Becky Preheim is one of our coworkers and recently achieved a huge translation goal.
For years, translators working to translate Scripture into the Mengen language had struggled to come up with a word that communicates the meaning of “slave” or “slavery.” There seemed to be nothing in Mengen culture or language to even remotely communicate this idea.
The translators had settled for a word that meant “a man who works for nothing.” They were not happy with this phrase and continued to keep their ears open for words that would more clearly convey the burden and bondage of slavery.
Several weeks ago, Becky was talking with her translation helper, Kariang, and decided to revisit the slavery concept. Kariang offered a phrase that excited Becky. This phrase communicates the idea of being tied up and confined. Commonly this phrase refers to something that happens to only to pigs.
Even though using this phrase in reference to a person is not natural in the Mengen language, Becky decided to try it out. She found, as she tried it out in conversation with the Mengen people, it effectively communicated the idea of someone who is tied up and in some sort of jail.
Several days later, Edward, one of the Bible teachers, latched onto the phrase to share that a person is “tied up” to a master who is either Satan or Christ. Becky shares, “He talked about how we are completely helpless and can do nothing to save ourselves, like a pig tied up and totally under the control of the person who is carrying him.”
Becky listened to Edward teach with tears in her eyes. She feels great joy in seeing God’s Word come alive to the Mengen people as depths of truth become clear to them. Becky praises God for this great breakthrough in translation.
Praise God for His Hand and help on translation work in the Mengen language. Pray that His Spirit will continue to open Mengen hearts to the truth and power of His Word