Unity Killed the Elephant

Zach Manyim (who we know!) wrote this good, short article about Bible translation:

When hunters unite, they plan on how to kill the elephant. This traditional wisdom reminds us that together we stand, divided we fall; just as it is not possible for one hand to tie up a bundle.

What is true for the elephant and the bundle also holds for Bible translation. This task, which needs to be carried out in a given language community, entails the participation of several stakeholders: churches, village communities, associations, opinion leaders, elites, etc. All should be informed about the project and mobilised for active participation.

However, since this is a work which should be carried out first and foremost by the Church, it is her responsibility to ensure the leadership of the project. Therefore, all the churches existing in a given language area should feel not only as its prime beneficiaries, but also and especially as being called upon for an effective and durable involvement in the various aspects that contribute to the success of the project.