Wycliffe Bible Translators (WBT) was founded in 1942 by William Cameron
Townsend. A missionary to the Cakchiquel Indians of Guatemala, Townsend
caught the vision for translation when a Cakchiquel man challenged
him: "If your God is so great, why doesn't He speak in my language?"
Townsend resolved that every man, woman and child should be able to read
God's Word in their own language.
SIL (the sister organization to Wycliffe Bible Translators) was
established in Papua New Guinea in 1956 under the Summer Institute of
Linguistics Act. SIL serves the people of PNG through linguistics,
literacy, translation and the training of Papua New Guineans in these
areas. It is staffed with highly qualified and skilled Christian
volunteers who are dedicated to making available the Bible in the many
hundreds of languages in this country. In the past 50 years, over 337
languages have been worked on, producing 158 New Testaments in
vernacular languages.
The Bible Translation Association (BTA)
of PNG was formed in 1974 by PNG Christians. BTA is a national organization in Papua New Guinea committed to translating the Bible into the languages of the country. It is also involved in literacy -- teaching people to read and write in their own languages. BTA works closely with churches because the Bible is the handbook of the church.
Wycliffe Associates is a support organization for Wycliffe Bible Translators. Thousands of Wycliffe Associates partners and friends help facilitate translation efforts through dedicated service in numerous areas of ministry, using their time and talents to support and further worldwide Bible translation.
The Christian Leaders Training College (CLTC) was established in 1964 near the geographic and demographic center of PNG. The first class of
19 students began study in 1965. Today, CLTC draws nearly 200 students
from across Oceania. Their mission is to "advance the evangelical
Christian faith, and to promote the preaching of the gospel of Jesus
Christ in PNG and elsewhere by providing Biblical instruction and
theological training at all levels, as well as equip suitably qualified
Papua New Guineans and other South Pacific men and women for positions
of Christian leadership."
Youth With A Mission is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Also known as YWAM (pronounced "WYE-wam"), its’ calling is to know God and to make Him known. YWAM began in 1960 with a focus to get youth into short-term mission work and to give them opportunities to reach out in Jesus' name. Today, YWAM still focuses on youth; however, they also involve people of almost every age. YWAM’s many ministries fit into three main categories: evangelism, training and mercy ministry. They are currently operating in more than 1000 locations in over 149 countries, with a staff of nearly 16,000.
We are excited about the opportunities that God has given us to serve Him
in Papua New Guinea. We have a great deal of work to do. May the Lord
give us the strength and resources to meet the challenge and the wisdom to serve in ways
that bring honor and glory to Him."
