God’s Word, Her Mission: Encouragement for Women Helping Build God’s Kingdom by Wycliffe Bible TranslatorsSample

A World Still Waiting

Do you have people in your life who feel like family but technically aren’t? What a blessing when God gives us both family and “bonus” family!

The Apostle Paul considered Timothy to be like a son and wrote to him in one of his letters, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5, NLT). At a time in history when women weren’t highly regarded, Paul thought so much of Timothy’s mother and grandmother that he gave credit and honor to them for passing along their faith to their son and grandson.

It’s good to regularly ask yourself: “What kind of legacy do I want my life to leave? What do I want to be known for? How do I want to inspire others?” Believers in Jesus should want to help everyone in our circles of influence strengthen their faith in our Savior.

This is a significant calling and one we can’t fulfill unless we keep our own faith strong. We need to stay in close relationship with the Lord — spending regular time learning from His Word, as well as in worship and prayer. It’s a blessing that we have the Bible and resources available so that we can learn, fellowship and grow in our faith!

But millions of people all around the world don’t have these blessings. They don’t even have the full Word of God available to them in their language. And we should wonder today, just as Paul did in his day, about how people can believe in Jesus if they don’t know Him yet.

We don’t have to wonder very long — because we can be the messengers that God uses to help bring the Good News to those still waiting. God has invited us into this beautiful mission through our prayers, generosity, advocacy and service. And what a lovely legacy we can leave if we say “yes” to His invitation!

Reflection:

• What do you want to be known for? How do you want your life to point others to Jesus?
• What do you feel when you consider the reality that many women, just like you, are waiting for Scripture in their language?
• What’s one practical next step you can take this week to be part of God’s global mission?

Story Spotlight:

Threads of Faith Through Generations | Korea

The impact of Bible translation spans across generations, shaping lives — including the family of Rev. Dr. Lisa Pak.

Lisa’s grandmother, Il Hwe Kim, was born in 1920 — just nine years after the full Bible was completed in Korean — and treasured her Bible. The words of Scripture shaped her faith and her daily life. It helped her model the love of Jesus to her family.

Il Hwe’s journey of faith was shaped by answered prayers and having God’s Word in her language. She got married at 19 and struggled with infertility for many years. So she prayed to God, and at the age of 33, she miraculously became pregnant. This powerful answer to prayer became foundational to her faith. While not everyone’s journey with infertility ends in this way, God used this experience to draw Lisa’s grandmother to Him.

Her faith in Christ grew, anchoring her throughout her life and battle with cancer. She instilled the importance of prayer and Scripture in her daughter, Chong Soo. Il Hwe attended prayer services nearly every day and encouraged Chong Soo to read and memorize God’s Word. These spiritual habits shaped her family and subsequently the future generations.

As Chong Soo raised her own children, she continued the legacy of faith. Chong Soo participated in Bible studies and church programs, and she taught her children about God’s Word.

Inspired by the faith of her mother and grandmother, Lisa felt called to ministry and attended seminary, despite gender and social stereotypes. Lisa’s grandmother was overjoyed when she followed in the footsteps of preachers like Billy Graham. Today Lisa serves as a passionate advocate for Bible translation and also for the next generation of believers.

Read more about the impact of Lisa's family legacy.