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Prayers for Tuesday

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A letter from Eric Kindberg, a Wycliff translator Living Hope supports.

Dear family and friends,

This week the Journal of Translation was posted on the Internet. I had a role in editing the three articles of this edition. This journal, like many of SIL’s other publications, now appears electronically. See the Editor’s Comments and the three articles by clicking on www.journaloftranslation.org. One article, “Baraka…”, tells how the Hebrew and Arabic word ‘blessing’, is used strategically to share the Gospel.

Job transitions—a job that I love! Last year God clearly guided me as I transitioned to a new role in Wycliffe/SIL International. I requested a role as editor with SIL’s publishing arm, Global Publishing Services. I was assigned as Associate Senior Editor—more responsibility than I expected! This allows me to fill several roles, and gives me the chance to work with people—contributors, Academic Coordinators and other editors—as a communicator in writing, and as a manager.

My primary role is as “Acquisitions Editor” in which I work with the Editor-in-Chief defining the need of, and guidelines for, new publications, and communicate with potential contributors. One seminary dissertation by a Ghanaian Board member of a partner Bible translation organization in West Africa, is being strongly considered for publication. In this academic study, the Bible translated into their language strongly impacted two cultural groups (Christian and Muslim) allowing them both to accept the Bible as theirs rather than a book for foreigners. Last week at a monthly GPS Publications Board meeting we discussed whether or not to publish the Ghanaian dissertation.

Managing the Waxhaw editorial team for the Journal of Translation (JoT) is another role. I recruited four editors here in Waxhaw and am training them—and myself. Between and during weekly meetings we polish translation articles—helping authors’ work bring glory to God. Bonnie Brown, GPS Managing Editor, came from our Dallas headquarters to train us three weeks ago.

 (JoT workshop) Do you cross your eyes when you hear the word “editing”? My eyes light up!

The JoT is one among other journals, e-books, research and instructional textbooks published by SIL for over 75 years to support Bible translation and research of lesser-known peoples, languages, and related academics. The Ethnologue, for example, is an encyclopedic reference work cataloging and mapping the world’s 6,909 known living languages. It also informs what Scripture portions are available in each language and what the literacy levels are for that language. Look up Navajo, or Zulu on www.ethnologue.org.

My Gullah (Sea Island Creole) Scripture Use assignment officially concluded last month. But for ongoing use, the Gullah Scripture CD set will be launched/dedicated at a special celebration on Saturday, November 12th on St. Helena Island, SC. As God orchestrates my transition from Argentina, Costa Rica and among the Gullah I am confident that those with whom I’ve worked in each place will bring to fruition the projects in which we’ve been involved together.

One other role keeps me current in Spanish. That is as facilitator of a web site called “Alfa-Educación”, a communications resource hub for Hispanic Literacy and Education specialists working in Bible translation related ministries throughout Latin America. But that story will wait for another occasion.

I thank God for new ways to be involved with His word translated into lives. God knows my heart—and matched me with a job that brings me joy. For choir at church we are memorizing Ps. 139. Verses 1-3 say:

1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.

Thank you for making this ministry possible as a channel of God’s grace, with your resources. And we are thankful for Mary Lynn’s teaching job, that helps meet our needs. We do depend on your prayer, too. Following are some prayer and praise requests:

  • Pray for many outlets and opportunities for the GULLAH PEOPLE to use their recorded Scriptures:             Radio use, through Bible study groups, by means of a press release and ministerial alliance meetings this month, and the dedication ceremony coming up Nov 12th.
  • JONATHAN was praying with a family and their dog bit his hand this week. Pray for quick healing and victory over obstacles that distract and can cause fear. Praise for a good retreat with 30 youth and new commitment among some upcoming leaders.
  • CHRISTINE is grateful for a part-time job (at a deli) but keeps applying—and prays for more reliable hours and income. This weekend she awaits word from one potential employer. She helped Jonathan on staff for the Hispanic youth retreat he organized and led two weeks ago.
  • MARY LYNN’s Spanish students need to learn balance and discipline. Many are distracted and overly tired these days. Pray for opportunities for ML to have meaningful one-on-one talks with them.
  • For creativeness, initiative and wisdom for me as I learn to balance MY EDITIORIAL and other ROLES.
  • I am planning a different type of mission trip with my NC church, Spirit of Joy, Dec 27th-Jan 4th. Pray with me as I prepare my part in that trip. Praise God that church fund raisers have brought in all the money needed.

