Home but Not Home

This past Saturday afternoon we made the final leg of our journey home. With the exception of some paperwork required by the college, our internship to East Africa is completed. Overall it was a very trying and rewarding 11 weeks. But the processing of what took place on this trip will take quite some time.

How does one explain to others a culture, place, and people who in some senses are vastly different from the average American? And how does one explain Spiritual differences between a country which was founded upon Christianity and a country which holds heavy roots in another major world religion that has been known to hate Christians? Or how does one explain to fellow Americans what it is like to spend 8 weeks in a country with overall few churches and most people living there do not know of God's Word in their heart language? These questions will resonate in our minds for a long time; and we know that some of these questions will not be resolved until we are truly home.

This week as we have been trying to get settled back into our apartment and preparing for the up coming semester the thought of being Home but Not Home came up again. We were able to survive for 8 weeks in Africa without any major long lasting effects on our health concerns.  Praise God.  However, this past Tuesday took a turn for the worse. I woke up and in just a few moments I was experiencing excruciating pain in my lower back. What did I do one might wonder? That is a great question because neither the doctor nor I can figure that out. He said I could have just twisted a certain way while sleeping not even knowing it and now be experiencing pain which may last for weeks. Thankfully after 3 days some of the drugs which the doctor has me on are starting to take effect (Praise the Lord!). But all this time I realize once again that I am Home but Not Home.

Thankfully, Scripture is very clear that as a believer we do have a home where "He (meaning Jesus) will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

It is at this time that we want to say "Thank you" to all of you who have supported and kept up with us on our internship; it has been an incredible experience to say the least. We could not have done it without your prayers and financial support. May God bless all of you as you continue to serve Him in a land that may be home for now as we are only passing through to Home beyond the clouds. A Home which will be filled with people from every tribe, every tongue and every nation; and when that day comes Scripture says the end will come (Matthew 24:14) and we will be home at last!

Translators' Training

Today started a 5 week long translators' training workshop. Even though we will only be able to take part in it for this week since we start to slowly make our way back to the States this weekend; for this time we are blessed with the opportunity to take part in something way bigger than we could ever imagine!!!

This morning we were met by 45 students, all anxious to learn how to translate God's Word. These 45 enthusiastic individuals represent literally millions of people who do not have a single portion of Scripture in their heart language. These individuals come from several countries here in East Africa and long to know the Truth which we can turn to easily. But often times the very Word which they long for we allow to become dusty on our book shelves.

In roughly 15 minutes from now (2 p.m. East African time which is roughly 7 a.m. Eastern Standard Time) Beth will be blessed with the opportunity of teaching for 1 1/2 hours some of these individuals on "The Qualities of a Good Translation." And then on Wednesday morning I will be honored to teach 2 lessons of 1 1/2 hours each on "How to Translate Biblical Key Words." These are words which are very rarely known among people who have no churches in their area (words like propitiation, antichrist, faith, etc).

We ask that you would please be in prayer for this training.

• Pray for the students that they would be able to comprehend and retain the material in which they are learning. Pray also that these individuals would stand strong in their faith in Jesus Christ as they return to areas where they may face persecution for their decision to follow God's leading of bringing God's Word into their language.  
• Pray for the people groups whom these students represent: that they would be prepared to encounter God's Word in their language; that they are receptive to it and that many of these people will come to Christ. 
• Pray all of the teachers of these 45 students: that God would guide us through our lessons. 

Thanking for partnering with us to see our Savior glorified. Can you imagine the day when people will be together with us in heaven singing God's praises? For a few moments this morning--I could as all 45 plus all of the missionaries here today were singing "How Great Thou Art" in each person's native language--what an incredible sound it was: it was the sound of the redeemed. Hallelujah!!!