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Christianity
was introduced to the Finongan language group around
the time of World War II. Because the Finongan had
no translated Scripture in their own language, they
had to read God’s Word in the language of
those who brought Christianity to them, Kate (pronounced
kah-TAY). With the growing influence of Tok Pisin,
Papua New Guinea’s main trade language, the
Finongan people also began using the Tok Pisin Bible.
However, neither Bible has been able to completely
satisfy their spiritual needs.
Ross and Lyndal Webb lived and translated among
the neighboring Irumu language. The Finongan people
observed all the blessings that the Irumu received
as God’s Word was translated into their language.
When the Irumu New Testament was dedicated in 1997,
representatives of the Finongan people were in attendance.
The Finongan brought string bags containing food
and other items for the journey. One string bag,
however, was empty except for a tiny slip of paper.
The Finongan people presented this string bag to
Ross. The note inside the string bag said,
“This string bag will remain at Okarumpar
[Ukarumpa] main office for any one worker (translator)
who varunteers [volunteers] for Finongan language
area.
By congregation and leaders of Finongan language
area. – Morobe Province
T. Borisienu for Parish President Akikeo Gowat”
Ross delivered the string bag to the language director
in Ukarumpa. The bag was hung on a wall in his office
– a constant reminder of the Finongan people’s
desire to have someone come and translate God’s
Word into their own language.
That year some linguists conducted a survey of the
Finongan language. The Finongan people were told
that it could be many years before God sent translators
to work among them. Some language groups had been
on the priority list to have translators for over
twenty years.
The Finongan people prayed that God would quickly
send a translation team to them. Their prayers did
not go unanswered. When Chris and Amy Rice were
looking for a language assignment in 1999, God impressed
one language’s survey report on them more
than any other. It was the Finongan language. After
a brief visit in early 2000, they knew that God
was leading them to work among the Finongan. In
April 2000, Chris and Amy officially allocated to
work among the Finongan people. The string bag could
come off the language director’s wall.
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