We thought we'd take a moment to answer those "un-asked" questions you may have about our continuing to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Sometimes in the midst of transitions it's hard to get a clear picture of what the way forward may look like! Hope this will clear some things up for you as we invite you to join in with what God is doing in bringing people to Himself through His Word!
Do you still have to "raise support" even though you are back in the States?
Wycliffe is a faith mission. As Wycliffe members, we are responsible to build a complete partnership team to fund our Wycliffe ministry, whether we are living overseas or serving from a US based location. Our monthly ministry budget includes funds for health insurance, mandatory retirement savings, Wycliffe administrative costs, ministry expenses, and taxes. After these are paid, the rest is "salary" and can be used for ministry expenses and living expenses, including offerings, food, housing, transportation, out-of-pocket medical expenses, household expenses, etc.
In order to begin the new role, we must have promises for 100% of this monthly ministry budget. We are currently receiving 67% of our needed US monthly budget.
While our assignments will be different now that we are in the US, the work we are doing is enabling the task of bringing God's Word to people around the world. Trevor's role now transitions to focus throughout the Americas.
Since you are in the States, can't you have a regular job and pay for your ministry that way?
Working a full-time job would limit our capacity to fully devote ourselves to this ministry. It is likely that we might start teaching piano lessons on the side to help cover some of the costs our family has, especially during this time of transition to a US budget, but our hope is to be able to fully devote ourselves to helping make it possible for all people to have adequate access to Scripture in a language they understand.
Do you receive a salary from Wycliffe?
Yes, we do receive a salary from Wycliffe, which may vary monthly since the funds received and receipts by Wycliffe fluctuate each month. As mentioned above, our "salary" is financed through the gifts of friends, family, and churches.
Why Bible translation?
By working with Wycliffe, we can be part of making it possible for people around the globe to have access to the Word of God in a language and form that they understand best. While our first desire was to STAY in Brazil and live amongst the people we serve, our medical situation made it unsustainable for us to live there long-term. After our experience of living with the Trawler, seeing first-hand how crucial it is that they have access to Scripture in their own language, we are passionate about continuing to be a part of this ministry, even if it means we need to do it from a different location. Thankfully, we live in an age where internet connection makes it possible for us to fully be a part of this work.
For more info. on the value of Bible translation, see here: https://www.wycliffe.org/about/why
What does it look like to continue serving in this ministry from a US based location?
If you have ever worked remotely for a company, you can understand that an internet connection, along with the ability to travel, goes a long way in getting vital work done. We are part of a global team. Here are just a few examples of ways that our specific Wycliffe ministry can continue from afar:
-During the month of May, we worked on putting to music some lyrics that our Trawler friends had given us. We sent them an audio file via WhatsApp of the song we recorded, and they have since been using it and spreading it amongst the other believers during their times of worship!
-There is a Scripture app that is all in the Trawler language. Our Trawler colleagues let us know that it has been having some technical issues, which Trevor is now working to resolve so that they can continue using the app.
-Trevor will be working towards overseeing EthnoArts teams that are working around the globe. Our experience in working with the Trawler will allow us to better equip and disciple other missionary teams as they seek to help a community use their art forms to engage with translated Scripture.
-Traveling to meet with colleagues and lead workshops will undoubtedly be part of the plan. Working together with other missionary organizations and indigenous colleagues is a vital part of our role in looking to the future.
Does Wycliffe pay for your travel or training (grad school) costs?
No, these things are figured into the monthly budget that Wycliffe requires us to raise. There are times when we need to raise one-time funds for pre-planned costs, but typically this sort of thing gets worked into the budget.
You keep saying "partnership team". What does that mean?
If someone decides to partner financially with our Wycliffe ministry, we don't see it as that person just giving money towards our family. That person is part of a team that makes it possible for us to do the leg-work for making Scripture available to a language community in a way that speaks to their mind and heart. That financial partner is funding the ministry of Wycliffe. If we worked a full-time job locally, we would not have the capacity to devote ourselves fully to our Wycliffe ministry.
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