Your Bible translation progress report2020/21

Two young believers carry the Kuy* New Testament on plates dressed with flowers during the launch in February 2020. The Kuy people from Southeast Asia hadn’t heard about Jesus 20 years ago. But this year 400 people from the Kuy house church joyously celebrated having God’s word in their language for the first time.

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Thank you!The past year has been a difficult year throughout the world. The Covid-19 pandemic has seen so many plans changed and lives disrupted.

Yet God continues to be at work through your generosity and your prayers. At Wycliffe we have seen this first hand as the urgent and vital work of getting the Bible into people’s languages has progressed – despite the pandemic.

This year the support of Wycliffe supporters like you has meant that:

More people have more of the Bible in their language than ever before

The complete Bible has now been translated into over 700 languages

Over 2,700 translation projects are currently in progress around the world.

As we look to the future it is even more exciting to think of the progress that the next 10–15 years could bring. With your support the time is in sight when 99% of people will have the New Testament and 95% will have the complete Bible in their language (see more on page 14).

It is your generosity and commitment that makes this possible. We realise that your giving is often sacrificial, so, once again, thank you so much!

Your partnership is making a significant difference in the lives of so many people, churches, and communities around the world.

James PooleExecutive Director, Wycliffe Bible Translators

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Cover: Samburu girls in Kenya read the New Testament for the first time. They will be among the first generation of Samburu children to grow up with the New Testament in their language.

‘We always thank God for all of you’

1 Thessalonians 1:2

*name changed for security reasons

REV AHIMIDIWE MAHALI (ABOVE) AT THE VWANJI NEW TESTAMENT LAUNCH IN TANZANIA

‘You can see the difference our Vwanji language makes. You can see the word of God touching people. You can really see it.’

Some of the many things God has accomplished through your generosity in 2020

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Bible translation has continued to progress, despite the pandemic, in 2020...

More people have the Bible in their language – now 704 languages. Like the speakers of the Huichol language in Mexico. One Huichol speaker said: ‘We are so happy that we now have the complete Bible, the Old and New Testaments.’

More people have the New Testament in their language – now 1,551 languages. Like the people who speak Samburu in Kenya. Julia Leaduma, a Samburu woman, said: ‘Today is a day of happiness for Samburus, because we now have our own Bible.’

More people have some portions of the Bible – now 1,160 languages. Like the speakers of Ashe in Nigeria. The Ashe Chief, Bisa, said: ‘I never imagined that one day I would hear Scripture being read in the Ashe language.’

More people have translation projects at work in their languages – now 2,731 languages. Like the Ceren* people who live in a part of Asia hostile to the gospel. The first steps towards Bible translation have been completed with the official acceptance of the Ceren alphabet. A Ceren leader wanted to pass this message onto you: ‘Where many do not care about us and do not see us, you have cared, you have seen. Thank you!’

More people have been encouraged to engage with the translated word of God. Like Arabic speakers – thanks to your support the Beatitudes have been designed into a beautiful poster in Arabic. This will be distributed as a way of building bridges for Muslims to read the Bible and come to know Jesus.

‘When I read the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in my own language, it was very moving. Tears flowed, even without me realising it!’Ifè believer in Togo

‘Whenever I read the New Testament in my language, I know that Jesus isn’t far away from me.’ Wens Wehtabtabah, Dobel speaker, Indonesia

*name changed for security reasons

PASTOR PAUL’S CHURCH IN WEST AFRICA

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‘It has been a privilege for us to partner with the Flame people.’

John Shepherd, Emmanuel Church

John Shepherd, Vicar of Emmanuel Church, Chesham, says: ‘It has been a privilege for us at Emmanuel to partner with the Flame people in the translation of their New Testament, knowing that God’s word is powerful to save, and trusting that our prayer and giving might contribute in a small way to the growth of the Flame church.

‘We hope that one day, by God’s grace, we might meet around the throne of God some of the Flame people who came to know Jesus as they read of him in their new Bibles.’

EMMANUEL CHURCH, CHESHAM, ENGLAND

The giving by and praying of Wycliffe supporters like you over the last 13 years played a crucial role in the Flame people now having the word of God in their language for the first time.

The launch was held under Covid restrictions, which meant the team couldn’t hold the large celebration they had planned. But a sense of urgency compelled them to share the Scriptures with their community right away. They held a small celebration and then set to work distributing printed books, sharing copies of the Flame Scripture app, and reading passages on the radio, all while continuing to translate the Old Testament into Flame.

Pastor Paul*, the director of the Flame translation team, as well as being a pastor of a growing church (right), explains why they felt it was so important to get the New Testament into the hands and hearts of Flame people as soon as possible. ‘For me,’ he says, ‘the most important thing we need in today’s world is the word of God in our language.’

The Flame team gave a copy of the New Testament to a Muslim leader the team had developed a good relationship with. ‘We weren’t sure how he would react,’ Pastor Paul says. ‘But we could sense that he felt he had received a great treasure. He went to the floor, almost kneeling to thank us as he embraced the New Testament in his own language and said: “This is the kingdom of God that you have brought me. Its value is incalculable!”’

