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7715 RADIN RD    WAXHAW  NC  28173-8440    rrdurie@wbt.org    704-843-3681    12/20/09

 

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MERRY CHRISTMAS 2009

Christmas came early in Sigana, Solomon Islands.  The Anglican Bishop declared on October 9, “Today is Christmas Day for the Bughotu people.  Jesus was a foreigner speaking to us in a different language.  Today we receive Jesus of the Bughotu, to read the Jesus of Bughotu, our own mother tongue.”  It took only 15 minutes to sell 700 copies of the New Testament, and we rejoice with them as they celebrate the completion of 12 years of work translating the New Testament.

 So how long does it really take to finish the job? Work on Bible translation for years culminated in the people of Ecuador, formerly known as AUCAS, receiving their New Testament in 1992.  But that wasn’t the end of the work.  Since then Catherine Peeke and Pat Kelley have worked alongside several of the Waodani to produce a dictionary.   It’s nearly finished and the Waodani will be thrilled when they hold it their hands.  Thank God for servants who are still “abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing their labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

 Ron has had a fruitful year.  Almost 600 Wycliffe people this year were recipients of a tool that helps fulfill the goal of Bible translation.  Computers were almost unheard of when we joined Wycliffe, but now they are an essential piece of equipment for every member going overseas.  Because of the faithful support of people like you this past year, there are language groups in numerous countries in Africa, as well as countries in Asia and the Pacific who will soon have God’s good news in their language, all served in some way by those computers.  Other products and printers and servers are doing important work throughout the world.  These have passed through Ron’s hands at JAARS.  Every part of the Body of Christ contributes to the work and God is glorified.

 The year is coming to a close and we look back on many wonderful experiences.  The send-off of the Kodiak airplane to Papua New Guinea marked the end of years of work on this new aircraft which will help speed Bible translation there and in other countries in the future.  We’ve heard how the PNG people received that plane with tears of joy and gratitude.

 Times with family always make a lasting impact on our lives, so we thank God for time in Minnesota and Florida with kids and grandkids.  We also visited Ruth’s mom in Georgia where her brother and sister-in-law do a marvelous job of overseeing the 93 year old vivacious lady’s care J.  How we thank God for continued strength so they can keep up with all her activities and doctor visits! 

 Ruth continues teaching the Word weekly at an Adult Day Care.  The questions that come up from Mr. Hosea each week keep her on her toes!  The Voices in Praise group has reached into nursing homes, assisted living centers and even a prison.  The year ends with a second visit to a residence for homeless people, discharged from the hospital but not quite ready to return to life on the street.  We pray we will bring encouragement and hope and an opportunity to respond to the love of God as shown in the gift of His Son.

 Ruth was in Kenya with a mission team once again in July, especially meaningful with grandson Josiah joining us.  Ministry in the women’s conference was a highlight.  To hear them end their conference with plans to take the message they just received to others on the island is something every Christian worker longs to hear.  The work at Gethsemane Garden with 425 kids who are victims of HIV/AIDS is so encouraging to witness.  There is much spiritual growth and great academic achievement that will help the students fulfill their dreams in the future.  We’re grateful for the godly staff that helps teach and train them in the ways of the Lord. For two weeks in December we will enjoy Naphtaly’s visit to Charlotte (founder of GGCC and head Suba Bible translator).  He plans to connect with many people who are committed to changing the lives of the orphans on Lake Victoria.  He’s the featured speaker at our annual fund raiser for GGCC and we look forward to what God will do in the coming year.  We also welcome back the speaker for the first dinner, Sen. Elizabeth Dole, to offer words of encouragement and support.

 We were privileged to travel over 2000 miles this fall, visiting churches and supporters in the northeast.  We couldn’t have picked a more beautiful time of year to travel and see all the leaves turning color. But the best part was renewing acquaintances and sharing the work of Bible translation with so many different people.

 We send our best wishes to you for this Christmas season, praying you will all accept the Good News that “unto you is born…a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

 Ron and Ruth Durie

Wycliffe Bible Translators, PO Box 628200, Orlando, FL  32862-8200

Ron and Ruth Durie, 7715 Radin Rd., Waxhaw, NC  28173   rrdurie@wbt.org    www.Duries.com

     

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This site was last updated 12/20/09