After several weeks of canceled services due to travels and ill health, there was finally worship again his morning.
At the end of service, Trimble the local Minister held up a brand new copy of the Bible, recently translated into Western Gwich'in. I don't know the complete history, but the Bible was translated into Gwich'in near the turn of the century by several Episcopalian Missionaries. The only problem is they were working along the Eastern Porcupine and Yukon Rivers, across the Canadian border so the Bible was in Old Crow Gwich'in, a slightly different written language and dialect then what's spoken in Arctic Village. This has been a project in the works for many years, but finally, a Western Gwich'in New Testament has gone to press and been released to the people whom need it most.
What better way to preserve a dying language then to capture it in this form. I was excited to hear the news, but did not anticipate getting my own copy. As I left the church and shook the Pastors hand he said "Mahsi for coming". Then one of the Elders in attendance handed me my own copy of the Bible in Western Gwich'in as seen below.
This is only a translation of the New Testament.
John 3:16 - "For God so loved that world that he gave his only begotten Son..."
This edition is complete with wonderful illustrations.
"... cast down your nets.... and they pulled in a multitude of fish!"
The Western Gwich'in New Testament was translated through Wycliffe Bible Translators. It was printed and distributed thanks to the Bible League International. Check out these sites, you can make donations to both- I think I will!
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