Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada • Fall 2009

Wycliffe Partners with

Christian Reformed
World Missions

Ethnomusicologists
Expand Their Focus Building on a long legacy, Filipino
Transitions for believers help provide God’s Word
Translations for their country’s language groups.
 Foreword
Fall 2009 • Volume 27 • Number 3
Word Alive, which takes its name from Hebrews 4:12a, is the official
publication of Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada. Its mission is to
inform, inspire and involve the Christian public as partners in the
worldwide Bible translation movement. Light in Dark Moments
Editor: Dwayne Janke Dwayne Janke
Designer: Laird Salkeld

Senior Staff Writer: Doug Lockhart
Staff Writers: Janet Seever, Deborah Crough
Staff Photographer: Alan Hood
Vice President of Communications: Dave Crough
Word Alive is published four times annually by Wycliffe Bible
Translators of Canada, 4316 10 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6K3. Copyright
2009 by Wycliffe Bible Translators of Canada. Permission to reprint
articles and other magazine contents may be obtained by written
request to the editor. A donation of $12 annually is suggested to cover
the cost of printing and mailing the magazine. (Donate online or use
the reply form in this issue.) Printed in Canada by McCallum Printing
Group, Edmonton.
Member: The Canadian Church Press, Evangelical Press Association.
For additional copies: media_resources@wycliffe.ca
To contact the editor: editor_wam@wycliffe.ca
For address updates: circulation@wycliffe.ca
Note to readers: References to “SIL” are occasionally made in
Word Alive. SIL is a key partner organization, dedicated to training,
language development and research, translation and literacy.
Wycliffe Canada Vision Statement: A world where translated
Scriptures lead to transformed lives among people of all languages.
Translating Scripture, Transforming Lives
Together with partners worldwide, we serve indigenous people through
language-related ministries, especially Bible translation and literacy. Our
goal is to empower local communities to express God’s love in Word
and deed—for personal, social and spiritual transformation. Wycliffe
personnel currently serve globally in nearly 1,500 language projects for
more than a half billion people. However, about 2,400 minority groups
still wait for the power of God working through their own languages.
Wycliffe invites you to participate in this effort through prayer, service
and funding.
Canadian Head Office: 4316 10 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6K3. Phone:
(403) 250-5411 or toll free 1-800-463-1143, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
mountain time. Fax: (403) 250-2623. Email: info@wycliffe.ca
Cover: A farm labourer near Bagabag, on Luzon Island in the
Philippines, hauls sheaves of rice for processing. Photograph
by Alan Hood.
O
n a cool, overcast morning last January, Word
Alive writer Doug Lockhart and photographer
Alan Hood visited the vast Manila American
Cemetery and Memorial. They were on
assignment in the Philippines.
Across the 62-hectare site on a prominent plateau, gleam-
ing white crosses and Stars of David mark the graves of 17,202
American servicemen and hundreds of their Philippine National
comrades. They died in World War II in operations against the
Japanese in New Guinea and the Philippines.
As Doug surveyed the seemingly endless rows of gravestones,
he could scarcely comprehend the magnitude of that staggering,
global conflict.
“I tried to visualize the mind-numbing carnage that shook the
Philippines back then,” he recalls, “and I realized I would never
think of its islands again without remembering that dark history.”
But Doug’s thoughts turned to another, more hopeful history:
nearly six decades of Bible translation carried out by Wycliffe
workers and key partner organizations in the Philippines. Where
death and destruction once reigned, Doug discovered firsthand
that the life-giving gospel of Christ—as revealed through the trans-
lated Scriptures—is transforming countless lives for all eternity.
Today, as you will see in this issue of
Word Alive, Filipino believers are an inte-
“The Light of the World gral part of the Bible translation movement
in their country. They’re helping translate
never abandoned this Scripture for dozens of language groups,
beautiful nation.” launching literacy programs and plan-
ning to reach other language groups in the
Philippines still waiting for God’s Word in
their mother tongue.
“To me,” explains Doug, “it’s a comforting reminder that the
Light of the World never abandoned this beautiful nation, even in
its darkest moments.”
And as Bible translation efforts continue in the Philippines, a
related light—God’s Word (Ps. 119:105)—is helping to illuminate
the paths of many people in that Asian nation.
May it shine ever brighter!

In Others’ Words
“What page, what passage of the
inspired books of the Old and New
Testaments is not the truest of guides
for human life?”

—St. Benedict of Nursia (480-543 A.D.),

founder of Western Christian monasticism,
in The Rule of St. Benedict
 6
Contents

Features
Articles By Doug Lockhart • Photographs by Alan Hood

6 A Long, Uphill Climb How two farm kids from

America persevered to become part of God’s blueprint for
Bible translation in the Philippines.

18 Finding a Way Forward—Together

Philippine partners explore innovative strategies in

18
the push to fulfil Vision 2025.

23 Vision 2025, Philippine-style

26 From Other Tongue to Mother Tongue
Language communities in the Philippines take ownership for
Scripture translation, helped by Wycliffe’s partner organizations.

32 Second Chance for a Single Mom

Departments
2 Foreword Light In Dark Moments.

4 Watchword C hristian Reformed World Missions, Wycliffe

Canada Establish Formal Partnership.

34 Beyond Words Harvest Gold

Photograph by Alan Hood

32 35 Last Word T ransitions for Translations.

By Dave Ohlson

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 3

 Watchword

Christian
W
ycliffe Bible Translators of Canada
(WBTC) and the denominational mis-
Reformed sions organization of the Christian Reformed
World Church in North America (CRCNA) have
Missions, established a formal working relationship.
WBTC Director Dave Ohlson (right in photo)
Wycliffe and Gary Bekker (left in photo), Director
Canada of Christian Reformed World Missions
Establish (CRWM), signed the agreement this past May.
Wycliffe Canada personnel who are mem-
Formal bers of the Christian Reformed Church will
Partnership be officially recognized by their denomination
as “partner missionaries.” The new status includes encourage-
ment and assistance for them, both in raising financial support
and receiving prayer backing from among CRC churches. The

agreement is in effect from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011, when it
will be reviewed for possible renewal.
“This agreement will get some work done,” said Bekker, “but
what we really hope it shows to Christian Reformed people is that
their denominational missions agency needs folks like Wycliffe—
that you are a fairly specialized ministry. That’s part of the effi-
ciency in the Kingdom of God.
“By God’s grace, I hope we can find ways to do even more
together—a lot more.”
Ohlson said it was gratifying to formalize what has been up to
this time a very loose-knit affiliation between the two organiza-
tions. “It’s very exciting to see denominations like the CRC, and
Alan Hood
its missionary arm, the CRWM, engaging in the worldwide Bible
translation movement in a more significant way.”
At various times and places, both WBTC and CRWM have
worked cooperatively on the field in translating and publishing
Scriptures. Dozens of people from CRC ranks have served or are
currently serving with Wycliffe.
CRWM, established in 1888 by the CRC, helps congregations to
fulfil the Great Commission and sends members to serve in more
than 25 countries. The CRC includes 300,000 people in just over
1,000 congregations across North America—25 per cent of them
in Canada.

Wycliffe Ethnomusicologists Expand into Performing and Visual Arts

W ycliffe field ethnomusicologists are
expanding their focus to work with
local performing and visual artists so that lan-
guage groups around the world will receive
an even clearer message from God’s Word.
Wycliffe ethnomusicologists will still
learn cultures’ music styles and work with
local Christian musicians to create songs
with newly translated Scripture. Now they
will also help pour the truths of God’s
Word into each local culture’s perform-
ing and visual arts, says Brian Schrag,
ethnomusicology and arts coordinator for
SIL International, Wycliffe’s key partner
organization. “We are developing training
programs, research aids and promotional
resources to bring this vision about.”
About two dozen ethnomusicologists from
around the world gathered this spring in
Dallas, Tex., at a two-week workshop entitled
“From Heart Music to Heart Arts.” They met
to broaden their focus on the arts and design
programs to train others in their regions.
So-called “arts specialists” will research
the indigenous arts of a language group
and encourage creativity in communicat-
ing God’s Word, says Schrag. “The arts
specialist’s goal will be to spark the emer-
gence of enduring traditions of Scripture-
based song composition, drama, dance,
storytelling, chanting, visual and other
locally thriving arts.”
Tapping into local artistic expressions
always increases the effectiveness of lan-
guage work, says Schrag, whether it is
language analysis, culture learning, Bible
translation, literacy, Scripture use, church
life or community development.

