May 2008

Thank you for your prayers as we work on the SPARK website. The project to improve accessibility of information on the site is wrapping up. We are now beginning to focus on making the site more visible to translation teams, churches, and other missions groups worldwide. It is so important that missionaries learn how to communicate using vernacular media, media that communicates to the hearts of people.

The Piraha of Brazil were resistant to literacy and the message of Jesus Christ. Every time the Piraha saw a filmstrip about Jesus, the spirits would fight back. Keren attended an ethnomusicology workshop, and realized that music might hold the key to reaching the Piraha. A woman literacy student helped Keren learn to sing their style of music. What Keren discovered was that the Piraha communicate any new or important message through music. Now that Keren communicates the Bible stories in a culturally appropriate way, the Piraha can't get enough of it. They are always saying, "Tell us more about Jesus."

Thank you for praying with us about a church to attend. We looked at a house in Lancaster, SC. The house was not what we wanted, but it was close to Covenant Baptist Church. We decided to visit the church, and really enjoy it. It turns out that our next door neighbor goes there, as well as one of our coworkers from VMS. We feel a sense of community at the church, and they make us feel at home. In the future we hope to participate in more of their activities.

We are grateful for you, and for your prayers for us. We feel blessed to have a small part in supporting Bible translation, and getting God's Word into people's heart languages.

Please pray for the following requests:

• Pray for wisdom as we continue to seek God's direction for the future of the SPARK website.
• Pray that God will direct us as we establish relationships with doctors and dentists in the Charlotte area.
• Pray with us that God will guide and protect our son, Andrew, in Navy bootcamp.

Thank you for standing with us in prayer. Don't hesitate to share your prayer requests. We really appreciate hearing from you.

In Christ's love,

Wayne & Linda Steele
8626 Karibuni Dr.
Waxhaw, NC 28173
[email protected]
[email protected]