When you think of the Awatere Valley, most people picture vineyards and long rows of grapevines bending in the wind. But over the past few months, in the evenings at the workers’ accommodation quarters, something remarkable has been happening: groups of RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) workers gathering around the Bible – in two languages.
Rev John Phillips, the minister at Awatere Parish, didn’t set out to launch a ministry like this. “It takes a while to build trust,” he explained to me. “One group, from Papua New Guinea, were back for their second season, so I asked if they’d like to do some Bible studies. The other group, from Vanuatu, was led by a brother in Christ called Patrick, who has a long history with our church. Patrick invited me to lead some studies with the RSE household he looks after.”
Rather than rolling out the standard videos and workbooks, John used studies adapted for people learning in their second language. “I started with an app called Gud Nius Blong Jisas Kris – a Bislama-language app – so the guys knew I wasn’t bringing a false gospel,” John said.
He also used the Christianity Explored – Universal Edition, which removes the very British-style videos and rewrites the material in simple English for cross-cultural groups. Later, they moved on to Discipleship Explored, which really seemed to connect with the group.
Each group required a different approach.
The Papua New Guinea group told me they often have teachers from Australia who don’t speak Tok Pijin, the common language there. When that happens, the teacher teaches in English and the group discusses in Tok Pijin, with the stronger English speakers helping the others learn. The Vanuatu group had a wide range of English ability and wanted to use their Bislama Bibles. They weren’t used to discussing the Bible, so we would read it in Bislama and English, then I’d ask questions. Patrick would explain in Bislama and often preached the message at the end. Over time the group began to discuss in Bislama and then check back with me in English.
Part of the unique dynamic of John’s experience has been that he’s had to be a student at the same time as being a leader. “It’s important for my brothers to see ‘the pastor’ struggling to learn some basics,” he laughed.
I love singing heartfelt praise and worship songs in Bislama with them. I’ve learned to say gudnit in the evenings and discovered little gems like tok strong – which means ‘rebuke.’ We’ve even had to talk through key terms that don’t translate directly. In Bislama, for example, ‘heart’ doesn’t carry the metaphorical sense it does in English, so to love God with all your heart becomes loving him with all your tingting (mind), spirit (soul), and beli (belly).
What’s stayed with him are the faces. “I’ve loved hearing Patrick explain the gospel in Bislama to his household and challenge them to share the ‘gud nius’ when they go home. I’ve rejoiced at the joy I’ve seen on their faces as they reflect on the good news. One of the Papa New Guinea lads is a youth leader back home. He took a study guide and some manuals with him, determined to lead a study when he returned. That’s really exciting.”
After all, as his brothers in Christ would say:
Hae God, i got pawa, i strong, yumi pikinini blong hem.
Our God is powerful and strong – we are his children.
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We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
When you think of the Awatere Valley, most people picture vineyards and long rows of grapevines bending in the wind. But over the past few months, in the evenings at the workers’ accommodation quarters, something remarkable has been happening: groups of RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) workers gathering around the Bible – in two languages.
Rev John Phillips, the minister at Awatere Parish, didn’t set out to launch a ministry like this. “It takes a while to build trust,” he explained to me. “One group, from Papua New Guinea, were back for their second season, so I asked if they’d like to do some Bible studies. The other group, from Vanuatu, was led by a brother in Christ called Patrick, who has a long history with our church. Patrick invited me to lead some studies with the RSE household he looks after.”
Rather than rolling out the standard videos and workbooks, John used studies adapted for people learning in their second language. “I started with an app called Gud Nius Blong Jisas Kris – a Bislama-language app – so the guys knew I wasn’t bringing a false gospel,” John said.
He also used the Christianity Explored – Universal Edition, which removes the very British-style videos and rewrites the material in simple English for cross-cultural groups. Later, they moved on to Discipleship Explored, which really seemed to connect with the group.
Each group required a different approach.
The Papua New Guinea group told me they often have teachers from Australia who don’t speak Tok Pijin, the common language there. When that happens, the teacher teaches in English and the group discusses in Tok Pijin, with the stronger English speakers helping the others learn. The Vanuatu group had a wide range of English ability and wanted to use their Bislama Bibles. They weren’t used to discussing the Bible, so we would read it in Bislama and English, then I’d ask questions. Patrick would explain in Bislama and often preached the message at the end. Over time the group began to discuss in Bislama and then check back with me in English.
Part of the unique dynamic of John’s experience has been that he’s had to be a student at the same time as being a leader. “It’s important for my brothers to see ‘the pastor’ struggling to learn some basics,” he laughed.
I love singing heartfelt praise and worship songs in Bislama with them. I’ve learned to say gudnit in the evenings and discovered little gems like tok strong – which means ‘rebuke.’ We’ve even had to talk through key terms that don’t translate directly. In Bislama, for example, ‘heart’ doesn’t carry the metaphorical sense it does in English, so to love God with all your heart becomes loving him with all your tingting (mind), spirit (soul), and beli (belly).
What’s stayed with him are the faces. “I’ve loved hearing Patrick explain the gospel in Bislama to his household and challenge them to share the ‘gud nius’ when they go home. I’ve rejoiced at the joy I’ve seen on their faces as they reflect on the good news. One of the Papa New Guinea lads is a youth leader back home. He took a study guide and some manuals with him, determined to lead a study when he returned. That’s really exciting.”
After all, as his brothers in Christ would say:
Hae God, i got pawa, i strong, yumi pikinini blong hem.
Our God is powerful and strong – we are his children.
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
