But the Lord is faithful. he will establish you and guard you against the evil on. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
🌱 MAY: LOCAL GROUND, LASTING IMPACT
In May, I (Brandon) had the opportunity to travel to Charlotte, NC to help facilitate a Global Impact Gathering with local pastors and ministry leaders. The purpose was simple but powerful: to share what God is doing around the world through Bible translation and to listen—to really hear the hearts and perspectives of our American church family.
We talked about the beautiful progress being made in getting God’s Word into every language—and the sobering reality that much of the American church has not yet joined in this global mission. It was a rich, eye-opening time of conversation, prayer, and brainstorming together. I even got to show my leaders around my home state, which was a special joy!
The rest of May was a gift. We soaked up some much-needed family time with the kids—more on that later.
✈️ JUNE: GROWTH, TRAINING, and TESTIMONIES
In June, things picked up again (just a little bit)! I (Brandon) flew down to Orlando, FL to participate in a dynamic training with Wycliffe’s Speaker’s Bureau—a network of speakers who travel to churches and events to inspire others to engage in Bible translation with stories, testimonies, sermons, activities, etc. The training was both humbling and empowering. I left with new tools in my toolkit, ready to share our story—and God’s mission—with even more clarity and impact. While there, our team HAD to find time for some fun fellowship, right? Yes! And we did so with a murder mystery night (which we solved)! 🤣🥸
Later that month, both Cat and I traveled to the National African American Missions Conference (NAAMC). Wow. This conference lit a fresh fire in us both. As representatives of Wycliffe, we were able to set up a table, speak in a class, and share our personal testimonies of how God called us into missions. The response was overwhelming—in the best way.
We had so many deep conversations with pastors, church leaders, and believers who said, “We want to be part of this!” Some felt a fresh call to the mission field. Others were deeply moved by the urgency of Bible translation and asked how their churches could get involved. And as participants, we were just as moved. Hearing powerful testimonies from African American missionaries all over the world stirred our hearts and reminded us why representation matters in the global Church.
One of the most powerful takeaways? So many people groups around the world are praying to see missionaries who look like them—and that conviction hasn’t left us. If we weren’t already missionaries, we would’ve signed up right then and there!🥹
Thank you for walking with us, praying for us, and believing in what God is doing through this mission. Your love and support are not just encouraging—they’re essential. We couldn’t do this without you.❤️
⚠️ SUPER IMPORTANT, SUPER MISSIONARY UPDATE COMING SOON!⚠️
…real soon!
Rest and relaxation were on the menu for the Samuel household—and let’s just say, we ate well! 😅
(Yes, we know… the puns are getting out of hand.)
But seriously, after months of nonstop travel, these past two months gave us a chance to slow down, laugh more, and make memories that fill our cups. Check out our traditional Samuel Family Update: Summer Edition below—you already know we don’t do chill without a little adventure on the side!
Want a glimpse into how individual lives—not just statistics—are reshaping the global impact of Bible translation?
This article celebrates the “real people” behind the numbers tracking Wycliffe’s Vision 2025, showing how personal stories fuel momentum in underserved language communities. Discover how the global Church is being stirred—not by data alone, but through heartfelt testimonies of transformation and hope.
Interested? Click here to read and meet the faces behind the mission.
Each month we want to highlight a Bible translation project from around the world. Join the movement—pray for our brothers and sisters still waiting for God’s Word in their language!
July1, 2025
Excitement buzzed through the village — many Birao people had just read Scripture in Pijin for the very first time.
Though Birao is the language that speaks to their hearts, many villagers can comprehend Pijin, at least more clearly than English. Few had interacted with the Pijin Bible before, so they were amazed by how much more they could understand compared to the English translations they were using.
The Birao reasoned that, if reading Pijin Scripture was better for them than reading the English translation, then reading Birao passages would be ten times better!
Now hunger for Scripture in their language is growing — and fortunately, several Birao speakers are already training to join the staff.
The Birao are one of eleven language groups in the Tomako Cluster project* and one of the four communities receiving God’s Word for the first time in their language (Savo, Kokota, Amba and Birao communities).
*Cluster projects facilitate translation work in multiple languages.
From the Savo and Äiwoo communities to Gao, Kokota, and Longgu, God is at work through dedicated teams translating His Word into heart languages. Praise God for answered prayers—like improved health for leaders and successful training events—and join us in praying for wisdom, unity, good weather, and continued support as these communities push forward with Bible translation and Scripture engagement. Your prayers and partnership are helping bring lasting transformation to these remote island communities!
…the remaining funds and resources needed for our trip to Nigeria from August 21 to September 15.
…for safe and smooth travels, both to and from Nigeria.
…that God would give us clear direction on the exact timing for our long-term assignment in Nigeria within the next two years.
…Catherine as she continues to raise support for her short-term mission trip to Thailand to serve the local church there.
…for strength and encouragement for the churches in Nigeria, especially those currently experiencing persecution from surrounding oppressive communities.
…the faithful people You’re bringing into our lives—those who are praying with and for us as we seek Your guidance in transitioning into roles in Nigeria.
…Brandon graduating with Honors from Manna University with his Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies!
…your continued protection as we travel.
…our incredible partners who pray, advocate, and support us financially, encouraging us to stay the course You’ve set before us!
Contact us by responding to this email, or click the button below to set up a time to speak with us directly:
If you are not partnering with us monthly but would like to, you can respond to this newsletter or set up a meeting with us here:
Or you can skip all the formalities and start monthly partnership with us today:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862
1-800-WYCLIFFE
To give by check, please include a separate note in the envelope stating: “Preference for the Wycliffe ministry of Brandon and Cat Samuel”
We thank thee most graciously for taking the time to tarry with us and peruse our humble missive! Shouldst thou have thoughts or counsel on how we might better this newsletter, prithee, leave thy words below.
…and do not neglect to share this noble dispatch with others—by royal decree of His and Her Majesty, the King and Queen! 😳🤣
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