All Scripture for All People
Do you have a favorite Bible verse or a book you return to time and time again? Perhaps it’s a peaceful verse in the Psalms that reminds you of God’s presence in times of need. Maybe it’s the book of John, where you find comfort in the words of Jesus and strength in the promise of eternal life. For many of us, Scripture is never far away. We carry it on our phones, place it on our shelves, memorize it in worship, and quote it in moments of need. But what if the Bible you hold so dearly was not available in the language you understand best?
For many people around the world, that is still the reality. They do not have a full copy of God’s Word in their heart language. That is why Second is grateful to partner with Seed Company in the work of bringing “All Scripture to All People.” More than 1 billion people still do not have access to the full Bible in their language. Seed Company works alongside local Bible translators, churches, and communities to help place God’s Word into the hands and hearts of unreached people groups around the world. The need is great, and the opportunity is urgent. Scripture tells us, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?” (Romans 10:13-14). We have a tremendous opportunity to help bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world, one people group at a time.
Over the next two years, our church is committed to a $75,000 gift that will help put the New Testament into the hands of the Batuku people, an indigenous community of cattle keepers and fishermen who live on the shores of Lake Albert on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With this gift, more than 97,000 people in Southwest Uganda will have access to God’s Word in their heart language. Seed Company is accelerating Bible translation for the Batuku so that the entirety of the New Testament— all 7,957 verses—will be translated into the Rutuku language. This means families will be able to hear the words of Jesus in a way that speaks to the heart. Pastors will be able to preach from Scripture with clarity and confidence. Children will grow up hearing the stories of God’s redemption in the language they use at home, in worship, and in community.
Our church’s commitment will help provide printed and audio New Testaments, as well as a production of the “JESUS” film in the Rutuku language. These tools will allow people to hear the voice of God, encounter the truth of the Gospel, and be transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through the World Mission Offering, church leaders will be equipped to evangelize the lost and disciple believers, communities will be strengthened as the Gospel takes root, and generations will be impacted by the written Word of God. As we give, pray, and partner together, we are joining God’s global mission to make His name known among all peoples.