Heaven Rejoices Over Bundibugyo

"For there is no distinction between [American] and [Babwisi]; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on Him. For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him or whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!" Romans 10:15

Today is a big day in Bundibugyo, the village we have called home for our first two years in Africa. Today, our neighbors and friends are reading God's Word for the first time in their mother tongue, Lubwisi! To say that today is a momentous occasion is an understatement. I think as Americans we often take for granted our ease of access to God's Word (just go to any Wal-Mart or Christian bookstore, and you can pick one up!) and our ease of understanding it in simply opening it up and reading it. But can you imagine having to always interpret God's Word through your third or fourth language (and that is if you are literate, which many of the older generation in Bundibugyo are not...)? And then, to hear God's own words spoken for the first time in the language of your heart, and to your people? I can not even imagine the thrill that must be for those who often feel "forgotten" by the world and by their Creator. The following is a testimony from Waller Tabb, who has been overseeing the project from the US:

“One of the most memorable moments in our ministry occurred in 2004 when a Mubwisi teenager, Birungi Fred, stood up to read in Lubwisi Mark about John the Baptist’s preaching of baptism, repentance, and forgiveness of sin. Birungi read the passage boldly and fluently. At the end of his reading the congregation of New Life Presbyterian Church spontaneously erupted into a wonderful and rare burst of applause. For many present, it was the first time they had heard New Testament Scripture read in their Lubwisi language. I remember the smiles and nods of approval; it took a minute or two for the congregation to become composed again.

That memory gives me hope—hope that the Babwisi people will receive the soon to be published Lubwisi New Testament with the same joy as that congregation. Pray that many people will obtain and treasure their New Testament copies and become daily Bible readers. Pray that hearts that harbor hate and revenge would repent of witchcraft, and instead hunger and thirst for righteousness. Pray that the Babwisi of all ages would flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Pray that the church in Bundibugyo would be strengthened by faithful men who will preach the word. Pray that congregants will hear the word, and hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience (Luke 8:15)." [source]

Amen, Waller, Amen. The Lubwisi Bible Translation Project was pioneered in 1991 by World Harvest missionaries Rich and Alie Benson. In the late 90's, the work was taken over by Waller Tabb (SIL), and later the project was  handed over to the capable Ugandan church leaders Charles Musunguzi and Bishop Hannington Bahemuka. The translation office sat on the same plot of land as our little mission school (formally the Tabb home, and now another missionary home), and we would pass it every day with endearment as we walked the children to and from school. A favorite memory of mine was when we stopped in one day around Christmas to ask Charles to read to us the story of Jesus' birth from Luke 2. The children were wide-eyed with excitement (though they understood none of what was being spoken- a similar feeling to what their peers must feel every Sunday). It was beautiful, and made me all the more excited for our friends to get to hear this story in their own language.

 It has been a joy and a pleasure to watch these men plug away at this tedious but Life-bearing task. It has been a privilege to be grafted into the "family" of those who have loved, persevered, and toiled to bring the Good News to the people of Bundibugyo. And it has been humbling to embrace our brothers and sisters as they hear the Word of God in Lubwisi for the very first time.

 Heaven rejoices today.

And we are rejoicing too...

This is Life.

"And after this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, 'Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'" 

Revelation 7:9-10