The photo below from our 2023 Semester also represents the worldwide reach of JCBT. We had eleven students from nine countries stretching from Philippines in the east all the way across Southeast Asia to South Asia to East Africa to West Africa and to Haiti in the west. And within a few days of arriving, they were like family in the Home. This has always been the vision of the Home for Bible Translators, now called Jerusalem Center for Bible Translators.

“Bridging the Gap: Translation Challenges to Transformative Training at JCBT”

Genesis 37:22 in a national language Bible in India reads, “Why should we shed any blood? Let’s just throw him into this empty pit here in the forest.” As a translation consultant, I often face challenges like this. How can I accurately evaluate translations into different minority languages unless I understand the original Hebrew terms like “cistern” and “wilderness”?

My name is Minie Mathew, and I currently serve as a translation consultant in South Asia. From 2009 to 2012, I was involved in an Old Testament translation project as a Translation Advisor. To support the Mother Tongue Translators (MTTs), I often referred to national translations they relied on and compared them with English Bible versions. It was during this time that I noticed significant mismatches, such as in Genesis 37:22. This realization stirred in me a deep desire to learn Biblical Hebrew, understand the land of the Bible, and uncover the cultural nuances essential for producing accurate and clear translations.

In 2013, Bob Carter visited India, and I had the opportunity to work with him on checking translated texts. It was then that I learned the true meaning of “midbar” (wilderness) in Hebrew, which is not the same as “forest” as rendered in the national language Bible. Bob encouraged me to pursue Hebrew studies and introduced me to the Jerusalem Centre for Bible Translation (JCBT). By God’s grace, I was able to attend a short-term course at JCBT in 2016. This experience ignited a desire to further deepen my learning, and in 2017, I joined the semester program.

The semester program was a transformative experience. It equipped me with the skills to navigate the complexities of different genres or texts in the Old Testament. The combination of intensive learning and

land tours broadened my understanding of Hebrew texts and culture. I have fond memories of life at JCBT—the care given to students and the vibrant learning environment made every moment in Israel unforgettable. Even after the course, I have continued to receive guidance from the instructors, who play a significant role in my professional growth.

Today, I serve as a translation consultant for multiple translation projects and as an Old Testament trainer for Mother Tongue Translators, Translation Advisors, and Consultants-in-Training across South Asia. I praise God for the privilege of being part of the JCBT family and for the support of those who have journeyed with me. May God bless you all

Daniel Gya – Nigeria 2013: The semester program that began in late January-June 2013 was just what I needed to launch fully into helping not only my mother tongue but many other Nigerian languages effectively. The encounter with the historical, geographical, religious, and socio-cultural contexts of the Bible increased my knowledge. It gave me a more solid background that enhanced my postgraduate studies in Biblical Hebrew.

Consideration will be highly appreciated.

In addition to the need for scholarship funds, JCBT has operational costs as well, staff, facilities, etc. for which we need regular financial partnership.

Would you consider partnering with us? We would like to offer you the opportunity to bless people around the world who need a translation of God’s Word in their own language. There are three main possibilities:

Pray – Oh, do we need prayer! In addition to our financial needs, JCBT has continued operating our programs in Israel in spite of the ongoing War with Hamas in the south and Hezbollah in the north. There are threats direct from Iran and from the Houthis in Yemen. You can keep up with our news through these newsletters and also our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@bibletranslators) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064367604071).

Advocate – Most of the students in all of our programs are referred by alumni. This word-of-mouth advocacy is perhaps the most powerful because these are people who know the program from the inside. But we can also benefit from those of you who have partnered with HBT/JCBT in the past. And connecting us with others who would be interested in partnering with us would really help.

Give – As I mentioned above, we need a regular income stream to help with ongoing operational expenses. But our most urgent need is gifts that will help us help these incoming translators and translation consultants who need financial help. Large gifts to cover a full scholarship or smaller gifts to cover something like one of the partial costs would be very welcome.

Please consider the opportunity to partner with us in this ministry that God has given to us. If you would like more information, please write to office@bibletranslators.org. We would very much like to get in touch with you to explain further how you can be a JCBT Partner.

Ways to give: