Wendy Rees Latin America Regional Literacy Coordinator 
Rejoice with us and the Naso Christians over the precious Word of God in their own language! What a thrill it was for us, along with 3 of our co-workers from Chame, to join Simon and Lavonne Challinor and boys for the celebration on August 17th in the triabl seat near Costa Rica, Naso land.
…Traveling by car rather than flying meant a 10-hour trip over miles of dangerous mountain roads, but with help in driving and the ability to stop as needed to stretch. Thankfully, the boat rides coming and going were minus rain and not overly lengthy.
For the dedication itself God gave us a beautiful, sunny day. This made it easier for the Naso coming by trail and much easier for all the visitors (we heard there were 15 boatloads!) with boxes of Bibles that came upriver. As we stood under blue tarps for the nearly 2-hour ceremony, we heard official welcomes, Naso songs, recognition of all who have been involved in the ministry to the Naso tribe throughout the years. Many of these gave speeches and testimonies. The climax of the dedication came when Andy Keener, the Wycliffe Bible translator, had a group of Naso children bring to the platform a box of Naso Bibles, wrapped carefully in black plastic. Andy asked the native translators who were present to come forward to open the box, and with tears of joyful emotion, presented the first Bibles to these dear, equally tearful Christians. In fact, I believe most of us missionaries were also teary eyed. What a joyful reality to see come to pass after many long years! …
Victorino helped carry boxes of Bibles to the Challinor home across the river then sat on the front porch reading his very own NASO BIBLE. Down the bench from him sat Simon, also reading his Naso Bible…
As you thank the Lord with us for this wonderful provision, please pray that many, many Naso folks will have a spiritual hunger for this Bread of Life now available to them. God is not finished building His church among the Naso people, but they now have spiritual food for evangelization and for the growth of the believers. Would you also pray for Seledonia? She is an older Naso Christian who never learned to read or write, and who, now that she has good reading glasses, hopes to be able to read God’s Word for herself in time. Lavonne is teaching her.
We thank God for the privilege He gave us to be present for this momentous occasion. And we thank all of you who [pray] for us and … for the Naso people.
To God be the Glory for it all,
Don & Pat Barger
