December 2012 WattsLine Posted

NOTE: My December 2012 WattsLine has been posted under Newsletters.

On the Move…KY Resident Now

After dropping a box and a footlocker off in Waxhaw, North Carolina to be sea freighted to Cameroon, it was time to visit family in the Midwest before departure. 

with sisters Pat and Juanita in Ohio

It was a joy to spend Christmas with my sisters Pat and Juanita/husband Dick, her grandchildren Isabelle and Hunter in Ohio. A central Ohio blizzard delayed leaving a day.

Back in Kentucky first on the agenda was getting a Lexington, Kentucky driver license. All Wycliffe missionaries must have a U.S. address even while serving abroad. With my condo sold, my older sister Pat has graciously agreed to allow me to use her Lexington address, and to take care of my stateside mail, etc.

after lunch with Watts Family members @ Cracker Barrel

with cousin Brenda

THANK YOU to both sisters, cousin Brenda and Paul Owen,  cousin Pam and Larry Pennington (thanks for also sharing your grandchildren!), and  uncle Jesse and June Watts for overnight(s) hospitality. Visited partner churches in Winchester KY:  First Church of God, Colby Road, and Community Gospel Church, Maple St. Heartfelt gratitude to you and others for for your prayers and support! Posting from Clarksville TN visiting Uncle Jess and Aunt June on way back to Florida for final departure preparation.

Milestones - Transitions - Special Thanks

The clock is ticking. Three weeks from now, I'm scheduled to land in Brussels, Belgium...then on to my new home and ministry in Yaounde, Cameroon.

THANK YOU Mr. Michel Machado, Marsha Hanshew, Bonita Slaymaker, and Diane Beam (+ others) for upholding me in the battle to pack up and clean out my condo.  Several came day after day, many long hours...forever appreciated. Could not have done it without you all!

Like Moses of old, friends hold up my hands.

Thanks for nudging me on when I was 

exhausted mentally and physically.

Packing-Cleaning Pizza Picnic 
We experience fruit of our labors- empty space!

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Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon     Washington, DC | United States of America

 

MILESTONE:  visa arrived December 11 from the Embassy of the Republic of Cameroon in Washington D.C.

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     MILESTONE: condo closing  December 14 
My things finally are all cleared out of condo. In July some supplies went to World Orphans in Ethiopia. Ministry resources are being sorted by Diane to go to Paraguay missionary Norberto Kurrle via work camp folks next year.

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THANKS Orlando New Beginnings Church 'Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend' women's ministry for your fervent group prayer (more than fifty strong) and the beautiful cake at our 2nd annual Christmas Pajama Party.  

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THANK YOU to former librarian colleague Marilyn & Walt Young for gracious hospitality in opening your home to me between condo sale and departure.

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Praying for speed and discernment in pruning remaining resources / multitudes of files, wisdom in locating new homes and a little bit of free storage space. 

Yaounde Apartment Preview

Folks are asking about my housing in Cameroon. Furnishings are sometimes changed when empty, but this is what the apartment waiting for me looked like last year. Thanks to a teacher who lived here last school year for photos!

Thank you God! Nice apartment. Electricity and running water most of the time. Looking forward to my new home. 

I confess I am experiencing cultural shock right now - sheer lack of storage (small closet wardrobe, no dresser).  

Scripture is speaking to my heart:  ^“ … I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  … I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, …whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) 

This reforming pack-rat has a LOT of work in the next week and half. I recognize I need to live simpler / less books and 'stuff'...that IS in process.

 

My new "HOME SWEET HOME" - lower right apartment

November 2012 WattsLine Newsltter Posted

Every Day

NOTE: My November 2012  WattsLine  

has been posted on the Newsletters page.

featuring: 

Encouraging New Statistics

Departure Date

God's Sovereignty Shines

ENCOURAGING NEW 2012 STATISTICS

 

Wycliffe exists to eradicate Bible poverty so that all language communities will have the opportunity to be transformed by God’s Word and ultimately reflect God’s glory.

In pursuit of that vision, there are a few numbers that we watch in the pursuit of our God-given mission – Vision 2025—to see a Bible translation in progress in every language community needing it by 2025.  One number we watch is the number of language communities still needing Scriptures translated, and where no program has been started.

For the first time ever, that number has dropped below 2,000!  The new translation need number is 1,967—worth celebrating!  For the first time there are more translation programs in progress than there are translation needs.  With a world population of over 7 billion, the number of people without access to God’s Word in the language that serves them best is now approximately 209 million.  More people have more access to Scripture than in any previous generation.

What you do matters.  You, prayer and financial support teams, are participating in something never before witnessed.  Every generation before us saw the numbers increasing as more and more languages were discovered, and more translation needs were verified.  Now that trend has been reversed.  The finish line is in sight, and the last translator for the last Bible translation program is alive somewhere in the world today.

By God’s grace, people who are young adults today will see the fulfillment of the Great Commission as speakers of every language are given the chance to hear and engage with God’s Word—the opportunity to respond to His invitation to follow Him bringing in God’s Kingdom.

Preparation for Departure Full Steam Ahead

Preparation for departure to Cameroon takes many forms.

- A one-way ticket has been purchased - for departure Tuesday, January 8 @ 1:58 PM from Orlando and arrival Wed., Jan. 9 @ 7:15 PM in Yaounde, Cameroon, via Washington DC and Brussels Belgium.

-Treadmill on “incline” at county employee wellness center = prep for hill I will climb each day to go to school. Double the time benefit by practicing French words with CD / headphones.

