We know that it is the Great Commission of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ unto His followers to: “Go … and teach all nations” (Matt. 28:19), emphasising the need to spread His Biblical truths across linguistic and national barriers. One of the most effective ways to do this is by translating sound Biblical materials into different languages. Good translation of Biblical materials ensures that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds can receive the truths of God’s Word in a way that speaks to their hearts and minds.
The following are reasons why we should attempt, as the Lord enables, to make sound materials available in local languages within mission stations.
- Millions still do not speak English around the world. Without translation, they may never fully grasp the depth and richness of Scriptural truths.
- Translating Gospel tracts and other evangelistic materials helps to spread the Gospel to the unregenerated in the non-English-speaking world.
- Translating Biblical materials gives non-English-speaking people access to the foundational teachings of Biblical Christianity. It helps individual believers grow in their knowledge and service of God. When people can read and understand Biblical truths in their own language, they are more likely to engage with the message and apply it to their lives.
- Translating sound Biblical materials ensures that God’s people are warned and equipped against fast-spreading false teachings worldwide. Misinformation and misinterpretation lead to doctrinal errors and unbiblical living, which destroy churches.
- Translating sound Biblical materials equips missionaries, indigenous preachers, evangelists and churches with excellent tools for evangelism, discipleship and equipping of future church leaders. When discipleship materials are available in their native tongue, believers will be better equipped to share the Word to edify local congregations.
- Translated theological materials provide pastors and church leaders, who may not have access to formal theological education, an opportunity to learn and benefit thereby. For this purpose, theological books, study guides, and sermons must be accurately translated.
- Translated Christian materials help to quell the idea that Christianity is a foreign religion, and also to instil the understanding that God’s message of salvation is meant for all the peoples of the world.
So, in our humble ways, we also try to make our Bible Witness Literature available to non-English speakers in our mission fields. Several brethren in our mission stations are trying to translate our Gospel tracts, devotional books and other materials, that these may be printed in the coming years.
- Let us pray to God for this ministry:
- for faithful and skilled men and women, who are willing to labour in the translation of Biblical materials sacrificially.
- for funds needed to support the translation and printing of Biblical materials.
- for the Spirit of God to comfort and embolden those who serve in translation work to overcome obstacles and difficulties, and complete the works they have undertaken.
