Voice Spotlight: Russell (NLT)
We are blessed to have Russell Binns as the Dwell voice behind the New Living Translation. Russell is originally from London, England, and now makes his home in the southwest of the country, living near Bristol. As he wrapped up the NLT recording project, we sat down with Russell and asked him a series of “rapid fire” questions as a fun and simple way to get to know him better, and to invite him to share his love for Scripture with the Dwell community. Enjoy!
Dwell: How do you best prepare to record the Bible? Is there something you do before you begin recording to get into a certain mindset?
Russell: I say a short prayer to ask that I may do the reading to the best of my ability.
What drew you to join the Dwell project?
I had worked with the Dwell team previously on an audiobook called Humility, and was asked whether I’d be interested in reading the NLT. I regard it as a great privilege to do it.
What is the biggest challenge of reading the entire Bible?
It’s a marathon, so I find it best to take it steadily in small chunks, trying not to become intimidated by the length and setting short-term goals.
Was there anything about recording the Bible that surprised you?
How vivid stories and characters become when you go back to the source and read within the entire context.
What is your favorite story or character in the Bible?
I find St. Paul a truly extraordinary man.
Do you have a favorite verse of Scripture?
If I can choose a chapter, it would be 1 Corinthians 13.
What is one thing you’ve learned since you started recording the Scriptures?
A sense of perspective, which is important in these difficult times.
Has being involved with this project changed your outlook on the Bible?
I was always much more familiar with the New Testament than the Old, but I see now to what extent the Old Testament was crucial to Jesus and the Apostles.
Is there anything about this translation that has been special to you?
Archaic language, such as in the King James version, has its own special beauty, but the contemporary language of the NLT can strip away the centuries and bring one closer to the humanity of the characters in the Bible.
Is there something that you hope people will experience or gain from listening to your voice & NLT translation?
I hope that my work might bring people a little closer to the Word of God.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our listeners?
Many millions around the world have suffered grief and loss in this terrible global pandemic, the worst in a century. I hope the Word of God can bring them hope and comfort, and that we will remember the Lord’s teachings and make a post-pandemic world a better, kinder place.