Imagine picking up your Bible and being unable to understand a single word. This is the reality for individuals experiencing Bible poverty in their native language. In his book, “We Can End Bible Poverty Now”, Loren Cunningham who is the founder of Youth With A Mission (YWAM) stated that

“The greatest poverty in the world is among those without access to Scripture”

Bible poverty refers to the situation where individuals or communities do not have access to the Bible in their native language. It occurs in situations where individuals or communities face obstacles in accessing Scripture in a language they comprehend thoroughly, impeding their ability to engage with these texts in transformative ways.

Language, the essence of human communication, is not merely a tool of expression, but also a repository of cultural heritage and identity. When it comes to matters of faith, translating the Bible into the heart language of a community holds profound importance. When people hear the Word of God in their heart language, it not only becomes more accessible, but also more relatable. This act goes beyond linguistic conversion; it nurtures a deep spiritual connection, preserves cultural identity, and fosters a profound understanding of one’s beliefs. It fosters a deeper understanding of faith, allowing individuals to grapple with profound questions, seek solace in times of distress, and strengthen their moral compass.

Malaysia is a tapestry of languages and cultures. Its people, belonging to various ethnic groups, speak an astonishing array of languages. But does Bible poverty exist in Malaysia? The answer is a resounding YES. Among the approximately 136 spoken languages in the country, only a handful have Scripture in the heart language of the people. It’s important to understand that God’s message resonates most profoundly when communicated in the heart language of the people. Many of our indigenous people groups depend on Scripture in other languages to cultivate their faith due to the lack of a Bible in their heart language. For many, the major languages used in the country might be a secondary or even tertiary language, making it less impactful in conveying the true essence of the Word of God.

Eradicating Bible poverty is not the responsibility of a single entity; it is a collaborative effort. Churches, local communities, and organisations like Wycliffe Malaysia are working tirelessly to make this vision a reality. Malaysian churches play a pivotal role in this endeavour, walking hand in hand with Wycliffe Malaysia to ensure that the translation efforts align with the spiritual needs and nuances of their congregations. Together, we create an environment where everyone, regardless of their linguistic background, can access the Word of God in a way that profoundly impacts their lives. In recent years, Wycliffe Malaysia has made a strategic shift in our ministry direction to focus on making Scripture available in the heart language of the people group in the country.

By translating the Bible into the heart language of various language groups within Malaysia, we can make significant strides in eradicating Bible poverty. Translation is a powerful means of ensuring that no one is left behind in their faith journey. Access to Scripture empowers individuals to deepen their understanding of their faith, engage in sharing their faith, and pass down their cultural and spiritual heritage to future generations.

The Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Cape Town, South Africa, in October 2010, witnessed the presentation of a compelling paper titled ‘Scripture In Mission: Three Major Priorities In Eradicating Bible Poverty’. The core challenge posed to the participants was whether the Christian community is willing to build bridges to eradicate Bible poverty. As I conclude this article, let this challenge linger in our hearts and guide our collective endeavours towards a Malaysia where Bible poverty is but a distant memory, and is replaced by a flourishing landscape of access, understanding, and vibrant engagement with the Word.

JOIN THE MISSION!

There are still many language communities in Malaysia that do not yet have access to Scripture in their heart language. We hope to raise awareness about Bible Translation and the need for Scripture in minority languages across the country. We would appreciate the opportunity to share this mission with your church congregation. Our team is available to deliver a full sermon or a 10–15 minute presentation during your Sunday service. We also offer programs such as Camp Wycliffe, to raise mission awareness, and Storying Fellowship Group. Contact us to host these programs for your congregation.