"Let the Many Islands Rejoice" -AS TOLD BY GEOFFREY JACKSON

FURTHER ASSIGNMENTS

As the years went by, Jenny and I received various assignments throughout the Pacific.  From Tuvalu we were assigned to the Samoa branch in 1985.  There we assisted with translation into the Samoan,Tongan, and Tokelauan languages in addition to the work we were still doing in Tuvaluan.  Then in 1996 we were given a similar assignment in the Fiji branch, where we were  able to give support to the translation work being doing in the Fijian, Kirabati, Nauruan, Rotuman, and Tuvaluan languages. 

I never ceased to be amazed at the zeal shown by those who translate our literature.   The work can be tedious and exhausting.  However, these faithful ones try to reflect Jehovah's desire to get the good news preached "to every nation and tribe and tongue [or, "language,"] and people." (Revelation 14:6) For example, when the translation of the first Watchtower magazine in Tongan was being organized, I met with the elders as a  translator.   One of the elders , who had a good job as a mechanic, offered to resign the next day and start immediately as a translator. This was particularly heartwarming, since he was a family  man and had no idea where his income would come from.   But  Jehovah cared for him and his family, and he remained in the translation work for many years. 

Such devoted translators reflect the viewpoint of the members of the Governing Body, who care deeply about the spiritual needs of smaller language groups.   For example, at one point a  question was raised as to whether it was worth all the effort to provide literature in Tuvaluan.  I was so encouraged to read this answer from the Governing Body:  "We see absolutely  no reason why you may  should discontinue translation work in the Tuvaluan  language. Even though the Tuvaluan field may be small in comparison to other language groups, the people still need to be reached with the good news in their own language."

In 2003, Jenny and I was transferred from the Translation Department  in Fiji branch to Translation Services in Patterson, New York.  It seemed like a dream come true!  We became a part of a team that helps to develop the translation of our literature into additional languages. For the next two years or so, we had the privilege  of visiting various countries to help train translation teams.

Next time: "Let the Many Islands Rejoice" -AS TOLD BY GEOFFREY JACKSON - SOME HISTORIC DECISIONS

From the Watchtower magazine