Bill Patterson: December 2017 Prayer Letter

Dear Praying Friends,

One week ago, I finished up an eleven-day trip to Mexico, my sixth trip to Mexico in 2017. In addition to teaching for twenty hours in the School of Bible Translation, I preached thirteen times in three churches. On the second day I was in Mexico, I came down with acute sciatica. It was far more painful than the huge kidney stones I have suffered with in the past. Although my mind said “Return to the US,” my heart said “Stay in Mexico and finish your work!” The Lord enabled me to minister through pain.

The students studying to be Bible translators finished up their Fall semester in two courses: History of the Textus Receptus and Philosophy of Bible Translation. The week after I left, they all participated in the dedication service of the Tenek New Testament, translated by Bibles International. Praise the Lord for another language that has His Word! The students have made incredible progress this year.

As we near the end of 2017, we rejoice in all that God has done this year in our lives. Thank you for making it humanly possible for us to fulfill God’s calling on our lives. Your prayers, financial support, and friendship are what sustains us as we go forward in the name of our Lord and Savior.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Bill Patterson

PS Ryan’s Lyme’s Disease treatments were not covered by our insurance, since they are considered “alternative medicine.” In addition, he is facing nose surgery on January 8. We are facing some expensive bills, but know that God will provide. Please keep us, and Ryan, in your prayers.