Have you ever reached a point in your life sensing there is so much more that cannot simply be expressed by mere words? I've heard it expressed in a death wail in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. I've seen it in tears of overwhelming joy. I've sensed it in the exuberance of unrestrained dance and in the melodic comfort of a lullaby. There are times throughout our lives when what we want to communicate is so rich, so personal, so precious that mere words can not express the depth of meaning we want to communicate. We are so immersed by words and language and we are so dependent on them for our knowledge and information about our world that sometimes mere language can actually be a limitation to our understanding as we attempt to use these earth bound, finite words to comprehend divine thoughts and package it into the human experience. Maybe this is why Jesus preferred parables and told earthy stories instead of debating theology. Maybe this is why God not only gave his written word he also sent his son as the living Word. I invite you to join me on a journey to deepen your faith and discover a richer relationship with God as we explore Biblical concepts and terms that cannot be fully captured with mere words.
About the Author: Andy spent 20 years working as a Bible translator in Papua New Guinea with Wycliffe Bible Translators. During his overseas years he learned the language and culture of the Amanab people from the people themselves and then proceeded with translation and literacy work. During this time Andy acquired an MA in linguistics, a Doctor of Ministry in Missiology and became a senior translation consultant. Andy designed and began the linguistics program at Moody Bible Institute. He had the privilege to teach there for 3 years. He has also taught at the University of North Dakota and at a seminary in Tonga (near Fiji and Tahiti). In November 2001 the translation of the Amanab New Testament was completed and handed over to the local church. In his last two years in Papua New Guinea, Andy was the Director for Language Affairs, overseeing almost 200 Bible translation programs for that country. Over the next decade Andy was an international administrator serving as the Language Program Services Director for the SIL Pacific Area helping develop strategy for about 20% of the world's remaining translation needs. His work included overseeing about 20 academic and technical domains ranging from Linguistics to electronic distribution of translated Scriptures. Presently, Andy is part of Wycliffe Bible Translator's National Speaker's bureau speaking at churches, colleges, conferences, and other venues.