Ma'di Translation
I am working with five national pastors who are actively translating the Greek New Testament into the Ma’di language. We are in the final checking stages of the New Testament, and it should be ready for printing and distribution in a few months. The translation is based Scrivener's Textus Receptus. We are striving for a 'formal equivalence' translation in the Ma'di language, which aims to be as literal as possible and as free as necessary. The team is now preparing to learn Hebrew to begin translating the Old Testament.
Grammar editing stage
- Titus
- Colossians
- Corinthians
- Galatians
- Hebrews
- Peter
- Jude
- Matthew
- Revelation
Expert Review Stage
- Mark
- Luke
- Acts
- Romans
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Thessalonians
- Timothy
- Philemon
- James
- 1-3 John
Final editing for printing
- Romans
- John
Lhukonzo Translation
I have also taught Greek for the Lhukonzo translation team located in southwestern Uganda. There are five members in this translation team. The translation work is being overseen by missionary Matthew Stensaas. I will continue assisting this translation project as the need arises.
- Mark
- James
​- 1-3 John
- John
​- Acts
​
Books Translated and Checked:
Book Being Translated:
Books Still to be Translated:
- Luke
​
- Philippians
- Colossians
- Thessalonians
- Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
- Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Hebrews
- Peter
- Jude
- Matthew
- Revelation
Church Planting
I will be working alongside the national pastors in planting churches among the Ma'di people. The translators are also pastors who have churches they are leading. A couple of them are actively planting churches in Adjumani as they work on the translation project. I will initially be working with one of these pastors as he starts a church in Adjumani which is a town of about 37,000 people. I have been able to preach in several churches on previous trips while one of the Bible translators interpreted for me. My initial ministry will likely include several of these preaching opportunities in surrounding villages. It is also possible that I may be serving as an intern pastor for a church currently without a national pastor. I see Bible translation as being a key element in establishing strong, indigenous, self-propagating Baptist churches that are independent of missionary support.
Other Opportunities
I will also be involved in several other ministry opportunities besides translation and preaching. I will be involved in:
- Evangelism
- Discipleship
- Developing relationships with local government officials
- Learning the culture and language
- And other things as they arise.