Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 @ 08:37 AM
Most of us would expect the story of a Bible translation to be covered with a layer of scholarly dust and sprinkled with split hairs left over from semantic fine points. With the Tibetan Bible, however, all the reverse is true.
Who, for example, would imagine a Bible translation set in motion by the assassination of a Dalai Lama within the walls of forbidden Lhasa? Who would expect the mere printing of a Bible to run up against a Himalayan thunderstorm, the unbelievable heat of the Indian plains, the bombs of Adolf Hitler, a shooting war over Kashmir, and an avalanche? What other Bible translation ever required ninety years of heartbreaks to complete?
Who could foresee that a new Bible ultimately would result from the hairbreadth escape of a Tibetan government official, accused by a lamaist sorcerer of a crime he did not commit? Or that a centuries old-Tibetan book discovered in an isolated monastery would provide the key to the completion of God’s Book in a new language?
Who, finally, could foresee that the Christian scriptures in Tibetan would be in immediate demand by the government of Communist China?
Allan Maberly, the author of this book, is a native of Sydney, Australia. He spent eight years in the Himalayas as a medical missionary. From their home in Kalimpong, Northern India, he, his wife, and three daughters looked out on five countries – India, Tibet, Nepal, Sikkim, and Bhutan. They lived almost in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain. Maberly learned to speak both Nepalese and Tibetan and made a special study of those countries. He became a good friend of Sherpa Tensing Norkay, famed guide of the Hillary Everest expedition.
Foremost among the author’s sources for the story was the late David McDonald, who lived in Kalimpong. McDonald, son of a Scottish trader father and a Tibetan mother, lived all his life near the Tibetan frontier and spoke Tibetan from early childhood. He was personally acquainted with many facets of this story and was one of those who checked the Bible manuscript. Maberly interviewed him for days, taking copious notes and learning facts he would never have gained otherwise. Maberly has also drawn on The Story of the Tibetan Bible, a brochure by Canon Chandhu Ray published by the British and Foreign Bible Society; and an article, “Bible No. 188,” in Christian News Digest. In addition, the author gathered information and ideas from others who had to do with the actual production of the Bible.
Maberly’s personal library includes a sizable collection of books on Tibet and the Himalayas. These, together with his own travels in southern Tibet (he was never able personally to enter Lhasa), have given him insight into the exotic culture, customs, and psychology of the Tibetans.
Lesser details of the story recounted here, gathered from so many sources, sometimes differ. For example, some have reported that a careless Indian post office employee spilled water on the manuscript proofs. Another version has it that a mountain storm destroyed the proofs. Mr. McDonald personally told Maberly about the mountain storm and what it did to the Bible and saddlebags; the author has therefore adopted the McDonald version. These details, of course, do not affect the overall truth of the story. Spelling of Tibetan words also vary: Gappel is also spelled Gappal, Gapel, and Gallap. To some, tsamba is tsampa; rimpoche is also spelled rinpoche. Again, these things are of little consequence.
For the chronology of his narrative, Mr. Maberly has carefully researched the Tibetan calendar and reconciled it with the English one to the satisfaction of several authorities. The years of Wood Hare, Fire Dragon, Water Dragon, Fire Dog, and the rest – all are authentic.
Details aside, the author had given us the unique story of a great task carried out by heroic men. They struggled against unbelievable, even superhuman odds – against “the rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness,” of which the apostle Paul speaks.
Which is the greater miracle: the divine intervention that made possible the Tibetan Scriptures, or the power inherent in those Scriptures that constrains men to do the difficult, even the impossible, as here recorded? Read God Spoke Tibetan; then try to decide for yourself.
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Tue, Feb 23, 2010 @ 08:52 AM
Evangel Bible Translators desires to continue our outreach to Tibet and have recently funded the recording of the Gospel of Mark in Tibetan. A very high percentage of Tibetan people do not read, but recording the Scriptures in their language will make it possible for millions of Tibetans to hear the Word of God.
We have also received the good news that a group of 19 Tibetans recently received water baptism. This is a great victory and with your continued interest, prayers and financial support, we believe that thousands of these precious people will come to know the Savior whom we love and serve.
Thank you for caring about this special people group. We ask that you continue praying with us for those who wait for the Word of God in their own language and that we at Evangel Bible Translators will be faithful in fulfilling the call that God has given us to give His Word to those who have never heard.
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Mon, Feb 08, 2010 @ 10:22 AM
This is a strategic time in the history of Bible translation, and now is the time to do all we can to equip and encourage Bible translators. New partnerships, new technology and the growth of the Church around the world now makes it possible, under God's guidance, to enable all of the world's people to have access to the Bible in the language they know best.
Bible translation has accelerated at an amazing pace since John Wycliffe completed the translation of the Bible into English in 1384. Even at the current rate of translation, it may take another 150 years to see translation in progress for all who need it. However, if God's people are willing to work together, share their resources, focus in prayer…translation work can be in progress everywhere it is needed by 2025.
