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Issue 59
We hope you’re reading this update somewhere warm, dry, safe, without a hunger pang in your stomach, and knowing the love of friends and family. If not, you are in our thoughts and prayers. If so, it is important for us to stop and recognise that this is not the experience of millions of people around the world right now. People are struggling to feed their family, are fearful for their safety, feel lonely and isolated. We all have a part to play in responding in loving, sensitive, understanding ways that meet felt needs, and we thank you for your continued partnership with us as we play our part through Wycliffe. (You’re also in our thoughts and prayers, in case you wondered!)
This update is being written (at least in part) from Vancouver, Canada, where I (Matt) am currently meeting with the LEAD Global team. We mentioned in our last update (catch up here if you missed it) about this opportunity and it’s been great so far. There are loads of great things about being together in person, including enjoying shared experiences that help us learn more about each other, laughing together, and generally strengthening trust and understanding, all of which can only lead to more effective working relationships. It has also given me an opportunity to ask a few of my colleagues to introduce themselves and share their reflections on the week! It’s always great to hear a few different voices, so click below to meet Philina, David, Ian, Celia, and Craig:
There are 13 of us here in total from all over the world - seven countries in fact! And it’s been a really helpful time of refreshing vision, refining strategy, and exploring activities for the year(s) ahead. As we mentioned before, this is the first time this team has been all together like this, and with the team in a period of (re)growth it is especially important for us to plan collaboratively together in this way. During our time here we also visited the Canada Institute for Linguistics (the Canadian equivalent of Moorlands, where I teach) to share about the importance of thinking about the wider community and their setting, when working to see individuals flourish. If you’re interested in how we used the 20min with the students, take a look at the presentation here.
At home, Liz and the kids are all doing well. Liz is busy with her on-the-job training, alongside doing two jobs and looking after everyone. Read on below to catch up on the kids' news!
Thank you for your continued financial and prayer support. With the impact of inflation* and a couple of supporters stopping due to changing circumstances, we continue to look to grow our support base to meet our daily needs. If you’re in a position to review your support this would be very much appreciated. Also if you think your church or friends might be interested in hearing more about our work or Wycliffe more generally please do get in touch.
*Did you know that £20 when we started with Wycliffe in 2007 would need to be £32 today to have the same spending power?
Give thanks with us for
Give thanks with us for
+ confirmation that Liz has the all clear for her thyroid concerns,
+ the ability for the LEAD Global team to gather this month in person,
+ all the opportunities we have as a family to play our part in helping make the world just a little better,
+ a short break over half term, much needed by all of us!
Join us in prayer
Join us in prayer
+ for the LEAD Global team as we go back to our normal places of work (7 countries represented in our small team!) and continue to put our plans into practice,
+ for the continued planning for the next Faith and Farming training event in the Americas, scheduled for February 2025,
+ for the students Matt will be teaching in early November when he’s back at Moorlands for the Healthy Community Engagement module,
+ for Liz as she looks to balance her different work responsibilities.
Levi's Latest
Levi's Latest
Hey! I’m tired (can’t stop yawning in fact) - it’s been a busy first half term in year 8. I had my residential - two nights away at a watersports activity centre. My favourite activity was paddleboarding - so much fun. I’ve also done a few musical performances at open evenings, and have an autumn term concert coming up this week. My clarinet teacher says that I’m pretty much ready to record my pieces for my Grade 4 exam! As well as all this I did fit in some school work too!
I had a great time over the summer, even if it wasn’t the best weather for veg growing. My courgettes and tomatoes did particularly badly, though I did at least get quite a few beans, and some carrots, cucumbers and spring onions! We had lots of fun in France with Bibi at the end of the holidays, and Dad and I did some walking in the Lake District at the beginning of my extra-long holiday (I finished a week before Anya!). It all feels a very long time ago now!
Anya's Answers
Anya's Answers
Hi everyone, Autumn has come now! I’m looking forward to going to the Fireworks at school soon. Year 5 is keeping me busy; I have more homework now. I am also busy with Young Voices (which hopefully Nana is going to come and see in January), piano lessons and swimming lessons. I enjoy all of it but I am looking forward to a break over half term!
My five children are also keeping me occupied (they are Sylvanian families, triplet baby cats and twin dogs!). They are so cute! I have a whole house set up for them all with everything they could possibly need. It was Cleo and Leo’s birthday recently and they had lots of fun unwrapping all their presents. I give them their homeschooling lessons too in their teeny books. In keeping with my love of teeny weeny things, Mummy is reading me The Borrowers before bed!
Do drop us a note and let us know how you're doing if you do have a moment - we love to hear your news as well!
Sending lots of love, Matt, Liz, Levi and Anya
Sending lots of love, Matt, Liz, Levi and Anya
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