Miraculous Moments in Madagascar
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In many parts of the world, the Bible translation landscape has dramatically shifted. In the past, the concept of global missions was often initiated from the West to the rest. But today, it’s from everyone to everywhere!
Curious how Wycliffe got here?
From a few pioneers to a global network — Bible translation has changed dramatically.
Explore how Wycliffe’s role has evolved and what that means for the future of missions.
Explore how Wycliffe’s role has evolved and what that means for the future of missions.
Local churches are now asking for — and sometimes even starting — Bible translation projects themselves. God is on the move around the globe, from large cities to the world’s most remote communities.
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Take a trip with us to Madagascar, where you’ll get a glimpse of the miraculous work God is doing to get His Word to people in languages they understand.
UNPRECEDENTED TRANSLATION WORK IN MADAGASCAR
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In Madagascar, God's Word is spreading in miraculous ways.
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For some communities, the journey to a full Bible is long and arduous.
But in Madagascar, Bible translation is growing rapidly — and it’s changing lives and hearts in the process.
But in Madagascar, Bible translation is growing rapidly — and it’s changing lives and hearts in the process.
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Since then, translation has taken place in some of Madagascar’s 23 language communities, which represent 30 million people.
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A few years ago, a group of local churches began collaborating to translate the Bible into four more languages themselves.
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These churches had a deep desire to own and facilitate the translation process, so they asked for help with training their people to become consultants.
How many new Bibles do you think Madagascar translators completed within one year?
Great try, but Madagascar translators actually completed four new, full Bibles within a 12-month time period. What an incredible accomplishment!
That’s right! Bible translators in Madagascar completed four new, full Bibles within 12 months — an incredible accomplishment!
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Within 12 months, these churches drafted four new, full Bibles using 300 translators, including local church members and college students.
This is a testament to the profound power of partnership, collaboration and faith.
This is a testament to the profound power of partnership, collaboration and faith.
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“Partnership is not plan B; Partnership is plan A.”
Did you know ... ?
Partnerships between churches, organizations and communities in Madagascar have enabled translation to progress at an unprecedented rate.
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Meet Serge and Olivia
Rather than treating partnership as an afterthought, Madagascar’s churches recognize that collaboration enables rapid positive transformation.
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Serge serves as a Bible translation leader in Africa alongside his wife, Olivia.
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Together, they have witnessed countless examples of how Scripture transforms people, families and communities — here on earth and for eternity — when it truly reaches people’s hearts.
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Did you know ... ?
This is, perhaps, the most critical part of Bible translation: If Scripture doesn’t reach a person’s heart, then it only exists as words on a page.But when people receive God’s Word in a language they clearly understand, their lives are forever changed.
To the Tsimiety people and beyond
Equipped with working drafts of the Bible, Serge and Olivia shared the gospel with the Tsimihety people — just one of the many communities in Madagascar that had never received God’s Word in their language.
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Because of those efforts, 17 new churches formed!
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And that’s not the only miracle God has done in Madagascar.
God worked through the hands, feet and mouths of local believers to spread the Good News and make a profound impact among the Tsimihety — the Holy Spirit even inspired Olivia to speak a language she did not know and had never spoken.
If you miraculously began speaking a language you did not know, what would you do?
Imagine how you might react to hearing yourself speak another language!
Imagine how you might react to hearing yourself speak another language!
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Did you know ... ?
When you have access to the Bible in your own language, it creates a sense of dignity and honor. God is no longer communicating through another person’s language, but directly to you! Your very own language uniquely reflects His character and heart for the world.
Want to know how to pray for stories like this one?
When you read a story like Olivia’s — where a language she didn’t speak miraculously flowed from her mouth — you might feel stirred to respond.
We’d love to guide you in specific, timely ways to pray for Bible translation projects like the one you just read.
We’d love to guide you in specific, timely ways to pray for Bible translation projects like the one you just read.
Join the Wycliffe Prayer Community
THE SIHANAKA BIBLE: A TRANSLATION MILESTONE
The Sihanaka people have now experienced the sweetness and life-changing impact of receiving God’s Word in their language.
Just as we crave good food, the Sihanaka craved God’s Word. Scripture nourishes and fills the spirit, and the global Church is expanding as people receive it in a way they can clearly understand.
When they receive Scripture in their own language, transformation is inevitable — because this spiritual nourishment satisfies their deepest hunger for truth and meaning.
2024
The Sihanaka Bible was dedicated on July 14, 2024, after a powerful and profound community-wide celebration of God’s faithfulness.
The Bible’s dedication represents much more than a completed project — it’s a testament that God is on the move.
The Bible’s dedication represents much more than a completed project — it’s a testament that God is on the move.
How many Bible translation projects began in Madagascar after the Sihanaka Bible was completed?
Close, but not quite. As of spring 2025, eight new translation projects began after the Sihanaka Bible.
Correct. As of spring 2025, eight new translation projects began after the Sihanaka Bible celebration!
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The Sihanaka Bible marked the beginning of even greater work ahead:
The church in Madagascar launched eight more translation projects for surrounding communities.
The church in Madagascar launched eight more translation projects for surrounding communities.
A God-Sized Opportunity
Each new translation brings a multitude of opportunities for individuals to see how God created us all to be a reflection of who He is.
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Every life, every culture, every language was made in His image.
This creates a sense of dignity and worth that no person can take away.
It also communicates God’s everlasting love on a personal level.
Feeling stirred? There’s a way to be part of this.
When you see what God is doing in Madagascar, do you wonder if there’s a place for you? There is. You can help bring Scripture to life for others waiting.
Thank You, God, for the unprecedented Bible translation progress in Madagascar. May communities worldwide swiftly receive translated Scripture in the languages they clearly understand.
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Did you know ... ?
Bible translation matters because it provides people with the opportunity to glorify God in the languages and formats that resonate most deeply with their hearts.
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