Bob Creson

Not long ago I sat down to dinner with a friend doing Bible translation work in Southeast Asia. He told me about how a unique software program has radically changed the way our translation teams operate.

This program, called ParaTExt, allows them to input a draft of Scripture and check it against the original Greek and Hebrew texts, modern translations and resource materials. They can make the best choices for key terms, find and correct inconsistencies, and edit their drafts all using this one program. It’s allowing this work to occur at a quicker pace in order for us to realize our goal of Vision 2025—to see a Bible translation program in progress in every language still needing one by the year 2025.

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Dallas and I spent three days this week reviewing with partners the Wycliffe Global Alliance Philosophy of Bible Translation.

Bible translation takes place in a context—the mission of God. It is not a stand-alone activity. There are lots of ways to approach this and it’s hard to be concise. What follows are my notes from the consultation.

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The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. (‭Psalms‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬ NLT)

I went to bed hoping and praying, but woke up this morning to the dreaded headline, “Ferguson in flames…the violence is spreading from coast to coast.”

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…why is it that I get whole people to deal with?” Henry Ford is reported to have said. This was back when the assembly line was being born and workers were employed for their productivity. This productivity worker gave way to the knowledge worker who was valued for taking what they knew and applying it in the workplace.

Today, a new kind of worker is emerging—one that leads with the heart.

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“I have a dream today…”

…one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.

…one day…the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

…one day…[where we find an island of]…injustice…[it will be]…transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

…[one day our] children will…live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…[and they] will be able to join hands…as sisters and brothers.

“I still have a dream…a dream deeply rooted in the American dream…and refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt…refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation…“

*At a time when our world and nation need inspiration, vision and hope, I found re-reading this speech helpful. Praying that we will not overlook the urgency of the moment.

The Bible for the KUNA people of Panama — the 531st complete Bible (Old and New Testament) in the entire world — was dedicated in late September of 2014. My wife, Dallas, and I attended the largest celebration, which was held at a church in Panama City.

It was an awe-inspiring moment when the Bible was brought into the auditorium. The ceremony, designed by KUNA translators, reflected the way God’s people brought him offerings in the Old Testament. First came a man wearing a Jewish rabbi’s scarf blowing on a shofar (a Jewish ram’s horn trumpet). Then came four teenage boys carrying an elaborate box supported by poles balanced on their shoulders. In the box was the newly completed KUNA Bible, which the KUNA were offering to God as a gift, asking him to use it for his glory. The pastor leading the event proclaimed, “The Word of the Lord has arrived in Kuna!” With thunderous applause, the audience of more than 3,000 welcomed the Bible!

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Your Word is more precious than all I possess; (Ps. 19:10)
It gives light to my path and directs my steps; (Ps. 119:105)
Because of your grace, and through your Word, lives are transformed and minds made new; (Rom. 12:2)
I now pray for all people who do not yet know You; (1 Tim. 2:1-6)
You’ve promised that Your voice by every tongue, tribe and nation will be heard; (Rev. 7:9)
So equip me to do my part providing everyone who needs it with Your Eternal Word. (2 Tim. 3:15-17)

Adapted from a prayer written by David Bowden

Lord, take your Word and apply it to my:

• mind so that I would not be shallow;
• eyes so that I see the world as you do;
• ears so that I hear your voice;
• mouth so that my words honor you and people;
• heart so that I would not grow cold;
• feet so that I would not just hear the Word but be a doer also.

*Adapted from a prayer heard at Summit Church, Issach Hunter

LORD you love me with an everlasting love. With unfailing love you have drawn me to yourself. (‭Jeremiah‬ ‭31‬:‭3‬ NLT) Father, I want my life to be ordered like Jesus’s life—wholly centered on you. While you are reordering my world, change my heart and desires.  I want to desire you more than anything else—love you more than anything else. I want to follow the path of Jesus, staying close to him—connected so that his life flows into mine. (‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭3, 5‬ NLT) Jesus will lead me to springs of life-giving water that lead right into your presence. Father, show me the way of life, grant me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. (‭Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭8, 11‬ NLT) I want my world to center around you. Father, there’s nothing like your Word for showing me the way to salvation. Every part of it originates with you and is ‘breathed’ by you. It is all useful, showing me truth, exposing my rebellion, correcting my mistakes, training me to live your way. Through the Word I am put together and shaped up for the tasks you have planned for me. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14-17‬ MSG) Even when I am troubled or afflicted I hear your voice saying, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.” (‭Revelation‬ ‭1‬:‭17-18‬ NLT) Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power and strength belong to you, God, forever and ever! (‭Revelation‬ ‭7‬:‭12, 16-17‬ NLT)