We were the first interns to arrive yesterday. When we went to sign-in at the guest house, we were informed that since there are so many coming in for the internship and for the Pioneer Mission Institute (it sounds like around 95 people will be there) we would be placed in a mobile home on campus instead. Just to explain, the Pioneer Mission Institute (PMI) is a large conference for Pioneer Bible Translators to gather together which explains some of the basics of Bible translation for those interested, but also serves as an opportunity for the missionaries who are on furlough to meet again before returning to the field.
The International Linguistic Center, houses Wycliffe, the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL), the Graduate Institute of Linguistics and Pioneer Bible Translators, so needless to say, it is a good sized campus - with a RV area, mobile home park, apartments for college students, some married housing, a guest house on top of all the administrative buildings for everyone.
It is a very awesome and humbling experience to think about the millions of lives that have, are and will be touched because of what takes place at this location. We can't help but think about the multitudes of people who never had God's Word in their language and through the work of this location in Bible translation they're now able to learn of the hope that is in the Word they hold in their hands and allow it to direct their lives.
Thank you for your partnership in enabling more lives to have the hope which is found only in Jesus Christ. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers throughout this summer journey. We are blessed to know you.
Until they all know,
Matt and Beth
