Seeking Guidance

As I mentioned in my last post, I have become interested in pursuing a more direct role within the Bible translation process. Here has been my journey so far...

While I went through Wycliffe's training last summer I was able to hear from many different translators about the projects they have worked on and the faithfulness the Lord showed them. I LOVED these stories and felt so energized by each of them. Once I moved to the Philippines, I was able to read a couple of books ("And the Word Came With Power" and "Peace Child" specifically) about pioneer missions and translation and the power of the Word of God. Thirdly, I was able to attend a Bible translation dedication this past October, celebrating the Scriptures being in the heart language of the people of Bolinao, Philippines. All of these experiences combined got me daydreaming about translation and the groups of people that could be impacted by God's Truth. I remember a moment when I couldn't imagine doing anything else with my life.

I have learned that training to be a translator takes years. With this knowledge I decided to look into what it would take. I found a few programs that I could pursue and was overwhelmed with the excitement of it all! I couldn't believe that this was something God might be calling me to!

About a week later, my mind was flooded with doubt. Do I really think I can translate the Bible? Has God truly gifted me for translation? I've never been great at learning languages and my one linguistics class was hard for me in college. Why did God have me study education if I'm supposed to be a translator? I had so many questions! I believed that God could work through me in translation, but I wanted to be sure that this is the direction he was guiding me in and not just a crazy dream I had.

These doubts were discouraging to me and I felt like the guidance I was feeling from the Lord vanished. Thankfully, God promises that he will guide us all the days of our lives. He has been challenging me to spend extra time in prayer asking for this guidance. This past Tuesday night I was drawn to my knees before the Lord and asked him to guide me to someone who could help me with my questions.

On Wednesday I was testing my kiddos on their reading levels which required me to have a sub in my classroom. That morning I received a text from my friend, Becca, saying that there was a girl named Janel visiting the school who had taught there in the past, left and got her masters in linguistics, and is now in Indonesia as a translator. She suggested that we meet up that afternoon to chat. Luckily, I finished my testing that morning and just so happened to have the afternoon free. (That would have been a different story any other Wednesday!)

We met up after lunch and had such a fun conversation! Janel was so honest with me and I was able to ask her all of the questions that have been flooding my mind. Our stories are very similar, and she was able to relate to the way I have been feeling. She explained various roles in the translation process, including a few that involve TEACHING nationals about the Scriptures as they take the front lines in translating the Bible into their language. She assured me that grad school was hard work, but some of my fears played a very small part in schooling as a whole. I was left encouraged by her ministry, and it was so good for me to talk to someone that was passionate about God's work through translation again. (Also... she was just on a layover and felt prompted to stop by the school. I consider our conversation a divine appointment!)

I have a new energy for Bible translation and the ways God could use me. I will be visiting Biola University in LA on my way home in a few weeks to talk about their linguistics program. Another option is in Dallas. Please pray with me as I continue to seek guidance, following the Lord with each step I take. Thank you for journeying with me!

"Make me to know your ways, O Lord;

teach me your paths. 

Lead me in your truth and teach me,

for you are the God of my salvation;

for you I wait all the day long."

Psalm 25:4-5