JOEY just completed his first year of college at East Texas Baptist University. He’s had his rough moments, adjusting to life in America and starting from scratch with friends, but he seems to be doing well now. Thanks for praying for him.
He left today on a ten-day mission trip to Nicaragua with his soccer team. They will be doing soccer camps, visiting an orphanage and playing against some local teams. For those who gave him money, thank you! And for those of you who would like to pray for him, these are the requests he sent our way:
- “That God would give us safety.
- That my intentions for going would be to serve alongside and with God and not just doing it for Him.
- That when God asks me to do something while there I would do it willingly.
- And finally that I would go with a servant heart ready to do whatever God calls!”
When he returns from his trip he will be spending the summer in Charleston, South Carolina again.
Joey, with his back to the camera on the right, was so excited to get on the plane for Nicaragua
GRANT just completed his third year at John Brown University where he is majoring in Mechanical Engineering. He recently proposed to his lovely girlfriend, Sara Banter, and they are planning to be married in about a year. We have had the privilege of meeting her on the trips we’ve taken to the States, and are so thankful that she loves the Lord and loves Grant. What could make a parent happier?
Grant is again spending the summer in Charleston, South Carolina and then he will return to JBU for his senior year. Sara will also be in Charleston, but will stay on there because she is starting a three or four year program to become a pharmacist. Please pray for them as they are apart for a year; that their relationship would grow stronger even with the separation.
And in a couple of weeks his Ultimate Frisbee team will be going to Nationals!! Congratulations, JBU Ironfist!!
the engaged couple!
JOHN returned home last week from his second trip during April and I’m so thankful he doesn’t have to make another trip until August! :) He enjoyed his Seed Co. meetings and was also able to spend some time with Grant, Joey, Absi, and Sara! Luke and I held down the fort here.
John sure enjoyed being with the boys even with all the rain and mud
TO BE IN TOUCH:
PO Box 1 (134), Ukarumpa EHP 444, Papua New Guinea – john_bruner@sil.org
Grant Bruner, PO Box 2159, John Brown University, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 – brunerg@jbu.edu
Joey Bruner, ETBU Box 6-331, One Marshall Drive, Marshall, TX 75670 – joseph_bruner@etbu.edu
TO GIVE ONLINE:
https://www.wycliffe.org/partner/Bruners
TO GIVE BY MAIL:
send gifts to:
Wycliffe Bible Translators
P.O. Box 628200
Orlando, FL 32862
(The check should be made payable to Wycliffe Bible Translators – include a note that says it is for the ministry of John and Brena Bruner)
johnandbrena 
Hi Brena and John,
Always nice to read your news! So many happy times happening in your family and blessings in your work.
I’d like to ask you to pray with us and for the Fataleka recording team. They have had challenges from the get-go, starting late due to the trainers visa, hitting rain in the village, the very poor reader chosen for the part of Paul (who I just learned is a village chief) and now Oliver and Robert Mark have hit a point where they need reconciliation for the project to be completed.
Long story short we need a real breakthrough to be able to finish. I have involved some spiritual leaders to help bring things back together. Oliver wants to apologize but Robert just quit coming last Tuesday saying that he was so uncomfortable that he couldn’t concentrate on his role as artistic director.
On a brighter note Bughotu is going ahead after a lul when Kathie, the coordinator of the readers, had to return to Isabel due to her daughter’s illness. She arrived in town on Friday bringing a catechist with her from her village. He serves for a month then has a month off at which time he comes to Honiara to be with his wife who serves with Mother’s Union. On Saturday they came to record and even Kathie’s husband read a chapter.
The Baelalea parts needing re-recording are also being completed this week, other than the female readers. Not sure what the plan is for completing that part. Joan Jack said her Baelalea reading isn’t that good.
I’ll copy Pat too so he can join in praying and thanking God for his answers, too.
Thanks and Blessings,
cynthia
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Al good news! Austin went to Nicaragua twice with his church while in college. His faith really grew on those trips. The kids there LOVE soccer he told us back when he went so I know the kids will be so excited to play soccer with the college boys! Congratulations to Grant on his engagement.
I don’t know if I told you that Austin and his wife are expecting a baby in September. I will be a grandma soon!
I moved Hannah home in Friday for the summer! ETBU has been a good school for her!
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi John and Brena!
congratulations on Grant’s engagement :) So great to hear about the boys and John’s trip!
I can’t remember what Grant and Joey are going to do in Charleston for the summer?? (Charleston is one of our favorite places to visit, and where Alaina and Max had their honeymoon :) )
lots of love, Chris (and Chuck)
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Loved your letter and the photos! What a happy looking couple are Grant and Sarah! The year will pass quickly. Praying for Joey and so thankful for how well he is doing. God is good!
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An engaged couple!!! How beautiful…and a s
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Dear John and Brena,
Rejoicing with you and your family at all of this great news! Patricia
*From:* johnandbrena [mailto:comment-reply@wordpress.com] *Sent:* Sunday, May 7, 2017 11:40 PM *To:* patricia_wilkendorf@wycliffe.org *Subject:* [New post] May’s Excitement!
john & brena posted: “JOEY just completed his first year of college at East Texas Baptist University. He’s had his rough moments, adjusting to life in America and starting from scratch with friends, but he seems to be doing well now. Thanks for praying for him. He left toda”
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Thank you for your family updates. I’m very happy for you that Grant and Joey are having great times and getting on with their lives. Grant’s fiancée is a beautiful woman and I will pray for them. We are really proud of your Joey—he was so excited about their soccer trip to Nicaragua when he was telling us about it. I will pray for their mission as well. Do keepus informed and I do pray for all of you.
Sally
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what blessings you have reported, how mice. it is all good, and Grant getting married too. I am so happy for the family.
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What a beautiful couple. So great hearing everyone is doing well.
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Great to hear your latest news, John & Brena. I know you are glad to be reunited after your times apart lately. I was glad to have Gary home after his 2 week trip recently too. We’ve been praying for Joey, but weren’t sure of the dates for his mission trip. Now we know! And we send our congratulations to Grant and Sara. She looks like a lovely young lady. We have been so blessed with the spouses God brought into our kids lives, and we pray that you are too.
We love you guys and are glad we can stay in touch this way. Beth and I so enjoyed our few days together too. I’m sure she’s told you a bit about that :) Love, Robyn
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