The dedication of a first time translation of Scripture is a joyous occasion. It is a climactic step in a long and arduous process. And it is that wonderful moment when a nation receives the Word of God in their own language for the first time.

We celebrated the dedication of first time translations of the New Testament with the Gamo, Gofa and Dawro people in Ethiopia in June. We shared their joy as they praised God for the gift of his Word in their own language. Some were moved to tears, overcome by the magnitude of the moment.

We also wept – tears of gratitude and joy for the great privilege of being involved in this wonderful work; tears of gratitude for everyone who works together in some way to complete the work. And we rejoiced, because we believe in the power of the Word of God to transform the lives of people and nations for the glory of God.  

Now we all pray that the people will truly engage with the Word of God and that translation of the Old Testament will follow speedily.

Barry writes: "Please join me in the celebration of the greatest sporting event on the planet – and praise God with me for the opportunity to be involved in this. My prayer is that through the many evangelistic events taking place in the UK alongside the Olympics, many people will come to know Jesus, the greatest light of the world, and get involved i the greatest relay event ever – passing the Good news on to every person in their heart language. I thank God for the faithful runners of the past, like the apostle Paul, William Tyndale, John Bunyan, William Carey and others. They passed the Good news on to people of their generation! Isn’t it marvellous that I will be handing the torch over at almost the exact spot where John Bunyan spent 12 years in the Bedford Jail for preaching the Gospel? This is where he wrote Pilgrims Progress, the most translated book in the world second to the Bible. Let us all shine the light of Christ until all know him. (Eph 5.16 says, “Make good use of every opportunity you have.” TEV) 

I would be honoured to see you there to cheer me on if you are able to, otherwise you can click here and follow the event live. We are planning to attend a joint churches Torch celebration meeting at 11am in St Mary’s Gardens, at the back of Bedford College. This is just over the bridge where I finish my leg."

May he use this to open many doors for promoting the work of The Word for the World Bible Translators!