January 20, 2019
Dear Praying Friends,
Successful Trip to Paraguay, South America:  My trip to Paraguay was long and tiring but the joy of preaching and making new friends soon overshadowed all other discomforts.  Their enthusiasm to learn the process of a new Bible translation in the Guarani language made it easy to challenge and teach them.  They had many questions but our experience with other languages and countries allowed me to give them the confidence needed to press forward.  We set up a time in August, 2019 when we would return to review some of their work. Please add them to your prayer list as they will be in great need of your prayers..   
Telugu Bible for India…I was able to fly to Dallas to meet with missionary Rufus Saripalli and his pastor recently.  We discussed the printing and distribution of the Telugu Bible in India and will start to secure prices from several Indian companies for the best price and quality.  Over 100 million people speak this language. A dedication service will be held early 2020. 
Ewe/French John & Romans and French whole Bibles for Togo, West Africa Finished:  Soon these Bibles will be shipped to Togo, please pray for a safe arrival and their distribution.  The translators continue to translate the rest of the New Testament.           
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​The job of a Bible translator or interpreter is fraught with dangers.  It’s actually easy when there is a textual difference between a Greek text or an English Bible, and that text or version is one that you do not trust.  When that difference is in a text you do trust and different translations all fit the definitions of the word, it is more difficult.  For example, suppose that in a particular verse the KJV contains a certain word and another version or a foreign translation from the Received text uses a different word.  Many of us would simply choose the KJV word.  But, how do we answer a critic when both translated words came from the same Greek word in the Received text and both translations are technically equally valid?  This happens often in the New Testament.  Many Greek words, like words in any language, have more than one meaning.  This is called Polysemy, the principle that words have multiple meanings.  But, as a translator, how are you to choose between the meanings? 
                         This problem is found many times in the New Testament.  One very prominent example is found in John 5:24.
 
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
(John 5:24)
 
                         This seems to be a straight forward and clear verse.  It is in perfect accord with the teachings about salvation in the entire Bible.  However, there is an issue with the word condemnation.  Of course there is a problem in the modern English versions, you say.  However, the problem is not just that the New King James and other English version translate the Greek word Krisis as judgment, rather than condemnation, but early Received Text Bibles also translated it that way.  The Tyndale, Coverdale, Bishops, and Geneva translations all use the words condemnation or damnation.  One the other hand, the 1744 French Ostervald Bible says “judgment” (as available on e-sword.net; the 2018 Revision by Pastor Mario Monette says “condemnation”). The 1545 Martin Luther German translation uses the word Gericht, which  means “court or judgment.”  J. P. Green’s so-called “literal” translation says “judgment.”  Even the King James has a difference in how it translates krisis.  In John 5:29, the KJV translates krisis as “judgment.”  Then, the word is again used in verse 30 and translated “damnation.”
                         How are you to know which is correct?  Once again, some of you would point to the way the KJV does it and say the KJV is right.  I also agree the KJV translated this word correctly.  But, how are you to explain it?  How would you explain the difference in how the KJV translated this word to a young or ignorant Christian?  How do you know which is right?    
 
                         It’s easier than you think.  But, many miss it.
 
                         First, the Greek word, krisis, is an example of polysemy.  It has multiple meanings which depend on the context.  According to the Complete Word Study Dictionary, the word means both “the act of judging” and “sentence pronounced.”  Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says it “primarily denotes ‘a separating,’ then, ‘a decision’ ”.  Thayer’s Greek Definitions tells us the word means a “trial or contest” and an “opinion or decision.”  So, it has more than one meaning.  It means the process of examining someone (judgment) and the sentence or decision made after the examination (either condemnation or acquittal}.  Therefore, on the bare surface, both translations are technically correct. 
                         So, how are we to choose between the definitions?  Many words have multiple meanings.  The only way to choose which definition applies in a given place in a document depends on context.  In the Bible, that contextual information may come from the verse in which we find the word or it may come from the nearby verses or even other chapters in the same book.  It may even be found in other books. 
                         The context of John 5:24 and the word krisis is an example of the last one and it depends on a correct understanding of the verse itself.
                         The subject of John 5:24 is eternal life and how one obtains it.  Salvation depends on 1) hearing the word and 2) believing it.  By doing this you ensure your eternal safety.  The view of this verse is eternity.  So, the result of believing is 1) you have eternal life right now and 2) you will never be condemned.  That is the teaching of the verse as it stands in the KJV.  However, the translations that use “judgment” do not guarantee a freedom from condemnation.  They guarantee freedom from judgment. 
                         You may say, isn’t freedom from judgment the same as freedom from condemnation?  It is not the same; however, freedom from judgment may result in freedom from condemnation.  That is not the problem.  The real difficulty is that the statement, “you shall never come into judgment,” is not true.  In fact, it is a flat out lie.  Moreover, it sets up a contradiction in Scripture.  The greater Scriptural context contradicts the idea that you, as a believer, will never come into judgment.  The Scriptures declare, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor. 5:10).  This takes place in heaven after this life is over.  Also, we are judged in this life.  “But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” (1 Cor. 11:32).  Further, we are to judge ourselves.  “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged” (1 Cor. 11:31).  To say that a believer will never come into judgment is simply not true.  It is true that a believer will never come into condemnation.  So the right definition of krisis to use in John 5:24 is “the sentence” of condemnation.      
                         The context of krisis in John 5:29, is different.  That verse is talking about the one who has the authority to judge all people, the Lord Jesus Christ. 
                         The conclusion is simple.  The translation of krisis in the KJV is correct.  It fits the truth of salvation taught throughout the New Testament and it is true to the future of the Christian.  Every translator should be extremely careful in his examination of the words he translates.                      
                  

