Launched in 1999, Vision 2025 was a God-sized goal adopted by Wycliffe and other key strategic partners to see Bible translation started in every language still needing it by the year 2025. God used this vision to do more than we could have ever imagined! To learn more, enjoy this inspiring video from our partner Urbana around the story of Bible translation and how Vision 2025 propelled the mission forward in new ways.

For the purposes of this data, the term “known remaining needs” includes language communities that:

• Are vital enough to sustain and benefit from translation work
• Do not have any project engagement currently (no “Work in Progress”)
• Do not have any translated Scripture
• Do not have a stated preference to use Scripture in another language

Great eye! Amazingly, the number of languages with active work is even higher than the number we show in the pie chart, because some communities that already have full Bibles are now engaged in revisions or additional translations (just as we have multiple translations in English)! For the purposes of this data, we’re only including work on a first translation in this category.

“No current needs” reflects complex considerations regarding language viability and multilingualism, as informed by current assessments.

To be considered viable for the purposes of Bible translation, a language must have functional, stable and active use across generations within the community — meaning it is both widely recognized and sustainable.

In addition, in our increasingly multilingual world, many communities now have access to Scripture in a second language that is clearly understood, valued and used by community members in various domains of daily life.

As we work closely with partners to carefully assess the actual language practices of a specific community and determine the needs around Bible translation, our shared desire is to see informed, context-sensitive decisions made that increase the likelihood of meaningful comprehension, engagement and transformation.

When a language group does not appear to have an established local church, we first begin with humility, recognizing that our understanding of the body of Christ is often limited by our networks, access or visibility. Oftentimes — especially in difficult or restricted contexts — we discover that the Church is indeed present and active there. For this reason, we intentionally work through partnerships and explore collaborations beyond our usual spaces, trusting that God is already at work in ways we may not initially see.

We also recognize that “church” may look different in various contexts. While every project is undertaken with one or more partners that we refer to as "the local expression of the Church," the partner may be a congregation, an organization, a network of believers or trusted members of the local community.

If no such partner is immediately identifiable within the language group, we identify the closest church, church-planting movement or disciple-making organization with a clear calling to reach that specific language community.

There are approximately 400 known sign languages in use worldwide — representing an estimated 70 million people. Until recently, it was believed that only 2% of the global Deaf population had been introduced to the gospel, making the Deaf one of the largest unreached people groups in the world.

But all of this is changing rapidly as the Word of God is being translated into more and more sign languages! Why is this so critical? Sign language is a visual language; signs, facial expressions and body posture are all essential for clear, effective communication. For Deaf people to understand Scripture fully, then, a visual Bible is necessary. When Scripture is translated into sign language, Deaf people can engage with God’s Word in both a language (sign language) and format (video) that resonate with their hearts.