Most Recent Reports

Renewed agreement between SIL and Pacific Islands University

On November 15, 2024, Pacific Island University (PIU) on Guam and SIL Pacific signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to further Bible translation education in Micronesia.

November 26, 2024

Isles of the Sea: new stories

Over the past months, we have posted various stories on the Isles of the Sea website, as exciting things have happened in our projects: In March, the Nukuoro Bible was dedicated. In July, the Niuafoꞌou New Testament was dedicated. In October, all Isles translation teams in Micronesia got together for a conference on Guam. Unfortunately, […]

November 27, 2023

All Reports

Lord Howe (Luangiua)

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

Meeting with Lord Howe chiefs

On 9 April, Edmond Teppuri met with ten chiefs of the Lord Howe language group. They were excited about the prospect of translating the Old Testament into their own language, and doing this as a project they own themselves. April 21, 2016

Edmond Teppuri's trip to Lord Howe

Recently Isles team member Edmond Teppuri travelled to Lord Howe atoll (Solomon Islands). His visit sparked keen interest to start translating the Old Testament and to revise the New Testament, and may mean the start of a translation program that is truly community-owned. March 4, 2016

Tobian

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

In the picture

Pictures of the Satawal, Woleai, Tobi and Sonsorol translation teams. January 24, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Tobi and Sonsorol join the Isles of the Sea project

December 28, 2012

Exciting new partnership in the Pacific

February 20, 2012

Sonsorol

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

In the picture

Pictures of the Satawal, Woleai, Tobi and Sonsorol translation teams. January 24, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Tobi and Sonsorol join the Isles of the Sea project

December 28, 2012

Exciting new partnership in the Pacific

February 20, 2012

Takuu

How the Gospel came to Mortlock

Until just four decades ago, the people of Mortlock atoll (Takuu) rejected the Gospel. No one was allowed to preach it. This changed in 1980, but not without a fight. Tom Puaria tells how the Gospel came to his home island. February 23, 2021

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

Takuu churches witness the power of Takuu Scriptures

What do you do if the churches remain empty, even if the Bible is available in the own language? Bible translator & advisor Tom Puaria engaged with church leaders on his home island to promote prayer, church attendance and engagement with the Scriptures. During a retreat, many people renewed their commitment with God. May 19, 2016

School Literacy Week on Mortlock atoll

May 19, 2016

Nukumanu

Why don't they come to church?

Bible translator Edmond Teppuri noticed that church attendance on Nukumanu atoll was dropping. However, a week of reconciliation led to a number of Bible studies, all based on the Nukumanu Bible translation. As a result, church attendance has drastically increased. September 22, 2018

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands

Where can Bible translators from the Pacific get (advanced) training in Bible, theology and translation? This year, three members of the Isles of the sea team are able to do a Certificate in Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands. The first semester is just finished. May 12, 2015

The power of God’s Word in the Nukumanu language

January 13, 2015

Nukumanu New Testament dedication: a photo impression

Photo impression of the dedication of the Nukumanu New Testament. February 14, 2014

Dedication of the Nukumanu New Testament is going ahead

Today (February 4), the dedication of the Nukumanu New Testament takes place. February 4, 2014

Nukumanu New Testament printed

November 28, 2013

Nukumanu New Testament off to the printer

We are grateful to announce that the typesetting of the Nukumanu New Testament has been finished. The files are now with the printer in Sri Lanka. October 18, 2013

Nukumanu New Testament translation completed!

July 4, 2013

Update on Nukumanu situation

February 20, 2012

Deadly disease outbreak on Nukumanu

On January 10, we received the very sad news from Edmond Teppuri, one of the Nukumanu translators, that two siblings of his wife Evelyn had passed away. Later Edmond wrote that more deaths could be prevented, partly because they were able to contact a doctor in Buka by satellite phone. January 16, 2012

Three Papua New Guinea translation teams complete their training

Translators from the Nukuria, Nukumanu and Takuu groups, three Polynesian groups in Papua New Guinea, attended the Translation Training Course in Buka. While the Nukuria translators have just started translating the New Testament, the Nukumanu and Takuu translators started working on the Old Testament. January 3, 2012

Mwoakilloa

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

First draft of Mwoakilloa NT completed!

