Last evening, while hosting a table at supper I had a group of Russians along with one of the interpreters, Inna. I have had a meal with her earlier in the week so we already had the usual get to know you conversation. I could see in her eyes a weariness that I didn’t see earlier in the week and I asked her how was she holding up. She told me she was tired in her head and then she sweetly smiled and added but doing fine. She explained that in translation while a general conversation may not weigh so heavy on information and if she misinterprets a word or two it isn’t so bad. However, with the theology that these students are getting it is very important to make sure that the words that they are getting are as accurate as possible. She has to have a thorough understanding of what is being taught and be able to make sure that the phrasing comes back as close to the meaning as possible. It blessed me to know she doesn’t take the role lightly.
I couldn’t help but relate the importance of her role here at the house to John MacArthur’s “12 Ordinary Men”. The weight of the gospel to spread out to the world was basically on the shoulders of the men Jesus chose to follow him. I can’t imagine how many lives have been affected by what she does. Both of the translators here have an enormous task and are doing excellent!
– Pat Davis
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