From Seedlinks, the newsletter for The Seed Company, comes the story of Minsef, a man living in southeast Asia.
“For years, Minsef lived in a coastal southeast Asian town, doing menial work away from his hometown. He earned a living, but felt disappointed and unfulfilled. Although a national-language church offered good fellowship, Minsef couldn’t understand enough to apply the sermons to his own life and didn’t have any Scripture in his language to read.
Tired of filtering God’s Word through a second language, Minsef made an attempt to translate some verse into his own Eipo tounge. But he soon realized he didn’t have the proper training or understanding to produce a high-quality translation.
When the Eipo project began, Minsef proudly volunteered, along with two of his friends. He told the project facilitator, ‘This is what we’ve desired for many years. We’re ready to work if you’ll train us and show us the way!’
Minsef knows what it’s like to struggle to read God’s Word in another language. Now, as a Bible translator, he wants to be sure his friends and neighbors don’t face that as well.”
Minsef’s story reminds me of Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 1:27, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” God can and will use people without life-long training or a doctorate in linguistics to spread the message of the gospel: that all have sinned and need the atoning sacrifice of Jesus to find peace with God. He can use runners and walkers to raise awareness and funds. He can use anyone whose heart is willing to serve and be obedient to His call.
Categories: Inspiration · Translation
Every January, regular gym-members are suddenly standing in line for their turn on the treadmill as resolvers of all shapes and sizes flock to get in shape for the new year. By mid-February, they don’t have to fight for their turn anymore because most people have already given up.
Real change and achieving the next level of fitness happens over time and takes humility to continue working even after failure happens. You have to lower your expectations and just try. Part of what helps me accomplish something is holding myself accountable or making a change for more than myself. Becoming a runner or walker can be tough when you aren’t used to the effort needed. So don’t set yourself up to fail — put a few buffers around you to ensure you follow through.
Team OneVerse is a great way to help you follow through on your resolution to get in shape or move yourself further along. You’ll accomplish:
1. Fitness
2. Accountability — by telling people you’re part of the team, you bring them into your journey
3. Community — you can join Team OneVerse with friends, a community group or Sunday school class and everyone can work together
4. Eternal Value — Team OneVerse reminds me that I can connect something I love with a need in the world for people to learn about Jesus
Team OneVerse is always welcoming people to the group, but especially this time of the year. Pray about how you can build fitness, community, and the kingdom by joining.
Categories: Running · Translation