Matt and Ellen Tyler

Matt and Ellen are partnering with local Christians in translating the Bible into one of Vanuatu’s many minority languages, Daakaka on the island of Ambrym.

It has been said that a Bible translator in Vanuatu is like a one-person Bible college because you teach the gospel deeply to the translation team, who then teach it to many. Although Christianity is far reaching in Vanuatu, the gospel has not penetrated deeply into the hearts of local believers — many do not have access to the Bible in their heart language.

Through translation work, Matt & Ellen are discipling and training locals in faithfully understanding and applying the Bible.

Christ Church St Ives are excited to have partnered with from the beginning of their overseas missionary journey.

Vanuatu Context

• Population: 319, 000

• Faith backgrounds: Over 80% Christian denominations

Challenges

• Only a small number of Vanuatu’s 138+ languages have a full Bible, and many communities still lack any Scripture in their heart language.

• Mixing Christianity with traditional beliefs, practices and fear of witchcraft and evil spirits

• In some communities, Christianity may be associated with foreign culture rather than local identity.

Opportunities

• Translating the Bible into the heart language of a people group in Vanuatu

• Deeper discipleship of those who want to follow Jesus

The Tyler family are living on the island of Ambrym and are learning the local language, Daakaka, as well as Bislama which is one of the three official languages in Vanuatu. In partnership with SIL and Vanuatu Bible Translators, they live alongside the villagers, training local believers in understanding the Bible, translating it into their heart language, and discipling them to apply God’s word to their lives.

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