Posted on 12/07/2010 8:40:46 AM PST by wmfights
The world’s largest Bible translation organization has already raised nearly $250 million, or one-fourth of its $1 billion goal, for the campaign to translate the Bible into every language by 2025.
Even in the current economic tough times, supporters donated generously and helped the campaign make significant progress within two years, said Wycliffe’s president. The ten-year Last Languages Campaign has the ambitious goal of beginning Bible translation for all languages that still need the scriptures by 2025.
“To raise nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in two years is impressive even in a booming economy. In the current climate, it’s nothing short of miraculous,” said Bob Creson, Wycliffe USA president and CEO. “We are so grateful to God and our supporters who partner with us to make sure that all people have access to the Bible in the language and form that is most meaningful to them.”
When the campaign first launched in November 2008, an anonymous donor gave an astounding sum of $50 million to Wycliffe for the Last Languages Campaign. It was the largest single gift in the ministry’s 75-year history.
More than 2,000 languages still lack translations of the Bible, leaving more than 350 million people without Scripture in their own languages. The Last Languages Campaign was launched to gather people, prayer and financial resources to at least start Bible translation in all remaining languages within our lifetime.
“In spite of economic uncertainty at home and a daunting task abroad-including political roadblocks, security concerns, restricted access to certain locations and the sheer number of languages yet to be translated – we are is participating in the greatest acceleration of the pace of Bible translation in history,” Creson said. “These financial resources will ensure that the mission stays on this pace.”
There are more than 6,000 languages spoken in the world and about a third of them do not have Scripture translation. The Last Languages Campaign will use cutting-edge translation techniques to accelerate the pace of language development and Bible translation from 125 years to 17 years.
In 1999, Wycliffe was averaging 20 new translation starts a year and there were about 3,000 languages left.
Ten years later, however, Wycliffe had 109 new translation starts in 2009. The average new translation starts for the past 10 years is 75, noted Paul Edwards, executive director of Wycliffe’s Last Language Campaign, in an earlier interview with The Christian Post.
“Our hope and desire as we look at 2010-2011 is that North American churches can wake up to and choose to engage in this thrilling, final lap,” said Edwards. “Can you name another 2,000-year-long continuous movement that is going to have its closing in our lifetime?”
The exact amount given in pledges to the Last Languages Campaign as of Oct. 31 is $231.5 million.
Founded in 1942, Wycliffe Bible Translators exists to make the Bible accessible to all people in the language and form that is most meaningful for them. Nearly 6,000 translators, linguists, aviators, humanitarian workers, educators and administrators, along with dozens of partnering organizations, are working in 90 countries on six continents.
Besides Bible translation, Wycliffe also contributes to community development by establishing water purification systems, AIDS education, human rights and community empowerment programs.
How about “eubonics” ....?
I'm sure some of my eschtologically minded FRiends can understand the significance of having Scripture translated into every language.
That was my first thought! LOL That or Hip Hop or Street Jive.
Oh, yes, that quaint old Eurotrash dialect spoken on the ski slopes!
ping.
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
Mt 24:14
“Shall be preached”. Translation is one step for that.
Nations is ethnos - ethnic groups, or “families”
I hope one of those 2000 languages is one that Al Franken can understand.
My thoughts as well.
If any of you play with languages as a hobby, consider using this interest for evangelistic purposes. Every year, tens of thousands of young people from "closed" nations show up on our shores, with two aspirations:
These kids are often lonely, and miss the sounds of real life, like children playing. Invite them into your home, and your children become integral parts of your witness as they chat with the guests, serve them, and enjoy their company.
Hollywood has taught the world that Americans have no respect for faith and family. We can offset that message. The opportunity is at our doorstep.
If you want to embark on this adventure, download the free software from http://www.e-sword.net, and install language packs for target language. The New Testament in a target language is a great learning tool -- I know a guy who's blogging his way through the Turkish NT HERE.
Some great points, thank you.
Many countries are closed to us, so although I am sure I will get flamed for this, there are many muslim students from 10/40 regions on our shores, desiring to know english and to practice it. While you are teaching them, you build relationships and as they build you can share your saving faith in Christ.
I can’t see why you’d be flamed for that. I agree with you.
I also want to point out that there are people working inside the moslem world. Please be sure to pray for them.
revelaySn 19:11-14 (in Klingon)'ej chal poSmoHta' jIleghta'
'ej 'orS chIS yIlegh
'ej pongDaj voq je teH ba'Dungbogh
'eh lughwIj 'ej npoH je Suv lughbogh
qulHom mInDu'Daj
'ej mIv'a'mey tuQ law'
'ej Sov pong pagh 'ach ghaH ghaj
'ej Sut 'Iw tuQ 'ej joH'a'vaD mu' pongDaj
'ej ghaH ba'Dung 'orSmey chIS
thlha' qopmey chalDaq
tuQ Sut'a' chIS je Say'
-- from the website Klingons for Christ,
as featured on the thread Klingons for Christ
And yes, it is very prophetically important!
Amen. I co-disciple a group of about 30 ex-Muslims at our church and to see the JOY of the Lord in them is truly a blessing.
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