Essentially Translatable Lutheran Bible Translators

In the past 60 years, missionaries with Lutheran Bible Translators have seen war and destruction effect the growth of ministry—but the faithfulness of God has never been disrupted. On this episode of Essentially Translatable, host Rich Rudowske celebrates the organization's 60th anniversary and explores a significant pivot in the history of Lutheran Bible Translators during the 1980s and early 1990s.  
This episode brings listeners stories from the Liberian Civil War and the impact it had on the organizations’ approach to Bible translation. With extensive translation work being done in Liberia at the time, the war disrupted operations but subsequently led to a shift towards local ownership and partnerships within translation efforts.  
Hear interviews with Alvina Federwitz, Jim Laesch, and David Federwitz: all missionaries who were affected by the civil war in Liberia in various capacities. Reflect on Alvina’s first-hand experience with the violence of war. Consider the challenges Jim faced in regulating administration during a period of great uncertainty for the organization. And learn from David as he explains the outcome the war had in leading to the formation of the Liberia Translation and Literacy Organization (LIBTRALO).  
Through God’s faithfulness, a transformative impact came from this crisis. Lutheran Bible Translators pivoted to an innovative strategy of fostering local ownership and engagement within the language group when no other options were available. Today, this groundbreaking approach has become the ideal standard and continues to be used by the Bible translation community in the modern era.  
Highlights 
Stories from the Liberian Civil War are shared in reflection of the 60-year history of Lutheran Bible Translators. The civil war prompted the organization to prioritize local ownership of translation projects—an innovative decision.  Learn more about LIBTRALO here 

In this episode of Essentially Translatable, Rev. Rich Rudowske shares a sermon given at Concordia Seminary, St Louis on overcoming jealousy and the significance of maintaining a good reputation.  
This sermon draws from Daniel chapter 6 and the Eighth Commandment with explanation from Luther’s Small Catechism. Rich reflects on personal anecdotes to illustrate the detrimental effects of jealousy and emphasizes the importance of protecting and honoring others' reputations as commanded in the Eighth Commandment.  
Celebrating the success of others can help combat feelings of jealousy. By returning to the teachings of Jesus Christ, we find peace and fulfillment by bestowing a good name onto others. 
Highlights 
Rev. Rich Rudowske delivers sermon on combatting jealousy.  The sermon draws from Daniel 6 and the Eighth Commandment. We can follow the example of Jesus by honoring the reputation of others. 

In this episode of the Essentially Translatable Podcast, Rich Rudowske engages in discussion with Rev. Dr. Douglas Rutt on the importance of cultural and contextual nuances when communicating the Gospel. Dr. Rutt has an impressive 40-year career serving in ministry. Most notably he has served as missionary to Guatemala, Director for International Ministries at Lutheran Hour Ministries, and Provost for Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. 
The conversation delves into two concepts: syncretism—the tendency to mix non-Christian beliefs with Christian ideals, and contextualization—communicating God's Word in ways that resonate with a culturally diverse audience while maintaining the purity of the Gospel message.  
These topics are informed by Dr. Rutt's extensive experience in international ministry, as well as his recent article, “Translation and Syncretism”, published in Concordia Journal in spring of 2023. This article explores the complexities of Bible translation, the significance of Scripture being available in one’s Mother-tongue, and the critical role of exegesis in both understanding the Word and the world.  
Tune into learn how Dr. Rutt’s transition from commercial pilot to seminary student led to a life-changing experience as a missionary to Guatemala and his continued service in God’s kingdom.  
Read “Translation and Syncretism” here. 
 Highlights 
Dr. Rutt and Rich discuss the recently published article “Translation and Syncretism” Dr. Rutt is a former missionary to Guatemala with 40 years of experience in ministry Two key terms: syncretism and contextualism, are discussed in relation to Bible translation. 

How can a church congregation best provide care for a missionary abroad? On this episode of Essentially Translatable Rich Rudowske discusses the congregational care model with Shonna Ingram of Pioneer Bible Translators. Shonna serves as a Trauma Care Specialist, as well as a Career Transition Specialist with Pioneer Bible Translators. She has dedicated over 15 years to missionary care both on and off the field.  
Shonna shares about her experience supporting missionaries overseas and how it has led her to create resources that discuss navigating life in transition. There are many unexpected challenges that impact the missionary journey. From family emergencies to unexpected cultural differences, there are many elements to a missionary’s daily-life that require prayer and support. Listen to learn about how churches or families can prioritize supporting missionaries through more than just financial gifts.  
It is a great blessing to be able to invest in each other as supporters of God’s Mission. This episode highlights the many challenges missionaries face, the role of trauma care, the significance of congregational support, and practical ways to support missionaries.  
Highlights 
Shonna Ingram works in the care department at Pioneer Bible Translators There are methods for effective congregational care that are more than just financial gifts. Shonna has conducted research into trauma care and the common ways missionaries experience trauma. 
 

For this episode of the Essentially Translatable podcast, Rich sits down with Matt Kistler, the newest staff member to join the team at Lutheran Bible Translators. Matt serves as the Senior Measurement & Evaluation Analyst. He comes to Lutheran Bible Translators with education from Eastern University and experience working with Mission Mutual, the backbone organization for the illumiNations Collective Alliance. Listen in for a discussion on the importance of data metrics and how it can be used to measure the impact and outcome of programs.
During this conversation, Matt advocates for new ideas that are backed by data and measurement in order to recognize how God is at work in new ways. Like the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13: 6-9, there are challenges for prioritization within the Bible translation field. As an organization we can bear good fruit and foster a culture of learning and humility.
The ministry of Bible translation is in a season of growth and new opportunity. Listen to this episode to hear more about the drive to use data to inform ministry best practices.

Out of the 9 million visually impaired people in the United States, it is estimated that 95% of that population is unchurched. Daniel Jenkins, President for Lutheran Braille Workers is working to decrease that number by increasing access to Scripture through braille and large print bibles. For this episode of the Essentially Translatable podcast, Dr. Rich Rudowske and Daniel discuss the enduring hope found by making the Word of God accessible to everyone.  
Daniel shares testimonies from blind and visually impaired individuals who got to experience Scripture through braille for the first time. To produce these bibles, countless hours of work are required by the devoted volunteers at Lutheran Braille Workers. This dedication has made Lutheran Braille Workers the largest producers of braille bibles and large print materials in the world. As the demand for Scripture has grown, the team at Lutheran Braille Workers has faithfully risen to meet the needs of everyone wanting to be served.    
Lutheran Bible Translators and Lutheran Braille Workers have recently formed a partnership to help lower barriers to accessing Scripture. Listen as Rich and Daniel discuss the partnership between organizations to help others fully engage with God’s Word.