(25 March 2020) Today, the trial edition of the Gospels was launched in the Niuafo’ou language (Tonga). As the Tongan government has forbidden large gatherings because of the corona virus, the launch was a small-scale affair, attended by the Niuafo’ou translation team and the board of Wycliffe Tonga Missions. Present were the Board Chairman Rev Dr Taliai Niumeitolu, Deputy Chairman Saia Latu, and four other Board members, plus the five members of the Niuafo’ou team.
Previous to that, the board met with the Prime Minister of Tonga. The Prime Minister was given a copy, which he received with joy.
This trial edition is an important milestone in the Niuafo’ou translation project. Coordinator Sitiveni Tu’ilautala has worked tirelessly with his team to make this happen. The books will be handed out and sent out to reviewers from the Niuafo’ou community in different places, who will be asked to go through the translation and give feedback.
In the meantime, the translation work will continue. All other books of the New Testament have been translated; book by book, the translation is being checked thoroughly by the team and by the team’s consultant, Paulus Kieviet.
Back Row: Mrs ‘Ana Sanft, Mrs ‘Akata Lui, Ms Liuaki Fusitu’a, Mrs Hengihengi Taufaeteau, Mr Leakona Lotulelei. Front Row: Rev Dr Maloni Kafa, Rev Dr Taliai Niumeitolu, Mr Sitiveni Tu’ilautala, Mr Saia Latu, Mr Maxy Koloamatangi