When Language Skills Meet Spiritual Needs

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

(Romans 12:15)

God created humans to be in community. We depend on one another to meet physical needs as well the demands life places on us in the spiritual realm. Last week, I took one of my quarterly “day of prayers” to pray for the University and for the city of Dallas. I drove to three major hospitals in the area and visited their chapels for a time of focused intercession and reflection. I was instantly moved to pray for the hospital and those in the grip of uncertainty, loss and fear. One gentleman entered behind me while I was praying. I could hear him weeping, quietly at first, and then completely unrestrained, as he poured out his heart. I realized his preferred language was Spanish and so, I asked him qué pasó. His 19-year-old daughter was in ICU in critical condition after suffering sudden convulsions one evening at home. The cause of her illness was still unknown. I asked if I could pray with him, and he gratefully accepted. We prayed to God together, en español, and he continued to share with me his family’s story. I have continued to pray for his daughter every day since.

What I learned on this day of prayer? How easily I can become focused on my own challenges to the neglect of those around me. The need is everywhere, and I was reminded of that vividly as I walked those hospital corridors. As we experience God’s grace in our lives, we can further reflect his goodness by coming along others, listening to their story, and being available. I learned that it’s not complicated to live in community. It only requires that I be “alive” and that I place myself around others. Then, I wait and see what God me would have do.

Paz,

Scott

AL5398 with the President

Dr. Scott Berthiaume will be teaching AL5398 Current Issues in Translation this fall. This seminar exposes the student to some of the most current and critical themes relevant to Bible Translation including Orality, Scripture Engagement, Consulting, Key Terms and Biblical Exegesis, and Translation Theory. The student will learn to contextualize and critique such issues through personal interaction and interviews with experienced translators. Registration and attendance to the Bible Translation Conference 2023 is required as part of this course. Conference fee is waived.

DIU Nations’ Cup

DIU is hosting our Nations’ Cup golf tournament on June 10, 2023 at Thorntree Golf Club in DeSoto, TX. All proceeds go toward DIU’s 4TheWorld fund. It’s not too late to join! Become a hole sponsor for $250 or gather a team of 4 to play for $500. Register at www.diunationscup.com.