Leon and Sally Winter
Leon and Sally Winter are assigned to JAARS, Wycliffe's technical center, which provides training in support fields such as aviation, computers, vernacular media, and satellite communication. Many field-related support services and resources are provided by JAARS personnel through project planning, short-term or long-term overseas assignments, and project funding. JAARS is committed to speeding Bible translation and partners with other organizations around the world who share the same goal of God’s Word in the heart language of every man, woman, and child. You are invited to visit http://www.leonwinter.com/ as well.
Recent news
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Dec-2011 newsletter (PDF, 777 KB) -- This year has been a whirlwind of activities and blessings. In this letter we attempt, month by month, to capture the highest of the high points, recognizing that God has brought all these good things to pass in 2011.
Oct-2011 newsletter (PDF, 934 KB) -- We are reporting on our summer trip and in particular to Mindanao to spend time with the Blaans. The day with 25 pastors who are going to be taking the new audio New Testament out to form "Bible Listening Groups." Using the Proclaimer to help teach in a church service gave Sally a feel for how well the audio New Testament can work in the Blaans' oral society. Being present at the birth of the committee that will be translating the Old Testament was a joy that still gives us "goose bumps." As always, the Blaans are so very gracious to us and appreciate everything we can do to help them build the church. We give thanks for the Lord's work among the Blaan and that He allows us to stay healthy enough to keep at this joyful task.
July-2011 newsletter (PDF, 1.1 MB) We are heading back to the Philippines to launch the audio New Testament and begin talks about translating the Old Testament. We welcome a new grandson to our family. We have enjoyed a two-week study trip to Israel and share reflections on this.
Mar-2011 newsletter (PDF, 704 KB) -- We are rapidly approaching the summer, with all its travel. Leon spent a week in Haiti with 12 others to build some Samaritan's Purse, temporary houses while others in our group did medical clinic work. There's more on the audio players and now we have acquired the master DVDs for the whole of the Koronadal Blaan New Testament audio. Many plans have been enabled for the Blaans, now that we have this treasure -- things like Bible story tapes for children.
Dec-2010 newsletter (PDF, 742 KB) -- Our December/Christmas newsletter has an update on the Koronadal Blaan Audio New Testament. We rejoice because the audio mastering has been completed and some of the Bible players are already in the Philippines. Shortly after we sent the last letter, we learned that another daughter is expecting, so we are now looking for grandbabies #9 AND #10. There's a bit about our service here at Wycliffe JAARS. There are some details on Leon's work with satellite communication mother-tongue translators and Sally teaching at a Christian school and the Young Scientists Club she started.
Aug-2010 newsletter (PDF, 252 KB) -- Our newsletter this time around gives a peek at what's coming with the project for the Koronadal Blaan Audio New Testament. We also talk a little about our trip to New England and some nostalgia for Leon. Then some big news as grandbaby #9 is on the way!
Apr-2010 newsletter (PDF, 274 KB) -- A dream is coming true: the New Testament, translated into the Koronadal Blaan language, recorded by native speakers, and to be made available to the people on solar-powered players!
Dec-2009 newsletter (PDF, 294 KB) -- JAARS welcomes a new turboprop airplane; other JAARS highlights from 2009; praise and prayer items, including updates on the Blaan New Testament print and audio projects and hymn writers' workshop.
Aug-2009 newsletter (PDF, 285 KB) -- On our recent trip to the Philippines, one key activity was holding a song-writing workshop for the Koronadal Blaan. Attendees included 10 men and 1 woman from 4 different church groups. Together they wrote 21 new songs, 12 of which were recorded; this group plans to meet regularly to encourage and teach one another. We were also able to check on the distribution of the Koronadal Blaan New Testament and worship with our Blaan brothers and sisters. Praise and prayer items.
