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Prayer Overcomes Scandal, Fear and Evil SpiritsA Hands-On JourneyMightily Grows the Seed

“You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our Savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth ...”

— Psalm 65:5 (NLT)

W o r d s f r o m R o y

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P.S. As we read about the amazing things God is doing around the world, our hearts are touched to join Him in that work. Inside this SeedLinks you will find a response envelope included if you would like to become a prayer partner or give financially.

“Prayer is the greatest

of all forces, because it

honors God and brings

Him into active aid.”

— E.M. Bounds

Dear Friend,

As a partner with this ministry, you hold a very special place in our hearts. We are deeply grateful for your passion for Bible translation and ongoing prayer for this work.

Recently I’ve been thinking about the journey of prayer. It’s the drawing board of our dreams and the foundation of every God-inspired effort. Prayer leads to vision, paves the way for God’s purposes to be set in motion, and clears the path of obstacles along the way.

The stories of victories won by prayer that are sprinkled throughout this issue will pique your faith. You’ll be inspired as you read how one man’s persistence in prayer helped change the course of the Bakossi people.

Stories of the power of prayer abound. Recently, the prayers of one church helped free project coordinator Abdula* after he was kidnapped for his faith in Christ. The missions pastor said, “We’re in it for the long haul and we’ve worked to establish relationships. Prayer is absolutely the best way for church members to come alongside the translators and others seeking to live out the Gospel in their culture.”

E.M. Bounds boiled it down to these words: “Prayer is the greatest of all forces, because it honors God and brings Him into active aid.”

For that very reason, every translation team on the front lines needs prayer partners and a supporting church to back it. To date, 25 projects are without even one prayer partner. Our goal is to have a minimum of 10 individual prayer partners and one church sponsor per project — and the opportunity is here!

Prayer is vital to the success of every translation effort, and it’s the catalyst that brings life transformation through God’s Word.

May prayer be a big part of our journey together as we race toward the goal of seeing God’s Word available in every language during our lifetime.*Pseudonym

Until He comes,

R o y L . P e t e r s o n | P r e s i d e n t

Follow Roy on @RoyLPeterson

Cover: The prayers of nationals help move translation work forward in repressed areas.

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P R A Y E RO v e r c o m e s S c a n d a l , F e a r

a n d E v i l S p i r i t s

In March 2000, trouble boi led to the surface in the Bakossi translation project in Cameroon, West Africa.

Scandal destroyed the unity and momentum of the Bakossi

t rans l ators . A d ministrators conf i r me d m is m a n a gement

by a key project official.

T H E B A K O S S I S U C C E S S S T O R Y

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Bakossi leaders with Ernie Frederick at the Bakossi New Testament dedication ceremony. From left: Hipolite Ngalame, Ernie, Joseph Nkwelle and Rev. David Ngole.

Fear of curses and of vindictive ancestors was still a major current in Bakossi culture. Powerful chiefs and shamans wielded great author-ity, and without God’s Word in their language, even Bakossi Christians shrank in fear.

In the midst of this spiritual battle, translation team members, local churches and their partners, includ-ing SIL International, the Cameroon Association for Bible Translation (CABTAL), The Seed Company and project partners — prayed.

United in Prayer and Spirit

Ernie had become a prayer partner when The Seed Company got involved with the Bakossi in 1993. He traveled from his home in Pennsylvania to meet the Bakossi. Then he recruited 12 churches in the Pittsburgh area to partner with the project and took friends from those churches to Cameroon. One trip led to another, and soon Ernie developed a strong bond of friendship with many Bakossi people.

When scandal ensued, Ernie went to his knees before offering this advice, “Make the suspension temporary to give the Bakossi Christians more time.” The Seed Company agreed.

Ernie’s approach was biblical, and one that works. “Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding your-

selves together with peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3, NLT).

Rallying the Troops

In addition, Ernie rallied prayer warriors to visit their hurting friends in Cameroon. He and his team prayed with Bakossi church leaders, then walked through the villages, stopping at every house to pray. After this intervention, revival stirred repentance among the

One man Ernie Frederick led the charge into the thick of the spiritual conflict.

As a result local church leaders began to lose heart

in the work, and The Seed Company agonized over

a decision to suspend the project. An invisible

spiritual battle raged. The forces of darkness fought hard

to keep the light of God’s Word from the Bakossi people so

they would stay in bondage to the kingdom of darkness.

