The coming of the Messiah, the Saviour. There is no better news. And what makes it such joyful news today is that it still for all people.
Every now and then I still see articles that refer to Christianity as a “Western religion.” I feel sorry for these authors, who are so often concerned about colonialism and paternalism, because their own views represent just what they oppose. While we wouldn’t deny that the West has influenced many Christian practices, followers of Christ around the world would be the first to tell you that the Good News is for all peoples. It began with prophecies that spread across the ancient world. It was fulfilled in a baby born in Bethlehem. It spread across the globe—Africa, Asia, and eventually across Europe and into the New World. And then the Good News looped back again. And today it spreads in every direction…from the whole world to the whole world.
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| Our Global Leadership prays for African colleagues in Ghana |
In El Salvador we met with communication colleagues from around the world and met Deaf colleagues working on Bible translation for the Deaf communities of that country (additional research is still needed, but there may be as many as 400 sign languages worldwide used by a total of 20-33 million people as their first language. As many as 50 Deaf language translation programs are in progress).
In the Philippines I participated in a round table meeting of about a half dozen mission organizations as we, together, considered what leadership development needs to look like in our global contexts. In Malaysia, our Global Leadership met to discuss all sorts of things! In Singapore I had the opportunity to spend a few days with a good friend who works in a minority language community of mainland Asia. In Thailand I met with leadership of Wycliffe and SIL to work on planning for our major quadrennial international meetings next year.
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| Central Europe Meetings, Wycliffe Slovakia Director starts our day in Scripture |
So you can see why I long for a bigger and corrected vision for the authors who talk about Christianity being “western”! God and His Kingdom are sooo much bigger!
2012, Lord willing, looks as energizing and full as 2011. We appreciate your prayers for this ministry God has allowed us to be a part of. Thank you for all you do as a part of this team effort.
As we look back on 2011, though, our report would not be
complete without expressing our joy at the arrival of Eowyn Noelle Van Wynen!
Our beautiful granddaughter (Wynnie for short) was born to our son Josh and
daughter-in-law Heather this past August. Colorado now seems too far from
Texas, but we are doing our best to make sure we see Wynnie and her parents
whenever possible. Our daughter, Kate, is in New York, which is, fortunately, a
great place for the occasional layover when traveling to Europe or Africa! We appreciate your continued prayers for all
our family. Our parents are all here near us in Texas. We are privileged to
spend time with them as well and Tom is able to be of some help with his Dad.So we cherish our families, are privileged in our ministry and hold tight to the Good News the angel proclaimed…a Saviour is born! This is Good News for all people…for us, for you, for the Church worldwide and for the millions who still need to hear.
