Friday, March 21, 2025

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.

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?

Friday, February 21, 2025

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 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?

Friday, January 31, 2025

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)

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?