Update from Vanuatu

By Carol Hawkins, Missions Coordinator

For the past 12 years, Leigh and Barbara Labrecque have been living in the country of Vanuatu, an island chain in the South Pacific, northeast of Australia. They have been serving with Wycliffe Bible Translators and translating the scriptures into two different languages – Paama and Southeast Ambrum. It is really exciting that after all these years of hard work, these two translations are nearing completion. Most of the work is finishing up in early July, and Leigh and Barbara will be moving to Canada where he will be teaching linguistics at the Canadian Institute of Linguistics in Langley, British Columbia, which is associated with Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Barbara grew up attending LBF and it has been such a blessing to be part of their ministry through the years. Translating the scriptures into a new language is a long and difficult process. The Labrecques have been working in two languages at the same time, and it is a major accomplishment that both are nearing completion. We join in praising God for the dedication and hard work they have displayed.
This is a time we can be praying for Leigh, Barbara, and their three children, Sharyna, Anthony, and Cassia. After being involved with such an important ministry and serving side-by-side with nationals on their translation team, the time is coming soon for them to say goodbye.

Just imagine all that has gone into these two translation projects, including many hours of prayer, research, writing, editing, reading and re-reading to make sure it makes sense, finalizing the scriptures, meetings with translation teams, etc. All of that is now finishing up and a major shift will be happening as they leave and move to Canada.

LBF has been a significant partner with this work. Thank you for your financial and prayer support that has helped to under-gird the Labrecques. Because of your partnership, men, women, and children in Vanuatu will have access to God’s Word – in their own language.

The Labrecques are facing many changes and challenges, and your prayers are greatly appreciated. Here are some specific ways to pray as they end this major project and transition:

• Pray for strength and perseverance as Leigh and Barbara continue in finishing up the work. 
• Pray for excitement among the villagers as they will soon have God’s Word in their homes. 
• Pray for the funds needed to be raised to cover the costs for solar-powered MP3 players for the audio version of the scriptures. Each unit runs $35, and they are hoping to provide 3,000 of them, which will enable thousands to hear God’s Word in their own language. This is a wonderful way of reaching people with God’s message. Please let me know if you’re interested in more details regarding this financial need, as we can help. 
• Pray for the transition from Vanuatu to teaching in Canada. 

The Labrecque family will be here with us in July, and you’ll have an opportunity to hear more about this amazing project. Thank you for your prayers.