We believe the Bible-less people have waited long enough. Not another generation should pass before they have access to God's Word. Even in areas where there are believers, the Church cannot grow as it should without being able to understand and learn from God's Word. Through the Word, churches are planted, believers discipled and lives changed.
God is giving us a new sense of urgency. However, it is only by His leading that we even dare to dream of fulfilling the vision of reaching the hundreds of millions of people who still wait to hear God's Word in their language. Ask the Lord what part He has for you.
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Fri, Feb 05, 2010 @ 09:46 AM
I never cease to be amazed at the hunger there is for the Word of God among people who have never read the Scriptures in their own language. Evangel Bible Translators is committed to making the Word of God available to the Bible-less people around the world, and this is why we are conducting the Luke Project workshops for nine different language groups.
To do a thoroughly complete and accurate job, translators need to invest year upon year of their lives to the cause. Yet even this is sometimes not enough, with some translations becoming multigenerational projects. Because of this inevitably necessary time investment, EBT (and other Bible translation organizations as well) are always looking for ways to expedite this process.
One area where the time expenditure can be reduced is in the training of new translators. The traditional model that has been employed is one in which after obtaining an undergraduate degree, the prospective translator attends a university (or comparable education institution) for several years to receive training in linguistics, translation principles, and related subjects. Only after the completion of this entire course of study will the translator begin the actual work of translation.
In recent years, a new training model has emerged – one which provided the same quality of post-graduate training, yet allows the translator to initiate (and hopefully complete) the translation in less time than was previously required. Within this new system, translation teams are brought together for approximately one month at a time and trained in a hands-on, intensive workshop-type environment by highly qualified translation consultants. During these classes, all trainees will work on the translation of the same portion of Scripture, allowing them to collaborate and assist each other as difficulties arise. At the conclusion of the workshop, the students then return to their homes and continue with their translation by implementing what they have just learned. After several months, the translators will gather again for a new round of training workshops. This cycle will repeat itself for a few years until everyone is fully trained and has completed first drafts of much of the New Testament. Learn More about the Luke Project Now
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Wed, Feb 03, 2010 @ 10:42 AM
Now that I am 80 years old, the time has come for me to set my house in order as it relates to the ministry of Evangel Bible Translators. Preparing the way for the next generation of leadership for the ministry of Bible translation is a priority that will receive my attention this next year. There is much work to be done to finish the mission projects that have been undertaken under my leadership. Having the necessary finances to complete the projects that I feel responsible for will require a considerable amount of finances.
The printing of the New Testament in ten new languages is a major challenge. The manuscripts for these New Testaments are nearing completion. Two are now ready to be printed. I have a strong desire to see this done on my watch.
New Training Center
The completion and expansion of the EBT Training Center in Nagaland, which is in northeast India, should be done under my leadership. This is a wonderful project that is proving to be a great blessing to the cause of Bible translation. God gave me the vision for this Training Center, and He has honored my efforts to develop this ministry center. I am concerned that the next generation of this ministry leadership may not have the passion for the completion of this project that God has given me.
Make a Donation
From time to time, I will share more of my desire to create a lasting legacy that will have the potential of being a blessing to generations to come. If you are interested in helping me by providing financial assistance for this project,or by praying for me as I work on my Legacy Project, your interest will be a great encouragement. My email address is Syvelle@gmail.com. Letters should be addressed to me at PO Box 627; Rockwall, TX 75087.
Thank you for your interest and prayers.
Pastor Syvelle Phillips
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Fri, Jan 29, 2010 @ 01:09 PM
As you know, Language is a wonderful gift from God and is a central part of one's identity. You may be surprised to learn that there are over 6000 languages in the world! Unfortunately, only approximately 2000 have even a portion of the bible in their own language. The rest wait for God to send a qualified Bible Translator to give them the scriptures in a form they can read and understand. Evangel Bible Translators is a missionary ministry affording those who have special respect for the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit the opportunity to be involved in evangelism through Bible translation and linguistics.
Learn more...
Wholehearted Response
The time of year to bring new hope and fresh starts is here. On behalf of the Evangel Bible Translators team, we want to thank you again for your encouragement and look forward to many opportunities to bring you more insight into our ministry.
Sincerely,
H. Syvelle Phillips
Evangel Bible Translators
Posted by Syvelle Phillips on Fri, Jan 29, 2010 @ 11:57 AM
Welcome to Evangel Bible Translators new blog. We are excited about being able to keep you more informed about the work of Evangel Bible Translators. Your support and encouragement means more to us than you can imagine! You will be updated with news about our translation projects and missionaries. This will be a great way for you to learn about prayer request as well. Thank you for allowing us to share with you news of the progress that is being made at EBT and current ministry needs and opportunities.
Posted by Phil Phillips on Wed, Jan 20, 2010 @ 10:14 AM
Pastor Syvelle Phillips is one person who changed my life and my family's ever since I met him in 1980. While in South Korea, studying for MTh., Pastor Phillips was a great encouragement in my seminary studies, goading me with godly advice and a strong missionary vision. When I visited him and Lovie in California in January 1980, I felt that I had come to my own home, in such a loving family.
