Sour Patch Kids are among our family’s favorite candies. So, we were really excited to find them on the shelf at our local grocery store in Albertville, France. When we read the name on the bag though, we laughed out loud. Very Bad Kids doesn’t have the same meaning or connection to the candy at all. Something was clearly lost in translation. This simple candy name illustrates the difficulty and importance of quality translation for the Bible. Preserving the accuracy as well as ensuring a translation that is clear and natural is essential. These and other challenges remind us of the need for trained translators and consultants in the monumental task of ensuring that all people have a Bible in their heart language. Thanks for being part of this work with us!
Sour Patch/Very Bad Kids
Our time in France is nearing the halfway point and each one of us has recently received a report card along with a conference with the teacher. Learning a language, even while immersed in the culture, can take an average of about 18 months of full-time study. Since we had a very good base in the language, we are functioning pretty well. The children came in with no French at all and are now able to read and write a little and even understand some of what is happening around them. They are able to play some sports with their classmates. The boys are also getting to be decent with a yo-yo, thanks to its popularity on the playground at school. It will still be a while before they can make their own sentences or carry on a “normal” conversation in French. Despite the challenges, we see God’s protection and provision. We are thrilled with the progress that we are making in our language studies. And, we are encouraged by your continued partnership with us in ministry. Thank you for being part of this adventure with us.
Let’s Praise God for answered prayers!
- We survived the first semester with exams; we are all making a lot of progress in language learning.
- We are getting involved in our local church.
- Our neighbors and classmates have been very helpful, including lending a bike to Eila for the rest of our time in France.
Please Continue to Pray:
- for continued development of friendships for each of us with our French neighbors and classmates
- for the kids to seek God and trust Him during this difficult season for them
- for good health, study habits and motivation to speak in French, even when it is humiliating.
We are truly grateful for your role in the work that God is doing in and through us!