Trip to Ecuador:  It was a most rewarding trip to Ecuador to preach for Pastor, Missionary Arian Molina (Cuban national working in Ecuador).  I held a marriage conference and then preached high in the Andes (11,400 feet) to students of the Bible Institute.  Pastor Cesar of that church decided to include the whole congregation in these special classes and their response to the teaching was rewarding.  The choir sung in Spanish and Quichua, what a blessing!  While in Ecuador we had 5 that were saved, one of those saved was a Cuban doctor that is going to defect to Ecuador. My heart longs for the day that King Jesus will rule and reign upon this earth…so much injustice today, but one day the true Judge will reign!
Trip to South America:  Soon I will make a trip to Paraguay, to meet with pastors and those concerned about a new translation in the Guarani language.  My trip will consist of meeting these pastors and churches and challenge, encourage and assist them in the process of starting a new translation.  If they are in agreement early 2019 we will hold a translation conference.  Please pray with us about this needed project. 
Prayer Request:  Chinese translation…Printing and shipping of the Ewe translation of Togo, West Africa…Distribution of Isan NT for Thailand...Arabic Bibles for refugees...Translation progress of the Telugu whole Bible for India…Deaf Bible completion…Paraguay and India trips…Pray that God gives me strength and health to carry on this worthy task. 
Thank you for standing with us. Our love and prayers are with all of you.  
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​Ewe John and Romans: The review process for John and Romans in Ewe by the translation team in Togo and the graphics designer is finished.  The files for the booklet and the cover have been submitted to the printer.  This has been a laborious process and involves far more than you may think.  Here are the steps we have been through:
 
1) First, we and the Togolese had to see the need and get a vision for the translation.
2) We held a Bible translation conference to stir up the leaders to do to this work, wherein several committed themselves to be involved.
3) The translation team had to be assembled and organized.  This took some time.
4) Then, the 15 member translation team did the translation of John and Romans over a period of a year or so.
5) We returned to Togo to help the team begin the process of reviewing, checking, and editing.
6) The team finished the review over the next several months.
7) Next came the typing and formatting of the translation for printing. 
8) The funds for printing had to be raised.
9) Finally, we are anticipating the culmination of all this work in the printing starting in August.
10) Lastly, we will ship the books and they will be distributed in Togo.
11) And, the translation work will proceed. 
 
There has been a lot of long distance work going on to bring this to pass.  There has been a lot of work to raise the funds necessary and to coordinate the project.  There has been a lot of communication between ourselves and the Pastor and graphic artist at South Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church in Quebec, Canada and the team in Togo and the printer in Cincinnati.  There is a great deal left to do as you can see since numbers 9-11 above are still in process.  Just this morning, I had to work with the printer and the graphic artist to get adjustments made to the cover.   Please pray for us and everyone involved that God will bring it all to a successful conclusion and that He will use the John and Romans booklets to bring many thousands to Christ. I expect that about 200,000 French-Ewe John-Romans booklets will be printed along with about 2500 whole French Bibles of the latest revision of the Ostervald French Version.   