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5 Prayer Points for People Groups

PSALM 24 — Declare God’s sover-eign love for these people groups.

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all

its people belong to him ...They will receive the LORD’s

blessing and have a right relationship with God their Savior.

PSALM 32 — Pray these people groups receive forgiveness and find freedom through Jesus.

Oh, what a joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin

is put out of sight!

PSALM 46 — Pray God’s protection for the translation teams and believers in each language group.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

PSALM 47 — Pray for God to be acknowledged and praised among each language group as the sovereign Lord.

Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise!

For the LORD Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth.

PSALM 67 — Ask God to develop a Great Commission mindset in the people groups as they interact with His Word.

May your ways be known throughout the earth, your saving power among people everywhere.

May the nations praise you, O God.

(See other side for the five projects in greatest need of prayer support.)

P R A Y for those who are still without God’s Word!

» Meet Ernie at theseedcompany.org/pray/ernie2012. Join him as a prayer partner! Fill out the enclosed card or call 866-663-8377.

people. Christian lead-ers reunited around translating the Word. But, when a translator was summoned to meet with Bakossi elders in private, fear crept in. The translation team worried the project was under attack again. Instead, they discovered God had softened the hearts of Bakossi elders.

“My son,” the elders’ spokesman said, “we sent for you to hear whatever you have to say. You’re engaged in preserving our great culture. More important, you’re putting God’s Word into our language. What a great work!”

Invigorated by Prayer — Translators Press On

The translation project surged ahead with renewed energy as churches, The Seed Company and other organi-zations resumed their full support after an 18-month suspension.Ernie’s persistence in prayer shined a

bright light on the path to completion.

“When the project ran into problems, Ernie pled with us … to keep praying it to completion,” said Bernie May, founder of The Seed Company. “He would not give up,

and I believe his efforts through prayer have played a major part in this translation being completed.”

The Bakossi celebrated their New Testament dedication November 19, 2011. God’s work among the people had started long before … and the pathway to fulfillment was paved by the prayers, the tears and the unmistakable footprints of Bakossi prayer partners. x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

“He would not give

up, and I believe his

efforts through prayer

have played a major

part in this translation

being completed.”

— Bernie May, founder of The Seed Company

One man Ernie Frederick led the charge into the thick of the spiritual conflict.

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Regional Prayer Focus

A N E T W O R K O F

P R A Y E R

Africa Prayer Partners Needed:

2047*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• PROJECT: Ubangi New Testament Cluster — DRC

• PARTNER: TERRIE — “My great Father God, I bring the Ubangi Cluster Bible translation project of Democratic Republic of the Congo before Your throne of infinite mercy, grace, com-passion, justice, and salvation. May these three translations of Your living, active, powerful Word bring untold life-impacting and nation-impacting transformation!”

Americas Prayer Partners Needed:

359*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• PROJECT: TIB Ruth Cluster — South America

• PARTNER: JAN — “I pray the Book of Ruth will prepare the way for full-scale Bible translation in all 18 languages of the cluster. Also, that Scripture will create a hunger for more of God’s Truth among the people and they’ll have the same conviction Ruth had when she told Naomi, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God ... “ (Ruth 1:16, NLT).

We’re excited that so many

people have committed to pray

for Bible translation projects

around the world. Here is a

sample of five that need your

prayers today:

Featured Projects1. TIB Ruth Cluster (Americas)

» Location: South America» Goal: Translate the Book of

Ruth into 18 languages.

2. Mborena Kam NT (Pacific)» Location: Papua New Guinea» Goal: Finish translating

the remaining 20 percent of the New Testament.

3. Shardal Cluster (Asia)» Location: South Asia» Goal: Translate the Gospels,

Acts and Jonah in 3 languages.

4. Elhomwe Bible (Africa)» Location: Malawi» Goal: Finish the New

Testament in 2012 and translate the Old Testament.

5. Aramaic M-South OT (Eurasia)» Location: East Mediterranean» Goal: Translate the Old

Testament. The New Testament is complete.

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» Join the team today! Prayer partners arekey team members. See insert in this issue. Call 866-663-8377. Or visit: theseedcompany.org/prayer.

Prayer partners are key translation team members!

Now you can join hands with translators across the Earth. Prayer brings the courage and resilience needed to weather hardships translators often face in their work.