4 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

Few Translation World’s Known Living Languages Stands at 6,912
Projects Remaining
in Ghana T he number of languages
used on our globe stands at
6,912, according to the updated
tional 80 languages, not associ-
ated with any other languages,
have been newly recognized.
been translated into 2,454
languages. Bible translation is
underway in 1,998 languages,

W ork has begun in almost

all of the remaining lan-
guages needing Bible transla-
tion in Ghana, Africa.
Of the 79 languages spo-
ken in the nation, only about
seven still have a definite need,
reports The Ghana Institute
of Linguistics, Literacy and
Bible Translation (GILLBT), a
Wycliffe partner organization.
GILLBT colleagues view
these remaining needs as
a great opportunity for the
Ghanaian Church to become
more motivated and involved
to get God’s Word to every
people group there and
beyond.
Delivering Translated
Scriptures Digitally
Ethnologue database maintained
by SIL, Wycliffe’s key partner
organization.
Meanwhile, about 91 languages
have become extinct—no longer
spoken—in the past four years.
spoken by 1.2 billion people.
Nearly 2,400 languages, repre-
senting 200 million, still need
In the past four years, research They are part of the 421 endan- Scripture translation, but have
reported to and collected by SIL gered languages that have joined no work even started.
shows that 80 languages have the rolls of those no longer in
been distinguished from other daily use since SIL began record-
previously listed ones. During ing language statistics in 1950.
that same time period, an addi- Some or all of the Bible has
Twenty-
five Years T he Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau Branch of
SIL International, Wycliffe’s key partner organization,
is celebrating 25 years of Bible translation and language
of Bible work this year.
Translation Branch partners, dignitaries
Mauritania
and government officials joined Atlantic
Celebrated SIL workers for a special event in Ocean
in Africa Senegal to mark the milestone in
Senegal
late April. The day included speeches, displays and Mali
demonstrations. Gambia
So far, Bible translation efforts have resulted in
three completed New Testaments and some Old Guinea-Bissau Guinea
Testament portions. Projects are underway in more
than 20 of the 40-plus languages spoken in these

D elivering translated
Scripture in relevant and
easily accessible ways in globally
three northwest Africa countries.

diverse situations has always been a challenge for using websites in their language, looking and Word Count
Wycliffe Bible Translators. Kalaam Media Ltd., a feeling natural from their cultural perspective,
newly formed British company, is aiming to meet
some of these needs through digital means.
says Meijer. As appropriate, this can be done in
a story-telling format, song, poetry or chant, to
26 LEnglish
etters in the
alphabet.
Kalaam is working to make translated encourage people to spread God’s story to oth-
Scripture and related materials available for ers they know.
use, downloading and distribution through
the web, and acces-
In the past century, God’s Word has been exten-
sively distributed in print form, as well as in audio
12 Lalphabet
etters in the
of the
sible by cell phones, and visual forms on tape, film, CD and DVD. Rotokas language
computers and PDAs, “The electronic revolution now means of Papua New
such as Blackberries Scripture can also be shared digitally on com- Guinea—fewest
and iPods, says Durk mon handheld devices, which are flooding the number of any in
Meijer, the company’s director. market,” says Meijer. “Unfortunately, no existing the world.
“Mobile technology helps people to pass Bible agency or publishing house is digitally
Scripture from one hand-held device to another,”
explains Meijer, “thus making the Word of God
delivering Scriptures in minority languages rel-
evant in the cultural context of the people that
74 Lalphabet
etters in the
of Khmer
easily available in remote and restricted areas, we’re aiming to serve.”
(Cambodia’s
where access is sometimes almost impossible.” This void prompted some visionaries to estab-
official language)—
Kalaam’s goal is for language communities to lish the U.K.-based Kalaam Media. It is starting
largest number of
have God’s Word in print, audio, and sometimes a pilot phase in which websites will be devel-
any in the world.
even as a story using video. This will be done oped for three languages.
Source: Pass the Word

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 5

LONG before Dave Ohlson moved
to Calgary in 2004 to begin
serving as director of Wycliffe Canada,
he and his wife Joan (pictured at right)
called the Philippines home. For six years,
they helped translate the New Testament
for a small community in the highlands
of Luzon Island.
Then from 1982 to 1988, Dave directed
the Philippines branch of SIL, Wycliffe’s
main partner organization, during one of
that country’s most turbulent periods—
the revolution that ousted former dictator
Ferdinand Marcos.
Back then, the Ohlsons were sometimes
invited to dinner parties in Manila or
other events where they found themselves
mingling with government ministers,
ambassadors and Filipino movie stars.
At one special event celebrating the
25th anniversary of the Magsaysay
Foundation—established in honour of
former Philippines president Ramon
Magsaysay—they were even instructed
how to dress appropriately. The guest list
included former U.S. Secretary of State,
Henry Kissinger, and other notable figures.
“Strange things you never think will
happen to a couple of farm kids!” Dave
says, smiling at the recollection.
The Ohlsons attended on behalf of
SIL Philippines, which was established
in 1953 at the invitation of President
Magsaysay on behalf of the Philippines
government. Because the foundation had
honoured SIL with an award for “interna-
tional understanding” in 1973, SIL leaders
had often been invited to attend social
functions hosted by the Magsaysay family.
“Joan became quite good friends
with the former first lady, President
Magsaysay’s wife,” explains Dave, “ . . .
and we knew their kids.
“At the foundation’s 25th anniversary,
we met . . . all these dignitaries,” he recalls
with a chuckle, “and I thought, ‘What are
we doing here?’ ”

HUMBLE ROOTS

CLI
What they were doing was building rela-
tionships, as ambassadors of Christ called
to serve language communities in the
Asian island chain. By God’s grace, many

UPHILL
of those relationships formed in Manila
and throughout the Philippines helped
facilitate SIL’s work in language research,
translation and literacy.

6 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

IMB
How two farm kids from America persevered
to become part of God’s blueprint for Bible
translation in the Philippines.
Articles by Doug Lockhart • Photographs By Alan Hood
 While walking in Barlig village last
January (above), Dave and Joan
Ohlson pause to greet a young girl
and her mom. In just a few more
years, this youngster will have access
to the entire Finallig Bible, thanks
to translation work done by the
Ohlsons and many others over the
past four decades. Virgie Coyao (at
left with Joan and in inset photo with
Dave) is a Barlig resident who helped
Dave translate portions of the New
Testament during the late ‘70s.

