Why do the bad guys prosper?
At the end of the recent workshop there was just time to work through the short book of Zephaniah. In chapter 1 God lists a number of reasons why he is angry with his people. Most of those reasons have to do with trusting something else for prosperity and guidance rather than trusting in God (see verses 4–6). Mark was surprised at the vigorous response from all the guys at the workshop. This topic really hit a cultural nerve. While Baal and Molech are not in vogue, there are practices tied to the mountains that are very ingrained. Some believers still engage in these practices to ensure bountiful crops or healing or healthy flocks. Why, the Quechua translators wonder, does it seem like those who prosper are the ones who do not trust in God? It was a great opportunity to look more closely at God’s priorities for us: much more than the limited goals of health and wealth, he desires transformed lives marked by love, joy, peace, patience… (see Galatians 5:22,23). God will do anything to give us those. The question is, will we let him?
Telephone Charades
The first week of the workshop we played a modified game of “telephone.” While three people were in another room, the rest of us made up a little story. We called one person back in and told our story to him. He had to call the second man in and tell the story to him, who in turn called the third man in and told it to him. Everyone could hear the changes in the story as it was passed along. Then, the third man had to tell the story to the whole room. It was hilarious! It was also a good illustration of why we need God’s word in a written form so that it doesn’t get corrupted in the telling.
Scavenger Hunt
Week two we had a scavenger hunt. Each team had a different set of 7 riddles to solve, each one leading them to the next riddle and finally to some chocolate bars. Probably the hardest clue for them was the play on words of our last name. Not all of them knew that our last name, Bean, refers to the vegetable, though each team had someone who knew. The clue: This pocket doesn’t carry beans; it’s carried by a Bean. This led them to the last clue found in Mark’s pocket. We all had fun!
Good news for Teófilo
Thank you for praying about a new young man from the Margos-Yarowilca-Lauricocha area to join us in OT translation. Teófilo worked well during a week-long trial period, and has a good recommendation from the local denominational leadership. Along with giving thanks, pray for Teófilo as he faces a steep learning curve.
Good news for everyone
This past workshop we took time to adapt and edit together a simple flyer to use as an evangelistic tool. It is ready to go in all five languages. Pray that people will actually be willing to make these available, share them and read them to others.
What about our girls?
Last month we didn’t mention anything about our girls. Emily, on staff with Bridges International, does an incredible job reaching out to international students on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Now that the school year is over she’ll be reaching out to internationals in Boston as part of a summer project. Rachel, Andy’s wife, is expecting our second grandson mid-August. He makes a nice bump on her tummy. Jeremiah, not yet two, keeps her plenty busy. Plus, they move this month to another Air Force base since Andy graduates from pilot training.
Next stop for Ernie
This Friday Ernie finishes his Mountain Warfare School in Vermont. Then, the Army will get him right back to Hawaii. Monday he starts six weeks of summer classes where he’ll be able to live in the dorm.
Praises & Prayer Requests
• Pray for Teófilo as he joins us in translation and becomes part of the team.
• Praise God for the opportunity to join our oldest son Andy at his graduation from Air Force pilot training tomorrow! Praise that I got to come a tad earlier to spend some time with Emily.
Thank you SO much!
Mark & Patti Bean
