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.

Story Source: 7 Ways to Pray for Missionaries

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?

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 Bible Dedication (2:59)

youtu.be/Riw8IoUL8fQ?si=f15rIeAkP5W5aM4F

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• 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?

The New Testament Comes to Life

God accomplished what many thought was impossible. “Most of the Etulo people look at it as something that is not going to be a reality.”

Those were the words of Benjamin, a coordinator and language advisor for the Etulo translation project. What was the reality his people couldn’t believe? That they would one day have Scripture in their language. While many people in the Etulo community didn’t think it was possible, eventually they came to hope that God would make a way for them to understand his Word in a meaningful way.

In May 2024, after years of prayer and faithful labor, the Etulo community celebrated the completion of their New Testament in written and audio formats. As you pray and give for my Wycliffe ministry, you are helping to bring the Bible to the world! Take a look at this video by Seed Company, a strategic partner in Bible translation:

The Etulo Welcome God's Word (4:13)

Story Source: seedcompany.com/stories/in-nigeria-the-etulo-welcome-gods-word/

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• Thank you for your prayers for my new schedule. I'm enjoying the brisk pace, fitting everything into 32 hours/week.
• My January days off have been filled with good "people" time and intentional conversations.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• The campus sale hit a bump, but there are other potential buyers now interested. The "move out" has likely been postponed until 2026.
• My Member Finance role frequently allows me to serve Wycliffe colleagues who are in challenging circumstances. Pray that I will care for and serve them well.
• Pray for wisdom to continue developing strong relationships with my extended family and my neighbors.

How may I pray for you?

Can you imagine Christmas without music?

I’ve been enjoying my Christmas playlist since September. It’s a wonderful mix of classics and newer worship songs that focus on the birth of Jesus. Music that celebrates God’s story is such a blessing, but it’s something we can easily take for granted.

Now, imagine what it might be like for people groups who are just now receiving God’s Word in their language. For them, the joy of worship is taking on new forms. Music is an incredibly powerful tool to help us praise God, remember his truths, and share those truths with others. Today, some believers are composing what could be the very first hymns and worship songs in their own languages—a beautiful way to connect with Scripture and glorify God.

The Center for Excellence in World Arts (CEWA) in Dallas plays a crucial role in this mission. CEWA trains people from diverse backgrounds to serve communities involved in Bible translation. These workers include musicians, visual artists, and even professionals like architects! The goal of CEWA’s training is to equip individuals to help churches create artistic expressions that honor God and reflect the truths of Scripture in their own cultural context.

A colleague recently shared a video inspired by Romans 8:35-39, featuring three different language groups in South Asia. I’m so thankful for English subtitles, which let us join in worship with these believers!

Pray for the churches receiving newly translated Scriptures to be able to worship with all their might!

Read more at diu.edu/cewa/ - The Center for Excellence in World Arts

My November trip to Florida was wonderful!

It was fulfilling to serve with the Connection team. There may be future opportunities to support those programs, which is exciting to consider. My vacation time with friends was refreshing and renewing—and, of course, the beautiful weather felt like a gift!

Looking ahead, all the pieces are in place for me to begin a “reduced assignment” starting in January. (Feel free to reach out with any questions.) Since returning from Florida, I’ve been able to use vacation days to enjoy Fridays off. My list of projects and activities is starting to take shape, and I’m eager to see how this next season unfolds.

During the holidays, I’ve been thankful for personal routines and strong family connections. Christmas will always bring memories of my mom’s passing on December 22, 2022, but I’m seeing gratitude, thanksgiving, and joy gradually replace the weight of grief. Thank you for your prayers and praise the Lord for His faithfulness in this journey.

For a financial update, visit my Google Group.

Prayer Updates

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The October new fiscal year tasks went very smoothly!
• We've been told that the sale of the campus continues to move forward.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• I've been invited to work on the "Crew" of the Wycliffe Stateside Connection (WSC) in Orlando, Nov 4-8. Pray for renewing and encouraging times for the participants.
• I'll be taking some vacation time after WSC.
• Pray for the Wycliffe programs (like WSC) to settle on a new location so there will be a good plan when the campus sells.

There's an update on my Google Group about exciting things to come in January. :-)

How may I pray with you?