And by prayer, you can rejoice with your team in every victory! Throughout the Earth, prayer support is needed. As you read the reflections and prayers from prayer partners below, please consider becom-ing a vital member of the team.

Asia

Prayer Partners Needed:

1238*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• PROJECT: Twig New Testament-Old Testament Cluster — Asia

• PARTNER: LARRY — “May God bless you and establish the work of your hands as you serve Him so faithfully.”

Pacific Prayer Partners Needed:

700*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• PROJECT: Ayta New Testament Cluster: Ayta Ambala — Philippines

• PARTNER: JUDY — “This year the Ayta Ambala team suffered the tragic death of one of their colleagues. This was a partner’s response: “Dear Ayta Ambala Team, You are in my prayers today. May the Lord God our Savior comfort your hearts in His Word and His promise. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. He sees our tears and knows our love for one another. Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast love. Please help our hearts to see and receive Your comfort.”

Eurasia Prayer Partners Needed:

94*. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .• PROJECT: Aramaic M-South Old Testament

• PARTNER: DON — “Lord, I pray that your Word comes alive as the Old Testament becomes available in the heart language of the Aramaic M-South people. Continue to guide the translator and his family safely through instability and opposition in the region. Protect him as he travels to the community groups assisting him in the project.”

*Prayer partners still needed in this region as translators cry out for specific prayer support.

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Dancing in the DirtDust swirled upward and

sparkled in the sun as the Tharaka people danced and kicked up their heels during the dedication cere-mony of their newly printed Bibles.

“In Africa, there’s dirt, not green lawns,” said Peter Munguti, general secretary of Bible Trans-lation & Literacy of East Africa. “People dancing in the dirt were waving branches celebrating to God, because for the first time since creation of the world ... God had become real to them!”

Peter’s passion for his people to know Jesus began in 1989 when he received Christ while at college. “I became aware of people groups in my country that don’t know Jesus because the Bible is not available in their language.”

Today while Peter and Jane, his wife, keep track of many work details — and their three children — the general secretary also keeps his finger on the spiritual pulse of Kenya, Africa. “There are 8.6 million people in Kenya, with 69 languages. Some have the New Testament and some have Scripture portions; 19 have nothing,” he said. “Others have no written language at all.”

Peter Munguti is working to make God real through His Word to the Bibleless people groups in Kenya so they’ll understand … If we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. — 1 John 5:14 (NLT) x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .» Learn more about the translation needs in Kenya, and how you can help at theseedcompany.org.

A vow to her dying father that she would translate Scripture for her own people drove Yurranydjil Dhurrkay of Australia to find a way. Even though she was an experi-enced translator, Yurranydjil was afraid she’d bitten off more than she could chew. Her Wangurri people only numbered 300 … Who would help such a small language? Yurranydjil prayed.

Until recently, it was too expen-sive and time-intensive to translate Scripture for a few hundred speakers. But OurWord software, developed by John Wimbish of The Seed Company, has helped change that.

When Yurranydjil attended a workshop in Southeast Asia, she saw the software that helps nationals who have limited computer skills,

An Answer to Prayer and a Promise

and provides an efficient method to translate Scripture. Yurranydjil knew it was the tool she needed.

At her church in the Northern Territory of Australia, she shared her vision.Quickly, God opened doors for translation to begin. The Seed Company came alongside Wangurri and eight other Aborigi-nal languages and started its 800th language project. For Yurranydjil, in collaboration with the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Partnership, it’s

a true labor of love. Much of the support for the

translation will come through the Least of These initiative — in which church contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar by a part-ner foundation enabling churches to double their impact through Bible translation! x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .» Help Yurranydjil in her work by becoming a prayer partner for the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Partnership at seedlinks.org.

Yurranydjil Dhurrkay, a translation advisor for the Arnhem Land Aborigi-nal Partnership, was instrumental in the launch of The Seed Company’s 800th language project.

“Before I became a Christian, I was seeing that going to church was a waste of time, less important than going to traditional healers. But now I see that it is very important to listen to the Word of the Lord, more than listening to non- believers.”

— Cosmas, Fwe speaker

B i b l e Tr a n s l a t i o n I s Dis c i p l e sh ip

G O D’ S W O R D C H A N G I N G L I V E S —

A R O U N D O U R W O R L D

Blog.theseedcompany.org is filled with more stories about the ways God is changing lives here and abroad. Add your experiences and your ideas now … and share it with others!

