FORWARD! Translating Desire Into Service

by Mike Bennett

What a wonderful Feast! We are so thankful that God gives His people the rejuvenation and the renewal of our vision that we need to withstand the harsh realities of our present world. Reports from around the world point to a refreshing Feast, clearly picturing the times of restoration Peter and all the holy prophets proclaimed (Acts 3:19-21).

Many of the reports you'll read in this issue also highlight the spirit of service felt at Feast sites around the world. People pitched in to help in whatever way they could to help make it a joyous Feast for everyone.

One thing about service, though. Some of the most-needed types of service require special skills that not everyone has. Such service opportunities fall to those who have prepared in advance. We see this in our summer camps, where first aid, lifeguarding and other key skills are in high demand. We see it in our congregations, where those who can find their way around a sound system or a piano are sorely needed. And we see it at international Feast sites, where skilled linguists perform an invaluable service.

Those of us English-speakers who have visited our brethren in non-English-speaking countries know the bond of the Spirit that transcends languages and borders. But many of us also know the frustration of wanting to communicate at a deeper level than buenos dìas, bonjour or guten Tag. That's when we beckon those amazing people who've made the effort to learn another language.

My hat is off to those servants who have pushed themselves, stretched themselves and expanded their ability to make a difference by doing the hard work involved in mastering another tongue. I am particularly amazed by those willing to take on the Herculean mental gymnastics involved in simultaneous translation of church services. Many Feast sites could not function without interpreters, but that doesn't make their feats any less amazing.

Joel Meeker, who serves the French-speaking areas of the world, learned his French in school and through the immersion of being sent to serve in France. He tells of his first time interpreting for services, when he was asked, not to translate a sermonette, but a sermon—and by fast-speaking, long-preaching Gerald Waterhouse, no less!

Though Mr. Meeker, and the other international Feast coordinators, sometimes stretch their translators, they try not to stretch them that much!

Who will help brother communicate with brother at the Feast next year? Who will be the interpreters at the Feast in five years? Who will help preach the gospel to all nations, tribes, peoples and tongues before Christ returns? Will it be you, your children or grandchildren?

Learning a language may not seem like a spiritual endeavor. But planning ahead to prepare to serve more in the future is certainly a godly approach.

Blessed are the prepared, for they will be ready to serve. UN