Skills Used in Bible Translation

God uses all kinds of skills and experiences in Bible translation. Just as he uses you as you pray and give, he uses me as I arrange logistics and train and coach. He also uses translators and teachers and airplane mechanics and even… lawyers!

One colleague who came through our Equip orientation training is Majeedah Murad. Majeedah is originally from Florida. She began her legal career here and then spent several years in private practice in Dallas. She is licensed to practice law in Florida and Texas, two states where Wycliffe USA has a significant presence. Majeedah looks forward to serving at the Wycliffe USA Headquarters as associate general counsel. She is in the process now of building a team of prayer and financial partners who will invest in her Wycliffe ministry. The staff in the Office of the President eagerly anticipates her arrival.

Majeedah’s skills and expertise are greatly needed, and we would like to have her join the team as soon as possible. There are a wide variety of legal issues that confront a global organization with 3,000+ employees working in more than 70 countries. On any given day, we deal with matters related to complex contracts, employment, tax, insurance, intellectual property, international law, real estate, and more. Truly, there is never a dull moment, and this year in particular, just keeping abreast of the latest developments from the U.S. Supreme Court has called for a significant investment of time. We look forward to Majeedah’s contributions to the team. — Josh Heidelman, General Counsel, Wycliffe USA

All of us working together accelerates Bible translation so that more people have opportunity to understand God’s Word and have their lives transformed. Would you pray for God to provide for Majeedah’s Wycliffe ministry so she might be able to begin her assignment soon?

For more information, see wycliffe.org/partner/murad.

For a personal update for Lisa, visit my google group.

Thank you

You've met Jack and Lindsay before. As they finished their initial time of asking God to build their team of prayer and financial partners, they wrote a very gracious note and asked me to share it with you so they might express their gratitude.

Here's the link to their note: campbellsonmission.com/post/a-big-thanks

It has been so good to reconnect during my time in Indiana. I'm so grateful for your prayers for the drive up and would appreciate them again on the return trip (Oct 26 and 28, with a day off in between).

Please let me know how I might be praying with you. It's a true privilege to join you.

Equip #48 is in the books!

Praise the Lord with me!

• Equip #48 was completed yesterday.
• Our technical and health challenges were minimal.
• These 30 colleagues will serve all around the world in a variety of roles.
• Lord willing, I still plan to come to Indiana, October 13-25.
• I plan to worship at Faith Church on October 18.
• I plan to worship at Solid Word Bible Church on October 25.

Requests:

• Pray for the Equippers as they work and ask God to raise their teams of prayer and financial partners.
• Pray for safety as I'll be driving north on October 12 and south on October 26.
• Pray for opportunities to connect with family and friends during my time in Indy.

Thank you -- your impact as you have prayed for these folks may only be known in eternity. I am grateful for your faithfulness in walking this journey with me. Please let me know how I might pray with you.

Equip #48 Begins Tomorrow!

Praise the Lord with me!

• My family and I are healthy and safe.
• I've been back in the office (with social distancing protocols) for ten weeks.
• Technology helps me continue to serve those far from Orlando and to stay connected with family and friends.
• Lord willing, I plan to come to Indiana, October 13-25.
• I plan to worship at Faith Church on October 18.
• I plan to worship at Solid Word Bible Church on October 25.

Requests:

• Equip orientation, September 26 - October 8, will be held "virtually." Pray for:
• The participants and crew as we all navigate technology in new ways.
• The crew as we facilitate the technology.
• Wisdom and deep insight for the crew.
• Consistent internet for all.
• Good rest and renewal for all between our online sessions.
• The two Connection (reentry/care programs) for October and November have been canceled.
• Pray for encouragement for those who had planned to come.
• Ask God to provide love and care for each missionary and family where they are.

I am so thankful for your faithful prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry. The Lord is using you to impact so many as He transforms lives through the translated Scriptures. May God continue to encourage your heart today with His faithfulness. Let me know other ways I might pray, too.

"I never truly understood..."

"What does this recording mean to you?” Nathanael Gregoriev asked a group of translators in a remote village in Cameroon.

Together, they had been working on a film about the Gospel of Luke in six local languages. Vernacular media specialists such as Nathanael and his wife, Darla, work hard to make God’s Word accessible to people through audio and film formats.

An older translator responded to Nathanael’s question: “You know, I went through Bible school. I took all the translation courses. I even preached on this passage of Scripture. But I never truly understood what Jesus went through to die for my sins until I saw him do it and heard him speak my language. I heard him say in the film, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ It was at that moment, I truly understood what Jesus went through. If this can impact someone like me, who has preached on these passages for so many years and translated, how much more will this speak to other people who haven’t heard it before?”

Nathanael’s motivation: “We don’t want to see anyone being left out of getting God’s Word. We want people to have access to God’s Word in [a] way that they understand.”

Learn more about Vernacular media: wycliffe.org/blog/posts/sharing-hope-through-vernacular-media

I had opportunity to meet the Gregorievs at a Wycliffe Connection program. It was a joy to hear more of their story and to work to encourage them as they continue serving faithfully. Your partnership with my Wycliffe ministry through your prayers and gifts permits me to extend your impact to the people they serve. Thank you!

Decisions have been made that we will not host any Connection programs in Orlando for the remainder of 2020. We’re working now to create other virtual events to help care for and celebrate our established members.