Every Tongue and Nation

1/12 Update - Our Deadline is Near

2012-01-31T13:58:00.001-05:00

The deadline is near!

Click here to learn how to partner with us.

Wycliffe requires us to have our support partnerships established within two years.
If anyone has been waiting for the “right time” to join our team – it is NOW!
The need for technical support at Wycliffe has become more serious due to a recent organizational change. Over 6500 members depend on just a few help desk technicians to resolve their issues. Loren’s background in knowledge management will help get tech experts’ knowledge online so issues can be resolved quicker and translation projects can run smoother.
Now that we no longer have secular jobs, our focus is on completing our prayer and financial team to get started at JAARS as soon as possible.

Bible translation is giving access to God’s Word to over 2000 languages that still need it.
Join us in helping people know God, meet Jesus, and understand His plan for redemption.

Family Update

Thank you for your prayers for Loren’s family after “Grampa” Wiles passed away on 1/3/12. Travels to Wilmington and Maine were very smooth despite car problems and winter weather. Family and friends gathered from many miles around including Loren’s sister (pictured above) who came from Germany. At the memorial services, people gave special tributes of how Grampa had enriched their lives. We are thankful God used Grampa in Loren’s life to impart skills that help keep our cars running, our home repair low, and our budget balanced. While we were in Maine, Matthew and Zack enjoyed all the snow and ice, “igloo” making, snow blowing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling.

For Christmas this year, we were with both our families in Wilmington, NC and Charleston, SC. It was a gift to spend time with Grampa and our new nephew, Miles, who was born on 12/5. Some of our more productive family activities involved felling a “2-ton tree” in Loren’s mother’s back yard and building a play set for Michelle’s sister’s family.

We love hearing from you and always cherish the opportunity to pray for you. Thank you for your prayers, financial partnership, and advocacy to help us begin full-time ministry.

Grace and peace to you,

Loren and Michelle Rothmann

Future Team Members of JAARS Center IT Helpdesk and Health Care

Wycliffe Bible Translators

Phone/Text: 704/451-1596

Email: loren_rothmann@wycliffe.org

Website: www.EveryTongueAndNation.com

Click here to partner with us in prayer and/or finances.

12/11 Update - Happy New Year

2012-01-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

Loren and his Grandfather, Henry Alfred Wiles “Bolo,” at Christmas.

Bolo passed away 1/3/2012 at 94 years old.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-20

It is never so much of a reality that what we have here on earth is temporary as it is when we lose someone close to us. Our purpose here on this earth is to love God and enjoy Him forever. We are to reflect the Glory of our Lord and Savior … nothing else really matters in the end.

How are you planning to store treasure in heaven and reflect God’s Glory this year? Please join us in getting God’s Word translated into the heart language of over 350 million people who don’t have one word.


Prayer & Praise Loren’s job at Wells Fargo has ended and we are now building our prayer and financial team full-time to reach our goal and start work at JAARS. Pray for committed financial partners for the remaining 37% of our monthly support. Pray for decisions regarding selling our house and moving closer to JAARS in the months to come. We got to spend time with Loren’s Grandfather and our new-born nephew “Miles” at Christmas. Though sickness was swirling around us, God kept our family healthy through the holidays. Pray for peace and healing for Loren’s family in NC and Maine as they grieve the loss of “Grandpa.”
There are many ways to partner with us … Give online Bill Pay: Follow instructions for mailing check, except using your bank’s bill pay system. Credit Card (3% goes to cc company): Complete the online Invitation to Partnership. EFT (Electric Funds Transfer): Follow online instructions. Call Wycliffe Donor Relations: 866-736-4387 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 866-736-4387 end_of_the_skype_highlighting Mail a check: Make check payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators (NOT the missionary) Attach [sticky] note to your check saying, “For the ministry of Loren and Michelle Rothmann. Acct# 227068”. Mail check to: Wycliffe Bible Translators P.O. Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862
Thank you for your prayers and support, Loren, Michelle, Matthew and Zack www.everytongueandnation.com 704-451-1596 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 704-451-1596 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Merry Christmas from the Rothmanns

2011-12-14T10:58:00.002-05:00

Christmas is the time each year
where we write a poem to spread some cheer.

It’s the perfect season to realize
how God has been at work in all our lives.

