Lessons from a garden
It's been a while since we've connected. In July and August I spent four weeks in Oregon working remotely for Wycliffe while running our dad's u-pick "Starr Farm" for a final summer. My brothers and I have shared responsibility for the farm so this was my contribution.
I want to share some reflections about gardening and Biblical principles that can be "gleaned" from my time on the farm. God can definitely speak through a garden.
Seek and Save - looks can be deceiving!
In Mark 11, Jesus approached a fig tree that had leaves and was looking for fruit because he was hungry, but there was no fruit because the figs weren't in season (v. 13c). The leaves indicated life, but there was no fruit. What about green beans?
From above, you see the bean plants with only leaves. It takes effort to look - to SEEK - under the leaves to find the actual beans.
Luke 19:10 says, "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." 'Seek' in the Greek here means an aggressive, deliberate pursuit to find what was lost. 'Save' here speaks of rescue from danger. This takes effort, like patient 'fishermen' fishing for men.
In John 15:16 Jesus also tells us that we are chosen to 'bear fruit' that will 'remain.' While this applies to spiritual fruit of the Holy Spirit, it's also speaking about the fruit of lost people coming to faith. For them to remain they need to be discipled.
Father God, please help us to be about Your business of praying for and actively engaging with lost people around us to bring them to Jesus, and give us greater love for them to help them become Your disciples.
Translation work in Africa
The Congos
There's a lot of translation work ongoing in the Republic of Congo (capital -Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (capital - Kinshasa). Even though I haven't traveled there for several months, national translators are continuing their work there. Look at this update below on the progress that the Teke SW translation team has made! This team is now participating in a Psalms workshop, so that the Psalms can be included alongside their printed New Testament.
Moloko New Testament Dedication in Cameroon!!
It is official - the dedication of the Moloko New Testament will happen in Cameroon on February 21, 2027! This is the project we worked on from 1996-2007. More details are coming, but save the date and join us if the Lord is putting this on your heart.
If you'd like to support my travel to the dedication, please contact me and I'll give you more details.
Prayer & Praise!
We thank God for each of you and your partnership with us in this work (if you would like more frequent prayer updates let me know and I'll add you to a WhatsApp prayer group)!
Praise God for the ongoing translation work in both Congos.
Praise God for the Moloko New Testament printing and the upcoming February 2027 celebration!
Pray that God would miraculously provide the funds needed to continue funding national translators.
Pray for wisdom and direction in making plans to celebrate the Moloko New Testament in February.
Pray that God would give us opportunities to share the Gospel with people around us and that we might see the fruit of souls saved.
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