More than 600 language groups from around the world now have the chance to have the Bible translated into their vernacular, reports Premier.
Wycliffe Associates revealed that there are 619 groups requesting for a Bible translation workshop in their communities. “When they hear that the entire New Testament can now be translated in just months, they’re astonished, and they plead for a chance,” said Bruce Smith, President and CEO.
In 2014, Wycliffe Associates launched a new methodology that accelerates the procedure of translating the Bible to the local dialect. Called MAST (Mobilized Assistance Supporting Translation), local Christians are trained on site to do the translating of the Scriptures. Before, it takes 25-30 years to complete the translation of the Bible, but with MAST, it just takes months.
When they hear that the entire New Testament can now be translated in just months, they’re astonished, and they plead for a chance. —Bruce Smith, President and CEO of Wycliffe Associates
The Bible translation organization said it has distributed 5,485 computer tablets with translation software in 67 countries. The tablets are designed to be compact and discreet. Not only do these tablets make Bible translation fast, translators and their precious work are also protected.
MAST is a collaborative translation method where a language group is divided into different teams with translators. Each team is assigned a set of Bible passages to translate, according to The Christian Messenger.
While the translation process is quicker now, Smith disclosed that many Christian converts in the region have put their lives at risk just to have a copy of their own Bible. “Some have been arrested. Some have been beaten, some tortured. Some have been killed. All because their hearts longed to share God’s Word, and they determined to do something about it.”
Wycliffe Associates aims to have the Bible translated in every language by 2025.
