Praise God with us, as we're witnessing an exciting shift happening in the work of Bible translation today: Local churches are now leading the way!

Local churches are owning Bible translation efforts all over the world.

Historically, Bible translation was driven by the West. Churches sent workers across the globe to learn local languages and do the work of translating Scripture.

But today, the epicenter of the global Church has shifted to the South and East — with Bible translation agencies in the West playing a supporting role.

As a result, local churches are owning Bible translation efforts in their communities. They’re asking for — and sometimes even starting — projects themselves.

Churches are asking for Bible translation training, assistance and resources at an unprecedented rate — and that’s accelerating the pace of this important work.

They understand, better than anyone, what a difference it makes to have Scripture in the language you’ve used your entire life.

Worldwide, churches are identifying communities that still need Bible translation in their own languages.

They’re proactive in their approach, taking responsibility for the process and driving it forward.

Among these churches, there’s a profound sense of urgency. They don’t want Scripture in the future; they’re ready to start working on these translations now.

Kegembiraan means "joy" in a local language in Asia. The hope is that as a result of the K Cluster project, the remaining 40 people groups in two countries will experience the joy of the Lord through the Word of God in the languages that serve them best. Join us in praying that local churches will take ownership of the work for their communities. As a result, Vision 2025 will be achieved in both countries!

Local churches are deeply aware of their community’s need to know God. They recognize that a lack of Scripture creates a barrier to multiple forms of ministry, such as evangelism, discipleship and church planting.

When churches play a critical role in Bible translation, the process becomes personal. Participating in translation leads to people actively using Scripture and ultimately, being profoundly transformed.

And when people engage with Scripture in their language, it sparks personal growth, which leads to discipleship and church growth.

Praise God with us! Three projects were approved to launch Bible translations in 40 languages across Ghana, Nigeria, South Sudan and Gabon. As a result of these projects, there will be zero people groups in Ghana, South Sudan and Gabon without Scripture in their language! And the number of remaining needs in Nigeria continues to decrease. Join us in praying for the teams involved and the anticipated impact on these 40 communities as people encounter Jesus through the Word of God!

In four major areas worldwide — which include East Asia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, regions of Africa and among the global Deaf — Bible translations have not always been readily available.

Local churches have made more of these translations possible in recent years, mobilizing dedicated translators to bring God’s Word to their people.

This initiative has accelerated the pace of the work in amazing ways.

With churches taking on the bulk of Bible translation work and the pace accelerating, Wycliffe and its partners have transitioned into catalysts of the movement.

We’re working to support local leaders in accomplishing their vision through technology, resources and funding so local churches can continue to impact their communities, countries and regions.

Jesus’ Great Commision

His Spirit is being poured out in ways we’ve never seen before in the history of the worldto “go and make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:18, NLT) — is playing out in beautiful ways today. The global Church is carrying out His mission in every corner of the world.

His Spirit is being poured out in ways we’ve never seen before in the history of the world.

Nicaragua has achieved Vision 2025! The "Exploración Mayangna" project will build a foundation for local churches that have the vision for Bible translation to take ownership of and responsibility for the work. Join us in praying that God would equip local churches and agencies with everything they need so that their communities can encounter Jesus through Scripture in the languages and formats that capture their hearts.

In John 17:20-23 (NLT), Jesus prayed:

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one — as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.”