June 3, 2015

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Mwoakilloa and Pingelap projects move ahead with gusto

November 19, 2012

Mwoakilloa and Pingelapese Bible translation projects off to a flying start!

On June 23-26, 2012, over 30 translators from the Mwoakilloa and Pingelap languages got together on the island of Pohnpei to kick off translation work. They received training in translation and translation software, but also translated all the daily readings for the next month. June 30, 2012

Knapp family joins Isles team

April 14, 2012

Mwoakilloa translation project started

April 11, 2011

Pingelapese

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Mwoakilloa and Pingelap projects move ahead with gusto

November 19, 2012

Mwoakilloa and Pingelapese Bible translation projects off to a flying start!

On June 23-26, 2012, over 30 translators from the Mwoakilloa and Pingelap languages got together on the island of Pohnpei to kick off translation work. They received training in translation and translation software, but also translated all the daily readings for the next month. June 30, 2012

Niuafo’ou

Niuafo'ou New Testament dedicated

On July 7, 2023, the Niuafoꞌou New Testament was dedicated on the island of ꞌEua in Tonga. It was a joyful occasion, all the more so as it was attended by hundreds of Niuafoꞌou who had gathered from around the world. July 8, 2023

Obituary of Mrs. Liuaki Fusitu'a

On August 6 2021, Mrs. Liuaki Fusitu’a, member of the Niuafo’ou translation team, passed away. The team wrote this tribute to her. January 12, 2022

The isles are waiting... and for Niuafo'ou, the wait is almost over

Niuafo'ou people are eagerly waiting for the New Testament in their language to be finished. Here are a few testimonies from elderly Niuafo'ou speakers. July 27, 2021

Trial edition of Niuafo'ou Gospels launched

On March 25, 2020, the trial edition of the Niuafo'ou Gospels was launched in a small ceremony at the premises of Wycliffe Tonga Missions. This marks an important milestone in the Niuafo'ou translation project. March 25, 2020

Two drafts of the New Testament finished

Recently, the first draft of the New Testament was finished in Satawal and Niuafo'ou. In the mean time, both translation teams have started on the next steps: a number of thorough checks and revisions of the text. August 28, 2017

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

New life for the Niuafo’ou project

The Niuafo'ou translation project in Tonga has made a new start: the team members are going to review the Gospels, which were translated a few years ago, in order to publish these in 2017. The team is assisted by the Bible Translation Organisation of Tonga, which offers them a venue and practical help. August 19, 2015

Niuafo’ou: next step in translation project

July 21, 2011

Nukuria

More than Bible translation - part 2

Tom Puaria is advisor to the Nukuria translation committee. But as "outsiders" on Nukuria island, he and his wife Sharon are involved in much more than translation. In 2018, they were asked to step in when a conflict between two groups on the island got seriously out of hand. Prayer and counseling were vital to bring about reconciliation. August 10, 2021

More than Bible translation

A Bible translation program may involve much more than just translating the Bible text. Who makes sure that people can actually read their language well, so that they can read the translation without difficulty? And will the translation actually be used in the churches? The Nukeria translation team is involved in both of these things: literacy and Scripture Engagement. August 2, 2021

The coming of the Gospel to Nuguria

Only a couple of generations ago, the Gospel was unknown on the island of Nuguria, and village authorities resisted efforts to evangelise the island. This changed in the late 1970s. March 8, 2021

Nukeria Gospels dedication

The dedication of the four Gospels on Nukuria was celebrated in two villages with much joy and extended festivities. As it was the youth who brought Christianity to the island in the 1980s, the youth of the island spearheaded the celebrations. June 30, 2020

Nukeria chief and translator David Paukie has passed away

On Saturday 8 September, David Paukie (60), chief of Fead Island (= Nukeria atoll) and one of the main translators of the Nukeria NT, passed away in the Buka Hospital. He lived to see and experience the joy when the Nukeria Gospels were published a short while ago. September 20, 2018