8 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

 What’s more, Dave was instrumental in helping to establish
Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP), an indigenous
organization dedicated to Bible translation and a key player as
SIL and its partner organizations strategize for the future (see
“Finding Their Way Forward,” pg. 18).
With four children to care for and sometimes overwhelm-
ing responsibilities, the Ohlsons persevered to invest more than
30 years of their lives in the Philippines. Along the way, they
rejoiced as more and more language groups received God’s
Word—and wept with colleagues who suffered through malaria
and other diseases, or lost loved ones in horrific accidents.
Dave grew up on a farm in Washington state, while Joan
was raised on an orange grove in southern California. They
met in 1963, when Dave, a former U.S. serviceman who trained
as a medic, was stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San
Bernardino, Calif.
Before they met, Dave called Joan at home one Friday night
when he and an air force buddy were looking for dates.
“So Joan comes on the phone,” recalls Dave, “but she’s got
a horrible cold and she can hardly talk. She says ‘hello’ with
a croak and I’m thinking, ‘Isn’t she a petite blonde girl? This
sounds like a woman wrestler!’ ”
Joan turned down Dave’s initial request for a date because she
only knew him through an earlier, brief introduction. But soon
they were double dating with Dave’s buddy and his girlfriend. In
1964, Joan and Dave were married in San Bernardino.
CHANGING PLANS
Following their initial linguistic training, the Ohlsons arrived
in Manila in 1974 with their daughters Ruth, 7, Barbara, 5
and 18-month-old Amy in tow. Dave and Joan thought they
would be spending the first few months there studying Tagalog,
the national language spoken in the Philippines, before being
assigned to a language project. Instead, Dave was asked by
administrators to do language survey to help determine the need
for Bible translation throughout the country.
Dave agreed and shortly thereafter, the family moved to the
SIL Centre in Bagabag, situated nearly 300 km north of Manila.
The Ohlsons joined other colleagues who had established the
centre a few years earlier.
In that first year, Dave had to leave his family frequently to
do language survey. On one of his first survey trips, he visited
Barlig, a small town in Luzon’s Mountain Province where just a
few generations ago, headhunting was still practised.
Today, the peaceful mountain community of some 2,500
residents is home to three churches, schools, a hospital and
hard-working families who tend the spectacular rice terraces
that surround their homes.
On that first visit, it struck Dave that Barlig might be a good
place for his family to settle into the work of Bible translation.
“I was very taken with the place in one sense,” says Dave, “but
at the same time, we wanted to go where God wanted us to go.”

Philippines At a Glance
Official Name: Republic of the Philippines.
Location: Southeastern Asia, slightly north of the equator
and separated from mainland Asia by the South China Sea.
Capital: City of Manila–1.66 million pop.
Geography: 300,000 sq. km (smaller than Newfoundland).
The archipelago consists of 7,107 islands; an estimated 4,000
are inhabited. The islands are clustered in three main areas:
Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao, with 67% of the total land Religion: Roman Catholic 80%, Protestants 12%, Muslim
mass contained within the latter two. More than 70% 5%, and a small population of Buddhists, Bahá’í, Hindus,
mountains, with narrow to extensive coastal lowlands. Sikhs, animists, and those with no religion. This plurality
of faiths creates an openness to discuss religion or other
Climate: Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (Nov.-April)
faith-based ideas.
and southwest monsoon (May-Oct.)
Languages: 171. Official languages: Filipino, English. Only
Government: Federal republic with congress; democracy;
8 major dialects used in wider communication, often leaving
has 80 provinces.
minority language speakers marginalized and feeling inferior.
Economy: A mixed agricultural and industrial economy.
Bible translation status: Bible/NT available in 57 languages
Population: 96 million (3 times that of Canada). through work by SIL (Wycliffe’s key partner organization) •
Peoples: Most of the population is composed of various Bible translation in progress by SIL and others - 70 • Estimated
ethno-linguistic groups. From north to south, the most total remaining Bible
numerous are the Ilocano, the Pangasinan, the Kapampangan, translation need – 10-20
the Tagalog, the Bicolano, and the Visayan. There are 107 tribal languages.
peoples in some of the more inaccessible mountain areas. Literacy Rate: 93% of
adult population
Manila (15 years and older).
Sources: The World
Factbook; Operation
World (21st Century
Edition); Ethnologue, SIL
Philippines, Misc.
 For more than a year, Dave continued to travel throughout
the Philippines on trips of two to three weeks in duration. In the
meantime, he and Joan were praying about where they should
begin a language project—and Barlig kept coming to mind.
CHALLENGING CONDITIONS
When the Ohlsons finally moved to Barlig in November 1975,
the assignment came with a price: their two older girls, Ruth and
Barbara, had to stay behind in Bagabag to attend school. Over
the next six years, all three girls—and their brother Tim, born
in 1976—lived for periods of time at Bagabag with friends of
the family.
Ruth also lived for a time at Faith Academy in Manila, but all
of the children spent summer vacations and other holidays with
their parents.
“I think that was the hardest part of moving to Barlig,” says
Joan. “Amy was the one we took with us, because she was
the littlest.
“We weren’t separated for long periods of time—but that was
still kind of hard.”
While they endured plenty of hardships during their six years
in Barlig, the Ohlsons seldom mention them. They lived in a
plain house with few amenities and almost daily had to climb up
and down steep, often-slippery slopes that led to an elementary
school, a health clinic and a small store.
Dave began his work in Barlig by studying the local language.
Eventually he was able to translate a medical book and a few
other materials.
Then a young believer in the village, Virginia (Virgie) Coyao,
agreed to help begin translation of the New Testament.
Virgie, like many of her neighbours in Mountain Province,
had learned English as a child because Americans had estab-
lished schools in the Philippines following the Spanish-
10 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca
American War at the end of the 19th century.
Besides English, Tagalog and Ilocano (a trade language) are
also spoken in the region. However, Dave’s earlier language
survey had determined that the people of Barlig, who speak
a dialect of Eastern Bontoc called Finallig, needed a mother
tongue translation of the New Testament.
JUGGLING WORK AND FAMILY
Over the next five years, Dave and Virgie worked together to
translate the books of Mark and Acts, and rough drafts of the
remaining New Testament books. During that time, Dave
juggled his work in the language project with responsibilities as
the regional area director for SIL. In that role, he again travelled
extensively to visit 36 translation teams working in the region—
many of them in hard-to-reach locations.
The translation teams communicated by radio and tried to
keep tabs on one another, but most of them experienced plenty
of anxious moments.
On one occasion, the Ohlson’s one-year-old son Tim grew
gravely ill and began convulsing. Dave and Joan left their daugh-
ter Amy with Virgie and drove Tim to a mission hospital at the
famous Banaue rice terraces.
After doctors treated Tim, Joan travelled with him by bus to
the SIL centre in Bagabag, while Dave headed back to Barlig in
their Land Cruiser. Just minutes from home, on a narrow, wind-
ing road, he had to swerve suddenly to avoid a pick-up truck
filled with young people. His truck sailed over the edge of a
steep cliff and thundered downhill some 12 metres before
crashing into a tree.
Miraculously, Dave escaped with just a few bruises and
managed to climb up the hill, get help and eventually retrieve
his battered truck.
For Joan, Dave’s frequent absences were a time to lean on the
“I was very
taken with
the place in
one sense,
but at the
same time,
we wanted
to go where
God wanted
us to go.”

(At left, in middle) Joan helps usher

in the New Year during a lively
celebration in Barlig. Many of the
town’s residents —including a local
policeman (above)—participated in
dances, songs and skits held outside
the municipal hospital
and police station.

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 11

 In Barlig, Joan helps a woman wash a
basketful of camotes (kah-MOH-tehs),
or sweet potatoes, in preparation for
the evening meal. Such chores were
part of Joan’s daily life during the six
years she, Dave and their children
lived in the community.

12 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

 Lord, and on Filipino friends like Virgie. “That was hard, just to set it aside. We felt that was why we
“I told the Lord when I first went up there that He’d have to came, to do Bible translation.”
give me some special friends,” says Joan, “and He did. He was so Life in Manila required some huge adjustments for the whole
faithful.” family. For Joan, it meant learning to relate to different strata of
Those friends helped Joan cope when their daughters Ruth Philippine society.
and Barbara both contracted malaria at different times, or other “Switching my mind frame from interacting with the people
trials threatened to overwhelm. Many of the villagers became in the village, to the very prominent, upper class people in
“uncles and aunties” to the Ohlsons’ four children. Manila that we would host and be with . . . it took me a while to
realize God had a purpose in all of that.”
STRATEGIC MOVE Looking back, the Ohlsons can see that one of God’s purposes
In 1982, some six years into their language project, Dave agreed to was to have them engage with Filipino church leaders, business-
let his name stand for the position of Philippine field director of SIL. men and others who shared the vision for serving language
“Lo and behold, I ended up getting elected . . . which was the communities, including Bible translation. In 1983, shortly after
furthest thing from my mind,” Dave says. “I remember standing becoming director of SIL Philippines, Dave helped form the
up and telling the group, ‘You don’t know what you’ve done. This Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP)—which grew
was not supposed to happen!’ ” out of an earlier coalition of Filipino believers, the Translators
His election meant that he and his family would have to leave Committee of the Philippines.
their language project and move to Manila. Today, TAP oversees a staff of 73 Filipino members working
By the time the Ohlsons were ready to move, other personnel in 17 language projects and is one of several indigenous groups
had stepped in to continue the translation work in Barlig. But it working to determine the future of Bible translation in the
was still hard to leave the people they had grown to love. Philippines.
“It was a low point for me,” Joan says. “Not that we felt we “Probably the most satisfying thing we did in the Philippines,”
were the only ones that could do it, but it was kind of the death says Dave, “was to work together with Filipino colleagues to
of a dream. . . . help them establish an organization like TAP.”

