"And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world." (Matthew 24:6-7, NLT)
The Bible offers timeless wisdom that resonates deeply, especially in challenging times. In the midst of these prophesied tribulations, there are unsung heroes who embody resilience and faith. Bible translators across the globe sacrifice more than just their time; they forgo the comfort of family, higher-paying jobs, and endure the frustrations of unreliable electricity and internet connectivity. Jesus's words remind us that life will not always be easy, and at times it will be downright frightening. These translators often face the grim reality of war and the ever-present threats of imprisonment or death. Many of these translators live in countries hostile to the Gospel of Christ, and they must practice their faith in secrecy. Countries in these sensitive regions have governments who take exception to Christians proselytizing and have created laws making it illegal for people to have anything to do with the Gospel.
One such account from the Nu* translation team paints a vivid picture of their daily struggles: "Since the [Bible translation] project started, we attend training by overcoming dreadful weapons, heavy bombs, and gun shooting. Even our returning journey home is another adventurous trip. We believed God, who is almighty, will protect us from such kind of dreadful journey. Only by hoping in God alone, do we dare make such a journey."
The Call to Serve
Why do these brave men and women risk everything? The Nu translation team encapsulates their dedication with a simple yet profound statement: "We feel that this is our commitment for [our] people and for the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
The reality for these teams is harsh. Active bombings and gunfire disrupt their work and daily lives. Scarcity of finances and food, fear of unstable governments, and constant suspicion are part of their daily existence. Travel restrictions due to civil unrest mean that even attending training sessions is fraught with peril. The Samlung* translation team shares their ordeal: "Coming down to attend the training class is so difficult for us. But the [Samlung] team reached the class safely by the guidance of God. Travel is restricted because of civil war. All the bridges were broken and the roads that we use to travel are closed. We came by the harder roads, sometimes walking long distances without food."
Perseverance in Persecution
According to the World Watch List,** over 365 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. Despite needing to hide their identities, these individuals are not forgotten by God. The Spirit continues to ignite hearts, ensuring Jesus’s message endures, "Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear." (Matthew 25:35, NLT)
In restricted and sensitive areas, God’s presence remains palpable. The Erhe* translation team recounts a poignant moment with an elderly woman from their community. Upon hearing Scripture in her mother tongue, she exclaimed, "Jesus is [Erhe]!" For the first time, she could hear Him speaking directly to her heart.
This elderly Erhe woman shared a revelation that transcended decades of misunderstanding. "Through the years, she had been told Jesus was an American, and Christianity was from the West. Now, the community understands and is encouraged to have the Word in our mother tongue. Our community came to know God loves us so much, despite our small tribe," shared the Erhe translation team.
A Testament to Faith
These stories of faith, courage, and dedication are a testament to the enduring power of the Gospel and the unwavering commitment of those who risk everything to spread its message. As we reflect on their sacrifices, let us be inspired by their resolve and deepen our appreciation for the freedoms we often take for granted.
Connect with the Spirit’s call to encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters.
* Pseudonym used for security.
** https://www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/
