Solomon Islands

Would you like to be involved in giving God’s Word to the 25+ languages that are still waiting to have God’s Word in their own language?  

 
Do you want to work with local Bible translators to train and mentor them?  Would you like to strengthen the local church by providing Scripture so the people can clearly understand the gospel and who God is?  If so, consider serving in the Solomon Islands!

SITAG’s main objectives are to train Solomon Islanders in Bible translation, literacy and linguistic principles and to provide advisor and consultant help for those engaged in such work.

Current Work
Translation work completed in recent decades has laid a good foundation for rapid progress in remaining languages. Because translations have been done in many strategic languages throughout the Solomons, many remaining projects may be able to use computer adaptation tools and language cluster approaches.
That said, a small number of the remaining languages will still require a more traditional one-team, one-language approach, but even in these projects, the main focus of SITAG personnel will be the training, advising and mentoring of Solomon Islanders.

Since the people who need this work the most live mainly in rural areas, SITAG families generally live out in the provinces where they can best learn the language and culture of a particular language group.  They then work with national counterparts, training them in translation principles and procedures. 

Advisors are needed for New and Old Testament translation teams.

Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group

SITAG is a small entity (approximately 30 members) administered by a director who is advised by a committee of members and accountable to the SIL Area Director. SITAG’s infrastructure and support services (e.g., housing, transportation, purchasing) are minimal.

SITAG members need to be resourceful, self-directed people who can adapt to local conditions and challenging circumstances while still managing time well and remaining focused. Close relationships with Solomon Islanders and with other expatriate families require grace, humility and openness in all areas of life. It takes a special kind of person to live and serve in the Solomon Islands. If you’re one of those people, we’d love to talk with you. We have many Solomon Islanders who are waiting for your help!

For more information, contact Wendy at pacificbible@hotmail.com   

Additional Information:

Blogs from the Solomons:

Havengadventure Serving as Translation Advisors
Choate Serving as Translation Advisors
Matzke Mission Serving as Directors in the Solomon Islands
Van Andel's Adventures Serving as Translation Advisors

Owa New Testament Dedication

Blog post: Literacy Training with the Awas
Blog post: SI Bible Translation Stamp
Blog post: Dedication of new Training Center

 
Quick Facts

Population: 472,000 (SIL Ethnologue)  

94% Melanesian
Polynesian and expatriate minorities
Literacy rate: 5-60% (SIL Ethnologue)
Living languages: 70
New Testaments and Bibles: 22
Active translation programs: 20
Remaining need: 25 or more
Economy: 75% subsistence agriculture;
fish, timber, copra, cocoa, palm oil, services
Religion: 95% Christian; animism and cults

Needed: Operations Manager for the Solomon Islands

Do you enjoy using your administrative gifts to help others? Your gifts and talents could be used to support Bible translation in the Solomon Islands. 

The Solomon Islands, an archipelago about 1000 miles east of the northern tip of Australia is home to about 600,000 people from about 65 different language groups.

The New Testament has been published in 18 languages and 5 language groups have full Bibles.

The Operations Manager works closely with the Director and other staff to help provide administrative leadership for the smooth operation of the office, group houses and vehicles and communicate with the members of the group.  Good relationships with members, administration, officials and visitors are a high value as we strive for working together in harmony.

The job includes a variety of duties and no two days are the same. An important part of the job is helping to provide support for language teams whose ministry is based in a village setting. This includes helping with ticket purchases, sending supplies to personnel in the provinces by ship or air and regular communication with these teams via email and two-way radio.

We are blessed with Solomon Islands employees who work alongside us. The Operations Manager works closely with the employees and needs to feel comfortable working in this cross-cultural situation. The employees are most comfortable speaking Solomon Islands Pijin, so being willing to learn this language is a must.

At times the job may require supervision of building maintenance and building projects, which may involve outside workers as well.

Ideally, we'd love to have someone commit to this role for 2+ years but if you have 4+ months to give, let's talk!

For more information on the Bible translation work in Solomon Islands, click here.

