February 27, 2019 Wycliffe U.S. Appoints New Director By Samuel Ko Back to all stories Beginning in April 2019, Dr. John Chesnut will begin serving a three-year term as the new president and CEO of Wycliffe U.S., following a transition period with Bob Creson. Creson has served as president and CEO of Wycliffe U.S. over the past 15 years. Dr. Chesnut and his wife Kelly have been members of Wycliffe U.S. for 18 years. Prior to that, he served as a pastor in the United States for 13 years. When the couple joined Wycliffe in 2001, Chesnut served with SIL Philippines as associate director for personnel and partnerships, and then as director. With a passion for seeing more Asians involved in the task of Bible translation, he also served on the Asia area staff of SIL International as associate director for strategic initiatives. In 2011, the Chesnuts returned to the United States where John served as chief development and partnerships officer of Wycliffe U.S. (leading global partnerships and field projects). Kelly oversees Wycliffe USA’s organizational spiritual formation and serves as a speaker for Wycliffe Women of the Word. The Chesnuts have seven children and four grandchildren. Photo courtesy of Wycliffe USA Posted in News and updates Previous Next

October 18, 2018 God’s Word Lights the Way By Samuel Ko Back to all stories With a happy grin and sweat pouring down his face, Pey* was the first to arrive at the Scripture-checking meeting each morning. He left home before four a.m. and returned after nightfall, a grueling four-hour hike (with an elevation gain of more than 1,300 metres). For what? The delight of sitting on a hard wooden bench for eight hours, listening to the newly translated Gospel of Luke being read in the Cloudlands* language. When asked for suggestions to improve the translation, Pey replied, “I’m not smart; I don’t speak Spanish and never went to school. I just came to listen.” He sat and drank in the truths of God’s Word and in time began to share his suggestions as he realized he was not stupid; he understood God’s Word very clearly in his own tongue! For Pey, Psalm 119:105 was becoming personally true: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” In this rugged mountainous terrain of Mexico, where roads are scarce and paths plentiful, the psalmist’s words are very relevant. Returning home after nightfall may mean hours of hiking through dark forests that obliterate the light of the moon. Flashlights or pitch pine torches light the steep, treacherous paths to prevent stumbling over roots, falling down precipices, or getting lost. The light of God’s Word is changing lives in the Cloudlands region, as evidenced by testimonials from members of the translation team: “We are excited when lay pastors use the Scripture portions and encourage the believers to read and listen to the books and CDs we have distributed. Even non-believers are interested. . . . When the materials reach the remotest of villages, the people receive them with wonder and excitement; they’ve never heard about our team working on Bible translation.” – Pedro “We use the Cloudlands Scriptures for our family devotions and my wife uses them to encourage a new family seeking to walk the Christian path. God has blessed my friend Pablo with the opportunity to share on the radio five hours a week. Many people write to him, asking for advice and inviting him to come visit them.”- Eduardo “We are especially impacted by what God is doing through his Word when we go out to visit the Cloudlands communities. One lay pastor is using the translated portions to help him better understand the Bible as he prepares to preach. He taught his little children to read the Cloudlands language; this encourages us to continue translating the Bible.”- Armando Testimonials like these inspire the Wycliffe Canada staff members assigned to this language group. “What a privilege to be a part of what God is doing among the Cloudlands people!” *Pseudonyms used due to project sensitivity Posted in Impact Previous Next

April 22, 2022 Delivered from darkness By Wycliffe Canada Back to all stories Growing up under communism as part of a minority language group in Asia, Bota knew nothing about Jesus. But as a young adult, she grew increasingly curious about the meaning of life and whether God existed. When Christian friends invited her to a meeting, she was astonished to learn that portions of Scripture had been translated into her language. She began reading the Scriptures by candlelight and soon, the light of God’s Word began to transform her life. Bota has personally experienced the transforming power of Scriptures in her heart language. In 2007, she came to Canada to study accounting and management, and one year later, God opened the door for her to join the staff of Wycliffe Canada. Learn more about Bota’s amazing journey to Christ, on This is Your Story. To give to Bota’s work at Wycliffe, follow the link on her profile page . Posted in People Previous Next

