LANGUAGE BLOOPERS PART OF THE WORK
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| Nathan and a friend enjoying each other`s company. |
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July 2, 2009
by Dena McMaster
Missionaries Nathan and LaNada Tag discovered that their language bloopers provide great enjoyment for their Indonesian friends and give opportunities to strengthen relationships.
Recently Nathan was asked, "Do you have an Indonesian wife?" He replied, "Bukan" which means "Not yet" instead of "Tidak" which means "No."
"The Indonesian men started to laugh hysterically," wrote Nathan. "One little mistake can change the meaning and understanding in a conversation so quickly. Imagine the challenge the missionaries in the tribe face teaching God's Word and translating the Bible."
But each mistake leads to deeper understanding and Nathan and LaNada are beginning to build relationships with their neighbors as they study the Indonesian culture and language.
"Our neighbors call us family now and we always seem to be together," wrote Nathan. "They come over often, bringing Indonesian dishes and talk for a few hours, or we stop in at their houses to talk."
LaNada attends a Bible study each week while Nathan meets with a neighbor. He and Nathan discuss a variety of subjects, work on projects and have enjoyed getting to know each other.
The couple also attends a local Indonesian church and is involved in an outreach ministry. Recently LaNada invited the children's group from the church to her home for a meeting. Nathan goes with the believers to a remote village. There are only two believers in that entire village and they face pressure to renounce Christianity and return to the major religion.
"Pray that their wives will come to know the Lord and they will stand strong among the pressures from those around them," Nathan wrote.
Please pray also for Nathan and LaNada to be diligent in their studies as they prepare for ministry among the Indonesian people.
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