Gela New Testament

It was a joy to connect with 36 missionary colleagues and 12 of their MKs as they came through Orlando this month. We were able to hear many stories of the Lord's faithfulness in their lives and celebrate their faithfulness in service in Bible translation. It is a privilege to be co-workers with them and to encourage them. Pray that God will continue to renew them and meet all their needs.

This week, we began our final preparations for some upcoming events (we will have six weeks of programs this summer!). We are gathering resources, planning logistics, and spending team-building time. It is also a time when I lean into coaching the new missionaries assigned to me. Pray that I have wisdom to truly help them and that God will build teams of prayer and financial partners for them so they may go on to their field assignments.

It is so exciting to see what God is doing as more and more people receive the translated Scripture. In early May, Wycliffe Australia shared stories of the Gela New Testament dedication in the Solomon Islands. During the dedication week, seminars were held to train many in foundational Christian beliefs and to encourage them to read their New Testaments for themselves. Praise God that the Gela people now have access to the Bible in the language they best understand. Pray that many more will come to know Jesus and grow deeply in their knowledge of God.

Your partnership with your prayers and gifts is being used to speed Bible access to those just like the Gela. Thank you!

April Equip

Thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts toward my Wycliffe ministry. Your partnership in April was used by God to impact the Equip training of 21 new missionaries and their 12 MKs. I praise the Lord for health and strength for the “Crew” (who facilitated the two-week orientation) and for the participants and their families.

“B,” one of the Equippers, was originally from South Asia. We were very moved to hear his testimony of the power of the Bible in transforming his family, one member at a time. Relationships that were at one time harsh and abusive became nurturing and life-giving. B’s parents are from an oral culture and do not read. They now spend time each evening listening to audio Scripture in their heart language, learning and growing in their knowledge of God.

Seeing the power of the Word in his family’s lives has motivated B to join Wycliffe Bible Translators. His desire is to use his gifts and experience in administration to help translators in his home country continue translating for others who are still waiting. You have a part in his future Wycliffe ministry.

For more information, check out Letters from Lisa.

Surgery tomorrow

Thanks to all who have been praying for Mom and for my family as we wait. Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow.

For a season, it seems best to not post specific updates here. I'll be back with ministry and personal updates in the future. For information about this part of our journey, please message me with an email address so I might pass on information to you by email rather than by broadcast here. Or, just keep praying, as we can be thankful that God knows our needs and will use your prayers, even without specific details. Thanks for your understanding!

Back to Indiana!?!

Hello from Florida! It was an honor to be a part of Faith's Global Impact Conference. I enjoyed connecting with many of you and sharing about what God is doing in Bible translation. As a pleasant surprise for me, I will be back in Indiana, March 19 - April 4.

The unexpected part is that Mom did not return to Florida with me. As a result of last week's CT scan, she now has a surgical consult on March 21. Thanks so much for your prayers. She is trusting God and doing ok in the waiting. We are thankful.

One prayer request we have is that the surgery be scheduled very soon after the consult, so that I might be able to help out post-surgery. (I am very grateful for all the family's oneness-of-mind in being available to help out!) Also, please pray for clarity as I sort through the tasks here next week, so that all that can't be done "remotely" gets accomplished. Thank you for your faithful prayers and encouragements.

Global Impact Conference

Hello from Indy! I am grateful to be a part of Faith Church's Global Impact Conference this weekend. It was such a joy to see a number of you last night at Terry & Jane's home meeting. My heart was so encouraged as we spent time catching up and interacting. Thanks again for your time last night.

Below is a list of the events that remain for the conference. If you are in Indy but not a part of Faith Church, feel free to join us for one or more of the events. (RSVPs are helpful, but not required.) I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Here are the events where you may find me:

WOMEN'S TEA | Sat., March 5 | 2 pm | Room 210
Join us for light refreshments and visit with missionary women! RSVP.

CONNECTION CLASSES | Sun., March 6 | 10:45 am
10:45 am | Lisa Meharry | Room 190 | Equipping Wycliffe members translating the Bible.

FAITH FAMILY LUNCH | Sun., March 6 | 12:30 pm | lobby
After the second service, enjoy a pitch-in lunch and the opportunity to help with a hands-on service project. Bring a dish to share: A - H salad/fruit, I - P side/vegetable, Q - Z dessert. Pulled pork sandwiches and tableware provided. RSVP.

WOMEN'S GLOBAL PRAYER | Tues., March 8 | 9:15 am | Room 190
(I will join this meeting by Skype, as I plan to return to Florida on Monday.) Join us for breakfast, hear from our featured missionary women and lift them up in prayer. Childcare available upon request; RSVP.

On a personal note, Mom has a CT scan scheduled for this morning. We'd appreciate your prayers for God's guidance in figuring out what is going on with some unexplained pain she is experiencing. Thanks much.