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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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