In my last letter to you I asked the question, “What will happen if we don’t?” What happens if we do not make sure that AI-assisted Bible translation is grounded in the original biblical languages?
But a much more exciting question is, “What can happen if we do? What becomes possible when both translators and the technology they use are grounded in the biblical languages?”
Next week translators from around the world will join us In Jerusalem for an intensive season of biblical Hebrew training. They represent translation projects serving Bibleless languages in the Philippines, Mexico, Benin, South Africa, Zambia, Togo, and Timor-Leste.
These translators will be among the first to pioneer a new approach to Bible translation, one that brings together their knowledge of biblical Hebrew and translation assistance technology that works directly from the biblical text. They will return to their translation teams prepared to begin translating from biblical Hebrew directly into Bibleless languages and to help lead this work within their communities.
As this vision expands, we expect to see not only new and accurate translations produced, but churches increasingly equipped to translate, study, teach, and disciple through the whole Word of God for generations to come.
Why Now?
Technology is beginning to change the way translation is done. That creates new possibilities, but it also makes the need to ensure these tools are grounded in the original authoritative text of Scripture more urgent. An AI tool that draws from other sources can produce interpretations that are far removed from the biblical text. We believe the original Scriptures must remain at the center to avoid translations that draw from “similar” meanings or heretical texts.
But an even greater danger is leaving developing church communities without the whole Word of God. The whole Word is essential for the church to grow in faith, understanding, and maturity.
That is why we are developing Asah’EL, a translation program designed to help local churches and agencies translate Scripture from the original Hebrew with the aid of assisted translation technology. Along with our partner AvodahConnect, we are developing a Hebrew dataset that allows these tools to work from the biblical text rather than drawing from other sources.
Asah’EL builds on the biblical Hebrew training already happening through our Hebrew Extension Learning Programs (HELP) alongside local organizations in new regions. Translators who have trained with us in Jerusalem are now serving in their own communities and sharing what they have learned to their teams.
We believe this combination of biblical Hebrew training and translation technology opens the way for a new generation of translators to bring the whole Word more quickly and accurately to languages that still need it, and for churches to have access to the Scriptures they need to teach, disciple, and serve their communities. Yet for this to happen, we need your help. Our next challenge is to raise an additional $250,000 before the end of 2026 to provide the training, tools, and development needed for this work.
How Can You Help?
PRAY: Many of you have joined us for 40 Days of Prayer, bringing these needs before the Lord each day through October 12. Thank you. You can find the prayer requests here.
SHARE: Pass this letter along to friends who care about seeing the whole Word brought to the whole world, and invite them to join us in prayer and in this work.
GIVE: Consider making a gift, or a series of gifts, toward this $250,000 goal according to your means.
I am deeply grateful for everyone who has prayed, given, and stood with us. We do not know everything that lies ahead, but we believe God is opening an important opportunity, and we are eager to see what He will do.
With you in His service,
David
David Swarr PhD
President & CEO
One translator changes lives. One translation changes generations.