September 21, 2026 God's Word Strengthens Families By Wycliffe Canada A family in the Kinsha region takes a break together. The white paste on the mother’s and baby’s faces is commonly used for beauty and sun protection. Photo: Marc Ewell, Wycliffe Global Alliance Back to all stories How Scripture engagement workshops in Southeast Asia are healing families “I grew up in fear of my father,” reflects Thant.* “Now I am over 40, but I have never heard ‘I love you’ from my father and I have never felt love for him. “I wanted to be a good father to my children, but did not know how to do it.” Thant’s story is far from unique. Like many other participants in the Strengthening Christian Families workshop, he arrived bearing scars that stretch back generations. Years of conflict, displacement and uncertainty have left deep wounds across the Kinsha* region in Southeast Asia. Families have been separated, communities uprooted, and many parents have never known the stability needed to raise their children with confidence. God's design for family life Through the Strengthening Christian Families workshop, Thant encountered practical guidance for parenting, and the love of his heavenly Father. As he learned about God’s design for family life, he discovered how to show that love to his own children. Today, he shares, “I really thank you for helping me learn how to be a good parent in this workshop.” The Strengthening Christian Families program includes 18 interactive, Scripture-based lessons. These help participants explore parenting, communication, trust, emotions, discipline, boundaries and service. "I really thank you for helping me learn how to be a good parent in this workshop." As participants encounter biblical wisdom, homes are changing. Parents are learning to lead with love instead of fear, and children are discovering their God-given worth. Families are finding new ways to forgive and communicate. Aung,* another father attending the program, explains: “From now on, I have decided to change my life with God, show love to my children and support them both physically and spiritually.” A family in the Kinsha region takes a break together. The white paste on the mother’s and baby’s faces is commonly used for beauty and sun protection. Photo: Marc Ewell, Wycliffe Global Alliance Growing impact In 2025 alone, more than 30 workshops were held across churches, schools, refugee camps, orphanages, rehabilitation centers and community groups throughout the Kinsha region. These reached more than 1,400 parents, teachers and children. Yet the impact is spreading far beyond Kinsha. Already, Strengthening Christian Families training has been requested in 66 countries worldwide! Bible translation is about more than placing translated Scriptures into people’s hands—it’s about helping people experience God’s truth in ways that transform their everyday lives. As families are strengthened by God’s Word, hope takes root, even in some of the world’s most difficult places. *pseudonyms Story by Jessica Debanné Thiessen Posted in Engaging with Scripture Previous Next

September 9, 2026 I Am Free Now By Wycliffe Canada Mohit* and his wife, Aaliyah* pause for a photo during a volunteer training session. Photo: Ruth Richert Back to all stories “I was a Hindu priest. If anybody had a problem, they came to me, and I’d tell them which sacrifices to bring.” It might be flocks going missing, or sick children—the gods didn’t answer these requests for free, and Mohit* knew how to interpret their demands. Mohit* and his wife, Aaliyah* pause for a photo during a volunteer training session. Photo: Ruth Richert But then a Christian from a local ministry began visiting him. At first, Mohit was annoyed and tried to pick fights. But over time, something shifted. “I saw the love of Christ in him, and I was just listening to the Word of God…I heard about Jesus Christ, that He was crucified for me…In the Hindu religion, there is no one who gave his life for the people.” He became convinced that Christ was the way. “I left everything. I asked God for freedom from these evil spirits. And I realized that God was with me—He helped me, and I am free now.” Mohit and his wife, Aaliyah,* now serve their community by sharing oral Bible stories. They pray that their neighbours will leave their spiritual bondage and find the God who was willing to give His life for the people. *Pseudonyms used. Story by Ruth Richert Posted in Impact Previous Next

