Hello from South Carolina where we are waiting to hear when we can return to Papua New Guinea. A few weeks ago Wycliffe announced that they are not releasing anyone to return overseas until July 31st at the earliest. While we may have to wait longer than that, we are thankful to have been given a fixed date, and one that is pretty close to the time we had originally planned to leave. We are also thankful that we can stay in this missionary house until the end of July.

In the midst of waiting here’s what we’ve been up to:

• John has been doing preparatory work for a consultant check on the book of Hebrews for the Zabana language. It is the next to last book of the New Testament that needs to be checked.
• He has also been getting some routine medical checkups taken care of (in spite of the lock down) and playing tennis with Joey and his brother, Dave.
• I (Brena) have been trying out a new medicine, Gabapentin, for the problem with my legs. It hasn’t completely taken the numbness away, but I’m sleeping much sounder and for longer stretches, for which I’m thankful.
• We’ve been able to spend time with extended family that live locally and with Grant and Sara who live five minutes down the road, celebrating birthdays and Mother’s Day (photos below). We are treasuring these moments together.
• Our three boys have all been able to keep working during the pandemic and Sara has started her last year of pharmacy school.

Sara, Dave, Ceil, John, Grant, and Luke celebrating Joey’s 22nd birthday

The 3 brothers (Dave, Brad, and John) enjoying a weekend of golf in North Carolina

I love being a mom to these kids!

PLEASE PRAY:

• that we’ll be patient as we wait to hear from Wycliffe when we will be able to return to PNG.
• that PNG will continue to be spared from many cases of COVID-19 (so far they have only have 8).
• for Luke as he continues to decide what to do with his future.
• for Joey as he too waits on borders to open so that he can start his year of ministry in India.
• for special “last” times with family before we leave.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

 

Every year or so we send out a paper letter to those who don’t receive our updates via their computers. If you have been reading our monthly updates, then you are already probably aware of the things that we talk about in this letter. But you may want to take a look anyways (there are some new pictures) and pray for the items at the end. Just click on the link below. It’s a 4-pager, but most of it is pictures. :) Thank you for your love and support!

Bruner Prayer Letter April 2020

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

CONFERENCES: These last two weekends we were able to share at two different missions conferences, one at John’s brother’s church and the other at the church Joey and Luke attend. While it was tiring, it was encouraging to fellowship with other missionaries and to be able to share with over 100 people about the need for Bible translation. There were a number of people that signed up to pray regularly for us, so that was an encouragement as well. Thank you for praying.

LEGS: A number of you have asked me (Brena) if I have had relief from the numbness I’ve experienced in my legs at night. Just wanted to give you an update. After seeing a regular doctor, a neurologist, a physical therapist and a non-surgical spine specialist (and getting x-rays and an MRI), it was determined that I have some bulging disks in my back which are narrowing the openings where the nerves come out. And that is causing the nerves to become irritated which leads to the numbness in my legs. Last week I had an epidural shot and they injected medicine around the nerves to calm them down. I haven’t seen much improvement, so I’ll probably need to get a series of three shots. Could you pray that these shots will work?

PREPARATIONS: Furlough is an interesting time, to say the least. It usually takes us a few months to adjust to our new surroundings and feel a bit settled. Then we have a couple of months of enjoying our time in the new place. And then it is time to start thinking and preparing for returning overseas. We are now in that final stage. We are getting some things ready to be shipped to PNG, getting medical and dental check-ups, and planning a trip to see friends and supporters in North Carolina. We are also having some different family members and friends visit us in the next month. We would appreciate prayer for these last few months in the States. It’s definitely a season of mixed feelings, but I’m grateful that we have a trustworthy God who sees all the unknowns and concerns of our future.

“He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2:22

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

 

 

Solomons Training: This was the fourth January in a row I (John) went to Solomon Islands for two weeks to teach translators how to use two computer applications that are considered the basic tools for translators. It was nice that Pat Andrews, my brother-in-law and boss, was able to come with me to help, especially since we had 30 participants!

