To the Ends of the Earth

We can acknowledge that we are part of a bigger picture, God's work being orchestrated on the earth, a testimony to His love for humanity.  And, each of us plays a part.  Consider the words of Proverbs 19:
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.
21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the Lord's counsel--that will stand.

That's right, we can plan out our lives, we can become consumed in the quest for success, we can even map out what we will do for God.  But, unfortunately, that is not the approach that is prescribed in Scripture.  The Lord wants us to seek His face; He wants to speak to our hearts and direct our steps.  He desires to show us our role in His plan.  He invites us to get involved in the magnificent work that He is doing in the world today and to use our giftedness for His glory.

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I want to return to Matthew 24, where we see the signs of the end times. Jesus referred to the true and false teaching that will be spread in the last days:
11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.
12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

A recent survey report states that there are just over 6900 languages in the world.  Care to venture a guess as to how many of those languages have a Bible translation?   According to a newly released study by the Barna Group for the American Bible Society, less than half have a completed Bible or even a Bible portion.   And, what is amazing is that almost 3-in-4 Americans believe that the Bible has been translated into every language.  Only 21% of those surveyed recognize there are still languages in the world without a Bible translation.

Nearly all Americans—98%—believe people should have access to the Bible. And indeed, most people in America not only have access to the Bible, but they also own a Bible. Nearly nine in 10 American households report having at least one Bible, with the average household owning four copies. Of course, ownership does not equal readership; three out of five Americans say they want to read the Bible more (60%).

The Barna survey summary states that more than half of the world’s languages still do not have a completed Bible translation (57%).  Believe it or not, three in 10 active first languages do not have even a translation begun in that language (31%). An additional one-quarter have only segments of Scripture completed, with more portions in the translation process (26%).

But, the good news is that there are worldwide efforts to translate the Bible into native languages. There are certainly challenges.  Jack Popjes, former CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Canada, wrote in a blog post about some of those:

One is that some of these translation programs are staffed by expatriate linguist/translators working together with nationals who have little or no education, speak only their own language and have no idea what the Bible is about.

Another is that some translators work in languages which have never been written, and others work in communities that have a long tradition of literacy in their own language.

Some translators work in isolated valleys, or distant islands, or in inhospitable regions of the world where there are no physical amenities like clean water, electric power, easy communications or transportation. Others work in or near cities where all these services are taken for granted.

Some translators work in areas of the world where the Bible is appreciated and respected, while others work in countries dominated by non-Christian world religions with adherents that are strongly antagonistic to any religion other than their own.

Also, there are some translators who work right in their co-translators’ community, while others work with co-translators who are living outside their country.  Some work together face-to-face, other collaborate via e-mail and Skype.

You could say that progress has been made, but there is still plenty of ground to cover in the area of Bible translation, of spreading God's Word around the world.   From this Barna survey and the comments on Bible translation from Jack Popjes, here are some takeaways:

The Bible is still seen as an important book, but it has to be used.  98% believe that everyone should have access to it, and 9-in-10 Americans own one.  And, people want to read it more.  But, Bible ownership does not translate to Bible obedience.  Bible study doesn't necessarily mean that God's Word is hidden in our hearts.  I regard our approach to the Bible like a muscle - if we use it, it will build up and grow stronger.  If we don't, well, it's still there, but does not function to nearly its capacity.  So, we can revere the Bible, but if it's not used properly, it will not perform its maximum purpose - to help us grow in Christ.

Many still need to hear God's Word.  Again, there is plenty of emphasis on Bible translation, and while modern technology can help in the spread of God's Word, in a number of cases, where there is no written language, translators have to go in and actually learn the language orally before teaching the Bible.  It's a tedious process, for sure.  But, it shows that God is using dedicated individuals to get His Word into the hearts of people who need to come to know Him.  He wants to get His Word into our hearts, so that can know Him better and grow in Him.