In each and every moment and in every detail,
His hand can be found. He does not fail.

As this year is done and a new one will start,
Loren’s temp job ends –from Wells Fargo he must part.

Our new jobs at JAARS are close at hand.
God will use us in His timing. It’s all in His plan.

What a blessing to wait for and see God’s provision
as we walk in faith toward our Wycliffe vision.

New partners are joining our ministry team.
They pray and encourage us and give us new steam!

One third of our monthly financial need.
That’s all that is left before we proceed!

The boys have done well in the seventh grade.
Homeschooling is certainly no nap in the shade.

Watching them grow and seeing them learn
surpasses any career or money we could earn.

Michelle plays the flute and Zack plays piano.
Three boys love Scouting, and two take Taekwondo!

The water pipe burst and the house was a mess.
Our friends helped us clean up. Oh how we’re blessed!

In the midst of the holiday planning and stir,
our days are crazy and gone in a whir.

We shop for hours for just the right thing,
but only one Gift can make our souls sing.

That gift is Jesus, our precious Redeemer!
He came to save us so with God we’d find favor.

It’s said so much, let it not be cliché:
Jesus is the reason for this happy holiday!

May your blessings at Christmas and in the new year not lack!
Merry Christmas to all,

12/11 Update - Priceless Gift of God's Word

2011-12-05T22:48:00.001-05:00

Wycliffe developed “Translation Acceleration Kits”

to provide solar-powered satellite communication to

translators in remote locations with no electricity.

Translation project time is greatly reduced

and translators avoid unsafe travel.

Stressed about buying, wrapping and delivering gifts? Just remember, God gave us the most precious Gift ever! We didn’t ask for it. It was far more costly than we could afford. It is given to everyone. But it cannot be enjoyed unless it is received. God gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life!

Jesus is a gift that never loses value. He dwells with us in our hearts and He speaks to us through the Bible. Please partner with us so we can help translate His Word for 340 million people to know about the true Gift of Christmas! Click here and consider being a financial supporter with a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation.

December marks the end of Loren’s employment. Please pray that we will have 100% of our monthly financial need by January so Wycliffe will allow us to start our assignments at JAARS.

God is doing mighty works through Wycliffe and we are excited about being a part of it. Thank you for your prayers and support!

God bless you this Christmas and in the upcoming year!

10/11 Update - God is SO Good!

2011-10-22T00:42:00.001-04:00

PRAISES and PRAYER NEEDS

Catching up on house work. Blessed with helppainting front door, shutters, and deck! Still finishing windows/trim.
Loren blessed by men’s fellowship and Biblestudy on God’s intentions for men as husbands, dads, sons, etc.
Blessed to have good camping trips to make funfamily memories and just take time with one another.
Michelle going on weekend women’s retreat 10/27.
We are very thankful to have 65% of our supportpartners. Praying the final 35% will join us by the end of the year.
Zack having minor surgery with generalanesthetic on 10/24.
Michelle struggling with insomnia and migraines.Never good for Mama/teacher to be sick.
Loren’s contract job will be reduced to 20hrs/wk starting November 1 and end December 30.
Significant organizational restructuring andstaff loss in JAARS IT Department. Loren is needed more than ever to maketechnical support available.
Cars are making weird noises, one needs heatfixed, and one has rust spots busting thru. Praying for help or ability to fixthem.

CAMPING ROCKS! We recently took a family camping trip to Kings Mountain, SC and slowed down a little to enjoy God’s creation. We were blessed with blue skies and crisp refreshing air, fall colors peeking through on the forest palette, and moonlight softly shining on our tents. It was an amazing display of our Creator’s work that Psalm 19: 1-4 tells us is there for a special reason.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Imagine people’s response when they receive the Bible in their heart language and discover that God designed all of creation to call them to an intimate relationship with Him.

Wycliffe is currently translating the Bible for 1,525 language groups (representing 2.6 billion people) and seeking to start new projects in the remaining 2000 language groups (340 million people) by the year 2025. Michelle and I are excited that God has called us to use our skills in technology and health care to help realize this goal.

Thank you for your prayers and support as we ask for the remaining 35% of our monthly financial need. Along this journey, God continually proves He is so faithful and He delights in providing for us (Malachi 3:10). We can trust Him in all things!