-Much sorting and pruning, labeled boxes lining spare bedroom for going to several states, churches, individuals. 59 years of things to deal with...so-o-o- many books and teaching resources. Selling some things; giving a LOT away.  See "Things Needing a NEW HOME" to  help me out. 

On the Agenda:
-Closing on sale of condo by Dec. 14
-Visit family in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee
-Fly from Orlando to Cameroon on Jan. 8

GiveBack - Operation Christmas Child 2012

Volunteers receive instructions before the GiveBack event

What fun it was to volunteer today at the 5th Annual GiveBack event today sponsored by Life Disability Network in partnership with Operation Christmas Child-Florida. This 10 AM - 2 PM event at Central Florida Academy on Good Holmes in Orlando allows individuals with disabilities and their families a chance to give to children in Third World countries a gift box for Christmas.

The Central Florida disability community was invited to fill shoe boxes onsite with school supplies, toiletries, toys, candy, small clothing items, etc. as an expression of their desire to give back. The event included many activities to further those attending such as face painting, cookie decorating, and Christmas caroling.

Cameroon is a country that receives Operation Christmas Child gift boxes.

Marsha Hanshew, Kay, and Brittany Warth

Kay and Saundra Price

A surprise treat today was meeting and talking with Roger, a Wycliffe Bible translation consultant for his mother tongue language in Chad, Central Africa. The New Testament in Roger's mother tongue is to be dedicated in Chad on December 29.  Roger received an Operation Christmas Child shoebox in Chad when he was four years old.

"Home Sweet Home" - Old (Memories) & New

A monumental step toward moving to Cameroon to support Bible translation is selling my humble abode. My 2 bedroom/1 bath condo with Florida room went on the market Monday, October 15th and I signed a contract on Saturday, Oct. 20th accepting an offer a little above listed price. PTL! Though contract is $9,000 lower what I'm paying for condo, it's more than listed market value. Grateful for this much during recessed economic times. and housing market. 

Florida home for 12.5 years

New "HOME SWEET HOME" awaiting me in Yaounde Cameroon - lower right apartment

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Many special memories will live on. It was my privilege to welcome approx. 24 folks for a Sunday evening church potluck dinner (cozy!); seniors Bible study group toward end of  surgery recovery time, missionaries Sherman and Kay Critser (Cote d'Ivoire) & Carrie Edwards (Cameroon); sisters Pat & Juanita; students/family during Christmas time via International Friendship Ministry; two ladies during life transitions, a couple during house tenting + various fellowship meals... plus many others. Must not forget my furry companion for 14 years "Peter Rabbit" who stole many hearts. Thanks for the memories!

Christmas 2011

Christmas 2011 -  pork dumpling  refresher lesson -

Christmas 2010

Christmas Dinner 2010    

Front porch

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2008 - pork dumplings

Fall 2012 Scripture Celebration Invitation

Friends, family, and supporters of our staff are invited to join us as express praise and honor to God who is accomplishing His mission in His time through His Church.

To the 100% Finish Line

9/25 UPDATE:  Praise the Lord for new monthly partners!  I have now pledges for 100% of my minimum monthly ministry budget with projected cost-of-living increases.  

Plans are in progress for leaving the week of January 7.  I am eager to get there as soon to allow moms covering for me to focus on their language project roles and meet needs described in  "School Librarian Role Supporting Bible Translation". 


I am deeply humbled by sacrificial financial pledges and giving. I am strengthened by prayers of  many - the wind beneath my wings. Intercessory prayer is making significant impact. My heart is touched by many and varied means of support and encouragement.

THANK YOU for letting me represent YOU and your family, your church in Vision 2025 – “To see a Bible translation program in progress in every language still needing one by 2025”.    To God be the glory!

Join me praying for wisdom and discernment for the multitude of decisions and next steps...that I may be a blessing along the journey stateside and in Cameroon.

August - September 2012 WattsLine Newsletter Posted

NOTE: My  August - September  2012  WattsLine  

has been posted on the Newsletters  page.

ICC: Music that Strengthens

During the "Intercultural Communication Course" there were many uplifting times of singing and worship. The words of songs strengthen the heart, mind, and soul.

            

The song we sang most often, the prayer of our hearts was "Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary" (click title to listen) by Randy Rothwell.  It is so refreshing to wake up with this song running through my head. - during ICC and since.  

"Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary    Pure and holy, tried and true

With thanksgiving, I'll be a living   Sanctuary for You

It is you, Lord    Who came to save   The heart and soul   Of every man 
It is you Lord    Who knows my weakness   Who gives me strength,  With thine own hand.

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary  Pure and Holy, tried and true  
With thanksgiving I'll be a living  Sanctuary for you

Lead Me on Lord  From temptation  Purify me  From within   
Fill my heart with  You holy spirit   Take away all my sin

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary   Pure and holy, tried and true  
With thanksgiving, I'll be a living   Sanctuary for You."

            

                        

A song that provided a perfect background to staff sharing during the session on "Theology of Suffering" and "Counting the Cost" was Laura Story's "Blessings." (click title to listen) I have experienced the message of this song for decades - Romans 8:28. Perspective is crucial and this song help provide that.

We pray for blessings  We pray for peace  Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity  We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need  Yet love is way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops  What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom  Your voice to hear   We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt your goodness, we doubt your love  As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea  And long that we'd have faith to believe

When friends betray us  When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart  That this is not our home

What if my greatest disappointments  Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy
What if trials of this life  The rain, the storms, the hardest nights  Are your mercies in disguise

            

Another favorite was the Newsboys' "He Reigns" (click title to listen).