Dear Friends,

A lot has happened here since you last heard from me, and maybe some of you have thought that I have retired—but I haven’t—yet! Sometimes when things get too hectic, I wonder why I haven’t, but then the Lord gives more strength, making me realize again the truth of the statement in Isaiah 33:6 (NIV): "He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge." Whatever your circumstances are, I hope you will experience the same in your life.

Just now we are translating the book of Isaiah. One thing that impresses me as we go through the book is how up-to-date it sounds—the problems and sins of people don’t change much over the years, and thankfully, God’s mercy doesn’t change either!

Let me share with you a few highlights of the year:

Translation Team

We have a third translator! Omot Agwa, who resigned two and a half years ago, came back to work with us again in November. He has fit in well with the rest of the team and is helping to speed the work along. Our new colleague, Franci Schoner, whom I mentioned in my last letter, has had to return to the United States because of personal problems. We hope that these will be resolved and that she will be able to return.

Translation

The book of 2 Chronicles was completed in 1999, and as I mentioned above, we are now translating the book of Isaiah. The first half (up to chapter 35) is nearly complete, and it is planned to check this much with the reviewers in Gambela in July. When we finish Isaiah there will be only nine books to go to complete the Old Testament. We value your prayers that we can continue to progress without so many delays from sickness and other interruptions.

Publications

Two more reading primers were reprinted during the year, completing four out of the series of seven. The book of Proverbs was printed in both Ethiopic and Latin scripts. The New Testament in Ethiopic script—which has been out of print for a couple of years—has been reprinted, but has not yet arrived in Ethiopia. I just heard that the shipment is stuck in the port of Djibouti due to some irregularity with the shipping papers, so when that is solved, the shipment can be forwarded here. So many people are continually asking if the New Testaments have come yet, that I am sure that many will be immediately bought up as soon as they arrive!

Jesus Film

Last November the Great Commission representative contacted us about producing the Jesus Film in the Anuak language. Eventually, our team translated the script, and the recording team from the States went to Gambela in February to record all the speaking parts. Just now the dubbed film has been returned to Ethiopia to be reviewed by us before the final production is done. We are really excited at the prospect of this film being available in Anuak.

Clinics

I have continued visiting the two clinics once each quarter and have been happy to see a little improvement in their work. The number of patients at Gilo Clinic increased to the point that the Health Assistant there asked for more help. So the HA from Pokwo was transferred there, and another HA was hired for Pokwo Clinic. He has been trying to improve the service, but many people have very little to spend on medical treatment, as that area is still suffering from bad harvests. The financial deficit continues to be a problem that still defies solution.

In my last letter I wrote about Abaa, a young evangelist who has bone cancer. At present he is still feeling pretty well and is attending school and going out to preach on weekends. But the last time he came for a checkup to Addis Ababa, the examination showed spots on his lungs, and the doctor discharged him to go home and carry on as long as he can. I was amazed and inspired by his attitude as he heard the report from the doctor. He responded by telling the doctor that he was trusting in God, who has taken care of him so far, and that he is not afraid, and even believes that God can heal him. In his village he has a group that are studying the book of Mark together. They started out very enthusiastically, but over a period of time have had a hard time meeting regularly because of school schedules, farming work, etc. People are not used to the discipline of a long-term regular commitment, so I try to encourage Abaa to try to keep on with it, as it is so important for Christian growth. This another matter for prayer.

Retreat

In February it was my privilege to attend a retreat along with about 100 Presbyterian missionaries serving all over Africa. It was arranged by the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church and was held for four days at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The accommodations were very nice, with the Falls just 10 minutes walk away from our hotel; but especially good was the chance to be together with the other missionaries and the staff who came from the headquarters in the United States. While there, I had my first experience at seeing somebody doing bunjee jumping—didn’t make me want to try it for myself!

Throughout the year I have appreciated the letters and cards that many of you have sent to me, and I know that those who do not write are also thinking and praying for us, and for that I thank the Lord and all of you. And to those who contribute financially too, my thanks. May God bless all of you.

Praise the Lord for:

• New Bible translator Omot Agwa joining the team
• Progress in translation
• Production of the Jesus Film in the Anuak language

• The translation team to be able to speed up the translation process
• Franci Schoner in the resolution of her personal problems
• The financial needs of the two clinics
• Abaa’s Christian witness, and leadership of the Bible study group
• For the reviewing and final production of the Jesus Film in Anuak

Marie Lusted