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March-Apr 2010 Newsletter

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Jan-Feb 2010

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“Loving the Least: an Evening Devoted to the Bible-less peoples of the world” was the theme of Pioneer Bible Translators’ recent banquet in Dallas.  Every ticket was sold out.  IziBongo led us in worship with songs from around the world in a way that helped us envision people from every nation on day gathered around God’s throne.  Max Lucado, Greg Pruett, Estel Willits and Brad Willits moved our hearts, painting vivid
pictures of God’s inclusive, embracing love for all people groups on the planet.

Since that evening, it has been occurring to me that God really likes banquets. Isaiah said (Isa. 25:6), “The LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.” Jesus started his ministry on earth at a wedding banquet, and told many-a parable with a banquet backdrop.  Jesus expressed his Father’s heart for “loving the least” in his parable about the generous King who held an elaborate banquet. (Matthew 22 and Luke 14)  But his invited guests gave and refused the invitation. The furious King sent his servant to the streets and alleys to invite the poor, crippled, blind, and lame.  And when there was still room, the servant was sent out of town to find more people so that his house would be filled.  The invitation was extended to the dregs of society.  One translation says, “To the LEAST!”  And they came!

So, here we are, November 2008, living in a world where many people groups are still on the fringes.  They have yet to receive the banquet invitation.  They do not know they are invited to the ultimate banquet at the end of time.  May God use us, his servants, to carry those special invitations across language and cultural
barriers so that they may sit down one day to dine with the King of Glory!
The apostle John envisioned it this way (Revelation 7: 9):  “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” ‘ ”

(Adapted from letter by Marsha Miles)           Scroll down for more updates

On Novemeber 2, 2008, at 90 years of age, Jeff’s grandmother,
lovingly referred to as Mammaw, passed from this life.  After receiving
a dose of pain medication, she closed her eyes as seven sparrows
perched upon her windowsill. She open her eyes once again, looked at
her son and to the window. She gently said, “I’m going home to Momma
and Daddy now.” And as she closed her eyes, the seven sparrows lighted
from her window and Mammaw’s spirit left with them.  She was buried in
Hico, Texas, on November 4.

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Jeff went on behalf of the PBT recruiting department to the World Mission Workshop on the campus of Falkner University in Mongomery Alabama for three days in October.  The theme of the conference was “Who is my Neighbor?”  Excited college students from around the country came to explore the possibility of becoming missionaries both around the world and in North America.  Several students showed interest in being part of PBT in the future.  Pray for the Lord of harvest to send forth reapers.

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With Jeff’s training in marriage and family therapy completed, our family moved to the Dallas area to work with Pioneer Bible Translators on the campus of Wycliffe International. Both Jeff and Brenda will be working as Training and Recruit Coaches. In the pre-field side of training, Jeff and Brenda will work to help the recruits as they form their own teams and chose their own places for service. Additionally, the Hollands will be working with existing teams around the world to create good team dynamics and work through difficulties and crises.

Brenda is working part time while Jeff is at work on a full time basis.   Pray for Brenda as she is working on her life coach certification and works with recruits.  Also pray for Jeff as he counsels with couples and individuals working through various challenges that arise prior to, during, and after their missionary service.  Also, pray for teams that are starting to develop and will be guided by Jeff and Brenda.

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