God bless you!

9/11 - Unlock the Treasure in the Bible

2011-09-13T12:39:00.003-04:00

Sunday was a sobering day remembering the moments of September 11. Many terrifying thoughts and heartbreaking emotions filled our minds that day. God has heard our prayers and we take solace in the promises from His Word.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NASB emphasis added

The Bible tells us God loves us and is in control even when we cannot understand or predict the circumstances around us. Imagine being one of 380 million people who cannot read the Bible because it is locked in a language they cannot understand. How would you deal with times of crisis and loss?

We need YOU to help us make our ministry possible.

Your prayers and financial support will make it possible for us to serve at Wycliffe and get His Word to the Bibleless people of the world. Currently, we are at 56% of our monthly financial need.
We can start at JAARS when we reach 100%.

You might ask…

What is a monthly financial pledge? Wycliffe missionaries do not receive a guaranteed salary. We rely on God to provide through the gifts of interested individuals and churches.

How much should I pledge? There is no minimum and no contract – just pray and ask God to help you decide. He will provide for what your heart desires to give. Every partner helps us meet our monthly budget (whether giving monthly, quarterly, or annually) so we can start/sustain our ministry at JAARS!

Where are you serving; Wycliffe or JAARS? Both! JAARS is a strategic partner with Wycliffe helping missionaries with operational needs like technology, air/land/marine transportation, construction , and much more.

If you would like to pledge, click here or contact Wycliffe with the information on the left.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU!

8/11 Update - God Keeps Providing!

2011-08-15T15:52:00.001-04:00

Hi, friends! Here’s a quick update to share what God is doing in our lives.

Praises:

God answers prayers! We’re over 50% and half way to JAARS!
Great JAARS Day! Loren demonstrated translation software that he will help support.
Matthew won best camper award at Tae Kwon Do camp.
Zack is going for his Second Class rank in Scouts.

Prayer:

We are boldly asking God for 60% of our ongoing monthly support by August and 10%, or more, every month until we reach 100%.
Balance our time well with God, family, home school, jobs, and ministry.
Michelle’s craft shows (8/27 in Cary, 9/3-5 at Matthews Alive) to go well.
Loren’s family to have safe travel to their family reunion in Wilmington the weekend of 8/17.
Home school starting 8/29.

We hope you are enjoying your summer. We’re praying for you and count it a privilege to receive your prayer requests/updates.

God bless you!

Loren and Michelle

7/11 Update - Run With Endurance the Race Marked Out For Us

2011-07-25T20:57:00.001-04:00

We're looking forward to see how God brings together our full prayer and financial team.

Looking back, we see how God has so perfectly provided for us since we began our journey with Wycliffe.

After 2 years of following God to help get us out of debt (Dave Ramsey TMM), we asked Him to miraculously take care of the final amount.
God provided a vehicle that Loren repaired and sold to pay off that final amount. Now we are debt-free; which is a requirement to join Wycliffe! HE PROVIDES!

Loren was laid off at the same time we started raising support for Wycliffe. We prayed for a job and Loren was offered a temporary contract to do exactly what he will be doing for JAARS IT Department. HE PROVIDES!

We are very close to half way in our partnership development and believe that God will bring us to 50% this month! Please join us in fervent prayer and committed financial partnership. God will use any amount that you feel led to give, nothing is too great or too small.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. We would love to sit down with you in person or on the phone and tell you more about what we will be doing at JAARS.

Matthew & Zack geared up for VBS with the theme
“KNOW * LOVE * SERVE” from Deuteronomy 10:12

With love in Christ,

Loren, Michelle, Matthew, and Zack

6/11 Update - Prayers and Preparations

2011-06-17T14:10:00.000-04:00

om·ni·scient

1: having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight

2: having universal or complete knowledge

We are starting to make preparations in our home in anticipation of moving to the JAARS area. A dear friend blessed us by repainting our kitchen cabinet doors leaving our shelves bared open for a short time. Inside our cabinets is not an area we always want to show off.

