One response is say that languages, and to a lesser extent plants and animals, only have value in the degree to which they are useful to us, and so there is little reason to mourn their loss. In fact, in the case of languages, the reduction in diversity can actually make the task of communication easier, so the loss of languages may even be welcomed.

But I would suggest that a pragmatic view that only sees species and languages as having value based on their usefulness to us doesn’t do justice to God’s creativity and his instruction to humanity to be good stewards of his creation. Plants and animals are valuable simply because God created them, and because he said they were good. Similarly, languages are valuable because they are also part of God’s diverse creation, and are spoken by people who are of great worth.

In God’s kingdom every person has value and is to be treated with love and respect. Whereas it can be tempting for us to measure the value of something based merely on what it can do or produce, or its financial worth, the way of Jesus is to leave everything in order to search for the the lost son, the lost sheep and the lost coin. In a world that preaches survival of the fittest, the life and death of Jesus shows a different way, where everything is given up in order to enable the thriving of the weakest.

In this light I believe a Christian response is to come alongside communities whose languages are threatened by extinction and offer our help in preserving and developing these languages, thereby allowing often struggling communities to thrive, affirming their identity, self-worth and their place in God’s world…

 

On a recent trip to the Pimbwe language area (photos) we were reminded of God’s creativity expressed both biologically and linguistically. Our prayer is that just as the national park we drove through on the way causes us to rejoice in God’s creation by preserving and celebrating some of these incredible animals, so our work alongside communities like the Pimbwe may allow them and others to praise God in and through their unique languages.

You can read more from Mark on his blog.

At a gathering more than 50 years later, the people voted on the 22-letter system they developed:

‘One by one, the twenty-two letters of the Matsigenka alphabet were projected on the wall for all to see. Pausing at each letter, a representative from the Ministry of Education asked participants: “Should this letter be included in the Matsigenka alphabet? Raise your hand if you are in favor of this letter being included in the Matsigenka alphabet.”

‘Twenty-two times, a crowded room full of Matsigenka speakers shouted, “Yes!” with their hands stretched high into the air. Some couldn’t resist raising both hands. And each time, the representative added one more letter to a growing list.

‘For the past fifty years, those twenty-two letters have been used to create readers, math books, health and hygiene materials, Scriptures, and dictionaries in Matsigenka. Finally, at this historic and emotional event, they would be officially recognised as the standard for writing the Matsigenka language.’

Visit the Wycliffe USA blog for more about the vote and Betty’s reaction.

The foundation built by Wycliffe workers enables mot only Bible translation, but also alphabet development, literacy, dictionary development, the production of health materials and Scripture use. Get involved.

Wycliffe’s language development work produces transformed lives through the translated word and through translated development information. People grow better crops and live better lives. They care for their environment and they care for their neighbours. They learn about justification by faith and oral rehydration solution. Wycliffe’s work brings both spiritual and material blessing. Read more here.

Of course, they don’t ‘grow better crops’ because they’ve read the instructions given in Leviticus, nor have the instructions for using oral rehydration solution been added to the Ten Commandments. Instead, as tools to communicate are developed in their language, so other information can be shared.

Government messages, that used to be broadcast in the national language, can be translated into the local language. Health advice provided by non-government organisations can be communicated so that all in the local community can understand the importance of clean drinking water.

This short video from our Wycliffe partners in the US show how Bible translation work comes alongside all sorts of other holistic work.

Changing lives can start with Bible translation. What can I do?

Jon Blackwell, who has been working with the team as the literacy coordinator, was anxious about what kind of celebration they could expect. He anticipated just a handful of people showing up. But he recently sent this very positive celebration account to John Hamilton:

“We thank God for  a wonderful dedication day for Luke’s Gospel in Bamunka. Thank you for your prayer! The day was well organised by the inter-church Committee and went smoothly, without any hitches; there was great rejoicing at the arrival of the word. Some five hundred people gathered in a local school field and heard choirs from Baptist, Presbyterian, Apostolic and Catholic churches as well as speeches from the translation team, SIL, local clergy and a representative of the Bamunka Fon [traditional leader of the people group].

Children recite the Lord's Prayer in the Bamunka language

“There was some drama and memory recitations from the Gospel in the Bamunka language. At the end came the entry and presentation of the Gospel to the Fon in a traditional Bamunka way. His representative received the gift and spoke warmly of the work and the challenges ahead. This was followed by feasting.

“The day was notable not only for the arrival of the word but also for the fact that the event was genuinely inter-denominational – ranging right across the church spectrum – in a context where the translation effort has been primarily from one denomination. We pray that many churches will now take firmer ownership of the project, even though in most cases the clergy and the majority of their congregations are not Bamunka.”

People queue to buy a copy of Luke's Gospel

The Bamunka have seen and tasted what it’s like to have God speak their language. Many millions more don’t have the chance, as translation work is yet to begin in their languages. You can help.

John Hamilton is the coordinator of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Northern Ireland. Read more about the Bamunka celebrations on his blog.

Fortunately, in the UK, these instances are still relatively isolated. However, in some countries, being taught in another language to the one you speak at home can be the norm.

