Bible Translation is like preparing well...

July 14 - 19, we are in Batcham near Mbouda for a workshop training the translators to use technology for translating the word of God. In the morning, my colleague and I went to carry water but the owners of the well were not available. So we decided to return back and I was wondering how we will survive without water. He decided to branch at another computer. Then he called me to come and fill up my container. He began talking with the owner of the well and explaining what we are doing. This man seemed to be aware somehow. Then they were talking about a well. How and when to make a good well that will always have water. Immediately related it to what we do and began thinking about portions in Scripture that talking about a well. John 4:10-15 came vividly to my mind.

Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” 

“But sir, you don't have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?  And besides, do you think you're greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well? How can you offer better water than he and his sons and his animals enjoyed?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.”

“Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I'll never be thirsty again, and I won't have to come here to get water.”

If we want to have life giving water, we need to prepare for it very well. That is exactly what we are doing in Ngiemboon this week so that life giving water will always be available. To God be the glory.