Work experience time continues… this year we have the opportunity in Wycliffe Bible Translators UK & Ireland to host four A level languages students in the Belfast office. Last week Rachel, from a school in Ballymena, spent three days with us… and here are some of her reflections…
During my three days of work experience in the Belfast office of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK & Ireland, I have learned so much of the work involved in Bible translation.
Bible translation statistics Oct 2015
I was amazed to learn how many languages there are in the world – almost 7,000 – and how few of them have the Bible translated. It has really challenged me about how I think of the Bible as, here in N. Ireland, we have so many different versions that we can all too often take the Bible for granted. Yet there are so many people who are still waiting for the Bible to be translated in their language.
I had the privilege of being able to spend time with Dorothea Jeffrey and see her work on the Lig* project. It was amazing to be able to see a translation being checked and to see the work involved in doing that. On the computer I could see the text in the original Greek; the language it was being translated into; and then an English back translation to check the accuracy. It was a fascinating experience and I am very thankful to Dorothea for allowing me to be there.
Before my work experience I thought the only work Wycliffe was involved in is Bible translation. From speaking to the staff in the office I have learned that there are many people with different skills involved in the work of Wycliffe, not just translators. Literacy work among the people is very important as the so that people will now be able to read God’s word in their own language. Seeing the Bible in their mother tongue is important to them as it shows them God can speak their language.
I have really enjoyed my time with the Wycliffe team and they have encouraged me to consider future service in this area.
Revelation 7 v.9 ‘After this I looked and saw a great multitude that no one could number from every nation, tribe, people and language.’
Lig* is a pseudonym for this language
My thanks to Rachel for this guest blog about her work experience with us.
Dorothea Skype consulting
POSTSCRIPT: from Dorothea Jeffrey’s February Prayer & Praise:
“I enjoyed First Steps, a Wycliffe event for enquirers on 6th February. We had about 14 enquirers present and there was quite a buzz! Some are 6th formers who have been doing work experience in the Belfast Wycliffe Office. I had one of them sitting in on the Lig* checking session with me this week. We are praying for five new Wycliffe members from Northern Ireland.”
A few Saturdays ago, Rachel joined us at First Steps on 6 February 2016 at Ballyhenry Presbyterian Church Newtownabbey. To find out more about First Steps and to register go to
There are still at least 1,800 languages that don’t have a Bible.
Find out more about Bible translation and mission and the ways that you could become involved on our website.
John 20:21 
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