Bible Translation

The near extinction of Joel's  peoples' identity and lanugage (due to their intermingling with other tribes) concerned Joel.  He wanted to do something to bring them back as a people and restore the proud and numerous tribe of earlier times.  Since they had no written language like many of the other tribes, Joel decided he wanted to create a written script for his people.  Many of the tribal languages cannot be typed using the standard alphabet due to the sounds and tonal marks required for their language.  Joel reasoned that using only the letters in the standard English alphabet would allow the use of a regular computer without created or altered characters.  Joel enrolled in linguistic courses offered in Chiangmai and studied with prominent linguist/teacher Dr. Jimmy Harris.

In 1977, Dr. Harris was very impressed with Joel's dream and was willing to help with it.  Together they created an appropriate alphabet and tone marks.  Joel started work on the Anung language primer at that time.  After the primer books were printed, Joel began teaching the new written language.  The people he taught then went home to the villages and began teaching the Anung alphabet to the young AND the old who didn't want to be left out!

In 1988 Joel and his uncle Aram Khopang began work on an Anung New Testament.  It took two years to complete the translation which included cross-references, maps of the Holy Lands and the journeys of the Apostle Paul.   Once the New Testament was typed, proof-read several times, and         maps checked, the completed copy was finally ready.  Several churches in Carthage, Missouri raised the money for the printing costs.  This was the very first book ever printed in the Anung language. Praise the Lord!  

Soon after the printing and distribution of the Anung New Testament, requests came for a translation of an Anung Hymnal.  Joel and his Uncle Aram got to work on it!  After several years, there were over 700 songs translated into Anung.  554 songs made it into the new hymnal which was printed in 2003 and distributed among the Anung people.  

In 2004, the translation of the Old Testament began.  Joel, his Uncle Aram and cousins Jonathan and Rueben worked together on this translation.  The Old Testament is now completely translated and ready for printing as funds are provided.