The Importance of a Good Translator

Without a translator, mission work cannot happen. We have been blessed to have some of the most godly and gifted men in the world to use as translators! Thank you Lord for these men and the ladies, many of whom are not pictured.

Mission work just doesn’t happen by chance. These men go into the villages and speak with the village chief to get permission for the Americans who are coming to share the Gospel.

There is a protocol in Africa. The villages are basically owned by the village chief. He has the responsibility for all the people in his village. Permission must be granted ahead of time as well as the day of entry into the village.

I have been on a trip where the first village was off limits to the Americans. However, I managed to lead about 50+ people to Christ just 2 steps off the bus in 2013. I also had my 1st encounter with the infamous Guluwam Kulu as seen in one pic.

Translators bridge the gap when sharing the Gospel. I have used many translators over the years. Thankfully I have had the privilege to become really good friends with several of them. I am blessed because of that.

Being a translator requires an excellent knowledge of the Bible. Each American shares the Gospel differently using different stories from the Bible. Sometimes we use $25 words when a nickel word is just as good.

Developing a report with your translator is keen. Many times I have changed my Gospel presentation based on the current situation at that time. An example would be if we had someone repairing a water well, we might switch to the story about the Samaritan woman Jesus found at the well. They have to be able to turn on a dime.

Hebrews 2:12 says, “I will tell of your name to my brothers, in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

Developing friendships with a translator is very beneficial for both parties. It assures the translator has a job for the week you are there. That’s not much to an American but it’s a great deal of money to those in 3rd world countries. We share meals together. Sometimes we sleep in the same compound. Many times we go through the same trials and tribulations while in the field.

The guys in the pictures above and I have spent a great deal of time together. I am a better man and pastor having known and worked with them! Praise the Lord!

Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”