Warm blessings,

Eric Kindberg

Updates from South Asia

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Baptists minister after earthquake in India

A long arm excavator clears a road of large boulders in the North Indian state of Sikkim after the magnitude-6.9 earthquake on September 18. This was the last roadblock to the relief camp where a team from The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, Ala., served as a medical relief team (the first American team in the area).

By Neisha Fuson

Overcoming roadblocks — both figurative and literal — in north India became a common theme for an Alabama Baptist missions team from The Church at Brook Hills, Birmingham, in late September.

After preparing for months for an evangelistic missions experience in the western section of Sikkim state Sept. 24–Oct. 2, the team learned only days before departing it would be needed in a remote mountain village to the north and east of the original location.

A magnitude-6.9 earthquake shook the mostly Nepalese area near the India-Nepal border Sept. 18 at 6:10 p.m. The shock was felt even into Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and China. At press time, India was reporting 93 deaths, China six deaths and Nepal six deaths. But the reports will most likely remain inaccurate in India because of the Hindu caste system, which prevents members of the lowest caste from being mentioned in death tolls, and the fact that some villages are unreachable.

Some deaths were from the earthquake, while others were from the landslides that followed it. Roads were blocked in numerous places around the affected area.

Because of potential disaster relief and medical needs, the team was diverted to a relief camp set up near the most accessible mountain village impacted by the earthquake.

National partners suggested the camp, hosted by a village in a valley area, as a place that would benefit most from the team’s time and the most easily accessible of the affected areas.

And so the team — an engineer, a paramedic, a law student, an agent at an accounting firm, a physical therapist and others under the leadership of Brook Hills member Casey Reeder — arrived in Delhi on Sept. 24 ready to tackle its new assignment.

Less than 10 hours later in a Jeep-like taxi, the team arrived in Mangan, where it had to obtain entry permits. Since the area has become highly dangerous after the earthquake and landslides, anyone who is not Lepcha (the people group in the area) must obtain a permit.

Hours passed, along with countless prayers; the team waited, hoping to hear it had permission to enter.

The permits were obtained only because there was a physical therapist and paramedic on the team, allowing it to serve in medical relief.

Permits in hand, the team members became the only Americans to enter the area after the earthquake, passing over several landslides and shabby-looking bridges and through very tight squeezes along bumpy mountain roads to get there. The timing of the team’s arrival was perfectly precise because if it had arrived even one day earlier, then the roads would not have been cleared from the landslides and fallen rocks, said Adam Reese, a Southern Baptist representative working in north India.

Reese, the team members and national partners who served as translators stayed at a Buddhist school, sleeping on cloth mats on the cold, gray concrete floor.

While nongovernmental organizations and others wanting to help supplied the nearby camp with rice, potatoes and tea, the team brought medical supplies, other food and water.

Brad Collins (left) fills water bottles at the community water source in the village that hosted an earthquake relief camp after the September 18 magnitude-6.9 earthquake in the North Indian state of Sikkim.

More than 100 Lepcha and Nepalese people sought refuge and food at the camp, located about a half-mile up the hillside from where the road was too dangerous to pass by taxi.

Russ Kinniburgh, the physical therapist on the team, saw an elderly woman making her way through the crowds. Her feeble hands held a cane that was about a foot too long in the wrong hand and backward. Kinniburgh cut the cane down and taught her how to use it properly. The next day, she hobbled by with a smile, cane properly in place.

The team cleaned some minor wounds and taught a few long-term care practices to those at the camp, but in general, its medical tasks were minimal. This allowed more time to visit with the people and look for opportunities to share something greater than a bottle of water or a Band-Aid — hope.

The people opened up to the team members. They invited them into their homes; gave them tea, or “chiya;” and listened as the smiling white faces shared stories about a man named Jesus.

