It Takes a Team

What do you imagine when you think of a Bible translation team? Perhaps the face and name of a translator you know comes to mind. But one person is not a team.

So, perhaps you imagine a handful of people with language skills working together. But if everyone on the team has the same skill set, the team is not very well rounded.

Who will manage the team’s budget? Who will manage the workload and report on the progress? Who will identify unanticipated obstacles that arise and coordinate solutions with resources beyond the team? Who will be an advocate for the team with local authorities and with distant funders? There are only two possible answers. Either one of the language specialists will do these things, decreasing their time available for Scripture translation, or a project manager will provide this support.

Right now we have two high-priority needs for language project managers—South Sudan and Eurasia.

In South Sudan, there are language specialists ready to begin Bible translation in new languages—but they recognize that without a project manager they would be seriously handicapped. They are asking us to recruit a project manager, so that they can begin translating with a strong team.

In Eurasia, translations are already underway, but the project manager’s responsibilities are being covered by people whose strengths need to be focused directly on the language work. These project manager roles do not require someone with translation skills. In fact, that is precisely the point! We are looking for someone with management experience to complement and strengthen these translation teams.

It is also important to know that, in both of these locations, you would be working with a larger support team that includes other Wycliffe Associates and partners. We have systems and structures in place to assure that you have everything you need to succeed in this role.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these unique opportunities to accelerate Bible translation, just reply to this email or call Tim Coleman toll-free at 1-800-THE WORD (800-843-9673). Thank you for your love for God’s Word, your concern for those without His Word, and your heart to serve. We’d love to talk with you about these specific opportunities to advance Bible translation in these strategic areas of the world.