October 1, 2026 A Day in the Light By Wycliffe Canada Sarah* shares the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man with members of her sister-in-law Rachel's village. Photo: Ruth Richert Back to all stories Join an oral Bible storyteller as she shares God’s Word in her Southwest Asian community Dawn Morning comes early in the village. At 4am, two neighbourhood mosques broadcast overlapping calls to prayer. Soon, roosters crow, goats bleat, a baby cries and the sun peeks over the horizon. It’s time for chai. Sarah's daughter-in-law, Meenu, prepares chai as her daughter watches. Photo: Ruth Richert Sarah* is on her feet. The busy mother and grandmother bustles around efficiently. With her flashing eyes and quick wit, it's clear that not much escapes her notice. Her daughter-in-law, Meenu,* serves her breakfast that she has cooked over a fire fueled by cow dung—it burns slowly and evenly, and there's plenty of it. Their whitewashed compound is immaculate; no small feat considering it's home to at least 20 extended family members and assorted livestock. Today is another opportunity for Sarah to share oral Bible stories in neighbouring villages. Ever since she became a Christian as a teenager, she's dreamt of a life of ministry—she loves serving God. Before the desert heat inevitably crescendos, she'll spend some time preparing her lessons. But first, chai. Morning Sarah gathers her storyboards, a storybook Bible and her copy of the Ikimeg* New Testament. Her husband, Hiro,* helped translate it, and he'll be joining her today as she travels to two villages. The New Testament is a milestone for this community, but many people—women in particular—cannot read yet, so oral stories crafted from the translated Scripture are an essential resource. Sarah gathers her Ikimeg* New Testament and other materials in preparation for her village visits. Photo: Ruth Richert The majority religion in this region is Islam, but the people that Sarah and Hiro will visit today are all from a Hindu background, as is Sarah herself. “Before knowing Jesus, my life was worshiping idols, but God gave us a new life, and we have eternal life through Him,” she says. As members of a scheduled caste—often referred to as 'untouchable’—many Ikimeg families face discrimination, limited opportunities and a lifetime of hard, physical labour. When Sarah began sharing Bible stories with them six years ago, some mocked her, but others were curious: who was this God who humbled Himself, rather than demanding sacrifices? Today, many villagers are eager for her weekly visits. Midday Sarah and Hiro—along with several of their grandchildren—pile into their tiny Suzuki and drive to Hiro's sister Rachel's* village. Their family relationship provides Sarah with a natural entry point to the village, and Rachel's one-room home quickly fills with neighbours. The men sit on the right side of the room, the women on the left and children fill in the gaps. The sun is high in the sky and a ceiling fan chugs with effort as Rachel's son offers chai to the adults. Outside, the temperature is over 40 degrees, but fortunately, it isn't the hot season yet—that's when the mercury pushes 50 degrees. As Sarah unpacks her materials, men and women alike turn to Hiro, expectantly. In this culture, men are the leaders and the authorities on spiritual matters. But Hiro sits quietly, one of his grandchildren perched on his lap, waiting for his wife to begin the story. When Sarah first expressed interest in becoming an oral Bible storyteller, he was uncertain—it wasn't a typical role for women. But watching her teach has changed his perspective. Sarah tells the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man. The idea of evil spirits and demon-possession is familiar, and everyone in the room listens intently. One participant shares “I used to do idol worship, and there was a spirit in me. But now, I have faith [in Jesus] and I am baptized. Now I am free, just like the man in the story today.” Others echo this sentiment: Jesus has freed them. They're eager for Sarah to return next week to share more. After Sarah shares the story of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man, her sister-in-law, Rachel (wearing blue, flowered shawl) asks questions about the story. Photo: Ruth Richert Afternoon Sarah and Hiro drive back to their home, where she gives directions for the evening's meal to her daughters and daughter-in-law, and completes some housework. Endless sweeping is needed to keep the dust under control on the compound. At last, the sun begins to descend, and a light breeze picks up. On the rooftop, it's almost pleasant. Hiro's office is here. On the wall there's a massive banner celebrating the dedication of the Ikimeg New Testament. Now, Hiro is working with the other members of his team to translate the Old Testament as part of the Jeewan Cluster project. A soft-hearted father and grandfather, he's often surrounded by a pile of children when he's downstairs, but this quiet room on the roof is where he can focus on the detailed work of translation. He used to preach and read Scripture in the national