Friday, April 10, 2015

The Future of Wireless Technology- 5G part 2

"How can 5G wireless technology be used to aid in Bible translation and share Jesus Christ with the nations?"  I hope you have had some time to think about this question I posed in the last post.  Many times we hear about the negative perspectives of this evolving and invasive technology.  I think it is about time we focus on the positive results.

Courtesy of Wycliffe Associates  

In 1999 the leaders at Wycliffe BibleTranslators and Wycliffe Associates set the goal of starting Bible translation in every language by 2025.  Right now, there are close to 2,000 languages yet to be started. That means 200 translations need to be started every year for the next 10 years.   This enormous task could not be accomplished without  technological advancements. 

Photo courtesy of Wycliffe Associates 

One of the greatest technological aids are Bible Translation Acceleration Kits.  The kits include a solar panel, a satellite communication terminal, a battery, power supply, and a portable netbook computer.  This allows translation teams in remote villages to communicate with translation consultants that live half way around the world.

I mentioned that 5G technology is faster, carries more information, and aims for seamless language translation.  In five years Wycliffe will have technology at their finger tips which will accelerate the translation process on the global level.

Imagine translators receiving updates more quickly.  Imagine entire files of the New and Old Testaments being sent electronically to the people who need them.  Imagine translation teams from many language groups communicating with ease.


As a Christian it is exciting to see the possibility that every language group will hear the message of Jesus Christ in my life time.  It is encouraging to see how God puts together the goals and missions of His people and the work in the secular world, to bring about His glory. 

We as Christians can see how 5G wireless technology can aid in the work of God, however we should not forget that others can use it against the work of God.  5G wireless technology could be used to track down Bible translators in countries where it is illegal to be a Christian. 




Pray that God blesses the use of new technology in Bible translation. Pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters using this technology.  Pray for wisdom.  

Resources: Wycliffe Bible Translators, Wycliffe Associates 

1 comment:

  1. Good post Ivy! Yes, this is very exciting to see how technology can be used to help reach far away people for Christ. This is awesome. It's sad, however, how 5g wireless, something that can be used as a positive can also be used a negative to track down Christians. I agree that this is something to pray for wisdom about. Thanks for sharing!

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