Essentially Translatable

Rest. God rested after creation, a sign of completion and abundance. We can rest in God’s abundance and be completely dependent on Him. How do we rest? What does it look like?  Join Ali Federwitz and co-hosts, Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske, to discuss the idea of Sabbath rest, spiritual health, and how we can clue our bodies, friends, families into knowing that it is time for rest.

“He has given me His abundance, His completeness. And I am trusting that in Him all things are complete.” – Ali Federwitz, member care coordinator, Lutheran Bible Translators

What is God calling you to do? We can’t begin to wrap our minds around the totality of God’s mission. This episode of the LBT sermon series is based in part on Genesis 12:1-3 and originally delivered at Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO one week before the entire nation shut down for Coronavirus. Join Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske to discuss life at times of upheaval, and the reminder that God is always in control and has called us into His mission. 

Thank you to Concordia Seminary for the sermon audio: Rudowske, Richard, "084. Genesis 12:1-9" (2020). Chapel Sermons Academic Year 2019-2020. 89.  https://scholar.csl.edu/cs1920/89    

“When we say ‘Lord, lead. I will follow,’ we are going to go some places that we didn’t plan on going. And that we will be stretched beyond our comfort and find that only in our reliance on God can we have peace. And it certainly won’t be by our own reason or what we can figure out or manage.” – Rev. Rich Rudowske, chief operating officer, Lutheran Bible Translators

Cozy up by the fire or your favorite chair and take a Christmas tour around the world. Celebrate Christmas Lutheran Bible Translator style! What do you love about Christmas? Context, memories, food, decorations, culture… What makes Christmas seem complete? Join Emily Wilson and Rich Rudowske to discuss traditions and family, the Word in action, Scripture coming alive, and what Christmas is all about.

"One of the wonderful things about Christmas is to give… God gave us our greatest need and gave it to us lavishly." – Rev. Rich Rudowske, chief operating officer, Lutheran Bible Translators

God’s Word in people’s hands and hearts. Removing barriers and transforming lives. Join Rev. Carl and Kelsey Grulke and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss mission work and family, especially life with bigger families, scripture engagement strategy, cross-culture living, and so much more. 

"This is God's Word that transforms lives! And we want to make sure that whatever resources are needed are available and are easily accessible for the people that need them." – Kelsey Grulke, Scripture Engagement missionary, Lutheran Bible Translators

– “Imagine what it means to have God’s Word in the language of your heart! …I think [Lutheran Bible Translator’s] work is the first step in any mission field.” Dr. Wayne Braun shares perspectives of partnering with Lutheran Bible Translators and God’s leading in life. Join Dr. Braun and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss gratitude, mission work and family, lay missions, changes over the last 20 years, translation partnerships, how God reaches hearts, and so much more. 

"The most important tool that a pastor, or a missionary, or a church worker, or a lay leader, or a Bible Class teacher has is the Scripture." – Dr. Wayne Braun, senior pastor, Fishers of Men Lutheran Church, Sugarland, TX and board member, Lutheran Bible Translators

What does it mean to be able to read God’s Word in your heart language? Rev. John Bundor shares about literacy efforts in Sierra Leone and the life-changing role of God’s Word in this ministry. Join Pastor Bundor and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss many topics, including: a typical literacy program, the necessity of the written word along with the ability to read, and why investing in Sierra Leone literacy efforts is worth your time and money.

"But when you communicate to them in their own language, they will grasp the Gospel with their two hands."  – Rev. John Bundor, president of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sierra Leone, and literacy coordinator with The Institute of Sierra Leone Literacy (TISLL)

Martin Luther once wrote “I wish that every village had its own interpreter and that this book alone would live in the hands, eyes, ears, and hearts of all people.”  Dr. Erik Herrmann talks to us about the role of Bible translation during the Reformation and today. Join Dr. Herrmann and host, Rich Rudowske to discuss keeping scripture at the center of it all, pastoral care, social media versus the printing press, and more.

“Luther decides pretty early on when he discovers the Gospel that the thing that is going to reform the church is not him.” – Dr. Erik Herrmann

What is the best way to plan for strategic transitions? Dr. Mike Rodewald shares memories of the last five years with Lutheran Bible Translators, including the move to Concordia, Missouri. Join Dr. Mike and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss ministry challenges, building reserves, being strategic instead of reactive, looking to the future, and more.

“How can we survive and thrive?” – Dr. Mike Rodewald

You might have felt the urge to “do something” for missions. Dr. Jim & Susan Kaiser share their story of similar urging and of God’s provision and leading. Join the Kaisers and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss translation consulting, God’s faithfulness, finding a helpmate and partner, raising a family on the mission field, and more.

“God did His thing and used me for His purposes.”

 – Susan Kaiser

Where does identity come from? Dr.Boafo brings years of field experience and training to multi-lingual ministry during this conversation about opportunities and challenges when engaging African churches in Bible translation. Join the Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Boafo and host, Rev. Rich Rudowske to discuss local language engagement, local theologizing, and so much more.

“Take advantage of their way of life to spread the Gospel.”

  – Dr. Ebenezer Boafo, 1st Vice President, Evangelical Lutheran Church Ghana