language. But that has changed now that people have access to Scripture in Ikimeg. “People are listening with interest, and they understand,” he says. “It's different now, because when our own people share, they understand. And when they understand, their hearts are changed.” An extended family group rests on charpais in the heat of the day after listening to Sarah share an oral Bible story. Photo: Ruth Richert Evening As dusk arrives, so do several neighbouring women, inviting Sarah to visit their home. She has been sharing oral Bible stories with them for years and many have put their faith in Jesus. “We thank the Lord that Sarah comes,” says one of the women. “We thank the Lord that we can be free from evil spirits, free from idol worship, and that our children are growing up in the light.” Sarah's neighbour holds her baby, an answer to fervent prayer. The henna she has applied to the baby's scalp is used as a cooling agent in the heat. Photo: Ruth Richert They cluster outside on a charpai , a simple bedframe strung with woven cords. Nearby, a swaddled newborn rocks in a makeshift swing. Babies represent hope and the future in these Hindu and fledgling Christian communities. Children—sons in particular—are desired above all things. Infertility is considered a tragedy, and in the Hindu religion, a curse. Even when longed-for babies arrive, life in the village is fragile. Healthcare is limited, and the heat is intense. When women can't conceive and children get sick, Christians face tremendous social pressure to return to Hindu practices and offer sacrifices to the gods at the local shrine. Sarah understands the struggle intimately. She and Hiro lost three children, all sons, at birth due to health complications. It broke their hearts, but they were determined to continue trusting God, even when their community pressured them to offer sacrifices. They named their fourth son Samuel, and like Hannah in the Bible, dedicated him to the Lord. Today, he also ministers in their community, teaching his own children and others to love God. Nightfall That evening, Sarah and her family sleep on charpais cloaked in mosquito netting in their courtyard, the breeze a delicious escape from the heat that still lingers inside. The morning will bring an informal Sunday school class—complete with songs, Bible stories and candy—for their own children and those of their neighbours. The village mosques once again echo the call to prayer, the cows and goats curl up on earth still warm from the heat of the day, and even the babies are quiet. Night falls on the village. Tomorrow will bring another early morning—and another opportunity to share the Light. *pseudonyms Story by Ruth Richert Posted in Engaging with Scripture Previous Next

August 12, 2026 Why God Sent His Son By Wycliffe Canada Vincent Yellow Old Woman dons a traditional headdress at an Indigenous Initiatives translation workshop in Calgary. Photo: Henry VanderSpek Back to all stories Vincent Yellow Old Woman is working diligently to show his community that God speaks Blackfoot. “I might die today or tomorrow. I’d like you to explain [in Blackfoot] why God sent his Son.” Vincent Yellow Old Woman received this phone call from a friend who was waiting to pass away at the local hospital. “I’ve had ministers and priests in here telling me,” his friend continued, “but I wanted you to come explain it so I can have that assurance.” Vincent Yellow Old Woman dons a traditional headdress at an Indigenous Initiatives translation workshop in Calgary. Photo: Henry VanderSpek His friend hadn’t forgotten the relevant passages of Scripture, and he wasn’t looking for more details or theology: rather, he wanted to hear an explanation from someone he trusted, in his own language. He wanted God to speak to him . Vincent's story Vincent is a Blackfoot elder, pastor, translator and former Chief of the Siksika Nation in Southern Alberta. He dedicated decades of his life to planting Indigenous churches and communicating God’s love to his people through the Blackfoot language. Although he’s now retired as a pastor, he still receives many requests to speak in Blackfoot at funerals, church services and community events. The Blackfoot language touches his people’s hearts in ways that other languages can’t. “I love our language,” says Vincent. “It’s powerful.” That realization first came to Vincent when he was a child in the residential school system. He was punished for speaking Blackfoot, a painful experience that left a lasting mark on him. But it also showed him how important his language is. “Right then and there, I valued my language. It’s your identity. It’s who you are.” Sustaining faith Vincent reflects on the ways that God has sustained him throughout his life, including in deep valleys, like when he lost his daughter. “I broke into a million pieces,” he remembers. “I thought, ‘I'm supposed to die first. Not my kids, not my grandkids. . .’ My faith in Christ has really strengthened me and allowed me to know that He's there in my darkest moments." Vincent (second from left) poses for a photo with the rest of the Blackfoot translation team and partner organization representatives at a recent workshop in Calgary. Photo: Henry VanderSpek It’s because of this sustaining faith that Vincent is working diligently with the rest of the Bible translation team to translate Scripture into Blackfoot. He wants everyone in their community to have that same assurance, that God is always there. Vincent knows—deeply and personally—why God sent His Son. “John 3:16 is more than a favorite to me—I love it. It tells me everything about who God is, how much He loves me. If I were the only person in the whole world, He would have died for me.” Story by Ruth Richert The Blackfoot translation is part of Wycliffe Canada's Indigenous Initiatives, a project that partners with Indigenous communities across Canada as they translate Scripture into their heart languages. Learn more about how you can support this vital work at wycliffe.ca/campaign/summer Posted in Impact Previous Next

Imagine longing to know God—but being unable to access His Word. Imagine living without the message of hope and transformation found in the Bible. Maybe you hear bits and pieces about Jesus in a language you barely understand. You might even accept Christ, but then struggle to read or grasp the gospel since it’s written in another language. WHY BIBLE TRANSLATION? Imagine longing to know God—but being unable to access His Word. Maybe you hear bits and pieces about Jesus in a language you barely understand. You might even accept Christ, but then struggle to read or grasp the gospel since it’s written in another language. This describes reality for millions today. Together, we can change that. WATCH VIDEO Today, more than 7,300 languages are used worldwide. Tremendous progress in Bible translation means that communities all over the world are now experiencing the hope, dignity and transformation that comes with access to God’s Word. But the work isn’t finished. Millions of people are still waiting for their very first Scripture. Even a single verse can open the door to understanding God’s love in a whole new way. This is why Bible translation matters. This is why your partnership makes a difference. God’s Word changes everything When people finally access Scripture in their own language, transformation begins—hearts are healed, communities grow stronger, and faith deepens. Bible translation leads to lasting change through four key pillars that guide everything we do. BIBLE TRANSLATION Bible translation allows people to engage with God’s Word in a language that speaks to their heart. BIBLE TRANSLATION LITERACY Learning to read and write enables people to experience Scripture for themselves, and opens up a world of opportunity. LITERACY ENGAGEMENT WITH SCRIPTURE Transformation begins when people meaningfully engage with Scripture through study, song, art, apps or videos. SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT CAPACITY BUILDING Building capacity fosters sustainable ministries, equipping the local church. CAPACITY BUILDING How we work As a member of the Wycliffe Global Alliance, we’re part of a global movement that’s advancing Bible translation, literacy, capacity-building, and activities that encourage meaningful engagement with translated Scriptures. We partner with local churches, translators and global alliances to ensure that each project is locally led, culturally relevant and sustainable. Our goal is not only to translate Scripture, but to help communities read it, use it and live it—long after the project is complete. Why Bible translation matters ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ Jum‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ Nyan‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Adiru‎ ‎ ‎ ‎‎ ‎ ‎ Pastor Luis Jum encountered Scripture in the language she understands best. Then his story of struggle began to transform into a story of hope. MEET JUM Nyan heard Scripture in his language for the first time. Then everything changed—God’s Word became a treasure he could finally understand. MEET NYAN Adiru heard the Bible in his own language. Then faith began to take root in his heart in a whole new way. MEET ADIRU Pastor Luis waited 20 years for the Bible in his language. Then he held it in his hands and felt God speak to him personally. MEET PASTOR LUIS All people should have access to God's Word in the language they know best. You can help ensure everyone has access to God's Word in a language that speaks to their heart.

