'If your God is so great, why can't he speak my language?'

It is said that a Native American chief asked this question to Cameron Townsend, and it was the beginning of Wycliffe Bible Translators, named after the first man who translated the Bible into English.

In order to 'make disciples of all nations' giving the nations the Bible in a vital step. Wycliffe Bible Translators' vision is to give the Word of God to all people in the language of their heart -their mother tongue. There are more than 6000 languages in the world, and more than 3000 of them need translation still. That's more than 380 million people without the Word of God in their language! With the current rate of translation, they would have to wait for another 100 –150 years. That’s too long!

Wycliffe see their role as 'assisting the Church in making disciples of all nations through Bible translation.' They are currently working in 1095 languages, and have 5178 active members world wide. Their goal is to help begin translation work among every remaining people group within 2025. Vision 2025 is a vision for all of God’s church. It is not a program or a campaign. It is a call to commitment, a call to action. They believe God is calling for a greater sense of urgency in translation work. They believe God is giving them a humanly impossible vision. But they also believe it can be realized, if they work under God’s direction in worldwide partnership with others. Together we can do it!!!!

As I have been taken by this vision, I am in the process of preparing to become a Bible translator. I finished a Master Degree in Linguistics and Exegesis in Vancouver, Canada. It is a specialized program for future Bible translators.  I am back in Norway now, and trust that God will finish the good work He has began (Phil. 1,6).

God’s Word to all people –in the language of their heart

Links:

 www.wycliffe.net

 www.wycliffe.org

 www.wycliffe.ca

 www.wycliffe.no