In the Jeewan Cluster project, teammates are breaking down social barriers as they translate God’s Word
A hit of caffeine and sugar, and some laughs with friends—chai time is a welcome break in a morning of intense concentration. The translators spill into the courtyard of the language centre, stretching their legs and filling cups from a large stainless steel urn.
It’s the monthly group translation session for the nine language teams in the Jeewan Cluster project. Together, they work to translate Scripture into the national language—today, they’re working from the book of Numbers. Each team then takes the group translation back to their homes, where they’ll render it into their own languages.
The work has seen remarkable success: all nine language groups have already printed the New Testament. Two translators in the project have completed the intense training required to become certified consultants, allowing them to support the Cluster project as well as other translations in the region.
“It’s totally unusual,” says Sheldon, a translation consultant who has worked with the Cluster for 25 years, and helped mentor and equip many of the team members. In the Hindu hierarchy, these translators would never ordinarily have a conversation, let alone share meals or visit each other’s villages. “Actually, we have some really deep friendships that have developed over the years,” continues Sheldon.
Their shared love of God and His Word has transformed them from colleagues into family.
The steel urn runs dry. It’s time to return to Numbers.
Story by Ruth Richert
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