Why “matchmaking” is a critical part of Bible translation

By September 16, 2022

Southeast Asia (MNN) — Last month, we heard about a new collective movement underway among Bible translators in Southeast Asia. Today, we’ll look closely at how collaboration works in the mission field.

“We come alongside the local churches and communities in a region, and we ask, ‘what are your needs for Scripture? Where would you like to start?’” Wycliffe USA’s Mark Taber says.

“It’s all focused on responding to the local needs of the church and community.”

Some churches want God’s Word in story form for oral learners. Others seek evangelistic tools in their language, like the JESUS Film or Scripture-based songs.

“My role is to bring in the right organizations with the right skill set to partner and meet what the local churches are saying, ‘This is what we need,’” Taber says.

This matchmaking process typically takes two or three years, something Taber calls accelerated impact.

“By the end of that two or three years, they’ll have a product or products ready for use. As soon as it’s done, we want it out there being used by the churches,” he says.

The Bible translation movement is bigger than linguistics alone. There’s a place for whatever talents God has given you. Connect with Wycliffe USA here to learn more.

 

 

Header image courtesy of Wycliffe USA.


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