The four Gospels in the Nukeria language

This month the Nukeria people received the first book ever to be published in their language: the translation of the four Gospels. It was received with great excitement and interest. May 16, 2018

Translators shipwrecked and rescued

April 4, 2018

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

The first translation course ever held on Nukuria

When the Nukurua translators were not able to attend the second part of their training in Buka, advisor Tom Puaria decided to organise the course on the island itself. October 14, 2014

Three Papua New Guinea translation teams complete their training

Translators from the Nukuria, Nukumanu and Takuu groups, three Polynesian groups in Papua New Guinea, attended the Translation Training Course in Buka. While the Nukuria translators have just started translating the New Testament, the Nukumanu and Takuu translators started working on the Old Testament. January 3, 2012

Nukuria Bible translation project up and running!

Nukuria translators Gideon Wamba & David Paukie have started translating the Gospels into their language. December 2, 2010

Rennell-Bellona

Rennell-Bellona Gospel dedication service

A revised edition of the Gospels in the Rennell-Bellona language is now available. A dedication service was held in Honiara for the Rennellese and Bellonese people there. At this service, different denominations worshipped together, brought together by the Word of God. September 27, 2018

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

Support fund for Ribeka Tago

Ribeka Tago, widow of Isles of the Sea team member David Tago, remains fully committed to Bible translation. A fund has now been set up to support her in her living expenses. Donations are welcome and can be made online. January 30, 2017

In memoriam: David Tago (1967 - 2016)

After weeks of suffering, David Tago went to be with His Lord on November 3, 2016, leaving behind his wife Ribeka and four children. His final words were “God is still on His throne”. David’s passing is a great loss for the Isles of the Sea team. November 9, 2016

Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands

Where can Bible translators from the Pacific get (advanced) training in Bible, theology and translation? This year, three members of the Isles of the sea team are able to do a Certificate in Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands. The first semester is just finished. May 12, 2015

Official launch of the Rennell and Bellona Old Testament translation project

January 3, 2012

Bible translation in the language of Rennell and Bellona off to a new start

David and Ribeka Tago from Rennell-Bellona re-started work on the translation of the Old Testament. They also got together with church leaders, who decided to set up committees to work on this translation. July 4, 2011

Sikaiana

Sikaiana translator looses his eye, but not his vision

October 1, 2012

Sikaiana project off to a good start

December 12, 2011

Tikopia

Nukufero reviewers show a lot of initiative

During a recent trip to a Tikopian community, it turned out that a committee has been reviewing the translation steadily and is moving ahead. It is very encouraging to see this commitment on the part of the community, and an important step towards the completion of the New Testament in the Tikopia language. October 27, 2016

Reviewing of the Tikopian New Testament off to a flying start

Most of the Tikopia NT was translated 30 years ago, so it will need a very thorough review before it can be published. One of the reviewers, Nathan Nukusauma, is taking translated books to different Tikopia communities spread over the Solomon Islands, to review the translation together with them. With blackboard-and-chalk and state-of-the-art software, the translation is much improved through this painstaking process. May 19, 2016

Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands

Where can Bible translators from the Pacific get (advanced) training in Bible, theology and translation? This year, three members of the Isles of the sea team are able to do a Certificate in Biblical Studies in the Solomon Islands. The first semester is just finished. May 12, 2015

New life for the Tikopia project

December 21, 2013

Pileni-Taumako

Ulithi

Polowat

Satawal

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

The Satawalese New Testament: a first version

The Satawalese New Testament is finished in first draft. A trial version has been printed, so people can read the translation and give feedback to the translators. February 28, 2019

Two drafts of the New Testament finished

Recently, the first draft of the New Testament was finished in Satawal and Niuafo'ou. In the mean time, both translation teams have started on the next steps: a number of thorough checks and revisions of the text. August 28, 2017

In the picture

Pictures of the Satawal, Woleai, Tobi and Sonsorol translation teams. January 24, 2014

Senior and junior translators meet...

