Sojourner #088: Bible Translation in Latin America

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7, ESV)

The Word in Every Tongue: Why Bible Translation Matters

The advance of the gospel has always moved forward on the strength of God’s Word faithfully proclaimed, clearly understood, and humbly received. From Pentecost onward, the church has recognized that the good news of Jesus Christ is not bound to a single language or culture, but is given for every tribe and language and people and nation (Rev. 5:9). For this reason, Bible translation has never been a secondary task, it has been central to the mission of the church.

We are grateful to partner with HeartCry Missionary Society, and we invite you to pray for a translation team currently laboring in Latin America. By God’s grace, this team is engaged in translating biblical teaching from Spanish into Asháninka and now into Quechua Chanka, languages spoken by ethnic groups who need clear access to the Word of God in their own tongue.

The team recently gathered in Ayacucho for a season of prayer, meditation on Scripture, and thoughtful dialogue. Alongside this spiritual focus, they devoted time to training aimed at improving the faithfulness and clarity of their translation work, all for the glory of God and the edification of Christ’s church among these peoples.

Why Translation Matters

Bible translation is not merely a technical exercise; it is a profoundly theological work. God has chosen to reveal Himself through words, spoken, written, and preserved by His providence. Scripture is not an abstract message that floats above human language, but a concrete revelation given in real words that can be understood, believed, and obeyed.

When the Scriptures are translated accurately, the people of God are able to hear the voice of their Shepherd clearly. They can read of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection for themselves. They can test teaching, grow in wisdom, and pass on the faith to their children. Without faithful translation, the church remains dependent, vulnerable, and spiritually impoverished.

History confirms this truth. Wherever Scripture has been translated and taught in the language of the people, the church has taken root and grown in maturity. Wherever the Word has been withheld or obscured, spiritual darkness has persisted. Translation, therefore, is an act of love, love for God’s glory and love for His people.

A Work That Requires Prayer

Those who labor in translation carry a weighty responsibility. They must handle the Word of God with reverence, accuracy, and care, knowing that doctrinal clarity and spiritual health are at stake. This work requires linguistic skill, theological discernment, patience, and perseverance. It also requires spiritual endurance, for the task is often slow, unseen, and demanding.

We ask you to pray specifically for this team:

• For faithfulness, that they would rightly handle the Word of truth

• For accuracy, that the Scriptures would be translated clearly and carefully

• For perseverance, that they would endure in this work with joy and humility

May the Lord use these labors to build His church, strengthen believers, and bring the light of His Word to those who hunger to hear it in their own language. And may we never forget that the same God who inspired the Scriptures is faithful to ensure that His Word reaches His people, until the earth is filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.

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