Our Baby's First Rainbow Party

This past Saturday, my mom, sister, and best friend, Shere, hosted our baby's first Baby Shower. I had a great time.  My mom went with a rainbow theme for the party which I absolutely loved.  Thank you to everyone that came and made the day really special.  This baby is seriously blessed to have these wonderful people in his or her life.  Here are just a few pictures that my sister took.

 

Our Baby's First Santa Outfit

The onesie says, "My dad is cooler than your dad." Steve loves it.

Some really soft sleepers. My mom bought one in each color since we don't know the gender.

My best friend's mom handmade this diaper bag for us.  I filled it up so we are now ready to head to the hospital when baby is ready.  She made some great bibs for us too.  Cristal is so incredibly talented.  I love it.

Just a few of the great people that were there.  Seriously, these are the best people that you could ever have in your life.  Our baby is so blessed.

Grammie's baby blanket.  My Grammie (mom's mom) has crocheted a baby blanket for every one of her great-grand kids.  Baby Pitney will be Great-Grandchild #4.

Rainbow cupcakes.  There were so good.

I couldn't post every picture.  We got so many cute little outfits, blankets, toys, and other important things for the baby.  I just can't wait for this baby to make it's grand entrance into the world, so he or she can meet all these special people and wear all the cute clothes.

Ending Bible Poverty

We recently heard of a story out of Cameroon where technology is really making a difference in Bible Translation. Not only is technology helpful by making creating backups possible and speeding up communication, but now it is being used to create audio Bible's that are available even on cell phones. This is allowing the people of Cameroon to ability to bring the Word of God into their own homes much faster. They no longer have to wait for a copy of the Bible to be printed. They can read it right on their phones. Having the Bible available via a Bible app, like YouVersion, also allows the Bible to get into "closed countries" much easier.

Will you prayerfully consider helping us complete the work that God has called us to do with a monthly gift. Together, we can make a difference for the people of Cameroon and every other language group still waiting.

http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=AF45B1

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Moise Yonta joyfully read aloud a Scripture portion on his smartphone, punctuating the phrases with vigorous gestures. This was God’s Word in his mother tongue—the Ngiemboon language of Cameroon—and he was seeing it on his phone for the first time! As he came to the end of the selection, he jumped up and delightedly shook hands with a colleague. With a huge grin, he exclaimed, “Wonderful! Wonderful!”

It was indeed wonderful!  Moise, who works with the Cameroonian Association for Bible Translation and Literacy (CABTAL), was the coordinator for the Ngiemboon translation project.  Since the New Testament was dedicated in 2007, he’s used both the printed and audio version, but gaining access to the digital version took his experience to a whole new level!

He says, “I was so happy that I couldn’t hide it! Immediately I applied the lesson we learnt by selecting a verse and sending it to my dear wife, and she was happy to receive it.”

Now when Moise travels, he carries the Scriptures with him on his phone. His special joy is helping others access God’s Word the same way.  He encourages them to get the written Scriptures from YouVersion and the audio version from Faith Comes By Hearing.  At the request of his pastor and church elders, he is preparing a training course for his church on how to use cell phones for evangelization, and CABTAL would like him to present the same course to other churches as well.

Moise is one of more than 650 million cell phone subscribers in Africa, where cell phone service is far more available than landlines. As I’ve traveled, I’ve often found better service in Africa than I get in my own home in Orlando, Florida. I have no doubt that God is behind the development of digital technology, and while cell phones are used worldwide for communications, financial transactions, healthcare, and much more, I believe that God also intended this technology to support the distribution of His Word.

Warmly,

Bob Creson
President/CEO
Wycliffe USA


A video of Moise enjoying his digital Scriptures is posted here .

37 weeks Update - Full Term

I can't believe we are Full-Term today.  In just 3 short weeks, give or take a few, we should be holding our beautiful rainbow.  Our house is almost ready for our sweet baby to get here.  This weekend, we went to Toledo this weekend to visit Steve's mom.  Baby Pitney had a great time visiting Grandma and going swimming in their pool.  Baby even got to meet Great Grandma, Brooksie (Steve's Grandma). 

