> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://higby.family/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Marking Pentecost and Making News
- URL: https://higby.family/newsletter-2021-may/
- Published: 2021-05-21T22:40:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-13T03:26:39.000Z
- Description: We've just updated the stats to show that the Paratext software has been used in 3,051 languages now for Bible translation work—and the number keeps growing!
- Author: P.J. Higby
- Tags: Newsletter, Germany

Dear Friends,

Even though we recently sent our [April newsletter](https://higby.family/newsletter-2021-april/), Doug and I have good news and answers to prayer that we can't wait to share with you!

As Pentecost Sunday approaches, we celebrate the great work that so many are doing to make God's Word available into the languages of the world. We've just [updated the stats](https://paratext.org/?ref=higby.family) to show that the Paratext software has been used in 3,051 languages now for Bible translation work—and the number keeps growing! 

Doug's team gets a lot of requests from students at Bible colleges around the world to use the Paratext Bible translation software to help with their Biblical language studies. Unfortunately, the texts are copyrighted and have been restricted to use by vetted Bible translators. Yesterday, however, the Paratext board met and decided to include recent versions of these original language texts that have been obtained with no restrictions. When this gets implemented, anybody will be able to download and use Paratext for free with excellent Greek and Hebrew research tools. Doug has chaired this board for the past three years and is now turning over the reins to a colleague at the United Bible Societies. This role has been a great joy to him and he will continue to serve as a member of the board going forward.

![](https://higby.family/content/images/2026/09/gaad2.png)

Each year the third Thursday in May is [**Global Accessibility Awareness Day**](https://globalaccessibilityawarenessday.org/?ref=higby.family). During the lock-down, I spent some time learning how to increase the accessibility with the ePubs my team creates. We're trying to create digital books for the many, not the few, by adding in descriptive text to illustrations and tables, links to more related materials and navigational helps. To be honest, our first project is still in the making and I would appreciate prayer to have the encouragement to push this through.

# Family News

![](https://higby.family/content/images/2026/09/9e3e3558-7f1e-f28e-707e-3b0281ce324e.jpg)

Our family gathered to celebrate the baptism of Theo on May 16, 2021

Henry and Kaitlyn's son Theo was baptized last Sunday and our whole family got together for the occasion. It is wonderful to see God's faithfulness through the generations, and truly an answer to our prayers. At the far right of the above photo, is another answered prayer. Many of you have prayed for Kevin and Sara as 2019/2020 was an especially hard year for them. But with determination, patience, and grace this family reunited under one roof at the beginning of 2021\. It is our pure joy to also announce that another wee one will join them this fall. 

![](https://higby.family/content/images/2026/09/8ba76ff1-8ae8-66d0-8e9c-8500b878fafb.jpg)

Additionally, Roger is returning to his high school alma mater in Germany (class of 2014) to minister to the children of missionaries as a staff member. His sending organization is [TeachBeyond](https://teachbeyond.org/?ref=higby.family), with whom he'll be serving as a Resident Assistant in the dorm for the academic years 2021-2023 at the [Black Forest Academy](https://bfacademy.com/residence/?ref=higby.family). We are grateful for his submission to God's leading, and excited to see his faith journey as it progresses.

Would you consider joining his prayer and financial team? Find out more on his [TeachBeyond](https://give.teachbeyond.org/support/roger-higby/?ref=higby.family) or [facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/SupporttheJourney/), or by emailing him at [rhigby@teachbeyond.org](mailto:RHigby@teachbeyond.org)

Partners in the Gospel, ([Phil 1:5](https://live.bible.is/bible/ENGNIV/PHP/?ref=higby.family))  
  
Doug & P.J. Higby