When the dream is bigger than you, how do you keep going—especially when the cost gets personal? Journey through the story of Illuminations, where unity, sacrifice, and grace reshape a global mission. What does it take to unite dozens of organizations, overcome deep fragmentation, and shave a century off a world-changing timeline? In this episode, Aaron Coe sits down with former NFL kicker Todd Peterson, who helped lead a radical collaborative movement to translate the Bible into every language. They explore the hard-won battles behind partnership, the uncomfortable truth about finances in mission, and the real price paid—spiritually and relationally—by leaders who chose to work together. More than just a win for Bible translation, their conversation reveals how humility, generosity, and perseverance can spark acceleration where division once stalled progress. Key Takeaways:- How collaborative impact in Bible translation turned competing organizations into partners—and sped up global access by decades- Why tackling the financial side of mission work is essential for real progress—and how generosity multiplies results- The personal and spiritual costs paid by leaders who pursue unity, including the unseen battles and setbacks- Why robust cooperation isn’t just a logistical win, but a spiritual one: God commands blessing where there’s unity- Practical wisdom for anyone dreaming of collective efforts, from neighborhood projects to global movements Subscribe for more honest conversations and practical insights.Like if you found this helpful. Comment: What’s your biggest lesson about collaboration or generosity? #BibleTranslation #Leadership #Collaboration #Mission #Illuminations #Generosity #Faith #DontLetTheDreamDie Timestamps00:00 My story is a story of grace: Todd Peterson's pivotal college football moment00:17 “Not on our watch”—spiritual urgency and early resistance01:12 Introducing Todd Peterson: NFL years and mission-driven life01:59 Unmerited favor, stewardship, and entering Bible translation02:59 How passion for youth, sports, and leadership led to a focus on God’s word03:40 Bible translation’s timeline and the first collaboration spark04:33 Birth of Illuminations: solving fragmentation, embracing unity06:20 Painting the landscape: agencies, Bible societies, and the need for partnership07:33 Early choke points—data, copyright, and sausage making08:44 The AI challenge: agencies unite instead of competing09:56 Breaking down giver/receiver dynamics and spiritual arrogance11:14 Culture shift: unity, vision, and why “not on our watch” matters12:07 The YouVersion story—why digital distribution required unified effort12:54 Illuminations as precursor: unity catalyzes solutions13:38 Repository, access, and self-perpetuating good behavior15:12 Isaiah 60:3—the biblical heart behind Illuminations15:34 Solving the distribution issue and unlocking global reach16:26 Old habits, new tricks: value-driven change accelerates engagement18:19 What’s next: hurdles and opportunities for collaborative impact18:51 Collective impact essentials and fundraising breakthroughs20:21 Brave CEOs, shared donors, and “all boats rise”22:24 Empirical results: generosity transforms giving23:19 Why finances are the catalytic third leg of sustainable impact25:07 The gospel’s model for generosity—and breaking scarcity mindset27:40 Ministry leaders, business perspective, and trusting God for provision29:27 Positive reinforcement and winning behavior29:42 Honoring the personal cost of collaboration30:54 How far we’ve come: updated timeline and goal for 203332:16 What "eradicate Bible poverty" really means—impact metrics33:28 Aspirational targets, acceleration, and the AI advantage34:26 Quality, speed, and how Illuminations avoids “sloppy” translation35:01 Why this level of cooperation is unprecedented in missions history36:17 The real price: personal, spiritual, and emotional costs paid37:07 “Is it worth it?”—stories from CEOs and resource partners39:12 Stakes are high: spiritual warfare and obstacles39:54 Family adversity, enemy resistance, and staying the course41:40 Encouragement for those dreaming of working together42:22 Wisdom for aspiring collaborators: unity, humility, perseverance45:08 “Team together”—final reflections on why partnership wins45:23 Football predictions and the lighter side of perseverance47:02 Celebrating friendship, faithfulness, and the long journey