Missionaries Elias and Jose Struik were encouraged when the few villagers that can read took material printed in the Uriai language and looked through the pages. The people were amazed at seeing their language in print.
Others wanted to look too. Some held the papers upside down, but all were excited to realize that soon their oral language would be written and they would learn to read.
Elias and Jose Struik, busy parents of two small children, are putting every possible moment into working on learning the culture and language. Last week language consultant Eric Hedeen visited the missionaries working among the Uriai people in Papua New Guinea to check their progress in the language.
Eric asked Elias many questions in order to see how well he knew the Uriai language. Elias had to describe the physical appearance of his language helper, tell about the last time he was sick, how he mails a letter, and answer other questions to demonstrate his language proficiency.
The Struiks received a good evaluation and Eric also gave his approval to the phonemic and grammar analysis of the language. This will allow their co-worker Lisa Kappeler to continue translating the Scripture portions in preparation for teaching the evangelistic Bible lessons.
Pray for Elias, Jose and Lisa as they labor to bring God's Word to the Uriai people.
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