June 3, 2025 Comfort from the God who is not silent By Wycliffe Canada The Jade Star translation team strikes a playful pose in Bangkok. Photo: Derryl Friesen Back to all stories This post shares Mr. Drawing’s* story from our summer campaign . Find out how you can help a Deaf person see and believe the gospel at wycliffe.ca/summer/ “There are so many Deaf who feel oppressed. But we want to share with them. We want them to feel relief—to know that God is comforting them.” Mr. Drawing* knows firsthand what oppression feels like. As a Deaf man in a sensitive part of Southeast Asia, it’s something he’s encountered many times in his life. It began when he was six years old, and a serious illness changed his life forever. He lost his hearing—and with it, his sense of being connected to the world around him. Previously a keen student, he began to struggle in school simply because he couldn’t hear what the teacher was saying. Normal social interactions faded into silence, and his family didn’t know how to support him. Facing cultural stigma What made his experience even more difficult was the stigma that his community attaches to deafness. In this region of Southeast Asia, many believe that deafness is a punishment for sin in a past life, so the Deaf are often mocked, rejected or seen as cursed. Representative photo of a Deaf translator in Mr. Drawing’s region. Photo: Marc Ewell “If people see Deaf people signing . . . they [sometimes] make fun of us,” Mr. Drawing explains. “Some hearing people call us not deaf, but dumb.” It was when his parents discovered a Christian school for Deaf children that Mr. Drawing’s life began to change. He learned sign language, and rapidly covered lost ground academically. Signing allowed him to have real conversations, something he still finds challenging with his own family. For the first time since he lost his hearing, he was part of a community that understood him. But still, it seemed that God was silent. Mr. Drawing recalls sitting in church, watching the sermon in frustration. There was no interpreter or explanations, and he and the other students were completely unable to follow along. One day, Mr. Drawing’s teacher attended the service with her students. She immediately saw the problem and stepped in to interpret. The change was dramatic: suddenly, the students could understand the sermon. God was not silent and Mr. Drawing’s life would never be the same. Joining the translation team Today, Mr. Drawing is a member of the Jade Star Bible translation team. He’s following God’s calling on his life because he wants to ensure that other Deaf like him won’t have to go through the same experience of feeling distant and abandoned by God. “There are so many Deaf who feel oppressed. But we want to share with them. We want them to feel relief—to know that God is comforting them.” The team translates Scripture into Jade Star* sign language, and creates videos of the translations for the Deaf community. Many are learning—perhaps for the first time—That God is not silent. He has never left them. Members of the Jade Star sign language team signs “I love you” while attending a translation conference in Bangkok. Photo: Derryl Friesen *Mr. Drawing is a name sign. Most Deaf people adopt a name sign rather than signing the letters of their given name. The name sign might represent a physical attribute, personality trait, or skill, and it’s typically a choice made communally with other Deaf people. Story by Ruth Richert Posted in Impact Previous Next

June 16, 2025 Hope in Every Sign | Surprising facts about sign language Bible translation By Wycliffe Canada Under the shade of a giant tree, the Jade Star Sign Language team shared the joys and challenges of Deaf Bible translation. Photo: Derryl Friesen Back to all stories Deaf communities around the world are hungry for God’s Word in the language that speaks to their hearts. These six surprising facts reveal why sign language translations are vital and how they’re helping the Deaf experience the hope revealed in Scripture. There are more than 380 sign languages around the world There are more than 380 distinct sign languages used around the world. Just like spoken languages, sign languages vary greatly from one country or region to another. For example, the signs used by Deaf communities in the United States are different from those used in Kenya, the Philippines or Peru. That’s why Bible translation must happen in each local sign language: it allows God’s message to not only be understood, but to truly resonate in a personal and meaningful way. Only one sign language Bible is complete Out of more than 380 sign languages worldwide, only American Sign Language (ASL) has a full Bible. Most Deaf communities have access to just a few portions of Scripture, or none at all. Most Deaf people have never encountered the gospel Even with global church efforts, only 2% of Deaf people have been introduced to the Gospel . Without Scripture in sign language, many will never see or understand the Good News of Jesus. Scripture isn’t usually shared in written form in Deaf communities Many assume Deaf people can simply read the Bible, but learning to read relies on hearing sounds, something not accessible to those who are Deaf. As a result, only 1 in 5 Deaf individuals worldwide are