As the days tick by and our support levels increase (truly by the grace of God, which is something that I cannot emphasize enough) it looks as though we will be heading out to Tanzania in January. This is so exciting and overwhelming that I often cannot put my emotions into words. This is something that we have been working towards since we got married almost 2 ½ years ago. In fact, God drew us to one another through our mutual passion for long-term, overseas living and I thank God everyday that He gave me a partner with whom to embark on this adventure! However, this impending departure is also bringing something else into perspective, the prospect of saying good-bye to the people I care about most. This past Thanksgiving as our family sat around the dining room table enjoying great food and even better company, the time was bittersweet. This was most likely the last Thanksgiving that we will enjoy around a meal in each other’s presence for the next four years. Four years. Often when I hint at the grief that I have experienced over leaving home and family for the next four years, people comfort me by saying that it will fly by, and I’m sure it will! However, the loss is still real and it isn’t pleasant. While our Mom and Dad (frequently) commend us on our desire to serve the Lord and encourage us, I know they are grieving that their son and daughter are leaving home and safety behind. They are grieving the empty chairs that will be present at many holidays to come and the grandchildren they will not be able to easily visit. Often times Christopher and I take centre stage and we have an army of prayer warriors backing us, but at this time I ask for prayers for our families, especially our parents, and all those whom we are leaving behind. Now enjoy some pictures from what, we both agreed, was our favourite Thanksgiving weekend yet!
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AuthorChristopher and Lauren Merke have joined Wycliffe to help fulfill the goal of seeing the scriptures translated into every language of the world! Christopher and Lauren live and work in Mbeya, Tanzania doing linguistic, language survey and vernacular media work. As a linguist, it will be Lauren’s responsibility to analyze and evaluate the linguistic and cultural data that is collected by language survey workers. Her role is very important because it speeds up the Bible translation process and makes translators for effective, ensuring the Good News of Jesus Christ reaches people as quickly as possible. Christopher will be fulfilling two roles as a language surveyor and as a vernacular media technician. As a language surveyor, Christopher travels to remote villages in order to gather linguistic and cultural data about various people groups and language groups. This is critical information, as it lays the foundation for Bible translation work through seeking answers to critical questions in the first stages of the Bible translation process. As a vernacular media technician, Christopher’s role will be to help translate various materials, such as the Jesus film and Christian radio programs, into other languages in Tanzania to ensure that the Gospel reaches as many people as possible. Christopher and Lauren are thrilled to be able to use the gifts that God has given them and would like for you to prayerfully consider partnering with them in this journey! Archives
September 2016
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