Volunteering Accelerates Bible Translation Ministry
Every day, Bible translators the world over find themselves pulled away from their primary responsibility—translating the Word of God—to deal with tasks that, while important, can be accomplished by others. For example: vehicle repairs, construction or building repairs, bookkeeping, airstrip maintenance, and teaching.
Since 1967, Wycliffe Associates has mobilized lay people to partner with Bible translators around the world, freeing up thousands of hours each day to accelerate Bible translation ministry. Every year, thousands of Wycliffe Associates volunteers use their God-given talents and skills to support translators in the field. Many retirees—or men and women looking toward retirement—find volunteering with Wycliffe Associates an invaluable way to apply their life skills to support Bible translation.
The work of Wycliffe Associates volunteers has never been more crucial than it is today. By 2015, some 50 percent of all Bible translators currently in the field will retire . . . and there are too few new translators to replace them. Now is the time to redefine missions by increasing your volunteer involvement to rescue even more precious hours of translation.
If you desire to add significance to your life by serving others, you can make a real difference in any of the following areas:
Volunteers—Whatever your gifts, whatever part of the world calls to your heart, whatever stage of life you’re in, there’s a place for you as a Wycliffe Associates volunteer.
Construction—Get your hands dirty for God! Help build offices, translation centers, training centers, schools, missionary housing, and airstrips overseas and at home. Feel the satisfaction of creating a lasting home for Bible translation ministry!
Prayer Watch—The heart of ministry is faith and prayer. Join with thousands of Prayer Watch members to uphold Wycliffe Associates projects and teams on a daily basis.
Banquets—Use your network of friends and acquaintances to share the ministry of Bible translation. Learn how your support makes a difference at a local banquet.
Hospitality Ministry—Make good use of your gift of hospitality! Open your home to hard-working Bible translators and support staff on “home leave.” Provide a comfortable place to stay, a warm meal—the simple comforts of a home away from home.
KidZone International—Have a special heart for children? Travel overseas with a KidZone volunteer team to bring a quality Vacation Bible School program to the children of Bible translators and missionaries. Retirees find a way of becoming “grandparents” to kids in the field; younger volunteers provide friendships and much-needed support.
Every verse. Every tongue. Every heart. . . . Your helping hands impact eternity.
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