If they had the time, Tony and Lina could write a book about the past months as they have served among the Bukeet people of Asia-Pacific. It has been an emotional rollercoaster. They rejoiced over some milestones in their ministry and laughed a lot together as a team. But they also cried a lot about all the heavy things they have recently experienced. Psalm 5 has been a great comfort; the JOY OF HIS UNCHANGING GRACE remains!
In February, they were in town for two weeks and had their “Team Translation Workshop.” It was a super interesting, encouraging, and exciting time. Seeing the whole process on paper, learning how best to translate and what to consider, etc. It was also overwhelming and very humbling as they considered the task God has entrusted to them.
In March, they had another language evaluation. They have all made progress in the language. One coworker is completely finished, and she will probably start translating the Bible in August. What a milestone! Tony was rated at “Level 8” of “9,” and Lina was at “Level 7” of “8.” That means they both still need to climb one more level before they arere completely done. They feel encouraged and confident and hope to be finished by the end of the year.
In April, it was field conference time. They enjoyed having their “missionary family” from near and far together in one place again. To share, encourage each other, and hear from God’s Word. A team from the USA flew in to run the children’s programme. Their kids also had a great, blessed time. At the same time, they had some final conversations with leadership and the family that was on their team. The family visited the village in early June to pack up their house, before going on home assignment to the USA and who will take up a support role in the city on their return. Pray for them as a family and for the now officially smaller Bukeet team! Also pray that they will remember many beautiful moments and keep them in their hearts.
In May, they had their literacy workshop, in which they created or translated four primers in the Bukeet language, four small intermediate readers, a preschool book, a teacher’s script, and sixteen more small storybooks. Three Bukeet people joined them and helped them come up with stories for the primers. Quite suddenly and unexpectedly, one of the elderly language helpers died, probably a heart attack. That was a huge shock for them and paused the workshop for several days. But by God’s grace, they were able to finish most of the primers/readers and hope to have the first “Bukeet Reading and Writing Class” next spring.
They are thankful for the dedication of their homeschool helpers, Justin and Lina, who recently returned to Germany after being with them in the village for nine months. They were a great blessing to the whole family. They experienced many beautiful things but were also very challenged and grew in patience and humility. Starting in September, they will attend discipleship training for a year.
Thank you for praying for Tony, Lina and family and for the work amongst the Bukeet people.