Connections

​​​These past two weeks have been such a joy -- caring for, celebrating, and connecting with 43 other Wycliffe colleagues and 13 MKs from around the world. It was thrilling to hear their stories of the faithfulness of God in their lives. Some of them serve in very challenging situations and have experienced much difficulty, but their commitment to continue to be obedient to God's call on their lives is a testimony of His love and goodness. Thank you for the privilege of serving and working to encourage them. Your partnership goes with them as they return to their roles in the acceleration of Bible translation.

Thanks also for your prayers for what may seem like very "basic" items like health and strength. In the first week of Connections, I tripped and fell in what could have been a significant accident. I have a large bruise across the back of my hips that is still a little tender to the touch... but my ability to fully contribute was only compromised for a short period of time. Providentially, there were plenty of folks around to carry the load in my place. I am grateful for the Lord's mercy and protection... and for your faithful prayers on my behalf!

​What's next? November and December are long-range planning months, looking toward the programs for 2017, but also planning as far ahead as 2019. We would appreciate your prayers for wisdom, clarity, and the ability to foresee as much as possible to keep schedules working smoothly. Thank you!

Celebrating Scripture Access

Access to God’s Word in the heart language: what a thing to celebrate! On October 20th in Orlando, we celebrated 29 new translations from around the world that have been dedicated in the past year. These Scriptures are for people groups totaling more than two million speakers who now can learn more about God’s personal love for them in the mother tongue they best understand.

It was a joy to stand with a group who were part of the larger “team” in the translation of the Takwane Bible: those who have prayed and partnered in other ways with Jeff & Peg Shrum’s Wycliffe ministry. (Faith Church folks, you might recognize Tom Meiner, who serves in Orlando with the JESUS Film Project. We represented you, too, as many of you have been a faithful part of the Takwane team.)

Think of the many threads the Lord is weaving together to accomplish His will. He calls some to go. He calls others to provide for and resource the ministries of those who go. He calls us all to pray for His will to be done and for His Kingdom to come. It is our prayer that each of these 29 translations are a tool He will use to transform lives.

What’s up in my world?

September was a great month training new missionaries at Equip. In early October, we saw God’s mercy with Hurricane Matthew that moved mostly off-shore from central Florida. Mom’s visit to Florida overlapped that weekend, so we saw one more adventurous weather event together (after the August tornado together in Indiana!).

As this month comes to a close, we will host two groups of colleagues who have been serving all over the world in Bible translation. Please pray that they will be renewed and that we will serve them well: care for them, celebrate them, and connect them to resources that are available in Orlando. Thank you! I am so grateful for your prayers on our behalf.

For the rest of today's update, see my Google Group.

...Faith Doesn't Come

This week in Orlando, we heard a man from a distant land remind us of Romans 10, which tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. He then said to us, "When we don't receive the word of the Lord, faith doesn't come." He remembered the time, in the 1990s, when his people first received the Bible in the language his family speaks. Since then, one by one, some have believed the message of redemption. Those who speak the same minority language are spread throughout his country, so now he and others are working to share the Good News with them. Pray that the Word of God will continue to go out with great power!

Tomorrow, we will welcome 18 new colleagues and two missionary kids (MKs) for their two-week Equip orientation. Pray that we will prepare them well as they begin their journey with Wycliffe so they might quickly take their places around the world, accelerating the pace of Bible translation. As you partner with my Wycliffe ministry through your prayers and gifts, your impact will now stretch to all the places they will one day reach. Thank you for your faithfulness!

Unexpected Things

Today, I am especially grateful for those of you who pray regularly for me and my Wycliffe ministry. This was a week of unexpected things. I have had "a cold" developing over the course of the week... and there wasn't time to let you know to pray specifically. Our Connection program ends today... and the team here has rallied around me to pick up a number of tasks that I would normally complete. We also had to make a number of logistical changes along the way due to outside factors and all of the changes have gone smoothly. I know I say it often, but we are completely dependent on your prayers and God's strength... and both have been evident this week.

God granted some amazing conversations during this Connection. I heard some stories that I am only able to share with you face-to-face. One of the folks who was here works with a project that was recently funded by College Park Church of Indianapolis. It was a joy to hear of what God is doing among that people group and to know that some of you have had direct input into the ministry there. And, through your prayers on my behalf, you have again impacted that missionary and those people who are waiting for God's Word in their heart language!

I am thankful for the holiday weekend ahead and time to rest. Next week, we begin final preparations for the next new missionary orientation, Equip.

Grateful!

Today, I am grateful.

Monday evening, Mom and I weathered a tornado at her house. No one was injured and she sustained only minor property damage. God's power and His mercy were awesome to behold. We are grateful. (There's a brief video here.)

Today, Mom turns 83. I am grateful for the health and strength God has granted her. I am grateful for her faith to trust God daily with her life. Her encouragement and partnership with my Wycliffe ministry also make it possible for me to be serving in Orlando during a season of life when I did not expect to be 1,000 miles away from family. I am grateful.

I cannot express my gratitude for you, faithful prayer and financial partners. God has honored your prayers this week in ways we could not have anticipated. Your faithfulness to hold me and my family up before the Lord is such a blessing... and for you, I am grateful.