considered literate, making sign language Bible translations essential for true understanding. There’s good news: Bible translation in sign languages is already changing lives . Deaf Bible translations are done through video recordings of Bible stories and passages. This visual approach allows people to see God’s Word come alive in the languages they use every day. Translation takes time, teamwork and even avatars A sign language Bible translation initiative generally involves Deaf translators, Bible scholars and video specialists working together to ensure every passage is clear and faithful to the original text. The result is powerful: Bible stories and passages that connect to the heart! Often, Wycliffe uses special technology called “Chameleon.” This motion capture technology films the movements of a person signing Scripture and converts their appearance to an avatar. This allows the signer and their surroundings to be customized for the Bible passage and the context of viewers; it can change the way that we present Scripture to Deaf communities. Sign language translation is transforming lives When Deaf individuals see God’s Word in their own language, something changes. They are no longer outsiders in church or in faith. They have the opportunity to be seen, known and invited into the story of Scripture. The Jade Star translation team debriefs the day’s events at a small Bangkok cafe. Photo: Derryl Friesen “I felt that God was among us as I saw other people speaking the Word of God. This is God’s work, and I am amazed to see it , ” signs Ms. L, a member of the Jade Star Sign Language Bible translation team. Why it matters For a Deaf community, having access to the Bible isn’t just about understanding Scripture. It’s about knowing that God sees them, that they belong and that the gospel is for them, too. “In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the Book…” – Isaiah 29:18 Story by Sue Fonseka Posted in Bible translation Get involved this summer LEARN MORE Previous Next

July 15, 2025 The Scheming Ways of God By Wycliffe Canada The Jade Star team strikes a play pose in Bangkok. Photo: Derryl Friesen Back to all stories “Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die. Yet God does not take away life but rather, he devises plans so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” This description of the heart of God written in 2 Samuel 14:14 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible. A powerful military commander and a wise old woman concoct a tragic story and devise a dramatic plan, complete with a script, a broken-hearted widow, black mourning clothes and fake tears to change the heart of a king and bring his beloved son back home. God schemes. He creates designs. He devises plans so that banished people do not remain outcasts from him. This is true for Mrs. Peace.* Mrs. Peace is Deaf. She lives in Jade Star City,* a very large Southeast Asian metropolis, home to bustling markets and numerous parks and lakes. Tens of thousands of temples and towering pagodas dot the landscape, some dating as far back as the 6th century. Crowded public transit in bustling Jade Star City. Photo: provided by author This country boasts more than 100 diverse ethnic groups, each with their own unique dress, dance, art and food. Mrs. Peace is part of one of those ethnic groups, but she also belongs to another very unique group that is invisible to most onlookers. She belongs to a group of an estimated half-million people in her country who cannot hear any audible sound around them. Unfortunately in their county, Deaf are often overlooked, discriminated against and considered not capable of doing jobs hearing people can do. The Jade Star Sign Language Bible translation team But Mrs. Peace is also part of another very unique group that is doing something about that misconception. She is a member of a young, dynamic, Deaf team who have committed their lives to translating the Word of God into their own unique Jade Star* Sign language . For the past ten years, in addition to their translation work, the Jade Star Bible translation team has been going on annual mission trips to various cities in their country to reach out to the Deaf and share newly translated Bible videos. This past March, for the first time ever, a team of thirteen travelled to Mother City,* in the centre of the country. Members of the Jade Star sign language team sign “I love you” while attending a translation conference in Bangkok. Photo: Derryl Friesen Outreach in difficult places In Mother City, there are no known believers among the Deaf. The Jade Star team’s goal was to introduce Jesus to about 31 Deaf people through a four-day Deaf Arts workshop . The team has become well-known among many Deaf communities all over Southeast Asia for their engaging Deaf poetry, songs and drama. Mrs. Peace shares, “When the time really came, I was nervous and my heart was pounding.” She continues, “Prior to our trip, the Deaf Arts team came together and prayed to commit the workshop to the Lord. The people in Mother City have a big influence on the rest of the country and have a reputation for spreading rumours about Christians. So we were worried about their strong opposition as we shared about Jesus.” As they prepared, the team also had concerns about safety