Understanding

Sometimes I forget that this is how the New Testament was written:

John Wycliffe thought that everyone should have access to God's Word, not just those who understood Hebrew or Greek, so he began to translate into English...

"For God louede so the world, that he yaf his `oon bigetun sone, that ech man that bileueth in him perische not, but haue euerlastynge lijf." John 3:16, Wycliffe Translation of 1384

Because of Wycliffe and the work of many others in the last 500 years, I have "always" had a Bible from which I could understand the Christmas story. Your partnership in prayer and with your gifts helps accelerate Bible translation for those millions do not yet have the Scriptures in a language and form they best understand. Thank you!

May you rest deeply in His Word, especially in this busy time of year. If you are looking for a through-the-Bible reading plan for the New Year, here's one you might not have seen yet: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/8-blended. I have learned much from it this past year and am likely to use it again in 2017.

I am thankful to be in Indiana to share this season with many of you. Calendar changes from my last update: I anticipate being at Village Life Church this Sunday evening and will be with family on Christmas Eve.

The Manger

As the Mbe team in Nigeria was translating, they came to Luke 2:7: “She [Mary] gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”

The translators took time to ponder how to translate some of the words, but not “manger.” They immediately used the word “ókpáng.”

“What’s an ókpáng?” asked their consultant, John Watters. “Tell me what it looks like.” It was essentially a cradle hung by ropes so that the newborn could be laid in it and swung.

At John’s prompting, the Mbe translators consulted the Translator’s Notes (non-technical commentaries) again. They saw that “manger” referred to an animal feeding trough! John encouraged them to consider the implications of the manger. “When Jesus came to live among us and bring salvation to us, he came in the lowliest way possible. He did not come and sleep in a nice ókpáng like every Mbe mother wants for her newborn. Instead, he showed us his unbelievable humility,” John told them. “So we need to find your best word for an animal feeding trough.”

One of the men replied, “We feed our animals out of an old worn-out basket that is not usable anymore except to feed the animals.”

“Then try that term,” said John. “Put it in your rough draft and test it with Mbe speakers.”

Later, during the testing, as the Mbe people listened, they were visibly moved. Picturing the newborn baby lying in the animals’ feeding basket, they recognized in a new way that Jesus was willing to do whatever it took to reach them.

This is the power of Bible translation — revealing the heart of God so that men might fully understand and come to know life through Jesus Christ.

Story Source: https://www.wycliffe.org/blog/posts/does-it-matter-which-word-we-use

What’s up in my world?
Our department’s long-range planning time went well in November. I am also thankful to report good progress toward the financial goals through new partnerships and increased giving from some who have been long-term partners. Thank you for your faithful prayers and gifts toward my Wycliffe ministry!

Visit my Google group for information about my Indianapolis schedule this December. See many of you soon!

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!