Retelling the Creator’s Story

Today’s episode is part one of “Who Is My Neighbor?,” our latest pod-class series on faithful discipleship and what it means to truly love our neighbor. And, in case you missed it, be sure to listen to last week’s episode, where Heather revisits the parable of the Good Samaritan and explains why she chose “Who Is My Neighbor?” as this month’s pod-class theme.

This week, Heather is joined by minister and Bible translator Terry M. Wildman to discuss Terry’s work on First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament, as well as the inherent challenges of communicating Christianity’s good news to a community of people who have been historically marginalized and abused by white Christian leaders.

The First Nations Version is a retelling of the Creator’s story—the Scriptures—following in the tradition of the storytellers of these oral cultures. Many First Nations tribes communicate with the cultural and linguistic thought patterns found in their original tongues. This way of speaking, with its striking beauty and rich cultural idioms, still resonates in the hearts of First Nations people. In his ministry, Terry demonstrates the power of understanding our neighbors’ cultural contexts so that we can connect with them in more caring and authentic ways.

But first, for this week’s Social Toolkit, Heather chats with author and Bible teacher Alexandra V. Hoover about how to be faithful and effective stewards of our social platforms. Her latest book is the bestselling Eyes Up: How to Trust God’s Heart by Tracing His Hand.

Guest Bio
Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Taqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version. He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain Ministries, and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. He and his wife Darlene, live in Arizona.

Host Bio
Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including I’ll See You Tomorrow and It’s Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today
Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day
Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath
Producer: Loren Joseph
Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps
Mix Engineer: Alex Carter
Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper