Arthur Lightbody

Arthur Lightbody, the host of “Speeding the Word,” and his wife Kathleen served in the Philippines from 1979 until 1990, except for furlough periods. In addition to Bible translation work, Arthur helped in administrating other translators and Kathleen helped with children’s education for the missionary children.

A highlight for them was being able to translate two large Bible portions, the book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew, for a language group of about 10,000 people that live around the southern edge of Mindanao.

They enjoyed living with the people with their small sons Jacob and Samuel, and learning their language and customs. Time-out breaks for snorkeling on the beautiful coral reefs off the little island where they lived relieved some of the stresses of cross-cultural living!

They returned to the U.S. in 1990 so their youngest son, Titus, could get special education. From 1990 until 1999 they served at the Wycliffe USA headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. In August of 1999 they moved to Waxhaw, North Carolina, to serve at the JAARS Center. Arthur is JAARS Public Relations Officer, as well as host for “Speeding the Word.”