The Ohlsons reminisce with Thomas

“I told the Lord when I first went Matib (above, far right), an elder
in the local Baptist church, and his
pastor, Dexter Cafay (second from

up there that He’d have to give

right). Matib serves on the Old
Testament translation committee
and also helped oversee a revision
of the Finallig New Testament. At

me some special friends, and He a midweek prayer meeting in the

small church (right), Cafay preaches
from the book of Romans. Those
involved in translating the Finallig

did. He was so faithful.” Old Testament hope its projected

completion in 2010 and ensuing
publication will encourage Barlig’s
residents to read the full Bible in
their mother tongue.
Shortly after dawn on a weekday morning, a van loaded with commuters departs
from Barlig on its daily run to surrounding communities. Life in the rice-producing
town of some 2,500 residents carries on much as it has for centuries, whereas the
bustling city of Manila (below) boasts modern “advances” like mega-malls, skyscrapers,
and a thriving film and television industry.
REVOLUTION
While the Ohlsons’ move to Manila also reunited them with
their children, it brought some new challenges—including the
need for constant vigilance. Civil unrest, which had escalated
in 1983 after the assassination of Philippine statesman Benigno
Aquino, exploded in 1986 following a disputed election that
resulted in another victory for Ferdinand Marcos.
Filipinos reacted by pouring into the streets by the thousands,
in a protest that became known as the People Power Revolution.
At various times throughout those restless years between 1983
and 1986, expatriates had to be especially cautious.
“Joan and I actually developed a plan in Manila,” Dave recalls.
“We never went to work the same way two days in a row,
because there were death squads in Manila that were killing
prominent people . . . so you just didn’t know.”
Furthermore, Dave’s name was purportedly on the “hit list.”
“Those were very tense days,” adds Dave.
The uncertainty of those years underscored the wisdom of (Above) Dave chats with Doralyn Challoy and Romeo Lamaton, part
forming an indigenous organization such as TAP, that could of a five-member team that’s translating the Finallig Old Testament.
They’re among a new wave of mother tongue translators who are
carry on the work of Bible translation, should expatriate moving Bible translation forward in the Philippines. Later, in Manila,
translators be forced to pull out. (below) the Ohlsons visit their favourite ice-cream shop, where in days
gone by they would gather with SIL colleagues to enjoy a tasty banana
MORE FILIPINO INVOLVEMENT split or other frozen treat.

From the earliest years of translation efforts in the Philippines,

Filipinos—like Virgie Coyao in Barlig—had served as co-transla-
tors and contributed to Bible translation in a variety of ways. But
there were also many other Filipinos eager to see God’s Word
available for their people—including some of the high-ranking
officials that pushed Dave and Joan out of their “comfort zones”
in Manila’s social circuit.
“We had some wonderful opportunities to meet some very
prominent officials that loved the Lord. . . . ” says Joan, for
whom the once-daunting task of relating to Manila’s elite
became a source of joy.
“I began to see the compassion they had . . . and that they
wanted to be a part of seeing God’s Word translated into the
mother tongues of the people in the Philippines.”
“Some of that goes back to the foresight and vision of the
people who first came to the Philippines with SIL,” adds Dave,
“to establish those kinds of relationships with the government.
“Dr. Carlos Romulo, who was a general during WWII and was
kind of the Filipino counterpart of General Douglas MacArthur,
was actually the head of our first advisory committee.
“Out of that grew engagement with all kinds of people; former
“Those were
vice presidents, ministers of education . . . people like Sedfrey
Ordoñez, who ended up being an ambassador to the United
Nations and Manny Pelaez, who ended up as the ambassador
very tense
to the United States.”
days.”

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 15


While examining a friend’s photo
album in Barlig, Joan and Dave
enjoy some old photos of their
family. When the Ohlsons first
arrived in 1975, they had to leave
their daughters Ruth (beside Dave
in inset photo) and Barbara (centre,
front row) with friends in Bagabag
so they could attend school. They
brought their youngest daughter
Amy (far right) to Barlig and their
son Tim was born almost a year
after they settled in the village.
16 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca
FULL CIRCLE
While the Ohlsons have been privileged to befriend many prom-
inent Filipinos, they still hold a special place in their hearts for
the people of Barlig.
After Dave and Joan left the scenic mountain community
in 1982, their dear friend and colleague Virgie continued to
help consult on some early drafts. Later, a new team of mother
tongue translators was assembled. They, along with expatriate
personnel—including Wycliffe Canada members Rundell and
Judi Maree—completed work on the New Testament translation.
In 2004, the Ohlsons were among several translators hon-
oured in Barlig as the community dedicated the Finallig New
Testament. The colourful ceremony helped unite local believers
as they celebrated the arrival of God’s Word in their heart
language (see Word Alive, Spring 2005).
The Finallig New Testament publication was a source of pride
for the community. Following the dedication event in 2004,
the local Catholic church purchased 900 copies. Individuals
purchased 300 more and New Testaments are awarded to high
school graduates to this day.
In January of this year, Dave and Joan visited Barlig again.
While there, the Ohlsons were encouraged to meet a group of
well-trained, mother tongue translators in Barlig who are taking
on the challenge of translating the Old Testament into their
language (see “From Other Tongue to Mother Tongue,” pg. 26).
Dave and Joan share the translators’ hopes that on comple-
tion, the Old Testament translation will find greater acceptance
and stimulate its readers to explore the New Testament.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Dave finishes his term of office at Wycliffe Canada this
December. What lies ahead for the Ohlsons? Dave and Joan
aren’t sure, but they’ve always been careful to listen to God
before making the next move.
In the past, the Lord has used some hallway conversations and
unexpected phone calls to direct their lives—and often move
them halfway around the world.
“I used to say, ‘Never talk to anyone in the hallway,’ ” says
Dave with a grin.
While they were living in the United States in the late ’80s,
leading a Wycliffe U.S. orientation course for new candidates,
one such conversation resulted in a new assignment for the
Ohlsons: launching a field training course in the Philippines for
new translation personnel assigned to serve in Asia.
That ministry kept them busy for six years, until Dave
received a nighttime phone call from another friend and
Wycliffe leader. That discussion led to Dave’s next assignment as
the Asia-Pacific Area director for Wycliffe.
What God has in store for Joan and him now is yet to be
revealed. But who knows: God may just tap Dave on the shoulder,
through another hallway conversation or a midnight phone call.
“I used
to say,
‘Never
talk to
anyone
in the
hallway.’ ”

Dave planted this acacia tree in 1975,

in front of the house they built at SIL’s
administrative centre in Bagabag.
Its firm roots, healthy leaves and
spreading branches mirror the fruit
produced by the Ohlsons’ heartfelt
investment in the people of the
Philippines, during a ministry that
spanned more than 30 years.

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 17

Throughout the Philippines, locals Philippine partners explore innovative
utilize motorized “tricycles” like this
one to transport everything from
strategies in the push to fulfil Vision 2025.

