Grant and Tracey Whidden

equipping missionaries for tribal church planting

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Posted in Ministry on Aug 5th, 2009 | Discuss This Post

While I’m not fluent in Spanish or French or some remote tribal tongue, lately I’m finding myself thinking in about 6 different dialects, aside from English. How’s that possible? Well, we’re currently working on a brand new website for the staff and students here at NTM’s Missionary Training Center. In order for the new site to be the finished product we want it to be, I’ve had to do some custom developing which requires me to be familiar with quite a few different programming languages, including ASP.net, HTML, XML, XSL, CAML, & C# (c-sharp). It’s still a work in progress, so there may even be a few more languages to pick up along the way!

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The Terrible Twos?

Posted in Family on Aug 5th, 2009 | Discuss This Post

“What’s so terrible about the ‘terrible twos’?”

Those were my thoughts when Kessa was age 2. Sure, she was (and is) strong-willed, not a great sleeper, and basically an “Energizer Bunny,” but it wasn’t THAT bad (age 3 was more difficult). Fast forward to now…having not one but TWO 2-year-olds at the same time, plus an older sibling.

Don’t get me wrong — 2 is probably the cutest age ever! But at the same time now I’m thinking “Aha! This is what the terrible twos are.” Leya and Adeline are two little girls with the same level of thinking, understanding, vocal skills, and desire for independence and ownership. Grant and I have been provided with some great opportunities to grow in our dependence on the Lord and also learn together as we train our girls in obedience, love, and respect.

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A Kindergartner Already?

Posted in Family on Aug 5th, 2009 | Discuss This Post

Her parents are excited, anxious, petrified, proud, clueless…okay, so we really don’t quite know WHAT to think or HOW to feel about this next phase for Kessa. It will be an adventure for all of us, but we’re really excited about what God is going to teach both us and Kessa as she enters the “real” world!

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Summer Travels 2009

Posted in Ministry on Aug 5th, 2009 | Discuss This Post

Kessa with friends in AlabamaThough we packed up our stuff to move to a new place 10 times in less than 5 weeks, we DID survive and had some great times of fellowship along the way. As we shared about our ministry and New Tribes Mission in 3 different churches, we came away encouraged about the work God was doing in people’s hearts. Thank you, God, for the many opportunities to visit with our supporters, family, and friends, both new and old!

Upon returning from our trip, we jumped right into an “Enrichment Conference.” While New Tribes missionaries from both near and far were enjoying seminars, I was running around and giggling with the 5 year olds. Grant helped out in various IT capacities, and we both enjoyed being a part of encouraging missionaries in their ministries!

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