Tanzania Here We Come!!!

Victoria Falls 2013
Lynne and I have been working on plans to work with Wycliffe Bible Translator missionaries Josh and Susan Chance in Dodoma, Tanzania, since last summer.  As of this writing, we have confirmed tickets leaving on June 26th and returning July 27th.  Details?

 Josh and Susan came to one of our mission conferences a few years ago.  Josh and Lynne grew up together in Auburn.  We were able to have dinner with them last year when they were home on furlough, and I was captivated by the work they are doing to develop a written language and translate the Bible for the people of Tanzania.  According to Ethnologue, there are a total of 126 languages spoken in Tanzania. Two are institutional, 18 are developing, 58 are vigorous, 40 are endangered, and 8 are dying. There are also three languages that recently became extinct.  Wycliffe and SIL International just recently published the books of Ruth and Mark in the Burunge language.  

 Keep in mind that the translators have to develop a written language and then do the translation.  That means, the people have to be taught to read the language.  Let that sink in while I fill you in on the adventure Josh and Susan have in store for us.

 We will be flying into Dar-es-Salaam on 
June 27th to join missionaries from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania for a pastors conference. 
Lynne and I will be providing childcare/VBS for the children of the missionaries during the week of the conference.  We covet your prayers as we pray for guidance on what to teach them each morning.

 Once our week is Dar-es-Salaam is complete we will travel with the Chance family to their Wycliffe/SIL compound near Dodoma.   Chance has us planned to teach local pastors and congregations how to study the Bible.  Remember I mentioned that most of these folks have the Bible in their language but they may not be able to read it.  Hopefully, you see the challenge inherent in this endeavor.  We covet your prayers in this area also. After the training is complete, we will be here to lend a hand wherever we are needed.  Josh often heads into the "bush" to visit translators and Lynne and I hope to accompany him.

 Yes, they have internet at the compound.  I hope to be posting pictures and blog posts throughout our "Great Adventure."   If you will commit pray for us before and during our travels, please let us know via e-mail (larryninas@gmail.com  or for Lynne ninasl@charter.net) or in person.   No fear and trepidation on our part, only bubbly anticipation of how God will use us in Tanzania.

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