Speaking Engagements
I am always delighted to share about Wycliffe and my trips, and since returning from India and the Philippines have shared 32 times (June/July and since September). These opportunities have been varied: worship services, Sunday School classes, women's and/or men's groups, mission committees, three senior centers, and also a mission fair. These represented several denominations: Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, and Interdenominational. I've spoken not only in Charlotte, but have traveled to nine other locations (in NC, SC, and Georgia).

(There was a luncheon after I spoke at a Dilworth United Methodist Women's meeting.)

My Advisory Board
I'm grateful to my Advisory Board members, who represent these various groups, churches, and denominations, and who consistently help arrange speaking opportunities. The Board meets quarterly, and they provide much support for my ministry: prayer and counsel, help with getting my newsletter and electronic updates out, making calls, and providing assistance in many other ways. We recently welcomed several new members to the Board, and this year small groups will be meeting for dinner in order to get to know each other better. In May we plan a weekend retreat, and I will be leading a day of Reflection and Prayer for the group.

Family Times and Other Special Trips
My first weekend in September was spent with my daughter and her family in Wheaton, IL and I was part of little Grace's consecration at their church. Then in October we had our annual 'Cuz Reunion'--held at Aunt Helen Rogers' home, as we celebrated her 92nd birthday! My sister Alice came from California, and we enjoyed a few days at Ocean Isle Beach after the reunion. I had 10 family members at my home for Thanksgiving dinner, so I was ready for a quiet Christmas in Raleigh with my sister Jane and brother-in-law John. Two restful trips were to The Cove and The Snail's Pace retreat centers for a few days, courtesy of a scholarship at each place.

My Materials and Upcoming Schedule
I continue to revise and update current topics and develop new ones. I have recently been to conferences in Orlando, FL and Richmond, VA where representatives from other mission organizations have been present. We are planning to begin offering some of my topics to other missions, as well as to Wycliffe groups. Our organization is also seeking closer relationships with denominational groups: one example is a recent partnership agreement with the Southern Baptist Int'l Mission Board.

Bud Speck, head of Creative Design Services at JAARS, has designed beautiful new notebook and manual covers in preparation for this expanded ministry. And of course we would not be offering anything without Leslie House's ongoing professional help in the preparation of the materials. Many others, from various churches and in our organization, continue to contribute time, energy, and effort to The ALERT Series project--helping with graphics, designing PowerPoints, typing articles, preparing resources, etc. It is all much appreciated!

In 2003, I will not be traveling overseas but rather will be doing 'train the trainer' topics at our International Center in Dallas, TX. I will not just be teaching seminars and workshops, but will only accept participants who will commit to doing the training themselves at their location, and for others.

Scholarship Needs for the Weeks of Retreat Training
For a week in May (and again in October), I will be training persons in how to lead retreats and days of reflection and prayer. Twelve persons will be accepted each period, and there is a great need for scholarship help. We expect that participants will come from many areas/countries where Wycliffe serves, and we are hoping that they will be able to manage their travel expenses. However, the cost of accommodations, meals, and a set of required books and resources will be approximately $500.00 each. If you, your group, or your church would like to provide one or more scholarships, we would be grateful. Please contact me if you are interested in helping with this.

The Translation Process
Wycliffe is currently involved in 1,100 language projects in more than seventy countries around the world. The process of getting translated Scripture ready for publication is a long one, with the following steps:

1.	Someone does an initial draft.
2.	A committee checks it through and makes changes.
3.	The translation is compared to the original Greek or Hebrew, using commentaries to make sure that the correct meaning has been translated. Key Biblical terms (love, faith, repentance, etc.) are checked to be sure that they are used consistently.
4.	People who have not been part of the translation process read it, and questions are asked to see if they understand the text. Adjustments are made when needed. This is called a 'village check.'
5.	The text is then translated back into very literal English. This is called the 'back-translation.'
6.	A translation consultant looks at the back-translation and asks questions of helpers who have not had a part in the translation or the checking of the text. The consultant will make suggestions to overcome problems.
7.	All changes are made, and consistency of spelling, punctuation, and parallel passages are checked. Then it's ready to go. Praise the Lord!

Are You Electronic?
If so, please send your email address to Susan Creech and we'll add them to our list to receive the newsletter that way. They will also be on the list to receive the electronic Prayer and Praise Updates that come out a bit more frequently.

In Joy I Serve Him,

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