Even though we sometimes think we can close the doors and show a white-washed version of our hearts to the world, God knows our inward thoughts and fears. When God looks at us the doors are removed and He sees EVERYTHING … the good, bad and the ugly. Why do we try to hide? God loves us so much despite the ugliness of our flesh. He sent his Son to die for us so that we can have an open and real relationship with Him. The Gospel is the only “white-wash” we need. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Your partnership with us helps to get His Good News to over 340 million people who still don’t have a single word.

PRAISES:

· Our camper sold and the cabinets are painted; big help to prepare us for JAARS!
· Loren still has a temporary job to help with the shortage of income due to a still growing partnership team.
· Enjoying summer break and time with [grand] parents.
· The boys passed the test for their next belt/level in Tae Kwon Do.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

· For people to join our support team helping us to reach 100% of our financial need and begin work at JAARS.
· Michelle had CT scan and allergy tests, but still seeking cause of multiple migraines/headaches.
· For us to manage our time in a way that would glorify God in our family, ministry, and work.

With love in Christ,

Click here to partner with us in prayer and/or finances.

05/11 Update - God provides true hope

2011-05-14T17:54:00.003-04:00

Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. Psalm 62:5 (NLT)

King David really sums it up in this verse; Despite negative news and future uncertainties, God provides true and everlasting hope!

What an encouragement this has been to Michelle and me over the past few months. Whatever the circumstances, when we wait quietly and confidently on His plan, He blesses us! God wants us to focus on Him and His sufficiency - taking our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances. Please pray for our endurance as we continue to raise support.

Our financial partners encourage us by how they trust the Lord in their giving. Some thought they could not give enough to make a difference, but God is honoring their obedience. Please don’t think any amount you could give is too little and please don’t hesitate to make your pledge (see link in signature block below). When our financial team is complete, we will be able to fully dedicate our skills to supporting Bible translation for people who are desperate to have His Word.

JAARS Update/Prayer Requests:

· The IT Department is moving forward with the new knowledge management system. Loren is doing everything he can to give pointers and help with the project, but is really needed full time.

· The JAARS Health Clinic is actively searching for a physician and additional nursing staff.

· We need considerable monthly/ongoing support to start working full-time at JAARS.

Family Update

· Matthew and Zack did really well with their Scout fundraising and looking forward to a caving trip in June and Summer Camp in July.

· Michelle is wrapping up the boys’ 6^th grade lessons and taking the boys to visit the grandparents at the beach the week of Memorial Day. Dad will stay home to work on the house and cars. Hopefully, he’ll get the air conditioning working in the station wagon before summer!

· Loren is 10 weeks into his 21-week assignment at Wells Fargo. The experience will benefit him when he starts working at JAARS.

God bless you and thank you for supporting our ministry!

Loren, Michelle, Matthew and Zack

04/11 Update - Careful Pruning

2011-04-14T20:33:00.000-04:00

Praise God for the busy days of Spring! Michelle and I laugh when we catch ourselves in the hubbub of life focusing on what’s here-and-now. God is eternal and He patiently teaches us to wait for His timing and walk in His strength. This past Sunday, our pastor compared God’s eternal perspective to the long-term mindset of a vineyard owner. When planting new vines, they are pruned for years before they begin to produce a crop that is used to make wine. He is preparing us to serve Him with our lives. As we come through challenges with health and finances, we are learning to seek His wisdom and depend on Him more. Here are some verses that have been a blessing to us recently:

…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12: 1-3)

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. (John 15:1-8)

Thank you for joining us in praise and prayer for the following:

Praise:

Michelle and I celebrated 14 years of marriage!
Matthew and Zack earned enough money to pay for Boy Scout Camp this Summer.
The recent hail storms just missed us!

Prayer Requests:

Loren’s father fell and broke both bones in his right leg. Pray for recovery and healing.
We are trying to sell our camper to prepare for moving to JAARS.
For people to respond to God’s prompting to partner with us financially so we can start our assignments at JAARS.

03/11 Update - Get along li'l doggies!

2011-03-11T18:29:00.001-05:00

Yeee haw! The Rothmanns are sniffle-free again so… on with the “cattle drive”! Here are our latest updates:

· Loren’s in the Wells Fargo stagecoach 1/6th of the way in helping develop a new/improved knowledge base. Praise God for this blessing: gaining skills and paying bills!

· Michelle’s sewing handbags and heading to market in Charleston this weekend (YMCA Flowertown Festival). Please pray for happy trails and good sales!