as they travelled. The civil unrest raging in their country for the past three years has resulted in many restrictions. Travel has become increasingly dangerous and they would need to pass through many checkpoints. The Jade Star team teaches a workshop to members of the Deaf community in Mother City. Photo: Derryl Friesen Excellent and almighty “I praise God who leads us,” Mrs. Peace shares. “He is excellent and almighty! Our trip was smooth and all the participants arrived safely to the church venue. I was grateful to see so many Deaf people welcoming us. During the workshop, we didn’t hesitate to share the Bible stories because we believed that it would honor God, and we can be a witness of Jesus as we translate the Bible.” Miss Flower*, another Jade Star team member, shares, “The Deaf showed interest and actively joined all the activities. In particular, I witnessed a hunger to find out who God is and who created the world. We are not aware of any Christians among the Deaf people in this city. I feel we have just started to sow the seeds of the Gospel. I believe the seeds will grow in their hearts, and we will have a harvest! Please pray with us!” One participant signed at the end of the workshop, “When I look up to the sky, I always think about the earth, the sun, the moon, and everything. I am always wondering how they can be kept in balance and unchanged. I searched online for answers but I still don’t understand. There is no one whom I can approach to ask these questions. Through these teachings I learned about how the earth came into being and who the Creator is. This is my first experience and I felt amazed when I learned about this explanation.” Ripe for harvest On the last evening, the team distributed SD memory cards with Bible videos and other Christian resources installed. The next morning, the participants enthusiastically shared how clear the onscreen signers were in the videos. “We were attracted to watch more and more!” One Jade Star team member exclaimed, “These responses made me speechless. I thought they didn’t want to hear about Jesus Christ before we came. It touched my heart, and I was encouraged to share more of the Good News with people, because they are ripe for harvest.” “The workshop was so good!” another participant shared, “ I could not sleep after the workshop because I was so excited about what I learned and continued thinking about it… This was so different from any other teaching I have experienced.” The team concluded, “We are so happy to see their joy after the workshop. It seems they connected with us so well through the Deaf Arts workshop because they don’t feel like they are being forced to receive another religion. We have a responsibility for the spiritual harvest there! We are amazed by His great plan. Even though we all thought it would be tough to reach out to the people of this city, God made a way and did it!” And the timing? It was perfect. Wreckage from the devastating earthquake in Mother City. Perfect timing One week after their return to Jade Star City , a powerful earthquake struck Mother City. Mr. Drawing,* one of the lead Deaf Bible translators writes, “It was really bad. Mother City was devastated. Many buildings were destroyed and collapsed. I was so surprised that God protected us in this way. If we had gone one week later we would have been in trouble. Praise God, we have not heard of any deaths among the Deaf in Mother City. We don’t deserve it, but God loves us and protects us. Please pray for our country to be restored by God’s grace and mercy from this tragedy.” “In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the Book…” – Isaiah 29 *Pseudonyms used due to sensitivity Story by Derryl Friesen Posted in Engaging with Scripture Would you consider supporting sign language translation projects this summer? LEARN MORE Previous Next

April 10, 2026 Encountering God's Good Heart By Wycliffe Canada Members of the Bali translation team explain that “(God’s) good heart” is the perfect translation for the concept of grace. Photo: Provided by project Back to all stories After wrestling for months with how to translate the word ‘grace,’ the Bali team discovered the perfect expression. Sometimes, frustration during the translation process can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s character. For months, the Bali translation team had been wrestling with how to translate the word grace . They had been using the term ngasa , which literally means “good fortune.” While familiar in local churches, it didn’t fully convey the idea of God’s favour—being well-disposed toward a person. Members of the Bali translation team explain that “(God’s) good heart” is the perfect translation for the concept of grace. Photo: Provided by project Their translation consultant, Lee, continued to encourage the team to explore other options, but the solution still eluded them. Then, while checking the book of Romans, Lee revisited the topic and shared a document outlining possible approaches. After reading it together, he left to give the team space to reflect on their own. A perfect expression When he returned, the translators were beaming with excitement. They had discovered the perfect expression: (God’s) good heart. Laughing with delight, they explained how it fit naturally in key verses