When was the last time you saw a miracle or radical answer to prayer in your community? Sometimes we can get so focused on our own local challenges that we lose sight of the bigger picture of what God is doing. But He is on the move even when we don’t see it.

The global Church, made up of believers everywhere, is on mission to proclaim the hope found in Jesus Christ. One way churches are partnering with Bible translation to impact the world is by supporting Scripture translation efforts. American churches are taking ownership of this mission, and it's transforming lives both locally and globally.

Radical Generosity at Taylor Road Baptist Church

Bible translation had a profound impact on Pastor Daniel Atkins’ church, Taylor Road Baptist Church, this year. At the start of the year, the church was facing $250,000 in building debt and discussing ways to pay it off. In April 2024, Pastor Atkins connected with a Wycliffe Bible Translators staff member who proposed that Taylor Road not only support a pastors' conference but give to Bible translation efforts directly.

Asking the church to rise to the financial challenge of giving above and beyond felt like a daunting task.

So the church leaders prayed about the idea. They knew that for $35 per verse, the church could help translate the Book of Romans for a community that had never had God’s Word. They just had to decide who to support.

The leaders received a list of languages needing Romans and had to choose one. They ended up choosing a group at random — a language group in Asia called the I* language — to support as a church community.

Their choice might have been random, but God’s plan is sovereign. God did miraculous things through the generosity of Taylor Road. Church leaders shared the heart of and vision for Bible translation with their community, and God showed up. Referencing Matthew 6:33 (NLT) — “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” — Pastor Atkins said:

And God did something incredible!

Unexpected Connections Across the Globe

United in the vision to see God’s Word made available in a language and format that resonated with the I people, Taylor Road gave above and beyond what was originally planned. Within a few weeks, Taylor Road celebrated God’s provision: They announced that the church was debt-free and had also funded the translation of Romans in the I language!

Five weeks later, Auburn University resumed classes in the area — and a significant number of college students began attending Taylor Road services. The following Sunday, eight new students even joined the church. Pastor Atkins asked some of the students if they were familiar with the I people group, and they were! These students confirmed that the group needed the gospel in their language and prayer.

While Taylor Road chose this language group randomly, God knew the connections that would be orchestrated within their own community.

During a prayer meeting, a young man from the school shared his own connection to the people group. Together, they prayed against persecution and that the Holy Spirit would work within the I community. The church’s prayers mattered to the community — both overseas and right in their backyard.

Church Partnership Changes Everything

Reflecting on God’s timing, Pastor Atkins said, “When you begin to partner [with] the Great Commission cause of taking the gospel to the nations, you don’t know what God is going to do to bring the nations to you.”

His church’s story reiterates that millions of people around the world still don’t have a Bible in a language they can clearly understand. As the global Church, we have the opportunity to come alongside them.

How Your Church Can Get Involved in Bible Translation

How does your church participate in missions locally and globally? Perhaps your church supports several missionaries or organizations working both in your city and around the world. God is using churches like yours to advance the gospel, equipping the global Church for evangelism, discipleship and church planting.

But there’s more your church can do to be part of this mission:

• Sponsor a Bible translation project: For as little as $35 per verse, your congregation can directly support translating Scripture for a people group without access to the Bible.


• Pray for people groups who don’t yet have the gospel: Join a prayer group to intercede for people waiting to meet Jesus in their own language.


• Educate your church about Bible translation: Hosting events or Bible studies to discuss evangelism and discipleship can deepen your church’s understanding of God’s global mission.

Embracing the Call

The story of Taylor Road Baptist Church reminds us that partnering in Bible translation can have a profound impact on people — both in your community and thousands of miles away. Being part of the work of Bible translation provides us with an opportunity to shift our perspective, participate in fulfilling the Great Commission and build connections we could have never anticipated.

Whether you’re part of a small congregation or a large church, God can use your generosity and service to transform lives, both locally and globally. So how will you and your church say yes to the call?

*Name changed.