‘I loved it so much’: reviser of Kiribati Bible reflects on his work

The Rev Kaitara Metai buried his manuscripts for the revision of the Kiribatese Bible in the sand when Kiribati was invaded by the Japanese during the Second World War. Kiribati, South Pacific. Photo: BS in Australia Inc/Nigel Statham (SPA02DJ-7.JPG)

KIRIBATI — Keeping manuscripts safe is just one of the many responsibilities facing Bible translators and revisers. For one reviser in Kiribati, this responsibility became a dramatic reality when the island was occupied by the Japanese during the Second World War. His ingenious solution was to bury the manuscripts.

On a recent visit to Kiribati, UBS Translation Consultant Dr Nigel Statham was “surprised and delighted” to meet the Rev Kaitara Metai, who was one of the Kiribati nationals involved in the revision of the first translation of the Bible into Kiribatese. This work took place between 1938 and 1948, but was suspended between 1942 and 1944 during the Japanese occupation of Beru atoll.

Occupation

In conversation with Dr Statham, 82-year-old Mr Metai recalled that, after joining the revision team in 1939 while still at school, he would go weekly to Rongorongo Theological College on Beru to carry out his work. The revisers met together as a group twice a year in the same location.

Japan’s occupation of Beru in 1942 forced the revisers to suspend their work. In a dramatic bid to ensure the safety of the revision manuscripts, Mr Metai buried them in two large wooden boxes in the sand, along with some other valuable items including soap and clothes.

When it became possible to resume work in 1944, Mr Metai uncovered his ‘buried treasure’ and then spent up to 21 hours a day on the revision in Fiji during 1947 and 1948. Throughout this time, he relied entirely on God’s prompting of others to supply him with food and accommodation. Once he had submitted the completed manuscript to the American Bible Society, Mr Metai studied at the Rongorongo Theological College and became a pastor.

After a busy working life, including responsibilities with the Kiribati Language Board, he now lives quietly but continues to preach regularly. He expresses great satisfaction with his involvement in the revision project, stating, “I loved it so much!” (WR 372/30 - 11.02)