How You Can Get Involved
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that procedeth out of the mouth of God.” –Matt. 4:4
The need for Bible translations the world over is immense. There are about 3000 languages that do not have one word of the Bible! Some of these languages represent people where there are NO church planting missionaries. In those languages which do have a Bible, that Bible is sometimes loosely translated, mistranslated or otherwise inadequate and the people are in need of a new translation. How can you help?
There is always a need for prayer and financial support. That is certainly one way you can help. Through prayer God opens doors, provides resources and enables the work to be done. Your financial help supplies some of that need.
However, having said that, how can you get more personally involved? There are several ways.
Individuals can be involved!
1) Become a translator: This is a large commitment, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped to put the word of God into the hands of a people group that can be blessed by it for generations.
2) Become a translation consultant: This is a ministry that can greatly help the translation team do its job. A translation consultant trains translators, helps set up new translation projects, advises on procedures, helps solve translation problems, helps translators check accuracy, and so on. The job is extensive.
3) Become a team helper: There are several types of team helpers. There may be a need for typesetters, graphic artists, stylists, and reviewers.
4) Become a Missionary Statesman: There is a great need for people who will present the need for Bible translation work in churches. This can be done full-time or part-time. In this way, churches are educated and God may direct them to get involved.
5) Above all, pray: This is the greatest need. Prayer moves mountains and the hearts of people. Through communication with the translator you can pray for specific needs.
Churches can be involved, too!
1) Give them prayer and encouragement: One way this can be done is through communication. Emails and letters to the translators can be a great encouragement.
2) Visit the field: Take a small group for a short term visit to the translation location. Also, sometimes translators need short term workers for special projects.
3) Giving: This can take many forms. All projects need funding, but they also have specific needs. There may be a need for computers and supplies. There may be a need for software or other items.
4) They need Advocates: An advocate is someone who speaks on behalf of another. All projects need some people who will tell others about what God is doing. A church committed to a translation project or to several is the perfect mouthpiece to spread the word.
5) Train your people in the needs of Bible-less people groups and languages. One way to do this is to have BPS Global hold a Bible conference in your church. Another way is to teach a Sunday School series.
