Meet My Friend

I have the privilege of sharing a basement with Amanda Wulff while I'm living here in Waxhaw.  She is an amazing blessing to me.  I could tell you all about her but I've decided to invite her to write a post herself.

Good afternoon,

Thank you for sharing Andrea with me these last few months. She has been SUCH a blessing to me in so many ways and I will be sad when she leaves. The last few years I have been teaching Kindergarten so have had many people to talk to throughout the day but since this is "the year of transition" I have enjoyed having Andrea to talk to at nights and random times of the day.

Andrea has asked me to share about my joining Wycliffe Bible Translators to be an elementary teacher. Since she has been living at JAARS we have talked about this many times and she thought it would be good for you to hear how God is working.

My parents have been with Wycliffe Bible Translators for 30 years and have served in Colombia and Papua New Guinea. My father is an aircraft mechanic (hence the quick connection ;) and my mother has done a variety of jobs usually associated with accounting. Growing up as a MK (missionary kid) I was quickly introduced to the world of missions. God revealed to me a passion for the lost and those who are poor. At age eight I was determined that I would grow up to be a missionary teacher (or a singer/artist...). Since then God has been gradually revealed his plan for my life...and as I am sure you understand, continues to do.

In high school I was put into a situation where I was completely in charge of a second grade class. The teacher in charge had apparently been put in that position, though lacking ability, because there was no teacher available. Walking into the class that day I found quiet students with glazed over eyes and an overwhelmed and tired teacher sitting at her desk. When I asked a student what had happened she said “She came in to the classroom, threw up all over the floor then sat down and we haven’t done ANYTHING!” I promptly began to teach the lessons and left that day knowing that I wanted to be a teacher. Later I would find out I was gifted as a teacher but at that moment I wanted to teach so that my students could say "Yes, I DID have a teacher who knew what she was doing, cared about me, and taught me to love Jesus!"

Over the last few years my heart has been aching for missions. As I continue to walk in obedience with him, he showed me that it would be best if work in the states for a few years. Though this was not as appealing as graduating from CIU (Columbia International University), a missions school, and jumping on the mission field, I see now how beneficial it was. God has challenged me as a teacher (through difficult classes, students, and administration), has shown me how to be dedicated in my walk with him, and has slowly developed a realistic view of career missions.

On a trip to Papua New Guinea two summers ago to visited my family. I was given a glimpse into what my life would look like as a single missionary woman and as a teacher. Returning I knew it was time for me to pursue Wycliffe. Though I did not feel a specific call to a country I knew two things: 1) I wanted to join Wycliffe Bible translators 2) I wanted to teach in a place that needed me.

Time seems as though it has flown since that summer. In December I completed my application for Wycliffe. February I had my intense interviews. March I was accepted as a member of Wycliffe and was given an invitation to teach in Papua New Guinea. June, July, and August I was trained as a cross culture teacher and attended the Wycliffe new member orientation. Since then I have been speaking to people about what God is doing in Wycliffe and through me.

Did you know that there are nearly 7000 languages in the world? Or that there are 830 known language in Papua New Guinea alone and only 200 of them have a translation in process. The rest of these languages do not have one verse in a language they understand!

God is faithful! He is the one who provides and He is the one who has called and will direct my steps. I am so glad I am not on this journey alone and so thankful for those who are walking with me.
My goal is to be in Papua New Guinea by the middle of January. In order for this to happen I need people to come along side me and partner with me. People can partner in whatever way they are able. I have people who give to me on a monthly base (which keeps me on the mission field), people who faithfully pray, who give one time gifts, or even help in practical ways such as gift cards… every way is a blessing!  Everyone in Wycliffe is expected to raise their own support, even the president!

 Right now I have 32% of my monthly support raised. I would like to have 100% of my monthly support raised by the end of December so I can focus on packing and moving in January, as I am sure that will take some time J. The Lord’s timing is perfect and I know that when he is ready for me to leave he will have everything together.

If you would like more information you can contact me at: amanda_wulff@wycliffe.org
Or you can visit my blog: www.wulffwhereabouts.blogspot.com

Thank you for your time and letting me share. I know that you must be pretty awesome people since you care so much about Andrea!

Until all have heard,
Amanda Wulff