Translating for Transformation: The Missional Impulse of Translation
By Paul K. Kimbi | Missions includes church planting, evangelism, reconciliation, and much more. Bible translation programs aim to do all of these things, yet they can be seen as periphery to real mission work. Does Bible translation have a missional impulse that is essential to long-term transformation of individuals and communities?
The New Testament is Not Enough
Many language communities around the world that only have the New Testament are asking for the Old Testament, but resources to do this are scarce. However, for the New Testament to be fully understood and enculturated, translating the Old Testament must be prioritized.
A Twenty-First Century Challenge for North American Mission Agencies
North American mission executives and missionaries are often unaware of the extent to which individualism has shaped their social interactions, organizational structures, and gospel presentations. Understanding this is critical for connecting well with the collectivist cultures of most of the rest of the world.
8 Lessons Learned in 80 Years of Bible Translation
Much has changed since Wycliffe Bible Translators was founded in 1942. But our calling has remained the same – to help people encounter God through his Word in a language and form they can clearly understand.
Equipping the Church for Church-Centric Bible Translation
When local churches own and run Bible translation projects, communities of believers experience spiritual growth in the way that the early church did. It facilitates greater transformation and makes the gospel available faster to everyone in community.
The Jesus Factor
Jesus was a master storyteller. Oral Bible storying follows his example and makes scripture accessible in more languages to more communities around the world.
First Nations Version
The familiar Western voice of modern English translations is scrubbed out enough to entice the reader to take in afresh the Creator’s story.
Oral Bible Translation is Key to Seeing Scripture in Every Language
Literacy does not need to be a necessary step for people to engage with God’s Word. Oral Bible translation enables more people to engage in translation and gives more communities access to God’s Word in their language faster.
Engaging Deaf Tanzanian Children with Scripture
The current Bible translation available in Tanzanian Sign Language is too difficult for some children to understand because of their limited language ability and life experiences. But sign translations of Bible stories are making a difference.
The Time for the Deaf is Now
The world’s 300+ Deaf people groups have long been denied access to the Scriptures in their native languages – sign languages. But advancements in accessible technology have made sign language Bible translation a reality.