John Theodore Bendor-Samuel was an evangelical Christian missionary and linguist who furthered Bible translation work into African languages, as well as making significant contributions to the study of African linguistics.
23 Facts About John Bendor-Samuel
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John Bendor-Samuel had an instrumental role in the founding of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK; the West Africa Linguistics Society and the Forum of Bible Agencies International.
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John Bendor-Samuel pioneered SIL International's work in several countries in West Africa.
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John Bendor-Samuel was born in the British seaside town of Worthing on 9 June 1929, the son of Rev Theodore Harold and Dorothy Ruth Bendor-Samuel.
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John Bendor-Samuel himself embraced evangelical Christianity at a young age, and was baptised in June 1943.
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John Bendor-Samuel's father recalled how as a young boy he used to open his schoolbooks and start his homework as soon as he got home from lessons.
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Between his secondary education and attending university, John Bendor-Samuel had to spend two years doing National Service in the army.
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John Bendor-Samuel graduated in 1952 and, spurred by a desire to work in a Bible teaching position oversees, he moved to London University to work towards two postgraduate diplomas, firstly in Education and then in Theology.
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John Bendor-Samuel had memories of his shortcomings in the discipline earlier in life, remarking that his school language lessons had been "dismal and depressing" and jokingly admitting that he did not know "the difference between a glottal stop and a bus stop".
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In January 1955, John Bendor-Samuel became engaged to fellow Wycliffe member Pamela Moxham.
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John Bendor-Samuel's first visit to Africa, where his most extensive and influential work occurred, was in 1960.
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John Bendor-Samuel was chosen to conduct the initial survey work, and set off for Africa in June 1960.
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When Wycliffe teams were forced to temporarily leave Nigeria due to the Nigerian Civil War in 1967, John Bendor-Samuel used this as an opportunity to supervise the start of SIL work in other west African countries.
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Later that year, John Bendor-Samuel reached an agreement with the University of Cameroon, allowing some workers to be re-allocated to that country with official support.
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John Bendor-Samuel later described the approach he took in exploring possibilities for expansion into new countries:.
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John Bendor-Samuel founded the West Africa Linguistics Society in 1965, continuing to serve on their council until 1999 and editing their Journal of West African Languages between 1982 and 1993.
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From 1984, John Bendor-Samuel held a number of important leadership positions, beginning with a seven-year term as Executive Vice-President of SIL International.
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Later, John Bendor-Samuel simultaneously served as the president of Wycliffe International.
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John Bendor-Samuel died in hospital following a car accident near his home in Studley Green on the evening of 6 January 2011.
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John Bendor-Samuel is survived by their 5 children and 15 grandchildren.
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John Bendor-Samuel had a particular impact in Africa, where his promotion of national organisations encouraged the establishment of several Wycliffe organisations across the continent.
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John Bendor-Samuel encouraged a number of African linguists, particularly through the West Africa Linguistic Society.
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John Bendor-Samuel has vigorously encouraged and promoted the formation of national Bible translation organizations in African countries and has promoted partnerships between SIL International and governmental and non-governmental organizations, University departments, church and mission organizations.