News

Here’s an informative Q & A with Joyce Dyck, Project Hannah’s Low German Women of Hope producer. Joyce is a volunteer and produces Women of Hope as a ministry of love.

1. How did you learn about Project Hannah?

In 2001, Jake and Dorothy Fehr, RTM director in Bolivia, came to see us in Manitoba, Canada, for one short hour. They asked whether I knew about Women of Hope (WoH) programs and quickly showed me a video about them. When they heard that I had done 10-minute programs for a number of years and written out scripts in Low German, they asked if I would be willing to translate the Women of Hope scripts into Low German. In short order I was in contact with various women connected to Project Hannah and I was sent the English scripts.

2. Can you tell us a little about your background?

I am from a Mennonite background that speaks Low German. My husband and I have been on missionary status with Janz Team Ministries, now called Teach Beyond, since 1970 and spent 11 years in Germany.

3. Why were you interested in producing Women of Hope in Low German?

My interest and concern began early on after hearing about the plight of many Low German speaking women in Paraguay. My husband's messages were already heard there, so I was asked to make 10-minute programs for women. Later I realized more and more that the only way to get into these homes would be through radio.

4.  How did you put together the Low German Women of Hope production team?

My first challenge was to find four women who not only would be able to speak Low German well, but also read it. Low German is spoken with various accents and also is not a standard language that is written in the same way everywhere; I needed to know who was going to be speaking it and would they be able to read my spelling of it.

I approached three women in our church and they were immediately enthused and willing to try something very new but challenging. Another woman heard about the need for a nurse, so she volunteered. We have had a great team experience, and all of our husbands are very supportive. Praise the Lord!

5.  What does the Project Hannah ministry mean to you personally?

This has been one of my best opportunities for ministry. Our whole team feels very privileged and we have learned a great deal through Project Hannah. I have been very moved by the effectiveness of the prayer ministry within Project Hannah, and I use it as an example of how vital prayer is.

Also, I love hearing from our listeners, although we don’t often receive letters as many of them are oral communicators. However, when I happen to be in direct contact with these women, there are many encouraging comments. One comment that is heard most frequently is, "We learn so much." We are also told by many, "We are praying that you will continue to make these programs."

To read more about the recent plight of Low German women in Bolivia and how the Women of Hope audio programs are reaching them with the light of the gospel, see "A Voice of Hope" on pg 3 of our June 2010 Hannah's Heartbeat newsletter. (select "Download the PDF" for the current; archives of past issues are also available)