What would it feel like to wait decades to fully experience God’s Word in your own language? Around the world, many communities are praying and longing for the day when they can have Scripture in a way that they clearly understand. But God is rich in mercy and love and leads people out of darkness and into the light through His Word (Ephesians 2:4).

We are all invited to join in the celebration of individuals and communities who are receiving the very Word of God. These stories of what God is doing around the world go beyond the act of translation itself; they capture the profound impact of God’s Word as it shapes lives, strengthens faith and unites generations in His love.

The dedication of a New Testament is a chance for a community to rejoice as they see God’s promises fulfilled — when years of hard work and faithful prayer come to fruition, offering people the life-giving message of the gospel in their own language.

For the Saliba people of Papua New Guinea, this dream became reality on Oct. 12, 2024. After 31 years of waiting, the Saliba New Testament was joyfully handed over to church leaders. Their story is a culmination of faith, perseverance and a deep longing to see God’s promises come alive in their language.

A Community United in Preparation

The days leading up to the dedication were nothing short of extraordinary. On Saliba Island, the United Church congregation at Sawasawaga buzzed with excitement.

The men worked tirelessly, building a stunning stage and shelters for the guests, while the women meticulously planned the feast, gathering fresh produce and preparing pigs for the celebratory meal.

Teachers guided their students in practicing traditional dances for the celebration, and boats ferried visitors and choir groups in from nearby islands. Every detail, from the replica of a traditional house that would carry the New Testament to the vibrant dance routines, was planned with love and anticipation.

The Big Day Arrives

The day of the dedication began bright and sunny. Groups of villagers arrived on foot or boat, all of them carrying food — pigs and garden produce — for the day’s feast. They were escorted to the celebration grounds next to the church with dancing and joyful shouts. While a downpour delayed the start of the celebration by a few hours, at 11 a.m., the festivities officially began!

Four Saliba translators kicked off a grand procession, carrying in the replica house that contained the New Testament. Dancers in traditional attire led the way.

At the church entrance, leaders received the New Testament, ushering it inside for a moving dedication service.

During the service, the representative of the bishop of the United Church in Milne Bay Province prayed for the New Testament and blessed it. The service was accompanied with songs by the various choir groups. Afterward, the celebration continued with joyful dancing and speeches. Members of the United Church translation team even received certificates of appreciation. The day concluded with a celebratory, traditional big meal!

But that wasn’t the only celebration that took place that week.

Celebrations Across the Island

Just three days later, on Oct. 15, the Kwato Church of Papua New Guinea hosted a second celebration, welcoming the Saliba New Testament.

The current and former bishop traveled to officially receive the New Testament into the church. At the dedication, they talked about the importance of the Bible for Christian faith and encouraged the believers to read the New Testament in their language. The program continued with speeches, dance and songs from the choir. All the speakers expressed great joy at finally having God’s Word in their language!

But that was still not the end of the Saliba New Testament celebrations!

The next day, translators from the United Church congregation traveled to the north coast of Saliba Island, where there is a Catholic congregation. The whole program that day was conducted in Saliba. A procession with dancers escorted the New Testament to the church. When everybody had entered, a congregation leader carried a copy of the New Testament in, lifting it high for everybody to see.

In front of the altar, a special throne, covered in burgundy velvet and decorated with bright stars and two burning candles, had been prepared for the book. The New Testament was not only displayed prominently — it was immediately used for all the readings during the service!

In their speeches, the speakers promised to use the Saliba New Testament from now on in all church services and other activities. One speaker even encouraged the people to write songs about anything they learned from reading the New Testament.

When it was time for the final speech, a group of men carried a heavily decorated traditional platform filled with some local food items and two live chickens and presented it to the SIL (our primary partner) advisors. It was the traditional way of showing their utmost gratitude.

The Word Takes Root

During all three celebration days, people’s joy over the Saliba New Testament was palpable.

As the Saliba community embraces this treasure, their journey of transformation and spiritual growth begins.

Join the Mission

Join us in praying for communities around the world who are still waiting for the Word of God in their own language.

And pray that the words of the New Testament would take root deeply in the hearts of the Saliba people — that their faith would strengthen, that their passion for Scripture and enthusiasm would continually grow and that God would work in the lives of the Saliba translators and church leaders. We praise God for His faithfulness to the Saliba people, and pray that He will use Scripture to transform men, women and children — now and for years to come!

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