring and involved in sorcery. Newton Kufuae paid the fees for this course for me and this course has really helped me to recognize my sin and to change my life.

Newton Kufuae - I decided to pay the course fees for three key leaders in the community who were involved in gambling and sin. Colin had taken me to court and charged that I was involved with Annette in false healing practices. I felt that if I could change these three key community leaders, then I could change the community, so I went ahead and encouraged them to do the course, and it has had a significant effect!

Arapesh SALT

2005-10-06T20:16:00.000+10:00

Arapesh SALT team - May Kirkham, Mick Bandy, Lisa Detlefsen, Andrew Tiki, Bob Conrad - and friends.

Living in the village is sometimes like a perpetual camping trip. During the Filifita and Arapesh SALT courses, I slept in my tent for 27 nights! Oh, the simple pleasures in Ukarumpa -- running water, flushing toilets, stove, microwaves, etc. etc. etc. BUT, God totally blessed both SALT courses and answered so many prayers. My personal comforts and sometimes whining attitude were just weaknesses that God used for His glory.

We were working with the same Wycliffe Bible translator in both courses. Bob Conrad first came to PNG in 1962. Bob started having medical problems shortly after he arrived in country in the 60’s. He then went back to America for treatment ; and he returned to PNG several years later. The doctors in PNG told him he could only work in a village if there was road access out to a hospital.

Amazingly, Bob Conrad has completed translations of the New Testament in FOUR language groups here in PNG! The Filifita NT was dedicated in 1998; and the Arapesh NT was dedicated in 2004. Bob is an example of how God uses our weaknesses for His glory!!!

Bob and Joanne “went finish” in 2004 and moved to Dallas, Texas where he teaches at the SIL International school (GIAL). Bob is now 73 years old and this trip was his last one back to PNG. (Joanne was not able to come.) It was a tremendous honor to work with Bob Conrad on these two projects.

The famous American anthropologist, Margaret Mead, lived in Waginara village in the 1930’s and studied the Arapesh people and their culture. Of the Arapesh she wrote, “Both men and women are peaceful, gentle, cooperative, patient with children and nurturing.” The SALT team found that the Arapesh are, indeed, wonderful people!

After the Arapesh New Testament was dedicated in 2004, Wycliffe Bible Translator, Bob Conrad, then worked with the local community of churches to host a SALT course in September – October of 2005. Initially, there was a spirit of opposition between several church leaders in the area. However, God used the SALT course to bring a spirit of unity to the community and, as a result, five denominations came together to study God’s Word in their own language.

In fact, all of the leaders who had initially been in opposition attended the SALT course together; and, during the course, a spiritual revival took place in which leaders of the local Catholic church invited pastors from three different denominations (South Seas Evangelical Church, Assemblies of God and Christian Outreach Centre) to share the Gospel message during a three day mini-crusade in Waginara village.

Then, at the SALT course graduation, the Catholic Bishop drove from Wewak to speak at the ceremony. He gave the SALT course his blessing and urged the people to continue studying God’s Word in the vernacular.

Some of the people believed that this spirit of unity was, in and of itself, a miracle!

In his evaluation of the SALT course, the Arapesh Catholic Catechist, Andrew Sinara said, “Studying the New Testament in my own language has helped me to better understand the ways of God; to apply the Scriptures to my personal life, my family and my community; and to become a better leader.”

BTA translator, Aluis Simatab, teaches about “Satan’s Strategies” and “God’s Laws of Love.”

During the course, participants formed small-groups and were asked to discuss real-life community issues/problems and to seek Scriptural guidance by reading the Arapesh NT. Spokesmen from each small-group would then report their conclusions and those things that the Holy Spirit revealed to them through the written Word. In this way, the leaders were encouraged to effectively apply the vernacular Scriptures to their daily lives.

Titus reports, “The Arapesh must honor God by obeying His laws and living together in harmony.”

