Joel and Cindy Groening
Joel and Cindy Groening have been serving in the Philippines since 1984 under Wycliffe Bible Translators. The first 14 years, Joel served in aviation helping to provide transportation to the translators as they worked in remote language communities doing Bible translation and literacy work. Since 1998, Joel has been the Center Administrator for the Nasuli Center where they live. Joel also serves as the Executive Committee Chair. Cindy has served as librarian for the technical resources Bible translators use in their ministries, tought kindergarten, coordinated employee Bible studies, and many other roles over the years.
Their current roles will probably not change much for the next two years but Joel and Cindy sense that some changes are coming for them. As the Lord leads, they are taking appropriate steps to prepare for the future. In October of 2007, they took training to work into a role as Language Program Coordinators (LPCs). Initially, they will oonly have time to serve one translation team working on the slopes of Mt. Apo in the Southern Philippines. They look forward to being mentored for this role by some experienced LPCs.
The Groenings are also very interested in the Vernacular Media (VM) ministry. VM is a Wycliffe tool that is used to communicate the Gospel in oral forms. The majority of the world's language communities that still are waiting to hear are from oral cultures; it stands to reason that using oral methods may be improtant to reach them in addition to providing the written work. The Lord has given Joel and Cindy a passion for this ministry and they are seeking Him for direction. They see themselves as candidates to do VM production work (with training), becoming trainers of others, or possibly as promoters to communicate the value of VM work to others who do not know. Or all of the above.
While a clearly marked road map would be nice, Joel and Cindy are growing more content with a dimly lit pathway with some emerging lights in the distance to head towards. They are thankful for your prayers and gifts on their behalf.