Team member Chance Walters said, “As we were struggling to get (to the camp), it became frustrating and discouraging (to all of us).” But, he added, “I see now that even if just one person heard the gospel, then all the trouble to get here was worth it.

“I won’t ever forget the spiritual battle that went on inside myself as I shared the Word. I thought, ‘Why isn’t it like this in Alabama?’ Well it’s because I don’t do anything in Alabama,” Walters said, half in jest and half serious.

“My spirit knows that progress is being made here for those who heard the gospel, but I felt like a used car salesman who couldn’t close a deal. But ultimately I feel like the Spirit was just saying, ‘You just remember this. There’s a reason the enemy is on you now. You are preaching the gospel. You are sharing my Word.”

The team shared the gospel with many at the camp and surrounding area, even as officials kept a close eye on its work.

After leaving the camp, the team traveled to a larger town and prayer walked and shared the gospel in a nearby village, about a 30-minute walk away. Several people welcomed the team into their homes and listened to Bible stories.

As the trip came to a close, the discouragement that sat heavy at the beginning of the week turned into an uplifting joy. Because of the earthquake, several Alabama Baptists were part of more than just a trip to share Christ with the Lepcha and Nepalese people.

Prayers for Saturday

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These prayer requests are from our prayer connections card from Sunday.  Please lift these requests up to the Lord.

Pray that..

Tommy can heal more from his injuries he received in an accident.

A family that is seeking a new school for their child that is being bullied

The following will receive salvation: Drew, Hanna, Anastasia, Jason, Kyle, Bob, Steve, Matt, Bill, Ron, Tyler, Joe, Meadow, Missy, Joseph, Lenny, Frank, Dennis and Kristen

A young lady needs direction and needs to live her life for an audience of one.

A young lady of 14 years old adapts to her new adopted family.

Murray’s diabetes can stabilize.

A family can morn the death of a grandparent.  Also, that they can celebrate her walk in Christ.

An elderly couple can maintain their health.

A young lady can get along with her family.

Trent can be injury free in the remaining time he has to play college football.  Also, pray that he can focus on his academics and his military responsibility.

Tanner can stay clean from drugs and alcohol.  Praise the Lord, he rededicated his life:)

A lady’s house can be sold.

Jeremy can trust God’s plan for his life and that he will commit to putting God first in his life.

Craig and James can stop abusing alcohol.

Joe can know that God is with him.  He has just been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.

A family can have strength during a time of morning.

Elizabeth can receive a cancer free report and that she is healed.

 

 

Friday – Renew Your Belief week 10

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By Cindy Starr

What do we believe?

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing from God and parents hear the primary responsibility of training them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Why do we believe this?

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Why does it matter?

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise maxims, not conditional promises. It is important to recognize that they are not written as a template for formulaic living: “if you do this, then this will happen.” This is why the response of Job’s friends was wrong. They thought that faithful obedience obligated God to respond in blessing; and they were wrong. Parenting does not work like a recipe. Parenting is much more like a walk of blind faith, an exercise in earnest obedience, and a courageous warfare with God’s glory the end in mind.

As parents, we train diligently as we live in the light of grace. We rely on God alone. We treasure His Word alone. We meditate and rest in His character alone and we believe that the work of salvation and sanctification is God’s work to do.  Does He use us? Yes, all the time.  Does He want us to be self-reliant? No, never. He is most visible against all odds. The law can never save. Formulas can never save. Only the sheer grace of God can save.

As parents, we train and we trust. We hold fast to Philippians 1:6; that God will complete what He has begun. We run with endurance and we hope and rest in His faithfulness. The end is God’s – our role is to train and re-train and to tell and re-tell the truths to each generation, that they should put their confidence in God and not forget His works or His commandments (Psalm 78). It is in this that God is glorified.

Thursday – Renew Your Belief week 10

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By Cindy Starr 

What do we believe?

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing from God and parents bear the primary responsibility of training them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord 

Why do we believe this?

Deuteronomy 6:7 –“You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Why does it matter?

