Dear Friends, Thank you for praying for the Outilingua workshop in Niger! We praise God for bringing 23 people together from 14 different countries to receive training in the latest computer technology for Bible translation. To give you an idea of how this training can help, let me share Elijah’s story. We met Elijah in 2008 when our family drove down to visit the Fulfulde translation team in Benin. The team was continually beset with computer problems, and at one point we were able to arrange for them to receive a new donated computer. During our visit, we were surprised to learn that there was a computer department for the various translation teams in Beninese languages. There was Elijah, ready and willing to help translation teams any way he knew how. Although Elijah had never received specific training in the translation computer tools, he did an amazing job with what he was able to figure out on his own. Most of the problems that Elijah wrestled with already had solutions—he just wasn’t aware of them, and neither were the teams he was trying to support. Having Elijah attend this year’s workshop was a pure joy. He sat there and just soaked up the training, never falling behind, and always smiling. Now, Elijah is returning to Benin, and just like his namesake, he returns to give the message of God’s kingdom by making these tools available to the translators, making them more effective in their work. Right now I (Doug) am on my way to Thailand for a very exciting conference. I have been serving as the “Language Technology Coordinator” for Africa. This was a new position that we started in order to get the most effective tools and training into the translators’ hands. Recently, coordinators have been appointed for all the other regions of the world (Americas Area, Pacific Area, etc.) and I’ll be helping lead the first ever meeting of these coordinators to discuss how we can best fulfill our task. Henry just celebrated his 18th birthday… hard to imagine! He makes his final college decision this week (we’ll let you know) and then--in only two short, busy months--will be on a one-way ticket to the US. We are trying to enjoy every day we are together as a family. His trip to Turkey was quite an eye-opener. He learned a lot of history on tours to various historical sites, and then participated in the Model United Nations meetings with 700 students from around the world. Kevin and Henry are performing in the school talent show this week. Henry juggling and Kevin twirling a flaming stick. ... don’t ask. Be assured a bucket of water and fire extinguisher will be handy! Partners in the Gospel, (Phil 1:5) Doug & Priscilla Higby
Prayer and Praise- Praise God for the successful Outilingua 2010 workshop in March, for the safe arrival and departure of all involved. Pray too for the training workshops that these participants will lead now that they have returned to their countries. They will need courage and confidence to teach others.
- After Outlingua 2010, our family participated in a three-day spiritual retreat in Niger with Reformed Church in America (RCA) and Christian Reformed Church missionaries. We thank God for this time of refreshment during Passion Week (and the school's Spring Break).
- Thailand is not the safest place to be right now due to political unrest in Bangkok. However, the meetings will be held in Chiang Mai, where there are no reports of violence as of yet. Please pray for safety for Doug and for all the regional representatives as they meet to discuss how to get tools and training into the hands of language projects around the globe.
- The end of the school year is always busy for our family. Priscilla is handling the school administration, the boys are studying for exams and making summer preparations, and Doug is traveling. Pray that our family will remain calm and rooted in Christ’s peace.
- The city of Ouagadougou is enduring extremely high temperatures and extended power cuts. We are thankful for our power back-up systems, however coping with these daily occurrences can be draining. Please pray for our family's stamina until the rains come.
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