Last week we had the amazing opportunity to attend
the Matigsalug New Testament Dedication ceremony
in Sinuda, a village about two hours from Davao.
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| Matigsalug men lead the parade into the village |
"Matigsalug" is a term which means "people along the Salug River"
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| Our family joins the parade to the ceremony |
These two men (above and below) and their families
lived with and worked with the Matigsalug tribe
since the '80s, learning their language
since the '80s, learning their language
and translating the Word of God
into the language of their heart.
I became a minister according to the stewardship from God
that was given to me for you,
to make the word of God fully known;
Colossians 1:25  | |
| a dance performed in celebration of the received Word of God! |
This week, for the first time in history,
the Matigsalug people now hold this Book in their hands.
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| truly a reason to celebrate! |
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| we were welcomed as honored guests |
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| they had prepared beaded necklaces as gifts for all the visitors |
The villagers took great delight in all the countries represented that day,
people from all around the world came to their village to celebrate with them.
Japan
New Zealand
India
Germany
United States
Australia
Switzerland
Canada
Canada
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| giving fervent thanks to God for His Word in Matigsalug |
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| heads bowed in a prayer of thanksgiving |
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| It was a day of honor for the old (even the illiterate old) |
It is a mark of distinction
to have a book printed in your own language
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| and a day of hope for the young. |
You are my refuge and my shield;
I have put my hope in Your word.
Psalm 119:114
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| A day of joy for individuals, |
Your words became to me a joy
and the delight of my heart,
for I am called by Your name, O LORD, God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 |
| and a day of blessing for families. |
Whoever gives thought to the word
will discover good,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.
Proverbs 16:20 |
| This is a treasure beyond the wealth of the most distinguished |
Your laws are my treasure;
they are my heart's delight.
Psalm 119:111
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| yet a treasure available to the most poor. |
I rejoice in Your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
Psalm 119:162  |
| Matigsalug children |
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| joyful celebration |
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| translator's daughter |
It was a day to remember...
3 comments:
That is totally, totally cool! The kind of cool that only God can make happen.
They lived with them since the 80's!! I am so
thankful to be able to see how God is working
to "send His word and heal them and deliver them
from their destructions."
Thank you for this post.
Cindy Sutlive
Wish we all treasured the word of God so fervently!
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