For Dave and me it was our second time to Nicaragua. It was great to see the camp we worked at in 2010 when Lester and Darlene Olfert were there—the same custodian was still taking care of the camp.

The country of France is known for its secular culture, its magnificent cathedrals that attract more tourists than worshipers, and a catholic religion that has diminished in importance and influence in the past 50 years. Many people are unaware of the love for God, the power of the Holy Spirit and the faith in Jesus Christ that are shining lights in communities across the country.

Many know Venus Cote. Whether it's from watching Tribal Trails, hearing her speak at churches, prisons, and schools, or being welcomed into her home, Venus is known for her outpouring of love and testimony of God's power. 

♪ In my neighbourhood they call me Abd al-Haqq. It started because some of my friends couldn’t remember my name; others couldn’t pronounce it. One guy was calling me “Android” and another was calling me “Mustafa.” It was finally settled one morning when the guard from my son’s preschool definitively stated that I should be called “Abd al-Haqq.”

♪ Gordon and Sharon Skopnik have been serving South Sudanese refugees for 21 years and have seen for themselves that helping can end up hurting.

“I came here thinking I knew a lot about God. Turns out I knew so little, and was so full of pride and unforgiveness. I came with so little faith, and had such a small picture of who God is... This three months [of discipleship school] has made me realize how little I know, how little I am, but also how BIG God is and how good his plans are!” - student testimony

In 1991, the Salem Express, a ferry boat, slammed into a coral reef and sank in the Suez Canal. Around 470 passengers and crew died. Harvey Thiessen recounts that night.

♪ The ministry staff I work with at Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA) walk closely with many people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions and other challenges. We are not mental health professionals, but we encourage our staff not to underestimate our role as “boots on the ground” ministers.

♪ “During her cancer journey, I would often tell her that I’m jealous; jealous that she gets to be with Jesus before me.”

Sitting and hearing Ernie’s story reminded me of a foundational truth that I so often forget; eternity with Jesus is the hope that we cling to.

♪ If you go to the place where the Tigris and Euphrates rivers meet and converge, you won’t find the Garden of Eden anymore. You will, however, find a nicely manicured park with a large tree at the center.

♪ In the area where we serve, the culture is male-dominated, and women believe they have no value. Without marriage they are nothing; whether never married or widowed. Without a husband, they have no value and are a burden to their relatives.

♪ In recent years, SIL has felt it necessary to shift our approach in serving minority peoples. In the past we focused on languages; we now want to put “people before language.” This is a very welcome turn. I reflect briefly on my experience of these two approaches as I look back on my career with SIL (see sil.org/about).