God's Heart for the Nations

From the first word of Genesis to the last word of Revelation, the Bible tells one incredible story: God's love for the world and His invitation for people from every nation and language to know Him.

God continues writing this story today as more and more people are experiencing the power of His Word. Through Bible translation, God is changing lives — people are meeting Jesus through Scripture in a language and format they clearly understand.

Bible translation is a God-sized task, accomplished through God-sized faith, obedience and trust. It takes the global Church — translators, local churches, communities and faithful partners — linking arms together, with each contributing their unique part and following Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations.

When God's Word is communicated clearly, the Good News transforms lives. Through your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry, you are part of God's story as He draws people from every nation and language to Himself. Thank you for your part!

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The software testing recently has been promising. There is still work to be done, but we can see progress!
• There is a Letter of Intent now for about 30% of the Orlando campus that could close as early as mid-2027, if things continue to move forward.
• Thanks to Medicare, I get a routine check-up every six months now. My September appointment and bloodwork looked good and I am thankful. :-)

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Wycliffe USA's fiscal year ends September 30. We're grateful for your prayers for the transition to the new fiscal year.
• It seems recently that I'm receiving a number of emails that require detailed and careful answers. Pray for wisdom in answering questions and for the ability to be helpful.
• Faith's Jr High Grow (Sunday School) Class resumed on September 13. We're surveying the New Testament this school year. Pray that we see Jesus more clearly as we study the Scriptures together.

Your prayers are such a gift. How may I pray with you?

Nepal

Thursday, I received an email from a Wycliffe colleague with information about the disastrous flooding in Nepal. Those of us in Indiana have a small way to empathize now... but the extent of the damage and loss of life in Nepal is beyond my comprehension, as there are reports of large sections of villages being swept away. Some of those villages have active Bible translation programs in progress. They are just now beginning to receive the Word of God in a language and form that speaks best to them.

You may have already prayed for Bijay when he and his wife came through Equip in 2016. Bijay shares the remarkable story of an elderly woman who couldn’t read or write but faithfully listened to an audio Bible while working in the fields. As her neighbors listened alongside her, they became captivated by the story of Jesus. When her audio device broke, a community member called the translation office to ask for replacements so they could finish the story! Eventually, people gave their lives to the Lord, and a church formed in the community.

Through your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry, you are part of God's story as He draws people from every nation and language to Himself. Thank you for your part!

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• My time representing Wycliffe in Indiana and North Carolina was very encouraging. I was able to fulfill all my responsibilities, even with significant laryngitis. Thanks so much for your prayers!!
• The Shared Staff Engagement team has a new person transferring to our department on September 1. He will be a huge help!
• Our new Member Finance team member is settling into his role well.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Pray for recovery for Nepal and that translation efforts would continue.
• We'll do more testing of the new financial software next week, but the "live" rollout has been delayed until early November. That's good news, as there is more time to get things right. Continue to pray for wisdom for all involved.
• Wycliffe USA's fiscal year ends September 30. There is a lot of work for our team with the transition to each new fiscal year. We're grateful for prayers regarding those tasks, now through early October.

I'm so thankful for you. Please let me know how I might pray with you.

Sparks of Hope

Luz Maldonado and Karen Fernandez are from Argentina and have a heart for the people of Papua New Guinea (PNG). They have been working with SIL-PNG and the Anuki language group since May 2022. Luz and Karen are grateful for the support of their sending organization, LETRA Argentina, which is part of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.

One of the women in the literacy team working with Luz and Karen has gone through a dramatic change. Luz says:

In the beginning, she was fearful. Animistic cultures are often full of fear. But this lady has now built her faith on God’s Word. She loves the story of the house built upon the rock and relates to it a lot. She has gone through a lot of challenges but her faith and Scripture kept her standing. We see how the Word is little by little bringing transformation in her life.

Two women from Argentina, working with Wycliffe Australia and SIL-PNG, in Papua New Guinea. Wow. God is at work around the world, using all of his Church to reach those who still need to know him. Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry are a part of the big picture, as the Lord gathers that "vast crowd" who will one day stand together around the throne. Praise him!

