Is it Worth It?

One of the "modules" that we were trained to develop when starting with Wycliffe was something we labeled the "Is it Worth it All?" module. We wanted to have stories of impact that show how our calling to the Bible translation movement pan out to be worth more than what we "gave up". Now, we gave up our comfortable life in Ohio to live a relatively comfortable life in Orlando, but we hadn't really seen the stories of impact that we were trying to talk about yet. I'm stealing other people's stories for now, but they're becoming my own as I interact with literally hundreds of people who have truly understood what it means when we ask "Is it worth it all?"

This video was just made in the office that I look at each day for 8 hours or so. A normal office in a normal building in a very normal city in Florida. The stories that come from within these offices are anything but normal, however.

I cannot tell you how great it is to be working with so many people that have given up so many things to be a part of God's story in the work of Bible translation around the world. It's not about the people that have followed this calling, either...it's about the impact of God using us as His instruments to bring what we have been blessed abundantly with, God's Word in our heart language, to the least, the last, and the lost.

I hope you enjoy this interview with Bob and Dallas Creson as much as I do!

Living Water: Worth from The Well on Vimeo.

My California Excursion

While I was extremely busy during my trip to California this past weekend, I did manage to take a few pictures of my time there. I'd like to narrate a few things from this trip with the help of these.

Meet Katie. Katie handled every single detail of the weekend PLUS the entirety of Calvary Church's 10 day Missions Conference. I couldn't have done my job without her.

This is a portion of the musical group "IziBongo"...they're brilliant. 9 of them came out to California to perform in, let's see...about a gazillion different venues and events. They play music from many different cultures, worship music that sounds quite different to our Western ears...music that I love. Every time I spend time with this group of musicians, I tell them that I'm one step closer to being recruited into the EthnoArts department!

I didn't get to see most of the Global Fair that we put on for the church and community, but I did spot this little guy checking out one of our sweet interactive kiosks...he's a pilot in training!

One of the highlights of the weekend was the chance to celebrate 25 Bible translations that have been dedicated around the world. Many of them were actually translated by Calvary members, both Wycliffe and other partner agencies. During the processional of flags, Scriptures, and flowers, I was crazy busy with details...yet I still got pretty emotional seeing these incredibly dedicated servants that gave so much up to help bring God's Word into the heart language of the least, the last, and the lost of the world.

Here are some of the books we celebrated. I carried William Cameron Townsend's Cakchiquel New Testament (Wycliffe's founder, supported by Calvary Church over 70 years ago) in my carry-on, just to be sure it wouldn't get lost.

All in all, this weekend was a great testimony to the relationship that Calvary and Wycliffe have had from the beginning of our organization. They have given so much and been so faithful to sending their members across the world...they currently have 100 missionary families serving around the world, which is absolutely incredible.

I had moments of stress, for sure. I was working like crazy, yes. But at the end of the day...or days, rather...this event has shaped my view of Wycliffe, the work we do around the world, and the partnerships that it takes in order to further the worldwide movement of Bible translation.

Thanks for praying for me and the team that I've been working with for months...this project has been an incredible learning tool for me, and I'm so glad that so many of you essentially came with us to California. Next time, let's do a little more sightseeing, okay?

Trevor

California or Bust!

I wanted to get a quick post up before leaving for California at 4:30am tomorrow. Since starting my job in September, I've been working on managing an event in Santa Ana that is really quite exciting. This weekend, I'll be heading out to Calvary Church to celebrate how God has been working throughout the world in the Bible Translation movement. Here's link to a video that gives you an "insider's glimpse" into one of the aspects of this weekend.

http://www.wycliffe.org/About/Presscenter/LLCBriefing.aspx

I'll tell you all about it when I get back, I promise!

Trevor