Have you ever thought about the way you shape the world around you? Whether you realize it or not, your choices, words and faith influence those in your workplace, community and home. The way you respond under pressure, extend kindness or reflect peace speaks volumes — often louder than words.

As your relationship with the Lord grows, so does the fruit of the Spirit in your life: “… the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23a, NLT). This fruit doesn’t just impact our personal relationship with God: It has the power to shape culture, transform relationships and point others toward Christ.

The Enga people of Papua New Guinea are experiencing this firsthand.

A New Sound Rising in Papua New Guinea

In July 2024, a vibrant procession of people moved through the streets of Wabag, Papua New Guinea. Men, women and children — adorned in colorful traditional dress — danced, sang and beat traditional drums with joy. They were celebrating a truth that had finally found its home among them: God speaks our language.

For the first time in history, the 370,000 Enga speakers could read and hear the words of Jesus in their own language. Now Scripture is personal, clear and undeniably powerful.

The Enga people are known as influencers and leaders, shaping the culture of their province and the capital city of Port Moresby. As they immerse themselves in Scripture, a deeper transformation is happening: God’s Word is actively shifting people’s mindsets, redefining strength and breathing hope into their communities.

This is more than a Bible dedication. It is the beginning of a movement — one where Christ is shaping the Enga people and their culture through His Word.

Clear Communication: Reaching the Enga Community

“English is not our language,” Martin Harty, one Engan translator shared in reference to the challenges of understanding other translations, “and Pidgin is not our language [either]. Hearing and reading the Bible in Pidgin, the meaning of the Word of God is not very clear.”

Clarity is essential for transformation. For the Enga people, reading Scripture in an unfamiliar language made it difficult to grasp its full meaning, let alone share it with others. How can God’s Word truly shape people’s hearts and lives if they can’t fully understand its message? Whether it’s a parable or the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, when Scripture is conveyed in a language that resonates with its audience, verses come alive.

Recognizing their need for Scripture, local Enga churches united in a collaborative effort to bring the Bible to their people. In July and August 2024, the translators, churches and Enga community gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Enga New Testament — a moment that would mark not just the completion of a translation but the beginning of a movement.

The Enga speakers, known as influencers and decision-makers in Port Moresby, now have the power to shape their nation in a whole new way. With God’s Word in their language, the impact they can make is world-changing.

Joyful Generosity in Action: The Enga New Testament Dedication

Because the Enga language in Papua New Guinea has speakers who are spread out across an entire province, the Enga New Testament was dedicated in seven different locations in July and August 2024. The main dedication was held on July 2, 2024, in Wabag, the capital of Enga Province.

The ceremony began with a parade through the town made up of Enga translators, church leaders and members, visitors from SIL (Wycliffe’s primary partner) and the Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association (PNGBTA), overseas visitors and more than a dozen men, women, youth and children.

The parade ended at a grandstand in a field. Following a time of worship, representatives from the Enga translation team, the Enga government, churches, SIL, PNGBTA, local communities and overseas visitors gave speeches to acknowledge the significance of the event. The governor of Enga Province gave a rousing speech, encouraging people to use the newly translated Enga New Testament and to follow its teachings.

After the speeches and a prayer of dedication, the Enga church leaders from various denominations lined up on the field in front of the grandstand and faced the crowd. They were each given a printed copy of the Enga New Testament along with a solar-powered audio edition. After singing a traditional song, the Engans came forward to receive their items — officially delivering the newly translated New Testament into the hands of the Enga people.

God’s Word in Every Format

The Enga New Testament was sold in different formats: print, audio and digital. The solar-powered audio player was the most popular choice. Upon purchasing the Enga New Testament, people immediately began paging through the printed copies or listening to the audio with great interest. The Enga Bible app also had more than 1,700 downloads and installs in the months leading up to the dedication.

People received the newly translated Enga New Testament with joy. They are hungry to read and hear the New Testament in their own language.

At the other dedications, people were also excited to receive the New Testament in their own language. People purchased stacks of New Testaments to give to their friends and family who could not attend. The dedication in Port Moresby was even reported on a national news program, making it a great opportunity to raise awareness of God’s Word!

This wasn’t just about receiving a book — it was about encountering the living God. Enga translator, Maniosa Yakasa, shared his heart for his community:

Bible translation isn’t just about access — it’s about transformation.

Shaping Culture and Changing the World

Through Bible translation, the truth and love found in Scripture are bringing light to communities just like the Enga in ways that have never been possible before. Adam Boyd, chief communications officer of SIL PNG and Enga translation advisor, shared his perspective on the big picture of the Enga dedication: “… I think sometimes we forget that translation work is more than just translation. It’s about relationships. It’s about seeing lives transformed.”

The dedication of the Enga New Testament is more than a celebration of a completed translation — it is a testimony to the life-changing, culture-shaping power of God’s Word. As Enga believers engage with Scripture in their language for the first time, Christ is revolutionizing people’s faith and their communities, fostering peace in a culture of conflict and positioning the Enga as leaders who will shape their nation through His love.

Every interaction within your community — whether it’s your church, small group or friends — is an opportunity to make an eternal difference. By engaging with the life-changing Word of God, you reflect God’s character and help create lasting change.

Joining Hands for Bible Translation

The Enga translation project in Papua New Guinea is a testament to the impact that can happen when the body of Christ comes together in unity. Frank Paiyak, an Enga translator, said:

And outside of Papua New Guinea, people were supporting this Bible translation project too — they prayed regularly for the translators, shared updates with their congregations and even recorded videos of encouragement for the translation team. This collective effort accelerated the project’s progress and strengthened relationships across continents.

Supporting Bible translation is a tangible way to participate in God’s mission to reach the nations. Through prayer, partnership and action, we can all be part of God’s mission — because together we proclaim hope. You can extend God's love to people globally by supporting Bible translation. Becoming a monthly giving partner is one powerful way to do this, ensuring the gospel reaches more hearts and lives.

Reflecting on God’s Word

God’s Word is more than just a book — it shapes how we live, love and lead. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105, NLT). Every time we open the Bible, the Holy Spirit works in us, refining our character and cultivating fruit.

When we allow His Word to guide our hearts and steps, we become living testimonies of His love. Choosing peace in the midst of conflict, patience in times of frustration and kindness in our daily interactions with others isn’t just about our personal spiritual growth; it’s about the Kingdom. Our words and actions here on earth have the opportunity to shape lives for eternity. Just as the Enga people are helping influence and reshape their culture to align with Scripture, we too can shape the world around us by walking with the Spirit.

As you celebrate with the Enga, pray for those who are still waiting to encounter God’s Word in their language. Ask the Lord to deepen His work in your own heart. As we live and love in light of His truth, the Holy Spirit will move through us, and the effects will extend far beyond what we can see!

Dare to Live Generously

We’re blessed to bless others. Living out biblical generosity isn’t just about money; it encompasses how we devote our time, talents, resources and more to advance God’s Kingdom and the Great Commission globally.

Explore what generosity means for your life in our free 7-day devotional.

Get Devotional