Story Source: wycliffe.org.au/sparks-of-hope-embraced-by-the-anuki-community/

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The Shared Staff Engagement team worked to make significant, encouraging contact with more than 250 other Wycliffe colleagues in July.
• We were able to do limited testing on the new financial software.
• The Member Finance team has a new person transferring to our department next week!

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Testing of the new financial software has been repeatedly delayed. Pray for God's wisdom in resolving issues which are baffling the developers.
• The morning of August 9, I have opportunity to represent Wycliffe at Church of the Lakes, Nineveh, IN.
• Then I'll fly to Waxhaw, NC, to help with a Gathering, celebrating and caring for 50 Shared Staff members (see May 29 Update for a definition of Shared Staff). I plan to return August 14.

I'm so grateful for you. How may I be praying with you?

Meeting the King

Jackson Vusaka is a Kenyan who works with Global Partnerships, a multiorganizational collaboration that desires to receive inspiration and leadership from the global Church in the Bible translation movement. During his visit to Nigeria in 2022, he expected that his first stop would be to meet the community and see the translation work. Instead... I'll let him tell you the story!

 

Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry are a part of this amazing process. Praise God for how He works through local leaders, faithful partnerships and individuals to transform lives and make his name known among the nations!

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• We began an initial round of testing for the new software.
• The pace of work has been manageable, even with the addition of testing hours.
• Solid Word Bible Church's Vacation Bible Camp (VBC) went well this week. (I helped with registration.)

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Pray for completion of the many revisions needed for the new software.
• I've been invited to help with a Shared Staff Engagement program in North Carolina in August.
• Pray for the VBC students to retain what they learned about how to build their lives on Jesus and the truth of the Word.

Thank you for your faithfulness on this journey!

P.S. If you would like to read more about Global Partnerships, here is the story of a Wycliffe USA colleague who came through our orientation in 2016. You may have already prayed for him!

The Big Impossible Idea

From February 16–20, I was in Orlando for Staff Summit 2026. It was a joy to reconnect in person with my immediate team and the wider Wycliffe USA staff as we celebrated God’s ongoing work through Bible translation.

There is a video highlighting Bible translation progress in the last 25 years. While it is longer than my usual updates (14:54), it provides a powerful overview of what God has accomplished. Because of your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry over the last 16 years, you are a vital part of this story as people around the world receive and understand his Word.

The Big Impossible Idea - youtu.be/rNCOyghrtMA?si=vcaXNv_eRfE1hQ5I (14:54)

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• My time in Florida provided encouragement and renewal.
• I’m making steady progress in learning new skills.
• Praise God for the 2,000+ Bible translation projects currently underway worldwide.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Pray for the 500+ language groups that still have no translation work started.
• Our team’s new software remains delayed; pray for wisdom to resolve these technical hurdles.
• Pray for the Finance team as we seek to fill several open positions.

Thank you for your faithful partnership! How may I pray on your behalf?

Psalm 32 - Kaaps

How much of our personal identity is shaped by our cultural background? Those who speak a minority language are often ridiculed and marginalized, even if they are also fluent in the majority language of the area. Bible translation not only helps us know God and his saving love and grace, it also can bring dignity and new hope to minority language speakers.

Last June, I shared about the Psalms that Sing project in the Kaaps language of South Africa. This video shares the experiences of some of the Kaaps team members and how the Bible has impacted their lives and families. I know I say it often, but it is so true -- your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry impact minority communities all around the world!

(If you'd like context for the song included in the video, here is Psalm 32.)

Story Source: youtube.com/watch?v=YJtGUw28ry8&cc_load_policy=1 (6:40)

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• I had safe trips and good visits with out-of-town colleagues.
• We're making steady progress on updating our work processes.
• God's Word keeps on transforming lives!

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Pray for continued wisdom and grace in serving Wycliffe colleagues.
• Pray for the restart of the Jr High Grow Class on September 7, that we would minister well to the students.
• Pray for good focus as I learn new technical skills for some volunteer opportunities.

Thank you for your faithful partnership with my Wycliffe ministry. How can I pray for you today?

Seeds of Language

Imagine a world where people don't write things down to share with each other. You couldn't send a text or an email, knowing the other person would understand.

What if you needed medicine for your child, and the doctor only told you what to do? What if you couldn't read the label on the bottle for instructions later?

