How do you evaluate someone’s ability in a language that you yourself don’t understand? That is one of the questions I had when I was beginning to be trained to help out other missionaries by evaluating their progress in language and culture study. Recently, I spent about a week traveling with two other men, Rory Fuller and Aaron Weatherl, to two other tribes here in Papua New Guinea getting answers to those questions. I was able to observe and participate in evaluating 8 other missionaries who are doing a great job building relationships, getting involved with the people’s lives and now communicating to them in their language. It is exciting being able to be involved and help speed the process of the gospel being shared in two other languages and a church being established in those tribes.
Rory and Aaron also came to the Patpatar tribe to give my wife an evaluation. Here is what Aaron had to say:
“Lori has made incredible progress with her CLA despite some very high obstacles. She has been able to work with homeschooling Avalon, being a mother, a wife and main cook. A very tall order. Her ability has increased over the last 6 months. It was evident when we were out in the village that she was able to easily communicate with people on very personal levels. Even when we had Lori talk to a man she normally never talks to she was able to do so well. She had no problems hearing what he said and also being able to make herself come across clearly. She never switched to pidgin (the trade language) and was able to maintain her composure even in some different circumstances.”
She did do very well and I am amazed at the progress she has made with all of her other responsibilities. Lori was given the evaluation mark of “Capable Mid,” which essentially means that on a 9 level scale to officially complete language and culture study she is on level 8. She is always able to communicate with at least paragraphs to the people. Because of her progress she is now going to be turning her focus more fully on developing the literacy program for the Patpatar and translating small books for the people to be able to read. As well, she is planning on taking another evaluation in 6 months to see if she is at the “Capable High” level to have the language skills necessary for formal teaching and Bible translation in case God chooses to use her in those areas.
Thank you all for your prayers for my travels and for Lori’s evaluation. It is good to be back home in the tribe with my family. I am so privileged to be married to such a “capable woman” and have 3 little girls that are following in her steps.
For His Glory,
Aaron