Samuel David is passionate about the importance that Bible translation plays in helping people understand Christ’s love and message in their own languages. As a volunteer Paraclete international associate, he plans to further translation work in Papua New Guinea. Originally from Kuare, Papua New Guinea, Samuel knows firsthand the difficulty of not having a Bible in his mother tongue. He grew up with a father who had five other wives in addition to Samuel’s own mother, as is customary in their culture. His father served as a pastor for a few years, but left the ministry, as well as Samuel’s mother and siblings. Despite this loss, Samuel’s mother’s faith grew, and she encouraged her children to go to church, pray and read the Bible. But Samuel couldn’t understand the English version of the Bible that they had. Samuel surrendered to Christ in fifth grade and it transformed his life. His church cultivated in him a passion for missions. He joined Gospel Ministries in high school and spent several years helping with outreach work, house visits, prison camp ministry, hospital visits and hosting public crusades. In 2016, he earned his Advance Diploma in information communication technology. Then in 2017, he completed his Diploma Certificate in electrotechnology (electrical engineering). Samuel’s specific ministry vision with Paraclete is to serve and support local churches in their translation, stewardship and propagating of God’s Word in their own languages. He also plans to help them innovatively reduce the cost of Bible translation so that cost isn’t a hindrance to communities gaining access to the Gospel. He most desires to leave behind a spiritual legacy. These verses are his inspiration: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy stuff, they comfort me.” Psa. 23:4 (KJV). “No one will take away your joy.” John 16:22 (NIV) “So that I may come to you with joy, by God’s will and in your company be refreshed.” Rom. 15:32 (NIV)