This year, Dr Zobule, the head of Islands Bible Ministries (IBM), suggested that we focus on the translation process itself and teach how the two applications are to be used in that process. So, I chose three short Scripture passages and during the week we went through the entire translation process for each of them (translating from English into Solomon Islands Pijin). Before we had the eight different teams read their translations of the first passage (Luke 2:36-38), Pat and I were a bit nervous, wondering if their translations would be alright. But when each group read theirs, we were greatly encouraged because they all produced translations that were accurate and understandable. At the end of the training many of the translators expressed their gratitude for having training that enables them to use these computer applications. Reuben Pae (below front left) said, “Every year the training pushes us up a bit higher so that our translations are getting better and better in quality.”

For me, I’m just thankful I have the privilege of being involved in training these Solomon Islanders who are committed to helping people in their language groups understand God’s Word.

Decision Made: Brena and I want to express our thanks for your prayers regarding our decision about where we will live and work after our year of home assignment is over. We have come to a decision! After considering staying in the U.S, going to Solomon Islands or moving back to Papua New Guinea, we feel like God would have us go back to PNG and continue in the work we were doing there. We are thankful that our boys and our parents are alright with us going back overseas. We haven’t yet set a date for our return, but it will likely be sometime this summer.

UPCOMING/PRAYER:

1. We are involved in two missions conferences here in Charleston in the next few weeks. Pray that we would be able to communicate effectively about the continuing need for Bible translation in many parts of the world.

2. Pray for continued healing for Brena’s dad (since his stroke last summer). His heart is doing better but he still needs to regain strength.

3. Pray that during our remaining few months in the States we would have encouraging times with our family and friends.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

 

 

Those 3 words pretty much sum up this past month. Kairu was able to be with us for three weeks of his school break. It was special that all seven of us could be together for Christmas. After Christmas, using a special gift we received, John took Kairu, Joey, and Luke on a two-day motorbike excursion. They were in heaven! And while they had some problems with the motorbikes and some wipe outs, thankfully they all came home in one piece. Just this past week, John and I (Brena) went on a cruise down to Mexico, thanks to one of John’s brothers. We were also joined by John’s parents and another one of his brothers and his wife. We had a really wonderful time together and got to experience quite a different boat ride than the ones we were used to in the Solomons. :)

thankful to be all together at Christmas this year

Kairu, Luke, and Joey at the off-road vehicle park

enjoying one of the many delicious meals on the ship

on land we were able to see some ancient Mayan ruins…

…and scooter around the island

UPCOMING/PRAYER:

1. John is leaving today on another trip to the Solomons. This is the fourth year in a row that he has gone to teach Solomon Islanders how to use specialized translation software. He is going with his boss (and brother-in-law), Pat Andrews, and they will be gone almost three weeks. Please pray that they will have safe travels, good health, and that their computers and the participants’ computers will run trouble free.

2. Many of you have asked how my legs are doing. After going to a PT and daily stretching, my right leg has improved but my left leg hasn’t. I’m trusting that by the time I see the neurologist in early February, there will be more improvement. If not, an MRI may be needed. Thank you for continuing to pray.

3. Luke is on a one-week missions trip to Guatemala with some people from his church. Please pray that this would be a life changing experience for him and for those they interact with.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

 

 

Since our last update I (John) made 2 trips and we had 3 sets of visitors, not including extended family we saw at Thanksgiving.

My first trip (November 8-18) was to the Solomon Islands for a consultant check. Thank you for praying! When I left on the trip, I was not feeling well but as I traveled west, I felt better and better. By the time I arrived in Solomons, I was fine! The check of 2^nd Corinthians in the Zabana language went really well. It was especially encouraging to see that the quality of the translation had improved dramatically from previous checks I had done. It was nice to hear the co-translator Bruce, after reading the sections, often exclaim with pleasure because the translation was clear and natural. There were two Zabana women there to answer my questions and afterwards they both said they understood much better the teaching in 2 Corinthians. They (and the rest of us too) were especially encouraged by the teaching about generosity and giving in chapters 8 and 9.

