Although we had heard about Wycliffe Bible Translators before, it was not until 1975 that we became keenly aware of the need for teachers in mission schools, especially in support of the work of Bible translation. That led us to serve as teachers in Papua New Guinea at Ukarumpa High School in 1976 as short-term assistants and then as members from 1982 until 1994. A series of events - discouragement, fear (?), death and poor health of parents, etc. - had us leave and return to the USA. We settled back into American life and raising our children. I went back to school to complete an advanced degree and then began employment as a University Professor. Jean Ann served as a teacher in the areas of English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education. The years passed, and we are both now retired.
Throughout all of our years back in the USA, we have continued to pray for and support missions and the work of Bible translation to a certain degree. However, there is a part of me (Randell) that wishes I had been doing more to promote the need for teachers in mission schools. I remember the joy and excitement when God first called us to be a part of the work of bringing His Word to Bibleless people groups. And that joy still occurs whenever the subject of Bible translation is brought up. The tug on my heart for others to have God’s Word in their heart language still exists. I have to be careful to not let Satan buffet me with “You left your first love” or “You took your hand off of the plow and turned back.” God redeems, and it is time for me to serve again.
That is why I am learning to create a web page, Facebook account, etc. that can encourage educators(teachers, administrators, tutors, volunteers.....) that have already served, are serving, or plan to serve Third Culture Kids (TCKs, MKs) to be connected. That connection may involve fervent prayer, giving of finances and time, returning to a field assignment, recruiting other educators, ………..
When we first went to PNG, we often quoted Hebrews 11:8 - "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not knowing where he was going." We certainly knew nothing about PNG or teaching MKs and just stepped out in faith. In a sense, I feel the same way about this project - I have no idea what is the best way (or even a good way) to encourage educators (and MKs) to connect or reconnect to this vital mission. So, I appreciate your prayers for this project (I have only recently created a FaceBook account myself, so the learning curve is straight up!) and hope you will share ideas and challenges on the site. The need for educators on the field is great and “the laborers are few.” After a recent discussion with a TCK educator, I also discovered there are some educators who are willing, qualified, and ready to go serve, are close to raising the finances needed to go, but are having difficulty finding the needed funds. If Go Fund Me can raise thousands for individuals, surely there is a way to connect the needs of missionaries to those willing to give. However, may we not focus our eyes on the need but on God’s unmerited grace and love for the whole world. He has commanded us to make disciples in this fallen world we live in. May we learn to obey as His Spirit leads.
Randell & Jean Ann Foxworth
"Our work is great; our time is short; the consequences of our labors are infinite"
John Newton