Yesterday, we had a regular OB appointment.  When we got there, I mentioned that I thought the baby was moving a little slow over the weekend.  It may have been all the traveling or the fact that I was busy and I just didn't notice as much.  The doctors at our OB clinic are so patient with my anxious worries.  They decided to do an ultrasound and a Biophysical Profile just to check everything out.  The Biophysical Profile is basically a simple and painless test to access the baby's health and development.  Baby was wiggling around during the test and tech focused in on the chest so we could actually watch the baby breath and she said our baby has hair already.  Our little overachiever scored 8 our of 8, an A-plus rating.  The doctor said our baby is absolutely perfect.

Your baby's the size of a winter melon!

Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day.

 This is my favorite photo from yesterday's ultrasound.  Check out our baby's cute little perfect ear.  The tech said that she couldn't get a good face picture because she was upside down in the perfect position for birth.

Visiting Missionaries from Wycliffe

This has been such a fun week for Steve and I.  We hosted a family that is traveling around the country visiting all their ministry partners.  They have been on the road almost continuously for the last 6 months.  We met them in Orlando last April when we went down there for EQUIP training.  They got to our house on Tuesday afternoon and stayed until Thursday morning.

We cooked some BBQ chicken for dinner on Tuesday and took them for a treat to Cold Stone Creamery.  The kids, Jessica and Casey, enjoyed that.

Wednesday, we made homemade lasagna.  It was pretty tasty.

They are serving with Wycliffe and actually spent some years in Cameroon. They are making plans now to serve with JAARS, which is a division of Wycliffe, in North Carolina now.  It was so great to see them again.  They were very encouraging to us as we build our financial team and make plans to serve in Cameroon.  I hope they had a great time.

35/35 Update

It's crazy to think that we are 35 weeks along now.  I remember when I first discovered that we were pregnant and we had our first ultrasound at 5 weeks.  Now, we only have 5 weeks or 35 days left.  We have so much to do to prepare for our little miracle.  Baby loves to wake up from his or her nap right as I'm getting ready to go to bed and roll around as I fall asleep.  I love it.  Steve loves to talk to the baby and try to tickle the baby from the outside.  We know how blessed we are.
 

How far along?: 35 weeks

How big is baby?:

Your baby's the size of a coconut!

He's about 17.2 to 18.7 inches. From here on out, he won't get much longer, but he's plumping up. He's now about 4.2 to 5.8 pounds, and he'll put on a pound or more of baby fat before birth.

Any appointments or updates this week?: We have another appointment next week, then we start going every week.

Best moment last week?: We got to tour the hospital that we will deliver at last week with our childbirth class.  That was pretty cool.  Our instructor told Steve that he is great breather.  He is going to be a great coach.

What I'm looking forward to?: I can't wait to hold our precious baby and find out if it's a boy or a girl.  Our baby is so blessed already to have so many great friends and family that love it.

I'm also looking forward to getting the nursery finished and put together.

 

Wycliffe Garage Sale Success

Labor Day weekend was busy with our first part of our garage sale for our Wycliffe ministry.  This weekend, Steve had both Friday and Saturday off work so we had another one.  A special thanks to the friends and family that donated items to our sale and those that helped us work it.  Bible Translation truly does take a team and we appreciate everyone who plays a role on our team, whether it's part of our prayer or financial team or they are using their gifts in other ways.

Over the 4 days of sales, we made over $1100 for our Wycliffe ministry.  We also took the opportunity to talk to as many customers as we could about why we were having the sale and what the Wycliffe ministry is all about.  It was so much fun.

We could not have asked for better weather for the sale.  It was hot, but beautiful.  It did rain a little on Saturday both weekends, but not until later in the afternoon.

