Dr. Eugene and Bernice Bunkowske, pioneering missionaries in West African Bible translation and in mission service around the world, have been honored with the “Lutheran Bible Translators [LBT] Lifetime Achievement Award.”
The award was presented to them in recognition of their more than 50 years of “Bible translation, linguistics, communications, mission, outreach, [and] volunteer and education service to Christ” worldwide, according to LBT. “Throughout their lives of Christian mission, outreach, and service, they have been — and remain — active and involved in Bible translation efforts, teaching, volunteering, and missionary service with LCMS World Mission, United Bible Societies, and as LBT founders and board members.”
Dr. Eugene Bunkowske is professor of Christian outreach at Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn. He served on the faculty of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, from 1982 to 2002. At the seminary he was a professor of pastoral ministry and missions, and founding director of the seminary’s Ph.D. in Missiology program.
“God has always showed us the way and blessed our efforts in His time,” said Bunkowske. “The glory is His.”
Dr. Douglas L. Rutt, associate professor of pastoral ministry and missions at the seminary and chairman of the LBT Board of Directors, presented the award April 30 to the Bunkowskes.
Rutt said the couple “have shared, lived and acted on their passion for reaching out and spreading God’s Word to the whole world over half a century — so far.”
Posted June 2, 2010
