Despite Persecution Wycliffe Bible Translators "Speechless" at Dramatic Breakthroughs Around the World

Jeremy Reynalds : Dec 11, 2015
Assist News Service

"I have found myself speechless, time and time again over the past several months, to see the fulfillment of Revelation 7:9—God's Word in every language—now, finally, truly within our reach." -Bruce Smith, President Wycliffe Associates

(Orlando, FL)—[ANS] Wycliffe Associates, a global organization that involves people in the acceleration of Bible translation around the world, announced that it has launched or re-launched 203 translation projects worldwide in 2015. (Photo via ANS)

"We have seen dramatic breakthroughs like this all around the world this year," said Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates, speaking in a news release from Wycliffe.

He added, "I was exhilarated to witness God at work like this. We were stymied in our own power-yet when we prayed, when we acknowledged God's power, God opened the door."

The organization is currently engaged in a large effort called Vision 2025, a plan to have a Bible translation started for every language that needs it by 2025.

According to the news release, Vision 2025 is a worldwide endeavor that involves national Bible translators, translation consultants, volunteers, and financial donors.

Smith said, "If ever there was a time when Psalm 147:15 could be observed in 'real time,' this is it. 'His Word runs swiftly' the Scriptures say. I have found myself speechless, time and time again over the past several months, to see the fulfillment of Revelation 7:9—God's Word in every language—now, finally, truly within our reach."

The start of these new translation projects has not been easy. The organization has reported intense persecution of Bible translators in some areas, including a Bible translator in India who was dragged from his home in the middle of the night and shot 17 times.

The same week, a Bible translator in the Middle East was arrested, jailed, and tortured. Within a week, three more translators were arrested. Since then, more than 12 Bible translators have been jailed. (Photo via Wycliffe Bible Translators/Facebook)

Wycliffe said that other translators have suffered inexplicable challenges, including a leader of a translation workshop in Southeast Asia who mysteriously lost his voice, while a number of participants in the workshop became ill. When Bible translation actually began for the same language group, one young woman translator died in her sleep.

"In the aftermath, in the agony of grief," said Smith, "we remembered the truth: we are engaged in spiritual warfare."

Wycliffe Associates said it is encouraging its supporters to financially and prayerfully support the work of Bible translation.

Currently there are 3,377 languages that need a Bible translation project started. Of the 2,883 languages in the world that have the Scriptures, 531 have an adequate Bible, 1,329 have an adequate New Testament and 1,023 have at least one book of the Bible.

A Bible translation is now in progress for 2,195 languages worldwide.