International (MNN) ― The question 'why re-invent the wheel?' plays strongly into the focus of WordWinds International's ministry. Of the world's nearly seven-thousand languages, only 422 have the entire Bible. That makes their mission clear.
WordWinds' Jarrette Allen explains the thrust of their work. "We do not necessarily send missionaries, like most organizations do. We come alongside projects and organizations who are already working in their home fields and their home countries"
Their reasoning behind their approach is that it's a more efficient use of resources. Indigenous missionaries tend to be more effective because they are more numerous, already on the field, and understand and operate perfectly in the culture around them.
The work they support includes, but is not limited to, written translation of Scripture, oral recordings of Scripture, education of translators, furnishing a language with a system of writing, time spent among a people group learning their language, survey work, creation / revision of lexicons, publishing of new translations, and all related activities that support or further this purpose.
Says Allen, there's a lot already being accomplished, but there's often one main obstacle. "There's a lot of times where these projects are either at an absolute standstill or really being impeded by lack of funding."
Their teams also work stateside to raise the awareness about the needs, and in turn, raise the funds to keep them going. Right now, WordWinds is primarily in Brazil, but they're looking at exciting growth. "We work alongside the sister organizations to Wycliffe Bible Translators. We're also talking about some projects in India, and then we're talking about one in Pakistan." If you want to help fund Bible translation, click here .
