How did you get interested in Bible translation (BT)? For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for the Bible, for language studies, and for cross-cultural ministry. BT was a perfect fit. I didn’t realize it at the time, but an M.A. degree in seminary, rather than the classical, pastoral M.Div., gave opportunity to dive deeper into the study of biblical languages, and that opened the door to translation which the Lord brought my way. 

What gets you excited when you work with others in Bible translation? I love to see their sense of excitement of reading and hearing God’s Word in their heart language; of noticing their satisfaction at achieving milestones; to see them apply training to advance in their craft. 

What is the most gratifying thing you have done as a translation consultant? To help multiple languages achieve a full Bible or full New Testament. It is extremely humbling.

What is your consulting philosophy? To start with the team where they are, and not where I think they should be (which in itself, does sound like I know what is best for them!) I begin with an awareness of their experience, their goals, and even on a very basic level, what kind of translation are they intending—rather than coaching them necessarily to a type of translation that I assume or presume would be best for them. In the process, I stress through teaching and example that meeting Scripture translation goals is a long and involved process—it’s not like instant potatoes, where you add water, stir, and cook. It takes enormous amounts of time, and every team is different in how they learn and develop. Patience on the part of all of us is required! In terms of actual consulting, I don’t see myself as a Gatekeeper, but as a Specialist, brought into the team to contribute what gifts I might have to help the team reach their goals. 

How would you describe your relationship to current developments in the field of translation? Aware that there has never been this much translation activity and output in the history of the Christian church, it should not surprise us that new developments are constantly emerging. I honestly feel like I stay behind. And that’s why conference attendance and journal reading are so important.

What worries you about where the field of translation is heading? What gives you hope? Not sure how to say this so it doesn’t sound rude, but I’m afraid at times that we are dumbing down this holy craft. Back to the instant potatoes metaphor—sometimes it seems that the ‘better instant mashed potatoes recipe has been discovered; step right up and peer at the unveiling of the holy grail’! I won’t take time to delineate, but I believe our readers will relate. I take hope that there are astute practitioners and leaders who are good at putting on the brakes towards the next big thing, for more careful introspection and correction—not to discourage or derail, necessarily, or bring a big dose of pessimism, but to add major dashes of reality checks. With the current burst of energy towards AI—which has tremendous potential—there are some among us who are adding their research and thoughtful voices to consider appropriate angles of discussion and points of view. 

How do you share your translation discoveries with others? Dr. Pike preached the value of publishing. I took that to heart very early on, setting a personal goal of publishing two articles/academic engagements per year. The outlets are numerous, such as journals or conferences, and the investment is valuable in multiple directions. 

Share something that you learned from a mentor or from a mentee? I remember a major disagreement once in a translation consulting session. I had learned to intentionally lower my voice (lower the heat of the moment) and come alongside to try to reason with cool heads. It worked out and we found a way forward. On another occasion—right at the end of an NT project—our team got stuck. Without fanfare, I halted the proceedings and went to prayer. The Holy Spirit helped us in a dramatic way to get through the rough patch. This is a spiritual work—and we should expect spiritual opposition. Also, I learned from Katy Barnwell to document consultant notes—which does not have value just for the team we are consulting with, but also for sharing more widely.

What would you say to young/aspiring translators? This is a rich way to spend your one life on earth. 

Any other comments? I am thankful for all who teach me, sow into my life personally and professionally, and who have guided me patiently in this holy work. I particularly acknowledge Andrew Piaso, Paul Headland, Steve Swartz, Katy Barnwell, Carl Gross, Tom Webb, Jerry Allen, and a host of colleagues in the Solomon Islands and Eurasia.