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BELT Studies at Milingimbi

by Wäŋgarr Dhamarraṉḏji

I remember way back in 2007, about the end of August, the team had a small celebration, after finishing the proof reading. We were doing the last check of the New Testament, God-Wäŋarrwu Walŋamirr Dhäruk before it was going to print in Indonesia. Our immediate families were there, as well as Margaret, Mary, Mally, and Kendall. My children and extended family were wondering what would become of our work in the future when the New Testament was printed and dedicated. They were asking: "Will everything in the Translation Centre close now?" It was a sad and happy moment, at the same time. I remember saying, "God-Wäŋarrwu Walŋamirr Dhäruk will be used in different ways and is not just for adults and for Galiwin'ku people. It will affect the other 4 communities in East Arnhem too." 

I had been praying a prayer that comes from 1 Chronicles 4: 10 It says: "Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, 'Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.' And God granted his request." Another encouraging verse at that time was in 2 Corinthians 1:4 "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

In June/July of 2009 the BELT (Biblical Education and Leadership Training) team came for 3 weeks to Galwin'ku. Now looking back, a year later, what I said in 2007 is happening right before my eyes! With the BELT Studies, the Djambarrpuyŋu New Testament, a computer, data projector and screen – God's Word is on the move! It's enlarging it's territory across the borders of the 4 communities, starting with Milingimbi. Praise the LORD!

So far, there have been 3 lessons of the BELT studies, 'The nature of God', 'The character of God' and 'Trinity' with a local power point presentation 'How Great is Our God' and the DVD 'Indescribable' as an extra. The more I give of these studies, the