· Matthew and Zack are selling BBQ for their Scout Troop fundraiser making camping adventures possible like this weekend to the New River Trail State Park in VA. Pray it doesn’t snow!

· Praise God for 6 new partners in our support team this month! We still have a considerable monthly financial need, but God knows that

and He is SO faithful provide what we need to serve Him at JAARS!

It’s a pretty busy season in our lives, so thanks for praying for us to stay focused on the Reason for the season. Yesterday, our pastor talked about Jesus taking the disciples across the Sea of Galilee. He didn’t tell them, “Jump in, let’s go for a life-threatening ride over the Sea of Galilee! OH! By the way; I’m going to take a nap while you guys sweat it out.” No, He took the disciples through that experience to help them grow in their faith/humility/obedience and know that He was in FULL control of the outcome! We are so excited that God has called us to support Bible translation so 350 million others can have access to this and other encouraging Scriptures:

· If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you - James 1:5

· No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. - Hebrews 12:9-11

· For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

02/11 Newsletter - Needed!

2011-02-28T18:36:00.004-05:00

Click here for the online PDF copy.

THEY NEED ME NOW!

God has given Wycliffe technology—laptops, solar power, email, video conferencing, translation software, and more—that has accelerated many Bible translations significantly by decades! For 20 years the JAARS IT Department has sought a system of documenting their solutions for technical issues to maximize helpdesk resources, and equip specialists and users to find solutions faster. When these answers are available and easy to find, Wycliffe members can work more efficiently and Bible translation is completed sooner.

For the past 12 years, God has been preparing me with skills and passion for Knowledge Management. I love helping people find the information they need to resolve technical issues and understand how to more effectively use technology. The way my skills match a specific need at JAARS is one of the reasons I know that God has called me to this ministry. My managers and coworkers at the JAARS IT Department call and write me excited that God is adding me to the team to expand and improve their services.

Please join us in praying for people to partner with our family in financial support so that I can start this assignment! —Loren

WE NEED YOU NOW!

It’s February, but we still need considerable monthly support to start at JAARS. If you have considered supporting our ministry in prayer and/or finances, NOW IS THE TIME. Click here if you would like to partner with us now, or call us if you plan to partner in the near future so we can add your pledge to our overall support percentage. God wants to use our skills at JAARS and they need us to start immediately.

· The JAARS Health Clinic needs nurses like Michelle so they can stay open more than three half days each week.

· The JAARS IT Department needs Loren’s skills to make information available for Wycliffe missionaries around the world who need assistance with their computer and other technical issues.

What happens before we have 100% support?

· We will need temporary employment to cover living expenses—reducing time to schedule speaking engagements, appointments and other fundraising activities.

· Technical issues will continue to hinder the translation projects due to limited access to solutions.

· Several Wycliffe members at JAARS will not have access to the Health Clinic’s low-cost services.

That being said, we know two things: God has a plan to bless His children (Jeremiah 29:11); and with Him all things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)

Friends from Germany gave Loren the opportunity to come tell them about our ministry. Eighteen years ago, these friends invested in Loren’s life to help him grow in his faith and see strong examples of Christian family life.

Since German is Loren’s second language, it was a reminder to him how discipleship and understanding are so much stronger with God’s Word in his “heart” language (American English). Wycliffe wants to start translation projects for 2,200 language groups around the world who do not have a single word of the Bible. Our German friends are joining our ministry in prayer and financial support. Will you join us too?!

TRUE STORY

An IT specialist in Africa met with mother-tongue translators from an area wracked by war. During their time together, he asked them to list the most difficult challenges they faced. The men compiled a long list of the difficulties and obstacles they faced doing translation work in a war zone. Then they voted for their top seven obstacles. Civil war came near the top of the list – but it was second. The number one hindrance on their list was the lack of computer support!

11/10 Newsletter - God's Calling

2010-11-16T20:31:00.006-05:00

Click here for PDF version

God Calling Loren

When our support is raised, my first assignment at JAARS will be to help design and implement an online library (a.k.a. knowledge management system) for the IT helpdesk. They will use it to collect technical solutions and important information that will help thousands of Wycliffe missionaries around the world.

