If you’ve ever put together a puzzle, you’ve likely experienced the joy of finding just the right pieces to fit together. And the frustration of being unable to find a particular piece!

But when you finally put that last piece into place after hours of work (or days or weeks, depending on how large that puzzle is!), there’s an incredible sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Missions work is kind of like a puzzle. It’s beautiful, colorful and complex — many pieces need to be in place for the work to be complete.

In Bible translation, some of the most important pieces are people. They serve as doctors, pilots, writers, artists, translators, linguists and teachers, working in tropical islands, mountain top villages and bustling cities.

Each individual is unique and needed, but they can’t complete the picture alone. When placed together, they help sections of the puzzle begin to take shape. As the the work progresses, they form images of hope — pictures of the God who cares — through Bible translation.

This is the person, that long-awaited final piece, who will help translate Scripture for the last language on earth that needs it.

We don’t know where the last translator lives or when he or she will become involved in the work of Bible translation. We don’t even know whether or not this person’s preferred language is a spoken or signed one or what kind of community they’re from.

But we do know that the last translator exists. Maybe he or she is alive today, yet to discover their divine purpose.

Hebrews 10:20-21 (NLT) says: “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.”

Even now, God is equipping you with talents, knowledge, skills and experiences to do his will here on earth. Have you ever considered that God may be calling you to help complete this puzzle and maybe even prepare the way for the last translator?

As you seek God and prayerfully consider how he might be calling you to participate in his work, think about the way God has orchestrated the puzzle pieces in your own life.

What images do you see forming?