Zemirah Loc: Sojourner En Route...

- on the way to fulfilling the Great Commission -

The Book of Joy | Wycliffe Bible Translators
https://www.wycliffe.org/joy

Step into the Keliko community and see how the Bible in their language — the Book of Joy — is transforming every aspect of their lives. Discover how it's possible to live fulfilled, beyond the limits of happiness, in every trial or circumstance.

They lost everything — possessions, homes and even their country. But hardships and trials are no match for the Keliko of South Sudan. They’ve found the secret of joy in difficult times: hope and faith built upon God’s Word.

"That day was a marvelous day which will never be forgotten."

We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, "What amazing things the Lord has done for them." Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy!
— Psalm 126:2-3 (NLT)

Chapter 5: Joy in Victory
Introduction: A Prelude to Joy
Chapter 1: Joy in Trials and Struggles
Chapter 2: Joy in Identity
Chapter 3: Joy in Purpose
Chapter 4: Joy in Generosity

"I feel happy. Happy now that God has made something wonderful: The word of God is in our language."
— Enos Dada, Keliko translator

In the days leading up to the dedication of their New Testament, the Keliko people joyfully sing the words of Psalm 66:5 with a sense of victory: “Come and see what the Lord has done.” The church and translation team have overcome many obstacles to complete their translation project — trials, loss, displacement.

“Those in opposition [to the Keliko project] said, ‘Isaac, will you succeed in this translation?’” reflected translator Isaac Kenyi. “I said, ‘By [the] grace of God the Bible will come out.’ And they have seen it!”

But the Keliko don’t credit this victory to themselves; they simply share in what God has done through them.

A special church service was held at the Imvepi refugee settlement a few days before the dedication. The community that gathered praised God for what he has done for them over the years. Bishop Seme Nigo Abiuda preached, with nods and exclamations of assent from the people, that God himself is the victor and they share in his victory:

“Why do we praise the Lord? We praise the Lord because the Scripture in our language is here! We praise the Lord because if he were not [with us] our [language] would not be in Scripture.

“The Lord has done so many things in our lives. Because he has done so many things in our lives, what are you going to do? Praise him more and more! Pray and call upon his name. It is only God who can do great things.

“[King] David says we should get to know God. Tell testimonies to other people. … What do we [say to] the Lord? Thank you! The Lord has done marvelous, miraculous things. Things you are unable to do.

“Did the Keliko do things? I think the Lord has done these things through the people. That’s why we need to praise the Lord.”

The Keliko translation team was responsible for the bulk of the work. But they acknowledge that the Lord brought them many great supporters and co-laborers. Those supporters also share in this victory with the Keliko. So do all the people who came alongside the Keliko to pray and to partner financially.

But the Keliko church leaders know that victory is much more than what’s already been accomplished. It’s about the joy that comes from being transformed by the eternal power of Scripture.

"They have now received the gospel of peace." (Colossians 1:19)



SOME REASONS WHY THE SACRED WORD IS EMPHATICALLY CALLED THE GOSPEL OF PEACE. Peace is a blessing of the highest value. In our text it is used in its most comprehensive acceptation, as denoting — 1. Peace with God, or reconciliation (Colossians 1:19-21). The terms of this reconciliation are set forth in Romans 5:1-3. 2.

“I am therefore urging all the people to read, reflect and enrich their spiritual life using the translated materials such as the Bible, the ‘JESUS’ film, recorded Bible and [Scripture] songs to attain ... eternal life,” Bishop Seme declared in the dedication program.

They’re also looking to the future, believing that the Word will have transformative power through the generations.

“The Bible has been launched at a time when we are facing many challenges. It is my belief that the love of God provided through friends and partners will impact the next generation,” said Dimba David, dedication organizing committee chairman.

With the light of the Word shining in their hearts, the Keliko testify of God’s power in their lives. At the dedication, the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Internal Province, Episcopal Church of South Sudan, His Grace Dr. Paul Yugusuk was so moved by the transformation happening because of the Keliko New Testament that he expressed a desire to have the Scriptures translated into his own language.

“It is this infallible Word of God we use to bring our people back to Sudan. It is this Word of God we use to bring our people to salvation,” said the Archbishop.

The victory has only just begun.

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. ... We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. (2 Corinthians 4:7-8a, 4:9b-10)


Wycliffe Bible Translators

Armageddun Loc: The show me state

Amen, the joy of the Lord is akin to the law of diminishing returns. The more joy he gives the more you want. So happy for these people to have what we in America take for granted. May the Lord continue to bless and keep them until the coming of His dear Son, Our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.