For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. — Ephesians 6:12, NIV

Last month, we highlighted the severe persecution Bible translators face in countries where national laws criminalize sharing their Christian faith. While these national policies create hostile environments for Bible translators, the threat often manifests even closer to home. In many regions, militant religious groups actively harass, torment, torture, and even kill those practicing different faiths, despite the absence of legal restrictions at the national level.

Sometimes [the dominant religious] communities oppose the preaching of the Gospel. From the government's [perspective], it is open. –Burji translator

In sensitive regions, Bible translation teams must work discreetly, despite the country's public recognition. For example, Ethiopia officially upholds religious freedom; however, tribal conflicts and local power struggles foster violence. The Awngi translators in Ethiopia face challenges from a competing religious group seeking to impose its beliefs on all. “It is a difficult area for Christians to share their faith to unbelievers openly,” recounts one Awngi speaker. 

The terms “opposition,” “difficult,” and “unrest" often fail to convey the traumatic violence and torment endured by people in these regions. Many in these tribes become displaced from their homes. It is crucial to recognize the need for the Spirit's intervention to provide hope and strength to these translators. The Bodi me’en translation team spoke of God’s ability to help them endure as they live with “unrest, ethnic conflict, and no electric power supply. To persevere in it, prayers give us encouragement.”

Amid dominant religions opposing local Bible translation efforts, steadfast teams press on to fulfill their calling in Christ. These determined Gospel workers long to see their communities set free by the Word of God in their heart languages. Indigenous translators worldwide resonate with Paul’s words to the Ephesians, facing trials and tribulations while striving to communicate the heart of the Gospel in words their people will understand.

Daily, Bible translators must remember the real threat is unseen – even though flesh and blood constantly try to distract their focus.

Even though the published New Testament has not been distributed yet, [because of persecution from dominant religion], the translated Scripture has been changing the lives of translators, their families, and friends. Moreover, the Christian community has been filled with hope that since the translated Scripture is the Word of God, it has a great power to change the [dominant religious] community around them and can stop even the great challenges and persecutions among the Christian community. –Baha translator

Those of us passionate about spreading the Gospel have a profound opportunity to support and encourage these suffering translators and commit to fulfilling Christ’s Great Commission. By contributing to indigenous Bible translations, we can help answer the prayers of these often unseen tribes.

Spread the Word and unite in the call to eradicate Bible poverty throughout the ends of the earth. Invest with others, joining forces to encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters.

Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. — Philippians 2:1-2, CEB