Equipping Servants, Building Translation Capacity Through Biblical Hebrew Training
Palawan, Philippines
Wycliffe Philippines (WP) and Whole Word Institute have joined efforts to provide Biblical Hebrew training for Bible translators and consultants-in-training in the Philippines, strengthening their capacity to translate Scripture accurately and meaningfully.
The Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP), held from May 11 to June 5, brought together 16 participants serving in Wycliffe Philippines Bible translation projects across the country. The program was led by Daniel and Tali Kfir of Whole Word Institute, with the support of five teaching assistants from Wycliffe Philippines: Margie Lumawan, Rea Joy Lumawan, Pastor Joemar Cabading, Rovi Miedes, and Pastor Romie Yac-ao.
Daniel (standing on the left) and Tali (seated in the middle) from Whole Word Institute lead participants through key Hebrew language concepts, equipping them with the tools needed to better understand and faithfully translate the Old Testament Scriptures.
Margie (second from the right) guides one of the teams in learning Hebrew, helping strengthen their skills for faithful and accurate Bible translation.
Margie Lumawan, Wycliffe Philippines Field Operations Director for Bible Translation and one of the teaching assistants for the program, shared:
“Just ten days ago, none of the students could distinguish a Hebrew letter from a simple mark. Today, they are confidently reading verses from the Book of Jonah and reciting memory verses from Proverbs, Deuteronomy, and Psalms in the original Hebrew, while accurately interpreting their meaning. This remarkable progress in such a short time is a testimony to God’s faithfulness and the students’ diligence.”
HELP combines local classroom instruction and interactive learning materials to make Biblical Hebrew training accessible to organizations preparing to translate Scripture into the languages of their communities. The program is part of a broader effort by Whole Word Institute to extend original-language training beyond Jerusalem and into regions where access to biblical language education remains limited.
A special Shabbath celebration as mentors and students come together to rest, worship, and grow in faith and community.
Pastor Dennis Ang, WP Umajamnon Team Leader expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all his mentors for their guidance, encouragement, and investment throughout his learning journey. He acknowledged that their wisdom and support played a significant role in helping him persevere through challenges and grow both academically and spiritually.
He said, “Prior to the Biblical Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP), I could only identify and write the Hebrew Alef-Bet. After completing the one-month course, I can now understand and write some Hebrew words, read simple sentences, and identify the wayyiqtol, yiqtol, and benoni forms. I can say that my knowledge of Hebrew has improved, even if only a little. This learning has been very helpful in my pastoral ministry and in my work as a Bible translator, and I am grateful to all my morim (teachers).”
Pastor Dennis (seated on the right) listens closely as the mentors share their knowledge, reflecting a heart eager to learn and grow in biblical understanding.
Alongside these academic achievements, the program faced a number of practical challenges. Both primary teachers experienced health concerns during the training period. Frequent power interruptions and unreliable internet connectivity also affected daily operations, sometimes requiring staff to travel to higher elevations or coastal areas in search of a stable signal for communication and online instruction.
The learning environment itself presented additional difficulties. During the first week, the classroom also served as a dining area, requiring flexibility in scheduling and use of space. Extreme heat, high humidity, and intermittent water supply issues added to the physical demands faced by both students and staff.
Despite these obstacles, the team remained encouraged and focused on the task before them.
Carmie Evangelista, WP Karakkad Translation Advisor thanked God for the successful completion of the Hebrew Extension Learning Program, sharing that despite its challenges, God’s grace sustained the students throughout the course. Carmie highlighted that the training provided valuable insights for Bible translation work and personal spiritual growth.
Carmie shared: I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to join the one-month Hebrew study program. It was challenging, and many times I became aware of my weaknesses. Yet through it all, I saw how good the Lord is in sustaining me. The training taught me patience, humility, focus, and discipline. I realized that I simply need to be faithful to the process and fully depend on the Lord’s strength. Studying the Book of Jonah in its original language helped me see things I had never noticed before. I saw both God’s mercy and human weakness, and I realized that I am often like Jonah, sometimes reluctant, running away from God’s presence, yet still pursued by His love. I felt the weight of God’s compassion, not only for Israel but also for broken people like me. This journey became even more special because of the encouragement and kindness I received from my fellow students and teachers. Todah rabah (Thank you)!"
Carmie (second from the right) listens intently as Tali leads the discussion and responds to students' questions, enriching the group's learning experience.
The teachers reflected that adapting to conditions far removed from modern conveniences provided a meaningful reminder of Christ's ministry on earth. Leaving the comforts of heaven, Jesus entered into the realities of human life and faithfully served others in obedience to the Father. In a similar way, the challenges of the training became opportunities to depend more fully on God's strength and provision.
As the program concluded, participants expressed gratitude for God's sustaining grace throughout the journey. The HELP team continues to thank the Lord for His protection, provision, and faithfulness, and asks for prayer as students build upon what they have learned and prepare to use these skills in service of Bible translation and Scripture engagement among the language communities they serve.
Through partnerships such as HELP, local believers are being equipped to engage more deeply with God’s Word and to contribute to the ongoing task of making Scripture available in the languages of every people group. As they grow in understanding the Hebrew text, they are better able to faithfully translate God’s Word into their own languages. Wycliffe Philippines continues to support and walk alongside translation teams in this work, helping ensure that Scripture is rendered accurately and faithfully from the original biblical texts.
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