Q. How did Wycliffe get its name?
A. In the late 1300s, John Wycliffe led a team that translated the Bible into English for the first time. Before that, English speakers had to learn Latin to read the common Bible translation. Wycliffe wanted the Bible available to every person. Cameron Townsend, Wycliffe Bible Translator's founder, chose to use the name "Wycliffe" because both John Wycliffe and Wycliffe Bible Translators have a common passion: that every person should have a Bible in their heart language.
Q. What is Wycliffe's goal?
A.
Together with partners worldwide, we serve indigenous people through language-related ministries, especially Bible translation and literacy. Our goal is to empower local communities to express God's love in both Word and deed. The result is personal, social and spiritual transformation. Wycliffe invites like-minded people in Canada to participate through prayer, service and funding. About 2,000 minority language groups still wait for the power of God working through their own languages.
Q. Where does Wycliffe work?
A.
In 99 countries, and all continents except Antarctica! For more information about the progress of Bible translation around the world, visit wycliffe.net.
Q. How many people are involved?
A.
More than 100 organizations form the Wycliffe Global Alliance. They are responsible for about 7,000 affiliated staff working alongside many partner organizations, individuals from local communities and national organizations.
Q. Does Wycliffe sell Bibles in many languages?
A. No. If you're looking for a wide range of non-English Bible or New Testament translations, we recommend you contact the Canadian Bible Society.
Q. I'm not a linguist—is there a place for me?
A.
Are we ever glad you asked that question! Hundreds of literacy workers are needed to develop teaching materials and train local people to teach reading classes. We also need secretaries, teachers, accountants, computer technicians and programmers, mechanics, pilots, printers and many others.
Q. I'm still in school; is there anything I can do now to prepare?
A. The best way to prepare for any Christian service is to grow spiritually. Set aside time regularly to be in God's presence and listen for ways He may speak to you as you pray, worship or meditate on His Word. You can find other helpful suggestions on our website; check out Before You Apply and Are You Ready?
Q. Do Wycliffe members receive a salary?
A. "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:18-20, KJV). Do we believe Him?
Most people serving full time in Wycliffe are required to raise their own financial support, in simple faith that God will provide for their needs by calling others to partner with them. We provide an estimate of how much you will need, based on your personal circumstances, the type of ministry you'll be involved in, the area of the world you'll be living in, etc. We also provide training and resources to assist you in partnership development, as you contact interested friends, family members and churches to share the need for Bible translation and your specific role.
Q. Are there opportunities for service within Canada?
A. Absolutely! Staff and volunteers are urgently needed at our Calgary headquarters and at several other locations across Canada. Current staff needs are posted on our Latest Vacancies page.
Q. If I serve overseas, what kind of schooling options are available for my children?
A. Options for education depend on factors such as available facilities, personnel and finances, transportation, communication and more. Parents and administrators work out which options most suit the needs and best fit the location, though flexibility is a key element. Traditional options include Wycliffe-staffed schools, other mission schools and international schools. Non-traditional options include one-room schools and parents as teachers (home schooling, with help from professional teachers when available).
Q. Besides serving with Wycliffe, are there other ways to get involved?
A. Yes. Pray regularly for a missionary or a language group that doesn't have the Scriptures, help fund Wycliffe Canada's work, or share the vision with others.
Q. Do you have short-term opportunities?
A. Yes. Through our network of Wycliffe ministries in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K., we offer a number of short-term programs ranging from a few weeks to one or two years. Most programs are designed to introduce participants to the work of Bible translation and other language-related ministries, such as literacy and language survey. Check out our short-term section for details.
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