Changing lives around the globe

Lalaina, one of several volunteer translators in Madagascar, had begun translating Scripture into her “heart language” of Sihanaka by hand with paper and pen. One day, Lalaina’s sister found her notebook and asked if she was writing a story. Lalaina then explained that she had volunteered, like so many others around the world, to work on drafting a translation of the book of Mark into the language she knew best.

Lalaina’s sister was thrilled because she realized a long-awaited translation of the Bible was now underway—something both of them had prayed for. Lalaina’s sister soon began making suggestions for how to improve the draft’s accuracy and clarity, and from that day forward, the sisters worked together in this translation effort.

In July, the Sihanaka New Testament translation was completed and celebrated by the sisters’ local church. One woman’s humble decision to begin Bible translation many years ago has affected her entire community—and with the help of the Holy Spirit, this will continue.

Today is International Translation Day, which annually recognizes the work of language translators and their effect on global communication, peace, and understanding. As Christians, we want Scripture to be easily accessible to every man, woman, and child so that they can experience Jesus personally. The organization I lead, Wycliffe Bible Translators USA, desires that people around the globe would be able to encounter Jesus through Scripture in a language and format they clearly understand. And we believe that when people come to understand God’s love for them in their “heart language”—the language they speak and communicate in most naturally—lives are forever changed.

Scripture translation initiates a ripple effect across centuries and generations, bringing about a transformation of lives and inspiring eternal hope.

In Nigeria, there has been a series of life-changing events, which all began when one man was invited to help a local Bible translation effort. Before the invitation, this man was in a cycle of making poor choices for himself and his family. One day, because of his intimate familiarity with the local language, the community’s elders encouraged the man to engage in the ongoing Bible translation efforts.

This man’s simple “yes” led to God radically changing his life. As members of the community witnessed this powerful transformation, it urged them to say, “There must be something good with Bible translation.”

Bible translation efforts certainly renew the hearts of those who receive the finished Scripture in their heart language. However, these efforts are also transformative for those doing the translation work. Actively participating in this important kingdom work incites an internal shift that is undeniable.

Due to the long-held belief that Scripture translation prompts transformation, Wycliffe has cast a bold and prayerful vision to have a translation program in progress in every language by 2025. Through the years, we’ve seen God’s hand move in local churches, communities, and the lives of individuals, encouraging them to step up and take the lead in translating the Bible into their heart language. This effort has propelled and accelerated the number of translation programs currently in progress—with nearly 2,000 languages engaged.

While this is worthy of celebration, there are still 1,067 languages awaiting a translation to begin. Ultimately, we dream of a day when all of Scripture is made available to all people. Because of this, our efforts and prayers persist.

This month, in honor of all those—like Lalaina—committed to translating the Bible into languages around the globe, pray that patience, wisdom, grace, and persistence will abound as they remain steadfast in their resolve to reach hearts and minds. And pray your own bold prayers for those still waiting for a Bible translation in their heart language so they may one day know God’s living, active, and life-changing Word.