Translators Triumph Despite National Protest

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The date — January 9 — had been set. Translators and consultants had been preparing for months and anticipation had been growing as the workshop for a cluster project in Nigeria drew near.

During the workshop, scripts for the “JESUS” film and supporting materials for 10 languages would be translated. Much was at stake.

As the meeting date approached, unexpected tensions began to sweep the country. Threats of a national strike by Nigerian laborers were looming. Translation coordinators began text messaging those traveling to the workshop, alerting them to

the turbulent atmosphere and

urging them to arrive the day before the protest. Many team members reached the workshop early;

others pressed on in the midst of the strike. Despitepotential danger, the translation team focused on their work. The result? The team translated several reels of the “JESUS” film script for 10 languages! For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step … — Deuteronomy 2:7 (NLT) x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Luke 8 Brings Deliverance … Again!When drug-addicted Kamur*

and his family from a Mahn region in South Asia visited another nearby Mahn settlement, he met translator Soumil at a small gathering in the home of a mutual friend. It was a divine encounter!

Kamur’s life was about to take a dramatic turn.

At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Soumil shared with the group the Scripture portion he’d been translating earlier that day — the story of the demon-possessed man in Luke 8:28-29. “As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and fell down in front of him,” Soumil read. “Then he screamed, ‘Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, I beg you, don’t torture me!’”

“I am feeling something in my head!” Kamur said suddenly. “Please stop it now! Please don’t disturb me,” he pleaded. But his wife and other family members insisted that Soumil continue the story. As he did, Kamur jumped up, jerked open the door and ran out.

At story’s end, the group prayed for Kamur. Later, Soumil and a colleague sought out Kamur to encourage him.

The Holy Spirit began working within Kamur and has continued from that day forward. Since his encounter with the power of God’s Word, and through the power of prayer, Kamur and his family have been attending church regularly. He is moving away from drugs, as God’s Word brings new hope to his life!

God, who began the good work within you will continue his work until it is finally finished ... — Philippians 1:6 (NLT) x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

In spite of civil unrest, Nigerian translators stay focused during a cluster workshop.

*Because of the sensitivity of this area, all names are pseudonyms.

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Though Christians are still a small minority in Mali, more than 5,000 Dogon believers gathered together one January day this year to celebrate the arrival of the long-awaited Old Testament in their heart language.

As the festivities began, the chief translation supervisor held a Bible high above his head and declared, “This translation of the Scriptures is based on the original languages and is an accurate expression of God’sdivine Word!”

Just 100 yards from where he spoke, there was a poi-gnant reminder of the man — Bokabo, from the Koso people of Mali, who was so compelled to tell others about the love of the Savior that he traveled to live with the Dogon, where he spent his life sharing the Gospel.

Bokabo’s story is not easily forgotten by the Dogon, or by others who hear it …

From Troublemaker to EvangelistIt began in the 1920s, when church workers arrived among the Koso. One man hired Bokabo as a guide

to reach others among the far-flung Koso people. Bokabo had a reputation as a strong-willed man and a troublemaker. But he knew the territory well.

As they made the trek, this tough guide listened to his newfound friend share stories about Jesus. After a time, Bokabo’s rebellious heart surrendered to the Gospel. As his relationship with Christ deepened, Bokabo began to tell others the Good News.

But, not only did his Koso friends and neighbors reject the Gospel, they also rejected Bokabo. Later, when his missionary friend invited Bokabo to go with him to visit the Dogon people, Bokabo didn’t hesitate.

In this part of Mali, where traditional alliances exist between certain peoples, the Dogon and the Koso are allies. According to custom, they accept each other without reservation or judgment. So, when Bokabo and his friend arrived in the village, they were welcomed. Bokabo shared stories about Jesus, and the Dogon listened with interest as the Seed of God’s Word was planted. Some believed. Soon a church was born.

Mightily Grows t he S E E DF estive robes and bright clothing lit the dusty landscape

as singing and the up-tempo beat of drums filled the air.

From every direction, people converged in this hilly region of

the Bandiagara Escarpment in the arid Sahel.

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Today — four generations later — more than 120,000 Dogon speakers are Christ followers. They now have God’s Word in their heart language and the church is growing rapidly.

