“Grandma Beats a Drum.”

Quite the song title, eh? But that is the song that won sixth place for Moldova in the latest Eurovision competition.

I had never heard of the competition before, but it is a big thing on this side of the pond.
Each European country provides a singing group or solo act, going head to head with the other countries. People call in and vote on the best act, excluding their own country.

But “Grandma Beats a Drum?”

Some things are just lost in the translation.

That is the story of all missionaries…lost in the translation. At times, we might understand ninety percent of what is being said, but it is that last ten percent that will kill you. I just agreed to do what? What did I just unintentionally say? You mean that word is a euphemism for what!?!

Lost in translation.

In Moldova , when expressions are translated into English, we see it from the reverse perspective. Countless menus list “grilled stake” for dinner. Perhaps that dish is for the beaver dining there! A nearby store has signs for your car, “Baby on Bored.” Often true, but definitely not the original meaning!

Some things are worth laughing about, keeping us humble with our second language. I’ve said too many embarrassing things to worry about an occasional slip. But there are some things we cannot afford to lose in translation.

When I talk to someone about the ability of Jesus Christ to change a person’s life, I do not want him to think Jesus is just another self-help psycho-babble. When I share about the life of Christ, I do not want her think Jesus is just another great teacher. And when I preach the gospel, I do not want them to thank me for a good lesson on integrity.

Often the translation is lost due to the language spoken, Christianese, a specialized language that only insiders know! Other times the translation is lost due to conflicting signals. If the life of the speaker doesn’t reflect the truth being spoken, the actions will be believed over the words. Other people fail to hear the translation due to misconceptions, hang-ups, or prejudices toward Christianity.

Yet God has called each follower of Christ to be an interpreter for Him. The Gospel is for today, relevant for today, and continues to be the hope for today. We must let our words, our music, our lifestyle, our possessions, and our dreams reveal the right interpretation for the God that we serve.

Grandma Beats a Drum? That song title will be forgotten in a few months or years. But “Jesus Loves You” will last for eternity and it translates into every language.

Drumming Along in Moldova ,

Andy Raatz