Here’s another poem I’ve translated, written in our local language by Shepherd*, likely the first Christian poet among our people group.
In this poem, Shepherd starts with a very Central Asian image – that of ripe berry trees generously dropping their fruit when kids throw rocks up into the branches. Shepherd uses this picture to allude to how even when believers are attacked, what comes out of us is the fruit of the Spirit. What a helpful image to illustrate how believers are now able to love even their enemies. The rest of the poem is a walk-through of the remarkable effects in the life of a believer that come from knowing Jesus, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and the Father’s kingdom and calling.
As with the previous poem of Shepherd’s that I posted, my aim has been to try to do as direct a translation as possible while also seeking to keep the original rhyme scheme and some sense of meter. To read this as a Central Asian would, be sure to slow down and emphasize the last word of each line.
A Fruitful Tree
by Shepherd H
We must be like a tree where fruit is gleaned when stone is cast
We’ve followed Jesus, are assured we will not die in spirit at the last
This body weak, which cannot a virus even forestall
By light of Christ alone can on its shoulders mountains haul
In scheme of life, the Bible is the only true way and artery
The light of the earth and heaven, full of joy and humility
May Jesus’ Holy Spirit be to us as a shield, our protection
If not for the Father’s kingdom, we would not know embrace or affection
Hallelujah for the joy you have given us in these, our lives
You call us as your children, not as strangers, nor as slaves
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Two international churches in our region are in need of pastors, one needs a lead pastor and one an associate pastor. Our kids’ TCK school is also in need of a math and a science teacher for middle school and high school. If you have a good lead, shoot me a note here.
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*Names changed for security
Photo from Unsplash.com
Entrusted to the Dirt 