I think the enormity of the linguistic side of planting a tribal church has begun to sink in more this week for me. By linguistic side, I mean the whole task of writing down a language, giving it an alphabet and teaching the people to read it… it’s a big job.
Lately, things have begun to get a little harder as we practice these linguistic principles on the Cherokee language. It takes a lot of time planning, a lot of time organizing and analyzing the things we are hearing in Cherokee. Of course, we are only practicing this on Cherokee- so in a sense, it doesn’t matter if I get it right, since our ministry in the future will not be in this language. But if I don’t practice things the right way now, how will it work out overseas? I’m not trying to be overwhelming; I’m just trying to show that this is not easy- there are no shortcuts. And that’s just the linguistic side of things.
Another aspect of things here is living in close proximity to several other families and a few single people. I’ve been told that the biggest thing people learn here is what it’s like to work and live closely with a small group of people. It’s fun at times, but it’s not always easy. We have friends here and there are times when friendships are tested. We’re getting to see multiple sides of what life might be like working closely with a team of people in an isolated area in Asia-Pacific.
Praise:
-For the chance to hone our relationship and linguistic skills
-For God’s continual provision for our different needs here
Prayer:
-That God will use this time to prepare us and mature us for the job ahead
-That we will rely on God
-That I can be disciplined in my linguistic work here
Thank you for thinking of and praying for us and for your financial support
—McIlroys