Going deeper

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ commanded his followers to share the good news with all nations.

Since Scripture is essential to knowing Jesus, it must be translated so that people everywhere can truly understand its message. As directed through the Great Commission, the Church carries the responsibility for Bible translation.

As the task is specialised, it has to be recognised that a local church cannot do this itself. The worldwide Church works through and alongside specialist ministries such as Wycliffe Bible Translators who serve the Church.

History documents the Bible's profound impact on individuals and societies. Its impact is greatest when written in the "heart language"of a people.

Barriers to understanding the gospel are reduced. People grow spiritually. Strong, healthy churches result. Strong churches reach out to their neighbours, which can ultimately transformwhole communities.

The remaining language groups mainly speak previously unwritten languages. These groups and individuals are preliterate, at least in their mother tongues. Members of groups like these may live outside the mainstream of national life in the countries where they reside, separatedby invisible barriers of language and culture.

The Church needs to reach out to these communities, including those that are small, seemingly insignificant, remote and difficult to access. As a result, the Church will be involved with serving some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the world.

We look forward to seeing people from "every language, tribe and nation"praising Christ in heaven. (Rev 7:9)

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