It’s such a blessing to get to write about the different Bible dedications that are taking place around the world. Below is an article I wrote for our news website about the Palawano Bible dedication. You can find the original article HERE.
Have you ever stopped and wondered what it would be like to not have God’s Word written in your own language? Until this summer, that was the case with the Palawano people.
There’s a story among the Palawano people of an old man named Erot — whose name meant “Guide.” One evening, back before World War II came to the Philippines, Erot sat down with his children and some of the other young people of the village.
“I have something important to tell you,” he told them. “One day an American will come to you bringing a book with him. When he comes, you should believe what he teaches, because the book that he will teach from tells of the true God, and how to have eternal life.”
Nearly 40 years passed. The old man’s prophecy lingered in the minds of the clan, still unfulfilled, until missionaries Bill and Donna Davis moved in among them. They began teaching from a book they claimed was God’s Word.
Could this be the one my father Erot spoke of? Inting wondered. She had to know. And there was only one way to know for sure. She asked her husband time and time again to go listen to what the American with the book had to say.
Though reluctant, Putek finally went. He listened and the eyes of his understanding were opened. Realization dawned on Putek: This is what Erot told us to wait for! This is the true story of the true God.
He listened and believed. Then he couldn’t wait to get home to tell his wife. What joy when she listened and also believed.
More years passed. The Palawano church grew, but without God’s Word written in their own language, they were still like newborn babes, dependent on their spiritual parents for truth.
Then in June of this year, all that changed. After years of dedicated labor, Bill and Donna Davis had finished translating the Palawano New Testament. It was proofed, printed and ready to place into the hands of the believers. What a joyous celebration took place as the Palawano believers received God’s Word in their own language for the first time.
“This book is a treasure to us worth more than gold or money,” said Abil, one of the church leaders, as he held the Palawano New Testament in his hand. “We are so thankful to our white uncle that God sent to us to bring us God’s Word in our own language so that now we can read it and understand it for ourselves,” he continued as he wiped tears from his eyes. “Now that we have God’s Word we are responsible to be faithful to study it and obey it.”
Pray for the Palawano church that they do just that: be faithful to study and obey God’s Word.
Sharon Kirk Clifton says
This account blesses me beyond measure. God be praises! Thank you.
Because of Christ,
Sharon
Rosie Cochran says
Agreed! I love it when I get to hear these behind-the-scene stories — and then even get to write about them. God works in mysterious ways. 🙂