Followers of West Africa’s dominant religion ponder the message of Christmas. Followers of Christ prayerfully ponder their commission to procl…
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West Africa
Poverty At The Incarnation
Baby Jesus, when Mary birthed you in Bethlehem, I don’t suppose you noticed that your wardrobe was lacking. You probably had two changes of clothes, just like little Senna next door. His mother got pregnant out of wedlock too, you know. So you were Tchotcho, your...
Home for the Holidays
In my North American world, Starbucks is selling Pumpkin Spice Lattes and Peppermint Mocha Cappuccinos. Thanksgiving with its bountiful feast is quickly approaching. The Christmas decorations, for sale since August, have been discounted. Radio stations are playing...
One Fifth? What’s the Problem?
How can you translate “one fifth” into a language that doesn’t have words for fractions? …
What’s The Word for Kidneys?
Those lists of unclean animals in Leviticus just about killed me. Like ‘rock badger.’ Do you know what the Samka call it? It’s a ‘boulder goat.’ Like I could ever have guessed that! …
Fast and Pray – September 18, 2025
Because prayer is the strategy of Pioneer Bible Translators, our worldwide team intentionally sets aside a day of fasting and prayer every month. On this day, we join in unified prayer, offering up to our Father praises and requests collected especially for this day....
What? Your co-translator Isn’t a Christian?
Most people assume that the national men and women who serve on Bible translation teams are Christians. While that’s a natural assumption, it is not accurate. A significant number of Pioneer Bible Translators missionaries are penetrating areas of the world’s...
Aaron’s Breastpiece Meets My West Africa Village
Kawah men aren’t much for jewelry, aside from traditional amulets for spiritual protection. But my Kawah lady friends love all things shiny. Sequins and metallic embroidery threads are their favorite fashion statements. Cheap costume jewelry abounds in the market,...
First Trip to the Zoo
Our West African friends Momodou and Laye are brilliant and fun-loving men. In his late fifties, Momodou has a satirical sense of humor, which reminds me of my brother Steve. Laye is much younger, about 30. He’s a sweet and kind gentleman, like my husband Chocho. Both...
Our Kawah Translation Priorities: Meeting our neighbors on common ground in Scripture
Genesis. Luke. Ruth. Acts. Joshua. James. Exodus. Deuteronomy. 1-3 John. Mark. Numbers. Leviticus. Matthew. This is the order in which the Kawah team progressed through their translation project. I know what you’re thinking. Why don’t you just go ahead and say it?...
Fast and Pray – May 15, 2025
Pray for our teammates and the people among whom they serve among. …
The Palm Sunday Offering That Changed Everything
Our mother tongue is the language we learned as kids from — you guessed it — our mamas. It is the language in which we think and pray and dream, and it is the language that touches our hearts and evokes emotions. It is the language in which the Word of God resonates...