It's our turn

It’s our turn now 24 May, 2013 – Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea – Written by David Tute with Tim Scott ‘Know the Truth and the Truth will set you free’. So began the first day of the meeting of the Bible Bilum Partnership held at Cassowary Road United Church, Lae, from May 7th through the 9th.

The Bible Bilum Partnership was born out of discussions in February 2013. The bilum, the woven bag used by people throughout Papua New Guinea, is used to represent the nature of partnership. Just as bilums are found in a multitude of colourful threads and beautiful designs, the partnership reflects the diversity of the body of Christ, bringing glory to our Creator by bringing together the unique skills and gifting of each organisation. Working together, the Bible Bilum Partnership has a vision to see ‘a Bible in every bilum’ across the nation.

Now, leaders and representatives from 18 organisations were meeting to discuss how the people of Papua New Guinea can be transformed by the truth of God’s Word. Church leaders representing local denominations meeting with translation organisations and missions, all determined to see their churches taking on more responsibility for the translation of Scripture into tokples – the language spoken by the people of the churches, the language that speaks to those same people’s hearts.

Bishop Giegere Wenge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church said, “for too long we [the churches] have expected Bible translation organisations to do the translation … We relied on them. That has to change! It is our problem! When we do this, it will change this nation. When we work together, society will change – will be transformed. The owner of the Talk has the way to make it happen!”

This commitment to partnership was later sealed in a great celebration and feast on the evening of May 7th when 13 leaders signed the ‘Bilum Covenant’ on behalf of their churches or organisations. In signing, they were promising to pray for the work of Bible translation, to work together to see the Word of God available in the languages of the people of PNG, to share resources and expertise and to equip those called to the huge task of translation amongst the 300 or so languages of PNG still needing a translation programmes.

For more information on this release, contact ThePNGexperience, PO BOX 413, Ukarumpa, EHP 444, Papua New Guinea Phone: 011 + 675 + 537-3544 ext. 4431 or Email: thePNGexperience@gmail.com “Tok Save” is the PNG “Tok Pisin” term for announcement or “For your information”. The English spelling conforms to Commonwealth English spelling.