Translators deepen
their understanding
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| The Rev Petrus Khariseb (left), Valerie Dorothea Isaaks (centre) and Joseph Witbooi (right) at work on the translation of the Bible into Nama (Khoekhoegowab). This project was launched by the Bible Society in Namibia at the end of 2003. Photo: UBS SARSC/Evariste Munyabarame. (NAM04DJ-2.JPG) |
In practical terms, they would have to become competent in using specialised software for Bible translation and would have to quickly learn to work very closely together as a team to grapple with the complexities of a rapidly evolving language. Emotionally, they would have to be prepared to make a radical change in their lives, leaving their existing employment and committing themselves to a project which is scheduled to take 15 years.
What none of the translators had been prepared for, however, was the way in which becoming immersed in studying Bible passages in the great detail which is required for successful translation would affect their personal faith. In the excerpts below, Joseph Witbooi, the Rev Petrus Khariseb and Valerie Dorothea Isaaks tell of their experiences during the early days of the project, the Bible Society’s first full Bible translation since its formation in 1986.
“I was very anxious before the project started,” explains Mr Witbooi. “I didn’t really know anything about translation and I was worried that, at the age of 55, I wouldn’t be able to learn to use a computer.
“I soon found that I could overcome my anxieties through prayer. This work certainly involves many challenges, but through prayer we can deal with them all. We pray and sing together every morning before starting work, and we have quickly learnt to work well as a team.
“Personally, I have learnt that, in God’s strength, nothing is impossible. All the things which seemed impossible are now becoming possible, and I am happy. Every day I learn new things from God’s Word. I used to see the Bible as just a book, but now I am delving deep into its meaning. Through this work and through prayer, God is allowing me to broaden my understanding of the Bible.
Spiritual strength
“My life has changed in many ways.
I pray that the Lord will give me more physical and spiritual strength
to complete this project with my colleagues.”
“I never dreamed that I would become a translator one day,”
says the Rev Khariseb. “The fact that I am now doing translation
work is a clear indication that God is in control of our lives.
“I’ve already found that translation is a huge task; every minute and every second I am challenged by the Word of God. You can’t simply rely on your knowledge, your education and the fact that you’re a native speaker. You have to be inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, and I’m experiencing God’s Word more deeply now than I ever did when I was working as a pastor.
Find Christ
“This translation is being undertaken in order to allow others to understand and find Christ, but this process is also challenging me personally and changing me in my everyday life. I pray that God will give me and my colleagues more wisdom, courage and understanding in this paramount task.”
Ms Isaaks, too, never imagined that she would become involved in translating the Bible, but feels convinced that she has been “enabled by God to be one of his witnesses.”
“Translation is really a life-changing job. It is so exciting to look deeper into the texts, and I feel healthy spiritually because I know that my soul is being fed every day. When I go home in the afternoon, it is so good to know that I have been working for the Saviour as his ambassador and secretary.
“I am still very young. Many people
are surprised to hear what I am doing, but I know that this is what
God wants me to do, to work for him.” (WR 386/2 - 6/7.04) 