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

August 27, 2025 Andrea’s Story Language related Literacy Mobilization-recruitment Adventure Internship Africa Short-term Cameroon Back to all videos English 3:00 to 4:59 Length 4:22 Andrea experienced something quite extraordinary—not at all the kind of journey she expected. It was a hands-on, down-to-earth, real life adventure with purpose. On this unique Wycliffe short-term trip, along with other young participants, Andrea learned some valuable life lessons. Check it out! DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Wycliffe and Ann Voskamp—A Shared Passion Length 03:17 The Rendille people had waited three decades for that monumental moment. Ann was there when it happened, deepening her love for Wycliffe and the Bible translation movement. Experience the moment for yourself in this short documentary. Race to 2025 Short Promo Length 1:08 This film is from our archives, featuring clips from past summer and winter races. For the current Race to 2025 video watch: Race to 2025: Extreme Adventure—Eternal Impact(/videos/race-to-2025%3A-extreme-adventure%E2%80%94eternal-impact) Surveying the Situation Length 3:59 Here’s a behind-the-scene look at one of the most challenging and adventurous roles in Wycliffe, Language Survey. Discover the motivation and passion of a young, energetic missionary and the momentous event that unfolds at the film’s conclusion. This Grand Story Length 2:02 Who is Wycliffe Bible Translators? What do they do and who are the people they serve? You might be surprised. Take a quick jaunt around the world and uncover Wycliffe’s heart and passion to see God revealed to minority language communities. Previous Next

August 28, 2025 Scripture Has Changed Me General Wycliffe Promotion Literacy Language related National stories Bible translation Partner organizations Peru Back to all videos English 0:00 to 2:59 Length 0:46 Noemí had been longing to read and hear God’s Word in the language she understands best, Eastern Apurímac Quechua. “Scripture Has Changed Me”, can be used as a conversation starter around a presentation on the Bible translation ministry or great for use in a larger mission program. 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

Global Emergency Fund Latest Update: Spring 2021 Download What do Wycliffe personnel do when they face a financial crisis or emergency while overseas? To care for its staff, Wycliffe Canada has a special fund set up to provide short-term assistance for these stressful situations. You can play a special role to keep this fund strong through your gifts. Your donation will ensure temporary financial stability for Wycliffe members facing crises or emergencies so they can keep moving the global Bible translation task forward! Support our ministry GIVE NOW https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E341555QE&id=186 Previous Next

August 26, 2025 Missionary Mom Language related Mobilization-recruitment Bible translation Faces of Wycliffe series Literacy Asia Back to all videos English 5:00 to 5:59 Length 5:14 Any way you slice it, being a mom in any culture is a fundamental role with mammoth impact. It’s especially challenging for moms who sacrifice the comforts of their homeland, travelling with their families to the ends of the earth to serve on the mission field. Meet Sun-Min, a mom who’s passionate about her family and the ministry in which they serve. But how do you keep it all in balance, in a world with water shortages, blackouts, crazy travelling conditions and more? This is a must-see video for everyone interested in serving cross-culturally, including moms. DOWNLOAD SHARE MORE FROM OUR LIBRARY Race to 2025 Short Promo Length 1:08 This film is from our archives, featuring clips from past summer and winter races. For the current Race to 2025 video watch: Race to 2025: Extreme Adventure—Eternal Impact(/videos/race-to-2025%3A-extreme-adventure%E2%80%94eternal-impact) 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.) Caminando Juntos, el ministerio de AIDIA Length 4:54 La transformación está ocurriendo entre los quechuahablantes del Este de Apurímac gracias a la organización Asociación Interdenominacional para el Desarrollo Integral de Apurímac – AIDIA. Mira usted a esta película, “Caminando Juntos” para ver de primera mano el talentoso equipo de AIDIA sirviendo a su gente a través de la traducción del Antiguo Testamento, la alfabetización y mucho más. Thinking About Missions? (TC) Length: 0:58 參與跨文化宣教工作其實不是遙不可及的事。或許你不知道自己已擁有不少當宣教士的裝備；你也會驚訝地發現原來工場上的服侍機會是那麼多元化的。 如欲了解更多或探索服侍機會，請與我們聯絡：chinese@wycliffe.ca(mailto:如欲了解更多或探索服侍機會，請與我們聯絡：chinese@wycliffe.ca) 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

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

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