‘ This is the kingdom of God that you have brought me. Its value is incalculable!’

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‘Thank you. You were the answer to our prayers.’Pastor Paul

2020 brought a historic moment for the Flame* people of West Africa, who are 99% Muslim, when the Flame New Testament was launched.

*names changed for security reasons

Reotan* Dhimba Longsum* Kibala Searo* Ju|’hoan Priwa* Naro Beahsele* Bissa Barka Fana* Konabéré

Siolo* Leahtor* Puguli Aweg* Sissala Onirnan* Weh Scirian* Awing Cempa* Bafut Lofian* Bambalang

Macian* Bamunka Eala* Ewondo Tamig* Giziga Tolucan* Ipulo Trawler* Meta’ Abidan* Mpumpong Horma*

Ngemba Cumbol* Noone Beorma* Pinyin Abolgen* Ngbugu Utan* Banda-Bambari Ferend* Banda Sumun* Gbaya-Bossangoa Lorsi* Lutos Geador* Mandja Idel* Mpiemo Attor* Ngbaka Ma’bo

Onnied* Nzakara Gebed* Sango Unrim* Guera Elra* Gehola* Kabalai Wadu* Hydan* Kaba Naa Innan*

Gemetan* Ngungwel Syngian* Stapol* Teke-Eboo Sorgian* Teke-Tyee Lordan* Neyo Fordon* Nigon*

Wè Southern Cofa* Omi Acigan* Fataluku Adon* Carpathian Romani Lofsum* Budu Samod* Lendu Werlic*

Ngiti Fruma* Tetun Dili Feoh* Benga Wobora* Fang Holinga* Kombe Teosu* Amharic Faegen* Bench

Greot* Dizin Teona* Gamo Magan* Male Sefa* Mursi Warian* Nyangatom Fleon* Oromo, Borana-Arsi-Guji Sona* Oyda Sparian* Suri Forma* Tsamai Bilwit* Ale Koso-3* Koma Koso-2* Éwé Koso-1*

Hanga Kuloso Jamtegu* Kuluso Tabaso* Mogofin Doenei* Dobel Ntu* Tonka* Tetun Chansare* Kola Kibi*

Nkeniso* Dani Pagnon* Tela-Masbuar Tungol* Worian* Kitharaka Genunga* Leelau Ilca* Hinfa* Broga* Steorra*

Sculan* Rasian* Kigiryama Bodian* Nahuatl Lared* Gbagyi Rakaai* Wachi Noro* Hugas* Dreng* Unwar* Chidigo Gudana* Mixtec Feora* Forosip* Egesian* Dza Noroman* Fwe Hiofan* Berom Leoma* Mághdì Behon* Takwane Rodor* Lokaa Caaba* Mbembe Caady* Meoto* Abua Yakar* Bura-Pabir

Veechny* Sunnan* Kutep Geond* Etkywan Lihtan* Geset* Ashe Onegan* Khwe Flame* Kohumono Yolaf*

Tynam* Cakfem-Mushere Walu* Kamuku Wawa* Yao Kuloso Yusugu* Laro* Bwatoo Aldor* Mbukushu

Because of

your support Bible translation is happening in over 350 languages

spoken by over 470 million people in

over 70 countries

*names changed for security reasons

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‘The Koti people have been transformed so much by the coming of the gospel,’ Chris Lyndon, who has worked on the Koti translation for over 20 years, says. ‘Some international evangelists came to visit and said: “These people are so loving!” And I said: “If only you had come in the early days!”’

The early days were not easy. ‘Even amongst local communities the Koti people have a reputation for being hard-nosed businessmen,’ Chris explains. ‘It has been suggested that their historical role as middlemen in the slave trade has left the community with a tendency to view people in terms of monetary benefit.’

The Koti people live on the coastal islands of Mozambique. Chris and his Dutch wife Ada worked among them, writing their language down for the first time – Ada was a gifted linguist – and then guiding the translation until Ada’s death from cancer in 2009. Since then Chris has continued to work with the Koti translation team from a distance, and this year the Koti New Testament was completed! It is now being printed and will be launched in 2021.

The work of translation has gone hand-in-hand with the work of a team of church planters. The Koti translation was used by the local church as each section was completed. And the combination of having more and more of the Bible in their language alongside a rapidly growing church has led to a remarkable transformation.

After reading about Jesus’ baptism in the Gospel of John, hundreds of local believers asked to be baptised. ‘Once the baptisms started happening,’ Chris recalls, ‘the softening of the people has been incredible.’

Chris concludes: ‘The coming of the gospel has led to transformation. The wider community acknowledges that the followers of Jesus have, for example, fewer marital problems. The believers’ place in society is now respected and the church continues to grow. There are now about 30 congregations with about 8,000 members.’

