So that people can understand clearly who Jesus is

How do you go about translating the Bible for people who prefer to listen rather than read? A new translation of the Bible starting in Senegal is using ground-breaking translation methods so more people will be able to hear about Jesus. The translation will be oral in both process and outcome. This is the first time a translation will be done orally in Senegal.

One of the translation team members explains: "First we will go through the passage so the translators understand it and internalise the passage, so they can tell it in a way that is natural in Contemporary Wolof (the local language). Then we will listen to it, check it, and adjust it. We do that over and over until we have an accurate and natural draft. It goes through all the same checking processes that a written translation goes through."

Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry impact translation so that others like the Senegalese may understand the Bible and know Jesus. It's why we are on this journey together. You are a part of what God is doing around the world!

So what am I doing now? Well, I was able to help with two online workshops last week. I've been able to pray with and for those in challenging situations. I've helped test some new financial software and helped write explanations of programs yet to come. I've been a part of processing different kinds of budget documents on behalf of other colleagues. My days are not necessarily predictable, but it is such a gift to be able to serve from Indiana. Pray for continued wisdom to learn well and be responsive to the needs of those I serve.

Mom has had three weeks of physical therapy for her gait, and she is beginning to see some progress and increased energy and stability. We are thankful! We're enjoying a little outdoor time now and bought the first flowers that she will be potting soon. May God's blessings be as obvious in your lives, too.

How Will They Know?

Praise God, there have been amazing strides forward in Bible translation in recent years. From the use of satellite internet access to Oral Bible Translation, translation into minority languages is happening with increasing speed and effectiveness. Yet there are still more than 1800 language groups today for which there is not even a translation project started. How will they know?

This man belongs to the Hani people who live in southern China near the border with Viet Nam. More than 750,000 people belong to the Hani language community, which is considered a minority in the vast nation of China. Since they speak a language totally different to Chinese, the literacy rate is low and they have no Scriptures available to them. The Chinese government has recognized that the Hani have the lowest quality of life of all the official Chinese minority groups. Please pray for the Hani people to have access to God’s message so they might understand and have their lives transformed.

Story Source: Elyse Patten, blog.bradandelyse.com/inspiringimage/hani/3035/

Personal Update

I’ve found a niche as an occasional online host for services at Faith Church. I’ve enjoyed being able to contribute to and be a part of that community, many of whom are still at-risk and unable to join in the in-person gatherings. Some of you are among that group -- it’s nice to be able to give back in that way. I get to use a little bit a techy-ness to host, too, which is fun for me.

I’ve also been able to get into more predictable routines for some basic things in life, including exercise. I’ve walked the Indianapolis mini (half) marathon multiple times in the past. Perhaps that would be a good goal again for NEXT year! Who’d like to walk it with me?

I drove north to be with Mom on May 12, 2021, which led to my move in November. I cannot thank you enough for the many prayers, encouragements, Zooms, chats, notes, calls, texts, and visits that have helped me transition in this past year. I am grateful!

Nigerian Sign Language

Famine and terrorism have dominated the news out of northern Nigeria in the past few years. However, there is good news. Deaf Bible translators from DOOR have completed a 110-narrative Chronological Study Bible in Nigerian Sign Language.

Deaf people best understand the Gospel when a Deaf believer shares it with them in the local sign language. Furthermore, Deaf people prefer to learn new information in a chronological order. They like to “see the big picture” from beginning to end.

That’s why our Deaf staff chose Chronological Bible Translation (CBT) as the most culturally appropriate way to communicate God’s Word with Deaf communities. We’ve found CBT to be a very clear, accurate, and natural way to teach unreached Deaf people about God. Because Deaf people can easily understand God’s Word when it is in narrative form, they are able to go and teach it to others.

Each Chronological Bible Translation consists of 110 biblical narratives from Genesis to Revelation. Each narrative is accompanied by an introduction to give context, and a section giving more information about the passage.

Blessing, a Deaf Nigerian woman, was involved in the community testing of Acts 16:16-40, the story of the stoning of Stephen. (Community testing helps the team ensure that the translation is clear and easily understood by the community.) Blessing said, “In northern Nigeria, there is a real threat to Christianity. I was challenged that—just like Stephen—I need to be strong and share the Word of God, no matter the cost.”

Story Source: Elaine Bombay, Wycliffe Global Alliance;

Read more at doorinternational.org/what-we-do

Personal Update

It’s been nice to see Spring in Indiana again — the beginnings of color! My favorites are the redbud trees.

Mom’s health has been stable, praise God. I am thankful my sister was able to come spend time with Mom while I stepped away for a weekend recently. That’s a practice I’ll plan to build in about once a quarter. I’m finding that after having lived by myself for decades, I do miss having some solitude.

It has been a joy to more regularly reconnect with folks from the Indianapolis area. What a blessing to have a number of solid friendships here already. I am also grateful for your continued, faithful prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry. Thank you! It’s an honor to extend your impact to those still in need of God’s Word.

Six Weeks In!

Wow -- it has been six weeks since I began in the new roles. I'm learning a lot and connecting with a number of folks in the organization who are new to me. I am not only getting to know the teams I have joined, but my work now interfaces with entirely different teams than I did previously. It's been great to begin to get to know a whole new group of colleagues. With the Member Finance team, I am learning there are intricate processes in place to keep things running smoothly. With the Stateside Care team, I am beginning to connect with many who have been with Wycliffe for decades... and we get to help care for them and encourage them to continue serving well.

In the previous paradigm, I had longer contact to help a smaller group of Wycliffe people. In the past six weeks, I've touched base with 14 households about budgets and introduced the services of the Stateside Care team to 73 households. Each of these co-workers impact Bible translation and your partnership through your gifts and prayers for my Wycliffe ministry impacts them. Thank you! I am amazed at and grateful for God's ways of using each of us where he has placed us to accomplish his purposes. This video expresses the gratitude of Wycliffe for your part!

Celebrating 80 Years of Bible Translation!

New Roles

Thank you for your prayers for Equip #53. The two weeks went very smoothly. It was an honor to be a part of the "Crew" to serve our new colleagues. The Lord is already using them to share about Bible translation. Our prayer is that God will provide teams of prayer and financial partners for their Wycliffe ministries so they may go on soon to their service assignments.

This past Monday, I began training as a "member financial liaison." I'll be in that role half of the time, guiding new members through financial policies and requirements, helping them to understand and initiate their financial relationship with Wycliffe USA in a manner that is competent and timely. There have been open positions on this team for months. It is a highly detailed role, so it will be a good brain stretch. Last week I was a "teacher" -- now I am a student who has much to learn! I'm encouraged that most of my first clients came through virtual Equips, so we have worked together already.

The other half of my time will be as a "stateside care facilitator," helping care for and celebrate U.S.-based staff and assisting in connecting them with the Wycliffe people and services available. The goal is that U.S.-based staff feel valued and encouraged to continue serving well. I've had the opportunity to meet and serve a number of these colleagues already as they came through Wycliffe Stateside Connection programs in Orlando.

This year, Wycliffe Bible Translators celebrates 80 years of serving minority communities around the world through Bible translation. As of February 9, I will have been with Wycliffe for 12 years. All those years, your prayers and gifts have been used by God as he has been transforming lives through the translated Word.

Thank you for your faithful partnership and encouragement. Please let me know how I may pray with you.