How Will They Know?

Praise God, there have been amazing strides forward in Bible translation in recent years. From the use of satellite internet access to Oral Bible Translation, translation into minority languages is happening with increasing speed and effectiveness. Yet there are still more than 1800 language groups today for which there is not even a translation project started. How will they know?

This man belongs to the Hani people who live in southern China near the border with Viet Nam. More than 750,000 people belong to the Hani language community, which is considered a minority in the vast nation of China. Since they speak a language totally different to Chinese, the literacy rate is low and they have no Scriptures available to them. The Chinese government has recognized that the Hani have the lowest quality of life of all the official Chinese minority groups. Please pray for the Hani people to have access to God’s message so they might understand and have their lives transformed.

Story Source: Elyse Patten, blog.bradandelyse.com/inspiringimage/hani/3035/

Personal Update

I’ve found a niche as an occasional online host for services at Faith Church. I’ve enjoyed being able to contribute to and be a part of that community, many of whom are still at-risk and unable to join in the in-person gatherings. Some of you are among that group -- it’s nice to be able to give back in that way. I get to use a little bit a techy-ness to host, too, which is fun for me.

I’ve also been able to get into more predictable routines for some basic things in life, including exercise. I’ve walked the Indianapolis mini (half) marathon multiple times in the past. Perhaps that would be a good goal again for NEXT year! Who’d like to walk it with me?

I drove north to be with Mom on May 12, 2021, which led to my move in November. I cannot thank you enough for the many prayers, encouragements, Zooms, chats, notes, calls, texts, and visits that have helped me transition in this past year. I am grateful!

A New Chapter

The change from April to May happened so quickly! Here's a recap of the events since my last post.

The two weeks of orientation were amazing. Such a gifted and prepared staff; such incredible content; such cool fellow newbies. I had good opportunities to begin to get a feel for a few parts of Orlando during the weekends and could actually drive around a little without the GPS by the end of my time there. And, random observation - sandhill cranes are noisy but fun!!

I traveled home safely and uneventfully, passing through Nashville on Wednesday before their flooding this past weekend. I did encounter some small hail (and significant traffic!) in Atlanta, but nothing serious. Great visit with a friend in Marietta, GA. Only problem was that our time was too short.

Last Thursday and Friday, I completed my employment in the church office. The staff took me out for lunch at Squealer's (one of those great places with lots of big dinner napkins, since you may be up to your elbows in BBQ sauce before it is all over). It was a good time. I have had the privilege of working with great people at Faith - folks who were not only my co-workers, but also my friends.

There was a tremendous response Sunday from folks at Faith Church at an after-church luncheon. It was an encouragement to see so many out in support of the path on which God has been leading me. I love this church and will miss being here. But, as I have been reminding folks - Faith will always be my home church, so you can expect me back from time to time. :-)

This week, the transition to new things seems much more real. I am excited... and also am enjoying the different pace of life for these weeks, especially the time to connect with people. Today, I sent my first newsletter. I will be meeting with a Faith small group this evening and then have a couple of family events this weekend. More about those later!

(For those who might have wondered, I won't be walking the mini tomorrow... had a slight injury in March that has been slow to heal, so I just didn't get the long training walks done this year. I will miss doing it, but I understand there is a half-marathon in Orlando in the fall?)

Chunks

Last week, I began official orientation for Wycliffe USA. The process includes 6 weeks of online assignments and then 2 weeks on site in Orlando, April 10-24. I am learning lots - some things just related to "life" and many things related to the history, organization, and vision of Wycliffe. It's good stuff to know! The lessons are all mapped out so that a reasonable number are due each week.

Then, today, I did 4 miles in preparation for the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini-Marathon. I do "normal" workout stuff during the week and then longer walks on the weekend. Next weekend, I will do five miles; six, the following weekend; and... you get the picture, so that I am ready to do 13.1 miles on May 8. It will be my sixth Mini.

It struck me that both of these activities are related. Not only do they involve some good disciplines, they are designed to help me towards a future goal, and they are both set up in a way that fits how I am wired. They will be accomplished one chunk at a time.

I have learned that I do best when I have tasks arranged in a manner that they can be completed one chunk at a time, or if I can see progress in definitive steps along the way. That helps even the biggest goals feel more attainable.