Vanuatu: Trenem Tingting Course

Trenem Tingting

(Literally: Train your Thoughts)

 

Course Intake 3 Module 2

 Vanuatu SIL

Report by Lyndal Webb 

It was the last morning of the Trenem Tingting course. We read the Bible together before we broke into small groups to pray. “Read the passage again in your group before you go into a time of prayer,” were the instructions.

I joined a group and one of the participants read aloud the verses of David’s prayer of thanksgiving. “OK,” he began, “Verse 8 says tell God thank you, verse 9 says we must praise Him,” and he continued noting what David wrote in each verse. “Yes, but look at Verse 11 and 12,” added someone else.  “We’re to look only to God and we’ve got to talk about his miracles. That means how He has saved us, ah?” I nodded in agreement, thinking, ‘Wow, all this teaching is working!’ “You know,” continued the first participant, “at the first session of Trenem Tingting last year, I didn’t really get it, but this time, I have. I see now that following God is not about ‘prosperity’. No, the good things from God are what’s in His Word. I get it now.” My prayer in our little group was one of praise!

Now the course didn't set out to critique ‘prosperity Gospel’, but we did set out to draw the participants attention to the meaning of God’s wonderful saving ways by helping them to read the precious text carefully, to help them put aside previous side-tracking notions, and to get them to let the text speak for itself, so to speak. The Word is so rich when it is allowed to speak. The participant’s testimony shows that in God’s mercy, the workshop’s goal was met for him.

Another wrote in his evaluation, “For me the course changed my usual practice of generalizing the text into a ‘theme.’”  Workshop goal achieved! Each day we talked about analysing what we read, asking questions, answering questions, pulling it all together to discover the specific message the writer is delivering. May God continue to help this pastor and Bible translator in his many opportunities to teach God’s Word in his community, in school and church.  He already reported at the beginning of the course that he’d had the opportunity teaching some of what he learnt in the first module to a gathering of about 50 young people.

God’s plan for marriage was a topic we spent quite a bit of time on in this module – doing some careful reading of passages from Genesis and Ephesians. “My thinking changed through reading what God’s Word says about marriage,” said single young man . Good! Yet another goal reached. Our aim was not to solve in a sitting the many current problems within communities, but this young man now has a Biblical foundation to apply to his own life and some skills to think through these issues with his community when he has the opportunity.

There were some days when the thinking training was plain hard as their brains were “stretched”  yet their love for God is evident and their desire to learn more about how to find the wonderful truths in God’s Word spurs us on as does their expressions of thankfulness for the course.

One man wrapped it up, “I am happy because I think I’m a lucky man to attend a course like this to train me how to work with God’s Word in our translation project.”


To learn more about the Bible translation work in Vanuatu, click here.

Who should be involved in Bible translation?

Some are sent to different lands to assist in translation, while others stay at home in order to help support the work of Bible Translation. Those that are sent have many different ways of working. 

Here in Papua New Guinea, there are many different roles where people can get involved.  Some work in translation and language development, others support the process of doctors, teachers, accountants and construction workers. Some teach people how to read and others teach teachers how to use heart languages in their classroom.

Meet JoAnne, a Papua New Guinean who is currently working with SIL.

JoAnne, a Kuanua speaker from Rabaul who is a compositer/printer by trade, first came to work in the Ukarumpa Print Shop in 1989. At the time, JoAnne didn’t know anything about Ukarumpa or Bible translation.  “I just thought, well, I can try it out…and I’m still here!”  She laughed at the memory.

While she was working in the Print Shop, JoAnne came to know Jesus in a Bible study. “I really love my job,” she smiled. “I feel that this is where God has put me…I am really supportive of Bible translation and the translators… We are all a part of this. I tell my friends, I’m not a preacher or an evangelist, but what I do here in the Print Shop, it’s part of building God’s kingdom.”

Not only does the Print Shop produce Scripture portions, literacy books and hymnals, but they also create other much needed items like certificates, receipt books, passport photos, letterheads, invoices, record books, textbooks and much more. Their reputation of high quality work also brings in commercial jobs from around the country.

“We are always running!” JoAnne shook her head. “We’ll work during the night if we have to… [But] God is always helping us. Every time we think it’s too much for us, somehow we get them done on time, on the plane and shipped out. God is always good.”

