The Bean Family

Download a PDF version of this letter with photos here.

The Bear Bible

Earlier this month Mark was up in Margos teaching pastors the first part of the course “Introduction to the Bible.” The course begins with very basic facts, which turned out to be new information for many of those taking the course.

The course includes history of the Spanish Bible. The first complete Bible translated from the original languages into Spanish was known as La Biblia del Oso or “The Bear Bible.” The title page had this drawing of a bear seeking after honey. What does that have to do with God’s Word, you may ask? Well, we should desire God’s word like a bear desires honey. Both are sweet! The Quechua pastors liked that.

Adventures on the road

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Like fire...like a mighty hammer...

God's word is active, working in the hearts and lives of men and women.  Just seven weeks earlier the "annual baptism" was held during the yearly convention.  Since then nine more people came forward to be baptized.

The nine came from different villages, joining may others who traveled to the village of Chullay for theannual "women's retreat".  That event had never included a baptism before.

Translation project overview

After our last Beans’talk a friend asked for some history. It’s worth reviewing and thanking God for his help all along the way.

WHEN did we start this Old Testament project? Answer: 2004. The first workshop was held in June of that year. We started preparing for it December of 2003.

HOW MANY languages have been involved? Answer: 5 + 2.

Most of our work is with five Quechua languages named at the bottom of the letter.

Additionally two other languages have been involved on a limited scale. A Yanahuanca Quechua team worked with us on Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers 1– 18. Men from Chiquian Quechua were with us for Genesis and Deuteronomy.

If you would like to download this letter as a PDF file, please click here.

Thankful

There is so much to be thankful for and praise God about.

• We just celebrated 33 years of marriage last week. We have good health and energy and enjoy our work. All gifts of God.

• We now have a second grandson. Matthew Scott Bean was born August 4th to Andy and Rachel, joining his 2yr old brother Jeremiah.

• We were privileged to attend the New Testament dedication for the Panao Quechua. Our colleagues, Terry and Karla Smith, worked on this translation for many years. Thousands of people were eager to purchase copies of the New Testament in their language. The top and bottom photos are from the dedication.

You may download the PDF with photos by clicking here.

Meet Teófilo & his family

The past two Beans’talks we’ve talked about Teófilo, the newest member of our translation team. This past month Mark was able to go up to Pacayhua and meet Teófilo’s family. We had asked you to pray for him and all the “hoops” he had to go through in order to sign up for Bible classes with his local denomination.

When his extended family heard that one of those hoops was that Teófilo needed to be married in the church, they didn’t want a rushed ceremony. That means the answer to your prayers is WAIT. Teófilo will just wait until another Bible school semester begins before taking classes. Meanwhile, he’ll be going through basic Bible studies at work.

Update from Mark and Patti Bean Translating God’s Word for Quechua speakers in central Peru

Download the PDF version of the letter here.

Bean Sprout news

Andy, our first Bean Sprout, now has his Air Force pilot wings. He’s moved on to fighter pilot training to eventually fly the plane parked behind us in the photo: an A10.

Emily, our second Sprout was able to join us in Texas for the ceremony.

Why do the bad guys prosper?

At the end of the recent workshop there was just time to work through the short book of Zephaniah. In chapter 1 God lists a number of reasons why he is angry with his people. Most of those reasons have to do with trusting something else for prosperity and guidance rather than trusting in God (see verses 4–6). Mark was surprised at the vigorous response from all the guys at the workshop. This topic really hit a cultural nerve.

Translating God’s Word for Quechua speakers in central Peru

Back to the drawing board!

Last month we explained that the verb “to change” has some problems for translation. We thought we’d found the solution to how to translate Malachi 3:6, I the LORD do not change. Our solution was to say, I the LORD am always the same. Our next step was to check our translation with people who were not involved in the translation. When we did, we found another problem. People thought it was saying that God looks the same as he’s always looked!

Changing words to communicate well

When you read that Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt, you probably don’t dwell on that. It is outside of our cultural experience. A number of Quechua legends, however, tell of individuals changed into rocks. Not just any rock. There are certain pillar-like rock formations said to have once been people. They changed into a rock.

Snowcaps

We’ve read (and seen via Internet) that many of you have been swamped with snow. We have snow, too, but at a distance. This photo was taken on the road between Huanuco and Huaraz.