Baptist Bible Translators Inst.
P.O. Box 1450
Bowie, TX 76230
Phone: (863) 801-5308
Email:knickprint@yahoo.com
Dear Friends & Family, September 6, 2011
It is hard to imagine, with all the churches, resources, and professing believers we have today that there are over 6,000 people groups with their own language, lineage, land, and laws who have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Of these, there are more than 3,000 language groups who have no Bible in their own language! The need is overwhelming, but it is good to know the Bible promises that there will be those who will be redeemed “out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” (Revelation 5:9)
Here at Baptist Bible Translators Institute, the staff directed by Dr. Rex Cobb work hard to prepare missionary families like ourselves to minister wisely in other areas of the world that have a different culture and language. This semester we have been learning culture adaptation and phonetics – how to recognize and record sounds. I had no idea there was such an important link between one’s culture and their language. The first class each day is World View and Prayer, in which we learn of the needs of untouched mission fields, as well as other missionaries and countries. What a blessing to study alongside other mission-minded believers.
In the afternoon, Luke has work detail helping with upkeep on the property. This is also an educational opportunity to learn about plumbing, mechanics, electric, and animals. On Tuesday evenings, he is attending the Faith Bible Institute at Eastside Baptist Church. There are three videos: one from the Old Testament (the Kings), one from the New Testament (the Epistles), and another on Doctrine (Salvation). One can never stop learnin: the Bible is an inexhaustive Book!
Jamie is continuing to learn about the use of coupons here in Texas. She hands out a grocery list to the other students here, and saves everyone lots of money on their groceries. Last week, she loaded three grocery carts full! She also is playing nurse, as all three children have been sick during the last week or two. One doctor thinks it may be a parasite causing the vomiting and diarrhea. Please pray as we seek to find a remedy. The Lord is in control of all things!
Please continue to pray for rain. The tropical storms on the Gulf Coast has provided lots of wind, but no rain here! The closest fire to us was about 20 miles away. So far, we are not being threatened by the massive fire near Austin (which is about 4 hours south of us.) The one good break in the weather is the drop in temperature. Last week we were still around 105 degrees; yesterday we hit the low 60’s. The timing was perfect as we all went to Dino Valley to celebrate Labor Day. It was neat to walk in the river basin and see the imprints of real dinosaurs. They have closed off the section where man’s footprints were next to the dinosaur footprints! (I guess that doesn’t support “evolution” very well!)
We have been blessed to minister to others while here in Texas. On visitation a few weeks ago, a teenager prayed to trust Christ to save him. We were able to sing and preach at a church nearby. Paul got distracted and blurted out “Look, Dad, there’s a train!” I tried to get him to focus on the song instead of the train outside, but he just replied, “You sing, and I’ll watch the train!” There is never a dull moment with children! The kids helped make some wordless books, and we give them out to people we meet at Wal-Mart. This past Sunday, a family came as a result of our invitation outside of America’s favorite shopping center!
We are grateful for God’s goodness and provision for all our needs. We are also thankful for Godly friends and family who faithfully pray for us. We appreciate each of you and miss you. Please write or call anytime!
For God’s Glory,
Luke & Jamie Knickerbocker Paul, Jason, and Abigail
“All nations that thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; they shall glorify thy name.” – Psalm 86:9
We love & miss you guys!
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