On April 6, the president of Pioneer Bible Translators (PBT), Greg Pruett, spoke to students at Moody Bible Institute. He was hosted by Professor Stephen Clark to expose students to PBT and the various missions opportunities found in Bible translation. Pruett, along with his wife, worked for more than 12 years in West Africa translating the Bible for the Yalunka tribe. They revised the existing New Testament translation and have recently completed a translation of the Old Testament.

Pruett was glad to speak to Moody students, especially those enrolled in Moody’s Applied Linguistics program. Pruett said, “The linguistics program here helps students get a lot of training done before they head out to do translation work. They graduate with a great understanding of linguistics.”

Joshua Harrison, sophomore applied linguistics major, who heard Pruett speak, said, “He reminded me again of the importance of investing ourselves in things that will matter for eternity. I am excited about the incarnational ministries possible through Bible translation. It’s encouraging to see how people have been able to use linguistics to serve God and love people, and I am looking forward to seeing where my Moody training will take me.”

Pruett was not only impressed with Moody’s linguistics program, headed by Clark, but was also excited when he saw “many students praying together on campus. That’s how PBT has progressed so far—by relying on God in prayer. And Moody students already have that important foundation.”

- Jessica C. Winter, Sophomore, Applied Linguistics