In 1919 William Cameron Townsend began cross-cultural work among the Mayan Cakchiquel people of Guatemala. Townsend’s approach involved living among the people, learning their language, conducting linguistic analysis, and translating portions of Scripture. Earlier, when selling Spanish Bibles in the area, Townsend was motivated to begin this work when one young man asked, “If your God is so great, why can’t he speak my language?”
Townsend resolved that every person should be able to read God’s Word in their own language. In 1934 he co-founded a training school for linguists and translators. Held initially every summer, it became known as the Summer Institute of Linguistics, now SIL International.
In 1942 he founded Wycliffe Bible Translators as a partner organization to recruit, equip and send Bible translators and linguists. Since that time, technology, global partnerships, and engaging with local believers and churches have steadily increased the pace of Bible translation. Today, Wycliffe’s Vision Statement is “For people from every language to understand the Bible and be transformed.” Wycliffe’s Mission Statement is to “Serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word.”