This is a profound commandment both for its breadth and intensity. There is nothing more vital, more earnest, and more transforming than the diligent teaching of God’s Word. The definition of diligent is constant in effort to accomplish something; attentive and persistent in doing anything; done or pursued with persevering attention. A synonym would be painstaking. Parents are to be constant, attentive, persistent and persevering in their teaching of God’s truths to their children. With painstaking and arduous passion they are to tell and re-tell God’s Word and its application. Quite frankly, given the frenetic nature of our times and the overload of sensory stimulation, it is a wonder that we do anything with painstaking passion! This is the battle of our times – to remain intent on the goal; to focus on the task set before us; to discern distraction and remain undeterred. Knowledge produces conviction produces affection – we teach the truth so that the heart is ignited by the truth and in this igniting, the heart is constrained to obey with joy.

Wednesday – Renew Your Belief week 10

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By Stuart Borders

What do we believe?

Children, from the moment of conception, are a blessing from God and parents bear the primary responsibility of training them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Why do we believe this?

Psalm 139:13-16 – For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Why does it matter?

Before there were days, God knew every day that you would live and had a plan & purpose for each one of them.  That should excite us beyond belief.  This passage reminds us that God is both intimate and infinite.

God is intimate in the very creation of every person from the very moment of conception.  He already knows the child’s name and purpose in life.  Scripture is very clear here that God sees a person even as an “unformed substance” while their frame is hidden from others, including the expectant parents.  God forms each of us and considers us “wonderfully made.” He is intimate in the way He knits us together.

God is infinite in that He has written every one of our days in His book even when days didn’t exist.  He demonstrates His power in creating each one of us.  Not only does He know every day, but He provides purpose to those days.  He is able to look past each person’s intimate story and purpose to see how each one forms a greater story of His greatness.

How will you treasure God’s creation of life today?  How will you speak up for those who don’t have a voice yet?

Tuesday – Renew Your Belief – week 10

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By Matt Haste

What do we believe?

Husbands are called to love and lead their wives as Christ loved the Church.  Wives are called to respect and submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Jesus.

Why do we believe this?

Ephesians 5:21-31 – submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.  Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 

Why does it matter?

Marriage works best when husbands and wives live out their God-given roles in the relationship. These roles and this relationship are designed by God to tell a story to the world. Ephesians 5 explains how this happens.

Marriage is meant to be a divine drama that illustrates the love of Jesus for his people. Husbands, you are to love your wife as Christ has loved his Church: forgetting yourself, preferring her needs and desires above your own, and seeking to lead her in holiness and love. Wives, you are called to love your husband as the Church submits to Jesus: respecting his authority, honoring his leadership, and seeking to be a faithful helper to him. This relationship is at its finest when each of you submit to one another (and to your God-given roles) out of reverence for Christ. You do this by putting your spouse’s needs and desires above your own.

When considered in this way, marriage takes on a much greater significance. The very name of God and the integrity of the Gospel hang in the balance as couples live out their days together. This is a great responsibility and also a tremendous blessing. Does your marriage reflect God’s love for His people? How would it look differently if you viewed your marriage in this way?

Monday – Renew Your Belief week 10

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Monday by Dennis Strom

What do we believe?

We believe that God has ordained marriage to be the union of one man and one woman in a life long covenant, as they submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Why do we believe this?

Genesis 2:24 – Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Why does it matter?

As we look back to the beginning of mankind, God had a perfect plan for His creation. God knew what would be best for His creation and He knew what would not work as well. God chose there to be one man and one woman in that first relationship of marriage. God is sovereign, He is all knowing and He does not make mistakes. The Scriptures are clear in identifying the relationship of marriage and the life long covenant it is to represent.

Jesus is quoted in Mark 10:7-10 as saying “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” We see it in the Old Testament (Genesis 2:24) and in the New Testament (Mark 10:7-10); God is faithful and He does not change. His Plan is perfect and it includes one man and one woman in a lifelong covenant as they submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Think about the privilege and blessing the marriage relationship is – a lifelong companion, a best friend, a helper provided just for you by God !