Message from WA President

From Bruce Smith
President/CEO of Wycliffe Associates

Wycliffe Associates was formed in 1967 to bring God’s Word to those still waiting—by involving people in accelerating the work of Bible translation.

Since 1967, we have made much progress to reach men, women, and children waiting for the Bible in the language that speaks to their heart. Today, more than 2,000 translations are in progress worldwide. And yet there is much to be done—with over 1,900 translations needing to begin, and hundreds of millions still waiting for God’s Word in their heart language.

Our founders knew they had to do something to give these people access to the truth of the gospel and the God who loves them and desires a relationship with them—and more than 40 years later, our goal—to translate every verse into every tongue to reach every heart—remains the same.

Through God’s leading, today we are entering a new and exciting time in the work of Bible translation! And I’m proud to say that Wycliffe Associates is on the cutting edge. Our new Translation Acceleration Kits and Online Collaboration Solutions are accelerating Bible translation in ways we never could have imagined back in 1967 when we began our work.

Because of these advances, we believe we will reach the Vision 2025 goal. Vision 2025 is a plan to have Bible translation started for every language that needs it by the year 2025—a God-sized goal considering that more than 1,900 translation projects have yet to begin.

But to make this vision a reality, we need people like you standing by our side—people who want to get involved in the work of Bible translation through their time, talents, and treasures.

People like you who have a heart for God’s work are the key to accelerating Bible translation worldwide. Christians who can donate financially or give of their time and talents can make an eternal difference by allowing national translators to focus on their primary task—giving God’s Word to millions of hearts waiting to hear it.

When you give a gift to Wycliffe Associates, it is so much more than financial support. It shows your commitment to the acceleration of Bible translation and the life transformation that’s only made possible by the power of God’s translated Word.

If you are unable to give financially, you can give of your time and talents. Most volunteers aren’t full-time missionaries. They donate the time they have, whether it’s a few months or a few weeks. Some manage a translation program, provide technical support, help lead Vacation Bible School, or build and repair schools and translation facilities. No matter what their skill, every task they complete moves us closer to our goal of having every verse of God’s Word translated into every tongue to change every heart.

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 to God working through hardworking national translators, translator consultants, staff members, generous financial supporters, hands-on volunteers, and dedicated prayer partners.

So get involved in accelerating the work of Bible translation by giving of your time, talents, and treasure. If you are unable to get involved right now, tell a friend or join our prayer team.

No matter how you choose to support us, you’ll become part of 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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