Chris and I drove to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and back on Tuesday, October 21st. We left at 4:20 am from Grand Rapids and drove straight there; just an effort on our part to minimize time away from the kids. Chris had scans in the morning, both CT and MRI, and we took a walk downtown as we waited for our appointment slot with the doctors. We met with our teams, lymphoma and neuro-oncology, and both are confident as they review blood work and scans that Chris is doing well. We praise God for his mercies! Chris’s next set of scans will be in January, and then again in April, continuing every 3 months.
While we live in the US we are in roles which are very similar to when we lived in Thailand. Our day-to-day life has changed significantly…but amazingly, our work has changed very little. “Same same but different” as we often say in Thailand. We are honored to continue to serve with Wycliffe from the US and that the reasons that have forced us to return to the US have not forced us to abandon the work to further Bible translation for those who do not yet have access. The Lord would have us serve at such a time as this when technology has made it possible to serve anywhere in the world. Historically, in missions, the emphasis has been on “going”. And yes, going is still pivotal in the work of missions, but it is no longer the only way to serve. The Bible was not written at a time when the technology we have all come to love/hate was possible, and yet the Lord has opened doors to allow service from anywhere and everywhere when “going” is not wise or possible.
“Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.” – John 4:35-37
John 4 is an encouragement to me – the message I receive is a charge to be faithful where God has placed me, though it may not be the location of my choice. The disciples had the gift of reaping what they did not sow, also in a location not of their preference (Samaria). Both the sower and the reaper are called to obedience and faithfulness despite circumstances.
Chris is working on several different projects, including the intersection of AI and Bible translation. It is a challenging dynamic to use AI for Bible translation and it must be done prudently. One of the biggest joys for Chris over the course of his work is when translators provide feedback regarding the software which he and his team work on:
“I am literally speechless. I’ve had a look at the first file, using English and the NT as the sources, and it is amazing. It’s a very good draft. If we can do a draft of the entire OT using this method it will take 20 +years off the translation timeline for the OT. Yes, we will still go through every verse and check and correct and tweak but oh my goodness what a blessing that would be.
It took us 27 years to translate the NT. And our translation team is now working on the OT. I am 63 years old now and was planning on retiring soon and passing the baton on to the team to carry the work on. If I could help them with a good beginning draft of the OT before I retire that would be so incredible. Then they would have something, as rough as it may be, to guide them a bit. Otherwise, I feel like I’m leaving them high and dry and walking away. Actually, this new possibility has given me more thought about continuing to work with the team to finish the OT. What a miracle that would be. I said to my wife this morning, “Honey, this confirms to my heart that God really wants [these] people to have the OT in their language!”
Please pass on our immense thanks to your team for the amazing work you all are doing. Keep doing it. You are making a huge impact on the lives of people around the world for His Kingdom.”
– Bible translation advisor
And so, in addition we thank so many of you for your support and care for our family that has enabled us to continue to serve, either in Thailand or the US.
Please be in prayer for decisions and discussions around the use of AI in Bible translation. Naturally, there are strong opinions.
We ask for prayer for us as we navigate another year of medical bills as our new plan year began October 1. Last year, we tracked that we spent more than $3000 over and above our out of pocket maximum ($10,600). We are very thankful for medical insurance, our medical team, and the care we receive; though the costs are a challenge, especially within the US system. Click to read more about our financial needs this year.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
It’s really encouraging to read what that gentleman/translator had to say. I hope that that sort of thing really buoys your spirits and your efforts in the light of the very different circumstances under which the Lord has you working. We know that it is his will that is allowing this to happen, as hard as it probably seems. We trust him and his unfailing mercies and grace, his steadfast love to each of you and to us. In him, we live and move and have our being. There it is. Sent with our love and promises of daily prayer.
So glad that the doctors are liking your progress and may He give you great wisdom as you tackle the challenges on how to use AI.
May God bless your time as a family while you’re in the US.