The overwhelming interest in SALT continues to amaze me! Again, we had planned for only 50 participants. However, 92 participants completed course requirements and became eligible for a certificate at the Arapesh SALT graduation. We are now printing additional workbooks and certificates to send back to graduates of both the Filifita and Arapesh SALT courses.

(1) Arapesh Warrior; (2) May Kirkham discussing unity!

We thank God for the spirit of unity that He brought to the Arapesh community.

Please pray that the Arapesh leaders will continue to urge their people to “honor God by obeying His laws and living together in harmony.”

National SALT Instructors

2005-10-04T20:12:00.000+10:00

Badi Vila teaches on salvation

The SALT Project develops leaders on two levels: (1) the SALT course participant level; and, (2) the SALT course instructor level. We are excited that God is now raising up national instructors to expand the ministry of Scripture Application & Leadership Training (SALT).

One of the main mobilization problems in Papua New Guinea is that, because travel is so expensive, it is generally impossible for nationals to raise the financial support needed to join the SALT team.

Wycliffe USA’s recent sponsorship of The SALT Project will allow us to now train and mobilize national SALT Instructors! In fact, we had two nationals, Andrew Tiki and Badi Vila, join the Filifita SALT team. Then, Andrew TIki also joined the Arapesh SALT team. Both Andrew and Badi are excellent teachers and are excited about serving as instructors in future SALT courses.
Badi Vila is the **BTA Scripture Use Coordinator here in PNG. After the Filifita SALT course, Badi said, “The SALT course is wonderful. It really encourages people to read the Bible in their own language and then to apply the Scripture’s to their daily lives. It promotes a relationship with God at the deepest level. SALT is my vision for BTA here in Papua New Guinea!”

Andrew Tiki explains posters

I have known Andrew Tiki for many years. Andrew originally trained with YWAM PNG and then, in 1995, attended YWAM Tyler’s School of the Bible in the United States. Andrew says, “Recently, I was living in my village, no longer involved in active ministry. I was feeling depressed because it seemed that God had closed all the doors; so, I decided to pray and fast for three days. I prayed to God for Him to use me for His glory. Several days later, I received your letter asking me to join the Filifita and Arapesh SALT teams as an instructor. This opportunity is an answer to my prayers!”

It is wonderful to see the villager’s reactions to the national instructors on our team. When the SALT course participants see one of their own countrymen teaching about leadership and Scripture application, it has a huge impact!

We now have four other nationals who are either scheduled to join a SALT team or have expressed an interest in becoming SALT Instructors.

Please pray that God will continue to bring those nationals who He would have us train as SALT Instructors in PNG.

**BTA (Bible Translation Association) is a national organization in Papua New Guinea committed to translating the Bible into the languages of the country. It is also involved in literacy -- teaching people to read and write in their own languages. The SALT Project is honored to work alongside BTA. For information about BTA, visit: www.pngbta.com/nav/about.htm

Filifita SALT

2005-10-03T20:58:00.000+10:00

Bob Conrad teaching on Holiness in Ilahita.

I almost canceled the Filifita SALT course because of various obstacles; however, Wycliffe Bible Translator, Bob Conrad, asked me to persevere. God was faithful and the course exceeded all of our expectations!

We had expected less than 50 participants; and, the first day of the course only about 30 people showed up. But, as word spread throughout the village and surrounding district about what we were teaching, the people started coming in droves. About 150 people attended the course most days; and 101 pastors and lay leaders met our requirements to receive a certificate at graduation!

At the end of the course we had fourteen outreach teams go into surrounding villages to teach the Gospel message in the vernacular. As a point of reference, the Filifita language group has about 6,000 speakers. The outreach groups ministered to approximately 1,500 people, or 25% of the entire language group. For most of these people, the SALT outreach was the first time they had ever heard the Gospel preached in their own language. As a result, many new converts made a decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Filifita woman weeps as she studies, for the first time, the Word of God in her own language

One evening we listened to Rosemary give her testimony. The Filifita New Testament was dedicated in 1998. Illiteracy is a big problem in the language group, so Bob and Joanne Conrad had encouraged Rosemary to become a literacy teacher to help her people learn to read the New Testament. Rosemary received literacy training (STEP) in Ukarumpa and had then returned to the village only to find that most people were not interested; and many would even go out of their way to avoid her or tell her she was wasting her time! Rosemary had prayed to God that the people would change their hearts. She prayed that God would give the Filifita people a desire to learn to read the New Testament in their own language.