In the beginning, JoAnne thought of printing as just as another job. ”And then one day, it dawned on me—I’m printing Scripture! I got really excited when I realized this is the Word, and I’m a part of it! That was… life-changing for me… I feel it’s my ministry.”

How should you be involved? Pray that God would show you His plan for accomplishing the task of getting the Scriptures in every heart language.

Article taken from the SIL PNG 2015 Annual Report

Needed: Regional Centre Managers

Regional Centres play a vital role in the Bible translation efforts in PNG!

We were very encouraged and blessed by the regional centre that we used as we went in and out of the village. Not only did we have a comfortable place to sleep but the centre managers encouraged us and offered their support through shopping, transportation and weekly conversations on the radio. I really can't imagine doing the work without their help. 

Due to the importance of the regional offices for the work in each region, keeping these  centres up and running is critical.  If there isn't anyone available to serve as a manager in any of the 8 regional centres, Bible translators are often asked to fill in until someone else can take over the duties.

         There are 8 Regional Centres. #7 is the Pacific Orientation Course

Each Regional Centre has an office, a home for the centre manager and family, a workshop meeting room and several fully furnished duplexes for guests and workshop participants.

The type of person we are looking for has the following qualities:
-A servant heart, including the willingness to do a variety of jobs.
-Flexibility
-Excited by challenges
-Basic business and management skills
-An ability to appreciate and work in a multi-national atmosphere.
-The willingness to build a team of prayer and financial partners

Responsibilities:
-Shopping for translators
-Radio Skeds
-Airport pickups
-Maintaining the center
-Managing staff
-and more...lots of variety!

Blog Post and video from a couple who serve as Regional Centre Managers at  Alotau: What We Do as Regional Centre Managers

Read about Joe and Heather Patrick, new regional centre managers.

PNG: Ukarumpa Autoshop

If you are looking for a way to use your mechanic skills to serve in Bible translation and are flexible with a servant heart, please join us.  You are needed!

The Auto Shop at Ukarumpa is critical for the Bible translation efforts around the country. The closest other reliable auto shop is 90 km. away. We had a Hilux truck that we used to get to our village allocation and we are very grateful for the availability and expertise of the Auto Shop staff!e 

The Auto Shop includes:

 -machine shop

-welding fabrication
-small engine repair
-outboard motor repair
-small appliance repair
-parts room
-fuel
-auto body repair

The shop is also helping village teams with their needs, such as generator and airstrip lawn mower repairs.  They are also looking into how to better support and serve the regional centers.

The Auto Shop staff also have 2 weeks a year to minister in another way, such has helping a translator in a village or showing the Jesus film to local villages.

Read Andrew's blog to learn more about life at Ukarumpa and the work in the Auto Shop.

For more information, contact Wendy at pacificbible@hotmail.com

Teach at Ukarumpa International School

I love teaching at UIS. I enjoy my students and know that I am making a difference. Papua New Guinea is a great place to serve! Melissa Yoder - 1st Grade Teacher

Ukarumpa International School (UIS) is located at  Ukarumpa in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea and exists to support the work of Bible translation.  Teachers educate the children of those who are working to provide God's Word to the people of Papua New Guinea.

UIS  supports the work of SIL by providing, in partnership with parents, a Christ-centred education that develops a Biblical worldview and prepares students to successfully function in all aspects of life.

The Primary and Secondary Campuses serve 250 students
from preschool to Grade 12. Students literally come from around the world!

Basic Qualifications:

-A desire to serve God through teaching
-Home country teaching credentials
-At least one year of teaching experience
-A high degree of flexibility
-A willingness to trust God for financial
support (The school pays no salaries.)

We need you!

For more information:

Ukarumpa International School website

Blog post about an event at the High School

I'd be happy to answer questions you might have about UIS, tell you what life is like at Ukarumpa (wonderful community!) or to tell you what a blessing UIS has been to my family.

