Kundiawa is the capital, and only town of note, in Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, with a population of about 5,000. It lies along the Highlands Highway approximately halfway between Goroka and Mount Hagen, respectively the capitals of the Eastern Highlands and Western Highlands provinces (...)

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It's about life.
Made by kahunapulej
These men got a bargain in a nicely bound New Testament in their own language. It cost them less than the actual cost of production. What kind of crazy people would essentially give away money with each book sold instead of making money on them? Indeed, what kind of crazy people would spend major portions of their lives translating the New Testament for just the Kuman-speaking people, or doing support work for people like that? Either we are all insane, or the economics of eternity and the Kingdom of Heaven prove us to be rational, after all. The Word of God always does what God sent it to do. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province.


Kuman Bible scrum
Made by kahunapulej
The local Member of Parliament set a box of Kuman New Testaments on the ground, here, free to the first ones to get them. 40 brave souls risked bodily harm to get a New Testament in their own language. To my amazement, no major injuries resulted to either the people or the Bibles. It looked more like a rugby scrum than a Bible distribution. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province.


It has been a long time coming...
Made by kahunapulej
You are reading this in English, so I assume that you are rather accustomed to the fact that you have had a whole Bible available to you in your own language for your whole life. Not so for the Kuman people. Even now, they have just got a New Testament, and that only since the 27th of June, 2008. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province.


One with the Kuman people
Made by kahunapulej
Leah grew up with the Kuman people, and is fluent in their language and culture. Here, she is reading the Kuman New Testament to some of her Kuman extended family. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province. Photo by Pat Brien. Posted here by permission.


First Bible Box
Made by kahunapulej
Here comes the first box of Kuman New Testaments to be sold. These New Testaments are usually sold at a low price (less than the cost of producing the books), not just given away, so that the people attach value to them. This makes it more likely that they will be read instead of being used for toilet paper and cigarette wrappers. Some were given away, though. The local member of parliament bought a box or two of them, and gave them away to the first comers. A was amazed to see that those who emerged from the resulting rugby scrum had intact books instead of scraps. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Jan Gossner. Posted here by permission.


Policeman talking about the Kuman NT
Made by kahunapulej
This policeman was telling me about the Kuman New Testament, Kuman dictionary, and Kuman Jesus Video that he just bought, and how they would help his children. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province.


First box of NTs to sell
Made by kahunapulej
Here comes the first box of Kuman New Testaments to be sold. These New Testaments are usually sold at a low price (less than the cost of producing the books), not just given away, so that the people attach value to them. This makes it more likely that they will be read instead of being used for toilet paper and cigarette wrappers. Some were given away, though. The local member of parliament bought a box or two of them, and gave them away to the first comers. A was amazed to see that those who emerged from the resulting rugby scrum had intact books instead of scraps. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.


After-dedication party
Made by kahunapulej
After the Kuman New Testament dedication, the celebration continued into the evening and on into the night at several area churches. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province.


Pfantz family
Made by kahunapulej
Here they are looking at my camera, and being shot with Karen's. The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


Family enjoying their new Kuman New Testament
Made by kahunapulej
The Kuman people number about 120,000 and are found in the northern part of Simbu Province in Papua New Guinea. Kuman is the 3rd largest language group in the country. First contact with the outside world occurred in the early 1930s. Several denominations came in and planted churches at that time. Early missionaries learned the language, worked on the alphabet, and did some translation work, but translation work came to a halt by the early 1970s. SIL placed Dunc and Mary Pfantz in the language group in 1988 as a joint program with the Bible Society. They mentored a team of national translators from various denominations and areas of the language group. Over the years, literacy materials, scripture portions, and the Jesus video were produced. The complete New Testament in Kuman was dedicated on June 27, 2008, in Kundiawa, the provincial capital of the province. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


Chant for joy around the Bibles
Made by kahunapulej
To really appreciate this picture, you almost need sound. The Kuman people standing by started chanting and dancing around the Bible sales table in a uniquely Simbu style. It was a spontaneous expression of joy that could make the hair on the back of your head stand on end. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


First Bible
Made by kahunapulej
I'm talking to one of the men who just got his first New Testament in his own language. (I'm in the red hat.) I was the official photographer for the dedication, but I also participated in the dedication and rejoiced with the Kuman people on this happy occasion. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Steve Johnson. Posted here by permission.


Bible Dedication Parade
Made by kahunapulej
The Kuman Bible Dedication parade, including the brass band from the Lutheran Trumpet School at Banz and a truckload of New Testaments, marching through Kundiawa. Note the SIL aircraft on the airstrip behind the parade. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.


Dunc Pfantz leading the parade
Made by kahunapulej
The Kuman Bible Dedication parade, including the brass band from the Lutheran Trumpet School at Banz and a truckload of New Testaments, marching through Kundiawa. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


Me taking a picture
Made by kahunapulej
I'm usually not in many of my pictures, because I'm holding the camera. Well, here I am, holding a camera, and shot in the back (with a camera) by a friend. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


No line? No problem!
Made by kahunapulej
Some cultures (like British) place high values on queues and orderly lines in situations like this. Most cultures in PNG are not like that. No matter... people got served, and Bibles got distributed. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.


Candid shot of me
Made by kahunapulej
Here I am, holding a camera, again-- this time talking with my wife and two of my children, in the middle of the Kuman New Testament dedication. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers. Photo by Karen Weaver. Posted here by permission.


Brass Band and Bible Parade
Made by kahunapulej
The Kuman Bible Dedication parade, including the brass band from the Lutheran Trumpet School at Banz and a truckload of New Testaments, marching through Kundiawa. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.


SIL PNG Director thanking Dunc and Mary Pfantz
Made by kahunapulej
SIL PNG Directory Jan Gossner presenting Dunc and Mary Pfantz a certificate of appreciation for their work on the Kuman New Testament translation. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.


SIL PNG Director Honoring Wawe Kena
Made by kahunapulej
SIL Directory Jan Gossner awarding Kuman Bible translator Wawe Kena a certificate of appreciation at the Kuman New Testament dedication. This is one of a series of photos of the Kuman New Testament dedication in Kundiawa, Simbu Province, Papua New Guinea, on the 27th day of June 2008. This is the first day these people could get a whole New Testament in their own language. There are about 950 languages spoken in Papua New Guinea. Other than the 3 national languages (Melanisian Pidgin, English, and Hiri Motu), Kuman is the language with the third highest population of speakers.