Words of life
By Max Sahl | Wycliffe Today Spring 2024 |
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
As a young man, I personally experienced the power of God’s Word to transform a life – my own life! The Scriptures tell us the history of God’s people and point us to Jesus Christ, but they are also living and active and penetrate into the deepest parts of our soul. These words are just as powerful and relevant today as they were thousands of years ago. As Paul shares in his second letter to Timothy, ALL Scripture is inspired by God, guides us in holy living and helps to equip us for ‘every good work’.
This edition of Wycliffe Today shares powerful testimonies about lives and communities that have been transformed for eternity by the power of God’s Word. We also honour the lives of Des and Jenny Oatridge – a humble couple who dedicated their lives to not only translating the Bible but also helping to save an entire people group on the brink of extinction.
May you be encouraged in the truth and power of God’s Word!
Language matters
By Max Sahl | Wycliffe Today October 2019
This year is the International Year of Indigenous Languages. To celebrate the occasion, the Royal Australian Mint has released a commemorative 50 cent coin. The unique design incorporates translations for the word ‘coin’ from 14 of the many Indigenous languages in Australia.
The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders (AIATSIS) makes these points about language:
Language is more than just a means to communicate, it . . . plays a central role in a sense of identity. Language also carries meaning beyond the words themselves, and is an important platform within which much cultural knowledge and heritage is passed on.
Speaking and learning traditional languages improves the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by providing a sense of belonging and empowerment. Educational outcomes improve when children are taught in their first language, especially in the early years. Interpreting and translating, language teaching and learning, and producing resources in Indigenous Australian languages provide significant economic, social and intrinsic benefits to individuals and communities.*
This has been the experience of Wycliffe Bible Translators worldwide. Language goes deep to the core of who a person is, whether it be in the highlands of PNG, the jungles of South America or the deserts of Western Australia. Identity, meaning, culture, heritage, belonging, wellbeing and empowerment are all interconnected with indigenous languages. This is why languages matter and this is why we translate God’s Word into indigenous languages!
* ‘Why is Language Important?’ Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies: https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/articles/indigenous-australian-languages
Accessed 31 July, 2019
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