Partnering with Wycliffe and You

February 2012

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? Romans 10:14,15 NIV

Worth the Trip

What would you be willing to do to hear God's Word in your language? Would you hike for half a day? Would you cross a rugged mountain? Would you navigate a vine bridge suspended over a raging river? That's what Wapena Mei did in order to obtain a small solar-powered device that has a recording of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Acts in the Pinai-Hagahai language. You see, Wapena knew it would be worth the trip because he had already been listening to the oral Scriptures for more than a year. But when his family's player broke and they learned that 70 more would be distributed in a village across the mountain, his wife gave him the charge, "Go and get us another one of those MegaVoice units." Wapena was successful in his mission and he and his wife Makome will again be able to listen to the Pinai-Hagahai Scriptures in their small dwelling as they go to sleep at night. Wapena also uses it as a resource to prepare sermons for preaching in area churches. Convinced that God's Word is applicable to every area of life, Wapena is eager to share the truth with others. Because hospitals are not easily accessible to everyone, the Papua New Guinean government trains people to work at Aid Posts in remote areas. Wapena is one of those aid post workers. As he does his job, he does not forget the Scriptures he's heard. When he hands out medicine he tells the men, "You can swallow these pills, but they won't do you any good if you take another man's wife." Hearing God's Word daily keeps it in the forefront of Wapena's heart and mind. Now that he has a way to continue hearing God's talk, Wapena will keep sharing that Good News with others in his home, his church, and in his work. Yes, it was definitely worth the trip. (Story courtesy of Karen Weaver via Wycliffe Global Alliance.) Many times each member of our family has been tempted to ask ourselves if what we are working towards is worth the trip as well. Is supporting the work of Bible translation worth uprooting our children from the lives that they have always known? Is it worth risking the huge financial loss of trying to sell our home in the current market? Is it worth living a permanent life of transition separated by long distances from close friends and family? Oh, the list could go on and on, and each member could add their own questions. But the answer will always be the same. Just like Wapena, we answer that supporting the work of Bible translation in Papua New Guinea is worth whatever sacrifices we can make to answer God's calling for our lives. What would you be willing to do so that others can hear God's Word in their language? Our family is committed to whatever it takes! Would you partner with us by praying for our family? Would you partner with us through your encouragement? Would you partner with us through monthly giving? Would you send us?

Wapena Mei listening to the Scriptures in his language

Until all have heard,

Marty, Sara, Taylor, Tia, Miriam and Jade

PNG Glimpse
We are always trying to learn more about PNG (Papua New Guinea) and thought it would be fun to share some glimpses of those with you. This month we want to tell you about the trade language of PNG. Tok Pisin originated as a way for the Australian coffee managers to talk with their Papua New Guinean laborers. It is based on English, German, and other local languages. Tok Pisin has a small vocabulary and limited grammar and has been described as an expressive and fun language with a great many words that English would do well to incorporate. Here are a few of those: Laik bilong yuDefinition: Whatever you want to do; your preference. (Which movie do you want to watch? Laik bilong yu.) MaskiDefinition: Forget it. Leave it. Never mind. (Oh, its raining out. Maski.) NogatDefinition: Nope. (Do you have bananas today? Nogat. ) Em nauDefinition: Yes (with emphasis). Thats right. (Youre the house that had the bonfire! Em nau!) A special thanks to Catherine Rivard, PNG translator, for this information. Please look for next month's PNG Glimpse!

Praise the Lord: for an amazing time of fellowship and new memories made at our Meet, Greet, and Feast with the Driggers event.

"I also tell you this:17 new of Praise the Lord: for If two you agree here on eight new prayer partners and earth concerning anything you financial partners in the month ask, March! of my Father in heaven will do it for you." ~ Jesus; Matthew 18:19 Martys Praise the Lord: thatNLT Please joinon PNG soil and is us in praise for: arrived
almost complete. work permit application has

Save the Date

The Lord has been teaching our family what real church is through our partnership development. We have learned that church has nothing to do with a building or denomination. Instead church is unity in Christ. And unity in Christ is never bound by walls or style of worship! We hope to culminate our partnership development and celebrate this through our commissioning service. We are working to bring everyone together to participate in sending us! Each one of you has and still plays a vital part in our work, and we want you to feel included and share in our praise to God for what He has accomplished. We are working with pastors from nine churches, partners, family and friends in planning for this exciting night, and cannot wait for the celebration time together. So please save the date: March 17th at Woodhaven Baptist Church The service will begin at 5 p.m. and we will have a time of fellowship after. Please bring a yummy dessert. Your RSVP invite has been included with this letter. For financial partnership send a check to Wycliffe Bible Translators PO Box 628200 Orlando, FL 32862-8200 Attach a separate note indicating if the gift is monthly, quarterly, or one time and include this information: For the ministry of Marty and Sara Driggers; acct #270928. Or partner online: http://www.wycliffe.org/partnership.aspx?mid=6db362

A local newspaper printed a full page article on our Pray: for the spiritual family and Bible protection of our daughters. translation! As a for opportunities for us to result of the Pray: newspaper article, a local share about the need for Bible radio station contacted us translation with churches and for a live interview. You individuals. can listen to the interview or read the article by Pray: for our families on we following the links thatthe will be leaving of our blog. About pagebehind in America. Our family has been given a week's vacation by Pray: for the partners! sale of our home.

Please lift these concerns to Pray: for the continual blessing our more-than-able Heavenly for our prayer and financial Father: partners who have committed The final preparations for the planning of our commissioning service. Resolution regarding our home in York. Provisions: to make purchases needed for our move, shipment to Papua New Guinea, airfare and immunizations. The completion of our partnership team!
to serve with us.

The Driggers 5150 Valleymere Road Rock Hill, SC 29732 803-230-2662 - marty_driggers@wycliffe.org - sara_driggers@wycliffe.org Follow our blog updates at http://www.driggers -days.blogspot.com