Wow...

Wow. That's my first reaction to these past two weeks. Week one, we heard stories from a couple who needed to leave their host country (where they had lived for several years) on very little notice as the challenges for those who follow Jesus intensified. The Lord's hand of protection was clearly on them. They plan to return for a brief time to finish up details there. Would you pray that they would be granted access and good closure? Praise God for technology, which should permit them at least some future contact with those in-country who will continue to translate the Bible.

Week two, more than half of the 17 participants were recognized for over 40 years of service with Wycliffe. What a privilege to serve colleagues who have committed their lives so that others may know God's love through the translated Scriptures.

Both groups gave testimony to the refreshment and encouragement the programs provide. They also know you have been praying for them. Thank you so much -- God will multiply your impact for His Kingdom through their lives.

March will be a slower-paced month: prepping for next things, meeting with other Wycliffe Human Resource co-workers from around the country. I'm doing ok waiting for the April surgery and am grateful for your prayers.

My prayer for each of you is that the Lord would draw you close to His heart and give you His wisdom and grace for each day. It would be a privilege to pray other specifics for you. Please let me know how I might join with you in prayer.

Connections Coming

Part of my role with Wycliffe Bible Translators is helping provide resources, encouragement, and accountability for some as they develop their initial teams of prayer and financial partners. Megan is one of the new missionaries I had opportunity to coach. In this video, she shares about the journey the Lord took her on to bring her to Wycliffe. It's such a joy to work with these "newbies." It's a privilege then to stay in touch with many once their teams are completed and they go on to their field assignments. Megan is now in her second year of teaching in Cameroon.

These next two weeks, we will have groups of "established members" on campus for Connection programs. The first week will be those who have returned from overseas. The second week will be those who live in the US. Pray that we might serve and encourage them well.

I'm now at 12 weeks post hip replacement and am doing very well, thankfully. I also was able to have a cortisone injection in the right hip that has been highly effective. After months of not feeling good, it has been nice to feel so much better. We're still looking at a second surgery in April. I am thankful for the modern miracles of medicine and for your many prayers and encouragements along the way!

Adjusted Expectations!

Adjusted expectations! That would summarize these past two weeks of Equip new missionary orientation. First, the Equip Director came down with the flu the day before we began... and was down for nine days. The Lord provided a number of folks who each picked up a few pieces she would normally cover. Though we missed her, things went generally well. The participants did a good job of going with the flow as we made adjustments. It was great to have her back this week and for us all to finish well together.

Also, this week I learned that the surgery I had hoped to have at the end of February is now scheduled for late April. (If there is a cancellation for February, I am on the waiting list!) The delay means I will miss two Connection programs in May, but the Director for those events is already making plans to cover things in my absence. Another adjusted expectation.

Thanks for your prayers for wisdom and learning for us these past two weeks. Much learning took place, not only among the participants but also among the "crew" as we facilitated the sessions. We got to learn new ways to depend on the Lord and on each other. The Lord provided much timely wisdom. It was comforting and encouraging to know that even though many things were not as we "expected" them to be, God was sovereign over all and was not surprised by any of it.

We are so grateful for your prayers and for God's provision. Your partnership now extends to these colleagues who will serve in Canada, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, West Asia, and the United States of America -- all helping to accelerate Bible translation!

Equip #41 Begins Tomorrow!

December was a good month of rest and recovery. My stamina has greatly improved, now that I am seven weeks post left hip replacement surgery. Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragements. God has used them mightily.

To make things interesting, I did tear the lateral meniscus in my right knee before I returned to Florida. Thankfully, an MRI showed that the tear is small enough to not require any procedures at this point. I am still on schedule for the right hip replacement at the end of February. Both hip and knee are doing well enough that I am able to complete all the tasks I need to complete.

Tomorrow, we will greet the next group of 15 new Wycliffe missionaries as they come for their two-week onsite orientation we call Equip. Thank you in advance for your prayers for all of the participants (and their seven children) and the "crew" for...

health

strength

wisdom

learning

...as we work together these two weeks. Your partnership through your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry connects you with them and all the people they will one day serve, as we each do our part to see that the Bible is accessible to all in a language and form they best understand!

Surrounded

I have been completely surrounded by God's people. My officemates and small group friends have kept my refrigerator full and been so very gracious. For those of you who aren't local to me, your many prayers and notes and emails and texts and calls and encouragements during these past two weeks have been such a blessing... and I'm sure they are the key to my recovery.

My surgeon was extremely pleased with the results and with the recovery process so far, so we are moving forward to schedule the right hip replacement near the end of February. He also said I should be good to fly, so I arrive in Indy on Dec 8.

Though my mobility is way ahead of schedule for the recovery, my stamina has been a little slower to return, just as expected. It's likely that I'll be hanging out in Brownsburg a little more than "normal" this December, but I plan to be at Faith Church on December 9, 23 and 30, and at Solid Word Bible Church on December 16. I look forward to touching base with many of you then.

As you continue to pray for me, also pray for those who will not be able to know the story of Jesus' birth this Christmas in a language and form that speaks to their hearts. There are good resources available on wycliffe.org to help guide your prayers. It's also possible to get involved in praying for a specific group of people and to receive updates as progress is made in translation for that language group. Sign up here.