Multiplying Impact

Think of a time when Scripture impacted your life. Perhaps you were in the middle of an extended time of suffering and remembered Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Or maybe tragic events left you speechless, bu¬t you were comforted by Romans 8:26, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

If you’ve ever felt convicted, comforted, or encouraged by Scripture, you know it is more than words. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12.

For nearly 60 years, Lutheran Bible Translators has put God’s Word in the hands of marginalized and isolated communities. God has used LBT to do amazing things in His name. Now, God is opening hearts and minds to begin a new and powerfully impactful movement.

Current translation systems are dependent on missionaries. One or two knowledgeable westerners enter a country and lead a translation project. Putting God’s Word in their hands is good. But just as He multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed over 5000 people, Jesus can multiply the current efforts of translation to spiritually feed millions. He is calling us to step out in faith, prayer, and patience.

Throughout six decades of experience, Lutheran Bible Translators has continued to expand emphasis on community engagement and is noticing a positive correlation between involvement and success. Executive Director, Dr. Rich Rudowske shared, “Strong emphasis on community engagement and involvement results in vibrancy in the local church and higher use of Scripture.”

Lutheran Bible Translators wants to be known for investing in our partners, building global alliances under the Gospel, and actively participating in equipping others to multiply the impact of Scripture. The time is ripe to break away from the old missionary model of reliance on someone from the west. Research and prayerful listening have culminated in the creation of the More than Words campaign.

“In More than Words, Lutheran Bible Translators is shifting focus. Translation of Scripture into the local language will still happen. Breaking down barriers through Scripture engagement will still happen. What is changing is the capacity for growth. Local leaders will be identified, equipped, and encouraged. Our role is shifting from translation lead to a translation advisor, overseeing several locally-led projects.” Dr. Rich Rudowske. The silent phase of the campaign launched in Fall 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shook the world. But God’s plans cannot be stopped, and the campaign is already at 67% funding! The goal of $43.9 million in five years is obtainable, but we need you.

Your gift today will provide Lutheran Bible Translators the ability to say yes to innovative requests. Yes to building education centers. Yes to equipping sustainable partners. Yes to investing in people who carry on the work of translation. Your gifts and prayers are essential.

Hailu, a translator in Ethiopia, rejoices where he sees God at work already: “the partnership [with LBT] will advance translation work in Ethiopia. Lutheran Bible Translators is already solving the technical problems related to Bible translation [such as providing translation consultants] and is supporting students to study translation in Seminary.”

More than Words is bringing translation emphasis back to God. Back to prayer. “What the Lord does IS more than words. Sustainability IS more than words,” said Dr. Rudowske. Let’s celebrate what God is doing and praise Him that He gives us the opportunity to participate in that mission! Join the campaign today at lbt.org!