L to R: Isaac (main translator), Alison, Alista, Bruce (co-translator)

Bruce reading the Zabana translation

My second trip (December 2-7) was to Dallas for the Seed Company staff meetings. Meetings are not something I typically enjoy, but I guess these were not “typical”. I was encouraged through the stories I heard of the impact of translated Scriptures on people’s lives and it was a reminder that it is a privilege to be able to be involved in this work. While I was there rooming with Pat Andrews (my boss and husband of my sister-in-law), his wife, Beth, flew to Charleston to spend the week with Brena. They had a great time catching up and doing fun things.

Brena and Beth enjoyed afternoon tea, talking, walking, movies, coffee, a musical, sightseeing…

During this last month we also enjoyed seeing our good friends from Papua New Guinea, Paul and Laura Dokken, who are home on furlough. We also saw Daniel Curry, a high school classmate of Joey’s, and a lot of extended Bruner family at Thanksgiving.

It was fun catching up with the Dokkens and showing them around Charleston

Daniel Curry and Joey

Thanksgiving afternoon football with some of the Bruners

those of us Bruners (and a couple extra) who were together for Thanksgiving

Brena enjoyed shopping and eating with some of the Bruner ladies

UPCOMING/PRAYER:

• Kairu, who lived with us in PNG, is going to spend his Christmas break with us (he goes to school in Michigan), so we’re looking forward to being together again.

• Brena is still searching for answers for her leg numbness. After going to a regular doctor, a neurologist, and getting x-rays, it was recommended that she get physical therapy to strengthen her lower back. She’ll begin that this week.

• In the midst of Christmas activities, I will be preparing for my upcoming trip to the Solomon Islands in mid-January. This will be my fourth year of teaching translators there how to use specialized software for translation.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

 

 

BACK TO SOLOMONS:

I (John) leave tomorrow on an 11 day trip to the Solomon Islands where I’ll be checking 2 Corinthians for the Zabana language. In every consultant check, several speakers of the language who are not part of the translation team are there so that the consultant can ask them questions to make sure the translation is communicating clearly and accurately. In my experience, these people usually don’t have a clear understanding of Scripture so the consultant check is a great opportunity to help them learn and challenge them in their faith. I would appreciate your prayers that during this check of 2 Corinthians God will use His Word and our interaction over it to help these people grow in their faith. I’ve also been fighting a cold the last few days so please pray that I’ll be feeling alright as I make the long flight across the U.S. and the Pacific Ocean.

me and Isaac, the Zabana translator

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER:

While I was in Dallas at the Bible translation conference, Brena went to a wedding with our boys and daughter-in-law. What a gift to be near them this year.

After the wedding, Joey left on his survey trip to India with Sam and Liz. They are thankful that God confirmed where they will work and with whom they’ll team up. If you’d like to hear more about it, you can contact him at joeydbruner@gmail.com.

Brena and I drove down to Florida to visit my parents in their retirement community for a few days. My brother Andy was there as well. While Brena hung out with my mom I was able to play in a little golf tournament with my dad.

Brena and I have also been doing some walking around the small historic downtown area of Charleston. Amazing to see structures that were built in the 1600’s. We feel thankful to live in this beautiful place and to have the chance to do some fun things together.

at the original Charles Town Landing

treats are always nice

Besides my trip to the Solomons, please continue to pray for the decision we need to make about where to base after furlough, the numbness in Brena’s legs, and Luke’s decision about what to do after this gap year.

Thanks for your prayers and thank you to those who give financially. We appreciate you.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

Just wanted to send a quick update to let you know how God has been answering prayer.

• I think we can say now that we’re in somewhat of a routine. John is back to work and preparing for a consultant check of 2 Corinthians he will do when he goes to Solomon Islands in November. He is also going to Dallas later this week for a Bible Translation conference. He is looking forward to interacting with colleagues and hearing what God is doing through the translated Scriptures in other parts of the world. As for me, Brena, I’ve been slowly figuring out how to use my time. I’m enjoying some of the restful perks of life here – getting books from a library, running on flat roads, going for coffee or out to eat, and of course, watching Netflix.:) I’ve also been auditing an online counseling course so that I can learn a bit more of how to listen and encourage others.

