Update from June 2025: To see pictures, click here to view pdf.

Yes, we’re counting!

1999—2025

Think back to 1999. We were on home assignment after our second term of service with Wycliffe in the Philippines, the world was preparing for Y2K, and the Bible translation movement was plodding along.

If the ways we were working at the time were to continue, it was estimated that it would take another 150 years before a translation in every language was started.
Finding that unacceptable, Vision 2025 was adopted:

We embrace the vision that by the year 2025 a Bible translation project will be in progress for every people group that needs it.

We acknowledge that this cannot be accomplished simply by our working harder or doing more of what we are now doing. It will require us to make significant changes in our attitudes and ways of working.

Changes have been happening! In 1999, it was estimated that people speaking about 3000 languages still had no access to scripture. A new Bible translation program was begun somewhere in the world about every two weeks. Today, a new language is engaged to start translation about every 14 hours!

With thanks and glory to God, this is what it looks like now. And you have had a part in this as you partnered with us in our Wycliffe ministry. On behalf of those who now have scripture in their language, and on behalf of those still waiting, thank you!

1900—2025

This year, the oldest Christian Reformed Church west of the Rockies turns 125! First Lynden CRC was home for Ken as he grew up. Since 1989 they have been one of the churches partnering with us in our Wycliffe ministry. In July they plan to celebrate this milestone anniversary, and we plan to be there to celebrate with them!

While we’re there, we’d love to see as many of our family and friends as we can. Please drop us an email or give us a call and we’ll get it on the calendar. We arrive on July 9 and leave again on July 28.

1960—2025

In 1960, the Van Weerdhuizen family celebrated and welcomed a son who they called Kenneth or Kenny or Ken. (Hint: it’s best to stick with “Ken” today.)

Recently family and friends gathered to celebrate him again. We had a great time sharing stories, encouraging one another, and eating ice cream.

1988—20??

Summer of 1988 found our family in California, then the headquarters of Wycliffe USA. At the end of a one-month interview process, we were accepted as members of Wycliffe.

For many years Ken was privileged to serve as a pilot and mechanic, and I, Chris, continue to be engaged in a “support position.” We’ve lived and worked in the Philippines, Cameroon, North Carolina and now in Michigan. Ken is currently unassigned (for health reasons) and I’m working in member care from our home here in Cutlerville.

We’re often asked how long we’ll keep going. And the answer is, we don’t know. I love my work! I’m connected to about 35 Wycliffe families around the world, helping them connect to the resources they need to be healthy and resilient as they continue in their service with Wycliffe. So I’d like to continue serving in this role for at least a few more years. I’m working full time now, but I may consider reducing my hours when I hit a milestone birthday at the end of the year. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have for us about this.

Uncountable!

We have no idea how many prayers, words of encouragement, cards, letters, gifts and more have been given by you in support of Bible translation and our ministry with Wycliffe. And we have no idea how we can adequately thank you. Words don’t seem like enough. Yet they are what we have. So on behalf of ourselves and on behalf of those impacted by Bible translation, THANK YOU!

Counting God’s blessings with you,
Chris—and for Ken