Scripture Use

Wycliffe’s goal is to provide access to the Scriptures for all language communities worldwide in the language and media that best meets their needs. One way to do this is through literacy, assuming the Scriptures are available to the people in a language they know well. However, there are many in our world who will never be readers. Even in literate societies, there are individuals who prefer to learn, or assimilate information, by methods other than reading.

Scripture use is a broad category, including many varied methods to get the translated Scriptures into use and at work in people's lives. Some techniques are complex and sophisticated, others are simple.

They include the use of film, video, audio cassettes, hymnology, silkscreened t-shirts, Bible studies, the everyday spoken word and more.

Interested in working in Scripture use?

Contact: Mission_Next@wycliffe.org
1.800.992.5433 Ext. 3669
Search our Service Opportunities for a sampling of open positions around the world.
You can also work in Scripture use for a year or two through ServeInPNG.

While many of us may not have the opportunity to translate the Scriptures into another language, we all can become expert Scripture users. The Forum of Bible Agencies—North America is a strategic alliance of ministries specifically committed to engaging people with God's Word in its various forms. Organizations like those who are part of the Forum often assist in the development of resources and campaigns to encourage Scripture use.

SCRIPTURE USE LAMENTS:

Laments from a Trauma Healing workshop

Bété Lament

Bété is a language of Côte d'Ivoire, a country known as a bastion of political stability in West Africa. Civil war broke out in September, 2002. The image of a country of peace and dialogue descending into violence made the war particularly shocking.

The war surprised us. What is happening? We’re not familiar with this. Where should we go? Where shall we hide? Who can help us? Who will dry our tears? Who can heal our broken heart? We have lost everything. Our fathers, our mothers were killed before our eyes. Our brothers and sons taken by force. Our wives, our sisters and our daughters raped and assassinated. Our houses were looted and burned. Our plantations destroyed. Where can we turn?

Some have implored the rivers, clearings, forests, savannah, and the ancestors. But no response. O God, our God, see how miserable we have become. Hasten to help us, according to Your promise.

Like the big "palabre" tree in the middle of the village gives shade. Stay with us, Lord, so that we can be protected in Your shade. Our eyes are turned to You.

Note: a "palabre" tree is a large tree in the village center. People sit in the shade to discuss issues.

Psalm 62, which the participants translated in a recent workshop.

Psalm 62

I wait quietly before God, for my salvation comes from Him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will never be shaken.
So many enemies against one man—all of them trying to kill me. To them I’m just a broken-down wall or a tottering fence. They plan to topple me from my high position. They delight in telling lies about me. They are friendly to my face, but they curse me in their hearts.

I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.

O my people, trust in Him at all times. Pour out your heart to Him, for God is our refuge.
From the greatest to the lowliest—all are nothing in His sight. If you weigh them on the scales, they are lighter than a puff of air. Don’t try to get rich by extortion or robbery. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life.

God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times: Power, O God, belongs to You; unfailing love, O Lord, is Yours. Surely You judge all people according to what they have done (NLT).

Lamentation André

A lament written by a workshop participant.

O God who is alive, you are faithful and just!
You don’t ever abandon those who hope in you.
I don’t have any more peace in my heart
Because the whole world is trembling under me.
They’ve destroyed my town, they’ve killed my friends,
My relations and even some of Your servants.
I’ve lived like a wild beast in the forest for many months
And now, even now, I find people who deceive me.
O God, you have allowed all of this.
Who will help me? What is my future?
Forgive me, Lord, because I've faltered in my trust in you;
I've not always obeyed your will.
Help me, heavenly Father! Give me the way to learn
To do the work you have given me in a better way.
And give me the joy that comes from living with you.
Thank you, Father, for your encouragement and help,
Because you will never abandon me.
I want to continue to serve you better and to praise you,
Because it is true that the kingdom, the power and the glory belong to you.
Amen.