Coming Full CircleThe story doesn’t stop there, however. Late last year, Koso speakers began translating 90 oral Bible stories into their own language — and Bokabo’s message is finally taking root among his people! And since Koso translators are few in number, Dogon Christians have rallied to their support in several ways, including sending experienced translation personnel to help.

Indeed, God heard Bokabo’s prayers for his people. “I am not ashamed of [the Good News], for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return”(2 Timothy 1:12, NLT).

God can use anything to accomplish His purposes: a stubborn guide-turned-evangelist or a traditional alliance between peoples. God loves to involve His children in what He’s doing. And His favorite strategy for that is prayer. x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*Pseudonym

Passionate Prayer Partners Needed for Mali

When Charlie Lopez, a student who lives in Torreon, Mexico,heard the Koso people of Mali didn’t have Scripture in their own language, he decided to do something about it.

Charlie had attended a youth conference where attendees were introduced to the Koso people group for the first time. A young lady who worked among the Koso explained their plight.

Then, a gripping video with footage from Mali was shown. Hundreds of young people thronged to the front of the auditorium to bring financial gifts to help the Koso people receive God’s Word in their language. The offering funded a three-year project to translate and record 90 Bible stories.

Several prayer warriors, including Charlie, made commitments to support the Koso translation team in prayer. Now the Dogon people are helping the Koso with their translation.

The need for intercession is great. Mali has recently experienced a coup d’état and a regional rebellion. Become a prayer partner and support the Koso project as they begin translation in their heart language.

» Go to theseedcompany.org/pray and select Koso IG Cluster.

» Feel the joy in this video clip of the Dogon Old Testament dedication ceremony in January at seedlinks.org.

Above: “This translation ... is an accurate expression of God’s divine Word!” was the rally cry from the translation supervisor as believers raised Dogon Old Testaments high in celebration.

Right: Dogon homes nestled into high cliffs above the central plateau in Mali.

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One Sunday last November, members of Woodside Bible Church stepped across

the church threshold in southern Michigan into the mountains of southern Mexico

to experience a scene from the Cloudlands language translation project.* The “living

museum” gave churchgoers a taste of Bible translation in action and a glimpse of

the culture of the people group they are supporting as a church.

MEXICO

A One-Step, Three-Stop, Hands-On Journey

MICHIGANfrom

Woodside Bible Church engages churchgoers in “living museum” for their sponsored translation project.

V i s i t t h e P l a c e o f P r a y e r Translators desperately need prayer partners.

Every day they need prayer support to stand against spiritual opposition and to stay focused to see the translation completed, distributed and having an impact. Every day they need prayers of protection and provision for their families.

You can join with a translation team and the entire people group they serve. As a prayer partner, you receive updates from translators that tell of their progress, challenges and victories!

By putting one’s hands together, prayer partners become “hands-on” partners with God and with Bible translation.

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First Stop: Tree-Side Evangelism

A ctors clad in brightly embroidered regional garments worked amid skeins of yarn, weaving on a handloom beneath a life-size tree constructed to resemble The Seed Company logo. The tree’s canopy stretched out across the room, towering above the other living exhibits as well. In the midst of the bustle, a Proclaimer digital player, positioned on a mat within earshot of each actor broadcast a dramatic reading of the Gospel from the Spanish New Testament. Visitors experienced a bit of the energy, dynamics and impact of real Bible translation projects as they watched Seed Company videos in one exhibit. They saw moving stories of real-life transformation as people embraced God’s Word in their language for the first time.

Next Stop: Cubes of Prayer

A s participants moved to the next exhibit of three, 5-foot “prayer cubes,” they saw prayer requests from Seed Company translators that filled all sides. Readers sensed the urgency for prayer as they read requests from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and from Burkina Faso. They rejoiced as they read praise reports from others: “Thank the Lord for Lambadi Scripture portions that give people a taste of God’s goodness and invite them to trust Him.” In many requests, visitors heard the earnest cries of translators facing spiritual opposition and danger: “In spite of unsettled conditions,” one said, “workshops and cluster groups are making headway in Central African Republic.” Through this display, many Woodside members gained insight into the key role of prayer partners in the larger work of Bible translation. They could understand why translators consider prayer partners to be integral team members.

