Wycliffe Bible Translators has paid tribute to one of its long-serving missionaries who has died at 87.
Katy Barnwell.
Dr Katharine “Katy” Barnwell served with Wycliffe for over 60 years. Barnwell pioneered locally-led Bible translation: after helping to see the New Testament published in the Mbembe language in 1985, she found that the Mbembe people wanted more translation – the Old Testament as well as translation into other Mbembe dialects – and so concluded that the best way to do this was to get some Mbembe speakers trained. “And so began the revolution in training local Bible translators that has led to the huge growth in Bible translation today,” says Wycliffe Bible Translators. Barnwell’s textbook Bible Translation: An Introductory Course in Translation Principles – first published in 1975 and now in its fourth edition – is the primary training resource for Bible translators worldwide.
“We give thanks for the life and extraordinary ministry of Katy Barnwell,” said James Poole, Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators. “She pioneered new methods of translator training, moving the work from an academic model led by outside experts to one that practically equips local Christians to translate the Bible for their own communities.” Poole spoke of Barnwell’s love for Scripture and God’s mission. “She was rightly called the mother of modern Bible translation,” he added. “Her vision fuelled the rapid growth of the global translation movement, accelerating access to the Bible for countless millions and leading to church growth around the world.”
Katy Barnwell and her translation work.
Barnwell was known as “Mama Katy” to many of her African colleagues. “Katy’s character left a deep impression on all who met her,” Wycliffe Bible Translators continued. “She was tireless and selfless, continually learning and persevering, always championing local leaders. She will be remembered as a mentor and encourager, loved for her wisdom, humility, and servant-hearted spirit.”
Barnwell grew up in a Christian family. “I still have my first Bible, which was given to me on my fourth birthday by my grandmother,” she recalled in an interview. “I had two great aunts who were very influential in my life … They told me that they’d prayed for me every day since I was christened. I have much to be thankful for.”
Later, at university, she first heard about Bible translation, when a speaker from Wycliffe Bible Translators visited the Christian Union.
Barnwell’s biographer, Jordon Monson, said she was “a tall, shy woman who had nothing to do with the limelight … And God made her one of the most influential missionaries who’s ever lived.”