2014) During the Bible translation seminar in Yap, the longest serving Bible translator in Micronesia, Betty Amon, met with the newest Bible translator in Micronesia, Dorothy Ligiteiwel. Click for the full story and a picture of these two women, who are both dedicated to giving their people the Bible in their own language. January 21, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Satawalese translation work started

November 11, 2010

Woleai

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

In the picture

Pictures of the Satawal, Woleai, Tobi and Sonsorol translation teams. January 24, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Progress in Woleai translation

November 11, 2010

Carolinian

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

Carolinian New Testament: trial edition printed

April 1, 2019

Trial edition of Carolinian New Testament printed

A trial edition of the New Testament in Carolinian has been printed. This will allow people to get a taste of the translation and give feedback, before the translation is finalised. January 24, 2019

Carolinian New Testament translation completed!

February 4, 2015

Reflections on the Carolinian New Testament translation

January 16, 2015

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

January 1, 1970

Mangarevan

Nukuoro

Isles of the Sea Micronesia conference

Delegates from all seven Isles teams in Micronesia got together on Guam for a times of sharing, training and encouragement. October 26, 2023

Nukuoro Bible dedicated

On March 25, 2023, the Nukuoro Bible was dedicated and put into the hands of the Nukuoro church. March 27, 2023

Nukuoro Bible off to the printer!

August 26, 2022

The 2017 Isles conference

In February, the Isles of the Sea team got together for a conference in Kangaroo Ground, Australia. It was the first conference since 2011. There were just under 20 participants, coming from seven different countries. March 6, 2017

Main check of Nukuoro Bible completed

May 30, the consultant check of the Nukuoro Bible was finished - an important step towards finishing this translation of the whole Bible. June 1, 2015

Senior and junior translators meet...

2014) During the Bible translation seminar in Yap, the longest serving Bible translator in Micronesia, Betty Amon, met with the newest Bible translator in Micronesia, Dorothy Ligiteiwel. Click for the full story and a picture of these two women, who are both dedicated to giving their people the Bible in their own language. January 21, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Nukuoro: 50% checked

November 28, 2013

Pa’umotu

The Pa'umotu team on Tahiti

Paulus Kieviet visited the Pa'umotu translation team on Tahiti to work on the translation of the Psalms and to train them in Paratext. June 29, 2015

Pa'umotu team takes up the challenge of translating the Psalms

November 20, 2012

Check of Pa'umotu Gospels finished

December 12, 2010

Pa'umotu Luke finished!

September 20, 2010

Kapingamarangi

A new booklet about translating the name of God

Nico Daams wrote a short book about translating YHWH, the Hebrew name of God, which can be downloaded from this page. This name is often translated as "Lord", but this choice has various unfortunate consequences. There are better options available. February 13, 2019

Kapingamarangi Bible online

April 29, 2015

Kapingamarangi Bible Dedicated

January 7, 2015

Kapingamarangi Bible shipped to Pohnpei!

September 9, 2014

Kapingamarangi translation team completes final checking

After 17 years, the Kapingamarangi translation committee on Pohnpei completed their final session. 23 translators started in 1997; 17 translators now see their work reach the finish line. In just a few weeks the Bible will be ready to be sent to the printer. March 3, 2014

Nukumanu New Testament dedication: a photo impression

Photo impression of the dedication of the Nukumanu New Testament. February 14, 2014

Bible translation seminar in Yap

(January 8-11, 2014) Translators from several Micronesian language groups met recently in Yap to learn from each other. One participant expressed the feelings of many when he said, “The sharing from the different groups was very helpful to ... give us true joy in what we are doing, especially for His glory.” January 21, 2014

Kapingamarangi reviewers complete their task

The reviewers of the Kapingamarangi Bible have finished their work: on December 20, consultant Nico Daams received the final books. In the meantime, preparations for typesetting have started. The dedication of the Bible is planned for July 2014. December 21, 2013

Free Grace?

April 2, 2013

The end of the road is in sight!

December 21, 2012

Kapingamarangi Bible complete in first draft!

March 23, 2011

Only three chapters left to go!

October 14, 2010

Audio materials for the Kapingamarangi people

Hymns & recorded Bible portions for the Kapingamarangi people have been distributed to the different Kapinga communities. October 14, 2010

Rapa

January 1, 1970