Finding a Way Forward—T

people to food and building sup-
plies. If Filipinos need to transport
something, they find a way—and
that same “can do” attitude is fuelling
the activities of Bible translation.
 J ohn Chesnut wants to set the record straight: there’s still plenty
.
of work to do in the Philippines At least, the work of facilitat-
ing language development and Bible translation for this Asian

Together
country of 96 million inhabitants.
Chesnut, who directs the Philippines
branch of SIL—Wycliffe’s main part-
ner organization dedicated to training,
translation, literacy and language research—says after 56 years
of service, the work is not yet finished.
“For years we have felt like the work is nearly done,” says
Chesnut, “but . . . SIL’s role is changing, moving from leading
projects, to partnering and facilitating.”
Just how translation efforts must change to adapt to new reali-
ties in the country was the focus of a strategy session, held last
January, that brought together key Bible translation partners in
the Philippines. Together, they continued to explore three inter-
related topics: how to partner more efficiently to complete Bible
translation for remaining languages that need it; how to better
engage with the Philippine Church in that work; and how to help (Above, right) John Chesnut, director of SIL in the Philippines, shows Dave
mobilize more Filipinos to serve overseas in Bible translation. Ohlson a copy of the Calamian Tagbanwa New Testament. Nearly 50 years
in the making, the hard-won translation is part of a growing catalogue that
includes Scripture in 57 languages, more than 3,500 academic publications,
Rich Legacy audio and video recordings and 33,000 photographic images.
In addressing these questions, Chesnut joins leaders from the
Translators Association of the Philippines (TAP) and Sa Bawat
Wika 2025 (see “Vision 2025, Philippine-style,” pg. 23). “They would be part of a multicultural team, which will
Another key partner is expected to be the recently formed involve Filipinos,” Chesnut says, “ . . . so we really are looking
Wycliffe Philippines, led by Dr. Romerlito Macalinao. His ori- for people that are willing to come and to work in multicultural
entation to Bible translation needs in the Philippines has so far community.”
included a trip to Dallas, Tex., where he met with leaders of the One major “hole” needing to be filled is in the area of
Graduate Institute of Applied Linguistics (GIAL). Scripture use, which entails encouraging language communities
Macalinao and GIAL officials discussed to read and study their translated Scriptures. Newcomers could
“We are how they could work together to equip more be involved in that work, adds Chesnut.
Meanwhile, work continues in 21 New Testament transla-
Filipinos for the work of Bible translation. The
moving former pastor and seminary professor officially tion projects; personnel are also involved in 30 other languages,
assisting with Old Testament translation or revision of existing
began his post at WBT Philippines on June 1.
from being Wycliffe Philippines and Sa Bawat Wika New Testament translations.
What’s more, an ongoing joint TAP and SIL language survey
(Tagalog for “In Every Language”) are relatively
the leader new “players.” TAP, however, has been involved endeavour indicates that Bible translation may still be needed
for up to 20 more language communities.
in Bible translation since 1983. And SIL’s
of projects, involvement spans more than half a century.
Since SIL’s work began in the Philippines Changing Times, Changing Needs
to being in 1953, translation teams have helped com- A number of factors are driving the Philippine translation part-
plete New Testaments or entire Bibles for 57 ners to re-examine the way they do business. Probably the main
more of a language groups. The organization has also driving force is Vision 2025, introduced by Wycliffe leaders in
assisted other groups engaged in Bible transla- 1999. It’s a vision for the whole Church to see Bible translation
partner and tion, such as New Tribes Mission and TAP. underway, in every language that needs it, by 2025.
SIL has also made a considerable contribution Coupled with that is the Last Languages Initiative, a related
facilitator.” to language description and analysis. Last year, strategy to accelerate Bible translation for the nearly 2,400 lan-
SIL dedicated an impressive research library and guages still needing translation (see “Good News for the Last
archives of more than 3,500 titles that include dictionaries, read- Languages,” Word Alive, Spring 2009).
ing primers, traditional stories and a wide variety of unpublished Then there’s the recognition that the Philippines has changed
works such as linguistic analyses of various languages. significantly over the past five decades. The country is home to
With such a legacy, it’s easy to understand how some could some 171 languages, but Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, is
conclude that language work in the Philippines is all but done. the national language. English, also widely spoken, is the medi-
However, there’s still a need for workers who believe God is um of instruction in higher education. This multilingual envi-
calling them to further Bible translation in the Philippines. ronment creates some daunting challenges in determining just

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 19

 (Above) At a strategy meeting
held last January in Manila, some
key players in the Philippine Bible
translation movement ask for
God’s guidance as they begin their
session. They believe increased
involvement by the Philippine
Church is crucial to furthering the
ministries of Bible translation in the
Philippines and throughout Asia.

(Left) The lure of higher wages

draws thousands of Filipinos to
seek employment overseas. Leaders
of the Philippine Bible translation
movement believe that Christians
among these hard-working, well-
educated and adaptable emigrants
are well positioned to make a sig-
nificant contribution to the work of
Bible translation worldwide.

20 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

 how many language groups really still need Scripture translation.
In terms of education, Filipinos now have greater access to
higher learning. As a result, many Christians in the country are
well positioned to contribute to Bible translation as linguists,
translators, consultants and support personnel, through TAP
and other organizations like the Northern Philippines Mother
Tongue Translators Association (see “From Other Tongue to
Mother Tongue,” pg. 26.)
Add to the mix a Church that has matured over the years, and
an adaptability and resiliency that enables Filipinos to blend in
with almost any culture around the world, and you have some
huge potential—and challenges—facing the Bible translation
movement in the Philippines.

Planning Together
While the “partnership” buzzword seems overused in business,
education and church circles, the Philippine Bible translation
partners believe that working together truly provides the best
way forward. But even the way they partner is being reevaluated.
For example, as SIL and TAP discuss how best to help finish
Bible translation for the estimated 10 to 20 language groups still
needing it, they’re hopeful that the people who speak those lan-
guages will take ownership for Bible translation.
“In all of those cases,” says Chesnut, “we’re hoping TAP, SIL
and other partners can work together to help facilitate the lan-
guage communities’ efforts to do their own translation.”
“We’ll be working hand-in-hand to provide mother tongue
training, consulting—those types of things,” adds Chesnut.
“More and more, SIL and TAP are saying, ‘We’re working
together . . . on joint initiatives and strategies and we’re going to
assist these language communities jointly as well.’”
TAP director Justino “Boi” Awid currently oversees more than
70 Filipino members serving in 17 language projects that range
from Bible translation to literacy and language-based development.
One TAP project in Luzon’s Bicol region marks a first for the
26-year-old organization. In the past, TAP personnel first had
to locate on site, then spend months or years
“We’ll be learning and analyzing the language before
translation could begin; in Bicol TAP is focus-
working ing instead on training and resourcing mother
tongue translators as they translate the New
hand-in- Testament for two language groups (see “From
Other Tongue to Mother Tongue,” pg. 26.)
hand to Wycliffe Canada director Dave Ohlson says
this approach is a major change of strategy
provide for TAP.
“We’re seeing more and more sophisti-
mother cation in the minority groups across the
Philippines,” says Ohlson, who once served
tongue as director of Wycliffe’s Asia-Pacific Area.
“Language communities are much better
Boi Awid (above, far right), director of the Translators Association of training, equipped today to do translation.
the Philippines, “talks shop” with leaders of the Philippine Bible Society “So TAP, as a facilitator, is likely going to
(PBS). Founded in 1899, PBS has translated the Scriptures for eight major
Philippine languages and distributes up to 13 million Scripture-related
consulting— see projects completed a lot quicker.”
publications annually. General Secretary Nora Lucero (second from left) “Also one of our strategies now is to work
believes the availability of Scripture in mother tongue languages is crucial those types
to her country’s future. “We pray that the Bible can really change us as a
nation . . . and it can be seen in the way we behave and act as a people.”
of things.” Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 21
 Rudy Barlaan (far left), a Filipino SIL
with Bible societies,” adds Awid. “Starting two years ago, we
member, responds to a presentation
about the changing role of SIL in entered into a formal relationship with the Philippine Bible
the Philippines during a staff meet- Society (PBS).
ing at the organization’s administra- “I think the work is being done faster with PBS acting as
tive centre in Bagabag. The future of
language development in the coun-
translation consultants also.”
try is being shaped largely by Vision
2025, which seeks to accelerate the
pace of Bible translation and involve
At Home and Abroad
the whole Church more effectively. While TAP is committed to finishing Scripture translation in the
Philippines, it has also begun to look beyond its borders.
Two of its members have served in Indonesia, while two
others have laboured in other Southeast Asian countries.
“Previously we were only focusing on local language projects,”
says Awid, “but now our eyes are set on overseas as well, because
of Vision 2025.
“I believe Filipinos can contribute to its fulfilment,” he adds.
“We are multicultural and . . . we are also multilingual. Millions
of Filipinos are already scattered around the globe. Many of
them have become Christians and in the process, they have
become part of the missions force as well.”
“Language Clearly, TAP and SIL are on the same page as they
look to the future. But they’re not trusting solely in
communities boardroom discussions and strategic plans to find
their way forward.
are much At the January planning meeting, John Chesnut—a
former pastor—led those assembled in a morning
better devotional from Mark’s Gospel. In chapter six, Jesus
miraculously feeds 5,000 curious Israelites who have
equipped assembled in the wilderness to hear Him teach.
“God often begins with the limited resources we
today to do have,” Chesnut reminded the team. “We have to let
God be God as we do our planning—putting it all
translation.” in His hands.”

