Despite the havoc of the war in Ukraine, Bible translators in country are continuing their work for dozens of minority language groups in the region.
International Bible translation organisation Wycliffe Associates is helping translators with emergency supplies, including food, clean water, shelter, and even evacuations. The charity said Bible translators are among those in Ukraine who have been under siege since Russia invaded in February.
“This is a time of extreme crisis for our brothers and sisters in Christ,” said Stephen Martin, vice president of field development for Wycliffe Associates. “National Bible translators from Ukraine, and other regions shattered by war, persecution, or natural disaster, need help now.”
A husband-and-wife team of Ukrainian Bible translators were out of the country when the invasion began and became separated from their young adult daughter living in Kyiv. After repeated attempts to leave the country, dodging the Russian military and rocket attacks, their daughter was finally reunited with them. Then the family learned that a Russian assault had destroyed their home, along with everything inside.
“Our Emergency 911 Fund is absolutely essential,” Martin said. “This fund delivers basic life necessities—food, clothing, shelter, blankets, anything we can provide to national Bible translators and their fellow Christians to keep the cause of Bible translation alive . . . even in areas caught in the onslaught of violence and war.”
“Many continue to face violence. Yet they do not ask for weapons or ammunition—only the sword of God’s Word.”
Wycliffe Associates is raising funds to provide emergency relief for their Bible translation partners in Ukraine who have suffered catastrophic personal losses due to the war.
Meanwhile, critical infrastructure across Ukraine was pounded by more than a dozen Russian missiles on Saturday, the Ukrainian air force said, with several regions reporting strikes on energy facilities and power outages.
At the same time Russian occupation authorities in the Ukrainian city of Kherson urged civilians to leave immediately citing what they called a tense military situation as Ukraine's forces advance.