May-2009 newsletter (PDF, 345 KB) -- The completed satellite installation in Guinea-Bissau; our return to the Philippines this summer; the hymn writing workshop for the Blaan believers; our renewed contact with Blaan believers; opportunity to encourage Pastor Cuma and Lydia; oversight of the Blaan distribution and New Testament storage; potential to establish a Skype connection with Rev. Saya; review on our work here at JAARS, in Waxhaw, NC; plus praise and prayer items.
Feb-2009 newsletter (PDF, 318 KB) -- Celebrating arrival of a Pilatus Porter turbo-prop PC-6 aircraft. Communication equipment to be installed in West Africa. Impact of closing the Nasuli Center in Mindanao, Philippines, where Leon and Lola first served and from where Sally and Kathy worked to translate the Koronadal Blaan scriptures. The need for funds to cover branch subsidy fees still owed. Praise and prayer requests.
Dec-2008 newsletter (PDF, 145 KB) -- JAARS in the fall. Operation Christmas Child touches the life of Pastor Cuma's grandson. The importance of ... light! Praise and prayer requests.
Oct-2008 newsletter (PDF, 454 KB) -- Air and water craft dedications. Sally back in the classroom. Shipping IT/communications equipment around the globe. Welcoming guests and creating community. Praise and prayer requests.
Jun-2008 newsletter (PDF, 705 KB) -- "As our lives unfold in this new place of service we have a strong sense of His plan for us at this time. We're encouraged and joyful in this knowledge." Sally & Leon's new roles. Establishing their new North Carolina home. Praise and prayer requests.
Feb-2008 newsletter (PDF, 293 KB) -- Looking forward to the move to North Carolina (new address enclosed) and a new four-year assignment with JAARS. Stories and photos from their trip to South Africa to visit family at Christmastime. Praise and prayer requests.
Dec-2007 newsletter (PDF, 613 KB) -- The view from New England, Koronadal Blaan news, visits to supporting churches, heading to South Africa for Christmas, praises and prayer requests, and more.
Aug-2007 newsletter (PDF, 98 KB) -- Furlough in the U.S. begins, with its travel, good-byes and hellos, and cultural adjustments. Praises and prayer requests.
May-2007 newsletter (PDF, 408 KB) -- Making the rounds to say goodbye. Leaving Bagabag on May 24. Plans for the balance of the year.
Mar-2007 newsletter (PDF, 232 KB) -- Finishing well and planning furlough. Leon and Sally's 30-year history in the Philippines. Tentative furlough schedule.
Dec-2006 newsletter (PDF, 438 KB) -- Thanksgiving for the activity of God this year. Looking ahead to furlough in June 2007.
Oct-2006 newsletter (PDF, 206KB) -- Bagabag School gets off to a great start. Dealing with health concerns. Furlough ahead. Praise and prayer items, and more.
Jul-2006 newsletter (PDF, 404KB) -- Light comes to Rev. Saya's house. The light of God's Word comes to the Isnag people of the northern Philippines. More Blaan New Testaments are distributed via an unlikely means. The WBT/SIL conference comes to Bagabag. Praise and prayer items, and more.
Feb-2006 newsletter (PDF, 258 KB) -- Christmas break is spent on the Blaan hymnal, now completed! Sally is team teaching grades 1-4. Photos of the lower-grade children and the Bagabag staff. Praise and prayer items, and more.
Dec-2005 newsletter (PDF, 200 KB) -- Visits with family. Visits to Mindanao and Koronadal Blaan. Life resumes in Bagabag. Christmas thoughts: not an ordinary baby. Praise and prayer items, and more.
Jun-2005 newsletter (PDF, 104 KB) -- Celebrating the completion of the entire Tuwali Ifugao Bible. An update on the Blaan hymnal project. The school year begins on August 8, with a full staff of teachers. Praise and prayer items, and more.
Mar-2005 newsletter (PDF, 438 KB) -- Missionaries come in all shapes and sizes (highlighting some servant-friends). Praise and prayer items, and more.