Christian Missions

Bible Translation Organizations

Bible translation organizations work to put the Scriptures into every language on earth, so that people can read of Jesus in the words of their own heart. Groups such as Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIL International, the United Bible Societies, and The Seed Company partner with local communities to translate, publish, and record God’s Word. Thousands of languages still have little or no Scripture, which is why this work continues.

Why translation matters

People come to faith and grow best in their own language. Translation is slow, careful, deeply collaborative work, done with native speakers, that opens the Scriptures to whole communities for the first time.

“After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude... of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”
Romans 10:14-15

Well-known organizations

How to support the work

You can pray for translators, give toward specific projects, or, with training in languages, join the work itself. Your local church can help you connect with a translation agency, and you can explore the wider field of mission organizations. To read Scripture now, start with the Gospel of John.

A word on safety. Many workers serve in places where being known as a Christian missionary is dangerous. Trustworthy sending agencies never publish the names, exact locations, or family details of workers in sensitive or restricted regions, and neither do we. If you are exploring this, follow a real organization’s guidance on discretion, and pray for those you will never be able to name.

Frequently asked questions

What do Bible translation organizations do?
They put the Scriptures into languages that have little or no Bible, working alongside native speakers to translate, publish, and record God's Word. Wycliffe Bible Translators, SIL International, and the United Bible Societies are well-known examples.
How many languages still need the Bible?
Thousands of languages still have no complete Bible, and many have none at all. Translation agencies and their local partners continue this work language by language, which is why it remains a major focus of missions.
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Behind every mission is a Person

All of this, the sent workers, the translated Scriptures, the songs on the radio and the books on the shelf, exists for one reason: so that people who have never heard might hear of Jesus, and love him. If you have never met him yourself, you do not need a passport or a program to begin. Read his own words, and see. The Gospel of John is a gentle place to start, and it costs you nothing but a little quiet and an honest look.

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Jesus Christ is Lord.

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