Wycliffe Bible Translators 

Bible translation is one of the most significant parts of world mission today -  Wycliffe’s vision, in partnership with  their supporters, is that everyone will have access to God’s word in the language that speaks to them best.

The latest statistics about the work of Bible translation have been published, and show that the work continues to accelerate despite the restrictions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
There are more languages with a Bible than ever before.
Among the highlights are:

• the number of languages with a complete Bible has broken through the 700 barrier and now stands at 704
• the number of languages with a complete New Testament is now 1,551
• a further 1,160 languages have some portions of the Bible translated, up from 1,138 last year.

James Poole, Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, says: ‘These are encouraging figures, and show how the task of translating the Scriptures into the world’s languages is making significant progress, even in the midst of a global pandemic. We are so thankful to God for his ongoing provision for and blessing on the work of Bible translation in these difficult times.’

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, translation teams have largely been able to continue working. Some have managed to keep working face to face, other teams have worked remotely, making use of state-of-the-art translation software for remote teams, and utilising video conferencing to meet together virtually.

However, about 1.5 billion people still do not have the Bible in their own language. James says: ‘That’s a terrible injustice, one that all those involved in the work of Bible translation are desperately seeking to put right.

(The full report is available here).

We support a Bible Translation Project in the Guera area of Chad. The Bible is being translated into several languages of the area, people are being taught to read and Scriptures are being made available by audio means.

Writing to us recently they said:

"For translation teams across the world, including the Guera team, another financial year has come to a close. As we reflect on it, there is much to praise God for. In the face of Covid-19 restrictions, teams have shown resilience adapting to new working conditions, perseverance even when progress has been limited, and servant heartedness in helping those around them.

We join our brothers and sisters in Chad in their anticipation for the launch of the Guerguiko New Testament this winter. The Migaama New Testament is also now ready to be printed, meaning that, thanks to support like yours, four Guera New Testaments are now complete. Praise God! In Muslim-majority language groups, the teams continue to work on Genesis and Old Testament stories, which will connect best with that audience. While churches were closed for much of this last year, listening and storying groups have been happening in homes – and will continue to complement the translation work."

To visit the Wycliffe website click here.