Wordproject – July 2020

The Brazilian audio narration was one of our main jobs this month. We continued to edit the audio, and we have finished the Book of Acts, which you will find here:

https://www.wordproject.org/bibles/po-BR/44/1.htm

 The other big job was the update of ‘sister’ site, wordplanet.org, (https://www.wordplanet.org ) which displays the books of the Bible in a different format (each page contains one full book, instead of one chapter one page, as in wordproject.org). Some people rather have that format, although, at least for the moment, the site still has a relatively small number of users, something we expect will change in the future.

Wordplanet : wordproject ‘baby sister’ site.

This pandemic is bringing many people to their knees in desperation, searching for answers about life and death and the meaning for our existence. No doubt that those who really want to see will look in the Scriptures for answers that have to be beyond the natural realms, beyond what we see with our own eyes. The light of the Word guides and reveals, warms and encourages and most of all, Saves (John 6:68). In the Scriptures we find the path to forgiveness of sins, redemption, reconciliation with God and fellowmen,  all essential to finding Peace. Thus, we are here to offer Peace, which surpasses all understanding, to the hearts that are eager to find It. In China, or in India, in Africa or America, just about anywhere, we are blessed to be able to share the Word of Life.    

In India, for example, because we offer no less than 12 languages from the Indian subcontinent, we have a very steady flow of users, as you may see in the chart below. But there is much more to be done. We are, by no means, at the end of anything but at the start.

India is well ahead of any other country in Bible traffic…!!!
The darker the colour the more users are using Wordproject.

Many, even in our own team, do not realize the variety of tools we have available in our sites to read and study and understand God’s Word. One of the features that is often overlooked is the multiple language online APP, which displays 2 or 3 languages simultaneously. How is this useful? Actually, very useful if you speak more than one language but also just to compare 2 versions of the Bible, or the Greek and Latin versions with our own version. Also, to show or share a verse with a person in a language you do not know. Many are the uses  for this tool, which we have spent a lot of ours developing and updating. The link is here:

http://www.wordfree.net/bibles/multiview/index.html

Multiview Bible online App – an ‘hidden treasure’

Our IOS app (for iPhone and other Apple devices) has been object of increasing interest from users and is now reaching 40 thousand permanent users. As you probably know, ours is a very simple but effective audio Bible app. It contains some 36 of the major languages of the world with some very useful features. We must again thank Hison Khang, in Korea, who built and has been faithful in updating this app and monitoring our interaction with Apple Store. It is a great blessing to have his help, and we pray for him and his family.

Some good news is that the packages of audio Bible for Mozambique have finally arrived to their destination (Pemba) and are now being distributed. The languages are Portuguese and Makwa, in the same device.

From Kenya we heard from the blind association, who is now resuming distribution of Bibles, after a period of confinement, when it has been hard to contact people as gatherings have been cancelled. Apparently, the situation with the virus in Africa is still dangerous but the communities are learning how to deal with it and trying to keep some activities.

Home front – July 2020

[Donna:]

Here are some highlights from our family team: Benjamim made it across the border safely back from China and we are very happy to have him close by once again! Ben has been faithful to produce the Word Banners which we post on various social media every month. This month’s banners are being published in Swahili.

Ben and Jay – Music in the air.


Over in Portugal, dear Gloria was able to finish off her second year in Medical school. It was a very strenuous semester with online learning and testing, due to the exemption of practical experience in the labs and the lack of personal teaching input from professors. But all is well that ends well, and now she has a nice summer break to chill out a bit before it starts all over again in September. Meanwhile, she helped with the wedding of her sister.

Gloria and Cristiana on Cristiana’s wedding



We are firm believers that fresh air, exercise and a wholesome diet contribute greatly to good health and wellbeing. Thankfully, we are blessed with many outdoor sports facilities here at our location. Emanuel and Mandy introduced us to paddle boarding and it is fantastic! We have a small bay area at the Hac Sa Beach, where we can get out and appreciate the sun, sea and sky at the end of these hot humid summer days.

On other developments, the highlight of the month was July 31st, the day of Cristiana and Nuno’s wedding! They met many years ago when they both were studying and working in Macau. In the summer of 2019, they were engaged, and plans were put in place for a summer 2020 wedding with all members of our family planning to attend. The situation with the pandemic foiled the plan and we had to cancel.  Thus, like so many are doing all over the world, we were able to celebrate the union of Cristiana and Nuno in the ties of Holy Matrimony via “Zoom”. It was a simple but meaningful ceremony where Pastor Ruben was presiding and Nuno’s family members were in attendance. Desperate times call for desperate measures! The experience far exceeded our expectations and we wish Cristiana and Nuno a very blessed and fruitful life together!

Cristiana and Nuno wedding via zoom
Newly Weds – Cristiana and Nuno


On the birthdays front, Joana entered a new year (Aug 2nd) and is looking as good as ever! She is always ever so busy, so we were grateful to catch her for a birthday meal and small celebration. Jason prepared us some mighty fine pizzas for that occasion.

Joana’s birthday cake


Also, sweet Isabel is now 5 years old (Aug 3rd)! Time flies, and we still remember the day when we first held her in our arms when she was just 5 months old! Isabel is very loving and caring and is an exemplar older sister to Aurora. It is so much fun to watch her learn so many new things and grow so tall so quickly! She is interested in everything and always ready to lend a helping hand. She is a blessing indeed!

Bel Bel turned 5. (with Aurora)