Meet Vicente, friend and brother
“I want the will of God, not my will,” expresses Vicente, who has helped the Guarijio Bible translators for more than three years.
Now, at age 20, he is graduating at the top of his class after two years of Bible school in Mexico. And he is thinking and praying about what comes next.
“My plan is to go to teach the Word of God to people who have not heard anything about Christ, our Savior … whether to my own people, or in another ethnic group.” Vicente adds, “Many people still have not heard of the Liberator that can save them from the domain of Satan.”
Terry Reed, who has worked extensively with him in translation, shares that from the start Vicente displayed a great maturity “and a work ethic beyond his years.” Terry, a Bible translator, added that “he has a very gifted intellect,” in spite of having a sixth-grade education.
Dennis Bender, also a Bible translator, writes, “Vicente has been an incredible help to us with translation.”
Vicente’s exceptional capabilities have proven extremely valuable in translation work. He clearly sees the need to communicate the Scripture message accurately and naturally in Guarijio. Confusing and complex areas of grammar that could have resulted in serious errors in translation have been guided by Vicente’s careful expertise. Terry is thankful that this translation assistance has been part of God’s plan for Vicente.
Vicente’s love for ministry and his willing heart have cultivated an interest in continuing on with NTM’s training in Chihuahua. He talks of one day serving the Lord in another country—perhaps in a place where it is difficult for American missionaries to gain entrance.
At the same time, Vicente is seeking God’s will carefully because he is also drawn toward ministry to his own people and continuing to work on the Guarijio Bible translation.
It is not hard to imagine that God has big plans for Vicente. Dennis summarizes, “I am proud to call him a friend and brother in Christ.”
And Terry adds, “Just a few years ago, I would have never believed that I would hear a Guarijio man say that he wants to serve the Lord in full-time ministry, either at home or abroad. God’s vision for this work has been grander than my own.”
Please remember to pray for God’s Hand on Vicente as he finishes Bible school and continues to seek God’s will for his life. The closing words of his letter are,
“Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I pray that God would greatly bless you … Thank you. Stay encouraged, Vicente.”