Dearest Family and Friends,
It has been some time since I last updated you all on what is happening in our ministry. In January I had the privilege of teaching a group of bible translators through the first six chapters of the book of Genesis. This was my first teaching assignment in the Spanish language! God was faithful to me in those days. There were 14 students along with John Lubeck (Wycliffe Missionary) and our family. There are three languages all ready in progress of translating the Old Testament--- Ch’orti’, Q’anjob’al, and Akateko. Other language groups were present that are wanting to start a O.T. translation in their languages---Achi, Awakateko, Tekiteko, Mam, Pokamchi’, Ixil, Kekchi’ and Tz’utujil. I taught for 3-4 hours a day for 5 days. I was expositing, explaining difficult passages and answering questions concerning the first 6 chapter of Genesis. This was no easy challenge because all of us were working in our second language. John Lubeck taught workshops on translation and living a holy life. In the evenings the Mayan translators trained themselves in topics such as morphology, semantics, editing and principles of translation. We had a wonderful time during this week and the brothers were very encouraged and believe that this project is the will of God for their people. We plan to hold another workshop in next few months to continue our study of the book of Genesis.
As for our involvement here in Santiago all is well. I might add it is a very slow process because of the language barrier and the fact that it is a very closed culture. We are making friendships and continuing to build relationships with the people. We officially have a Tz’utujil language teacher and will start classes in May Lord willing. Since February we have received 4 teams, from Chicago, Canada, Fort Worth and Richmond. We have visited schools to give out school supplies and were able to share the gospel to over 1000 students. Helped with a Dental team, Continued the work at the church camp, and just last week two eye doctors visited to look at the possibility of bringing a team next year. Lord willing they will return so they can issue glasses and do surgeries as well.
Prayer items: 1. Continue to pray for the Bible Translators of Guatemala. This is a monumental project. 2. Pray for us as we begin to learn our third language it is a booger. 3. Pray for our health. All of kids are sick right now with bad stomach and intestinal problems. 4. Pray for ministry among the Tz’utujil that God would bless it by an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
My mother is at home and is continuing to recover. She us much better but continue to pray for her in the coming days.
Daniel Foote
Please check out our blogs, dfoote.blogspot.com and danielwfoote.blogspot.com
Mayan Translators Genesis workshop Footes in the Tz'utujil clothes.
