Mary Esther’s mother underwent orthopedic surgery this week involving “a metal plate, a bunch of screws and wire.”  Her aging body is dealing with the results of 10 years of kidney dialysis. 

This was a truly amazing week. We accomplished more than we dared hope.  We set out to work on a comprehensive plan for the various Sign Languages in Asia that need translation work, and in the process, the Deaf participants went on to form an ad hoc group to take responsibility for the promotion and development of SLBT (Sign Language Bible Translation) work in Asia.  ViBi will serve as the interim Asia office until a group of five Deaf people from China, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, and Japan chosen by the participants meets again in January. We have a good start on the comprehensive plan, and are putting systems in place for continuing the work.

Please pray for me.  Last week‘s meeting took a huge toll  between late nights,  interpreting, working to follow conversations in Sign Languages related and unrelated to Japanese SL, and transporting people unfamiliar with Japan. Life has not slowed down much since then either. The comprehension check for Matthew is going full swing every day, and we have two guests (Japanese Deaf Pastor and Korean Deaf missionary to a restricted access nation) staying overnight part of this week.  Next week we have a Deaf couple from Costa Rica stay with us.  Life is not always like this, but every once in a while it happens, and we need extra strength. Thanks so much for standing behind us.

When I offer breakfast to our guests,  the Korean missionary and Japanese pastor ask for fried eggs and toast.   Mark、he prefers his rice and fish.

After weeks of bulging inboxes of e-mails and countless webcam conferences, it's finally happening. Ten leaders interested or engaged in Sign Language Bible translation (SLBT) from seven countries will be converging on Japan to join ViBi leadership in planning Deaf Bible access in Asia. Our aim is to lay the groundwork for the creation of a comprehensive plan for SLBT in all of Asia, including a funding proposal.

Pray! With all the time, energy, and funding that has already gone into this endeavor, we want these next four days to be the crux of something new. Beginning with arrivals and someone to meet each person coming, there are seemingly endless possbilities for things to go wrong. Pray that everyone will make it, sleep well, and be ready for the first day. Pray that we'll find ways to communicate in the various Sign Languages we're using. Pray that we will find a way to begin building a solid plan that includes all of the Sign Language Bible needs in Asia. Pray above all that the Holy Spirit with fill us with wisdom and unity, that what comes of this meeting would surpass our dreams. Bible translation needs in the Asian Deaf community have gone unnoticed for years--its time to start moving.

Some who have supported us for years and know our commitment to Japan's Deaf might be wondering:  How does this all fit in with ViBi's needs and goals for Japan's Deaf? The way I see it is this:  The  main thing keeping ViBi from really moving quickly is insufficient funding. Since ViBi's strong Deaf leadership and committment to excellence and innovation have already positioned them as world leaders in SLBT, they are sure to be part of any funding proposal that is made. Funding ViBi's translation needs will meet the needs of Japan's Deaf, while at the same time showing the way and providing resources for other Deaf groups in Asia and beyond.