In that world, families and cultures would remember their stories and history by heart. We sometimes find it hard to memorize even a few verses of the Bible. But in this world, memorizing would be a very important and common skill!

Many cultures in the world do not value written language, and they might be like the world you just imagined. How do you even start to put God's Word into one of these languages? Part of the answer is to make sure the translation is in forms other than written words. Another important step is creating a dictionary to collect all the words people use. See how that's done!

Story Source: youtu.be/4oOO7cb11RE?si=qx3_fTXIkpAi7ZdQ

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• New opportunities are opening up (see requests!).
• The campus sale continues to move forward. There is an interim location plan for the Orlando staff through 2026.
• Summer has been a very renewing and encouraging time for me.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Pray that God's Word reaches everyone in a language and form they can understand.
• Pray for good visits with some out-of-town Wycliffe colleagues and missions friends on my Fridays off.
• Pray for wisdom and good collaboration as we update workflows so others can understand our processes.

Thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry. How can I be praying for you today?

Sign Language in the Solomon Islands

Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry have impacted colleagues who serve all over the world. I helped coach Teri & Rachel Miles in 2012. They serve in the Pacific region with SIL (one of Wycliffe's strategic partners), facilitating and supporting sign language translation and language development work in various countries in partnership with deaf churches, teams, and associations.

During a recent trip to the Solomon Islands, Teri was interviewed by a local news station. He describes language development work, which can be a huge benefit to any language group and is a precursor to Bible translation.

Story Source: youtu.be/xbBjnUMy0gE?si=mGL3qHm50J0OLz4L

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The June planning meetings went well this week.
• The campus sale continues to move forward.
• Work is going very smoothly.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Ask God to open the doors for the Deaf in the Pacific to have access to the Bible.
• Pray that the Jr High students will stay faithful in their Bible reading while our class isn't meeting this summer.
• Pray for wisdom to see all the opportunities the Lord has for me.

Please let me know how I may pray for you.

The First Chichonyi New Testament!

The first-ever Chichonyi New Testament is bringing God’s Word to life for the people of Chonyi, Kenya! Now they can understand Scripture in a language that touches their hearts, deepening their understanding and connection to God’s truth.

Bishop Anderson Ndumbu shared how God’s Word in their language is transforming lives — helping people engage with Scripture in a way that resonates deeply in their souls, strengthening local churches and equipping Christians to share their faith more effectively. The work of Bible translation is more than just words on a page — it’s about lives changed for eternity. God is using your prayers and gifts to impact people like the Chonyi all over the world!

Story Source: The First Chichonyi New Testament! - youtu.be/C4WFdWyN-_k?si=kFmPlX33YC3QU7U3

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The meetings in Orlando were productive and encouraging.
• The campus sale is moving forward with two buyers: one for the office building and a small plot; and another for the rest of the property.
• My days off continue to be a gift filled with family, renewal, and service possibilities.

Looking Ahead -- Items for Prayer:

• Ask God to change Chonyi lives through his Word.
• My finance role provides opportunities to serve and encourage some who are experiencing life challenges. Pray for wisdom and compassion.
• Pray for God's continued clarity for those in leadership regarding the campus sale.

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.

God's Global Mission

God is on the move in ways that we have never seen before in the history of the world!

Today, local churches are asking for — and sometimes even starting — Bible translation themselves. And they don’t want to wait for the work to start; they want to start it now. Local churches are playing a significant role in Bible translation for their own communities, and that’s exponentially accelerating the pace of the work. The global Church is taking ownership of Bible translation.

As you pray and give toward my Wycliffe ministry, you are also directly participating in Bible translation. Thank you for being a part of God's global mission.

youtu.be/RiznqLeCdDs?si=-WXU5bBLVWdvjJcU (3:56)

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The global Church continues to participate in Bible translation in greater and greater ways, so more people can be transformed by God's Word.
• Praise God for problem-solving skills recently for two unusual Member Finance situations.
• My sciatica has been responding well to physical therapy. I have my last appointment next week.

Items for prayer:

• Wycliffe leadership anticipates the sale of the campus in the next 10-12 months. Pray for the relocation planning process.
• Pray that I will be alert to the details in every situation (work and life!) so the best ways forward can be found.
• Pray that I will be faithful in continuing the things that have helped resolve my sciatica.

