College Student Leads Church Into Bible Translation

John Garrett grew up in First Baptist Church in Trussville, Alabama. When he went to college, he returned each summer to volunteer in the children’s ministry. In 2007, after attending a Passion Conference where he’d heard about OneVerse, he was eager to tell children’s pastor Blake Kersey about the program.

“He couldn’t stop talking about [OneVerse],” Blake said. “John was burdened that he had so many Bibles lying around his house and that millions of people didn’t even have one verse translated into their language.” His enthusiasm was catching.

Blake decided to make OneVerse the mission recipient for their 2009 vacation Bible school and it was such a success that the vision caught on with others in the church.

Now, First Baptist has raised more than $12,700 for Bible translation through OneVerse. Of that, $7,676 was designated for a “Least of These” people group, which brings with it a matching gift. In total, the church has now funded 785 verses of translated Scripture.

“I hope we never underestimate what God can do through the life of a college student,” Blake said. “Through the children, we’ve impacted the way parents and other church members see the world.” Learn more about OneVerse.