Essentially Translatable

“And it’s the church that is owning this and doing this, which is exciting. We’re joining them and the Spirit of God and the work that is being done there.” — Sarah Esala

Sarah Esala serves as the Regional Director for Southern and Eastern Africa, Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea. She works with international partners to engage in Bible translation, literacy, and Scripture engagement activities so that God’s Word can be made known in relevant and clear ways.

“We want to see God’s Word, especially in the minority languages of Nigeria. We believe that if people have God’s Word in their language, then their lives will be transformed.”  — Rev. Kierien Ayugha

Rev. Kierien Ayugha is an ordained pastor in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria, a Bible Translation Consultant in training and serves as an International Associate with Lutheran Bible Translators.

He currently serves as lecturer/professor in the Linguistics and Bible Translation Department at the Theological College of Northern Nigeria, training the next generation of Bible Translators for work in Nigeria and surrounding countries.

Kierien is currently studying for his PhD degree in Narrative Discourse Analysis at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

Hear what God is doing in Nigeria through Bible translation in this interview with Rev. Kierien Ayugha.

“The opportunity to work with national colleagues — the work on one hand to teach them but on the other hand to learn from them. The greatest joy is to see some of the things that I taught them they are following up on it. Now they are teaching me as they carry on the work in the different fields.” — Dr. Ernst R. Wendland

Dr. Ernst R. Wendland served as an instructor at the Lutheran Seminary in Lusaka, Zambia, as well as a United Bible Societies Translation Consultant.

He is the author of numerous studies on the Bantu languages of South-Central Africa, biblical exegesis, literary-poetic analysis, rhetorical criticism, and translation theory and practice.

Enjoy this podcast with Dr. Wendland reflecting on a lifetime of ministry.

“Often with being a third-culture kid (T.C.K.) comes the ability to understand lots of different people. But it also comes with lots of inner struggle about where we belong.” — Hannah Federwitz

Hannah and Eden Federwitz joined the podcast with unique T.C.K. insights. Listen to their stories about growing up in Ghana and their preparation for life in Ethiopia.

“Pray that they will grow in their faith – those who know the Lord. And that those who don’t know the Lord will come to know Him through His Word.” — Janet Borchard 

Hear stories from three continents as Bible translation advisor Janet Borchard shares her heart for people having God’s Word in their own language. 

“The church here will be able to really be a leader in Bible translation in the future in this region, in Ethiopia, and projects outside of the country.” — Dr. Jim Kaiser

Join the celebration with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus at the dedication of the Bible Translation Training Building.

The momentous occasion was paired with the graduation of students from the Bible translation training program and the first Bible Week celebrated in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopia missionary team – Dr. Jim and Susan Kaiser and Dr. Chris and Janine Pluger – reflected with Dr. Rich Rudowske on all the events of June 2022.

“I tell people: you are equally as important as anyone on the field, because you’re the ones that keep us there.” — Alvina Federwitz

Listen in as Mission Participation Coordinator Alvina Federwitz describes her experience with Lutheran Bible Translators and its supporters through the decades.

“I actually think what was important during that time was sitting down with people in their house and having a meal. That’s where the trust was built. That’s where the relationship was built. And that radically changed how I was able to work with them.” — Paul Federwitz

Lutheran Bible Translators’ Chief Information Officer and Assistant Director for Program Ministries, Paul Federwitz, shares his insights about healthy team principles in multicultural settings. 

Don’t miss this episode!  

Lutheran Bible Translators’ Executive Director Elect Rev. Dr. Rich Rudowske becomes the interviewee — sharing his research and insights in Bible translation. 

"But when God’s Word is translated into another language, it enhances the whole Christian Church’s understanding of God’s love in a whole different way – in a whole different meaning.” 

Be inspired as you listen to Rev. David Federwitz, Regional Director for West Africa. His energy and passion for God’s mission is contagious.