That will technically start in July when we go off mission salary and begin living on social security. But this year is not going to feel like "retirement," because we are going back to Côte d'Ivoire in September to spend a couple of months on the job doing things that had to wait until then. Glenn, who is still doing the work of field treasurer from here, will be going to train the missionary who will be taking over that responsibility, Josh Wohlgemut, who will have arrived on the field by then (the family is currently studying French in France). I, Linn, will be going out to participate in the final phases of preparing the translated Nyarafolo Scriptures for printing. At first I will also be in Ferke for the read-through of the Pentateuch and Psalms, then I will go to Abidjan to help with corrections as the type-setting proceeds.
         This means that we are counting on some of you to remain financial partners after the retirement date at the end of June, with contributions to our Ministry Account (see link at the bottom of the page) that will allow us to travel to do those important tasks, then also to be able to return at some point in 2020 for the dedication of the printed Scriptures and to help in any other way that may be needed.
         
          Another critical need is ongoing support of the Nyarafolo translation team. The Seed Company has been funding the direct translation aspects of their work, but not other activities that foster what is called "Scripture-in-Use" or "Scripture Engagement", such as literature production, literacy promotion, audio-recording of the Scriptures, etc. The team is engaged and continuing these ministries, but we have run out of adequate funding for the salaries of those workers and necessary supplies. Just think how important it is that once the printed Scriptures arrive, people can read them -- and that there be audio-recording for those who cannot! We do know of some other translation projects that received the printed Bibles, but very few are being used. We don't want that to happen! So would some of you like to be ongoing partners, contributing to this key part of the project? If you would even give now (it is much needed), just use the current Nyarafolo Translation Special Project link (an updated one is "en route" so we will eventually transfer any funds to that new one):
https://www.worldventure.com/explore/details-projects.php?name=6462-966-nyarafolo-translation&id=a5RF00000008OXPMA2

May God use us together to accomplish getting out his Word to the Nyarafolo people!