A couple of years ago I heard a few spots on the radio about Wycliffe Bible Translators. As part of the program, they kept pleading for volunteers to help with their goal of seeing a translation effort in every language that needs it by 2025.
Today about 340 million people do not have the Bible in their own language. Wycliffe’s vision is to see the Bible accessible to all people in the language they understand best. To make this vision a reality, Wycliffe also focuses on community development, literacy development and church partnerships.
At the time, I had found myself with a little time on the side and thought I might be able to help with some work from home. Given that software development sometimes lends itself to telecommuting, I figured I’d give ’em a call.
After going through the application process and being approved as a Wycliffe volunteer, the first opportunity they sent my way was a 1 year commitment in Papua New Guinea! I’ll admit to being somewhat enticed by the idea. But it wasn’t practical! I have a wife, three kids, I’m very involved at their school and at the church. Too many commitments, too many relationships. So, I passed.
Over the course of the next couple years, an occasional email would come through asking for software developers or IT help in different parts of the world. I kept looking for something that I could do from home, and even responded a few times mentioning that I would be a great fit, except that I wasn’t in a position to move my family.
In the last month or so, the Lord has been working on us. At church we’ve wrapped up a series on I Corinthians 13, the love chapter. One of the underlying themes throughout the series this time around has been on having a “biblical perspective”. Remembering our God given purposes, and using what He has given us towards what He has called us to.
The Monday after a message that was heavy on missions, guess what popped into my inbox… Papua New Guinea. I prayed it over some and moved on. But this time, it stuck in my mind. I mentioned it to a couple of close friends and we took it to prayer. It was starting to “bug” me so I decided to mention it to my wife so she could knock some sense in to me. When I mentioned it to her, I just about fell out of my chair, when she said we should pray about it!
Well, a lot of prayer and rumination later, we decided God was telling us to take the next step! I responded and am now looking over a bunch of information about Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Ukarumpa. Not sure where this will end up, but I imagine it would be blog worthy so I’ll plan to make updates here on occasion and more information pours in.
God Bless!
-Chad
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