Last year we Praise God for how He has opened doors to present the ministry in churches, Christian schools and Bible colleges and challenge the hearts of those willing to follow Him to the ends of the earth.  Our message is to present the challenge of Bible translation around the world.  From Genesis eleven it is estimated that 78 languages came from that single event and after thousands of years nearly 7,000 languages are spoken today among the 7.4 billion people on our earth. As missionaries and nationals reach deep into their countries they find a common thread…a Bible that man can read in their vernacular. 
Connie and I added another year to life and ministry…we have had a few break downs and repairs needed to these  old bodies, but God has allowed us to press forward.  Thousand of air and land miles were traveled endeavoring to advance upon the dark areas of our world where there is no Bible or a Bible available.  The CAV (Chinese Authorized Version) translation added new chapters and books of the Bible.  In Togo, West Africa a new translation is nearing the printing stage and then will be given to those longing to see those precious words of hope.  Arabic Bibles were printed and distributed in Syria and Lebanon where Civil War has devastated their countries.  A more user friendly deaf Bible has come across our path that needs our help in getting it printed and placed into the hands of these forgotten people.  Finishing touches on a very difficult translation of the Telugu Bible  of India made significant advances. The Isan translations continues to reach those in NE Thailand. Then there are yet those in the jungles of Ecuador and in the country of Paraguay asking for help that their people might have Gods Word in their language. 
This new year brings new challenges of patience, perseverance and dedication to finish the task. Prayers are needed for those working diligently in Bible translation.  The attacks come as simple as a virus on their computer deleting all of the work they have accomplished.  We are reminded of James 5:11 “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”
Prayer Request:  Chinese translation…Ewe translation of Togo, West Africa & funds for printing...Distribution of Isan NT for Thailand...Arabic Bibles for refugees...Translation progress of the Telugu whole Bible for India…Deaf Bible completion…Up coming foreign trips to Lebanon, Togo, Paraguay, Ecuador and India. ​

December 1, 2017  
                                           
Dear Praying Friends, 

Connie’s Health... Thank you for your prayers concerning Connie’s issues with macular degeneration.  She is following the advice of her doctor to slow down its progression.  Her family doctor gave her thumbs up with all of her blood work coming back normal.  As time goes by she is adjusting with her limitations.  I have installed better lighting in the kitchen...we would not want anything to effect her great cooking ability!

Ministry Highlights… 
Arabic New Testaments: We have sent funds to Arabic Bible Outreach for the refugees in Lebanon and Syria.  There is a great open door at this time and we must take advantage.
Deaf Bible: Deaf missionary Mike Bader explains that deaf people have a difficult time with pronouns, so his team is going through the Bible color coding and inserting brackets to identify the pronoun. When ready we will assist in raising funds for the printing of this project. 
Training and Assisting Translators:  We are involved with promoting, training and fund raising in China…India…Thailand…Paraguay and Africa. Faithful translations is our goal!  
Ewe Translation for West Africa: We are half way through the fund raising ($40,000) for the Ewe/French John and Romans, French New Testaments and whole Bibles for Togo, West Africa.  The Ewe translation is progressing rapidly and our goal is to print early 2018. 
Telugu whole Bibles:  Our  prayers are that in 2018 we will see the Telugu whole Bible printed in India. The translators heavy load and responsibility merits our intercessory prayer.    

Prayer Request:  Connie’s health…Chinese translation…Ewe translation of Togo, West Africa & funds for printing...Distribution of Isan NT for Thailand...Arabic Bibles for refugees...Translation progress of the Telugu whole Bible for India…Deaf Bible completion…Up coming foreign trips to Lebanon, Togo, Paraguay, Ecuador and India. 
Connie and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas, may these days be filled with the joy of our Lord as we remember the reason of His coming and the wonderful salvation He gave to us!

Thank you for your faithful prayers and support, your partnership is vital.
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Until all may hear,
Stephen R Zeinner
Psalms 126:6

​The Ewe translators are almost finished with John and Romans. The translators met in August to review the progress and found that each book was within about five chapters being finished. Some of the translators don't have computers, so they have hand written their translations. These hand written translations need to be typed by someone else. The gentleman doing the typing was not able to finish the typing in time for the October meeting due to family sickness. Therefore, the scheduled October meeting had to be postponed. When the translators have finished translating and checking John and Romans, Steve Zeinner and Jim Taylor and Steve Combs will return to Togo to do accuracy testing of the translation and to impart more training. If the team is in agreement we will go to print in preparation of sending a container of French whole Bibles...New Testaments...and bi-lingual French/Ewe John and Romans.   Pastor Nugent of Grace Baptist Church, Lee Summit MO, has committed to pay and assemble 2,000 whole French Bibles, which is a huge blessing!  We are now at $16,000 of the $40,000 needed for this project.  It is also hoped that God will give us extra donations to cover the purchase of five computers for the translation team. Any donation amount will help. You may send donations to Plantation Baptist Church, Plantation, Fla. or use the Paypal connection on our web site, www.bpsglobal.org.
 Would you please consider helping?

​The German translation continues to make progress. The following books have been translated and are in the checking process: Genesis, John, and Romans. The Book of Luke is currently being translated. The Book of Redemption has also been translated and is being checked. We are interested in talking to anyone who knows German as their mother tongue and will be willing to volunteer some time to read through the books that have already been translated listed above. We need them to make notes of areas where the translation is weak or incorrect.
If you are interested in doing that, please contact us through the contact page on our web site, www.bpsglobal.org. The Photos are of Steve Combs and James Kramer, the translator.