Essentially Translatable

“Anytime… our action must be first for God to respond [to us], then we point away from that very core of what is the Gospel message."—Dr. Mike Rodewald 

Dr. Mike Rodewald serves as the Executive Director for Lutheran Bible Translators. Mike has a Ph.D. in missiology from Concordia Theological Seminary.   

“I can recall hearing Scripture differently. I don’t remember hearing those words in pretty common verses. I felt like I was experiencing it differently.” — Peter Prochnow

Experience Scripture through the Living Water project!

Peter Prochnow is the Director of Worship and Music at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, Florida. He partnered with Lutheran Bible Translators in 2020 to produce the Living Water project.

“We’re going to be singing Hallelujahs. And we’ve got some songs right there in Revelation of what we’re going to sing. We’re going to hear that in so many of the languages that LBT is working in today. New saints in heaven singing of the salvation that comes through Jesus Christ.” –Brent Smith

Executive Development Officer Rev. Dr. Brent Smith began service with Lutheran Bible Translators in August 2021.

Brent graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Trinity International University in 2011. He is excited to network with congregations and individuals to invite people to be part of God’s story of salvation through the Bible translation movement.

“I want every Christian on planet Earth just to open the Bible and read a verse and say, ‘Thank you, Lord, because you are speaking to me through Thy Word. And God, You are speaking my language.’ I want them to speak that out loud, because we are privileged. And many, many people are out there without the Word of God.” 

Rev. Dr. Tilahun Mendedo serves as the Executive Development Officer of Lutheran Bible Translators. 

Tilahun draws on his experiences and relationships in Ethiopia and the USA. He is delighted to serve God by making His Name known to those who have never had the Bible in a language they understand. 

“Asking questions and clarifying what the Bible is saying is an integral part of Bible translation ministry, as well. Even in the process of translating it, people are asking questions about how is this going to be understood, how will these words come across. It just really sharpens to always be looking at Scripture from the perspective of always asking questions.”  – Rev. Rich Rudowske

It is “Round Two” for the Ask-a-Pastor episode on Essentially Translatable! 

Students from Saint Paul Lutheran High School submitted questions about the Bible and Christianity to be answered on the podcast.

Pastor Lange and Pastor Rudowske share their insights to some of life’s tough questions.

Pastor Tom Lange teaches religion and apologetics at Saint Paul Lutheran High School. 

“I thought that everybody was reached by the language. And so, I felt comfortable that everything was done. During these three years, I have gotten exposure to the grassroots people, especially the different small groups, who have their own vernacular. These people have no other access to the Word of God” –Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa

Rev. Dr. Berhanu Ofgaa serves as Lutheran Bible Translators’ Programs Director in Ethiopia. Previously, he served as General Secretary for the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY). Lutheran Bible Translators and the EECMY partner together for the expansion of Bible translation work in Ethiopia.

“One of the really key things of the Reformation that Luther did was to take the Scriptures, which had been inaccessible, and to make them available in a language they knew, and they could hear the Lord speaking to them in a meaningful way.” –President Lawrence Rast 

Rev. Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. serves as the sixteenth president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism. 

“When that Word is put in the language that I learned at my mother's knee, that I grew up with, that I understand to my core, and I hear God’s Word coming to me, that’s my God.” –Rev. Dave Brezina 

Rev. Dave Brezina serves at Messiah Lutheran Church near Boston, Massachusetts. His congregation celebrated Bible Translation Sunday in 2020. Discover the impact. 

Access this year’s Bible Translation Sunday resources at lbt.org/bts. 

"From day zero, it was a community effort. There were so many people who were fired up about what we were doing. And so many people wanted to be involved.”  –Dr. Chris Pluger 

Dr. Chris & Janine Pluger served in Zambia and helped complete the Nsenga New Testament. Now they are headed to Ethiopia to serve in multiple Bible translation projects. They have plenty of stories to share. 

“When people lose hope, it is time for the Gospel. It is time to plant the faith. We have seen also people, who are coming to Jesus. Because when people despair, they need encouragement.” – Bishop Andrew Gulle   

Bishop Andrew Gulle leads the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania’s East of Lake Victoria Diocese (ELCT-ELVD). The Lutheran Church of Tanzania is the second largest Lutheran church body in Africa. Lutheran Bible Translators partners with the ELVD in the Kerewe Bible translation program.