God Calls in the Throops
by Becky Kerr, Associate Editor

One day last winter, BI Director Hantz Bernard answered his phone and listened as the man on the other end stated that he, a fully trained and experienced Bible translation consultant, was interested in working with Bibles International. In the field of Bible translation, such a phone call can only come under the category of, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). God, the giver of every good and perfect gift, led the Throop (pronounced .Troop.) family to Bibles International.

Craig and Linda have eight children and a newly added son-in-law. Their home is in Victorville, California, but they have worked in Papua New Guinea since 1980. Their ministry there included translating the Scriptures into the Kaulong language. The first draft of the New Testament and a rough draft of most of the Old Testament have been completed thus far.

Both Craig and Linda received Christ when they were children. In their teen years, missions, particularly providing God.s Word to people groups who needed it, challenged them both. They received Bible training as well as linguistic training and met each other in the process. God has given them a fruitful ministry, and they are now eager to continue that ministry through BI. In July they became missionary appointees with Baptist Mid-Missions, assigned to work with Bibles International.

It was a blessing to become acquainted with Craig and Linda and five of their children at the BI annual meeting in August. We gladly welcome them into the BI family. Join us in praying that their support will be raised soon, so that they can continue the work God has called them to do.