Kid Stop: Seeds of Hope

A s adults studied and prayed at the exhibits,

children were busy planting seeds in take-home containers. Scooping dirt and burying seeds deep within the rich soil helped draw kids into a day-to-day prayer connection for Cloudlands children. As they watch their seedlings sprout and stretch upward, grow and bear fruit, Woodside kids will think about how their church is helping plant God’s Word within the hearts of the Cloudlands people. They can learn how their prayers water the Seed of God’s Word so it will take root, grow and help people live for Christ.

Take the Road to Connection

Woodside, with some 14,000 members among six church campuses, has a special connection with Cloudlands. Church members raised the funds to cover the first year of the translation project during Christmas. Leaders are now considering a visit to the translation team. “I would like to see people understand there are many different ways to help in missions,” said Deneen Troupe-Buitrago, chairperson for the educational committee for Woodside’s missions department. “I would like to see people experience more hands-on involvement.” Kent Hirschelman, a development representative for The Seed Company, was onsite during the event to answer questions about Bible translation. “Prayer, as the Woodside living museum demonstrated, is a good place to start,” Kent said. “Many translation projects, even those that are fully funded, still have need for prayer partners.” x

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .*Pseudonym for a sensitive project name

» Pray for a translation team that needs your prayers now at theseedcompany.org/prayer, or call 866-663-8377.

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2. Year27.com Doodling for the Ehty People

Jill Davis is planning a great birthday party on 12-12-12, when she turns 28 — and you’re invited. For each day leading up to her birthday, Jill is doodling one verse of Scripture on her blog.

“I like to doodle,” said Jill, who’s a graphic designer. “And I like to read my Bible.” Her blog is both entertaining and encouraging.

Jill hopes her birthday event will help inspire her readers to make a difference. She has a good idea of justhow to do this. She wants every guest to bring a simple present: a virtual Scripture translation.

1. Stack It Up!What would it look like to gather all the

Bibles you own and stack them up?

Twenty-one OneVerse bloggers decided to find out. They took the Bible Stacks Challenge, and stacked every Bible in their home — then took a photo and shared with others the impact it had on them.

The activity was intended to help realize the wealth of Scripture resources we have on hand — in contrast to the people groups who suffer from Bible poverty.

Rebekah, who blogs at honeyandcheese.com, shared:

“I am … numb to the incredible treasure that lies on my bookshelves. The Bible is so accessible in this country that I have taken it for granted. There are millions of people who don’t have the luxury of even one verse of Scripture in their own language, and here I have nearly a dozen at my fingertips. I want to grasp the richness of this blessing, but I’m not sure that I ever can.”

See the STACKS! And read the comments from many participants at The Seed Com-pany blog (blog.theseedcompany.org). Next take the Bible Stacks Challenge too! Email us a photo of your Bible stack and share your reaction at seedlinks@tsco.org. We’ll post entries on The Seed Company blog.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . » Get more fun information about Bible translation and learn more about it at theseedcompany.org.

“I’d like you to help me raise the funds to translate the equivalent of the Gospel of John into the language of the Ehty people in South Asia,” Jill writes. “That’s 879 verses at $26 per verse. Yes … that’s a lot and I need your help!”

Follow Jill’s blog at Year27.com, and make a difference in the lives of Bibleless people.

Find out more about people groups who are still waiting for Scripture in their heart language for the first time at theseedcompany.org.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Graphic artist Jill Davis doodles every day to help the Ehty receive the Gospel of John in their language.

Phot

o: A

my

Dan

e

Creative Ways Bible Translation 5is Making a Difference!

Get Engaged!Enjoy blogging? Do you have a passion for God’s Word? Are you looking for a way to get involved?

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4. The Forever Gift More than $10,000 and counting … that’s

how much money has been contributed to The Seed Company as “wedding gifts” for Bible translation to honor newlyweds Dr. Sean Boutros and his wife, Rachel.

The couple decided they didn’t need an extra set of glasses or silverware. So, they invited their friends to contribute toward Bible translation for the Twig Cluster in South Asia instead of bringing gifts.

“Our goal is to build our lives and marriage on the Word of God …,” said Dr. Boutros.

Sean and Rachel are confident Scripture will provide a good foundation for Twig families, relationships and marriages to grow in godly principles. Dr. Boutros noted, “There are very few gifts that last a lifetime … but the Word of God is powerful and lasts forever.”