At the end of her testimony, Rosemary fell to the ground. Crying tears of joy, she thanked Bob for bringing “salt and light” to the community. She said, the SALT course was an answer to her prayers because it was creating an overwhelming interest in the Filifita people to study God’s Word in their own language!

At the SALT graduation ceremony, the local pastors even honored Rosemary for her work in literacy among the Filifita people. This evidenced a real “heart-change.” After years of praying, SALT was God’s answer to Rosemary’s prayers. Tears came to my eyes as I said a small prayer of repentance, “God, forgive me for even thinking about canceling this course!”

The Filifita SALT course was basically a partnership with South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC) here in PNG, and we trained 101 of their pastors and lay leaders to: (1) effectively use the translated Scriptures in their ministries and (2) inspire a love, wonder and understanding of God’s Word in the vernacular. Bob Conrad observed that almost every significant SSEC leader in the district attended the Filifita SALT course.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Jesus said, “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Please pray that God will be glorified by the seeds planted at the Filifita SALT course!

Alamblak SALT

2005-09-01T21:48:00.000+10:00

Translators, Pat and Mel Edmiston, teach Alamblak children to read the Scriptures in their own language.

After almost twent years of work, Pat and Mel Edmiston completed the translation of the Alamblak New Testament and it was dedicated in June 2004. One year later the SALT team came to the small village of Munduku, located in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, to conduct a Scripture Application & Leadership Training (SALT) course. It was HOT and the average humidity was 90%!

Mick teaches about God's Laws of Love.

Thirty-two Alamblak church leaders were trained to effectively use their vernacular Scriptures to encourage a love and wonder of the Bible and to develop a Christian worldview in their villages.

Peter Brook tells a story.

Students review SALT posters.

Student teaches on outreach.

During two weekend outreaches, participants presented the Gospel to approximately one-third of the entire population of the Alamblak people! For many villagers, this was the first time ever to hear God’s Word presented in their own “heart language.”

One village leader said, “Now my people understand that God speaks their language; and many want to get into Jesus’ canoe and let Him be their guide down the river of life.”

Mick, Peter and Joyce congratulate graduates during the final ceremony.

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Participants show off their graduation certificates.

Please pray that all of the Alamblak people will apply the Scripures and make Jesus Christ the Lord of their lives!

History of S.A.L.T.

2005-08-31T22:56:00.002+10:00

The S.A.L.T. course curriculum was initially developed out of a systematic study of God’s Word as taught by Larry Allen, a servant of God and the Director of YWAM Tyler’s School of the Bible.

In 1998-2001, while serving with YWAM Tyler’s School of the Bible, Mick and June Bandy worked with Mark and Heidi Evans to further develop the YWAM BELT program. (YWAM BELT originated in 1995 as a Bible course in Itokama village, Oro Province, PNG, following the dedication of the Barai New Testament, which was translated by Peter and Bev Evans (Mark Evans’ parents) in Papua New Guinea. In December 2000, B.E.L.T. Ministries was formed as a Texas non-profit, tax-exempt corporation to facilitate Biblical Education & Leadership Training (B.E.L.T.) in remote locations that do not have access to theological training.

In 2001, June and Mick Bandy, and their three sons, Carter, Drew and Palmer, came to Papua New Guinea for six months as a B.E.L.T. Ministries “Scripture Use” team. The goal of this team was to partner with Wycliffe Bible translators and conduct B.E.L.T. courses in order to encourage national pastors and leaders to use the translated Scriptures. This pilot project proved to be a success and, in 2003, the Bandy Family returned to Papua New Guinea to work with SIL-PNG. At this time, B.E.L.T. Ministries began operating as Hope Alliance PNG (HAPNG), and later it changed it's corporate name to The SALT Project.

