Bible Translation

God Is Changing Lives in Papua New Guinea

An update on translation progress.

Apr 14, 2026

Manus Cluster translation team cross-checking the Gospel of Luke.

Just a few years ago, many communities across Papua New Guinea were still waiting to access God’s Word in a language they could clearly understand. In 2021, people in 312 language communities were still waiting for even a single verse of Scripture.

Today that number has dropped to 159 languages.

In a country known as the most linguistically diverse in the world — where many communities are separated by geography and language — this kind of progress is significant. It reflects years of faithful work, growing collaboration and, ultimately, God continuing to make a way for His Word to reach people in the places they call home.

And Bible translation work is still moving forward.

Your generosity in November and December 2025 helped accelerate six Bible translation projects — representing 116 languages — in Papua New Guinea. Contributions to that year-end giving campaign have raised over $1 million so far, which means that Bible translation can advance in communities that have been waiting for Scripture.

A Work Moving Forward Together

One of the projects supported through this campaign is the Manus Cluster project.

Across this cluster, 16 of the 22 translation teams have already begun translating the Gospel of Luke. Those drafts have now been revised and tested, and they’re moving into consultant checks. At the same time, teams have also begun translating the Gospels of Matthew and John.

Translation work unfolds step by step, requiring a team’s careful review, collaboration and patience at every stage. This kind of progress in the Manus Cluster reflects God’s provision and the perseverance of the translation team members.

As the work moves forward, something exciting is happening within the project: People’s lives are being transformed!

Transformation Through the Work

Charles Misap, one of the translators serving in the Manus Cluster, shared how working on this project has shaped his own faith:

“When I first began, I thought the work would mainly be about learning technical skills,” he said. “But very quickly I realized it was about transformation — both of God’s Word into a new language and of my own heart into deeper faith.”

As Charles continued in the work, Scripture began to take on new meaning for him.

“Verses I had read many times before suddenly carried fresh meaning,” he shared, “and I understood that God’s Word is alive and active. I learned not only how to handle the text carefully but also how to let the text help me shape my thoughts, correcting my path and strengthening my spirit.

Charles is grateful to be involved in Bible translation: “This journey humbles me, showing me that even the smallest contribution can be used by God to bring eternal life to communities that have waited for generations.”

Revelation 7:9a paints a beautiful picture of a promised future — a day when people from all communities and countries will worship God in their language: “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb” (NLT).

Charles reflected: “My prayer is that [God] continues to use me as a vessel, carrying His Word [to] the nations — that every tribe and tongue may one day declare His glory.”

Growing in Understanding

Elsewhere in Papua New Guinea, translation work is also moving forward through the Morobe Cluster — another project supported through the 2025 year-end giving campaign.

Across this cluster, 10 translation teams have completed the Gospel of Luke, and consultant checks are now in progress. At the request of their communities, these teams also began translating the Gospel of Mark last year.

Wesley,* one of the newest translators serving the Ufim language, shared how this work has impacted his own life.

“I have experienced tremendous growth — both spiritually and personally — and I give all glory to God for what He has begun in my life,” he said.

In March, Wesley attended a basic exegesis course. Before he attended the course, he hadn’t heard of biblical exegesis. But as he sat through the sessions and listened to the teachings, God opened his eyes.

“I began to see the Bible in a completely new light,” Wesley said. “Not just as a book of stories or teachings but as the living Word of God, filled with meaning rooted in its original context and culture.”

The training gave Wesley new tools and confidence as he continued his work.

“The knowledge I gained has empowered me to bring God’s truth to my people in a way that is clear, contextual and life-giving,” he shared. “I now feel more confident and better prepared to share the Word of God in a meaningful way with my community.”

Wesley is thankful to God for the opportunity to serve in Bible translation and is grateful that God has given him a hunger for Scripture.

“To God be all the glory for His faithfulness and the work He is doing through His people,” he said.

Thank You for Your Partnership

Thank you for partnering with Bible translation in Papua New Guinea and around the world! Your support helps translators like Charles and Wesley — and many others across Papua New Guinea — as they bring Scripture to their communities for the first time.

This work is not only advancing translation efforts — it’s strengthening people’s faith, equipping local leaders and allowing entire communities to encounter God’s Word in ways that are clear and life-giving.

We are deeply grateful for you and the role you play in sharing Scripture with those still waiting.

Prayer Points

Manus Cluster

Pray that God would provide good health and safety for the translation staff and their families.

Pray that inclement weather will not disrupt translation work.

Morobe Cluster

Pray for the team members as they balance responsibilities. Most are very involved in their churches, which sometimes causes a drop in workshop attendance and delays in the Bible translation process.