Essentially Translatable

“I thought that everybody was reached by the language. And so, I felt comfortable that everything was done. During these three years, I have gotten exposure to the grassroots people, especially the different small groups, who have their own vernacular. These people have no other access to the Word of God” –Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa Rev. Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa serves as Lutheran Bible Translators’ Programs Dire...

“One of the really key things of the Reformation that Luther did was to take the Scriptures, which had been inaccessible, and to make them available in a language they knew, and they could hear the Lord speaking to them in a meaningful way.” –President Lawrence Rast  Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. serves as the sixteenth president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and professo...

“When that Word is put in the language that I learned at my mother's knee, that I grew up with, that I understand to my core, and I hear God’s Word coming to me, that’s my God.” –Rev. Dave Brezina  Rev. Dave Brezina serves at Messiah Lutheran Church near Boston, Massachusetts. His congregation celebrated Bible Translation Sunday in 2020. Discover the impact.  Access this year’s Bible Translation S...

"From day zero, it was a community effort. There were so many people who were fired up about what we were doing. And so many people wanted to be involved.”  –Dr. Chris Pluger  Dr. Chris & Janine Pluger served in Zambia and helped complete the Nsenga New Testament. Now they are headed to Ethiopia to serve in multiple Bible translation projects. They have plenty of stories to share. 

“When people lose hope, it is time for the Gospel. It is time to plant the faith. We have seen also people, who are coming to Jesus. Because when people despair, they need encouragement.” – Bishop Andrew Gulle    Bishop Andrew Gulle leads the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania’s East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELCT-ELVD). The Lutheran Church of Tanzania is the second largest Lutheran church bo...

Many churches do not know about the ongoing need for Bible translation. Millions of people are still without Scripture in a language they understand. Join the Bible translation movement to put God’s Word in their hands. Mark your calendar. Sign up to receive resources! Bible Translation Sunday is September 26th this year (lbt.org/bts). Dr. Reed Lessing is this year’s sermon contributor for Bible T...

Heidi Goehmann is an author, licensed clinical social worker, deaconess, and mental health advocate. Heidi serves on Lutheran Bible Translators' Board of Directors and is passionate about God's Word in the hands of people everywhere.  “That is what the Bible does for us. It helps root out all that internal stuff so that God can begin to heal and redeem and restore.”  Show Notes

Dr. Bruk Ayele serves as president of Mekane Yesus Seminary in Ethiopia. Explore with him. Listen to Bible translation as mission within the largest Lutheran church body in the world.  "Part of that mission …is bringing the Good News to someone in their heart language. So, if our missionaries are Bible translators, …we believe that that mission will be very effective.” – Dr. Bruk Ayele

Rob Hilbert is the Executive Director of Aramaic Bible Translation and missionary with Lutheran Bible Translators. He previously served as a missionary with LBT in Sierra Leone and Botswana. “It was the language that Jesus spoke in and would have communicated in. So, it has been around for a long time. The [Aramaic] languages we currently work in are descendants of that language.” – Rob Hilbert

Students had questions, and the pastors had answers.   Pastor Tom Lange teaches religion including Christian apologetics at Saint Paul Lutheran High School. 

Listen in to stories of Easter from around the world. Laugh, ponder, and rejoice! “We’re celebrating, we’re remembering that again – that day. But on the other hand, there’s not a day that has gone by since that first Easter day where that statement isn’t true for all of humanity. Jesus Christ is risen today. And that changes everything.” – Rev. Rich Rudowske

Mart Green is the Ministry Investment Officer for Hobby Lobby and the founder of Mardel Christian and Education Supply stores with a heart for putting God's Word in their hands.   “We just said let’s come together. What can we do together in unity – in oneness – that we couldn’t do by ourselves? The big, big goal was to eradicate Bible poverty.” -Mart Green

Martin and Joan spent over 30 years in Cameroon, West Africa engaged in Bible translation ministry. Discover what it means to follow God’s call and witness lives transformed by the Gospel. “And so, I surrendered it to God after that. I said, “God, you gave it to me. You can have it back.” –Joan Weber

Michaela Federwitz grew up in West Africa as a Missionary Kid with Lutheran Bible Translators, offering her a unique “third-culture kid” perspective. She will soon return to West Africa to serve as a nanny for the children of LBT-Canada's missionaries Rev. Mike and Kara Kuhn. “The more effort you put into actually caring and getting to know that TCK, the more open they’ll be with you and the more...