In June 2004, Mick Bandy (Project Resources Coordinator, SIL-PNG), Gweni Hurd Hetzel (Media Consultant, SIL-PNG), Victoria Gustavison (Scripture Use Coordinator, SIL-PNG) and Andy Minch (Associate Director of Language Affairs, SIL-PNG), began working together to facilitate PNG-SALT Courses.

In September 2004, PNG-SALT Courses was approved by the Directors and Executive Committee of SIL-PNG as a Branch project. In June 2005, PNG-SALT Courses was registered with SIL International. In August 2005, S.A.L.T. was adopted by Wycliffe USA as an official “Scripture Use” program that (1) equips national pastors and leaders in PNG to effectively use the translated Scriptures in their ministries and (2) inspires a love, wonder and understanding of God’s Word in the vernacular. In 2008, SALT courses were being requested in other parts of the Pacific and began operating as Pacific SALT.

Acknowledgments:

The S.A.L.T. course curriculum continues to be a “work in process” as we strive to make the material culturally relevant for the over 800 language groups in Papua New Guinea.

Special thanks to Gweni Hurd Hetzel for the artwork used to teach Biblical concepts in the S.A.L.T. courses.

S.A.L.T. also wishes to thank the following individuals who have contributed to the on-going development of the S.A.L.T. course curriculum:

Larry Allen, June and Mick Bandy, Raewyn and Peter Brook, Bob Conrad, Joyce and Neil Coulter, Lisa Detlefsen, Marj and Ray Dubert, Sally and Wayne Dye, Mel and Pat Edmiston, Heidi and Mark Evans, Bev and Peter Evans, Cindi and Jim Farr, John Wesley Gareitz, Victoria and Carle Gustavison, Lois and James Hafford, June and Rob Head, Carolyn and Roman Hostetler, May Kirkham, Charles Kowak, Georgetta and George MacDonald, Audrey and Andy Minch, Fran and Leland Paris, Doris Porter, Luke Sauvia, Aluis Simatab, Julie Savage, Shelley and Jim Savage, Andrew Tiki and Badi Vila.

Wuvulu SALT

2005-08-31T13:34:00.003+10:00

James Hafford and Wuvuluan read Scripture.

Wycliffe Bible Translator, James Hafford, completed the translation of the Wuvulu New Testament in just nine years; and, the Wuvulu SALT course was our biggest course yet.

Islanders waiting for Sir Michael to arrive.

Welcoming the Prime Minister to Wuvulu.

Charles Benjamin, the Manus Province Open Representative to Parliament, personally purchased 300 Bibles as a gift to the people of the Island. At the dedication ceremony Mr. Benjamin said:

“By translating the Bible into the Wuvulu language, you have brought God into this island community and into each person’s heart. The Gospel has now been contextualized to fit the people of Wuvulu.”

“The completion and the launching of the Bible in the Wuvulu language has made us whole and complete as pure Wuluvuans – working, fishing, playing and worshiping God in the same language. The Gospel has now, through the Bible in this language, grown roots that are everlasting and will not die.”

“The Bible is powerful – more powerful than a nuclear bomb and sharper than a two edge sword. It will explode and destroy our bad habits and shape our character to be like Jesus. It is a map that will show us the road to heaven.”

“On behalf of the government of Manus and its people, I thank SIL-PNG for this wonderful gift to our people on this island. We thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts and wish you God’s blessing as you continue your ministry of bringing God’s Word to millions of people the world over.”

The Prime Minister then helped our SIL-PNG Director, Brian Hodgkin, distribute Bibles to the Wuvulu people!

Prime Minister distributes Bible.

Our biggest SALT course yet!

SALT Participants

Reading the Wuvulu Bible

197 Graduates of the Wuvulu SALT course.

The Wuvulu New Testament dedication and SALT course broke all previous records and reflected the government of Papua New Guinea’s appreciation for SIL-PNG’s work in this country.

May God be glorified for His good work!