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CHICAGO—People from 20 different minority language
groups received God’s Word in their heart language
in 2007 as a result of a long-standing partnership
between Bible League and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
These newly-translated Scriptures were placed in the
hands of specific people groups throughout Ghana, Kenya,
Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Peru, and the Philippines—people
who never before had the written Word of God in their
language.
Grateful recipients held celebration ceremonies
in a number of these countries. “In
Peru, a large crowd gathered to rejoice after receiving the New Testament in
their language,” reported a Bible League contact. “People came from
four villages; some had never heard or understood the Gospel message before.” They
gave praise to the Lord through Peruvian music and dancing in their traditional
tribal style.
“Nearly all of the approximately 50 people groups in the Amazon jungle
of Peru now have Scriptures published by Bible League in their language,” said
Rev. Chester Schemper, Bible League’s director of minority languages. New,
indigenous churches are thriving. Among other highlights during 2007, Bible League’s
minority language ministry also printed and placed God’s Word with people
groups in predominantly Muslim areas.
Over the past 40 years, Bible League has published New Testaments in more than
400 languages, and made portions of Scripture available in 300 additional languages.
Wycliffe translators labor—sometimes for decades—to develop new translations.
Bible League then prints and places many of these Scriptures with previously
Bible-less people. Trained staff and volunteers currently share Bible League
Scriptures in indigenous languages in more than 60 countries.
“Most of the minority groups we reach live in desolate, remote, mountainous,
desert, or jungle areas,” said Rev. Schemper. “They may have little
or no contact with the Western world. Many live in fear of evil spirits, or feel
that unfriendly gods have no interest in them. The result of the Bible in new
translations is that millions of people discover our true God’s love for
them as they study His Word in their heart language!”
Bible League’s mission and vision emphasize measuring long-lasting impact
as evidenced in transformed lives. “The effectiveness of the new translations
is seen when people come into fellowship with Christ and His Church,” said
Rev. Schemper. “That is the most important thing.”
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Millions discover God speaks their language
