As long as people cannot understand the words they are reading, the Bible remains a closed book. Today about 200 million people (about 1,800 languages) still don’t have a Bible in their native language. Many more don’t have access to a Bible they can clearly understand.
Many of the world’s minority languages are oral, meaning they do not have a native system for writing. Because language is core to community and individual identity, a writing system must be created in close partnership with language speakers.
Scripts are chosen based on the dominant script being used in the area. Once the written word is constructed, we work to equip people with skills to read and write in their language.
This work often involves creating audio versions of Scriptures that are distributed during the learning process. Once the Bible translation work begins, efforts are focused on Scripture engagement and literacy, along with printing and distribution.
