Welcome from Barry

One of the greatest privileges in my life was to give the first message from the newly dedicated Kriol Bible at Katherine Christian Convention in 2007. It was a Bible that had taken over 30 years to produce and involved over 100 different people with the vast majority being indigenous Kriol speakers from the Northern Territory. It was a team effort of monumental significance led by the indigenous church and supported by others at a time when indigenous communities were struggling. That first message was taken from Peter’s response to the lame man in Acts 3: “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

The publication of the Kriol Bible was an example of indigenous brothers and sisters and fellow colleagues who simply gave what they had in Jesus’ name and ultimately produced an absolutely wonderful Kriol Baibul (published by the Bible Society). The example of Peter and of the indigenous translators is also an example for all of us who desire to see the Scriptures available in the languages that still do not have it. What we have to give, we give in Jesus name and we trust God for the impossible.

Translating the Bible for the remaining languages of the world might sometimes be represented as a statistical equation and a remote challenge.  However, it will never be achieved by quoting statistics. It is always achieved by people going out and coming together in Jesus’ name.  It is my belief that there are still many Aussie Christians ready to give what they have in Jesus’ name to support the Bible translation movement, and experience some of the greatest privileges that life can give them.