2020 has been a tumultuous year for the world and also for the church. Many believers have been unable to attend church at all, due to various rigid government restrictions. Dwelling on the Word now, more than ever, is paramount for many Christians who do not know where their next spiritual source of comfort may emerge from. The work of translating the Word has never been more important than it is now.
What can we as Bible translators or workers in the field of Bible translation offer when we are so restricted in the work that we usually do? It starts with loving the body of Christ.
In an ever-changing and unstable mix of political and economic tension, our role as Christians must remain true to the Word of Christ. We are called to preach the gospel. That is the mission and that should be the focus for all of us. We are called to survive, by giving out. We are called to adapt, to be wise with the resources God has given to us. The word “resourceful” means “having the ability to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties”. I read a scripture recently in Matthew 10:16 where Jesus says we are to be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (ESV). We are to be good stewards of the work and the resources that Christ has gifted to us in the field of translation. That means looking after the weary sheep.
In long periods of inactivity, many believers in the field of translation may lose heart and become disheartened due to the constant negativity they see around them. It is at this time that we are called to be encouragers of those who are finding their daily and spiritual lives difficult. While we may not be able to always do the practical work of translation in an effective way, we can spiritually look after those who are involved in the work so that when the time comes to translate again, they are able to rise up and meet the challenges that are facing them.
John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
And this is how the gospel is preached, through the effective living of our daily lives in caring for one another and exhorting one another in the faith “as we see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).
--- This Article was submitted as a staff contribution to The Word For The World Asia by Noel Bradford*, write to us for a chance to have your article featured as well ---