Proofreading New Testaments

Last week I took home seven books for Julie.

Not just any books. Seven books from the New Testament translation for the Dom people of Papua New Guinea, so she could proofread them. And yesterday, I took her two more. She’s already worked through the Gospels. Here’s a story I wrote for the NTM weekly email series that helps put that into perspective …

From PC to Print

How does a Bible get from an electronic file on a translator’s computer into print? That’s where the unseen players of Bible translation play an important role.

In Florida we Format

Many NTM translators have their printing coordinated through NTM’s Florida office. Right now, eight New Testaments — five new translations and three revisions — are in various stages of completion.

The process starts with a rich text file that NTM missionary Doug Lotz imports into a program designed to create files that print shops can work with. Many people might find it tedious work, but Doug, who is a master of understatement, said it’s a good fit for his skills and “I kind of like doing it.”

We tend to agree — he’s been doing it for more than 30 years!

Let the Proofreading Begin

Going from one format to another can be problematic. NTM retirees Jack Abbott and Edna Trigg and missionary Julie Fallis proofread to make sure all the books are there, each book has the right number of chapters, and each chapter has the right number of verses.

They also check punctuation, formatting, footnotes and more. All three of them are glad to be able to contribute by doing this detailed, painstaking work. After a minimum of two rounds of proofreading, and sometimes four, it’s time for printing.

Printing – Making a Good Impression

It can be a challenge to find a printer who does quality work, will complete the job, and do it for a reasonable price. This is where the expertise of Jon Frazier comes in.

Jon, an NTM missionary, brings years of experience in printing. He works with a broker to find quality shops to print the Bibles — and he does a fantastic job at it. He also oversees inspection of the finished New Testaments and helps arrange shipping.

As you can see, Jon, Doug, Jack, Edna and Julie all have one thing in common. They use their skills to impact the kingdom. Your skills, the things you enjoy doing and your experience might just make you a great fit for an important role on NTM’s church planting and Bible translation team.

Thanks for making it possible for Julie to help provide Bibles for thousands upon thousands of tribal believers around the world, and for me to help people like you get involved in taking God’s Word to those who have yet to hear!