May 21, 2020

This morning I called the Waja team in Nigeria to talk about a way for us to work together at this time. Rev. Habila told me that they had been checking the book of Ephesians today, and while they were working, the chargers for both of the computers they were using burned out. It was probably because of a fault with their generator. It’s going to take some major effort to rectify this situation, and it’s discouraging for all of us. Pray that we would remember that God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). And pray that God would provide all we need for this work to move forward!

Please continue to pray that God would protect all our translation colleagues in Nigeria and Ghana from the COVID-19 virus. And pray for peace for me and Tom as we continue to work and “shelter in place”.

Thank you for your prayers! We’re praying for you, too.

Blessings in Christ,

Mary

Mary and Tom Holman

April 21, 2020

For some time now, I have been using Skype over the internet to work with the Waja translation team in the time between our visits to Nigeria. The quality of that connection together with intermittent electricity on their end presents challenges to our communication. Unfortunately, the team has now fallen behind in meeting its goals, so I have resorted to scheduling more work sessions via Skype to help them get caught up.

Today they informed me that the first cases of COVID-19 have been found in the Waja area in Nigeria. People have been told to stay home and practice social distancing (which goes against the norms of social interaction). In the past, when the two Waja translators and I would check their translation by Skype, they would come together in their office, located in the district church building.

Both Pastor Habila and Pastor Danladi have computers with Skype and modems for a phone network connection. However, Pastor Danladi cannot remember his Skype password! Pray for wisdom about the best way to work together, and for the internet and phone network connections to be good.

Also, please pray for the people of Nigeria and Ghana in particular, and Africa in general. The coronavirus could have a devastating effect there.

Thank you for your prayers! We pray that you also are safe and well, and that you’re keeping connected with your brothers and sisters in Christ, family, and friends.

Mary

Mary and Tom Holman