October 11, 2018 Called to Mentor Quechua Women By Samuel Ko Back to all stories Thanks to Luisa and her ATEK colleagues, thousands of Quechua women are learning to read the translated Scriptures and gaining a deeper relationship with God. High in Peru’s Andes Mountains, Luisa Cahuana meets regularly with Cusco Quechua women who are hungry to read Scripture in their language. Many are new believers who have been introduced to Christ through the ministries of ATEK, Wycliffe’s partner organization in southern Peru. Most of the women Luisa serves in her role as literacy co-ordinator for ATEK grew up with little education, and few learned to read at all. It’s a reality that Luisa is determined to change—even though it can mean long periods of separation from her own family as she travels to visit the remote and widely-scattered women’s groups in the region. It can also mean arduous journeys by bus over steep, winding dirt roads, or grueling hikes over high mountain passes. But it’s a sacrifice Luisa is willing to make because she wants her Quechua sisters to have the same access to Scripture that she enjoys. Asked what motivates her to make such sacrifices, tears well up in Luisa’s eyes as she struggles for words. “God has told me I need to do this,” she says as tears begin to flow. “I do it to help my sisters know the Word of God.” When I hear about their problems and struggles, I feel that I have to be with them.” Sometimes, adds Luisa, her children plead with her to stay home. “They say, ‘Mom, don’t leave. We want you to stay with us.’ So, I have this struggle. When I come here I am with the women and I want to be with them, and then when I’m at home, I want to be with my kids.” Luisa with her father and mother in their Cusco home. Growing up in poverty as the daughter of a pastor (Luisa’s father was a key contributor to the translation of the Cusco Quechua Bible), she was taught that she could talk to God about her own and her family’s struggles, and that God could handle her questions. “When will you give us a home where we can live comfortably like everyone else around us who seem to live so happily in their houses?” she would ask the Lord. However, while Luisa was raised to freely ask God tough questions, this openness wasn’t the norm for most Quechua women. In fact, during Luisa’s childhood, women had few rights in society and weren’t allowed to vote. Sadly, the environment was similar in the church, where women didn’t hold leadership positions and few learned to read. “The biggest problem is with reading comprehension,” says Luisa, before explaining that Quechua women generally aren’t accustomed to reading. “This is a huge, lifelong process. We need consistent follow-up. Little-by-little we see change.” As each woman grows in her ability to read and write, they are able to understand Scripture better, and then are equipped to teach and lead the women in their church community. “Our goal is that each church will use the Word of God and comprehend it,” says Luisa. “In that way their lives will be changed.” Adapted from “ Out of the Rubble ,” Word Alive magazine, Summer 2015 [learn_more caption=”Learn how you can support ATEK”] Posted in People Previous Next

We currently have no salary positions open. If you would like to hear about donor-supported positions or opportunities within the broader global Bible translation movement, please email mobilization@wycliffe.ca CAREERS We currently have no salary positions open. If you would like to hear about donor-supported positions or opportunities within the broader global Bible translation movement, please email engagement@wycliffe.ca

January 27, 2020 Comfort and Hope By Wycliffe Canada Back to all stories “. . . so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV) . Robert, a farmer in Ghana, Africa, was comforted along with his four sons by God’s Word after the death of his wife. He seemed to be doing well, but his heart broke when the season for planting seeds arrived. Because this work was usually done by his wife, Robert was deeply saddened. As he cried, his eldest son asked him what was the matter. Robert confessed the reason for his weeping. His son reminded his dad of the Bible verses in their mother tongue, with which they had earlier been comforted with hope. “Dad, the other day we read James 1:2-4, which is an encouragement concerning trials,” the son said. “Are you going to allow this trial to overcome you? Remember, we also read 1 Corinthians 15:35-44, which has to do with resurrection and the new body. Now why are you acting like this?” Recalls Robert, “I was greatly moved by these encouraging words from my son. However, if we had been reading the English version [of the Bible] a few days earlier, I don’t think my son would have understood the depth of the Scriptures’ message.” Loss of loved ones through disease; religious, political or cultural persecution; or wars and natural disasters leave deep scars and wounds in people’s hearts and minds. Those who are traumatized need a lot of help; not just simple comfort, but real hope through faith in God. Today’s passage reminds us that the Scriptures were written not just for posterity. God inspired them to be recorded so they could teach believers about endurance; to provide encouragement that builds hope and trust in the Lord, no matter the circumstances. Drench your heart and mind in God’s story from Genesis to Revelation! When challenges come, these wonderful words can supply comfort and hope. Posted in Engaging with Scripture Previous Next

