Wycliffe Bible Translation

Jim and Henny have worked with Wycliffe Bible Translators for the past nineteen years. After completing special training in linguistics, translation and literacy methods, the Leonards spent nine years translating the Sabaot New Testament on Mt. Elgon in western Kenya. They also worked with the Sabaot people to produce several books of the Old Testament, a literacy program and literacy materials.

Jim and Henny now oversee the work of Bible Translation in five Aramaic dialects. They believe that with the prayers of God's people and God's Word available to the people, miracles can still happen even in areas of the world that have been resistant to the Gospel.

A story: When Jim asked one of the translators he works with to tell him what kind of impact the translation is having on Aramaic people, he responded this way. "The impact begins with this translator," he said. "When I work on translating, I am often overcome with tears by the power and beauty of Jesus' words in my language. When I share the translation with my friends, they too are deeply touched by God's Word."

Ministry Objectives: To translate the Bible into languages and dialects of people groups who have never been able to read the Word of God in their native language.

Sphere of Influence: Wherever people are given the opportunity to read God's Word where they previously couldn't. Recently, Western Kenya, and currently the Aramaic-speaking world.

Prayer Needs: Please pray that the Word of God in modern Aramaic dialects will have a great impact on this group of traditional Christian people. Pray, too, that the resistance to bringing the Word to these people would be broken down by the power of love and the beauty of God's Word.

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