July's Joys

July was such a diverse and wonderful month. The first week, I helped facilitate meals for a group of 19 teachers, many of whom are leaving within the next few weeks to take their places in MK schools around the world, serving the families of Bible translation workers. Then there were two groups of returning colleagues with us—the first group of 18 stateside adults and 18 MKs; then a second group of 26 furloughing adults and 31 MKs.

I had the joy of seeing some colleagues I had coached during their initial time of building teams of prayer and financial partners. It was a blessing to hear of how God has been using them. One colleague works on a team that has been designing and building micro-computers that fit on a USB drive. The drives can do all kinds of diagnostics in hard-to-reach locations where the internet is limited. Another couple has been working with signed languages in Asia and has great vision for the Deaf who have not yet been reached with God’s Good News. Spending time again with these co-workers after four or five years was a great honor. It was a thrill to see them thriving in their roles. As you have prayed and given for my Wycliffe ministry, your ministry still extends through them—all of us working together to accelerate Bible translation. Thank you for your partnership!

Personal update

Thanks for your prayers about the cortisone injections. God has been answering. I was able to get the first round on July 13, as new appointment times opened up. Then I had a second round on July 31. Both brought about significant relief and improvement. I will have an additional treatment near the end of August. I am grateful for knowledgeable and capable medical professionals and for your prayers and encouragements!

Equip #39

Thirty-six new co-workers and 22 MKs (missionary kids) came for the June orientation to Wycliffe Bible Translators. Thanks for your prayers on their and our behalf. We are grateful for a healthy and productive time together. We spent two weeks sharing information and providing opportunities for the “newbies” to practice using tools designed to help as they ask God to develop their teams of prayer and financial partners. Wycliffe requires complete teams before they may continue to their assignments around the world. As I hear the stories of how God brought these new missionaries to Wycliffe and see their passion that Scripture is accessible to all people in the language they best understand, I am reminded of my own journey to Wycliffe. I’m so thankful, too, for the role each of you has on this journey.

Learning lessons

Thank you for those who regularly pray for my spiritual growth and renewal. I’ve heard stories of those who begin to reach more “mature” ages and then seem surprised to realize that there are still many areas where God is working to refine them. (Yes, I turned 60 this year.) You’d think I would have it figured out by now, right? The Lord has been gentle and yet firm to remind me even this week that there is still much room for growth in my heart and that my strength is not sufficient… but His grace is enough and His strength is sufficient. Praise God!

What’s next?

This month, we have two groups coming to be celebrated, cared for, and reconnected with Wycliffe—colleagues who have been serving stateside and overseas. Pray that the Lord will use us to minister to them.

For more of what's coming up, visit my google group!

HPAC

Thanks much for your prayers for this week’s meeting of the Health Plan Advisory Committee. God’s direction was obvious with us through the day as we listened and discussed and made decisions. Now I can turn my full attention to finishing preparations for next week’s Equip orientation for 38 new colleagues and their 22 MKs!

Physical therapy and exercises continue to help my hip/leg for my day-to-day activities. A recent MRI showed some issues involving my spine. I’d be grateful for your prayers for wisdom about next steps.

On another note, Mom has had a rough week. Thanks for your prayers for her medications to be appropriate and effective and for grace for each day.

So grateful for your faithful partnership, especially in prayer. Let me know how I might be praying for you, too.

Pure Joy

Pure joy lines these men's faces as they hold the Quechua Cusco Bibles given as gifts upon their graduation from literacy classes in their mother language. They learned to read and write in Quechua, as well as studying some basic Christian doctrine.

Portions of translated Scripture exist in 62 of the 84 languages spoken in Peru. Because of literacy and Bible translation, Quechua speakers throughout the Andes mountains can now understand God’s Word as easily as they can understand their neighbors!

Story Source: Elaine Bombay, wycliffe.net/inspiringimage?id=8973

Thank you for your prayers this month. My time with family was very rewarding. Back in the office, we were able to prepare for the Connection colleagues who will arrive on Monday. Your gifts and prayers make such a difference not only in my life, but in the lives of all those we serve.

Thanks for helping spread the joy to others!

PS: Check out the calendar listed to the right to see what is ahead!

May

Today, we will complete Endeavor orientation for 15 new paid and volunteer staff who serve at the Wycliffe Mobilization Center. It has been a joy to begin to get to know these colleagues and to share more of the vision of Bible translation with them. It's a pleasure to remind them that they each play a significant role in accelerating access to Scripture for people groups around the world. You, too, play a significant role. God continues to use your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry and multiplies your impact through each of these who receive training from the Orlando programs. Thank you for your faithful partnership!

Saturday, I will fly to Indianapolis for some special family events. Then Mom will fly back with me for a brief Florida visit. We are grateful for continued good health for her and for the opportunity I have to spend these times with family. After that, we'll begin final preparations for the summer programs, each of which will bring in large numbers of colleagues. Thanks in advance for your prayers!