Caryl
Thank you for the wonderful update. So thankful for the good news from Chris’ tests! Might add that our first experiment with using AI for Old Testament drafting was also very encouraging.:-)
I love getting your letters and updates. Praying as always!
Love you!
I think about your family often. When I do, I pray. For complete healing for Chris. For mercy, comfort and grace for your whole family. I am thankful for the updates, and pray that each visit to NW brings more good news and more gratitude. Peace to you all.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Still following your journey and praising God for His healing and sustaining hand upon you. Thank you for your faithfulness in following wherever He leads. Here is a poetic response I recently wrote in thinking about Psalm 23:
The LORD is my wonderful shepherd,
What more could I dare to ask?
He beds me where I fear no leopard,
In His peaceful presence I bask.
When I long for cool mountain waters,
He knows where to find the best streams,
He treats me as His precious daughter,
I’m living the life of my dreams.
Though I daily tread this Hard Valley,
Where death hangs over me dark,
I know He has walked it before me,
And with me! It’s more of a lark!
His rod is my needed protection,
As I wander His righteous path,
His crook gently gives me direction,
No need to fear any wrath.
He’s preparing a feast before me,
My enemies staring aghast,
They can’t believe this is for me,
Considering my checkered past.
My cup overflows like a fountain,
He anoints me with oil on my head,
Preparing for tasks on the mountain,
Which surely stills lies ahead.
His mercy and goodness chase after,
Wherever my feet try to go,
I hear His spontaneous laughter,
He is with me forever, I know.
So good to hear this favorable report
May Gods Word continue to direct your steps and fill your hearts
Thank you for sharing your good news! We are praying for you.
Oh Chris and Rebecca, what a wonderful report. Beyond the obvious health report, as encouraging as that is, what you are involved in through your continued involvement in translation is amazing. The quote on the cautious value of AI in the beginning stages of translation is also worth noting.
May God continue top give you both insight and strength to carry on what is possible from a US setting.
Thanks for the updates. Beautiful photos and narrative of what’s going on in your lives in the USA. Same same but different, now I know where my sister and her husband got that from. They served for a year in Thailand. (I’m assuming that this is a translation of a common Thai expression?). So glad to hear of good reports on your health Chris. And, yes, speakers of minority languages will benefit tremendously by having the OT as well. When I started with WBT/SIL in 1996 there was this idea that you work on the NT and move on. I guess part of the story is better than none. However, when we were ministering in an area where people had some idea of the OT, except from a different faith tradition, they really needed to have OT passages to correct their misunderstandings and confusion. One person said only working towards a NT is like giving a roofer a ladder with all the bottom rungs missing.
Blessings,
Dawson
Dear Becca, Chris, Luis, Lucas, & Emalene,
Praising our Lord for all of this amazing news!
He is at work through and in all of you.
Love you all,
Aunt Dawn
Thank you for the encouragement your words are to me about thriving where I’m planted. I’m also praising God for good reports and that at least your work has remained much the same. May God continue to walk with you all in your journey to adjust and heal.
Awesome news. Praise God for your perseverance and faithfulness as you experience and share God’s perseverance faithfulness to you. I pray each scan and blood test remains clear. I praise the Lord for the glimpse of the impact that you are having on Bible Translation. May the Lord keep you and fill you and cause His face to shine upon you. Amen.
I always enjoy reading your updates and am encouraged by your faithfulness. We serve a big God whether it’s in Grand Rapids, Thailand or Harrison Township. Best wishes on your recovery, Chris!
I am always encouraged by these updates – your honesty, insights and trust in God are so beautiful. And this update Is no different, especially with what the Bible translator adviser shared…..so exciting!
Encouraging updates on your family! Praise God for the progress in continuing translation of His Word for the good of His followers and the salvation of new believers.
Thank you for your update. Praying for you all and wish I werevtherevto be helpful.
Chris and Becca
What a loving,faithful,merciful God .
Great report. Will keep you in prayer that all your needs will be met.
Your faith is such an encouragement.