This fall, Watermark is partnering with Seed Company to bring God’s Word to unreached people groups in their heart language. Together, we’re asking God to move through the generosity of his people during a focused season of prayer, giving, and dependence.
This week, we talked with Jeff and Ginny Brown, Watermark members who have partnered with Seed Company for many years. Their walk with the Lord transformed their hearts and stirred their passion for Bible translation—something they’ve watched bring unimaginable joy to others around the world. As you read, consider how God may be prompting you to participate with Seed Company.
How did you come to know the Lord?
Ginny: “Here’s the short version—My best friend in fifth grade invited me to Vacation Bible School one summer, and that was the first time I'd heard the gospel. And I loved it. I was just amazed to know that Christ died for my sins so that I could have eternal life. It was an incredible week for me, and I was just so excited. Through intentional relationships with my pastor at the time and our church, eventually my entire family accepted Christ, and we were all baptized together. “Through a Christian summer camp, I was able to really grow in my faith and be surrounded by wonderful examples of faithful people. This is also where I met Jeff!
“It was really easy for me to believe at such a young age, and I’ve loved the Lord ever since.
“I think a lot of people think that Christianity and following Christ confines you, but it really gives you freedom, and I got to experience that early on. Being in the Word and following him is freedom and peace for my soul, even in a world of chaos.”
Jeff: “I grew up with a mom and dad who loved the Lord. We attended church every Sunday. When I went to summer camp with a friend, I understood for the first time that I was a sinner and that I needed a Savior. It came so clear to me, and I wanted to confess right then that I was ready to follow Christ and have him as the Lord of my life. I continued to be friends with strong Christians and others who mentored me and loved me. Then, a few years later, as a counselor at camp, I fell in love with Ginny—a woman who clearly loved the Lord and loved others well.”
How did you get involved with Seed Company?
J: “About 25 years ago, we were introduced to the early phases of the Seed Company. Ginny and I had tithed and supported ministries throughout our marriage, but we were starting to be blessed financially and had an opportunity to give generously.
“Originally, I wasn’t even aware that the Bible wasn’t available to everybody—it’s something I just didn’t think about. Through friends, we learned that Bible translation was such a slow process, and there were thousands and thousands of languages. At the time, it could take hundreds of years to get the Bible translated in every language. When we looked at our own lives, we realized how hard it would be to follow Jesus and make disciples if we didn’t have Scripture in our own heart language.”
G: “It was eye-opening. Knowing what the Word has meant to me in my daily life and how it’s grown me as a Christian, I can’t imagine not having it. I can’t imagine someone sharing Christ with me, me understanding the gospel, accepting Christ, and then not having his Word to abide in. It pierced my heart when I realized that others don’t have that opportunity. We all can intellectually learn another language, but when God speaks to you in the language you grew up with, it is so much more personal and impactful.”
How have you watched the Lord move through Bible translation projects?
J: “We became very involved with Seed Company with our family. I was on the board for many years, and now our oldest son is Board Chair. It is a sweet and heartwarming legacy to have, knowing that our family’s time and resources have been given to Bible translation around the world, a cause we feel so passionate about.”
G: “We’ve been able to watch the Bible be translated, printed, and then handed to individuals and communities. When someone who loves the Lord but has not had God’s Word in their heart language is given a translated Bible, they are overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. We’ve watched people fall to their knees, weeping and praising God. I’ll never look at my Bible the same way after that experience.”
As part of Year of the Word, Watermark is partnering with Seed Company to translate God's Word into the heart language of several unreached people groups. Learn about how you can partner with us as we translate the Bible together