For example; it will help Roger run his laptop and video projector when showing the
JESUS Film to people in Dibagat, Philippines. It will help Mandowen maintain a satellite connection from a remote location in Southeast Asia to send/receive translation work with consultants in Texas. It will help Melissa (a teacher at the Wycliffe center in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea) stay connected with her family in the US via email and video-phone.

God has blessed Wycliffe with technology that helps bring His Word to the ends of the world. It is exciting that He has given me skills to help people maximize the potential of this technology. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer and finances to be a part of this work.

God Calling Michelle

The JAARS Health Clinic offers low-cost medical services to over 700 missionaries at the JAARS Center. This includes acute care, important immunizations, physicals and health information for traveling and living overseas. Appointments can be scheduled around the missionaries’ short-term stays, training schedules, and limited means of transportation. Imagine how much this helps a family of six when they have less than a month before deployment.

Currently, due to a great need for doctors and nurses, the clinic’s hours have been cut back to just three mornings a week. Please join me in praying that the clinic will be fully staffed again to provide their specialized services.

The burden in my heart for this ministry grows daily. Please pray that God will provide the financial support our family needs so I can offer my nursing and administrative skills to people who are committed to translating God’s Word for the 340 million people around the globe who need it!

God Calling You

God uses the prayers and financial support of individuals and churches to make the ministries of Wycliffe missionaries possible. We are required to have 100% of our monthly budget before we can start our assignments. Please join our team (see “partnering” information below) to help us reach this goal by February 2011. Thank you for contributing to the work of Bible translation that impacts millions of people!

Hi! My name is Matthew. Did you know that some languages never had one word of the Bible? Wycliffe is changing that and my Mom and Dad are joining them. My Mom used to be a nurse at a hospital in Matthews, NC. My Dad used to work at Wells Fargo fixing computers.

There are 6,860 active languages in the world. I was amazed when I heard some languages don’t have an alphabet and over 2,000 of them have never had a single word from the Bible! That is when I realized that this is no easy job! Translators have to go to foreign places and make friends without even knowing their language or culture. They go through a series of steps to figure out the language and write a new alphabet. After 15—20 years they may translate the whole Bible! That’s all for now. Write you later! - Matthew

Hi! My name is Zack. I think it is awesome that my Mom and Dad will be working at JAARS. The stuff there I like the most is: the airport hangars and aviation machine shops; the Museum of the Alphabet; the pool and playgrounds; the youth center; the camping areas and hiking trails. That’s all I can fit in our Kid’s Korner this time. Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving Day! Sincerely, Zack

PRAISE & PRAYER

We have been so blessed by your prayers because God is so faithful to answer them! Thank you for letting us know how we can join you in prayer and praise to our Lord! Here are our current praise reports and prayer requests:

Praise God for opening doors, preparing us, and giving us a stronger vision for our ministries at JAARS.
Praise for encouragement from new friends who served many years as missionaries.
Praise Him for special times with family and friends camping and enjoying the outdoors.
Praise for Loren’s German friend who is flying him to Frankfurt in January or February. Pray that God would be glorified as Loren reunites with friends and shares how God will be using us at Wycliffe.
Pray for staff at the JAARS Health Clinic so they can meet the health needs of missionaries and their families.
Pray that Loren will be able to start at the Wycliffe/JAARS IT department by February 2011. The transition to the new knowledge base must start as soon as possible because the license for the old system expires October 2011.
Pray for God to lead us to people who want to join our ministry team.
Pray for our Thanksgiving visits to family in Wilmington and Charleston.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

GOD BLESS YOU!

09/10 Update - Praise and Prayer Requests

2010-09-29T08:59:00.004-04:00

Just a quick note to let you know how God has been working in and blessing our lives this past week:

PRAISES:

• Our truck sold!
• Missions Expo at our church this weekend provided encouraging testimonies from other missionaries and good opportunities to share information about Wycliffe.
• The JAARS IT department called today with an encouraging update about the knowledge management system/process that Loren will be working with.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• JAARS Health Clinic called Michelle with an urgent need for nurses and doctors so they can stay open more than 3 mornings weekly.
• Our Wycliffe start date and the end of Loren’s Wachovia severance package is approaching quickly. Please pray for partners to join our ministry team who can pledge monthly financial support.
• JAARS Day is this Saturday (9a-3p, October 2). Pray for people to catch the vision for Bible translation and join as missionaries or supporters.