Dr. Boutros, a plastic surgeon, decided to help bring Scripture to the Twig Cluster languages in South Asia after a mission trip raised his awareness of the many people there people without God’s Word.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . » Call Partner Relations at 866-663-8377 to set up an online giving page for a special event.

Why is our prayer video

“Something’s Missing”

THE MOST WATCHED?

See it today and find out!

Sign up as a prayer partner at

theseedcompany.org/prayer.

3. Every season there’s a reason … to Gift-a-Verse

This spring Gift-a-Verse for graduates, newlyweds, baby showers ... or just because! Your friends and loved ones will be honored to know a gift in their name will make an eternal impact! For $26, you can sponsor the translation of a verse of Scripture for those without it in their language.

It’s easy. Go to OneVerse.org/Gift. Select a people group from a list of those still in need of Scripture. Choose a card for the occasion from the variety offered. The verse to be translated in honor of the recipient will be noted inside the card.

Gift-a-Verse — the perfect way to “double” bless his wife …

A police officer on duty at a concert where OneVerse was a sponsor was delighted to discover the Gift-a-Verse opportunity. He’d planned to buy his wife a new Bible to replace one she’d lost. When he learned he could Gift-a-Verse in her honor, he knew how meaningful it would be to his wife who loves God’s Word.

“How cool is that — I can give her a Bible and give a verse in her name for someone who doesn’t have the Bible in their language!”

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5. Tell Us Your Favorite Verse!Last Seedlinks, we asked you to share

your favorite verses.

This month we’d like to highlight what Pam Webber had to share:

Abiding Joy

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow

with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13 (NIV)

As a child, I remember singing a simple chorus “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart….” But as a teenager I questioned what those words meant. God answered those questions through Scripture study and prayer, making His joy and peace more than a chorus for me.

God has graciously given me many oppor-tunities to experience His joy and peace throughout the years. As my trust in God grows, I am also able to overflow with hope. Tough times come, but this verse and that simple chorus from my childhood are planted deep. They remind me of the joy and peace available so that I may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

» Please share your story or post your favorite Scripture at blog.theseedcompany.org, or email it to seedlinks@tsco.org.

Your churchcan DOUBLE it’s impact!

(Every gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar!)

More than 70 percent of Bibleless languages have fewer than 10,000 speakers and live in the most isolated and dangerous regions of the Earth — the Least of These.

Through the Least of These initiative, the Bolthouse Founda-tion will match your church or group contribution toward Bible translation for these Bibleless people.

Learn more theseedcompany.org/leastofthese.

Your church can help bring God’s Word to them for the first time!

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NONPROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

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PERMIT# 1176

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theseedcompany.org

A Wycliffe Bible Translators affiliate

EVERYday ErnieErnie’s quiet and easygoing manner wasn’t what I’d expected. Based on his accomplishments, I’d imagined a larger-than-life personality — maybe a cross between Rocky Balboa and Billy Graham!

But that’s not Ernie. “I’m just a servant,” he says. Ernie prays, and he does what God puts before him … EVERY DAY. In fact, that faithfulness is what makes him so special. (Read Ernie’s inspiring story inside on pages 3-5.)

Today, I need your help with a few “everyday” tasks.

To determine if our translation teams have enough prayer coverage, we need to know how many partners are praying. So, please take 30 seconds to fill out a brief online form and let us know of your prayer commitment at our website, theseedcompany.org/pray/commit2012.

Next, spread the word! An exciting inspiring video of Ernie’s story and prayer is on the Web at theseedcompany.org/ernie — please share it on Facebook, Twitter or email … and invite others to join with you in this Great Commission journey. It’s what Ernie would do.

Thank you for taking time for these small tasks — it will make a huge difference for many people!

Let us pray!

B i l l M c C o y | Director of Prayer

“GOD speaks M

,borenaKam”

PAPUA NEW GUINEA, PACIFIC

Speakers: 2,100Project goal: New TestamentProject start: 2012Est. completion: 2015

The Mborena Kam people have attended church since the 1950s. However, because most fear unseen spirits, they still practice traditional rituals to control those forces in con-junction with their Christianity. Prayer partners are an essential support to the faithful Mborena Kam believers translating the Scriptures to bring the message of God’s love to their people.

Call 866-663-8377, or visit theseedcompany.org/pray

to support this team in prayer.