In the 27 plus years that we have worked for Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT), we have never heard the phrase “They are not worth it”.

When we joined WBT in 1990, we shared that over 2000 Bibles still needed translating. That number has crept up and down over the years.

Up? How can that be? As language workers toil alongside nationals, they often find that languages that they previously thought were similar to another language, have big enough differences in their thoughts and meaning so that they need their own translation. What good is giving them a Bible when they are no closer to understanding it than before? So sometimes translation needs go up.

Down? Well, we expect the numbers to go down as many people work hard at giving God’s words in their own heart language and there are new publications like the 27 listed above.

Why do we care? Because God’s words are vibrant and living and give information about a God who wants to be in relationship with people.

I want everyone to have what I have every day: A Bible I can read or listen to in my own language. 

This morning I wrote this verse to a dear friend who is struggling with some issues:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

What a verse of HOPE! I could share that because we both know English.

We just celebrated some recent Bible Translations. Look at the image above. Check out how many speakers are in the Abadi language. Then check out how many are in the Yemba language. Big difference, yes?

Both need God’s words. They are both worth the time, effort and financial input to make it happen. 

Won’t it be great to meet people from both languages groups one day in heaven? You are making this possible! Thank you!