We would love to see you at JAARS Day, so if you can’t find us, please feel free to call us on our cell phones when you get there. (L: 704-451-1596, M: 704-806-4039)

Michelle and I would also be privileged to pray for you. Please feel free to call or email us anytime!

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!
Loren and Michelle

9/10 Newsletter - Navigating New Waters

2010-09-02T11:54:00.001-04:00

Click here for full newsletter with pictures.

NAVIGATING NEW WATERS
God spoke to Isaiah (55:8) saying, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”. God is using our journey with Wycliffe to change our perspectives and mold our character. At the end of July, Loren was laid off due to a corporate merger. It is not a good time to be unemployed, and he misses daily interaction with friends he made over 13 years. God reassures us that we can rely on His provision and count on His ways. In life we don’t always know exactly how or when things will work, but God is in control of each detail; we just have to trust and obey.

PEOPLE CHAIN
Friends from Loren’s home church in Wilmington, NC hosted a dessert party for us to tell members about our calling to Wycliffe/JAARS. Part of our presentation was a fun activity called the People Chain. Volunteers played the role of a translator and a team of people who help the translator reach the Bibleless people of the world. The team (see picture) is made up of people with special skills and resources including computer technicians (6), health care workers (5), teachers for missionaries’ kids (4), mechanics (3), construction workers (2), pilots (1). Where are 7 and 8? Those are the people we still need: prayer partners, and financial partners. Would you consider joining with us?

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING BIBLE TRANSLATION
Advances in Internet technology are helping translators get the Word of God in the “heart language” of isolated communities in remote areas of the world. Satellite uplinks and cellular broadband are used in some areas to provide Internet connections that allow translators and consultants who are in distant locations see the same computer screen and simultaneously speak to each other. When the translation team in Musoma, Tanzania wants help with their Simbiti translation of the Gospel of Luke they can now connect with John Macaulay, translation consultant who works from his home in Holland. John says, "The location of the translation project is not necessarily the greatest obstacle. Thanks to programs like Skype, we can now have people working together wherever there’s a good Internet connection."
Of course, not all language communities are blessed with the technology to access the Internet (some do well to have electricity). So it will be a while before working in this way becomes the norm. However, for a few, technology of this kind is making a real impact in bringing a completed Bible translation one step closer.

JAARS DAY
Come visit us at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, NC on Saturday, October 2 from 9AM-3PM. JAARS Day is a FREE open-house event where you can:
- See aviation demonstrations.
-Learn how Bible translators work.
-Interact with the people from various departments.
-Chat with translators and other missionary speakers.
-Attend missionary stories and other events for children.
-Visit the Alphabet and Mexico Museums.
-Take airplane, helicopter, or off-road vehicle tours (tickets required).
For more information call us or call the JAARS Center at
800-890-0628. You can also visit the website at
http://www.jaars.org/events/jaars-day-waxhaw-nc-3 .

WE PRAISE GOD FOR:
- Loren’s layoff from his corporate job giving us more time to focus on building a ministry team.
-The opportunity to share information with Sunday School classes at our home church about our calling to JAARS/Wycliffe.
-Good times visiting with family and friends from Germany and New Jersey.
-Our 1993 vehicles (including the recently acquired “Af-Ford-able”) that are running well and have cool air conditioning! (Please pray this continues!)

PLEASE JOIN US IN PRAYING FOR:
- Strength for our family to contend with spiritual warfare.
- Patience and perseverance with home schooling during our life transitions.
- Help from committed financial partners to meet our ministry budget so we can start our full-time assignments at JAARS by February 2011.
- Buyers for our truck and camper.

