After 13+ years in language survey (and communications, crisis management, etc), a big change is coming: I will be the Director of our organization in PNG beginning in 2024. Desiring to limit our time outside of PNG during that 4-year term, we’re in the US to reconnect with family and partners.
We’re updating this site to describe our expanded responsibilities as Director. Here’s a quick overview of what we’re about:
- Vision: God’s Word, Every Language, Every Life. From the Impact Statement: changed lives, transformed communities.
- 222+ New Testament translations completed in partnership with local communities since 1956.
- Currently engaged in Bible translation in 124 languages.
- To see ‘changed lives, transformed communities,’ we provide many services beyond translation: literacy, training, technology, research, etc.
- Because infrastructure is minimal in the remote villages we often partner with, we provide transport, medical, supplies, education, and other services to staff.
- We have around 450 staff in PNG, half from PNG, half from 15+ other countries. 1000+ PNGns work as translators and literacy and Scripture engagement workers.
See https://silpng.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/SILPNG for more
information about language development in Papua New Guinea.
We are adjusting to this new scope of responsibility. We are grateful for the experiences and skills we’ve gained in our 13+ years in PNG:
- Language survey has given us an intimate acquaintance with people in remote language communities, the opportunities and felt needs there, and what it takes to partner fruitfully.
- In crisis management we were responsible to care for the whole staff team. We gained an understanding of cultural and contextual realities that affect our staff’s resilience and efficacy.
- Serving in several governance-related roles, including on the Executive Committee, acquainted us with the governance and policy side of the organization.
- Working as Chief Communications Officer gave opportunities to communicate with staff, partners, and the public about vision and encourage them with stories of God’s work. This role works with the Directorate team, so there was opportunity to observe and learn.
Overall, we sense that the “good opportunities God prepared in advance for us to do” have been great preparation for the role he’s prepared for us next.
We welcome your prayers during this time of transition. Please get in touch with any questions or if you want to receive our newsletter.
