I have spent the past year and a half trying to answer this question:
Will the work of Bible Translation become a distraction from my call to train preachers to be better Bible expositors?
I feel strongly called to help preachers grow in their ability to handle the Word of God correctly and to sharpen their skill of expository preaching. And yet, I find there may be an immense delight in getting involved in Bible Translation in Mongu.
An Opportunity for Delight
I was deeply delighted when, during our first vision trip to Mongu in May 2024, I was asked to consider getting involved with Bible translation work. At first, my excitement was somewhat selfish — I have always loved immersing myself in the Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture. But as time has passed, I’ve begun to see the profound potential for a powerful synergy between Bible translation and training Bible teachers.
When Delight Felt Out of Reach
Before moving to Zambia, two activities refreshed and recharged my soul: surfing and riding my motorbike. Both are now out of reach — Zambia is landlocked, and our motorbikes had to be sold before moving here four years ago. Unless you’re a surfer or biker yourself, it may be hard to understand the sense of loss and grief this has brought.
Rediscovering Delight in God’s Word
That is why the invitation to join the Bible translation work in Western Province stirred such joy in me. I’ve been longing for something that could refresh my soul as surfing and biking once did. And in a way I hadn’t expected, I’ve found that same refreshment in the ancient languages of Scripture. Time spent in Greek and Hebrew doesn’t just engage my mind — it renews my heart, much like catching a wave or riding down an open road once did.
A Delight with a Caution
Even so, I’ve approached this invitation with some hesitation. Delight is a good gift from God, but I do not want it to become a distraction from the ministry I believe He has primarily called us to: training preachers to handle God’s Word faithfully. My prayer is that Bible translation would not be a competing delight, but a complementary one — a tool that strengthens, rather than sidetracks, the work before us.
Taking Time to Explore
I didn’t want to rush headlong into this translation work, especially if it risked pulling me away from the core of our calling. So instead, I’ve taken time to carefully explore what this opportunity might mean.
Over the past 18 months, I’ve been getting to know the team and the work they’re doing — and it’s been a rich experience. Through four separate vision trips to Mongu, I’ve slowly gained a clearer picture of the translation work: what it looks like on the ground, what it demands, and what it could offer. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting target-language translators, experienced consultants, and the directors who help steer the project.
The more I’ve listened, asked questions, and observed, the more convinced I’ve become: there is a real Providential Synergy here. My own call to train expository preachers can be strengthened and advanced in remarkable ways by walking alongside this translation team.
A Providential Synergy
It has been through my careful exploration of this opportunity for delight that I have discovered that a profound synergy is possible such that this may be a providential “Delightful Synergy” which has potential to bear much fruit for God’s kingdom here in Western Zambia.
It was particularly during our vision trip to Mongu in September 2025 that I discovered this probable synergy. Furthermore, as I dug deeper into the required studies to excel in Bible Translation, I discovered God’s hand in this in a much deeper and more meaningful way.
In Mongu, whilst working closely with the translations team for 10 days, I discovered the following benefits:
1. From Translation to Friendship
The relationships developed are really helpful. I have made some wonderful friends at these Translation Consultation Workshops and I trust these friendships will continue to grow as we work with each other. The target-language translators live in the very areas where we feel called to minister. They are pastors, preachers, and church leaders in their communities. Working with these brothers and sisters in Bible Translation will surely open more doors for training preachers in their communities.
2. Learning the Language of the People
I am able to learn siLozi quicker. Since siLozi is the common language of Zambia’s Western Province, it is important for us as missionaries to learn to communicate in it. For Bible translation work among minority language groups in the area, it is also necessary to compare new translations with the existing siLozi Bible. One tool that helps with this is an English–siLozi interlinear Bible software. It allows non-Lozi speakers like me (though I am still learning) to see what the siLozi text is saying in each verse. This has been especially helpful, as it throws me into the deep end of the language and helps me learn it more quickly.
I’ve also come to see just how diverse the languages are in the plains west of the Zambezi River (the West Zambezi GMA). There are at least four distinct minority languages spoken there by people whose heart-language isn’t siLozi. These are the very communities we sense God calling us to serve, so even a little familiarity with their languages can make a big difference. Of course, it would be unrealistic to think I could fully learn all four, but knowing even a bit of each will go a long way. And being involved in Bible translation here naturally pushes me toward gaining that kind of familiarity.
3. Discovering Culture Along the Way
It is not only the language benefit that I gain by translating the Bible with these target-language translators, but also the benefit of learning about their cultures.- how they understand Biblical concepts, illustrations, limitations, etc.
4. Seeing the Bible through their eyes
One of the most valuable things I’ve gained is a growing awareness of how people engage with the Bible through their own languages. For us who read in English, it’s easy to forget how blessed we are with a plethora of translations that give us layers of meaning and nuance. But in this part of Zambia, most people only have access to one Bible translation in siLozi — and it’s based on the Good News Bible.
As a teacher training others to handle God’s Word faithfully, it’s vital for me to understand the strengths and limitations of this translation. It shows me what people see when they open their Bibles — and sometimes what they may miss.
Take Philippians 2:1 as an example. In the NIV we read: “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ…” But in siLozi it comes across as: “Does your faith in Christ strongly empower you?” That shift in meaning is subtle, but it can easily lead to confusion unless the preacher knows what’s happening in the translation.
5. New Connections for Ministry
I believe that working on the Bible translation for these communities will open doors for ministry among them.
6. Helping Shape a Preacher’s Bible
I would be able to contribute to a Bible translation that is helpful for preachers to use to preach God’s Word. As preachers study the Bible in preparation to preach, the structure and grammar in the text provides important clues for discerning the author’s emphasis and main argument. As a missionary seeking to enter into these communities to work with target-language preachers, I would have opportunity to influence the translation to include these structural and grammatical markers. This will help both Bible-teachers as well as Bible-readers to discover the emphasis of the passage.
Pray that I may choose wisely
As I spend time in prayerful reflection over these lessons and insights gained, please pray with me. As I discuss this ministry opportunity with my church and mission leaders, pray with me. Pray that I may honour God in what I decide to do with this Providential Synergy I have discovered.
If I choose to pursue this translation work, I will also pursue a Masters degree in Linguistics and Bible Translation offered at the Bible Institute of South Africa by Wycliffe Bible Translators and the Seed Company.
