A Bible Translator’s Vision for Community Transformation
When translation of the Kiche Bible began, there was no money to pay the translators. Every time Martin, a pastor and the project’s lead translator, attended a training or met with other team members, his wife went door-to-door, offering laundry services to raise money. Martin didn’t have a computer, so his early translation work was done by hand and mailed to the project director for checking.
A few years later, Seed Company recognized the need and began funding the project, but in those initial days, the work was a labor of love and sacrifice. Over time, things changed, and the process became smoother. Martin saw it all.
All Scripture for All Kiche
More than 15 years after Martin began handwriting the translation of Genesis, over 400 people—some traveling hours—gathered to celebrate the completed Kiche Bible.
At the event, held on May 7, 2025, men dressed in suits and ties, and women wore bright colors. A group of teenagers formed pairs and raised bouquets of wildflowers, creating a “corridor of honor” for guests to pass through.
One pastor read from Acts 18 about how Apollos was taken aside and instructed in the way of God more fully—a story that mirrors Martin’s hope for Kiche churches now that they have all of God’s Word available to them.
“I have felt in my heart since we began the translation process that the Word of God would have a deep impact once we had it in our hands,” Martin says. “I hope that my community will be transformed by the Word.”
While most Kiche speakers identify as Christians, many still practice traditional Mayan religion and worship deities. But as understandable Scripture has become available, a growing number of community members want to learn what it means to follow Christ alone.
Their story is one of many around the world that show how translated Scripture paves the way to knowing Jesus. Bible translation invites people everywhere to discover that God speaks their language too! Join the work that He is doing across the globe.