PNG: Construction and Maintenance Department

SIL’s Construction and Maintenance (CAM) Department constructs and maintains much of the infrastructure that is needed to support Bible translation in Papua New Guinea.   In fact, I think it’s safe to say that without this department with all the services it provides, translation work around the country would be greatly hindered and would progress at a much slower pace.  We were so thankful for the help we received, both in expertise and manpower, in building our village house and while living at Ukarumpa.

CAM office

The department is located in Ukarumpa but serves SIL workers all over the country.  CAM is the largest department and currently has 40 national employees – lots of work to do!

CAM’s main services are building, centre maintenance, electrical, hardware sales, ouse allocating, housing maintenance, joinery, plumbing, Lae (coastal town) truck shipments, storage units, and water system services.

Brian served in the CAM Department and you can learn more about what it’s like to serve there in this video.

If you’d like to learn more about the work and how God could use you to impact Papua New Guineans, I’d be happy to talk with you!
pacificbible@hotmail.com  

Top Personnel needs in the Pacific

Needed!      Linguist/translators, translation advisors, multi-language team facilitators

                    Literacy/MLE specialists, Scripture Engagement and Survey specialists

                    AND, in support of all Bible translation and language development work, we urgently need the following roles filled.

Australia

The Australian Society for Indigenous Languages (AuSIL) needs:

Finance Manager

Do you want a job where you know you will make an impact for all eternity? Would you like to use your accounting and managerial abilities to help further worldwide Bible translation? Then consider working as the Accounting Manager for our team in the Northern Territory, Australia. 

We are looking for a person to be responsible for the administration of AuSIL finances as an integral part of the Admin team.  The position would preferably be filled by a qualified accountant familiar with Australian accounting practices and familiar (or willing to become familiar) with SIL International financial systems.  Responsibilities will include coordinating internal and external audits, and providing input on long term financial strategies and planning. The person taking up this position would preferably be based in Darwin.

Audio-visual Media Manager

AuSIL is looking for a person to manage efforts related to our Scripture Engagement strategy which aims to develop, produce and distribute audio Scriptures and related audio-visual materials in all languages where consultant approved translations have been produced --- currently this is over 30 languages.  This role will include managing, coordinating and implementing new projects as well as overseeing the digitization of legacy materials. Experience in recording would be helpful, but of greater significance to this role is the ability to coordinate projects and manage AuSIL’s expanding collection of audio-visual materials for Scripture Engagement. Minimum two year commitment.

Learn more about AuSIL by clicking here.

Pacific Area Finance Coordinator

Do you have a background as an accountant but would prefer a role overseeing the smooth flow of finances to language related projects around the Pacific? This job requires travelling to various Pacific locations at least once a year and the ability to encourage and advise local staff in fiscal procedures. Problem-solving skills a must.

Qualifications: Accountant or related qualifications, cross cultrual skill, experience with ACCPac an advantage.

Papua New Guinea

SIL PNG has an urgent need for two Accountants.

Are you a qualified accountant interested in serving overseas in support of Bible translation? Accountants fill a critical need by providing financial and administrative oversight of Branch and Member funds.

Duties Include: To provide leadership and general accounting assistance to departments and regions in the Branch, and to train nationals for service in these departments.
-Responsible for monthly review and analysis and miscellaneous office ledger reports and operating statements.
-Responsible for assisting Department and Regional bookkeepers, directed by Finance Department Manager or Director Assistant for Finance.
-Responsible to train and advise Finance office bookkeeping and clerical staff as directed by Manager.
-Prepare special accounting reports and analysis as required by the department manager or Director assistant for Finance.

Qualifications: General Accounting experience plus industry experience as accountant or auditor strongly preferred. Computer literacy and fluency in spoken/written English required. Able to meet deadlines and work under pressure. Organized, methodical and responsible work habits.
Consider using your experience and skills as an accountant to support Bible translation and have a part in seeing lives changed by the Word of God in their heart language.

You can learn more about the Finance Office in PNG here.

Upper Elementary School Teacher

Come and teach at the WASC accredited Ukarumpa International School – Primary Campus, attended by 150 children from preschool to grade 6. We have a new school, good resources, supportive parents and a committed and professional teaching staff. Face the challenge of teaching children from as many as 14 different counties in English whilst at the same time integrating a Christian world-view into your lessons. And, in all of this, you are supporting the eternal work of Bible Translation! 

