February 2020 Wycliffe newsletter from Jim & Lauren Killam
Leave no one behind
In the past several years, the Bible translation movement has identified hundreds of Deaf sign languages previously uncounted. Globally there are more than 400. None yet have the complete Bible.
Yes, Bible translation will begin in the next few years for every language still needing it, including all of those sign languages. But the additional languages have been a good reminder that this is no simple countdown. We believe the careful effort to account for every language reflects the heart of God.
Historically, Deaf people have been the ultimate outsiders. Pitied, ignored, dismissed as worthless or even, in some cultures, treated like animals. All of which flies in the face of Scripture, most specifically 2 Peter 3:9 ...
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (NIV)
The U.S. Army Ranger Creed states: "I will never leave a fallen comrade to fall into the hands of the enemy.” That’s based on a latin term, nemo resideo, which means “leave no one behind,” and it’s part of most military leadership training. Every person matters.
One of the things we like best about serving with Wycliffe is that nemo resideo underlies everything we do. Every person on earth matters to God, and therefore to us. No one is beyond his reach. No language community is too small or insignificant not only to receive God’s Word, but also to take part in translating it.
India, 2015. After teaching a workshop, Jim shot photos at the edge of the Arabian Sea with his friend and colleague, Joel (left).
Early progress
My (Jim’s) job with the Wycliffe Global Alliance is to provide journalism and communications training and mentorship to our member organizations, so they are better equipped to report stories of what God is doing in their midst. The early months of my assignment have been about laying groundwork. Most of our 110-plus organizations are small. Most don’t have a full-time communications person. How, then, to report stories? How to leverage for God’s kingdom the best communication capabilities humanity has ever known?
Most of my early work has been from home, meeting online with people all over the world. Rather than approach organizations with a one-size-fits-all prescription, I am doing a lot of listening. What are the challenges in reporting stories? What types of training would help most, and what are the best ways to deliver those? In short, how can I best serve?
2020 travel plans (so far)
February: Texas at the end of the month to visit friends and colleagues from Wycliffe, SIL and the Seed Company.
April: Johannesburg, South Africa, for team meetings plus leading a short workshop.
May: Holzhausen, Germany, to help teach a weeklong workshop for colleagues from Wycliffe Global Alliance organizations. Lauren plans to come along for this one!
September: Johannesburg again to cover the global gathering of Alliance leaders.
Thanks so much for your partnership, and especially for your prayer support.