• After attending four different churches, we have decided to go regularly to the one that Grant and Sara attend, James Island Christian Church. We have enjoyed the teaching there and we plan to join a small group so we can get to know some other people besides Grant and Sara! :)

• Because we have wanted to focus on adjusting to being back in the U.S., we haven’t yet spent much time discussing our future plans for where we’ll base after this furlough year. But we ask that you’ll continue to pray that God will guide us and give us wisdom.

• I have an appointment with a neurologist soon regarding my legs falling asleep at night, so hopefully by our next update I’ll be able to share some new insight!

Thank you for your prayers! We appreciate your interest in our lives and ministry.

It was very fun to spend time with the newlyweds and also see friends from PNG on a recent road trip to NC. Grant played his final Ultimate tournament of the season.

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

Finally, after working hard for a couple weeks to get the missionary house in shape, we’re in! John’s brother, Dave, and sister-in-law, Ceil, helped us a lot, replacing old furniture and making necessary repairs to the house so we could move in. And we’re really enjoying it. It has got 1940’s Charleston charm – wood floors, wide moulding, fire place, and glass cupboards. So many things about it I (Brena) love — especially the air conditioning since it’s been so hot and humid here! And Dave and Ceil’s church is allowing us to use one of their vehicles for the year – free of charge!

glass cupboards and pretty dishes make me happy

After sleeping one night in our house, I flew to Texas to be at my niece, Sarah’s, wedding. It wasn’t easy having to leave then, but I’m glad I went to see Mr. and Mrs. Josh Putman tie the knot. My dad was able to be there as well, which was amazing since he had just had a stroke the week before! Thankfully, he is recovering, but still has some heart issues relating to Atrial Fibrillation.

me and my sister with our sweet daddy

John took a trip recently to Wisconsin for meetings with his Pacific team

Besides trying to get settled in, we’ve been catching up with a lot of extended family who live in this area and some others who have come to visit. And with Joey and Luke living with us, and Grant and Sara just ten minutes down the road, life has been full! We’re very thankful for time with family.

very fun to have John’s parents come for a visit – and tour a plantation together!

a couple nephews with their significant others :)

thankful for the many meals we’ve had together so far

We’re slowly but surely getting the lay of the land, finding grocery stores, the library, thrift stores, running routes, etc.! We almost always have a bit of reverse culture shock when we come back to America as it just seems amazing to us to be able to get whatever you want whenever you want it!!

Luke has been working a lot at his window washing job and has already made enough money to buy a used motocross bike. Joey has been working with Luke as well, and he has also been doing some online Bible courses in preparation for going to India as a missionary. If you are interested in learning more about what he will be doing, let us know and we can connect you with him.

Joey and Luke with their boss, Gabe

We would appreciate your prayers for us as we continue to settle in, learn how to live together as a family of four, find a church, and get some needed rest as we’re both feeling tired from all the traveling and transition of the last couple months. I’ve seen a doctor about my leg’s falling asleep at night and will probably be able to get an MRI done in the next month or two. Please continue to pray in the meantime.

Thank you so much!

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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)

 

It’s been almost six weeks since we left Ukarumpa and in a few days we’ll finally be able to start living in the missionary house that we’ll have for a year. We are very ready to get settled and unpack our suitcases.

These past six weeks have been really full but it has been great catching up with so many friends and family members and sharing about our work in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. We are grateful to all those who have either housed us, hosted our Open Houses, or made time to see us.

Luke spent a few days in Southern California with us, but then flew here to Charleston, South Carolina and has begun window washing with Joey.  He’ll be doing that for the year before he starts college. We’re thankful he already has a job.

We could use prayer!

• For safety for the boys as they work and for all of us as we learn to drive on these crowded and crazy Charleston roads!
• For patience and strength as we continue to transition back to life in America.
• For all the medical appointments we need to set up and that an answer will be found for the numbness in my (Brena) legs and that I would get better sleep.
• For grace for each other as we four (John and I, Joey and Luke) live together this year (in a relatively small house).
• For joy in the midst of transition stress. I have especially struggled.
• For wisdom to know what church to attend this year.
• And wisdom for Luke in deciding his future.

Thanks for supporting us in prayer,

Brena & John

The boys are together again

TO BE IN TOUCH:

john_bruner@sil.org – 4 Fenwick Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

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