Why Wycliffe?

Wycliffe Bible Translators started about 70 years ago by a man named William Cameron Townsend who had an incredible passion for everyone to be able to read and understand the Bible.  Wycliffe and its partner organizations believe that every person should access to the scripture in their heart language.  In 1999, Wycliffe started a commitment called Vision 2025.  Vision 2025 is Wycliffe's commitment to have a translation project started in every language that needs one by the year 2025.  This is really exciting for us because we could actually see this done in our lifetime.

Throughout America, many households have several copies of the Bible in different translations that may or may not ever leave the shelf.  Many are collecting dust because in America it’s easy to take for granted to what we have such an abundance of, but for millions around the world there is not one word of scripture written down in the language they fully understand; the language that speaks to their heart.  For the lucky ones that are lucky enough to have access to a Bible, it’s often in someone else’s language.

Traditionally, couples would enter a village alone or in a small group, start to learn the language of the people, create an alphabet, and then start the translation.  Using traditional strategies, it would take more than 150 years to provide every Bibleless people group with God's word.  It doesn't have to be that way though.  If God's people work together, a translation for every group that needs it can be started by the year 2025.  Wycliffe's goal will be realized.

Literacy is also an important part of Wycliffe’s mission.  If translators go into a village and translate the scripture, but no one can read it, then the work was in vain.  Wycliffe has teachers, literacy specialists, and musicians that work hard to teach the villagers how to read and write.  This not only gives the people access to the lifesaving word of God, but it also gives them access to potential lifesaving educational materials.

Every job within Wycliffe is needed and important.  Whether you are working as a translator, a literacy specialist, a teacher, in a support role, or if you are at home serving as a financial or prayer partner, everyone is important.  Together we can make a difference. 

As we enter this opportunity with Wycliffe, we realize that we can't do it alone.  We need a team of partners that are willing to come with us.  We need people to commit to pray for us.  Prayer is most important part of our team because we believe that God answers the prayer of His people.  The power of prayer is our greatest strength.  We also need committed financial partners.  These are special people, churches, and organizations that our willing to let God us them and their finances to bring God's word to the people that so desperately desire it.  We need people like you that believe in us and believe in this ministry to help us complete this mission.  All Wycliffe members have to raise their own support before going to the field, so without you our work cannot begin. 

Only two things on Earth will last for eternity - God's word and God's people.  Let's use our lives to make a difference for eternity.  Please pray and consider how you can help us finish this important work.