Summer 2007

How did God lead Wayne and Linda to work with JAARS, a division of Wycliffe Bible Translators? We will answer this question with a little background, and the journey God took us on to get us here. Wayne retired from NCR Corporation on May 31, 2007, after 34 years of working on computers, and then in project management. In addition to working on computers, Wayne was the leader of a weekly noon time Bible study. The study was a natural result of several years of influence by The Navigators on his life. Wayne met Linda at church in La Mesa, CA, and they have been married for 29 years. Linda became a Christian in her native Georgia, while at a Kay Arthur retreat. She attended Dr. Charles Stanley's church in Atlanta, GA, and his messages greatly helped her grow in her faith. She had a strong desire to serve God in ministry.

God used three events to get us to consider missions. First, Wayne read the "Purpose Driven Life." On day 39, the challenge was to get involved with missions. Second, Wayne started a website for Mission Vision Network, a smal missions agency. As Wayne edited material for the website, he started realizing what God is doing in the world today. Third, Wayne and Linda joined the "Missions Candidate Program" at Emmanuel Faith Church. A key highlight for us was the Perspectives Course. It helped us get a greater understanding of God's activity in the world, and missions. It also gave us a desire to get involved.

Wayne grew up meeting Wycliffe missionaries that his parents invited home to dinner. Linda learned about the new Wycliffe office in Temecula, CA, and volunteered there a few weeks. The goal to start a translation of God's Word into every language that needs it by 2025 resonates with us. How could we get involved? We subsequently learned that Wycliffe needs managers, admins, graphic artists, IT people, and many, many more skills!

After Wayne attended "Check IT Out" in Dallas, TX, and we visiting the JAARS campus in Waxhaw, NC, we have more clarity on what we will be doing. Wayne plans to work in the Vernacular Media Services (VMS), with the goal, "Communicating God's Word via Sight & Sound." Since many in the world cannot read and write, VMS offers tools such as the "Jesus" video, ethnic music, storytelling, and Scripture recordings to communicate Christ's love. JAARS would like Wayne to manage the website that offers these tools to missionaries around the world. Linda is praying about where she will work at JAARS. She had several interviews in Waxhaw, but so far no decision has been made yet as to where she will work.

We would like to ask you to stand with us in prayer. Please pray with us for wisdom as we plan to move to Waxhaw (James 1:5). Pray that God will sell our house, and give us a smooth transition.

In Christ's Love,

Wayne & Linda Steele
[email protected]