Bill and Kathy Gwyer Connecting YOU to global tribal missions April Update
Greetings from Florida! March – April
After two weeks of intensive sessions, Translation Workshop finished Friday! Maybe that doesn’t mean much to you, but it was extremely interesting to those who were here, because, in attendance were two Ayoré men, right out of a primitive village! They were here to help show better methods of how to use language helpers in translating the scriptures. Can you imagine what it would be like if you were transported right from your home into a primitive Indian village in South America? Now think what it would be like to transport a primitive Indian to America! One of the men had visited a city, but the other had never been outside his village. Can you imagine what it must be like to ride in a car for the very first time—or fly in a plane? Neither of the men could speak anything other than their own language, though one of them knew a few words of Spanish!
When these men were approached with the idea of coming to Florida for the workshop, they were told by their family members that if they left the village, they would die. I’m sure there were many tears shed when those men left, because the villagers believed they were saying good-bye for the very last time.
There have been quite a few seminars these past few weeks and many of our folks came through headquarters to attend. It is always wonderful to renew old acquaintances and lots of fun to figure out where our paths have crossed when we see familiar faces! My biggest joy has been to see my brother Lance who is home for medical leave but who has also been able to attend the second week of the seminar. It will be hard to say goodbye again, but that seems to be what we are best at doing! Lance and Laura will be heading back to the Philippines the beginning of July after spending a few weeks with their kids.
Bill and his boss will be leaving for a few days in May to attend a Postal Forum in California. When I paid the bill for their tickets, I noticed there was nothing written in for the wives, so that means we are staying behind! The mission is sending him there so he can learn better and less expensive ways to send Chronological curriculums and DVD’s around the world. It has been exciting to hear how the missionaries are using these methods to better explain who God is and how He has provided a way for these dear people to know the hope we have in Jesus.
We received a phone call telling us the school we taught at for 21 years is closing its doors this year because of the situation and also because there are no more students. Most of the supplies—books and curriculums—will be packaged up to be sent to Paraguay where they will be used in the school for missionaries’ children. We are so thankful all those things can be used by another school and not just tossed out. The remaining teachers will be returning this summer for home assignment and then looking to the Lord for where He would have them serve.
Please be praying for the strength and wisdom we need daily in our jobs. It isn’t easy sometimes, and more often than not we come home exhausted. We haven’t lost the thrill in serving others, though! Thank you so much for standing with us in prayer and in giving; you are important to us as we couldn’t do this job without you!
February letter
Dear Praying Partners,
We want to take this time to thank you for your prayers for us and for the work of New Tribes Mission. The Lord has blessed us with some faithful prayer partners—we are so thankful you are part of this group. Please be praying for the following requests.
Sickness and family problems kept us occupied in January.
There have been several seminars these past few weeks, which has kept everyone busy. Again, it has been wonderful to see people we haven’t seen in years! There is nothing like the family of God as there is a closeness that never seems to disappear. Please be in prayer for the upcoming translation seminar in March. This seminar will be an aid for those who are involved in translating the Word of God into the different tribal languages.
News came from a tribe in Venezuela who had a conference of over 600 who arrived to worship and share the Word of God—minus missionaries! Because of the economy, food is very scarce and these native Christians have felt the pinch. How does one feed 600 people when there is no food? God always seems to have the last word, doesn’t He? He sent a herd of wild pigs through the village and over 100 pigs were killed. The tribal group sent word that this was the best they had eaten in a very long time! Isn’t God something? If He can direct pigs, He can certainly direct our lives!
Please be in prayer for my brother, Lance Ostman, and his wife Laura, who are returning from the Philippines in March due to health concerns. They have just finished the final check on Luke, which means the New Testament is now ready for the printers! Soon the completed New Testament will be in the hands of the Higaonan people!
In spite of the economic news, the Lord continues to bless the work of New Tribes Mission. Watching God supply has been an eye-opening revelation; I can see the results because of where I work. Because part of my job is answering the phone to take in donations, I see this as an extended part of my ministry. Some of these folks are really hurting due to health problems, etc.; what a privilege it is to pray for them. I love it when they call back to tell me how the Lord answered!
We have some news to share! Jennifer is pregnant with her fourth (grandchild number 12), due the end of June. This time they are getting the help of a midwife so they won’t know the gender of the child until he/she is born. We will all be surprised but we are hoping for a little boy to join Darren, which will make two of each!
May the Lord bless you richly this coming year!