Engaging with Scripture Not Alone August 3, 2026 | By Wycliffe Canada Translating in remote communities can be isolating—but Bishop Lydia Mamakwa reminds her fellow translators that they are never alone in their work for God. Read More Faith: More Than Just Believing May 25, 2026 | By Guest Contributor A key term in the Khamti language helped a grieving Wycliffe member cry out to God in difficult circumstances. Read More The Scheming Ways of God July 15, 2025 | By Guest Contributor “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… Read More Prayer point: Bali & Mba May 12, 2025 | By Wycliffe Canada The translated Word is helping believers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo grow in their faith. Read More The story that must be told April 15, 2025 | By Guest Contributor Learn how digital media tools are introducing people to the gospel in some of the most spiritually challenging places on earth. Read More Engagement with Scripture: Where transformation begins March 25, 2025 | By Wycliffe Canada Engaging with Scripture changes people and communities. Read about how a verse from Ecclesiastes changed the way the Indonesian Sign Language team works together. Read More Prayer Point: Kinsha Scripture Engagement December 6, 2024 | By Wycliffe Canada Christian parenting workshops are encouraging Kinsha families and introducing them to the God who loves them. Read More Prayer Point: Wycliffe Thai Foundation November 25, 2024 | By Ruth Richert Thai Christians are gathering to pray for a new oral Bible translation in the Isan language. Read More Prayer Point: Asarɨ’o November 20, 2024 | By Ruth Richert Pray for the continued success of workshops in Asarɨ’o communities. Read More Finding a “market” for oral Bible stories February 5, 2024 | By Ruth Richert In Southern Thailand, relationships are central to evangelism. It takes time and effort to connect with people, to prove that you are sharing the gospel out of love for them, not because you have ulterior motives, or are trying to somehow score cosmic brownie points. Anything less than real trust and care doesn’t work, because these people have a lot to lose. Read More Search Search Recent Posts Why God Sent His Son Document Not Alone Document A Grandmother's Legacy of Faith Document A Dream Come True Document Faith: More Than Just Believing Document PREV 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 NEXT

January 7, 2021 Word Search: Not your ordinary garden By Guest Contributor Back to all stories The Rangi translation team in Tanzania was working on translating “Garden of Eden” from Genesis 2. The Swahili word the translators used was bustani. However, that word did not describe anything special or beautiful about a garden; it simply meant “garden.” Photo by Paulius Dragunas on Unsplash The translation consultant working with the team described how beautiful the Garden of Eden must have been, with water, animals, trees, flowers and more. During the discussion, two of the Rangi translators, Paulo and Maingu, understood that for the first time. They realized the best Rangi word for a beautiful garden was ntindika . Paulo described ntindika as a place which, even though people need to tend and cultivate it, never fails to produce a great variety of delicious fruit. “You can always find food there,” Paulo said. The team agreed — they had found the right word for the Garden of Eden. Source: Frontlines, Winter 2021 (Wycliffe U.S.) Posted in Bible translation Previous Next

