Wow! Thanks so much for all of your prayers during our recent literacy “survey” trip to Nanga Nyabau. I’m very sorry to say that I forgot to take any pictures of this trip. Which is really sad actually. There were many opportunities but I was a little busy to think about taking pictures! Our trip with the Embaloh tribal church people was very successful though it many other ways! We met with the church leadership twice and the whole church twice and did 43 literacy evaluations during the 3 days and nights that we spent there. One reading checking team started at one end of the long house and the other team at the other end and we met in the middle. Then we continued doing reading checks in the houses of people who no longer live in the longhouse.
We believe we got a very accurate view of what level of literacy the village is at as a whole. Unfortunately it was pretty low. We also hope that we began to wet their appetites to read materials in their heart language. We brought some reading materials with us. And lastly, the church is definitely interested in developing reading materials, Sunday school materials, wanting more song books printed, etc. All of these things will raise the literacy level significantly.
The Embaloh tribe is very rich in translated materials! For example, they have songs that they’ve written as well as around 60 songs that have been translated into their language. I rebuilt their songbook, but only printed 10 copies to take in thinking that would be enough to see if it was done to their satisfaction. They immediately began singing their old favorites that have been out of print for so long and ordered another 100 copies of the book printed. So I guess it was okay. The coloring pictures that we took in with memory verses in their language was also a big hit and they asked for a whole set of them.
So you’ve probably put two and two together if you’ve read this far. The main reason their literacy level is so low is because their materials have been out of print for so long. Recently we’ve received some special gifts to help with printing materials in tribes where there are no longer missionaries working. These are mature churches but in order to continue growing, they still need to have access to printed materials in their heart language.
Thanks again for praying for this trip and as I continue to work on this project.
Next week I’m headed to Java for family time!! My niece Hannah is graduating from high school!! Praise the Lord for being able to spend time with both of my brothers. While I’m gone the audio Bible recording team will once again get underway as they get into the recording of the Old Testament books and portions of the Semandang Bible. Please be in prayer for them that that project will take off smoothly…
Your prayers are so vital…I appreciate your prayers for our safety here as well.
Darcy
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