 

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Bible translation not only gives the people access to the lifesaving word of God, but it also gives them access to potential lifesaving educational materials through education and literacy development

http://wycliffepitneys.blogspot.com/

If you were unable to attend, but want to give or pledge to our Wycliffe ministry you can do that here:
http://www.wycliffe.org/Partnership.aspx?mid=AF45B

Bible Translation Statistics

The worldwide status of Bible translation (2012):

6,800+	...the number of languages spoken in the world today
Under 2,000	...the number of languages without any of the Bible, but with a possible need of a Bible translation to begin
about 209 million	...the number of people who speak the less than 2,000 languages where translation projects have not yet begun
Over 1,500	...the number of translation programs where Wycliffe and its partners are currently at work
1,275	...the number of language groups that have access to the New Testament in their heart language
518	...the number of language groups that have access to the entire Bible in the language they understand best
over 7 billion	...the population of the world

Although Bible translation is progressing at a more rapid rate today than ever before, an overwhelming amount of work has yet to be done.

8 Months Update

How far along?: 32 weeks

How big is baby?:

Your baby's the size of a squash!

Still growing, your baby weighs in at about 2.5 to 3.8 pounds and measures about 15.2 to 16.7 inches.

Any appointments or updates this week?: We have a regular appointment on Thursday morning. The OBs that we have been working with have been so great.  We are going every 2 weeks now.  I can't believe we only have 8 weeks left until we meet our precious rainbow.  We could not be more excited. 

Best moment last week?: I'm glad to having less anxious days.  I want to enjoy every last moment of the rest of this pregnancy.  Baby has it's lazy days, but it loves to roll around and kicks for Steve.  I love when Steve interacts with and has conversations with the baby.

What I'm looking forward to?: I can't wait to hold our precious baby and find out if it's a boy or a girl.  Our baby is so blessed already to have so many great friends and family that love it.

Just For Fun: A Comparison Picture.

No Longer a Barrier

http://wycliffeusa.wordpress.com/2013/08/12/no-longer-a-barrier/

By Melissa Chesnut
It was a Friday afternoon. Many of the Krachi villagers—men and women, young and old—were gathered around a tape recorder.

To those who know the Krachi people of Ghana, this would be an unusual scene to observe. As peasant farmers, the Krachi people spend most of their days working in the fields. The days they do not go to the fields are rare: Sundays for the Christians, and special or taboo days that happen once a week. On those days, no one is allowed to work in the fields.

But on this occasion, it was neither a Sunday nor a special or taboo day. The Krachi people had left their fields for something more important—listening to God’s Word.

The tape recorder was playing the Gospel of Mark, an audio version that had recently been completed and distributed among the Krachi people. Setting aside the normal schedule of their daily lives, this group of people had gathered to listen to God’s Word in their language.

As the tape played, a familiar voice was heard. One of their own people had read and voiced the recording of Mark! This was not just some stranger speaking their language for the recording—it was one of them!
Moses Danso was one of the elderly men listening to Mark that afternoon. His life—along with many others—was touched through the use of tape recorders to communicate Scripture.

“I have never been to formal school,” he said. “But I can listen to the Word of God in my own language. Illiteracy can no longer be a barrier to my salvation.”

For those who are unable to read or write their language, these audio recordings are perfect. But many Krachi people are now getting the opportunity to learn how to read and write their own language as well.
Before, the Krachi alphabet had not been developed, so there was no written document for the language. Then, a team from SIL International, Wycliffe’s primary strategic partner, helped develop the Krachi alphabet. The team is now providing literacy programs for the Krachi people while they work on the Krachi New Testament translation and additional audio Scripture recordings. So far, they’ve drafted 90 percent of the New Testament, which will soon be checked by translation consultants!

Expect a Rainbow

Expect a rainbow,
and you'll find it eventually.
Your dreams will come true
as long as you believe they will.

Expect a rainbow--
believe in the impossible,
otherwise you may miss
opportunity when it
knocks on your door.


Expect a rainbow,
and escape to dreams.
If you can touch your dreams
with your eyes shut,
then you can stay focused
on your goal with your eyes open.

