Gratefulness
Psalm 92:1-4 states, "It is good to give thanks to the LORD and to sing praises to your name, O Most High. To declare Your loving-kindness in the morning and your faithfulness by night, with the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, with resounding music upon the lyre. For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of your hands." Gratefulness issues from our hearts to God, especially at this season as we embark upon the Holiday Season.
So, what has God done that makes Kevin and I so grateful? This year we've seen an unprecedented number of African Americans respond to the call of God to international mission work. While the number of career members is small, it is growing annually. We're amazed that some of our recruits seemed to come from places we did not cultivate while others joined Wycliffe after much mentoring and encouragement. Although some of the people we ministered to did not join Wycliffe, it gave us great joy to encourage them on their way. Our recruits, including men and women, are rising up to serve God and the Bible translation movement all over the world including Africa, Asia and here in the USA. We are grateful for Wycliffe leadership that is passionate and unrelenting in their desire to reflect the diverse Body of Christ at all levels. In November, the senior leadership of Wycliffe were the first of Wycliffe USA staff to go through diversity training, a strategy which will include all Wycliffe USA staff.
New teaching opportunities have come my way including leading a bi-weekly seminary wives Bible study and teaching three Perspectives classes this Fall in Kentucky and Ohio. In February I look forward to assisting with the training of new literacy workers at the Graduate Institute of Linguistics (GIAL). Of course I plan to maintain some contact with recruits though my main focus will be on this new GIAL role. These changes are a great prelude to returning to ministry in Papua New Guinea. Praise God for directing our paths. It is marvelous in our eyes!
Created on December 24, 2007..................................