January 7, 2021 Four generations in missions By Guest Contributor Back to all stories The story of Wycliffe co-founder L.L. Legters and his family legacy Leonard Livingston (L.L.) Legters was one of the most significant leaders in Bible translation, but he didn’t just impact the lives of those he ministered to — his legacy continues through the work of his son, grandson, great-grandson and their families. L.L. and Edna Legters L.L. Legters began his ministry by serving as a missionary to Native American tribes in Oklahoma in the early 1900s. He later partnered with William Cameron Townsend to expand the work of Bible translation into Mexico and form organizations that would one day become the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) and Wycliffe Bible Translators. Four Generations Serving in Mexico L.L. Legters helped open the door to Bible translation in Mexico and his family continues missions work in the country today. His son, David Legters, served in the Yucatán Peninsula as one of Wycliffe’s first missionaries. He traversed the jungles on foot to reach remote Mayan villages, working on Bible translation and literacy. David Legters Jr. continued the family tradition his grandfather began in Southeastern Mexico. He served in church leadership on a national level, and also established numerous churches and a seminary. A fourth generation missionary and L.L.’s great-grandson, Mark Legters serves in Merida, Mexico. He and his wife, Altia, work to equip local Christians to impact their own communities with the gospel. They pastor a growing church, plant churches, train local pastors and church members at a Bible institute, and serve the community with business training, mentoring and arts education. Because he was raised in Mexico, Mark doesn’t consider himself a foreigner — and neither do the people he serves. “Mexico is very much our home,” Mark said. “And because my family has been in the country for so long, we’ve made strong connections and have seen the way God is moving as Christianity continues to expand in our ministry areas.” Four Generations Answering the Call When you’re raised in a family of missionaries, there can be an expectation to continue the work. But being a missionary kid and growing up in the field doesn’t automatically mean you’re called to missions. Mark originally pursued a different vocation in the U.S. It wasn’t until after he was in a plane accident while travelling for his corporate job that the Lord made it clear to Mark that he was called to ministry. It was a turning point in his life, and Mark and Altia moved to Mexico in 1998. They’ve been serving as full-time missionaries ever since. Every Legters son has experienced their own path to ministry, but Mark sees God working in generations, not just in individuals. “When [God] chose my great-grandfather, he wasn’t just choosing an individual,” Mark explained, “but the generations coming afterward that would continue in that work.” Four Generations in Changing Times In the early 1900s through 1950s, most missionaries in Mexico were pioneers serving in isolated corners of the country. Since then, the culture has shifted and missions work looks a little different. “I’m not in any physical danger like my family used to be,” Mark explained. “And yet, we still face dangers today; they affect our minds and our souls. “If I could, I would ask my great-grandfather for encouragement and advice on how he would cope with some of these new challenges.” L.L. Legters’ love for Scripture and his desire to see it translated into every language never wavered, and that passion was clearly infectious. “What we do and what we believe, we are to pass on to the next generation,” Mark said. There’s no greater family tradition than continuing the work of missions started four generations ago. Source: wycliffe.org . Written by Emily Lupfer. Posted in People Previous Next

January 20, 2020 Language technology for all: expanding digital opportunities By Wycliffe Canada Back to all stories Six representatives from SIL, Wycliffe’s key partner organization, recently attended the Language Technologies for All Conference (LT4All) at UNESCO Paris from Dec. 4-6, 2019. The SIL team joined participants from major technology platforms including Amazon, Google, Facebook, IBM, Hanson Robotics, iFLYTEK and Mozilla. Aligned with 2019’s theme as the International Year of Indigenous Languages, LT4All aimed to promote the inclusion of all languages—particularly indigenous languages—online and in the global digital sector. Language technologies play an important role in ensuring a language thrives. These technologies offer major contributions to ongoing communication, literacy, education and translation efforts in communities worldwide. The final day of the conference included an exhibition session where participants could share technological resources and strategies available to provide communities with the means of representing their languages digitally and in print. SIL Language Strategy Consultant, Mark Karan, was among the event speakers, while five other SIL staff members prepared posters highlighting three of SIL’s foundational technologies: SIL Fonts, Keyman, and Bloom. The posters demonstrated technologies that enable communities to address important needs related to displaying, typing and publishing material in their languages: SIL fonts are the most downloaded items from SIL’s website. These fonts allow writing systems—the written form of languages—to be displayed correctly and dynamically both digitally and in print. Many writing systems contain special characters that can only be accurately rendered using fonts specifically designed to meet their needs. Keyman is a keyboard creation tool that allows language keyboards to be created and used on all major platforms and devices. Without customized keyboards to input their language electronically, many languages are excluded from the digital world. Bloom is an easy way to create or translate books in local languages, even with limited computer experience. Without software to produce resources and reading materials in local languages, many languages are struggling to thrive. These resources make important strides toward confronting the discouraging statistics presented during the conference discussion. According to Daniel Pimienta, an independent consultant for France and the Dominican Republic, there are fewer than 600 languages visible online, with 99 per cent of the Internet’s content composed of a scant 40 languages. In her address, Dorothy Gordon, UNESCO Intergovernmental Information for All program chair, was quick to suggest a solution: “We need to give people the skills to create online content in their own language.” Source: sil.org Photo by Marc Durdin Posted in Bible translation Previous Next