and captured the fullness of God’s favour. They were confident the community would be thrilled to hear the word expressed this way, because it fit perfectly. Moments like this are a regular part of Bible translation. The work can be challenging, but translators often say that the process draws them closer to God while deepening their understanding of both Scripture and their own language. “Personally, I thank God for including me in this ministry,” says Assongi, the translation team leader. “It strengthens my faith because I am constantly immersed in God’s Word, and it enriches my understanding of our language.” The Bali translation team engages in a checking session, part of the translation process. Photo: Provided by project Community joy The impact of Scripture in Bali is already evident in the community. Ruth, an elderly participant at a Bali-language Gospel & Culture workshop, shared her joy: “I am overjoyed by this work. When I read God’s Word in my native language, Bali, it penetrates my heart and transforms me day by day.” Romans 3:23-24 now says: For all people have sinned and miss having God’s glory. But God counts people as righteous at no cost, by means of his good heart and the salvation that is in Jesus Christ. Story by Ruth Richert Posted in Bible translation Previous Next

May 15, 2026 The Best Love Letter Ever Written By Wycliffe Canada Members of the Bamunka community examine their copies of the New Testament at the Bamunka dedication celebration. Back to all stories A Wycliffe member shares her joy in attending the Bamunka New Testament dedication after watching the years of sacrifice and dedication that went into it February 14 was a day of rejoicing. After years of waiting, Bamunka Christians finally had the opportunity to dedicate the translated New Testament in their own language. “What better day to celebrate the best love letter ever written than on Valentine’s Day?” exclaimed Anna Grove, who attended the celebration. Pastor Pius Mbahlegue, a translation consultant-in-training, holds the Bamunka New Testament and declares that it is God’s Word. Photo: Anna Grove Now aged 27, Anna was a child when the Bamunka translation project began. The daughter of Wycliffe members Dan and Melody Grove, she grew up in Cameroon, watching the Scripture translation take shape. Though the work had been ongoing for as long as she could remember, over time she became increasingly aware of the sacrifice it represented. The Ndop region—where the Bamunka translation is one of ten language projects supported by Wycliffe—has experienced intense conflict and upheaval in recent years. Anna witnessed firsthand the significant toll this took on the Bamunka community and those involved in the translation effort. Spiritual opposition “The spiritual opposition experienced by the translation team in this community over the years has been overt and intense,” she says. Many people faced fear, discouragement and grief. And yet, they persevered amidst the struggle. Years of dedication, partnership and faithfulness led to the day of celebration. Members of the Bamunka community examine their copies of the New Testament at the Bamunka dedication celebration. Photo: Anna Grove “This is the sweet and rich fruit of many years of service shown by many, many people,” Anna reflects. The dedication At the dedication in the town of Bafoussam, the arrival of Scripture was marked in a culturally powerful way. Men acting as traditional “town criers” carried in the New Testament copies, symbolizing the delivery of a message of greatest importance. They presented the books to a representative of the Bamunka church for ongoing stewardship. A heartfelt prayer of dedication followed. It was a touching and powerful experience for Anna and the other guests. Pastor Edward Woghombong, one of the Bamunka translators, says a prayer of dedication over the New Testaments. Photo: Anna Grove God’s Word has already brought hope, comfort and peace to many Bamunka speakers. People are increasingly open to the gospel, and new churches have been planted in recent years. Now, with the New Testament in their own language, those roots will only deepen. Anna Grove and her father, Dan Grove, attend the Bamunka New Testament dedication celebration. Photo courtesy of Anna Grove Full circle Anna’s connection to Cameroon has also grown—in 2025 she became a Wycliffe member and returned to her childhood home to join Scripture engagement efforts, and to help finish the translation work that her parents started. She was thrilled to attend the Bamunka celebration and to see the impact that God’s Word is already having in Bamunka communities. “It was beautiful to see the community receive their newly translated full New Testament—the Good News of Jesus Christ in their mother tongue—to read, hear, memorize, love and share,” she says. “Through [this translation] we know more about the faithfulness of God—His faithfulness to keep and preserve His people and His church, to provide and send workers into His fields. “He is faithful to bring about His promises, including His promise that all nations will come to Him (Psalm 67, Isaiah 2:2-4)) and that every tribe and tongue will be represented before His throne (Revelations 7:9).” Story by Anna Grove and Ruth Richert Posted in Impact Previous Next