Friday, November 20, 2015

Truly Understanding

Imagine reading the book of Acts for the first time. Imagine this being your first opportunity to read God's Word in a language you fully understand. One of the couples at a recent Connection program passed this quote on to me:

“I read the Bible every day in the national language, trying to understand what I’m reading. I wrestle with God about these things and ask him what does it mean, but I just can't understand it. But this book of Acts in S_____ is so clear, I can read it and understand it. We are thankful for what all you are doing to put the Bible in the S_____ language.” --a college-educated school teacher

​Paul's Conversion (Acts 9), Photo: Janeen Michie

Thank you for your prayers for long-range scheduling and program preparation. Both are going well. Thanks also for praying for those new members I am responsible to coach. Some of them have "deadlines" coming soon in the new year. They are making good progress and are trusting God to provide as they continue to do their work of sharing about the Bibleless and inviting others to partner with their Wycliffe ministries.

This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for you... I could not be a part of Wycliffe without your faithful partnership. Your ongoing prayers and gifts are also vital to the 165 million people who are still waiting for the Bible in the language of their hearts. My prayer is for your season to be filled with renewing times with family and friends and opportunities to reflect on His goodness.

Friday, November 6, 2015

The past two weeks...

The past two weeks, your gifts and prayers have been a vital part of our opportunity to care for, celebrate, and connect with two groups who came through Orlando -- a total of 50 other Wycliffe colleagues and 25 of their MKs (missionary kids). It was a tremendous blessing to hear stories of God's faithfulness from co-workers who serve all over the world. The logistical details also went well, praise the Lord.

These weeks are designed to speed Bible translation... to provide encouragement so that each missionary might be renewed in their passion and zeal to stay at the tasks God has called and equipped them to do... so that others may have access to the Bible in the language and form they understand best. I hope you don't get tired of hearing it, but we really are completely dependent on your prayers and God's strength. Thank you for upholding us so well. The Lord is using you!

Now it's time to step back and take a good look at the future. Next week, Lord-willing, we will project program dates for 2018. Then we will also work on the little tweaks needed to get ready for January programs. I'll focus much on coaching "my" new members who are currently building their teams, too. Pray for wisdom and clarity for each task.

Florida is an amazing place to live. I am grateful for the renewal the Lord provides through the surroundings here. (Remember, you are always welcome to come visit!) But it's also time to begin to think ahead to a trip to Indy over the Christmas holiday. Already looking forward to seeing many of you then!