22 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca


T
he director of Sa Bawat Wika 2025 (SBW), Dr. Lloyd
Estrada, succinctly describes the organization he
directs: “It’s Vision 2025, with a Philippine flavour.”
In other words, Sa Bawat Wika (Tagalog for “In
Every Language”) is fully behind Wycliffe’s vision to see Bible
translation started, in every language that needs it, by 2025. But
Estrada stresses that SBW must be viewed as something more
than another Wycliffe program in the Philippines.
“At this point it is the flagship initiative of Wycliffe here
in the Philippines,” he explains. “But we want it to become a
movement whereby the churches are the ones propelling it.”
SBW’s director says there are approximately 70,000 Christian
churches in the Philippines.
“A vast majority of those churches do not know anything
about Bible translation . . . so we are raising up advocates for
this work.”
His strategy is to share the vision with denomina-
tional heads, mission leaders, church bishops and other
prominent Christians. He’s well equipped to do so, with
nearly two decades of pastoral experience throughout
the Philippines.
Estrada also serves as a board vice-chairman for
the Philippine Missions Association, which aims to
mobilize the global Filipino Church in evangelizing
the nations, including unreached people groups in the
Philippines.
Philippine-style
Speaking Their Language
When he talks to pastors about Bible translation, Estrada says
he speaks their language.
“A pastor always wants to know, is this related to evangelism?
Discipleship? Church planting? Will this help my church grow?
“When I go either in one-on-one meetings or large group
meetings, I always show the connection between Bible transla-
tion and these things, and so they hear the message in their
own language, if you could call it that.”
However, Estrada faces two main challenges in raising
awareness about the need for Bible translation. First, he
believes that the Philippine Church has yet to embrace the idea
of cross-cultural missions.
“For the majority of churches in the Philippines, starting a
Former pastor Dr. Lloyd Estrada
(left), director of Sa Bawat Wika
2025, believes the Philippine
Church can play a key role in finish-
ing the Bible translation task. His
role is to help raise awareness about
the need for Scripture translation
among the country’s estimated
70,000 Christian churches—like the
small Assembly of God (AOG) con-
gregation near Iriga City (above).
Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 23
‘No wonder the

Christians here

in the island of

Palawan are

not reaching

their potential

spiritually,

because we are

not discipling

them in the

Scriptures

in their own

languages!’ ”

similar church—a church that’s like yours, but in another loca-

tion—is missions.” The lack of
Second, the lack of financial resources hinders many churches
from doing missions.
“In Palawan for example (an island province of the financial
Philippines), the average church size is less than 50. Most of the
pastors there are bi-vocational—they also teach in a school or
they drive a [motorized taxi] tricycle or they own a business, resources
because their churches are too small and too poor to support
their own pastor. . . .”
hinders
Responding by Faith
Regardless of such challenges, Filipino believers—including
church leaders like Pastor Israel Santos in Puerto Princessa many
City—are responding to Vision 2025 by faith.
“He stood up in a gathering of ministers,” Estrada recalls, “and
said, ‘No wonder the Christians here in the island of Palawan are churches
not reaching their potential spiritually, because we are not disci-
pling them in the Scriptures in their own languages!’ ”
That’s where SBW comes in, with its corresponding vision to from doing
encourage Scripture use among Filipino believers through Bible
distribution, the JESUS film and other vernacular media.
Santos is now an advocate for Bible translation on Palawan. He missions.
and other pastors are talking about raising up 60 language workers
from that area and taking responsibility for their financial support.
To do so, the churches are banding together to find solutions. For many smaller congregations
in the Philippines, like Iriga’s AOG
“Right now, they are talking about corporate farming . . . and church (right), a lack of financial
we are already in touch with the department of agriculture and resources often restricts their vision
other experts from the governor’s office. for missions, with a resulting focus
“Most likely, we will start a cooperative among the churches on service to their own communities.

24 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

 At Manila’s Greenhills Christian
Fellowship (left), visiting Toronto
pastor Dr. Narry Santos preaches
on a Sunday morning. Greenhills
has planted more than a dozen
satellite churches in the Philippines
and two in Ontario. Its mission
outreach includes financial support
for Bible translation projects in the
Philippines, administered by TAP.

“The Lord is

really leading us

so clearly here.

In fact, we’re not

even thinking

so hard about

strategies.”

and then we will purchase property and plant rubber trees. The pas-
tors agree that all the income generated from this farm will be for the
support of the cross-cultural missionaries.”

Delight on God’s Face

Estrada is encouraged by such developments, hoping they will result
in the mobilization of more Filipinos like one couple he knows who
are preparing to work in Southeast Asia.
“They have a passion for using vernacular media and they have
experience and skills in that field.
“We are helping them prepare for their assignment in Southeast
Asia,” he adds, “but I’m telling them they don’t have to join Wycliffe.
We are working with their church denomination
. . . so we can agree on the sending requirements.
“So even if they don’t join Wycliffe, this is already part of the
accomplishment of Sa Bawat Wika 2025—and we’re happy about that.”
Estrada sees clear evidence of God’s hand on this ministry.
“The Lord is really leading us so clearly here. In fact, we’re not
even thinking so hard about strategies because right now, we are just
tapping into my network of friends.
“We are asking people to own the vision and we talk about
Revelation 7:9, when every nation, tribe, people and language are
all gathered in heaven, worshipping the Lord.”
Estrada is eager to see the delight on God’s face.
“He will say to the Filipino Church, ‘. . . Arise, well done, my good
and faithful servants—you have done well in bringing people from all
nations into my heaven.’ ”

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 25

 Language
W
hen Wycliffe Canada Director Dave Ohlson and
his wife Joan travelled to the Philippines this past
January, the town of Barlig was a much-anticipated
communities in part of their itinerary. Surrounded by lush green rice terraces
for much of the year, the town is where they lived from 1975 to
the Philippines 1982 while helping translate the Finallig New Testament (see “A
Long, Uphill Climb,” pg. 6).
In January, the Ohlsons met a group of Barlig residents who
take ownership are now translating the Old Testament into their language—and
Dave was impressed.
for Scripture “Looking back,” he muses, “I wish we’d employed some of the
techniques used in translation now, because there were plenty of
sophisticated people in Barlig who probably could have contrib-
translation, uted greatly . . . we would have got a lot further, a lot quicker.”
A team member, Meriam Challiis, studied Hebrew at the
helped by Alliance Graduate School in Manila (see “Second Chance for
a Single Mom,” pg. 32). That’s just one example of how today’s
mother tongue translators (MTTs) are being equipped to
Wycliffe’s accelerate the pace of Bible translation, in the Philippines
and around the world.
partner Head Start
The work of modern global Bible translation has seen some big
organizations. changes since its beginnings in 1934. For much of this 75-year
history, “other tongue” translators—expatriates and foreigners
like the Ohlsons—were assigned to a language project, where
they began by studying the local language. Typically, the transla-

