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!