Missionary Tim Curtis Retires After 44 Years of Bible Translation Work

In a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Tim Curtis has played an instrumental role in bringing the Bible to indigenous communities in Paraguay’s remote Chaco region. His work, characterized by dedication and cultural sensitivity, marks a significant milestone as he prepares for retirement after 44 years of service.

As a mission partner with the Church Mission Society (CMS), Curtis spent years working with the Énxet and other indigenous groups who have historically faced challenges such as social exclusion and limited access to essential services. His contributions have been integral in making Christian resources available in native languages.

Established in 1799, CMS is among the oldest mission agencies globally, continuing its mission to support communities often overlooked. Curtis’s work with CMS has left an enduring spiritual and cultural impact, particularly through the translation of the Bible into Southern Énxet.

Curtis’s journey began in a missionary family in Chile, later leading him to the UK for his studies before embarking on his mission in Paraguay in the 1980s. His initial involvement was through the Anglican La Herencia project, aimed at addressing land loss among indigenous groups.

By 1985, the project had succeeded in reserving nearly 45,000 hectares for these communities. Curtis’s language skills and commitment led him to pursue Bible translation training, collaborating with indigenous translators and Bible societies to publish the Southern Énxet New Testament in 1997, and the full Bible by 2016.

Reflecting on this accomplishment, Curtis remarked: “From start to finish, it was surprising, even miraculous. People from different organisations, churches and institutions came together. It was like the Lord was arranging everything.”

Recognizing that literacy barriers existed, Curtis expanded his efforts into audio ministry, partnering with Faith Comes by Hearing to produce an audio version of the New Testament. This was made available on innovative devices to ensure wider accessibility.

The team’s efforts continued with the translation and voice recording of the Jesus Film in Southern Énxet in 2024, followed by an audio recording of the Old Testament with DAVAR audio Bibles in 2025.

Despite approaching retirement, Curtis has remained active, contributing as a part-time consultant with the Northern Enlhet Bible translation team since 2018. This team is progressing towards a complete Bible translation expected in the coming years.

Beyond translation, Curtis has been involved in leading Bible studies, supporting indigenous church leaders, and fostering indigenous-led mission movements. His influence was evident in the synod formed after the 2022 Indigenous Anglican Congress in Argentina.

Andy Roberts, CMS’s Chief Executive, praised Curtis’s long-standing service: “Today, Énxet Christians can hear, read and share Scripture in their own language – in print, through audio and on their phones,” he stated. “Tim Curtis may be retiring, but his legacy will live on: helping make God’s Word accessible to communities who have too often been pushed to the edges, and strengthening faith, identity and hope for generations to come.”