The PNG Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA) today celebrated its 44th year in translation work in the country.
PNGBTA Executive Director Mr. Nelson Tapineng, spoke passionately about the work of translating bibles to serve the people who do not understand the English language.
“PNG Bible Translation does this work because we believe that true transformation comes from the word of God.”
“As the scriptures say, ‘Man cannot live on bread alone but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord’.”
“Bread can satisfy physical hunger but it cannot satisfy the needs of the inner man.”
Meanwhile, Chairman of the PNGBTA Board, Ganjiki Wayne, expressed his gratitude towards God for bringing PNGBTA this far in translation work. He also stated critical facts regarding the state of language survival in PNG.
“PNG likes to boast about having the most languages in the world but the truth is languages are dying.”
“Our country has 12% of the world’s languages; there’s still a lot of work to do.”
“Part of our work is to forge relationships with other churches to help with bible translation work.”
“Bible translation should not just be PNGBTA’s work but also the work of local churches.”
The Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association is an indigenous Christian organization dedicated to training mother-tongue speakers for Bible translation. Their vision is to see the people of Papua New Guinea transformed by the translated word of God.
Apart from translation work, PNGBTA also produces Christian films, audio bibles, literacy curriculum, materials, dictionaries & hymn books in local languages as well as training individuals to be teachers of the Bible, linguists, administrators and community leaders.