26 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

Mother tongue translators Veronica
Pinos-an (above, left) and Doralyn “Looking back,
Matinac Challoy represent a growing
force in the work of Bible translation
worldwide. The two women, who
I wish we’d
are part of a well-trained team work-
ing on the Finallig Old Testament, employed
possess a huge advantage over
expatriate translators: an intimate
understanding of their own culture
some of the
and language. The team’s progress
and aims are reflected on a chart
inside their office (right), provided
techniques
for them by the Barlig Scripture
Society. The team is one of nine used in
homegrown translation groups
serving under the banner of the
Northern Philippines Mother Tongue
translation
Translators Association.
now…we
would have
got a lot
further, a
lot quicker.”

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 27

In the city of Iriga, Emy Ballenas
(above, right), a longtime member
of the Translators Association of
the Philippines (TAP), talks with
Amor Borromeo about details of the
Rinconada New Testament translation.
Ballenas oversees the mother tongue
translator’s work, which is aided by
the software program, Paratext (seen
on computer monitor). It and related
tools developed by the United Bible
Societies allow translators to input,
edit and check their translations
against published translations ren-
dered in several versions of Scripture.
28 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca
tors would then look for a local person—like the Ohlson’s help-
er, Virgie Coyao—to assist them in translating Scripture. Using
that method, it could take decades to complete a translation of
the New Testament or full Bible.
Today, more and more Filipinos are responding to the chal-
lenge of Bible translation. With training from AGS and other
“We’ve learned
fine schools, they’re translating the Scriptures in their mother
tongue. That mother tongue advantage often gives them a sig- over the years
nificant “head start” in translation.
“What I would do differently now,” says Ohlson about his that translation
six years of New Testament translation in Barlig, “would be to
work harder from day one to establish a translation committee quality can be
or society . . . and engage in training, possibly sending them off
for advanced training and then working alongside these well- maintained
qualified local people.
“This can’t be done in every context, but it could have been when we don’t
done in Barlig. Back then, we believed it was our responsibility
to do the work ourselves, in order to assure quality control. do the work
“But we’ve learned over the years that translation quality can
be maintained when we don’t do the work ourselves.” ourselves.”
Diverse Groups
The Old Testament translation team in Barlig is comprised of
five members: four women and one man. Most are Catholics,
while one is Pentecostal. Three of the women—Meriam,
Veronica Pinos-an and Doralyn Challoy—were part of finish-
ing the New Testament under the direction of Wycliffe Canada Translators Association of the
members Rundell and Judi Maree. Philippines (TAP) director Boi Awid (at
Prior to that, none of the MTTs had any previous experience right, in blue shirt) joins in prayers for
a young Rinconada-speaking family
in Bible translation. And for most, there wasn’t necessarily a dedicating their child to God at the
strong sense of God’s leading when they heard that the Barlig AOG church near Iriga. TAP trains and
Scripture Society planned to hire translators. supervises the young mother tongue
After graduating from college, Doralyn looked for work as translators whose work will result
in a New Testament translation for
a teacher, but no opportunities opened up for her. She then Rinconada speakers in Luzon Island’s
applied to become a domestic worker overseas, but nothing Bicol region.
came of that either.
 She decided to apply for a job in Bible translation, even
though she didn’t fully understand what that meant. To her
surprise, she was hired—and her subsequent daily exposure to
God’s Word led to a spiritual awakening.
“After some time, I was convinced that God had led me. It “After some time, I
was through my translation work in this office that I was able to
know more about Him,” she says with tears in her eyes. was convinced that
Work on the Old Testament translation began in 2004. So far, the
team has completed draft translations of about 20 Old Testament God had led me.
books and aims to complete the remaining 19 books by 2010.
A dictionary of biblical terms is also in the works, with a
completion deadline of 2013.
It was through my
The team’s work is supervised by a board of trustees elected by
the Scripture society and funded by one Japanese donor and a
translation work
few Japanese churches.
The Barlig Scripture Society is one of nine member societ-
in this office that
ies that make up the Northern Philippines Mother Tongue
Translators Association (NPMTTA). Wycliffe personnel assisted
I was able to know
in the association’s formation and continue to provide training
and resources for its members.
more about Him.”
The association is anticipating some growth, having received
inquiries from eight language communities in southern Luzon
Island who are interested in translating the Scriptures.
The NPMTTA has come a long way since its formation in
2000; 11 mother tongue translators have earned master’s degrees
to aid them in Bible translation, another has earned a master

Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 29

of divinity degree and yet another is working on her PhD the-
sis at a university in Singapore. The organization is now even
considering how it can contribute to Bible translation in other
countries.  Recently, for example, two NPMTTA members went
to southern Asia to teach a course that equipped mother tongue
speakers of local languages there to share God’s Word in their
own languages.

Desire for God’s Word

Elsewhere in the country, the Translators Association of the
Philippines (TAP) oversees two language projects being done
by MTTs. In Bicol, one of 17 administrative regions in the
Philippines, TAP responded to churches in the city of Iriga
who asked for help to translate Scripture into two local
languages, Buhi’nen and Rinconada.
TAP members worked with the churches to identify
promising candidates and begin training them to translate
the New Testament.
The two language projects mark a new chapter in TAP’s
26-year history. Previously, TAP translators first had to learn
another Filipino language and then solicit the aid of mother
tongue speakers when translating Scripture. But in Bicol, well-
trained MTTs are taking the
More On The Web: Both thr Buhi’nen and lead, with TAP members
Rinconada language projects receive financial
serving in an advisory role.
assistance from Wycliffe Canada’s project
Nilo Borromeo, an MTT
funding partner, Global PartnerLink. Learn
more at <www.globalpartnerlink.ca>. in the Rinconada language, is
studying at Alliance Graduate As boats filled with people and cargo ply the shores of Lake Buhi in
School in Manila, so he will be elp in the project. The 28-year-old Bicol (below), local children clamour to have their picture taken. The
New Testament is being translated into their language, Buhi’nen,
student says he never expected to be involved in Bible translation. thanks to the efforts of local church leaders, mother tongue translators
“My inclination, especially in the church, is evangelism. But and their TAP advisers.

30 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

after I attended the seminars conducted by TAP in our city, I
saw that Bible translation is really evangelism.”
As he prepares for his role in the project, he hangs on to a
vision for his people.
“What is in my mind is, that through these translations, people
will be moved by the Word of God . . . that people will come to
the Lord and have a true transformation begin in their hearts.”
Like many other MTTs serving in the Philippines, Nilo will
be an asset to the translation team because of the solid academic
training he’s receiving. But more to the point, he loves God’s
Word and wants to share it with his people—in the language
they know best.

“What is in my
mind is, that
through these
translations, . . .
people will
come to the
Lord and
have a true
transformation
begin in their
hearts.”

Romeo Lamaton works on a portion of

the Finallig Old Testament translation.
The team is a mix of Protestants and
Catholics, each of whom feels called
by God to provide mother tongue
Scriptures for their people.
 M eriam Challiis says there was no handwriting in the sky, no
voices from heaven or other signs of divine guidance that

Chance
led her to become a Bible translator nine years ago.
“It was basically because I wanted a job.”
The shy, soft-spoken 34-year-old student and mother tongue
translator graduated last April from the Alliance Graduate School

Second Chance for a (AGS) in Manila, Philippines. At AGS, her studies included two
years of Hebrew—a vital course for her role in translating the
Old Testament into Finallig. It is the mother tongue spoken by

Chance Single
Meriam and some 6,000 Filipinos in the town of Barlig and a
few surrounding communities in Luzon’s Mountain Province.
The former sales clerk from Barlig first heard about the job from

Mom her sister, who heard it announced during a church service.

