May 8, 2020 Translators Aid in Fight Against COVID-19 By Wycliffe Canada Back to all stories “Wash your hands” is a key message in fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus around the globe. But for roughly 30 per cent the world’s population, that simple advice is not accessible because it hasn’t been translated into their language. To help spread the word about hand washing and other key recommendations, Wycliffe and its key partner organization, SIL, are working with global partners to translate pandemic-related health materials into hundreds of the world’s languages. So far, those materials have been translated into more than 500 languages. Trauma addressed As a member of the Trauma Healing Alliance, SIL and other alliance members are also working to provide trauma healing resources specific to the pandemic. In a chapter called “Healing from the Distress of COVID-19,” topics include “Remembering God’s love during this pandemic” and “How can we heal from the effects of the COVID-19 crisis?” The lesson is recommended for use in small groups (online) to facilitate discussion and sharing, but individuals are encouraged to keep a journal while working through the questions and exercises provided. Books relating to COVID-19 prevention and health are available in multiple languages for mobile phones, tablets, and computers, via SIL’s Bloom Reader app. Designed with new computer users in mind, the app allows users to view materials online, download them to the Bloom Reader, or use book creation software to adapt the materials to a new language. Canadian Involvement In Southeast Asia, a Wycliffe Canada-funded project called Kinsha is producing Bloom booklets to help fight the pandemic. The project team is first translating education and awareness booklets into the language most widely spoken in the region. Once a final check of the translations are completed, they will be translated into several minority languages. Staff are also producing relevant materials that will help people deal with the spiritual and emotional aspects of their lives during the pandemic. In West Asia, similar translation efforts are underway in the project known as Silk Road Ascent (SRA). “There has been a lot of work done in putting out informative materials on the virus in the local languages,” says Val Carleton, a field project liaison serving in Wycliffe Canada’s Calgary office. “Many of them have had SIL teams working with them over the years, and they include the three language projects supported by Wycliffe Canada– “Lotari,” “Duskani” and “Taqt.”* Source poster for Naskapi translation Meanwhile, First Nations communities across Canada have been actively translating health materials to fight the pandemic, including the Naskapi of eastern Quebec. “The Naskapi community has been translating materials since the beginning of the crisis,” says Wycliffe’s Bill Jancewicz. Translated content has been broadcast over the local radio station and Jancewicz is working with a Naskapi colleague to translate posters provided by provincial health authorities in Quebec. While the coronavirus pandemic has created an urgent need for mother-tongue health publications, field project liaison Derryl Friesen says Wycliffe remains committed to advancing Bible translation globally. “Whether people are threatened by COVID-19 or death from other causes,” says Friesen, “only God’s Word provides eternal hope.” * Pseudonyms used due to sensitivity Related links: Languages with COVID-19 materials ( Ethnologue.com ) Healing from the Distress of COVID-19 Bloom Library Posted in Engaging with Scripture Previous Next

‎ HINDLE, Tom and Esther Tom moved to Canada from the U.K. in 2008 with his wife Esther and infant daughter to join the language software development team based in the Calgary office, with the goal of supporting the translation of God-breathed Scripture for those who do not have it. He primarily works on development and maintenance of Paratext, a Bible translation software tool used throughout the world by Wycliffe translators as well as other Bible translation organizations. Tom is currently working on a new project to make a scaled-down version of Paratext that is able to run on touchscreen tablets. Paratext running on these types of machines aims to fulfil the need to provide useable software, in areas that do not have reliable power or sufficient solar panels to use a standard laptop or computer. Tom and Esther now have five children and make their home in Airdrie, Alberta. Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=86 Previous Next

‎ HAMM, Cameron and Valerie Cam is from Ryley, Alberta, and Valerie is from Richland, Washington. Cam joined Wycliffe in 1995 and Valerie in 2000. They have three children, Noah, Elly, and Jojo. Cam and Valerie are part of a large team assigned to a cluster of 10 related languages in Cameroon, called the Ndop Cluster. The team’s goal is to train local Christians to complete the task of Bible translation in all 10 languages in the cluster. All the languages have alphabets and literacy programs, while seven languages have some portions of Scripture translated and published. Cam and Valerie’s present goal is to continue describing aspects of the grammar of the Bafanji language (Chufie’), and Cam plans to develop into a linguistics consultant. As they acquire a better understanding of the language, translators can be more aware of the unique capabilities of their languages to express the meaning of the Bible as it is translated. They work with Wycliffe Bible Translators to help give access to the Bible in minority languages of the world. Recently, Cam and Valerie completed a year-long study program in Israel designed to equip them to do Old Testament translation and teach Hebrew to Bible translators. Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=80 Previous Next

‎ MAH, Randall Randall joined Wycliffe Bible Translators in 2010 and is part of the Diaspora Recruitment team as a mobilizer among the second generation Asian churches. He is a third generation, Canadian-born Chinese (CBC) and is married to Rita. They have two children, Tabitha and Jairus. Randall earned a Master of Divinity degree from Ontario Theological Seminary and Doctor Of Ministry Degree from Fuller Seminary. He was the youth pastor at Richmond Hill Chinese Community Church from 1991-1995 and missions pastor from 2006-2009. From 1995-2003 he and his wife served with Africa Inland Mission in the country of Lesotho. Randall is a Head Facilitator and the Ontario regional co-ordinator for Simply Mobilizing, which offers the Kairos course, and is an adjunct professor at Tyndale University College and Seminary. Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=342 Previous Next

Global POPA, Rebekah Rebekah grew up in Langley, B.C. and completed her degree in Applied Linguistics at Trinity Western University. After an exploratory trip with Wycliffe to Cameroon in 2014, she was encouraged that God could use her in the field of linguistics and translation. Rebekah was struck by the need for Bible translation into the signed languages of the world. The Deaf remain one of the largest unreached people groups due to marginalization and a lack of accessibility to the gospel in their heart languages. With just one complete Bible translation in only one of more than 350 sign languages globally, the remaining task is great. But with the technological advances of today and the commitment of local Deaf communities, momentum is building to advance this work. This knowledge inspired Rebekah to fulfil her dream of studying American Sign Language and then to complete her Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation from Douglas College in 2019, hoping to gain skills to support sign language Bible translation globally. Rebekah became a member of Wycliffe Canada in 2020 and joined SIL’s Global Sign Languages Team (GSLT) in 2021. During her initial training year with the GSLT in Romania, she met Sergiu, a Deaf Romanian, whom she married in 2023, and they welcomed their daughter, Abigail, to the family in 2025. Rebekah is currently serving the GSLT in the areas of Communications and Sign Language Interpretation, while continuing to train towards becoming a Sign Language Linguistics Consultant. She is eager to grow in her understanding of Deaf communities around the world and their sign languages and see more and more Deaf people encounter God’s love! Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=264 Previous Next

Scripture Completion Fund Global Back to all projects Overview When Wycliffe Canada members come to the end of a Bible translation project , extra costs are often accrued. Consultant fees, travel costs and printing expenses can add up, leaving translation teams in financial binds and crises as they wrap up their work. For this reason, Wycliffe Canada has set up a Scripture Completion and Bible Printing Fund. When unforeseen costs plague Bible translation initiatives, they can turn to this fund and receive assistance. You can play a crucial role to keep this fund strong through your gifts . Your partnership can resource local field partners, so they can focus on their work rather than finances in the last phases of a Bible translation project. Your support will help ensure financial stability as Wycliffe Canada members complete and print translated Scriptures, and share them with Bibleless communities around the world! Your partnership is key Help communities access translated Scriptures faster. For more than a decade, the Cuiba people of Colombia and Venezuela waited for revised copies of the New Testament in their language, alongside translated passages of the Psalms, Proverbs and an Old Testament summary. The Scripture Completion and Bible Printing Fund helps make this possible, so Cuiba believers can receive in excess of 1,000 copies of these translated Scriptures. Your involvement will support the work God is doing in minority language groups like the Cuiba. Support creative Scripture completion ventures. Years ago, Canadian members in Burkina Faso were wrapping up a Bible translation project but hoped to distribute the audio version of the Scriptures rather than a printed book. This fund provided the field partner with the technology needed to copy the audio Scriptures onto hundreds of micro SD cards, allowing Scriptures to be heard on smartphones! Bible translation is accelerating worldwide. Innovative technologies and increased collaboration amongst organizations has increased the pace of Bible translation. In light of this, Bible printing is a growing need. Your support will help keep up the pace! $0 $0 Remaining Need: of $68,450 Current phase: 2025-2028 2025-26 | $30,000 2026-27 | $30,000 2027-28 | $30,000 This is an ongoing fund Help Bible projects in their last phases reach their goals in times of need. GIVE NOW Prayer Points Your prayer and financial gifts can support the final push of Bible translation projects around the world in times of need. In giving, Scripture can be completed and distributed to language communities who have yet to access God’s Word in their language. PRAY Facebook LinkedIn Your gift will help: Classics Memoirs Historical Fiction This is an ongoing fund Help Bible projects in their last phases reach their goals in times of need. Download the latest update Due to the sensitivity of the region this project is located in, please contact development@wycliffe.ca for the latest updates on this project. CONTACT Our commitment Visit the projects periodically to monitor progress, address challenges, and help ensure good stewardship of resources Send you regular updates to keep you informed about progress, financial need, and prayer requests Send you an annual tax receipt for your donations Read the story here Previous Facebook LinkedIn Next *Our funding commitments to Bible translation projects are made in 3-year cycles and include regular checkpoints with our field partners to ensure mutual accountability. For greater transparency and a more accurate picture of the scope of our projects, the amounts below now reflect the remaining need based on the entire 3-year funding commitment for the current phase of each project.