“Once upon a time…” The phrase may sound beautiful, but it would not be an accurate way to begin the story of Jesus’s birth. Now try to begin to imagine all the struggles of translating in another culture and language!  Join Dr. Becky Grossmann and co-hosts, Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske, to discuss the idea of discourse, why i...

Rest. God rested after creation, a sign of completion and abundance. We can rest in God’s abundance and be completely dependent on Him. How do we rest? What does it look like?  Join Ali Federwitz and co-hosts, Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske, to discuss the idea of Sabbath rest, spiritual health, and how we can clue our bodies, friends, families into knowing that it is time for rest.   “H...

What is God calling you to do? We can’t begin to wrap our minds around the totality of God’s mission. This episode of the LBT sermon series is based in part on Genesis 12:1-3 and originally delivered at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO one week before the entire nation shut down for Coronavirus. Join Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske to discuss life at times of upheaval, and the reminder that God is...

Cozy up by the fire or your favorite chair and take a Christmas tour around the world. Celebrate Christmas Lutheran Bible Translator style! What do you love about Christmas? Context, memories, food, decorations, culture… What makes Christmas seem complete? Join Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske to discuss traditions and family, the Word in action, Scripture coming alive, and what Christmas is all abo...

God’s Word in people’s hands and hearts. Removing barriers and transforming lives. Join Rev. Carl and Kelsey Grulke and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss mission work and family, especially life with bigger families, scripture engagement strategy, cross-culture living, and so much more.    "This is God's Word that transforms lives! And we want to make sure that whatever resources are needed...

– “Imagine what it means to have God’s Word in the language of your heart! …I think [Lutheran Bible Translator’s] work is the first step in any mission field.” Dr. Wayne Braun shares perspectives of partnering with Lutheran Bible Translators and God’s leading in life. Join Dr. Braun and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss gratitude, mission work and family, lay missions, changes over the last 20 years,...

What does it mean to be able to read God’s Word in your heart language? Rev. John Bundor shares about literacy efforts in Sierra Leone and the life-changing role of God’s Word in this ministry. Join Pastor Bundor and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss many topics, including: a typical literacy program, the necessity of the written word along with the ability to read, and why investing in Sierra Leone...

Martin Luther once wrote “I wish that every village had its own interpreter and that this book alone would live in the hands, eyes, ears, and hearts of all people.”  Dr. Erik Herrmann talks to us about the role of Bible translation during the Reformation and today. Join Dr. Herrmann and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss keeping scripture at the center of it all, pastoral care, social media versu...

What is the best way to plan for strategic transitions? Dr. Mike Rodewald shares memories of the last five years with Lutheran Bible Translators, including the move to Concordia, Missouri. Join Dr. Mike and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss ministry challenges, building reserves, being strategic instead of reactive, looking to the future, and more.   “ How can we survive and thrive? ” – Dr....

You might have felt the urge to “do something” for missions. Dr. Jim & Susan Kaiser share their story of similar urging and of God’s provision and leading. Join the Kaisers and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss translation consulting, God’s faithfulness, finding a helpmate and partner, raising a family on the mission field, and more.   “ God did His thing and used me for His purposes .”...

Where does identity come from? Dr. Boafo brings years of field experience and training to multi-lingual ministry during this conversation about opportunities and challenges when engaging African churches in Bible translation. Join the Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Boafo and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss local language engagement, local theologizing, and so much more.   “Take advantage of their way...