Tyler and Emily in PNG

I got to confess many of my weekly posts have not been worked related but more of the ‘Life of Tyler in PNG.’ This past week I had two experiences where my role in IT (information technology) played a small part of the bigger picture of bible translation.

One of the national translators among the Aruamu language group came to town last year to get help with his email and to pick up some computer equipment. He has an Asus netbook which he uses in the village to aid in his translation. Recently he got a satellite modem via The Seed Company allowing him to connect to the internet and send/receive email along with important translation files. The United Bible Societies and partners have built a scripture translation program called, Paratext. This program has radically changed the development and process of bible translation. Through Paratext you can have a central database of all translation projects and files on the internet. There are multiple servers in Chicago which store these very important files. Now this national translator can safely send and receive updates anywhere in the world, thanks to this BGAN satellite modem.

With the capability of the internet, this translator also can email and chat with other missionaries and technicians around the world. This can save much time and money, allowing him to stay in the village and not travel the 5-6 hrs by bus to town. I helped him configure his email, provided a 50 foot ethernet cable, and a DVD/CD drive for his netbook. Praise God for wonderful partners in bible translation that through technological advancements God’s word will be made available more rapidly. Yes, the kingdom of God is advancing through the use of information technology.

Also last week, I was charged with the task to setup four laptops in order that four men from the Aruamu language group can come to town and type God’s word into Paratext. I had to setup user accounts, registration information, apply computer updates and configure Paratext for use by the language speakers.

This particular language group has the complete New Testament printed and now they are working on completing the Old Testament. Prayerfully through God’s grace, this language group will soon have the whole Bible in their language. This week they are working on typing scripture from Jeremiah, Joshua, 1 Samuel, and Nehemiah. Please pray for these men and God will empower them this week to input many verses and scripture.