Mission Tourism
MISSION TOURISM
By Alan Webster
Mission Tourism trip to the Sepulana translation after the Global Gathering
A Czech, a Slovak and a Dane were travelling in a car… It sounds like the start of a joke, but it is actually the start of a new initiative for us, called Mission Tourism.
In April, at a team Dream Session, we stretched our faith to imagine the possibilities of what God could do in and through Wycliffe South Africa. One thing we thought about was teams coming from around the world to see firsthand the glory of God in how He transforms lives and communities where the Bible is translated. At the same time, they would get to see parts of Africa, to return home as advocates of Bible translation.
It was merely an idea, but God was already putting things into action. We were approached by the Board Chairs and Directors of Wycliffe Slovakia, Denmark and Czechia, as well as someone from the Europe Area of the Alliance, to arrange a visit to one of our translation communities.
God not only initiated, He also took care of the details, like the weather. The day before we left it was 41°C in Bushbuckridge, but things cooled down dramatically which made for more pleasant conditions. The day we got to see God’s Window, it was clear, but the rest of the time was overcast, so the beautiful views would have been mist (pardon the pun)! We also got to see the Big 5 at the Kruger National Park.
Wycliffe Canada approached us to send a group of young adults to visit two translation communities. This will happen in May 2025. At the Global Gathering, mission tourism had the most interest and we are expecting to receive teams, especially from Europe. God has chosen the last and the least of the nations to demonstrate His glory on the earth. Mission tourism will facilitate groups coming to see what God has done through His Word.
A special thanks to Darren Staines from House of the Lord in Benoni for being our driver and braai master on the trip. It was a joy to have you join us.
Feedback
“Meeting the Sepulana translators was a great experience. They were so dedicated to the work and so proud that their language got their own Bible. The look in their eyes will stay with me forever. Also seeing that the pastors already had started using it in the churches, showed me how much need the translation into Sepulana is.”
― Jørn Blohm Knudsen, Denmark
“Being able to visit the Sepulana translation project was a great experience. Being able to witness the team in action translating the Word of God was a first for me. One I will not forget. It gave me chills to see the Sepulana people engaged in the process. Besides visiting the translation project we were able to see a bit of South Africa, taking in some beautiful sights. So enjoyable. It was great that Wycliffe South Africa made the arrangements for us.”
― Bud Speck, Europe Area
“As a church partner in the translation with Sepulana, I was blessed to join the team recently on a mission tourism trip to Bushbuckridge. Every time I take a trip to Bushbuckridge I learn some more about the translation process and I realise the size of this task to translate the Bible into any language. What detail is needed to get the exact meaning for each sentence correct. As a team member on the pioneer trip of mission tourism, how exciting to have people from 5 different countries in one vehicle. Initially as strangers but over a few days leaving as great friends. The ability to engage in so many discussions on so many topics and hear the different opinions from each person was truly something special. With us growing closer and being able to pray for each other’s needs. I can really commend this program and will truly support it wherever possible.”
― Darren Staines, Missions director at House of the Lord Benoni
There are many ways for churches to contribute and partner in bringing the transforming power of God’s Word to those who don’t have it. Below, some of these ways are listed. Visit this link or contact us for more information or to discuss the options.
Wycliffe Ambassador | Scripture Engagement Workshops | Adopt a Language | Foundation 5000 | Join or Host An Event | Visit A Language Group