Duties include: Responsible for teaching elementary school pupils academic, social, and manipulative skills at Ukarumpa International School Primary Campus.  This position is for someone flexible to work in grades 3-6.

Qualifications:  Valid teaching certificate or equivalent.

You can learn more about the Ukarumpa International School here.

Pacific Orientation Course Center Manager

Do you enjoy cross-cultural ministry and seeing others equipped for successful cross-cultural ministry? Do you prefer to serve directly with the national community? Serving on staff at the Pacific Orientation Course (POC) gives you the opportunity to do both!  

Located on a low mountaintop overlooking Madang town and the Pacific Ocean, POC uses a small former mission base that is nestled among local village communities.  In order to free up the course Director and other staff to provide the course curriculum, a Centre Manager is needed. The tropical climate may be delightful for the staff and participants, but it produces ongoing maintenance needs for the buildings, vehicles and grounds.  Local workmen are available for most tasks, but a supervisor/manager is needed to oversee the whole operation. This course is designed to equip participants with the tools for ongoing learning in cross-cultural ministry. How about joining the POC staff and working alongside dedicated expatriate and PNG  staff to equip  enthusiastic new workers for their cross-cultural ministry.

Qualifications: Experience in construction, plumbing or electrical work.  Field experience preferred. Management training and experience preferred.

Learn more about the Pacific Orientation Course here.

Short Term Opportunities:

Teachers at Ukarumpa International School: Gr 4 teacher for 6-12 months and a music teacher for one year

Aviation Department:

1. ·         Grader Operator for airstrip maintenance: one month
2. ·         Computer Programmer: to solve problems with the Aviation flight program. One year
3. ·         Mechanic: Fix various tractors, rollers etc for the Aviation department. 6-12 months
4. ·         Construction person/team: to help with renovations for Aviation. 3-6 months

Inventory helper – Help is needed to organize the inventories for the Construction and Maintenance Department. Maybe a 1-2 month commitment. 

Solomon Islands

Support Services Manager

Solomon Islands Translation Advisory Group (SITAG) is looking for a Support Services Manager for our operations in the country. This position involves a variety of work including handling the day to day operation of the offices, overseeing employees and serving the needs of the members of our group. Skill in maintenance is an advantage as well as basic computer skills and a willingness to drive (right hand drive).  Flexibility and a desire to serve is a must.

Library Assistant: to update the technical library catalog and take an inventory. This job might take about 1-3 months.

You can learn more about the work in the Solomon Islands here.

Vanuatu

Bible Translation Advisors!

There are language groups who want help to translate the Bible but there aren’t enough translators to help them.

Vanuatu, an island nation with a population of only 250,000 is home to over 100 distinct language groups.Translation efforts over the past 25 years have produced New Testaments which are reaching many groups in their heart languages. Another 14 Bible translation programs are in progress, BUT that leaves 50 to 60 language groups without one word of Scripture in their language! The languages present quite a challenge – most of them have 1000 speakers or less, but linguists agree that many are hardy and viable. Please join us as we mentor and disciple this new generation through Bible translation into their heart languages.

Language Survey Help

Vanuatu is looking for someone to help with survey and research (not a full socio-linguistic survey, but some parts). It would involve library and internet research, travel to various islands, creating a database of information and/or updating current databases they have. They would liaise with various linguists who have worked in the country and may be asked to help organize and run Rapid Word Collection workshops.

Requirements:

·         Self-starter.

·         Married couple or single men.

·         Physically fit and able to rough it on the islands.

·         Willing to travel by foot, small boat, small airplane and travel light.

·         Willing to eat local foods.

·         Must be willing to live without internet most of the time.

·         Must be fluent in Bislama or spend 3 months in intensive Bislama language learning.

·          

Academics: introductory phonetics, phonology, grammar. Cross-cultural experience preferred, but a minimum of one course in language and culture acquisition. Term is a minimum of 2 years. Start time: ASAP.

You can learn more about our work in Vanuatu here.

Email Wendy for more information.