Message from Bruce Smith, President/CEO of Wycliffe Associates
Nothing saddens me more than thinking of the millions of men, women, and children around the world who don’t have a single verse of God’s Word in their heart language. Some struggle along with a Bible in their second language, missing out on vital concepts that are “lost in translation.” Others have no Bibles at all . . . and never will, unless God’s people like you and me reach out with a helping hand.
Wycliffe Associates’ founders started with one simple fact: Every hour a highly-trained Bible translator spends in administrative duties, facilities maintenance, and other tasks, instead of translating God’s Word, is an opportunity lost forever.
They realized that volunteers are the key to accelerating Bible translation worldwide. Christians like you with a wide variety of skills and a heart for service can make an eternal difference by allowing translators to focus on their primary task—giving God’s Word to millions of hearts waiting to hear it.
Most volunteers aren’t full-time missionaries. Many have full-time jobs. They are regular people like you and me. They donate the time they have, whether it’s a few months or a few weeks . . . and every task they complete moves worldwide Bible translation closer to the goal of having every verse in every tongue.
You might help lead Vacation Bible Schools, teach, or provide childcare. You may have the skills to build and repair schools and translation facilities. You can tell others about the need for Bible translation. As the apostle Paul reminded early Christians, we don’t all have the same gifts, but our gifts are all important. God desires us to use these gifts to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ around the world.
In my years with Wycliffe Associates, I have been privileged to attend dedication services for the New Testament in isolated parts of the world. I guarantee that you’ve never seen anything like the rejoicing and excitement as the people hold their new Bibles to their hearts! And they owe every smiling face—every saved soul—to hard-working Bible translators, hands-on volunteers, generous financial supporters, and dedicated prayer partners.
So get involved! Go, give, pray, and tell others about the importance of Bible translation . . . so that millions of hearts can hear His Word. My wife Janet and I welcome you to the family of Wycliffe Associates. If you have a servant’s heart and a love for God’s Word, then you will fit right in!
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