The Life of Katharine Barnwell, the Mother of Bible Translation, Comes Alive with Jordan K. Monson's New Book

By Timothy Yap Apr 20, 2025 06:09 AM EDT

Katharine Barnwell: How One Woman Revolutionized Modern Missions is an upcoming biography by Jordan K. Monson, with a foreword by Russell D. Moore, set to release on April 29, 2025. This work sheds light on the life and legacy of Dr. Katharine (Katy) Barnwell, a pivotal figure in Bible translation and modern missions.

The biography chronicles Barnwell's remarkable journey-from surviving Nazi bombing raids in London as a child to becoming a trailblazer in Bible translation. Her efforts have led to the development of approximately 3,000 Bible translations, directly impacting hundreds of millions of believers worldwide . Barnwell's innovative training methods and her emphasis on empowering local translators have been instrumental in preserving endangered languages and fostering indigenous leadership in translation projects.

Ernst R. Wendland, a Senior Linguistics Consultant at SIL Global, refers to Barnwell as the "Mother of Bible Translation," praising Monson's portrayal of her multifaceted legacy . The biography is anticipated to resonate with readers interested in missions, linguistics, and the transformative power of faith-driven endeavors.

The book will be available in hardcover and Kindle editions, with pre-orders currently open through various retailers, including Amazon Amazon, B&H Publishing B&H Publishing, and Lifeway Lifeway

Tags : Jordan K. Monson Katharine Barnwell