Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- What is Wycliffe's goal?
- Why is Bible translation so important?
- How long does it take to translate a New Testament?
- Where do you work?
- How many people are involved?
- Who and what is involved in Bible translation?
- Are there short-term opportunities?
- What initial training would I need to work with Wycliffe?
- What about my family?
- How are Wycliffe personnel supported?
- What has been accomplished so far?
- How can I know if I would fit in with Wycliffe?
- Are there other ways I can get involved?
- How can a young person be involved in missions now?
- Where can I get copies of Bibles in other languages?
Our goal is to help the Church obey the Great Commission (Matt. 28:16-20) by ensuring that a translation of the Bible becomes available to everyone in the language they know best. This is not something we can or should accomplish alone. The task belongs to the whole church. Recently God has given us a fresh urgency and a fresh vision. By the year 2025, together with partners worldwide, we aim to see a Bible translation programme begun in all the remaining languages that need one. back to top
Why is Bible translation so important?
Because the Scriptures are essential for evangelism, discipleship, and church growth. Jesus told His followers to take the Gospel to all the world, but there are still hundreds of language groups which don't have God's Word in their mother tongue – the language they understand the best. History shows that there has never been a strong indigenous church without the translated written Scriptures used by indigenous leaders. Missionaries from every mission and denomination depend on Scriptures in the language of the people with whom they work to make a lasting impact. back to top
How long does it take to translate a New Testament?
From first writing down a language to printing a complete New Testament it can take 5 to 20 years, depending on many factors such as closeness of language to an existing translation, the ability of the local people to help in translation, living conditions, health of the translators and their other responsibilities. While a few people are involved from start to finish many others add vital input throughout the process. back to top
In more than 70 countries, on all continents except Antarctica! A large portion of the work in the Americas has been completed, but in Africa, Asia and the Pacific, there are more than 2,500 language groups needing translations. back to top
Internationally there are more than 6,600 active Wycliffe members from over 70 countries including about 450 from the UK and many more preparing for service. Wycliffe members worldwide are supported financially and in prayer by well over 100,000 individuals, families and churches. back to top
Who and what is involved in Bible translation?
Teamwork. There are many different roles and areas of expertise. Surveyors carry out initial research to establish translation needs. Working alongside local people work is done where needed to develop an alphabet for each unwritten language, analyse the grammar, produce primers and teach the speakers to read. Literacy specialists help train others in order to establish ongoing literacy programmes and encourage widespread use of the language in written form. Linguist/translators oversee the actual translation work and pass on their skills to local people. Other people specialise in encouraging scripture use. We also need support workers, such as secretaries, teachers, accountants, computer technicians and programmers, mechanics, pilots, printers, media personnel and many others. Chances are, with your gifts and professional skills you could be a valuable part of the Bible translation team. back to top
Are there short-term opportunities?
Yes, our One-to-One programme offers opportunities especially for teachers, secretaries, finance people, computer specialists and others whose skills can be utilised without a long training process. Our 4-week Engage (formerly Transform) teams offer a shorter taste of practical work in an overseas project. The GRIP language option (2 years overseas) combines linguistic training with an overseas assignment. back to top
What initial training would I need to work with Wycliffe?
Our aim is always to provide the level of training and orientation needed to equip you for the role you will be taking. Some roles just require you to be able to use your existing skills in a cross-cultural context. Others require specialist courses provided by ETP (the European Training Programme). back to top
Wycliffe puts high priority on the family. As equal members in the organisation, spouses who are not directly involved in a language project or support work with their partners participate in whatever way they are able. At many centre locations, parents are able to share directly in the ministry work, on a part-time basis, by taking advantage of the child-care provided. Several hundred teachers provide an excellent education for children of our missionary staff. Many children attend schools on our centres. Others study at home with their parents in village locations. back to top
How are Wycliffe personnel supported?
All Wycliffe members, serving overseas or home-assigned, whether translators, administrators or support workers, develop their own team of prayer and financial partners to meet their living and ministry expenses. Wycliffe helps by conducting partnership development workshops led by trained consultants. back to top
What has been accomplished so far?
The number of languages in which New Testaments or Bibles have been completed with Wycliffe personnel involved now stands at over 600. As a result, many thousands of people's lives have been changed, and many indigenous churches have developed and grown. The language work we have been involved in has also contributed to ongoing literacy programmes. Work is continuing in about 1,700 language groups. back to top
How can I know if I would fit in with Wycliffe?
If you can see yourself working with Wycliffe, pray about it, talk with your pastor and other church leaders, and talk with us to get to know us better. Write for more information in your specific area of interest. Ask about our linguistics courses. Attend Window On Wycliffe, or our one-day event Wycliffe and me. Regional representatives are available in various parts of the UK to talk with you personally about your interest. back to top
Are there other ways I can get involved?
Yes! You can pray regularly for a Wycliffe worker or a language group which doesn't have the Scriptures, or help finance a translator or someone of your same profession. You can volunteer your time and skills to work in an office or on a project. Request more information about these opportunities. back to top
How can a young person be involved in missions now?
WYnet is the youth mobilization department of Wycliffe Bible Translators. We have a vast range of ways for young people like you to get involved and make a difference. Find out more here. back to top
Where can I get copies of Bibles in other languages?
Our UK office doesn't actually sell Bibles but we know a few people who can help. The Bible Society has at least 400 different language editions in stock. (UBS United Bible Societies provides links to Bible societies in other countries.) No Frontiers is another UK supplier of Bibles and other resources in over 100 languages. Lifewords (formerly Scripture Gift Mission) International provides a number of shorter scripture booklets. Agape can provide the JESUS film in 26 commonly spoken languages in the UK (and can order it in lots more). back to top
