In the remote Reef Islands, the Mikilinäve Äiwoo Translation Ministry is committed to see the Scriptures translated into the Äiwoo Language.
The book of Mark has been published and the books of Luke and Matthew are due to be consultant checked later this year.
While Reef Islands Clergy recognise the value of the reading of Scriptures in Äiwoo, many have expressed a desire for training that would enable them to be more confident and fluent readers.
In response to that felt need, the Mikilinuäve Äiwoo Translation Ministry planned an Äiwoo Reading Fluency training.
A one week training for priests and pastors, led by SITAG Literacy Consultant, Timothy Matzke, was held from 17 – 21 March in Otelo Village. During the workshop, participants were introduced to a transition reading primer to help them understand the differences between reading English and the Äiwoo Language. The clergy members spent time practicing reading in Äiwoo and Pijin.
During the morning devotional sessions, Timothy shared foundational principles from Scripture and the history of Bible translation. These sessions led to participants gaining a better understanding of the importance of communicating the Gospel in a language that the people understand and value.
The clergy members expressed gratitude for the greater understanding they gained from this teaching. It is hoped that the clergy will continue to practice their Äiwoo reading skills and feel more confident in reading Äiwoo Scriptures and liturgies during church services.
During the closing of the training, Pastor James Lenube of the Kingdom Salvation Centre speaking on behalf participants said, “Because you came, you have woken us up to the real purpose God has given each of us. You have helped us see that we have been using a ‘borrowed’ language in our church ministries. You have taught us the value of using our language – the language of the common people. Äiwoo is the language of the people and a real language which we should be using.”
A similar training was successfully held the following week, 24-28 March 2025, for catechists. As a result of the 2 trainings, 18 clergy and 33 catechists are now better equipped to read Äiwoo Scriptures.
Source: Press Release, SITAG