African Drumbeat January, 2015

Al Hawthorne, Director
Peg Seitz, Assistant Director Francophone
Jennifer Bartholomew, Assistant Director Horn of Africa
Dear Friends,
I cant remember a time when being involved in Bible Translation was more exciting than right now
today! Many of you are aware that Wycliffe Associates has been testing some new methods of
translation, and the recent results from a pilot program in a sensitive country are astounding! A team of
13 mother tongue translators were trained by WA staff members, and the results are the first draft of
nearly half of the New Testament in their language. We call this program MAST which stands for
Mobilized Assistance for Scripture Translation.
These encouraging results have led to the scheduling of additional MAST programs in various
regions including Cameroon. Toward the end of February, two new languages will begin translations using
the MAST process. Dan Kramer, WA Director of Education Services, will lead the team which will also
incorporate several current WA Africa Area staff members. Look for a report on this event in next
months Drumbeat.
One of the lessons that most of us have learned over the years is that when we are about to
make a breakthrough whether it is the dedication of a New Testament, the mobilization of key
personnel to the field or the introduction of a new process to accelerate Bible translation, we often
face major obstacles. This should not be surprising to us since we are in a Spiritual battle against the
forces of evil. Many times we are warned in Gods Word about our enemy Satan. Be alert and of sober
mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8.
During the last few months, our staff has faced dangerous political situations, serious medical
challenges and financial difficulties. There are also private battles that our people face.

Now that we

are on the brink of some major advances, we can expect stronger opposition by the enemy. But we serve
a God who is bigger and stronger than the powers of darkness.
If you were to ask me what the most valuable contribution you can make would be, I would say
without hesitation: PRAYER. Lets re-double our efforts in lifting up the needs of our colleagues and
partners in Africa and around the world. The last page of this report contains prayer requests and
praise items submitted by our WA Africa Area staff. Wont you make a daily commitment to pray for
and with us?
Blessings,
Peg Seitz

People & Projects - Theres Something Happening Here

Africa High Priority Jobs
Job Title
Location
Organization
Job #
Program Manager
South Sudan
Wycliffe Associates
885071
.
Construction Manager
Central African Rep.
Wycliffe Associates
885746
Finance Manager
Central African Rep.
ACATBA
884643
Center Manager
Central African Rep.
Global South Services
885743
Language Program Facilitator Various Options
Wycliffe Associates
885735
Program Manager
Nigeria
Wycliffe Associates
884363
For more information, contact Judy at judith_yon@wycliffeassociates.org
Upcoming Teams
Team
Country
Start Date
End Date
English Language Learning
Chad
03/10/15
03/30/15
English Language Learning
Ethiopia
04/13/15
05/01/15
Luke Partnership Workshop Nigeria
05/11/15
05/29/15
Luke Partnership Workshop Nigeria
07/06/15
07/24/15
Luke Partnership Workshop Nigeria
09/14/15
10/02/15
For more information, contact Judy at judith_yon@wycliffeassociates.org

Assisting ATALTRAB in Chad

Recently we received a generous gift from a WA donor which funded several projects around the world.
One of those projects is the construction of a small office in the Chadian capitol of NDjamena for our
partners at ATALTRAB. This is important for their ministry because it creates a presence for them
among governmental leaders and a convenient place to accept visits from their partners.
Another way you helped us help ATALTRAB was through the November English Language Learning course
pictured below. Directress Rachel joins the three ELL teachers, Leah, Tim and Carole at the closing
program.

Pray for safety and success for a WA construction team currently on the ground in
Bunia, Democratic Republic of CONGO.
Pray for the logistics, planning and travel for the MAST program being held in
Cameroon in late February.
Praise God for the safety of WA staff during recent unrest in Kinshasa, the capitol of
the Democratic Republic of Congo. Pray for a peaceful resolution.
Praise God for the work of Audra and Josh Cadd in Kenya. Audra celebrated her
birthday on January 25 and Josh will turn a year older on February 5.
Pray for Al Hawthorne as he travels to northern Ethiopia in late January.
Praise God that Donna Cox (Cameroon) has returned safely to the US to assist her
father after a recent fall and surgery for a broken hip.
Pray for a construction team that will work on the ACATBA center for three weeks
beginning in mid-February. Pray for safety on the job site and peace in Central African
Republic. The team will be led by construction superintendent Gregg Bartholomew.
Pray for Dan Kramer as he leads a MAST team in Asia and one in Cameroon during
February.
Praise God for our Orlando volunteers who raised over $58,000 for MAST and PrintOn-Demand projects!
Pray for wisdom for WA leaders at all levels as they implement new programs and
present new opportunities to staff and partners.
Pray for soldiers and others fighting against the terrorist group Boca Haram in Nigeria,
Northern Cameroon and Chad.
Pray the Lord of the Harvest for additional volunteers and church leaders who will join
forces to make Gods Word available in the remaining languages of Africa.
Pray for the safe arrival of Steve and Trina Graham scheduled to arrive in Kinshasa this
week. Praise God for their involvement in a church and language study in DRC.