"I must be about my Father's business" by Connie Inglis

I've been thinking about this writing prompt for a few weeks now, wondering what to say about the business of writing. I have not been in the personal writing "business" for long. I've had a few pieces published and realize the importance of submitting your work, but I've never even thought about marketing. So what do I write that is blog-worthy?

Then the Spirit reminded me that my husband and I have actually been in the writing business all our lives, but not in the traditional way. What business is that you ask? The business of Bible translation and literacy work. 

Acts 13:1,2 in the Shatikha language of Myanmar

There is nothing typical about the process of writing, publishing and marketing the Bible for Bible-less people groups. But before the translation even starts, being a member of a faith-based mission requires raising support. In a lot of ways, raising support is like marketing--"selling" who you are, "selling" God's calling in your life, "selling" the work you are called to and "selling" the need for Bible translation. It's actually a tricky balance of sharing your heart with people but also listening to other people's hearts and praying that what you say strikes a cord in their lives. To be a missionary of a faith-mission these days requires trust in God first but it also requires marketing. 

Then the business of translation begins which takes training, takes study, takes language learning, takes working with a team of nationals and takes years of checking and re-checking with both the nationals and the consultants. It's a long-term commitment, an arduous business. That's what my husband does. 

Primer for the Ngochang language, Myanmar

My work in literacy has been less intense but also a necessary part of what we do. It's sort of the pre-publishing, pre-marketing work done before the Bible is printed. The literacy track within Bible translation can include:
- helping write an orthography if the language has not been written down
- making primers, picture books and transitional readers
- formatting books for publishing
- teaching the nationals to read and write, adults & children
- training nationals to become teachers and trainers themselves 

This list may not sound that difficult but remember, these books are not in English, the training is often not in English, the language itself may be written in non-Roman script (as in the Shatikha writing above), never mind communication problems with nationals in setting up workshops and finding appropriate trainees as well as a myriad of other cross-cultural contingencies.

From a Shatikha reader about rice-planting

Ambiguous? Yes. Demanding perseverance and flexibility? Yes. Seemingly impossible? Without God's guidance, YES! But "with God all things are possible." Matt 19:26. It is God's doing and it is God's work. My husband and I are mere servants to His glory in it all--because ALL the glory goes to Him. But I will say, it is worth ALL the training, the ambiguity, the sacrifice. I can't imagine a better way to spend my life.

There was also a verse that kept replaying in my mind. Luke 2:49: "And He [Jesus] said to them, How is it that you sought me? Knew you not that I must be about my Father's business?" And what was Jesus' business? Two chapters later Jesus tells us: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free." Luke 4:18

Powerful words--words for us all. Because no matter what kind of writing we're doing, if the Spirit of the Lord is on us and has anointed us in our writing, then that's what we should be doing. That's the Father's business for you and for me.
 
I had to close with this video of a language group receiving the Bible in their own language for the first time. Such emotion. Such love for God's Word. It grips my heart.
(www.worldteam.org. Filmed by Dianne Becker. Editing by Zach Ruble.)

My commodity as a writer, whatever I'm writing about, is me. And your commodity is you. Don't alter your voice to fit the subject. Develop one voice that readers will recognize when they hear it on the page, a voice that's enjoyable not only in its musical line but in its avoidance of sounds that would cheapen its tone: breeziness and condescension and clichés.
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/599682

My commodity as a writer, whatever I'm writing about, is me. And your commodity is you. Don't alter your voice to fit the subject. Develop one voice that readers will recognize when they hear it on the page, a voice that's enjoyable not only in its musical line but in its avoidance of sounds that would cheapen its tone: breeziness and condescension and clichés.
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/599682

My commodity as a writer, whatever I'm writing about, is me. And your commodity is you. Don't alter your voice to fit the subject. Develop one voice that readers will recognize when they hear it on the page, a voice that's enjoyable not only in its musical line but in its avoidance of sounds that would cheapen its tone: breeziness and condescension and clichés.
Read more at: http://www.azquotes.com/quote/599682

Welcome to Canada! - Ramona Heikel

This month our Canada Day celebrations put us in the spotlight, so we look out to the world and say “Welcome to Canada!” And each year, many new Canadians who do feel welcome take part in the citizenship ceremony on Canada Day, which excites me, because I believe each one enriches a community in this country.

I feel fortunate to be surrounded at work by men and women who have come from all over the world to live here. It is interesting to learn about their native lands, and the customs, religion and foods, which they frequently share with us. I also am happy to meet newcomers in my neighbourhood, but am sad to see that many are not finding life as easy as my co-workers. Many struggle to learn English so they can find work and help their children adjust to school and a new home.

But even though it isn’t much, I have been able to help neighbours, coworkers and friends to learn English as their second language. It has been a joy to practice English as we share our lives, review grammar or spelling for an email or resume, work on homework, discuss Canadian laws and culture, and even write letters to government agencies. I thank God for bringing us together because they give so much to my life.

As an avid reader and educator, literacy is important to me, and I applaud the many volunteers and organizations that assist newcomers to Canada. Thank you, Calgary Public Library, for your free literacy programs. Thank you, too, Calgary READS, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, YMCA LINC Program, and ESL Cooperative Ministries. As a writer, one way I have attempted to support new citizens and organizations like these is by writing articles or blog posts, but I’d like to do more. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

As a Christian, I am also aware that God is at work in the lives of Canada’s newest citizens, delivering many from difficult circumstances. My prayer is that through all of us, He will draw each one to himself, and help them thrive, not only culturally, socially, economically, but most importantly spiritually.