Streams of Prayer for 24 September 2024
The Streams of Prayer for 24 September 2024, is a circular from Wycliffe Global Alliance. Wycliffe Caribbean makes this available.
September 22, 2024 – September 28, 2024
Leadership
The current theme of Streams of Prayer is Leadership.
One way the Wycliffe Global Alliance serves Bible translation movements is by nurturing current and future leaders. Through intergenerational forums, coaching, formal and informal mentoring, and encouragement we provide opportunities to learn and grow as servant leaders. Leaders need our support and prayers to discern how God is leading their organisations in times of great change.
Each Alliance organisation needs godly men and women to lead and discern how to engage with God, with the church and with partner organisations in the Bible translation movement. Thank God for all who have courageously led in the past year. Pray with us for those being trained and prepared for leadership and for those transitioning into and out of leadership roles. May each one know the equipping, anointing and gifting from the Holy Spirit as we ask God for wisdom and discernment for leadership teams and organisation boards.
Alliance leaders and staff work together on questions at the 2023 Global People Conversation in Malaysia. Photo: Siew-wah Ng
Leadership transitions: Ethiopia
Pray for a staff member at Wycliffe Ethiopia who has recently transitioned from Literacy Coordinator to Bible Translation Project Manager. This new role has significantly expanded his responsibilities and he now manages over 30 projects. He finds that this requires more time and better follow-up with local churches and translators. Holding this position has deepened his understanding of the importance of clear and culturally relevant communication in translation work. Pray that leaders at Wycliffe Ethiopia will continue to learn how to lead well and be filled with strength and energy as they serve in these demanding ministries.
Extending influential leadership to local communities: Cameroon
The vitality of the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL) is evident in the effectiveness of its leadership at various levels. The top leadership monitors and evaluates the organisation’s activities, while the internal leadership is well-structured, allowing technicians across various domains to work with minimal supervision to achieve set objectives. CABTAL is also committed to preparing future leaders for its mission, including leaders in the linguistic communities with which it partners. As a result, these communities are increasingly taking the initiative in their own development, aiming to thrive for the glory of God. This growing momentum in local leadership has been visible in recent months through the organisation of various New Testament dedications. Local churches, through their inter-denominational committees, are taking charge and inviting other partners and stakeholders to their celebrations. Praise God for this effective leadership.
More students preparing to lead in Old Testament translation: Israel, Global
Whole Word Institute staff are looking forward to the arrival of 22 new student translators from 10 different countries for the School of Biblical Hebrew beginning in September 2024. They join alongside 18 masters’ students already in Jerusalem. On average, each translator will facilitate three to 15 new translations over their career, bringing the Bible to multiple communities for the first time. Pray for these two cohorts of students as they begin a new term. Pray for protection on staff, students and their families.
Leadership transition: Germany
After 10 years of service as director of Wycliffe Germany, Susanne Krüger is handing over this responsibility to Steve Impey. Steve is originally from the UK and worked as an electrical engineer for several years before he and his wife Marit joined Wycliffe Germany. In 2014 Steve and Marit and their four children went to Ethiopia where Steve held different positions within partner organisation SIL Ethiopia. Back in Germany, he directed project funding for Wycliffe Germany before becoming director of the Global Publishing Services department of SIL International. In September, Steve started working with the departing director and the leadership team at Wycliffe Germany’s headquarters. Pray for a good grasp of all the new information for Steve as well as for the adjustment needed within the administrative team. Also, pray for adjustment for Steve and Marit, as they moved from northern Germany to a region that is totally new to them, leaving their four adult children behind. Steve will officially take over as director of Wycliffe Germany on 1 October.
Spiritual and practical discernment: Switzerland
The leaders and staff of Wycliffe Switzerland request prayer for wisdom and discernment as they manage the complexities of daily responsibilities for keeping the organisation running smoothly. They seek to exercise faith and patience (Hebrews 6:12) and ask for prayers for unity as a team and to continue to grow together. They are also aware that running the organisation is not just about managing people and finances, but is a spiritual work. Pray for God’s special protection and guidance. Some staff have recently been struggling with health in various ways. Ask God for healing and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Pray for the shalom that Jesus promises in John 16:33: ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’
Bible Bilum Partnership forum: Papua New Guinea
Praise the Lord for the successful Bible Bilum Partnership (BBP) forum in Port Moresby from 14-16 August. The BBP is a country-level initiative for collaboration in Bible translation. Bilum is the word for string bag in Tok Pisin and is the symbol for language. More than 30 leaders from Bible translation organisations and churches in Papua New Guinea participated in this three-day forum. The forum provides a unique platform for sharing insights, discussing challenges and exploring opportunities of making the Bible accessible to all language communities in Papua New Guinea. Pray for wisdom and discernment for the new committee appointed at this forum to continue coordinating and encouraging collaboration between all Bible translation organisations and churches to reach out to the language communities still waiting for Scripture in their languages.
Leadership transition: Tonga
Pray for the board of Wycliffe Tonga Missions. Led by chairman Rev Dr Heneli Taliai Niumeitolu and the deputy chairman Rev Siosaia Latu, the board asks for wisdom to guide the organisation through this time of leadership transition. Pray for outgoing director Maxy Koloamatangi and incoming director Penisimani Moli. Pray for a smooth transition between these two leaders. Pray for Maxy and his wife Sulieti as they move on to other ministries the Lord has prepared for them.
Streams of Prayer is the prayer bulletin of the Wycliffe Global Alliance.
Valrie McCarthy
Language Development Officer
Wycliffe Caribbean
7A South Avenue
Kingston 5
JAMAICA, W. I.
876 754 9334, 908 2970, 582 6592
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