Calvary supports a missionary couple serving in West Asia doing Bible translation work. This couple lives in a country with no churches. Even though they live in an apartment in the capital city, they still only have electricity about 50% of the time and lack some modern amenities.
Spring 2019 Update: They have been doing well and staying pretty healthy this year, for which they're thankful. The spring means removing coal and wood stoves and enjoying the warmer weather. It also means picnics with friends and co-workers. Please pray for fruitful conversations during these times of visiting.
In addition to language and culture learning, which is essential to their witness in their personal relationships as well as their office work, they've been researching a group of language varieties. It can be hard to imagine, but they're actually not sure how many languages are spoken in their country! They've been transcribing data from several villages and towns who claim the same ethnic identity and ancestry. They're trying to evaluate if the people speak dialects of the same language or different languages altogether. This is important because it lets them know who will need a separate Bible translation. It also helps them know where and how to distribute these resources once they're available. Currently, another organization is running primary schools in one of these languages. Their research will also show them in what ways this curriculum will need to be altered for the other regions and how much, if at all, the writing system would need to be adjusted. They're hoping to finish this particular research project by the end of the year.
To join them in bringing God's Word to the people of West Asia, you can give at wycliffe.org/partnerteam. Enter #242586. For security reasons, their names are not published on our website or the Wycliffe website, but money will still get to them.
John and Jenn Wolf serve the Lord as missionaries through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Kenya. As the Africa region’s project manager, John provides oversight and support for projects and grants across the region, with a particular focus on mercy work. He also trains the local people and the local church partners to develop, manage and sustain projects that support Christian growth and congregational needs across Africa.
John was born in Farmington, Minn., and grew up in Baldwin, Wis. His home congregation is Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colo. He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Michigan Tech University, Houghton. He also received a master’s degree in space studies from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks. John served 20 years in the United States Air Force and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2015. His professional background includes project management and working with international partners in Europe and Asia. His hobbies include gardening, historical re-enactments, hiking and camping.
Jenn was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Her home congregation is also Hope Lutheran Church, Aurora, Colo. She received a bachelor’s degree in South/Southeast Asian studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She also took graduate level courses in teaching and deaf education prior to teaching in Montana and California schools. Since 2001, she has been a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling their children and doing volunteer work. Her hobbies include fiber arts, classical violin, international folk music and reading. John and Jenn have five beautiful children — Ian, Sean, Thad, Annalise and Angus — who join them on the mission field.
Learn more at lcms.org/john.wolf and hereiamsendmesendme.blogspot.com
