Here is the latest from Benjamin and Missy in Amdu “Have you ever been in that awkward situation where there is a language barrier between you and another person? You look at each other and feel helpless especially if you are the one with the pressing need. We have gotten used to this feeling somewhat, but on Saturday the 12th during our language evaluation we were feeling it again intensely. Our good friend and language consultant was the one who put us through our paces. The test was designed to clearly demonstrate the limits of our abilities in the language so far. It was an oral test because the Amdu language is, as yet, unwritten. Translating what we heard tested our comprehension. Mimicking tested our accent and making simple statements tested our understanding of grammar. It was a great experience for both of us and really affirming. We have worked hard and the hard work has paid off. The Lord is enabling us to become communicators in the Amdu language. What a thrill!! New Tribes Mission measures language proficiency in three levels. Basic, Progressing and Capable. Each level is broken down again into thirds representing Low, Mid and High. The missionary that reaches Capable High is considered ministry ready. Only at this point does the missionary begin the serious work of communicating the Gospel message to their audience. To understand it a bit differently think words at the basic level, sentences at the progressing level and conversations at the capable level. Depending on the language, and Amdu is considered a difficult language, it will take roughly 3-6 months to get through basic level. But almost double the time to get through progressing level. After our evaluations the consultants have pegged Missy somewhere between progressing low and mid. Benjamin has been pegged solidly at progressing low. So as we continue on in language learning we are beginning to move from words into sentences. Short, awkward, infantile sentences but sentences that communicate nonetheless. Thank you so much for praying for us specifically over the weekend. We deeply appreciate your interest in our lives and the ministry here in Amdu. Thank you for giving sacrificially so that we can continue on with the work of becoming capable, creative communicators with the goal of making disciples that make disciples!” |
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