How may I pray for you? I count it a privilege to join with you.

God Is on the Move!

Johnstone Ndunde, the SIL area director of Anglo-Lusophone Africa, has witnessed the transformative power of God's Word in people's lives and communities. Individuals who were not initially believers have been profoundly changed through their daily work with Bible translation. One notable example is a man in Nigeria whose dramatic personal transformation had a significant positive effect on his family and community. Watch the story to see the community's response:

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• My workload has been sustainable and fulfilling. The procedures that were new in May have been going very smoothly.
• There is progress being made toward the sale of Wycliffe's Orlando campus. All the negotiations are confidential, so there are no other details to communicate.
• I've been enjoying time outside with the beautiful weather.

Items for prayer:

• I lifted some things I should not have in early July and am in physical therapy for sciatica. I am seeing some improvement, but would be grateful for your prayers. (Yes, I have learned my lesson!)
• COVID has begun to make its way through some of my coworkers recently. Pray especially for those who work with programs in Orlando.
• Pray that each of us would be truly transformed by the Word of God.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the Lord and to those without the Bible. You are making a difference for God's Kingdom!

Praying for you, too,
Lisa

The Etulo New Testament

It's time to celebrate! This past week, the Etulo people of Nigeria received a complete New Testament, and you had a part in it! One of the people I coached had a direct hand in helping this translation come about. As you have prayed and given for my Wycliffe ministry, I have served many of our colleagues who then have had a connection with Bible translations happening all over the world. God keeps transforming lives through the translated Word. The video below gives insights into the beginning of the translation process for the Etulo people. Let's celebrate with them!

​The Etulo New Testament (4:34)

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• The new work process went very smoothly this month. Thank you for your prayers.
• I got to go on a field trip with the Jr/Sr Highers from Faith who read the entire Bible in the past three years. What fun to celebrate with them!
• Adjustments to new leadership in the department are going very well.

Items for prayer:

• Pray for God's Word to bear much fruit among the Etulo people.
• Summer means vacation for many, so we will be covering tasks for each other. Pray for good communication and effectiveness as we fit into temporary spots.
• We've been informed that there have been many inquiries regarding the sale of the current campus. Continue to pray for wisdom for our leadership.
• One of my summer "projects" is investigating some new hobbies as I take a long-term view toward retirement (likely about four years from now). Pray for good ways to invest myself!

I cannot imagine making this journey without your faithful prayers. Thank you! How may I pray for you?

God's Point of View

You might have noticed there aren't as many stories of my Wycliffe ministry that I can share in this season. Many times, it's because I am working with my colleagues' finances or learning of challenging situations in their lives... and those things need to be kept in confidence. Sometimes, my days are as exciting as a Zoom meeting to help someone update their W-4 form. Very important, but not exactly the kind of thing I race to share with you!

The last face-to-face program I was a part of in Orlando was in February 2020. At that time, there was absolutely no way I could have imagined how things would be today -- with me back in Indiana and in entirely different roles. I am so thankful for the continuity of still being with Wycliffe and the continuity of you, faithful partners, who have prayed and given and encouraged, every step of the way. And though "our" contribution is different now, we are still part of what God is doing to transform lives through the translated Bible.

But why does Bible translation make a difference? Take a look at the first 4:30 of this video from the Spring Scripture Celebration (Of course, you're welcome to watch the entire video.). The image gives a hint:​

vimeo.com/921208067#t=8s

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• An unexpected project came up this month and I was able to draft a solution. We tested it and are ready for implementation in May.
• The long-term project due in May is essentially finished.
• I was recently the Zoom facilitator for sessions on "Caring for Aging Parents" that were attended by 124 colleagues. It was good to help with encouragement for so many.
• The Lord is continuing to help me memorize (working on Colossians, Psalm 103).

Items for prayer:

• May 6, one of the processes I work with will change radically. Pray that our testing was adequate (see above!), that I will see issues quickly, and for good attention to detail.
• May will be the first month for the new departmental paradigm. Pray for good adjustments.
• Pray for wisdom for Wycliffe's leadership as they make decisions regarding the sale of the current campus in order to unlock underutilized resources so that more might receive the Bible and be transformed.

