October is almost upon us and here in Indonesia that means Ramadan, the yearly month of fasting. During this month our Islamic neighbors fast every day from sun up to sun down. The month concludes with a big Idul Fitri celebration, where gifts are exchanged and feasts prepared and served.
As for us we are pushing ahead with our work, translating the Bible into the Buru language. Our co-workers Herman and Waris recently returned from a trip into Buru and were able to do a lot of checking on the scripture verses that we are working on. They were also able to bring 2 Buru men back to help with our first official translation check.
YES! We will have our first official translation check starting October 8th until probably the 11th. During the check a translation consultant will go over the translation with Greg and Herman and the 2 Buru men, He will ask the men comprehension questions and look for areas where the meaning isn’t clear, or where a different word or phrase would be better used, he also looks out for omissions or additions.
After this check we will be able to publish the portions of scripture that are already translated and begin using them in lessons! This is a very exciting time for the Buru team and especially the people of Buru! Please pray for us and our team during these checks, that it will go smoothly.
On the home front things are going well. We are all over a nasty virus and Gracie is over a mystery rash that covered her arms and legs. Greg still battles with sinus infections and headaches every time he gets a cold. We went to a doctor who took x-rays and said he had a deviated septum that blocks his sinuses from draining properly and that he needs surgery. We are hoping to get that taken care of while we are home.
The kids and I are pressing ahead with school and really enjoying our curriculum choices this year. It is a joy to watch the kids grow and develop, both academically and spiritually. Grace, at 4, is starting to sit in with us a lot, especially for our history and science lessons. Katie is talking up a storm, lately she has been fascinated by names; she goes around saying, “I’m Katie, are you mommy?” Every time she sees her Aunt Nancy she says, “Are you Aunt Nancy?” It is pretty funny.
Well, we are starting to make plans for our 6-month home assignment that is sneaking up on us. We found tickets at a good price, on a good airline. We don’t have to make a lot of unnecessary connections which is always a plus with 4 little kids!
We already have a van, but are still looking for a place to live. We are really praying for a furnished 3 or 4 bedroom house in the Bozeman area.
So far our plans are to arrive in Sacramento mid-December. We will stay there until after Christmas, and then head up to Bozeman. From Bozeman we hope to make short trips to Seattle, Spokane, Wyoming, and other areas in Montana. We are also praying about a flying trip to Florida.
As you can see we have a lot to accomplish in 6 short months, pray with us for Gods timing, guidance, and provision. We are so excited to see all of our dear friends and family again!
Thank you so much for the role you play in our lives. Thanks for your prayers, support, and encouragement. We LOVE to hear from you, let us know what is happening in your lives and how we can pray for you.
In His loving care;
Greg and Pam Berglund
Missionaries to the Buru People of Indonesia
New Tribes Mission
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