Expect a rainbow;
look beyond the storm for
the beauty that follows
the darkness.
Expect a rainbow;
have faith in yourself
above all things.
If you believe in yourself,
then others will believe in
you too.

"Expect a Rainbow," written and designed by Bobette Bryan, 2000

Bible Translation at a Glance

by dhoernsch.
Explore more infographics like this one on the web's largest information design community - Visually.

Why Wycliffe?

Wycliffe Bible Translators started about 70 years ago by a man named William Cameron Townsend who had an incredible passion for everyone to be able to read and understand the Bible.  Wycliffe and its partner organizations believe that every person should access to the scripture in their heart language.  In 1999, Wycliffe started a commitment called Vision 2025.  Vision 2025 is Wycliffe's commitment to have a translation project started in every language that needs one by the year 2025.  This is really exciting for us because we could actually see this done in our lifetime.

Throughout America, many households have several copies of the Bible in different translations that may or may not ever leave the shelf.  Many are collecting dust because in America it’s easy to take for granted to what we have such an abundance of, but for millions around the world there is not one word of scripture written down in the language they fully understand; the language that speaks to their heart.  For the lucky ones that are lucky enough to have access to a Bible, it’s often in someone else’s language.

Traditionally, couples would enter a village alone or in a small group, start to learn the language of the people, create an alphabet, and then start the translation.  Using traditional strategies, it would take more than 150 years to provide every Bibleless people group with God's word.  It doesn't have to be that way though.  If God's people work together, a translation for every group that needs it can be started by the year 2025.  Wycliffe's goal will be realized.

Literacy is also an important part of Wycliffe’s mission.  If translators go into a village and translate the scripture, but no one can read it, then the work was in vain.  Wycliffe has teachers, literacy specialists, and musicians that work hard to teach the villagers how to read and write.  This not only gives the people access to the lifesaving word of God, but it also gives them access to potential lifesaving educational materials.

Every job within Wycliffe is needed and important.  Whether you are working as a translator, a literacy specialist, a teacher, in a support role, or if you are at home serving as a financial or prayer partner, everyone is important.  Together we can make a difference. 

As we enter this opportunity with Wycliffe, we realize that we can't do it alone.  We need a team of partners that are willing to come with us.  We need people to commit to pray for us.  Prayer is most important part of our team because we believe that God answers the prayer of His people.  The power of prayer is our greatest strength.  We also need committed financial partners.  These are special people, churches, and organizations that our willing to let God us them and their finances to bring God's word to the people that so desperately desire it.  We need people like you that believe in us and believe in this ministry to help us complete this mission.  All Wycliffe members have to raise their own support before going to the field, so without you our work cannot begin. 

Only two things on Earth will last for eternity - God's word and God's people.  Let's use our lives to make a difference for eternity.  Please pray and consider how you can help us finish this important work.

Ohio State Baby Hat Attempt 1

Steve decided that he wanted the baby's "take home" outfit to be an Ohio State outfit.  That shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that knows him.  He bought some onesies while in Ohio this past weekend.  Since the baby is due in October, I thought that the baby would also need a coat and hat to complete the outfit.
 

I found a great little hat and coat online and thought, "Hey, I could maybe make that."  I'm a very beginner crocheter. I'm still very much learning.

Well, last night I bought some yarn and needles and got to work.  It was very hard to find some baby yarn in non pastel colors.  The red and gray are not "official" baby yarns, but they are still soft.  I think the finished project turned out pretty good though.

Now, on to the coat.  That looks much harder.  I've never made anything besides hats or blankets.

 

 Our rainbow bear was a great model.

 

28 Weeks!

My sister is a great photographer.  It's hard to believe that we are at 28 weeks now.  12 weeks or less until we get to meet our beautiful rainbow.  We have so much to do to get the house ready for the new arrival.  Baby had some lazy days over the weekend which made mommy nervous, but he/she is moving around today.  I think baby missed daddy.

