Papua New Guinea Bible Translation Association successfully hosted its 2024 Corporate Dinner, an event meant to raise funds to support the work of translating the word of God. This special occasion was held at Dynasty Restaurant, Vision City last night (31/08/24) in which members of PNGBTA, Christian churches, organizations, sponsors, families and friends all flocked to the occasion celebrating PNGBTA’s efforts in translating the Bible, which has helped many Papua New Guineans who are not English literate understand the gospel. Chairman of PNGBTA, Ganjiki Wayne opened the occasion, speaking passionately about the significance of Bible translation work. He stated that translating the written word of God helps Papua New Guineans see Jesus as another Papua New Guinean. “Translating the written word of God, helps people see Jesus as their wantok.” “With the translated word, people see Jesus communicating to them using their language – they do not have to become English speakers in order to understand Jesus.” He added that many people who have worked hard in translation passed away and did not see the fruits of the work. “Individuals have died before seeing a complete translation of the Bible.” “Hence, there is an urgency – a reality that people are dying without understanding Jesus as their local wantok.” Executive Director of PNGBTA Nelson Tapineng, explained the spiritual significance about mother tongues, stating that speaking or singing in one’s language, connects you to the spirit and is a core element of your identity. “Communicating in your language is a heart connection; that is the power of language.” PNGBTA has some form engagement with 500 languages; and roughly 300 more languages require a Bible translation into local language. AROB – 7 translation programs Central – 8 translation programs ENB – 1 translation program ESP – 5 translation programs EHP – 3 transltion programs Enga – 1 translation program Gulf – 2 translation programs Jiwaka – 1 translation program Madang – 8 translation programs NIP – 1 translation program Manus – 8 translation programs Milne Bay – 5 translation programs Morobe – 11 translation programs Oro – 9 translation programs SHP – 3 translation programs WHP – 1 translation program PNGBTA wishes to thank its major sponsors: The Department of Prime Minister and Executive Councils, Jesus Film, Mineral Resource Authority, Trix Investment Limited, Weekly for Australia, Divine Word University, OK Tedi Mining Limited, National Cultural Commission, Telikom PNG Limited, PNG DataCo, NICTA, Four Square Church, PNG Christian Professional Network, E-Products Limited and Water PNG. PNGBTA has a vision of seeing Papua New Guineans transformed by the translated word of God.