The following is a letter (reprinted by permission) by one of many satisfied short-term team members this year. John braved the trip only one day after surgery on his hand, giving him a permanent “thumbs up” demeanor we all enjoyed, teased, and imitated. Thank you, John, for this endorsement of team trips. Thanks to all who came, contributed, and prayed!
John’s son, Jamison, is the chairman of the board at Audio Scripture Ministries, and was the leader of this team from Grand Rapids, Michigan, which also included his younger brother, Ted.
June 2018
Hi Jim & Jamie,
Thank you so much for hosting and leading our group to help bring the ASM audio Bibles to the people in and near Progresso, Oaxaca Mexico in April.
It was inspiring to learn from both of you the very long history of the translation efforts by Wycliffe Bible Translators beginning in the 1950’s to get Bibles in printed form by 1970’s. Your work partnering with ASM to locate these people groups, to find native language readers, to make recordings, and do the tedious editing of the sound bites to bring the final product is truly a blessing to those who receive an audio Bible. Praise God for the countless hours, days, and years of work by you and many others. How humbling to participate in the distribution of these Bibles after the very hard work of so many for so long that made it possible. To Him be all the glory and honor!
One powerful impression that keeps coming to my mind is how the people of the small churches we met with are clinging desperately and fiercely to God’s Word, the Bible. During the worship services and prayer times with these small groups I felt their obvious passion and love for God. You could see it on their faces. The presence of God’s Spirit was strong. No wonder they are enthused about having the audio Bibles for their people! Thank you for translating for us some of what was being said during those times; it was wonderful.
And then there was the singing!! What joy to sing God’s praises simultaneously in three languages: English, Spanish, and Mixteco. Or, singing back and forth to each other as groups. The unity of believers transcends language barriers, and I felt the presence of God’s love even though not understanding any words.
Another powerful experience for me was praying over each of the individuals that were given an audio Bible. As a group we simultaneously prayed our own personal prayers for that person out loud, while laying hands on them. Each time the same strong realization came to me during the prayer: this person is my brother or sister!!
I did not know him/her until that day, but we are united in Christ and I need to pray for him/her and be a help and an encouragement. This was very intense!
The people of Progresso were such gracious hosts, sharing their food and places with us. Most of them have very little, but provided so bountifully from their hearts. I can’t say enough about their hospitality and friendship they showed. They set a high standard for showing their love of God in worship, caring, and hospitality. I praise God for them and have learned a lot from them; it was a privilege to have the experience.
Thank you, Jim and Jamie. May God also continue to bless you and the work you do, and the believers in Progresso.
In Christ,
John Worst
