BIG EVENTS: The day after tomorrow we leave for two very big events – Grant’s college graduation from John Brown University on May 5th and his wedding on May 6th! We’re thankful for how God has worked in Grant’s life, and especially thankful that we will be adding a daughter to our family, Sara Banter. Since this is a very short trip (we’ll only be in the U.S. ten days), we’re anticipating feeling a bit tired, so we would appreciate your prayers as we pack a lot of events and people into that short time period.
BOYS: We’ve had another boy living with us for a couple of weeks now– Levi Cirre, a classmate of Luke’s. He will be traveling back to America with us to be with his parents who are already there. They will be attending a wedding shower and graduation for two of their other sons. Levi will then fly back to PNG with us and stay another week with us before his parents return. Please pray for Luke and Levi as they will be missing two weeks of school and have a lot of work to make up. But we’re thankful that Luke can make this trip with us as it’s been three years since he’s seen his big brother!
We asked for prayer a while back for Kairu’s visa, enabling him to return to the States with us to be a part of Grant’s wedding (he is a groomsman). God answered and it was granted so he will be making his first trip out of PNG! He will have to travel alone though (long story) so please pray for him.
Levi, Kairu, and Luke
BIBLE TRANSLATION: John has been keeping busy this last month with translation checking and also helping to teach an exegesis class. We were also greatly encouraged when we heard that the Bughotu NT (the one we worked on when we lived in the Solomons) has been having an impact in people’s lives. A colleague of ours who helped with the recording told us it had an impact on the lives of a number of those involved. She said,
One of the women was radically changed saying God convicted her of sin in her life, and she repented and gave up alcohol.”
Please pray that the Bughotu people will continue to read and listen to God’s Word and allow it to change their lives.
John with the other Exegesis teachers and students
THANKS & PRAYER:
- Praise that Kairu’s visa was granted! Pray for the long international travel for him.
- Pray for strength and good health as we pack a lot into our ten days in the States.
- Pray for Grant and Sara as they start their life together.
- Pray for Levi and Luke as they have a lot of make-up work to do.
- Pray that the Bughotu people would allow God’s word to speak to them and change them.
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, c/o Dave & Ceil Bruner, 206 Forest Trail, Isle of Palms, SC 29451 – joeydbruner@gmail.com
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 
sara and grant…what a handsome couple. may 6th! plus graduation the day before…sounds like a movie script! Paul Sailhamer
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I will continue praying for your family and the work you are doing. As I read this post I couldnât help but remember June 4, 1955. That is when Bill & I were married. We were in our caps and gowns by 10:00m the next morning for Baccalaureate. The next day I pinned Billâs second lieutenant bars on his shoulder at 8:00 with him in full dress uniform and again in our caps and gowns by 10:00 am for graduation after which we left for Calif. f where Bill was to work. This is how I know everything will be perfect for Grant and Sara. I will pray for every ones safe travel and that Joey finds the perfect college for him. Also thank God for Kairuâs visa. Why do you and John need visas to come to the states? Our granddaughter will be marrying her long time beau from college days on May 19th here in Denver. Then on June 16th another granddaughter will be graduating from Cal State San Bernardino and we hope to go to Calif. for that ceremony. She is 37 so we are really proud of her. Do keep in touch and send us pictures of wedding etc.
Sally
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Praying traveling mercies and a beautiful joyous time of celebration.
Sent from my iPhone
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Wow you guys,
A graduation and a wedding! He doesn’t know us but tell Grant congratulations from us! And congratulations to you. We will pray for lots of energy on such a short trip. We are also going back to the states in May for Joseph’s graduation – amazing. Micah will also be starting college in the Fall, so we are staying through January.
Stay strong and keep running the race!!
Blessings,
Alfie Mosse
SEND International
Odessa Theological Seminary
http://www.runningtherace.com
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Loved your letter and so excited about seeing you a week from tomorrow! Happy travels ahead!
Love you!
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God bless you and be with each of you! He is good and He is faithful! He has promised to be with you wherever you go!! Love in Christ!
Pat
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John and Brena, What a great letter. Love the picture of Grant and Sara. We had a lovely thank you note from them. So nicely written. Enjoy this time of celebration with your family! Love, Marianne
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Wonderful letter and update on you all. Have a great time in the US while you’re here even though it’s going to be a very busy and yet exciting time. Hardly seems possible that Grant is graduating from college already. The years have gone by so fast. Blessings on him and Sara as well. May it be a wonderful celebration for the whole family. Helen
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So excited to read all this wonderful news!!! Praising God for what He is doing through your ministry there in PNG!! Praying for your trip and all the details. I look forward to your “follow-up” letter!!
Special blessings on all of you! Lydia
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What an exciting time for you all Brena! I’m thinking you might be on your way home by now– hopeful it was a sweet time with the graduation and the wedding and that all went smoothly!! And love hearing the report on your Bughotu translation– that should be so satisfying after all you’ve put in to it. Thank the Lord. Praying with so many people as you go back. Blessings.
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