Did you know that there are almost 7,000 languages spoken in our world today? The Bible has been translated into more languages than any other book. Yet, there are still 180 million people who do not have the Bible in their language.
Family Activity:
Teaching Time: 20 minutes
Materials: pens/pencils, paper
Many people in the world do not have the Bible in their own language. This makes it difficult for them to learn about God. Translating the Bible into words they can understand takes lots of hard work. Take out a Bible and have the kids flip through the pages. Imagine if you had to write all of these words in another language. Some of the languages people speak do not even have a written alphabet. Translators must create an alphabet for the sounds in that language before they begin writing the Bible words. Have each person create his own alphabet. Use a different symbol or shape to represent each letter. After you have created your new alphabet, pick a Bible verse to write in your new language. Trade verses and try to read them without the code. Now use the code to read the verse.
Discuss:
- What was it like trying to read the verse in a language you do not know? What do you think it would be like trying to learn about Jesus if you didn’t have the Bible in your language?
- Read Romans 10:17. Why is it so important for people to have God’s Word?
Pray:
Ask God for translation to begin for the remaining 1900 languages into which the Bible has not been translated.