“Those who are coming on a tourist visa may attract unwanted attention due to the current government's unfavorable stance towards Christians. On the other hand, national consultants can move freely throughout the country without facing any issues.” This was one of several comments made by a national consultant in one of the countries where we have the most active Bible translation projects. We are grateful for all our Bibles International/Baptist Mid-Missions (BI/BMM) missionary consultants who are productive globally. The involvement of missionary consultants in Bible translation, literacy, linguistics, and Scripture Engagement is as essential as ever. However, with the world changing rapidly, there are also some strategic advantages to having national consultants.
Consultants assist the Bible translation and literacy teams, as well as Scripture Engagement personnel, with specialized skills and training in the biblical languages, sociolinguistics, literacy; and other technical expertise. Missionary consultants are BMM-approved, whereas national consultants are BI-approved consultants from overseas. Our national consultants are well qualified and trained to do the same responsibilities as our missionary consultants. In addition, they have some strengths and advantages that our missionary consultants do not have. The main article in this issue will address some of their unique and vital contributions to the translation process.
Consultants are important because of our Bible Translation Policy Statement. That statement was established in cooperation with Baptist Mid-Missions, and it says: “Accepting the Bible as the very Word of God, given to us by plenary-verbal inspiration and totally without error in its original manuscripts, the translators of Bibles International, a ministry of Baptist Mid-Missions, shall base their work upon the divinely preserved Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts and seek the guidance and help of God in achieving a good and accurate translation of His Word.” Our missionary and national consultants assist our translation teams in fulfilling that statement for God’s glory. It is therefore incumbent upon all our consultants to be trained and educated in the technical intricacies necessary to provide an accurate, clear, natural, and acceptable translation that is easy to use in the national churches.
The eternal impact of a consultant’s work cannot be overstated. In partnership with the national churches of each language group, it is our passion to witness a translation that is not only accurate but being used effectively by local churches. Here are some of the comments of those who have been impacted by this teamwork: “The Word of God in Sara Madjingay has greatly impacted our people. They are trusting Christ as their Savior and are growing. Also, our churches are growing, and the gospel is spreading” (Matthias in Africa). “God used John 3:16 in my own language to bring me to faith in Christ” (Christine in Africa). “Daily I weep due to the persecution and hardships I endure. However, receiving the Matu New Testament brought me peace and assured me of my salvation” (refugee in Asia). “Fleeing because of the civil war, I worked as a housemaid, with tears as my constant companion. Receiving the Bible was transformative; reading it daily has given me peace, reassurance of my salvation, and has helped me overcome depression” (refugee in Asia).
It is extremely moving to watch the Bible being held reverently and embraced by people weeping with joy and gratitude when their newly translated Bible is received. Souls are saved, believers strengthened, churches planted, and communities changed because of God’s provision. But none of this can occur without the contribution of the consultant. For this reason, we see the wise stewardship of investing in national consultants globally so that they are well-trained and compensated for their service. That will be the focus of our Harvest Dinner on October 10, 2024. May the Lord God continue to raise up and equip more national consultants for His glory.