Children in Thailand learn to read. Photo from LEAD Asia (leadimpact.org).

Take Nigeria for example. There the national language of education is English. So in the classroom everything you are taught will be in English. Every exam you sit will be in English. Every book you read will be in English. And yet, when you are outside of the classroom, in the playground, at home with your family, all your communication will be in the local language. When will you practice your English? In a system like this it is really unlikely that you will perform to the best of your academic ability. You’ll only ever perform to the best of your English language ability.

Fortunately, in Nigeria, in some of the communities where Bible translation has been happening, the government is allowing schools to teach primary students in the local language. Imagine what a difference it makes to the student when you can go to class and understand everything that’s being taught.

Research has shown that primary school children, educated in their mother tongue, have a better chance of learning a second language at a later date.

See how you could help more children read fluently, though supporting Bible translation.

This week is Make a Will Week, organised by Premier Christian Radio. On Premier’s website, you can find videos from experts addressing some of the questions that often crop up about wills and what happens to what we leave behind.

There are many good reasons for making a will, even if it is an uncomfortable subject. By making a will, we can show good, God-honouring stewardship and thankfulness for what he has given to us, by providing for those who we leave behind. It can protect our families and loved ones from unnecessary distress at a time when they may already feel overwhelmed. And we have an opportunity to continue to provide for causes and charities which have had a hold on our hearts throughout our lives.

If the process seems daunting, why not take a look at the Legacy pages on our website, which goes through the five basic steps of sorting out a will? You’ll also find stories there about how leaving a gift to Wycliffe in your will can help generations to come  access the Bible in a language that speaks to their hearts.

Meet Mary, whose life is changing as the word of God is beginning to reach her language group:

‘Mary Yusuf is possibly one of the busiest women I have met. While we sit quietly chatting through an interpreter in the corner of a church in the village of Zaron, she tells me of her various roles: housewife and mother of five, farmer, women’s worker, Sunday School teacher…

‘She sits with the first printed draft of John’s Gospel in Ichen, her language, on her lap. “This book has been a very big blessing for me,” she says, explaining how, having studied the Gospel, she was better equipped to lead the women and children. “I taught the prayer cell how to be doing the Lord’s Prayer – such that even the little children in their prayer cell can say the Lord’s Prayer in Ichen very very clear.”’

John’s Gospel in Mary’s language is helping her with more than preparing for church: it’s giving her hope for her family and community. Read it here.

And the newest Call to Prayer, our bi-monthly prayer diary is also out now.

Go to wycliffe.org.uk/subscriptions to sign up to receive Words for Life or Call to Prayer by email or post.

We’d love it if you would take time to consider prayerfully those at the conference. These suggested prayer items come from Wycliffe USA:

• Pray for a spirit of unity to cover this event.
• Pray for safe travel for the conference attendees, and that everyone will enjoy good health during the meetings.
• Ask God to grant unity and patience to all who are overseeing the event’s logistical details.
• Pray for those who will minister as special guests – Bible study leader Lindsay Olesberg and speaker Dr. Christopher Wright.
• Pray for open communication, understanding, and the covering of the Holy Spirit to surround the work. As a part of the conference, Wycliffe Global Alliance and SIL International will elect new board members; pray that God will raise up those of his choice who will govern well for the next four years.

This year marks the halfway point to Vision 2025, a vision to see the Bible translated into every language where it’s needed by 2025, a statement that was affirmed by the Wycliffe organisations in 1999. Find out more about Wycliffe’s vision for global Bible translation.

The day conference features worship, seminars and a marketplace, with David Bilborough and other well known names. It is part of an inspiring week of events across the Highlands called the aLive Festival – you can see the full programme on the website here: www.alivefestival.co.uk.

For more forthcoming events, see wycliffe.org.uk/events.

The Queen was given a commemorative version of the Bible herself on her Coronation Day with the words that it was the best gift she was ever going to receive. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the Church in this land gave back to the nation, in marking her Diamond Jubilee, the best gift they will ever receive – the free gift of the New Testament?

– Dr Rachel Jordan, National Mission and Evangelism Advisor

The Church of England, together with HOPE and Biblica, have launched a special edition New Testament for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

But this is not just another collectable tea-towel equivalent; they’re are not intended to gather dust in someone’s display cabinet. They are intended for giving away, whether through schools, churches or Jubilee celebration events.

These New Testaments were launched in time for Easter, and over Easter alone they sold more than 44,000 copies. At just 50p each, they are an easy way to give God’s Story to someone else. (And don’t worry – although they are NIVs, it’s the anglicised version!) Maybe it’s a way that your church can use the Jubilee to reach out to the community. Find out more information and about sales.

We know of one church, though, who are using the Jubilee not just to share God’s Story with those nearby, but also with those who are far off. They’ve decided to use their church and community street party to let people know that 350 million people don’t have God’s word in their language.

While many English-speakers have never read the Bible, though it’s easily available, millions of others are longing to be able to access a Bible they can understand. As you prepare for celebrations this summer, why not think about how you can give others ‘the best gift they’ll ever receive’. Find out more about giving with Wycliffe.