In this throwback episode of Essentially Translatable, host Rich Rudowske interviews Jim Laesch, a longtime member of the Lutheran Bible Translators community. This episode originally aired back in 2020 and focuses on Jim’s more than 45 years of missionary service. Throughout the years, Jim has served in a variety of roles, both in missionary service and administration, from 1973 until his retirement at the end of 2021.

Listen to hear Jim recount his early involvement in missionary work, which began with a simple encouragement from a friend to study linguistics. He reflects on his significant work in Liberia where he coordinated translation projects for the Northern Grebo language communities. Over time his role changed to administration for multiple translation projects across various regions. Jim also shares anecdotes from his past, like the creation of Joe Cool stories, which are still remembered by many members of the Lutheran Bible Translators community today.

Throughout the discussion, Jim highlights the impact of Bible translation and the importance of spreading the Gospel through one’s own language. There are always challenges and successes of translation projects. What is important to Jim is how his faith and work with Lutheran Bible Translators has strengthened his trust in God's sovereignty.