Distribution

Transportation and Customs

It sounds easy but it's important to realize that the logistics of getting Scripture–hether it's in the form of audio Scripture players, printed Bibles, the “JESUS” film, or DVDs for signed languages–to the language community can be complex. If a printer or production company in a foreign country is used, they deliver the boxes of Scripture to a ship, plane, vehicle, or other form of transportation headed to a city near the language group. When the boxes finally arrive in the country, they often incur a customs fee. Usually a local agent is responsible for handling this process, which can be quite lengthy if complications arise. Once the Scripture books, players, or DVDs are released from customs, they are transported to a central distribution site for the language group. In some cases they need to be transported across borders if the people are located in a land-locked country such as Chad. In-country transportation can include all sorts of creative methods–planes, motorcycles, bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, boats, and even donkeys!

Celebration!

Eventually, no matter what the distribution process involved, once the Bibles arrive, the community often plans an event to publicize, celebrate, and distribute the new Scripture. Often this involves inviting local officials, church leaders, and people from the community. It's usually a major event where people thank God for His provision, recognize the importance of the Word of God, and celebrate the value of their language and culture. Celebrations often include a large meal, skits, dramas, dancing, singing, speeches, prayers of thanksgiving, and distribution of the books, audio players, or DVDs.

Digital and Online Distribution

Scripture can also be distributed digitally via the Internet or through cell phones which are very popular even in remote locations. With digital platforms like Bible.is and YouVersion, people can download biblical text onto their phones in audio, text, or video formats, and share those files with others. In areas where the Gospel cannot be shared openly, cell phones are a convenient and non-threatening way to transport and distribute God's Word.

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Road to Transformation

The Bible translation process can be loosely compared to a roadmap of checkpoints. While each language project is unique, this map helps to simplify an otherwise complex process for the purpose of illustration.

Steps of Translation

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Gateway

In cases where a community is not already interested in Bible translation, a gateway project can help raise awareness and open closed doors. Literacy classes, healthcare, and a number of other practical helps are tangible ways to demonstrate love and build relationships with the community and its local government officials. When they see that someone sincerely cares about them, they are more likely to consider and even grant assistance to a Bible translation project.

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Language Development

Translators need a good understanding of how target language works, and local speakers need skills and resources to use their language in new ways (like reading the Bible). Language specialists can help analyze and document language structures, and develop resources like orthographies (writing systems), practical grammars (descriptions of how to form grammatical sentences), dictionaries, and literacy materials.

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Timesavers

Traditionally, the average Bible translation took about twenty-five years to complete, but if trained people, resources, and language development are already in place, some of the initial steps happen much quicker and allow the team to get right to the translation phase. The translation step itself is also enhanced when teams have access to the latest technology or can operate in cluster projects—a method where translators from similar languages work together to complete multiple translations at once. We're excited that these methods have been accelerating the pace of Bible translation more than ever before in human history!

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Translation

Translation teams include speakers of the language, along with outside translation specialists. Together they carefully study the original Greek and Hebrew text, specialized translation commentaries, and the local linguistic and cultural context. The team uses special software programs to create trial portions of the text, and then they have it checked by consultants and tested by communities for clarity and accuracy, tediously going through numerous drafts and revisions until it is ready for publication.

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Community Development

Translating Scripture takes place in a larger context of holistic, transformational development. Literacy and education form a big part of this picture. Translators might help create primers, educational curriculum, and booklets addressing crucial issues such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, agriculture, maternal health, and clean water. They may also partner with others who specialize in crucial aspects of community development.

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Publishing

Once the text of a translation is finalized, it can be published in a variety of ways. Traditionally, there's usually been a printed version, in which case translators will work with a typesetter to lay out and format the text so it can be given to a printing company. The translation team may also ask one of our partners (such as Faith Comes By Hearing, MegaVoice, YouVersion, and the “JESUS” film) to produce audio, video, or digital versions of the Scripture. In the case of signed languages, the Scripture itself will be in video form.

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Roadblocks

Translation projects can get put on hold if a team member becomes sick or dies or if the area the team is working in suffers instability or natural disaster. A drop in financial support will also slow down or stop a project until sufficient funds can be raised. Wycliffe translators find that roadblocks tend to increase in amount and intensity as they get close to finishing a Bible translation. If you'd like to pray for translation projects within three years of completion, go to the Finish Line publication for more information.

Distribution

Once the Scriptures have been published in the form of a book, audio player, or DVD, they'll get placed on board a ship, plane, vehicle, or some other form of transportation headed in the direction of the language group. If necessary, a local agent will be responsible for getting the Bibles through customs and transported to their final destination. Digital Scripture versions can either be placed on a website for people to download or be transferred via cell phone or other storage devices. The community often plans an event to publicize, celebrate, and distribute the new Scripture.

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Scripture Engagement

Scripture engagement workers develop creative ways to help people understand and integrate God's Word into their daily lives. This can take the form of Bible study curriculum, skits, ethnomusicology (composing Scripture songs in local music styles), trained Bible storytellers, radio programs, or video lessons on Scriptural truths. Two Scripture-based studies, in particular, have been highly effective for many people groups–Healing the Wounds of Trauma for those who have suffered tragedy like war or natural disaster and Kande's Story for communities facing HIV/AIDS.

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Transformation

As communities receive and understand God's Word clearly for the first time, lives can change in dramatic ways. Many find freedom from harmful addictions and longstanding conflicts. When communities realize that they matter to God—that He speaks their language—their personal relationships begin to reflect God's love. And as people find dignity, along with new knowledge and education, they can overcome poverty. The Church can be established or strengthened and the Scriptures can be used to make disciples who will share Christ with new communities! Click here for stories about individuals and whole communities who have been transformed by God's Word.

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