In His Service,
Loren, Michelle, Matthew and Zack

07/10 Newsletter - Making a Difference

2010-06-27T16:30:00.001-04:00

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One day, a man walking down the beach saw a young man in the distance picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. “May I ask what it is that you are doing?" The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean." “Why?” he asked. The young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die." Upon hearing this, the man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!" At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "It made a difference to that one."
The task of saving the starfish was overwhelming and it seemed that one person hardly made a difference. Wycliffe’s task of translating the Bible and reaching the world for God is also too large for one person. He designed it that way so that no one could boast and the glory would be given to Him. In our weakness He is strong (2 Cor. 12:9). Each of us are called to use the gifts He has given us to lead people to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Sometimes we ask, “What difference can I possibly make?” The answer is; none apart from Him. He is doing mighty things and uses us to accomplish them—what a blessing! We want to serve God full-time in IT and health care and are confident that God is preparing the hearts of people to come alongside us in prayer and monthly financial partnership.
Only two things on this earth last for eternity—God’s Word and people’s souls. Please help us to be able to start this ministry at Wycliffe and make an eternal impact. To partner with us financially or sign up to be on our prayer team, please use the information below. We would love to pray for you too! Please feel free to call or email us with your requests.

05/10 Commissioning Service at First Baptist Church of Matthews

2010-05-14T21:25:00.000-04:00

What an awesome encouragement as we become missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

05/10 Newsletter - Our Wycliffe Orientation

2010-05-06T12:44:00.006-04:00

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John 3:16 tells of God's path to eternal life, but imagine not being able to understand 5 of the larger words:
For God so loved the world that He gave his only ____ Son, that _____ ____ in Him should not ______ but have _____ life.
Even more tragic, there are over 2,250 language groups that don’t have a single word of Scripture in the language they grew up with; their heart language. Wycliffe’s vision is to start a translation project in each of these groups by the year 2025 so that further generations will not pass without hearing God’s message of joy, hope and eternal life.

We just returned from two weeks of orientation at Wycliffe USA. What a powerful blessing to see God equipping pilots, linguists, teachers, business people and more to serve vital roles in taking His Word to the 350 million Bible-less people in the world. We want to be a part of this vision! Loren has been offered a position supporting computer technology that improves the quality of translation and can reduce project completion time from 25+ years to less than 10. Michelle will be serving as a nurse at the JAARS Health Clinic to provide missionaries with health care services such as immunizations, physicals and checkups.

We are eager to start our assignments, but we need a team to come alongside us. For example:
• We need people to pray for us and share the blessing of how God fulfills His promise in John 15:16 - providing all requests made in His name.
• You may be gifted in encouraging by calling or sending letters. This will be much needed as we face challenges and trials (Romans 15:4-6).
• Please consider partnering with us in financial support. God provides Wycliffe missionaries with pledges from individuals and churches. We cannot start our assignments until pledges equal 100% of our ministry budget.

Please pray about joining our team and respond by completing our Invitation to Partnership.

We hope to have an opportunity to personally connect with you soon and share more about this exciting new journey.

Matthew and Zack’s class

and former Wycliffe President George Cowan (cente

Wycliffe President Bob Creson and wife Dallas

(No, Zack’s tongue did not inspire our newsletter name!)

Equip 6 orientation at Wycliffe USA Headquarters in Orlando, FL (April 2010

03/10 Newsletter - First Steps

2010-04-24T23:33:00.005-04:00

September of last year, we took a field trip to the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, NC. JAARS provides technical support and resources to missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. The vision of Wycliffe is to translate the Bible into every language in the world still needing it. The JAARS Museum of the Alphabet was a treasure trove on the history of writing systems and how new ones are still being developed. Fascinated by the diverse resources and projects at the JAARS Center, we decided to look into opportunities in IT and healthcare there.

Soon afterwards, God started opening doors showing us that this was the direction He wanted us to go. We completed the application process in January and are very excited to have been accepted as members of Wycliffe. Loren’s assignment will be with the IT department at the JAARS Center using his helpdesk and knowledge management skills. Michelle will continue to home school the boys and hopes to work part-time at the JAARS Health Clinic.

Our current task is to complete Wycliffe’s 8-week missionary orientation program: Equip. The first 6 weeks are completed online (about 1-2 hours / day) and the last 2 weeks (April 9-25) are onsite at Wycliffe USA headquarters in Orlando, FL. Matthew and Zack are excited to go with us to Orlando as they will attend courses for missionary kids.

In May we will send out our first newsletter with more information about Wycliffe and how we will be serving. Please pray about whether you might partner with us in prayer and financial support. In the meantime, we appreciate your prayers as we follow God down this exciting new path!

Blessings: Loren, Michelle, Matthew, Zack