“Before that,” explains Meriam, “I was a saleslady at the

Chance co-operative there, St. Michael’s. But then I stopped when I

gave birth to my daughter, because I was a single mother.
“I stopped to look after her,” she adds, in a quieter voice that

Chance
seems to signal that such memories may be too personal—and
painful—to share with a stranger. Then, her voice grows stronger
as she recalls how she became a Bible translator.
“When my sister told me they are hiring translators, I just tried

Chance to apply.”
The Finallig Scripture Society hired Meriam in April 2000, to
help finish the New Testament translation. By the time it was
32 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca
 “I learned
to love my
work. And
I wanted
to learn
more.”
(Left) On a weekday afternoon in
Manila, student and mother tongue
translator Meriam Challiis walks
home from school to her nearby
apartment. The single mom from
Barlig has endured a long separa-
tion from her daughter Shantal, so
she can better equip herself for her
role in Bible translation through
her studies at the Alliance Graduate
School (below).
publicly dedicated in 2004, the mother tongue translators were
already gearing up to translate the Old Testament.
Over time, Meriam’s work in Bible translation became much
more than a job.
“I learned to love my work,” she says. “And I wanted to learn
more.”
That desire led her to apply to AGS—where she failed the
English proficiency exam four times before she was finally
accepted in 2006.
Although her English is understandable now, it’s clear she still
struggles to express herself in the language of higher education
in the Philippines. But she presses on, adding a simple comment
about the Hebrew classes she attended at AGS.
“It’s very hard.” When reminded that she earned top marks in
her class, she giggles, protesting, “There are only three of us!”
While attending classes in Manila, Meriam lived within walking
distance of the graduate school. She only saw her daughter Shantal,
now nine years old and living with Meriam’s parents in Barlig,
every three or four months.
It was a big sacrifice for the young mom, as was her investment
in three years of seminary training—but one she felt she needed to
make for the sake of Bible translation.
“I want to learn more and I want to be effective . . . I want to
finish this Old Testament.
“I don’t want to waste all these years. . . .”
At the mention of wasted years, Meriam’s eyes fill with tears and
her head drops, as haltingly she murmurs a few more details about
the ill-fated love affair that left her pregnant and disgraced some
10 years earlier.
For several minutes, Meriam weeps openly, then apologizes for
her emotional breakdown. As the interview with her comes to an
end, much is left unspoken, unresolved. But from the few words
she did express, Meriam seems grateful to God for his forgive-
ness—and for the opportunity to serve Him in the life-changing
ministry of Bible translation.
 Beyond Words
Harvest Gold
Photograph by Alan Hood

At harvest time, a Filipina woman winnows rice stalks that have fallen
near a threshing machine in a field near Bagabag, a city north of
Manila. Her strenuous labour serves to cleanse the rice by separating
it from chaff and other impure elements. Even as she works, a grow-
ing army of her countrymen are preparing for a harvest of eternal
significance through their work in Bible translation, as they prepare
the “good seed” of God’s Word.

34 Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca

 Last Word
Transitions for Translations
By Dave Ohlson
I
t seemed appropriate when Word Alive edi-
tor Dwayne Janke asked me if I would write
this column. Very likely this will be my last
opportunity to do so, as I finish up my time
as the CEO of Wycliffe Canada in December. It’s
been a wonderful and enriching experience for
my wife Joan and I, one we will treasure, as we
seek what God has next for us as we approach
our 40th year as members of Wycliffe.
I am pleased to be handing the reins to
incoming interim director Don Hekman. He
will lead Wycliffe Canada forward in its quest to
make the greatest contribution possible on the
part of the Canadian Church to the worldwide
Bible translation movement. A major aspect of
that movement is Wycliffe’s Vision 2025: seeing
all peoples having access to God’s precious Word
in the language that speaks to their hearts best—
their own—by the year 2025.
Joan and I are now in that position sometimes
referred to as transition
(passing from one condi-
Key changes are taking tion, form, stage, activity,
place, etc., to another).
place in the Church to Transitions are much more
provide the peoples a part of our lives in today’s
rapidly changing world
of the world access to than they were in the time
of our fathers and grand-
The Word—God’s love fathers.
letter to humanity. But as believers we must
look at things from a per-
spective beyond the per-
sonal. So, how do transitions figure into God’s
bigger plan for the building of His Kingdom, the
body of Christ, in these times? I would like to
outline five key transitions that are taking place
in the Church, specifically in relation to provid-
ing the peoples of the world access to The Word,
God’s love letter to humanity—the Bible.
1. An unmistakable sense of urgency on the part
of God and His Church to see that all peoples
have the Scriptures. This is borne out of God’s
deep affection for humanity and His desire that
individuals from every tribe, language, people
and nation on earth (Rev 5:9) enter into an
eternal relationship with Him. The translation
of the Bible into new languages has accelerated
over the past 10 years at a pace never previously
experienced by the Church.
2. A growing sense of partnership in the world-
wide Church to give all people access to the
Scriptures in their heart languages. The church of
the Global South, which comprises 91 per cent
of all new Christians, is deeply committed to
partner with the Church of the West to see this
happen. The Missio Dei (mission of God) is truly
being worked out and demonstrated as a coop-
erative effort on the part of the whole Church.
3. A spirit of cooperation within the Church to
equip and build up each part so that the whole
has the capacity, under God’s power and guid-
ance, to accomplish everything that God has
created it to do. It is no longer the exclusive
role of the Western Church to build capacity
into other segments of the Church, but rather a
mutual responsibility of all.
4. An effectiveness and an efficiency taking place
in the Church that we have not seen before.
There is an openness to embrace new and
creative ways of ministering, as well as new
attitudes and a willingness to experiment with
new ideas and strategies in training, partnering
and emerging technologies. Scriptures are being
made available to people in a host of media that
best fits them.
5. A growing body of evidence that all peoples—
the nations (ta ethne) of Matthew 28:19—are
building sustainability within themselves to sup-
port a growing and reproducing Church. Bible
translation is one of the key components in this
new phenomenon.
Mine is not the last word on transitions tak-
ing place in the Church. Fortunately, that is
the exclusive domain of The Living Word, the
Lord Jesus Christ. He will continue to build
and change His Church in the 21st century and
beyond, for His eternal purposes. To that, our
last word should always be the same: Amen!
Dave Ohlson is executive director of Wycliffe Canada.
Word Alive • Fall 2009 • wycliffe.ca 35
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Headhunters’ Encounter Jungle Jewels

and Jaguars
With God
N estled in the mountainous hinterlands of the Philippines, the Ifugao
people have lived for centuries, eking out a living in sweet potato
J ungle Jewels and Jaguars chronicles the unique experiences of
Wycliffe’s Martha Tripp, who lived with a remote group of indigenous
people called Amueshas, in Peru—learning their language, reducing it
fields and rice terraces. For many years, they led a complex and ritualistic to writing, establishing bilingual
life, appeasing hundreds of deities and practising headhunting. schools and translating God’s
Headhunters’ Encounter with God: An Word into the language.
Ifugao Adventure is Canadian Len Martha had the joy of seeing
Newell’s story of the trials, failures, the Word change their lives,
joys and successes of a completely resulting in the development
non-Christian tribal group, as they of 45 churches, established
embrace the Christian faith. A key by the Amueshas themselves.
factor was learning the compelling Don Richardson, author of
message of God through Bible Peace Child, says: “Martha’s
translation led by this long-time unpretentious heroism, so
Wycliffe worker, who died in 2008. humbly storied, beckons a
new generation.”
Softcover. 165 pages.
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