Monday, July 14, 2025

Mission Partners: It takes a team to support Bible translation

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.” -Proverbs 15:22 KJV

If you have been following our ministry, you know that we work with Wycliffe Bible Translators USA and that we serve in support roles in Papua New Guinea (PNG). What some of you may not know is that we also work with the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). SIL, established in 1934, and Wycliffe, established in 1942, were both founded by Cameron Townsend to serve the cause of Bible translation. We and many of our colleagues are Wycliffe USA members assigned to SIL in Papua New Guinea. We are honored to serve as members of both organizations and plan to continue to do so according to God’s will for our lives. Another organization, also established by Cameron Townsend in 1948, is JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service). JAARS is based in North Carolina and provides aviation, maritime and other services in support of Bible translation. When we fly on mission aircraft, we are flying with JAARS-trained pilots. Some of the teachers at our school are sent from Teach Beyond, another mission organization that provides educators to serve at international Christian schools. Since PNG is the most linguistically diverse country in the world, it takes quite a team to support the work of Bible translation. That team consists of people with a multitude of skill sets from a multitude of organizations. As Christians, we all have the common goal of seeing God’s will and work to be done to the ends of the Earth. If you feel called to serve overseas, please pray first and then contact us; we are happy to answer your questions and refer you to recruiters. Thank you again for your prayers and support of the work God is doing here in PNG!

Transitions…

Transitions are a very significant part of missionary life; people frequently come and go and the staffing needs of the mission change regularly. After a short holiday with friends, we are back in Ukarumpa. Kathy is using the rest of her school break to prepare for the next semester, which starts in late July. Scott has just transitioned into a new role as SIL Global Child Safety Director, while still maintaining part-time assignments here in Security and Crisis Management. We are grateful to God for allowing us to use our skills to serve the children of Bible translators and support staff in two very different but very important ways.

Prayer Points...

 • Papua New Guinea (PNG): Pray for unity in the PNG church, and praise for the many translation organizations present at the recent Bible Bilum Forum.

• Bible translation: Praise for the Notsi Bible dedication in New Ireland last month and for another community receiving access to God’s Word.

• Our roles in PNG: Pray for the new school year at Ukarumpa International School beginning on July 24. Pray for wisdom and discernment for Scott in his new role as SIL Global Child Safety Director.

• PNG missionaries: Pray for the families who will be returning to PNG to begin the new school year and continue their work here in PNG.

• God’s provision: You’re such a blessing from the LORD in our lives and we could not serve here without you - thank you for your prayer support & encouragement!