Here are some of my favorites of the pictures she took last night in our parent's backyard.

Steve's Trip to Ludlow Falls

 

Steve is home from his trip to Ohio.  He had a great time.  Thank you to everyone that was praying for divine appointments and for safe travel.  He was able to find a place to stay at the last minute in a lodge at the Ludlow Falls Camp.

He drove over to Ohio on Saturday after work to attend his High School class reunion.  He was able to reconnect with some old classmates and even share our ministry and what we will be doing with some of them.  Sunday, he spent the day at Ludlow Falls Camp.  This weekend just happened to line up with the beginning of the district's Missionary Church camp at Ludlow Falls.  Steve spent Sunday through today at the camp with the pastors there and others staying at the camp.  With prayer meetings in the morning and speakers throughout the day, he spent some great time with God.  He also tried to find as many opportunities as he could to share our ministry and the exciting work that Wycliffe is doing.  He met a few people at the camp that are currently working with Wycliffe in different capacities, so he able to get some encouragement from some.

The purpose of the trip was to share our ministry and invite new friends to partner with us, but it was a refreshing trip for Steve as well.  He got to spend some good time with God in the beauty of God's creation when he took walks around the camp.

I wish I could have gone with him, but unfortunately I was unable to get the time off of work. I stayed home and tried to get some housecleaning done to get ready for company visiting tomorrow.

Welcome July ICLW Bloggers

It's been a few months since we have participated in this.  It's International Comment Leaving Week.  Comments are the new {Hug} - a way to say hello and encourage each other.




IComLeavWe: Join the Conversation

Welcome to our humble blog.  This blog was originally created as an online journal for my college Bible Study and it has evolved over the years into a website for our ministry with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

A little about us:  
My husband and I met at Bethel College and decided that we liked each other enough to get married in May 2007.  Until this summer, we both had one full time job at the YWCA north central indiana and part time jobs at different Sears stores.  We are also members of Wycliffe Bible Translators which take some more time, but it's important work and we love it.  Steve has now quit his job with the YWCA and is focusing his time with Wycliffe and still working part time at Sears.

If you want to hear more about our ministry and how you can possibly partner with us as a prayer partner or a financial partner, you can join send a message here or write a message in the comments.

***pregnancy mentioned***

We are currently expecting our first-born child in October 2013.  We could not be more excited. It has not been an easy journey for us to get here, so we know how blessed we are.  We do not know the gender yet, because we are currently "Team Green."  I can't believe that in less than 90 days, we will meet our rainbow.

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Get to Know You Questions:
Join our blog and answer in the comments:

1) What is your favorite form of exercise?

2) If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do (after you paid off all your debt and did all the responsible things)?

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My answers:
1) Walking along our city's Riverwalk. It's beautiful.
2) After we became debt free, funded retirement and started a college fund for baby, I would put the rest in a mutual fund to fund our ministry.

Hello Third Trimester

We feel so blessed to have gotten to this point.  We have so much left to do to get ready for the baby and so much to learn, but we are excited.  Between getting ready for the baby and preparing our ministry, we are very busy.  I wouldn't change a thing.  We even started thinking of names for little one.  We decided on a really great boy's name, but we are still narrowing down a girl's name.  We won't be sharing the names until much later though.  I signed up for a free Prenatal Yoga class at the Women's Care Center that starts on Saturday.  I'm really looking forward to it.  After all we have been through, I can't believe we have actual hit the third trimester.  I never thought this day would come.  We know how blessed we are.

How far along?: 27 weeks

How big is baby?:

Your baby's the size of a rutabaga!

At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, she's not just getting bigger, she's getting smarter.

Any appointments or updates this week?: We had a regular appointment last Monday and it went really well.  The doctor had so concerns at all.  She said she could hear the baby moving around and kicking on the Doppler, which was pretty cool.  She predicts that he or she will be a tall baby.

Best moment last week?: The best moment was definitely when Steve could feel outside movement.  I could tell that he really enjoyed that too. 

