Download the May 2018 Beans'Talk with photos here.

Five down and one to go!

Today as you read this, the fifth Quechua Bible is almost through the final layout process. Then, there’s just one more Bible to go.

New Quechua websites ask for help

During the past month some of our Quechua partners had the opportunity to attend a workshop on developing websites. Help! came a message. Help us update our materials so they can be downloaded.

Over the years as the orthography (spelling system) has changed, not all books and materials kept up with all the changes back and forth. For example, we started using the letter k to represent the hard c sound. Then, we moved to c and qu to match what kids learn in the Spanish speaking schools. Currently, we’re back to using k in Quechua materials to match the government’s foray into promoting Quechua.

So, Mark found himself re-working the series of fox stories along with other stories we haven’t touched in years. All one has to do is tell the punch line of the story illustrated here and everyone laughs! Hang on, guys!

Hurray for people working to make these materials more accessible to Quechua speakers. These websites will eventually contain links for people to access Scripture in their own language. Another hurrah!

Consulting & updating Bible studies

During the past month Mark has served as a consultant for a colleague who is adapting his work for another Quechua area. He just checked the books of Titus, James and 1 Peter. Additionally, Mark has continued to update and re-work the series of Quechua Bible studies he wrote in the past. He’s finished #1 through #11 for all six Quechua varieties. Now he’s concentrating on just the Huamalies Quechua studies and has gotten through study #22.

A change of pace coming up

Next month when the six Bibles move on in the publication process without us, we will slow down and begin a stretch of home assignment. The old term was furlough. Among other activities, during the coming months we will take time to reconnect with our partners and churches. That means time on the road. We’ll also make a trip to Peru to help with a New Testament dedication for another Quechua language area, be the resident missionaries at a children’s Vacation Bible Camp, visit Wycliffe’s headquarters in Orlando, and travel to a nephew’s wedding and other family events. Lots of coming and going! Maybe the Bibles we have been working on will also be ready to have their dedication ceremonies in Peru. That would be exciting!

Some have asked if we are retiring. Yikes! Do we look THAT old?! Not yet. When our home assignment is over, Lord willing we’ll be back to full-time language work.

Praises and Prayer Requests

*Praise: By God’s good grace we are finishing up our part in preparing these six Bibles for publication. Thank you for all your prayers, support and encouragement that made this moment possible.

*Pray: for God’s hand of protection over these Bibles as they continue through the remaining publication steps in order to be printed.

*Praise: for the continued improvement in Mark’s health.

*Praise: for a time to slow down and reconnect. Pray that we will use the time wisely and in a God-honoring way.

Thank you for so faithfully accompanying us along the way with your prayers and encouragement. 

Mark & Patti