Friday, June 27, 2025

Sign Language in the Solomon Islands

Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry have impacted colleagues who serve all over the world. I helped coach Teri & Rachel Miles in 2012. They serve in the Pacific region with SIL (one of Wycliffe's strategic partners), facilitating and supporting sign language translation and language development work in various countries in partnership with deaf churches, teams, and associations.

During a recent trip to the Solomon Islands, Teri was interviewed by a local news station. He describes language development work, which can be a huge benefit to any language group and is a precursor to Bible translation.

Story Source: youtu.be/xbBjnUMy0gE?si=mGL3qHm50J0OLz4L

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:
  • The June planning meetings went well this week.
  • The campus sale continues to move forward.
  • Work is going very smoothly.
Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:
  • Ask God to open the doors for the Deaf in the Pacific to have access to the Bible.
  • Pray that the Jr High students will stay faithful in their Bible reading while our class isn't meeting this summer.
  • Pray for wisdom to see all the opportunities the Lord has for me.
Please let me know how I may pray for you.

Friday, May 30, 2025

Give Me Ruth!

In Uganda, Pastor Herizon was riding his motorbike when he heard her. He wore a T-shirt that read, “Ask Me About the Bible.”

And someone did. “Imba Rusi!” (“Give me Ruth!”) a woman shouted at him. “Are you the one who has the book called Ruth?” she asked.

Story Source: Give Me Ruth!
seedcompany.com/stories/give-me-ruth/
Herizon was carrying copies of that exact story. The woman had been praying that God would bring her the book of Ruth. She explained how she related to Ruth. The woman had lost her husband. One night, her sorrow overwhelmed her so deeply that she considered taking her own life. But she said that “by God’s grace,” she made it through the night unharmed.

The next morning, she visited her brother and saw a book in his house titled Ekyitabu kya Rusi (Book of Ruth). Seeing the cover decorated with pictures of wheat, she confused it for a farming book. But once she opened it, she couldn’t put it down. She read it several times that day. “It became my counselor. I am convinced that the God who took care of Ruth will also take care of me.”

I loved reading this story! God is using your prayers and gifts for Bible translation -- drawing people to know his goodness.

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:
  • Volunteer opportunities continue to open up.
  • We have a new colleague on the Member Finance team!
  • We've had a good year in the Jr High class at Faith Church.
Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:
  • Ask God to continue to change lives through his Word.
  • Pray that the Jr High students develop good habits of being in the Bible regularly, so they can know God better.
  • Pray for June meetings that will include planning for expanding Wycliffe's Stateside Care. Pray also for additional colleagues for the team.
I'd be honored to pray on your behalf. Please let me know how to join you.





Friday, April 25, 2025

The First Chichonyi New Testament!

The first-ever Chichonyi New Testament is bringing God’s Word to life for the people of Chonyi, Kenya! Now they can understand Scripture in a language that touches their hearts, deepening their understanding and connection to God’s truth.

Bishop Anderson Ndumbu shared how God’s Word in their language is transforming lives — helping people engage with Scripture in a way that resonates deeply in their souls, strengthening local churches and equipping Christians to share their faith more effectively. The work of Bible translation is more than just words on a page — it’s about lives changed for eternity. God is using your prayers and gifts to impact people like the Chonyi all over the world!


Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:
  • The meetings in Orlando were productive and encouraging.
  • The campus sale is moving forward with two buyers: one for the office building and a small plot; and another for the rest of the property.
  • My days off continue to be a gift filled with family, renewal, and service possibilities.
Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:
  • Ask God to change Chonyi lives through his Word.
  • My finance role provides opportunities to serve and encourage some who are experiencing life challenges. Pray for wisdom and compassion.
  • Pray for God's continued clarity for those in leadership regarding the campus sale.
How may I pray with you?

Friday, March 21, 2025

Praying for Missionaries

What if your prayers could change the world?

With more than 2,900 staff serving in 57 countries, Wycliffe USA personnel are currently involved with more than 2,000 language programs. As you pray and give to my Wycliffe ministry, here's what you are directly facilitating: In 2025, I've helped process finance items for more than 200 different missionary households and had an opportunity for another 200 "touches" designed to care for and celebrate Wycliffe staff.

That's the good work God is doing through you! Prayer is not just a support role in Bible translation and missions; it is an active and essential part of God’s work. When we pray, we join God in His mission to bring Scripture to every language and people group.

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:
  • I just celebrated 15 years with Wycliffe because of your faithful prayers and gifts. Thank you!
  • I was able to spend a refreshing and renewing and WARM week in Puerto Rico with friends.
  • Transitions for the Member Finance team are going smoothly.
Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:
  • I'll be in Orlando soon for meetings with the Stateside Care team and the larger Member Care & Resources team.
  • The Stateside Care team's opportunity for service may be increasing soon. Pray that we will plan well as we are together.
  • There are now two Letters of Intent signed for the sale of the Wycliffe USA campus in Orlando. Pray for God's continued wisdom for those in leadership.
How may I pray with you?

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Lik Bible Dedication

Mike and Janel serve in Southeast Asia through equipping nationals for the task of Bible translation and using visual media to share stories of how God's Word is changing lives. I met Mike and Janel as they came through virtual Equip after they were married. If you've been praying for me since 2020, you have prayed for them, too.

Janel has been with Wycliffe since 2007, first as a teacher in the Philippines and currently as a translation consultant, training Bible translators in Asia and checking their translations for accuracy, clarity, and naturalness. Mike has 24 years of experience in television news and is currently working as a member of a film team. Below is a link to a video Mike compiled from a recent Bible dedication. It's amazing to hear testimonies of the power of the translated Scriptures. Thank you -- you prayed and gave; so, we've been a part of helping communities in Southeast Asia receive God's Word!
  • The Lik people now have a complete Bible!
  • January and February have "extra" tasks that all went smoothly this year. Thank you for your faithful prayers.
  • My "day off" each week has been a wonderful gift. There has been time for extra family connections, extra community time, and for rest while recovering from one of the many winter viruses.
Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:
  • Mike and Janel are serving seven teams who are translating the New Testament into their own languages.
  • I have an opportunity for some time away in a warm place soon. :-) Pray for a good vacation!
  • Transitions continue for both departments in which I serve. I don't anticipate a large impact on my roles, but others on my teams may experience significant changes. Pray I can come alongside when appropriate and help well.
How may I pray with you?