Wall of Faith: GiniDo you like surprises? I sure do - especially this kind. Earlier this month I had a visit from my sister-in-law and brother. They surprised me by bringing something that belonged to me that I had not seen in 48 years. It was a Bible that had been given to me in 1964. My name was engraved on the cover. Our family had lived in Alaska from 1962 to 1967. My parents were missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators. When I left Alaska, I must have left the Bible behind. While we lived in Fairbanks, we made friends with a woman named Dixie Myers. She was a secretary at the University of Alaska. Later, much to the delight of my parents, Dixie decided to become a member of Wycliffe as well - using her secretarial skills to aid in Bible translation. Little did we know that just a few years later, my Dad would pass away very suddenly. Mom needed to find a new role with Wycliffe and took some secretarial classes. She and Dixie were roommates in Fairbanks for several years and served Wycliffe together. Fast forward 40 some years. Dixie's daughter found herself with the chore of going through her mother's papers and books after her death. It was during this search that she found my Bible. Since my maiden name is rather unusual (Canonge), she had no trouble tracking down my brother. After it was confirmed that "Gini Canonge" was indeed his sister, the Bible was shipped to them. What a joy to look through what was my very first Bible. I had written down the references of verses I had learned and circled things in pictures that I deemed important - like baby Jesus in the manger and the gifts from the magi. Why was this so special? Our family has a combined 100 years of service with Wycliffe Bible Translators. 53 years after being given that Bible, I am still memorizing His word. It is a treasure to be able to read God's word to me in my primary language. Thank you Wycliffe for having the goal to translate the Bible into every heart language on the earth. Mindy here - Anyone else plan on looking these verses up? I must know what this dear woman thought was important to memorize first. Do you have any treasures you've received from your past?
2 Comments
Ruth Swanson
9/12/2019 01:49:26 am
Hi! I'm Dixie's daughter. I have been putting together a scrapbook of my mom and her life in Fairbanks before my time and when she worked for Wycliffe. Mom always spoke highly of the Canonge family. I'm so happy that you have been able to enjoy your Bible again. When I saw it, I felt I should try and get it to you somehow, and I'm glad it worked out! I didn't want to throw something so precious as someone's Bible away. Blessings, and this was such a fun blog to read! Ruth
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Allan Myers
9/19/2019 11:29:37 am
Hi I'm Dixie's nephew. Keep digging Ruth!!! My path has led me to the tracking of your uncle's (Charles Myers; Dixie's brother)military service. It is quite incredible, so many questions if he were here today, to find this blog is amazing. A True treasure for the Myers/Swanson families. Thank you !!!!!
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About MeI love Jesus. I think my two daughters can change the world. I think you can too. Past Posts
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