Pioneer Bible Translators: Jeff and Laura Wilhoit
ABOUT:
Jeff and Laura continue to lead translation efforts as they work on adapting the completed Toma Bible into the neighboring Zialo language, currently focusing on the Gospel of Matthew. They recently received training on new software to speed up the process, with additional sessions planned for early next year. The Toma and Zialo translators also participated in a Pioneer Bible workshop in Guinea, joining 35 participants from 12 language programs. Pastor Jeremie Onivogui, the lead Toma translator, shared valuable insights on Scripture engagement among the Toma people and on his family’s personal Bible study practices. The team also had an unexpected opportunity to print and distribute 2026 calendars featuring Scripture in Toma and French, thanks to Pioneer Bible’s newly upgraded print shop.
Laura is enjoying her work as a translation consultant for seven other Guinean languages, while Jeff hopes to travel to Guinea in April to work with the Zialo team in person and participate in a review committee meeting for newly translated chapters of Matthew. They ask for prayer for smooth logistics and for peace in Guinea ahead of the December 28 elections. Jeff and Laura also celebrate that Pioneer Bible Translators has now grown to 1,046 people serving 157 languages spoken by over half a billion people in 41 countries, supported by a strong field workforce of both cross-cultural teammates and local colleagues.
Jeff and Laura continue to lead translation efforts as they work on adapting the completed Toma Bible into the neighboring Zialo language, currently focusing on the Gospel of Matthew. They recently received training on new software to speed up the process, with additional sessions planned for early next year. The Toma and Zialo translators also participated in a Pioneer Bible workshop in Guinea, joining 35 participants from 12 language programs. Pastor Jeremie Onivogui, the lead Toma translator, shared valuable insights on Scripture engagement among the Toma people and on his family’s personal Bible study practices. The team also had an unexpected opportunity to print and distribute 2026 calendars featuring Scripture in Toma and French, thanks to Pioneer Bible’s newly upgraded print shop.
Laura is enjoying her work as a translation consultant for seven other Guinean languages, while Jeff hopes to travel to Guinea in April to work with the Zialo team in person and participate in a review committee meeting for newly translated chapters of Matthew. They ask for prayer for smooth logistics and for peace in Guinea ahead of the December 28 elections. Jeff and Laura also celebrate that Pioneer Bible Translators has now grown to 1,046 people serving 157 languages spoken by over half a billion people in 41 countries, supported by a strong field workforce of both cross-cultural teammates and local colleagues.
