pre-Check IT Out
God was gracious on our trip and we arrived safely and checked into our hotel that has wireless internet. So I’m writing a quick post to let everyone who knows about this trip to be updated on our thoughts.
We registered for two conferences back in May-June of this year. One was called, “Total It Up” which TOTAL stands for “Taste of Translation and Linguistics.” This conferenced is called, “Check IT Out” and the IT means “Information Technology.” If you would like more information on this conference check out this link.
I am within four classes of finishing my degree in Information Systems. Jessica’s background and degree is in Languages. As you can see, both conferences are exactly what we need as we continue to explore Wycliffe. I pray that God reveals Himself to us today in the words of those doing the presenting.
After Bible reading this morning I read an article by Dennis Cochrane called, “Bible Translation & Church Planting” and wanted to share this with you.
Some have thought that church planting ought to precede Bible translation work. But Scripture is not a sword of the Spirit, it is the sword of the Spirit. He has no other. Since it is the Spirit of God who convicts unsaved people of sin and righteousness and judgment (John 16:8) should we not give Him His Sword, the primary instrument by which He does His convicting work? Therefore Bible translation should be seen as a powerful instrument for early evangelism as well as for later church development.
There has been some internal decision-conflicts within me about whether we should continue to explore Bible translation work or think about planting indigenous churches in unreached people group areas. This paper by Mr. Cochrane has been beneficial. I particularly like this statement:
History shows that if a church grows accustomed to getting along without the written Word, it can be difficult to change those established patterns. Thus believers might never become a true “people of the Book” and might remain spiritually anemic, always an easy prey to false teaching.
Easy prey to false teaching? Ok. So now I’m thinking that it is perhaps both. That through the Word of God, we can be apart of the eventual church planting. Please be in prayer for us as we continue to seek His will and that we will continually seek to slow down and worship Him.