Thank you for your faithful prayers. How may I pray for you?

Hidden in my Heart

I don't know how your "quiet time/devotions/Bible study and prayer/personal worship" goes, but I know that from time to time, I need something different to awaken my heart in new ways. This year, I've been memorizing the book of Colossians. I started this process once before, in 2021, but got derailed when I relocated to Indy. I began again in January and am making good progress.

So what does that mean? It doesn't mean I am ready to do the whole thing in front of a crowd... but with some prompting, the Lord has helped me commit sections to memory. And here's what I've learned: I really look forward to my time working on it -- reviewing it, taking on the next new section. Almost every time I hear the Bible taught, I am reminded of a Colossians theme. I am becoming much more aware of God's Word, and that's a good thing.

Here's my encouragement to you: whatever you need to do so that you are more eager for your times with the Scriptures, do it! May the Lord constantly grow our appreciation for his grace in revealing himself to us, and may that make us even more passionate about seeing others receive his Word in a language and form they best understand.

Recent Highlights -- Answers to Prayer:

• Your prayers for productivity are still being answered. I was able to help bunches on a pop-up project the past two weeks.
• The long-term project due in May is ready for the finishing touches.
• God is increasing my desire to know more of the Bible.

Items for prayer:

• One of my departments is about to experience a significant transition of people and roles.
• Wycliffe is looking to sell the current campus to unlock underutilized resources so that more might receive the Bible and be transformed.
• Pray that I not only continue to memorize, but that I will continue to let the Spirit apply the Word to my heart.

You are such a blessing to me. How may I pray for you?

Saying "Yes" to What God is Doing

"Yes!" It's such a joy to say, "Yes!" when God positions us to meet a need -- to help someone. It's Wycliffe's goal to say, "Yes!" when churches and communities around the world seek assistance with Bible translation. Through your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry, you've been saying, "Yes!" We're participating together as God's Word is made accessible to all people in the more than 7,000 languages that are spoken or signed in our world today. Take a look at the video below to see what God is doing!

Story Source: youtu.be/q4ebooPd8-U?si=bgS3b-cCNDiLLqo9 (2:35)

Highlights this month:
- The October software update went very smoothly!
- The audio/visual things at the Women's Retreat were fine.
- The Women's Retreat provided time for making new connections and deepening existing ones.
- I've had some improvements in sleep.
- There have been opportunities to spend time with family.

Items for prayer:
- Continued wisdom with clients. Every situation is different.
- I'll have a sleep study done again in a few weeks to measure improvement.
- We're still figuring out what family gatherings look like.
- I'm heading to Florida in November, Lord willing, for some work in the office, reconnecting with colleagues, and vacation.

Please let me know how to pray with you, too. It is a privilege to partner together.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! Think of it -- this year, there are communities hearing and reading and seeing the story of Jesus' birth for the first time in a language they best understand, all because of Bible translation. Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry have been a huge part of bringing the Good News of great joy to all people. Thank you!

Dr. John Chesnut serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. John and his wife, Kelly. wish to bring you Christmas greetings!

For a personal update, please visit my Google Group page.

A Day in the Life

Your prayers and gifts for my Wycliffe ministry are a part of the larger picture, as together we ask God to bring his Word to the marginalized people of the world. Wycliffe Bible Translators partners with many other organizations, working together in Scripture translation. A representative from one of those partner organizations, the Deaf Bible Society, joined us in a prayer meeting recently. I learned much from this video in which she's the "hearing" person.

October is the start of the new fiscal year for Wycliffe, which means all the new missionaries I am working with need revisions to their ministry budgets, to align them with new costs. Since they are in the time of initially asking God to provide through the generosity of individuals and churches, it's important that they have an accurate budget in mind. It's been fun to work through a new app on our HR site to get those budgets completed. I've had opportunity to touch base with each new coworker assigned to me and see how we might help them. In the other part of my role, we continue to celebrate colleagues as they reach their anniversaries with Wycliffe. I'm encouraged as we recognize the faithful legacy of so many.

Thank you for your many notes and prayers for Mom and me as we do life together. We seem to be in a time of one step forward; two steps back. Each day is the same and yet can be very different. We're grateful God has written all our days in his book before they ever came to be. We rest in that truth.