What I'm looking forward to?: Even though I have loved being pregnant, I'm looking forward to meeting our sweet rainbow.

How Bible Translation Changes Lives

Translators Ed and Debi Condra were repeatedly saddened as they watched Kudal grow up. They were translating the New Testament into the Papatar language in his village.  Kudal grew increasingly violent and foul mouthed through his teen years.

In March of 1998, the New Testament was completed and dedicated and the Condras weren't able to remain in the village. But after several months, Ed was able to return for a short visit.  Travel conditions and weight limits on the small aircraft severely restricted Ed's luggage preventing him from bringing even his copy of the translated New Testament.

When Ed arrived in the village, the young man Kudal was one of the first people he ran into.  Ed remembered Kudal's sister buying a New Testament and asked Kudal if it were possible to borrow it.  Ed was surprised when Kudal reached into his shoulder bag and pulled out a copy of the New Testament. 

Further surprised, Ed noticed specifically that it was worn and underlined, a well used Bible.  He received chills as he began to understand.  It was evidence of the Holy Spirit working in the young man's life, transforming him.

Bible translation is about more than just giving people a Bible in a language they can read with their heart.

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Wycliffe Bible Translators started about 70 years ago by a man named William Cameron Townsend who had an incredible passion for everyone to be able to read and understand the Bible. Here in the US, it is a simple task to pick up a Bible and read from it.  Many people around the globe pick up a Bible, if they can get their hands on one, and when they try to read it they do not understand the words on the page.  Wycliffe formed around the vision to see God’s word accessible to people in the language of their heart. 350 Million people are still waiting for this to happen.

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Fourth of July Celebration/25 Week Update

We had a great 4th of July.  I spent the morning buying some flowers to plant in our front yard and going for a walk around the Mishawaka Riverwalk with Erin, mom, and dad.  I love the Riverwalk. It's so beautiful and peaceful.  It was a very hot morning, so I made sure to drink a lot of water and wear light clothes.  My sister got a great picture of me in the rock garden.

After our walk, my mom came over and planted the flowers I bought in our garden.  With all the rain we have had, the flowers are growing really big.  Last year, we hardly had any rain by this time.  Most places canceled fireworks because we hadn't had rain in more than a month.  This year it seems to rain every week.
 
We were invited to a cookout at our friend's house, so I cut up a watermelon and ate great food with friends and family.  Steve met us there after work and we watched fireworks along with river in Mishawaka.  It was a great day.  The weather was perfect.

How far along?: 25 weeks, 3 days

How big is baby?:

Your baby's the size of a cauliflower!  During month six, the average fetus measures about 13.6 inches to 14.8 inches and weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds.

Any appointments or updates this week?: Our next regular OB appointment is on Monday.  I can't believe I'm this far along all ready.  100 days left!  I have to schedule my glucose test next week.  Oh goody.

Best moment last week?: I can definitely feel movement more than I could last week.  Hopefully, soon we will be able to feel them on the outside so Steve can feel them too.

What I'm looking forward to?: Feeling kicks on the outside and holding my perfect baby.  The answer to this question will probably be pretty consistent.

We are so Blessed

If there is one thing that I have learned in the last year, it would be the value of friendship.  Some friendships come and go but there are some friends that stick with you through the good times and the bad.  Some friends will walk away when things get tough, but others run towards you when you feel like the world around you in falling in.

We know that we are blessed with some amazing friends and a spectacular family.  I'm so glad that we got to spend some time with them this weekend.  The amount of people that have called or emailed us offering to give us things for our baby or for our garage sale or to partner with us in our ministry has been humbling.  It really is humbling to see God use His people to provide for your needs when you feel so unworthy.  This has been a year of a great change and great anxiety, but God has continued to show that He is still there and He continues to provide for everything we have needed.  We have learned new lessons this year about where to put our trust and our hope.  Our trust and our hope is planted firmly in Christ.  We look forward to what's next.

Our beautiful rainbow is going to be so blessed and such a loved baby because of God's amazing people.