Pastor so proudly took me to various churches and Christian organizations, telling people about my family especially about my grandfather's translation of the Tibetan Bible. That was the beginning! Ever since then, now in the 30th year of our relationship, as father/son, shepherd/sheep, mentor/disciple, Pastor has been a God's man for me and Meena my wife. Pastor and Lovie have constantly honored us as individuals, honored our ministry and helped us so very regularly in the work of the mission. They took pains in finding support for our work especially with Bible translation and child care.
I will be incomplete in appreciating Pastor Syvelle Phillips, if I did not mention his great visionary messages that I was privileged to hear in India, USA, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Malaysia. He knows God so intimately that none of his sermons can be bereft of the touch of the Spirit of God. We know that all ministries that he initiated or was and is a part of, carry this anointing of God.
Our love, our prayers, our best wishes, dear Pastor Phillips!!
Elijah and Meena Gergan
Yoseb Gergan, a photograph in the home of Elijah Gergan, Yoseb's grandson in Leh.
Posted by Phil Phillips on Tue, Jan 19, 2010 @ 04:05 PM
by Rev. H. Syvelle Phillips
"Unless and until we give the Word of God to every one in his native tongue the world can not be evangelized." -- Dr. Oswald J. Smith
The prophecies of Joel and Peter have been fulfilled in these last days. Much of the world has experienced a great spiritual visitation. Tens of thousands have been swept into the Kingdom of God and Christ is building His Church. In many dark corners of the earth, "the Light of the world" is pushing back heathen darkness.
Many years ago, David DuPlessis said, "No single man knows the full extent of this outpouring of the Holy Spirit." Many spiritual leaders agree this is just the beginning of the last mighty visitation of God.
Thousands of new believers have never read the Bible - not even a word. There is no Bible for them to read. Many of these people wait for someone to develop a written form of their language. This must be done before they can have the Scriptures in their own language and then they must be taught to read.
Dr. George Cowan, former President of Wycliffe Bible Translators, has said in his book, "The Word That Kindles":
"The history of missions since Christ bears testimony to the importance of translating the Bible into the mother tongue. G. Campbell Morgan wrote, 'The story of missions the whole wide world over shows that the success or failure of... missions has always been dependent on whether those brought to Christ had the Scriptures in their own language or not.' Steward of Lovedale said, '...no record exists, as far as I know, of any mission, whatever be its method or history, making much real progress and becoming permanent among any people, if the Bible had not been given to them in their own vernacular.' Indeed history records no single example of a sound, long-lived, indigenous church without vernacular Scriptures."
I am sure you will agree that for new Christians to become strong spiritually and for the church to be stable and fulfill its destiny, the Word of God must be available in the mother tongue - the language of the heart.
This is why God has called Evangel Bible Translators into existence. We who honor the Holy Spirit and love what the Spirit of God is doing in the world today must become more involved. There are yet thousands who wait for their first copy of God's Word in their own language.
Evangel Bible Translators was founded in 1976 at the encouragement of "Uncle" Cameron Townsend, the revered founder of Wycliffe Bible Translators and is a member of the Forum of Bible Translation Agencies. Evangel Bible Translators has a strong commitment to giving the Word of God to language groups that have no Scriptures in their mother tongue.
Posted by Phil Phillips on Tue, Jan 19, 2010 @ 02:18 PM
Sitting along India's eastern coast is the state of Orissa. Residents of this state have often felt neglected due to a lack of development by the federal government (only 20% of Orissa's roads are paved and over 65% of the rural population do not have access to safe drinking water) and a lack of opportunity. Nonetheless, Orissa's capital and largest city, Bhubaneswar, is relatively clean, unlike most large cities in India, a dis- tinction which makes its more than 800,000 residents obviously proud.
Bhubaneswar has gained renown as "The Temple City" due to the hundreds of temples scat- tered amongst its neighborhoods. Most of these houses of worship are used in the practice of Hinduism (Hindus represent approximately 94% of Orissa's population), but Jainism and Buddhism are also represented. The temples can be found in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and range from the amazingly beautiful to the outright pornographic. Sadly, Christians comprise only 2.4% of Orissa's population, and thus the church is a minority here.
Secreted behind the walls of this clean "Temple City" are areas that many would prefer not to talk about - sprawling complexes of slums. Here, in relative obscurity, live the outcasts of Indian society. The people here live in utter poverty, the likes of which most Americans can- not even conceive. Many of the homes are constructed merely of sticks and mud and typi- cally consist of just one room in which the entire family must live. There is no running water or electricity. Inhabitants of these slums have no choice but to bathe and wash their clothes in the same stagnant water that also functions as a sewer, while also being the community's only source for drinking water. On top of this, they lack even the basic medical care which is in- evitably necessary from living under these conditions.
Most people living in these slums are there as a result of India's current rural-urban migration pattern. They are uneducated, having lived on farms in the poorer, rural areas of the country, and have moved to the big city in search of a better life for themselves and their families. Upon arriving, however, they find themselves without the ability to make a wage high enough to elevate themselves out of the slums. They are simply unable to help themselves or im- prove their circumstances without assistance.