5 Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God. 7 For they are traveling for the Lord, and they accept nothing from people who are not believers. 8 So we ourselves should support them so that we can be their partners as they teach the truth.
3 John 5-8 NLT
This passage has been really reshaping our approach to ministry.
As we look toward Kenya, November is the month we're aiming to make our move, and we're holding that date with open hands. It's what we're hoping and praying for, and we trust the Lord's timing even if His turns out different than ours.
Here's what we do know: we won't be released to serve until we've reached 100% of both our one-time launch budget and our monthly support. Those are the markers that send us, and they're only reached through partnership.
Over the last four years, we've lived that partnership firsthand. Every prayer, every gift, every word of encouragement has been the fuel that kept us going. You never cheered from the sidelines; you walked beside us and became "fellow workers for the truth" (3 John 1:8, ESV).
And now, as we step into this new season in Africa, we're inviting you to keep walking with us. What God is doing there is bigger than any one family. It takes a team, and whether you've been with us for years or are just joining now, your role is part of how this work moves forward.
We’re more grateful than we can say. Your partnership is changing the trajectory of Bible translation across Africa and around the world.
Speaking of partnership, check out our brand new partnership video and share it with your friends and family 🫱🏾🫲🏼:
Share the YouTube version of this video with your family and friends!
Upland, IN 🏫In April, Brandon traveled to Taylor University to participate in a Career Fair alongside a colleague. It was an incredible opportunity to engage with students about Bible translation and cast vision on how they can participate in this movement even while still in school. We also explored a potential Adopt-A-Verse partnership with the campus.
Through Adopt-A-Verse, students experience the joy of partnership firsthand, funding a specific Scripture project while learning about the languages and communities it serves. It's a beautiful way to grow mission-minded believers right from the classroom.
Greenville, SC ☀️
The whole family then traveled to Greenville, South Carolina, to partner with a local church hosting its first Adopt-A-Verse mission fair. This congregation had never taken part in Bible translation before, so introducing them to the movement and to why everyone deserves to meet God through His Word in the language of their heart meant so much. The energy was electric as they caught the vision and began to engage.
Galesburg, IL 💙
In May, the two of us traveled to Galesburg, Illinois, to speak at a church that has partnered with us faithfully from the very beginning, even before we ever met in person. Walking in and finally connecting face-to-face felt like coming home. The warmth, the welcome, the joy of being together in the same room was unforgettable. We shared updates on Bible translation around the world and reflected on our journey so far. What a gift to finally sit with these Kingdom partners.
Raleigh, NC 🎓
Back home, we had the tremendous honor of celebrating one of our closest friends and partners at their graduation! It was such a joy to mark this milestone moment with someone so instrumental in our journey.
The New Chapter Begins
As May came to a close, Brandon and Cat officially concluded their roles in Church Relations and Mobilization. This season marks an important transition as we shift our focus to partnership development for our move to Kenya. We’re now actively seeking partners: prayer partners, financial partners, and advocacy partners who want to link arms with us in advancing Bible translation across Africa.
During this in-between season, we’re spending time packing, processing this major life transition, and soaking in as much time with family and community as possible before the big move. We covet your prayers during this season. More on how you can pray with us in the ‘PRAY WITH US’ section below.
Instead of our usual family update video (which we know you love, lol), we’re sharing a gallery of these past two months. Dive in and catch all the moments we captured along the way!
Also, we’re finally getting serious about our Instagram. (Yes, we know we’ve been quiet over there 😅.)
Starting in June, we’re ramping up behind-the-scenes content from the Samuel family journey. Follow us at instagram.com/modmissions for real-time updates, candid moments, and all the untidy, beautiful details of our mission as we prepare for Kenya and beyond. You won’t want to miss it!
Millions of Deaf people around the world today sign hundreds of unique languages. It’s often said that less than 2% of the Deaf in the world have encountered Jesus in a language and format they clearly understand — in their own unique sign language.
But God is at work, touching people’s hearts and transforming their lives through His translated Word!
Check out this Wycliffe blog post and learn more about Deaf communities and the specific ways you can pray for sign language Bible translation.
Curious about what sign language Bible translation actually looks like? See for yourself when you visit our interactive Bible Translation Experience! You’ll go on a global journey where you’ll meet some of the hardworking Deaf translators bringing the Bible to their people in a language and format that captures their hearts.
….our transition from our US-based roles to our international assignment, please pray for us during the full-time partnership development work ahead, including extensive travel and several weeks of security training required before we move to Kenya.
…our family, as we have some looking for work, and others trying to transition well into their next phase of life.
…wisdom and peace as we navigate the logistical and financial side of this transition: renting out our home, selling our car, and settling other US obligations.
…Ellis and Charlotte, and they take their Swahili lessons online, so that they can adapt well in Kenya and have friends they can bond with.
…strength and creativity as we prepare to condense our lives into just 8 suitcases for the move overseas.
…Your timing as you stir the hearts of others to sense Your call to partner with Bible translation ministry, both through our work in Africa and in the broader mission.
…using in these past years in our US-based roles to advance Your Kingdom and inspire Your people to get involved in Bible translation.
…choosing us to continue Your work in Africa.
…Your protection from the enemy during the past few weeks of sickness in the household.
…partners, family, and friends that continue to surround and support us in all our transitions!
Contact us by responding to this email! We’d love to pray with you!
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.”
And be sure to like and share this newsletter with a friend…
…because you won’t like Ellis when he’s angry! 🥴😡💪🏾
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