Today is Day One of the Wycliffe Bible Translators 40 Days of Prayer leading up to their World Day of Prayer on Nov. 11, which marks the day that Wycliffe “began with prayer and will continue only with prayer.”

The day of prayer for Bible translation worldwide has been ongoing since 1933, when Wycliffe founder Cameron Townsend was granted permission to enter Mexico to begin Bible translation by the power of prayer and God's grace alone.

Townsend and his translation partner were stopped at the border on Nov. 11, 1933, and told to leave. But the team and dozens of others had been praying for opportunities to reach the more than 50 indigenous tribes who had no access to the gospel. As the two men prayed for guidance, Townsend remembered a letter that a Mexican educator had sent him, impressing the need for Bible translators. After he showed it to the border guards—praying all the while—the team was eventually allowed in.

Wycliffe has been praying annually on this day ever since.

This year, the ministry is gathering as many as possible to focus prayer on the Bible translation process from start to finish by taking a look at the scope of the vision, the major parts of a Bible translation program and praying through the challenges to it all.

Wycliffe believes prayer is essential to Bible translation and therefore welcomes as many participants as possible to join in this prayer journey. You are encouraged to invite friends and family to join in as well.

Currently, over 2,000 languages have yet to claim a full Bible translation. Only 457 language communities actually have access to the New Testament in their heart language. In total, about 340 million people do not have translations of the Word—or even projects started—in their heart language.

Wycliffe is making headway like never before through this effort. Prayer will spur on their work. Those who are interested in joining this prayer campaign may visit this website for more information to click here to receive prayer updates via email.

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