August 27, 2025 In the Beginning Language related National stories Bible translation Literacy Africa Back to all videos English 3:00 to 4:59 Length 4:19 In some areas of the world, people who serve Jesus put their lives in danger on a daily basis. In this short documentary, hear a story first-hand from a local Bible translator serving in a sensitive area of Africa. A cool literacy tool is also highlighted. Hint: it’s all about Scripture in the heart language! DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Something New Length 5:38 Dineke is living in a new world, vastly different from her homeland in the Netherlands. She and husband Klaas are right in the thick of it, learning a new language and culture. This life can be daunting. In this film, Dineke shares her fresh perspective just three months into their incredible venture. Every Tribe Will Hear Length 2:25 In the 1980s, Wycliffe founder William Cameron Townsend — affectionately known as “Uncle Cam” — delivered an inspirational speech at the memorial service of a fallen missionary. This video captures Townsend’s passion for the mission we have each been given to carry the gospel message to every nation. Bible Translation is a Justice Issue Length 02:43 Many people take it for granted that the Bible is available in their own language, and are unaware that there are hundreds of millions without that privilege – mostly from smaller, often marginalised language groups. This video explains in just under three minutes why translating the Bible is transformative for these communities, bringing greater equality, empowerment and justice. (Produced by the United Bible Societies, used with permission.) Pastor Gab Length 1:34 Pastor Gab shares the importance of mother tongue Scriptures. With one impact story from his language community, Tetun. Previous Next

‎ FAUST, Andy and Mary Ellen Since 2024 Andy has been an instructor at Canada Institute of Linguistics (CanIL, in Langley, BC), where he helps train others to serve language communities worldwide. Mary Ellen is part of CanIL's Community Life team—supporting the emotional, relational, and spiritual growth of the students. She's also involved with recruiting people to study at CanIL. The Fausts live in the Vancouver area. After a decade in the field of English language teaching, Andy joined Wycliffe in 1999 and went to Central Asia to help develop an English learner’s dictionary. There he met Mary Ellen, who was a staff member of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship focused on evangelism and discipleship among university students. They married in 2001 and their two children were born while Andy was studying at CanIL. In 2007 Andy joined an existing translation project in Central Asia and his team published a full Bible in 2016. He went on to work in communications and another Scripture project in that region. Andy and Mary Ellen consider it a privilege to be preparing the next generation for involvement in Bible translation work and missions around the globe! Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=258 Previous Next

August 27, 2025 Every Tribe Will Hear General Wycliffe Promotion Literacy Language related Bible translation Historical Uncle Cam World Back to all videos English 0:00 to 2:59 Length 2:25 In the 1980s, Wycliffe founder William Cameron Townsend — affectionately known as “Uncle Cam” — delivered an inspirational speech at the memorial service of a fallen missionary. This video captures Townsend’s passion for the mission we have each been given to carry the gospel message to every nation. DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Something New Length 5:38 Dineke is living in a new world, vastly different from her homeland in the Netherlands. She and husband Klaas are right in the thick of it, learning a new language and culture. This life can be daunting. In this film, Dineke shares her fresh perspective just three months into their incredible venture. Every Tribe Will Hear Length 2:25 In the 1980s, Wycliffe founder William Cameron Townsend — affectionately known as “Uncle Cam” — delivered an inspirational speech at the memorial service of a fallen missionary. This video captures Townsend’s passion for the mission we have each been given to carry the gospel message to every nation. Bible Translation is a Justice Issue Length 02:43 Many people take it for granted that the Bible is available in their own language, and are unaware that there are hundreds of millions without that privilege – mostly from smaller, often marginalised language groups. This video explains in just under three minutes why translating the Bible is transformative for these communities, bringing greater equality, empowerment and justice. (Produced by the United Bible Societies, used with permission.) Pastor Gab Length 1:34 Pastor Gab shares the importance of mother tongue Scriptures. With one impact story from his language community, Tetun. Previous Next

Africa SMOLDERS, Josh and Jenni Josh and Jenni Smolders have been members of Wycliffe Canada since 2012, and have been serving in linguistics and Bible translation in Ethiopia since 2014. They have four children, Fletcher (M, 2013), Theodore (M, 2017), Rordan (M, 2020), and Raewyn (F, 2023). Josh is originally from Ucluelet, B.C. and holds a Master’s of Linguistics degree from Trinity Western University (2012). Jenni is from Vancouver and holds a master’s degree in English Literature from Simon Fraser University. The work that Josh and Jenni do is the frontline of Bible translation. In 2016 they began working with the Opo community of Gambella, the westernmost state of Ethiopia, and in 2018 they started the Opo Scripture Translation Project in partnership with the Anglican Church in Ethiopia and the Norwegian Missions Society. Josh now leads a team of three mother-tongue translators to bring the Word of God into the Opo language. At the same time Josh works as a linguist, researching and publishing on Ethiopian languages, helping communities develop alphabets, dictionaries, and other educational materials, and even serving as a linguistics consultant-in-training outside Ethiopia, with a focus on helping people analyze the tone systems of languages they work with. Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=147 Previous Next