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PASTOR AND FISHERMAN NUURU JUMA SELEMANE HOLDS HIS WELL-USED COPY OF THE FIRST FOUR BOOKS OF SCRIPTURE PUBLISHED IN KOTI. THE NEW TESTAMENT TRANSLATION IS NOW COMPLETE AND IS BEING PRINTED. IN 2021, NUURU WILL HAVE THE NEW TESTAMENT IN HIS LANGUAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Thanks to your support over 360 people, like Chris, are serving with Wycliffe.

‘The coming of the gospel has led to transformation’

‘The softening of the people has been incredible.’

Read more about Chris and the story of the Koti translation at wycliffe.org.uk/chrislyndon

CHRIS LYNDON

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Thank you!

Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2020

‘For the finances, for the prayers, I don’t have enough words to express my gratitude. Thank you very much and may the Lord bless you.’

Rogers Kinani Wako, Pastor and Chairperson of the Lugwere Bible Translation Project in Uganda

‘We have been giving to and praying for Wycliffe for over 50 years. Bible translation makes a huge difference, and it felt wonderful when we visited Nigeria to see how the money we give helps to move the work forward. It was lovely to see the result of that.’

Rachel and Doug Dickson

‘I am delighted to leave Wycliffe a legacy in my Will. There is nothing as foundational, or as important, in world mission today as giving people access to the Bible – everything else is built on that.’

Anna Bishop

Thank you to all who support the work of Bible translation – we are grateful to God for you.

‘Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.’ (Psalm 127:1)‘We are conscious that we cannot effectively do the work of Bible translation without the continual prayers of God’s people. We are exceedingly thankful for the love, effort, and sacrifice of our supporters.’

Tim and Nim Kempton Serving with Wycliffe in Nigeria

Individuals£3,956,800

Churches£1,523,400

Trusts and organisations £1,191,900

Legacies£369,900

Other£143,100

Supported people £4,930,300

Programmes and partners£1,137,200

Church and supporter relations £514,700

Raising funds and support£328,600

Supporting charitable costs £917,600

These are provisional accounts. Audited accounts will be available on request. All numbers rounded to the nearest hundred. The deficit shown here was planned and accounted for by Wycliffe trustees to invest in building the global Bible translation movement.

63%

14%

4%

7%

12%

Expenditure £7,828,40055%

21%

17%

5%

2%

Income£7,185,100

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7,353

Portions of the Bible New Testaments Bibles

Bible translation progress

This tremendously exciting progress shows the acceleration in the work of Bible translation around the world.

It is happening because God is working through growing numbers of people like you praying and giving. That is facilitating more local translators to be trained; the growing use of computers and generators to provide reliable energy supplies; as well as more specialist software to be developed that enables translators to compare translations side-by-side.

Transformative progress has also been made in the number of new Bible translation projects beginning. There are currently over 2,700 active projects around the world in the global Bible translation movement.

This means we are on the brink of historic change. With your help, within the next 10–15 years we could see:

95% of people having the Bible in their language (currently 80%)

99% of people with the New Testament in their language (currently 90%)

100% of people having access to some Scripture in a language that speaks to them effectively (currently 255 million people have no Scripture)

‘ This will represent a key milestone in world history.’

THE ELLOMWE PEOPLE IN MALAWI CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THEIR BIBLE. THERE ARE NOW OVER 700 LANGUAGES WITH THE COMPLETE BIBLE.

Towards a future where everyone has the Bible in their languageNow more people have more of the Bible in the language they know best than ever before. In 2020, for the first time, speakers of over 700 languages had access to the complete Bible in their language.

This will represent a key milestone in world history – one that your praying and giving will play an essential part in achieving.

The Ellomwe people in Malawi were one of the communities to celebrate receiving the Bible in their language. Hundreds of people danced and sang to celebrate the launch of the Bible. Senior Chief Nazombe, who received a copy of the new Bible on behalf of the Ellomwe community, said: ‘I am grateful to God that I can witness this in my lifetime.’

In the coming years, the prayer of everyone involved in the Bible translation movement is that many, many, many more people will be able to say they are grateful to God for seeing their people have the Bible in their language during their lifetime.

PO Box 1594, High Wycombe HP11 9NA0300 303 1111 info@wycliffe.org.uk

Skainos Square, 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1AF028 9531 3380 northernireland@wycliffe.org.uk

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c/o EMW, Waterton Cross Business Park, South Road, Bridgend CF31 3UL

01656 253 372 wales@wycliffe.org.uk

Registered office: Wycliffe UK Ltd, The Hub, Easton Street, High Wycombe HP11 1NJ. A charity registered in England and Wales (251233) and in Scotland (SC039140), and a company registered in England and Wales (819788).

wycliffe.org.uk

0300 303 1111

info@wycliffe.org.uk

‘Thank you for your support. You were the answer to our

prayers. Through you, people who are walking in darkness

truly will see the light. We ask our Father to continue

to bless you and we know that one day we will all meet

in heaven.’

Pastor Paul* (right), director of the Flame*

translation in West Africa, who now has the New Testament in his language for the first time

*names changed for security reasons