“…and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17b, NLT).
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12, NLT).
Millions of people throughout the world lack access to the Bible in a language that they understand well. More than 2,000 languages still need translated Scripture. This summer, you can help move Bible translation forward in 52 of those languages in Papua New Guinea, Belize, Niger, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. Training, translation, and printing are all significant parts of Bible translation projects, and as such they are the focus of Wycliffe’s annual “From First Words to Final Printing” summer fundraiser.
The printing of translated Scripture provides personal access to God’s Word—it arms people with the sword of the Spirit. With Scripture in their language, people can engage with the Word of God in their daily lives—individually or as a family—with no need to rely on a missionary or pastor for access. Printed Scripture underscores the value of a people group’s language and culture, and encourages churches to use the mother tongue for prayer, songs, sermons, and reading in their services.
- Praise God for the access that many people have to printed Scripture. Ask God to speed His Word to those still waiting for it to be printed and placed in their hands.
- Pray for the printing process—for smooth-running printing machines, for the binding, and ultimately safe delivery to the various language communities.
- Ask God to bless the distribution of His Word among the various languages that will receive the printed Scriptures. May they hold God’s Word in their hearts even as they do their hands.
If you would like more information on how you can partner with Wycliffe in the printing process, see From First Words to Final Printing.
