Steve's Ethiopia Volunteer Trip

Family and friends,

“When I hear the scriptures read in the national language, I am not satisfied. But when I hear it in my own language, I go away full.”

In Ethiopia, language communities are eagerly waiting for the Bible in their heart language so they can clearly understand God’s Word. Bible translation is already in progress by Ethiopian mother tongue translators.

However, translation has been slowed due to weekly power outages up to days at a time. You can relate to the frustration of power outages from ice and snow storms in recent years. It’s nearly impossible to get work done and difficult to communicate with those outside your area. In Ethiopia the power cuts off so often the translation process is being significantly delayed. They also need laptop computers and Internet connectivity so they can communicate more frequently and reliably with translation consultants.

While the people wait eagerly for God’s Word in a language they can understand, other voices from other religions are calling for their attention. There is an ongoing battle for the hearts and minds of the people. It is crucial for them and future generations to hear God speak to them clearly through His Word in their heart language.


During a recent trip to Ethiopia, after a Wycliffe Associates team installed a solar power system, the translators told them, “Thanks for what you are doing. You solved a power problem for us and this is a wonderful gift! God provided you for us, to give us light!”

I have the opportunity join a Wycliffe Associates team to use my carpentry, handy man, and technical skills to help install Bible Translation Acceleration Kits (BTAKs) that include Solar Power systems, laptop computers, and Internet communication devices for several Ethiopian Bible translation teams. These tools will remove roadblocks standing in their way so they can accelerate their Bible translation work. I am building up a team of prayer and financial supporters to join me on this project. I present you with the opportunity to serve the Ethiopian communities by being part of my team to serve the Ethiopian people groups by assisting with BTAK installations.

Commit to pray for me as I prepare to go on the trip and while I assist on the project in the field. Give financially as God leads to provide the financial resources I need. $3400 is needed to send me as part of the team.

There is a small window of opportunity for me to join this Wycliffe Associates team. I need to have enough funds to pay for my airfare and an Ethiopia visa by next Friday, March 6.

With you on my team, we can “give light” to Ethiopian Bible Translators, so that they can bring spiritual light to their own people through the Word of God in their heart language, in order that they may know Jesus, the Light of the World. (John 1:4-9).

Jacob, a Nigerian translator for his own language group was asked why his people need the Bible in their own language. He replied, “My people call themselves Christians, but if you scratch them, you will not find Christ beneath the surface. They need a Bible they can understand so they can know God.”

God bless,
Steven

Donations here are not tax deductible, but will allow me quicker access to the funds to cover my upfront costs, such as my airfare. If you prefer to receive a tax deductible receipt, please contact me and I will provide you with an alternative giving method.