Every Tongue, October 2007

[view this prayer letter as a pdf]

Dear praying friends,

Thank you so much for your prayers over the last few months. A lot has happened since we last sent out a prayer letter – here's a taste of what we've been up to...

We're both enjoying work, but finding that we have more than enough to keep us busy each day.

Mark has had the privilege of organising a couple of events for people interested in the work of Wycliffe lately. In early September, fourteen 18-25 year-olds came together to encourage each other in their passion for Bible translation and mission. During the weekend we thought more about Bible translation and how it honours God and reflects his character, as well as reminding us of the ultimate translation – Jesus, as God into humanity!

“Wycliffe and Me,” held at the end of September, attracted 17 people who were interested in Wycliffe and how they can get involved in the task of Bible translation, with many of them considering going overseas. Please pray for them as they think and pray about where God would have them in the future.

As well as continuing in his job as recruitment co-ordinator for Wycliffe UK, Mark has been teaching phonetics (writing down and reproducing strange sounds) on one of the recent courses for new Wycliffe
members going overseas. This has been a lot of fun, and it's really exciting to play a part in equipping others to work overseas in Bible translation projects.

WOW!

Back in July Mark was teaching and Laura participating in the “Window on Wycliffe” course here at the Wycliffe Centre. It was a chance to find out more about the work of Wycliffe, for those thinking about serving overseas and also for new recruits into the organisation. There were 26 people on the course from 5 different countries, with a large Dutch contingent which made the event a lot of fun! It was also
fascinating to look at the various types of work that go on within Wycliffe as well as thinking about some of the cultural and ethical issues involved in living overseas.

Laura has been continuing in her job as Personal Assistant to the Executive Director of Wycliffe UK, which she is enjoying. Her schedule can be variable, meaning that one week is relaxed and the next busy, but overall it seems to work out well. One of her roles is to take minutes at the quarterly Wycliffe UK board of trustees meeting, which was a bit daunting the first time but it is something that she is getting used to!

We are thankful for our local church where we have been able to join a home group, which has been an encouragement to us. We have also been helping with the children's work in the church, which includes children from both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds. Please pray that the Lord would build up these children in their faith.

We had a few days of holiday on the Pembrokeshire coast in Wales with Mark's parents in August, where we were able to relax and enjoy one of the rare glimpses of the sun in this past English “summer”. It was great to be able to walk some of the coastal paths and see the beautiful scenery in that part of the world.

November promises to be a busy month for us, with several important recruitment events happening around the country. In her role on the Social Committee, Laura will be helping to organise a bonfire and fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes night.

And then in early December Mark will be organising another “Wycliffe and Me” event, this time in York in northern England. Please pray for us in the busy time ahead, for strength and protection, and especially that we would remain focussed on the Lord in all that we do.

We're excited that in December we'll be heading off to the USA where we'll have the privilege of celebrating two weddings – Laura's brother, Michael and his fiancée Marie, and one of Laura's best friends, April and her fiancé Jonathan. It will also be a chance for us to catch up with one of our sending churches in northern California which we're really looking forward to.

Please pray for us as we are hoping for the opportunity to encourage others to partner with us in the work that we're doing in the task of Bible translation.

Thank God for:

Continued provision of accommodation and our other needs here in the UK
The encouragement and friendship of the new Wycliffe members in training
The opportunity to be more involved in our local church
All He has been teaching us over the last couple of months

Please pray for:

Potential Wycliffe recruits as they pray about the future
Protection as we serve Him over the next few months
The children in our church and community
Growth in our walk with Him
Unity in our marriage and with friends and work colleagues

Our website: www.everytongue.co.uk
Wycliffe UK: www.wycliffe.org.uk

Mark and Laura Woodward, 23/10/2007