As we were about to leave Detroit the moment came in the airplane when it was time to turn off your cell phones. I knew when I did, my phone was going to be off for the next 8 days. I must admit it was really hard to hit the “off” button. I think I may have even twitched a little when I did it.
This got me thinking about translation teams and how the work of Bible translation was done in the past without modern day connectivity. The work part is not what I thought about the most though-- it’s the connection to family and friends. What was it like for Uncle Cam, Wycliffe’s founder, to be so disconnected from his family and friends? How hard was that loneliness for those who were in remote areas without anyone that spoke their heart language?
It is very hard for me to imagine.
For me this is probably the longest I’ve been away from my daughters - they are 10 and 12. They went to Alaska for 3 weeks this summer, so they were away from me for longer, but I talked with them every night. While I am gone for just 9 days and have email connection to them, I don’t feel it is the same as hearing their voices and listening to the little things they have done throughout the day. What was it like for translators and support teams in the field to go for months without word from their families? How precious the mail they received must have been. The strength and character of those who have been and continue to be so brave in this commitment to deliver God’s word in the heart language of people groups around the world is amazing to me. How did they stay committed and faithful? Did they reread the letters from home on the tough days to give them strength?
Tonight, I saw the dedicated translation team for the Kagayanen people group, the MacGregors since 1974, and watched as those who have supported them with prayers, finances and so much more joined them on stage. The group was over 35 people when they all got up there. As we prayed for them, for the days ahead with the Dedication ceremonies and all the guests, I realized that yes the commitment is hard but so worth it for the people’s lives it changes. It is exciting for me to be able to witness these activities and get a better understanding of the power of Bible translation, even if means being away from my family.
-Kristie
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I loved your "turning off the phone". I can relate on so many levels. It has been hard for our family to have such good friends move so far away. Yet we are able to keep up with everything they do thru cell phones or email. It means so much to see where and what they are doing thru pictures and to hear the reflection in their voices when we talk.
We have become so dependent on this technology in this day and age. It is great that you are able to be where you are and bring some of this connection with you.
I am sure those letters from loved ones were price-less back in the day. It helps you to understand why people would save those letters and re-read them from time to time. If that is your connection with your loved ones they become treasures.
Letters have been a very important means of communication for so many years. From biblical times... now to email and the Web. You are in our thoughts and prayers. The Prices
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