In preparing to be an interpreter for this outreach, I learned some very interesting things. For one, I learned that one who changes written communication into another language is a "translator", but one who changes oral communication into another language is an "interpreter". I also learned that the interpreter is basically an instrument of communication. The principle parties of the communication are the speaker and the hearer. The interpreter is there as an instrument or channel to facilitate the communication. An interpreter should have the attitude that John the Baptist had when he said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease."
I prayed that I would be able to serve with that attitude, and the Lord gave me not only the ability to interpret (my Spanish was a bit rusty), but also great joy as I was able to facilitate the following communication:
- Between Sally and the people at church when she gave her testimony
- Between Teresa and the great aunt of our first client
- Between Craig and the many clients we served, especially when we prayed for God's guidance, and when we gave thanks to God for his help
- Between Beth and a Peruvian volunteer as Beth shared ideas for a children's prayer team that this volunteer would like to start in her own church
- Between Pastor Marco and the volunteers from the US as he gave the morning devotional
- Between Teresa and a hurting family with a special needs child on a home visit
- Between Beth and a client (see above photo) as she lead her to put her trust in Christ!
There is joy in serving Jesus!
Laura Fouser
