Since 2018, the Wycliffe Global Alliance has supported the growth of Mesas—collaborative roundtables—in 14 Latin American countries that unite churches, agencies and local communities around Bible translation and Scripture use. These foster a culture rooted in friendship, trust, unity and mutual respect—shaping a healthier, more collaborative ministry environment.
With over 180 leaders from 160+ organisations already engaged, the next phase will consolidate what’s been achieved, train Mesas facilitators, deepen church engagement and expand Mesas into new countries.
Project Name: Catalysing collaboration in Mesas of Bible Translation in Latin America
Contact: info@wycliffe.net
Start date: October 1, 2024
End date: September 30, 2027
Summary
Since 2010 there has been an expansion of the Bible translation movement in Latin America that has resulted in the participation of more ministries, denominations, churches and networks. From 2018, Wycliffe Global Alliance pioneered a collaborative model in Latin America called Mesas (roundtables) of Bible Translation and Scripture Use. At each national table, Alliance organisations, Bible agencies, mission organisations, denominations, churches, indigenous communities and missionary networks build a work culture in Bible translation based on values such as friendship, trust, respect and unity, which opens the way for greater collaboration in the mission of God. As of 2024, tables are functioning in 14 countries, with over 180 leaders from 160+ organisations.
In these roundtables, the participants meet and work together on various strategic elements of Bible translation ministry, sharing activities, advancements and new initiatives in Bible translation, organising and interpreting information about Bible translation needs, exploring collaboration in Bible translation, cultivating a biblical culture of generosity and engaging in joint projects. The roundtables have contributed to a much healthier ministry climate among organisations in countries where the Bible translation movement is strong, and have promoted unity and built trust and friendship in countries where duplication of efforts, lack of dialogue and little collaboration were evident. The positive change from past attitudes and behaviors has been remarkable.
The overall goal is to see that the roundtables continue to have a collaborative impact based on the Mesa culture, so that the Bible translation needs and projects in progress can be completed in each of the countries in Latin America for the transformation of people and linguistic communities, with the greater participation of the church. This next phase will include supporting annual meetings for the 14 existing national roundtables, establishing three new tables (Chile, Costa Rica and Equatorial Guinea), conducting orientations for new and existing facilitators, encouraging inter-regional table connections for mutual learning and encouragement, establishing a regional data task force to facilitate sharing of data, and creating a roundtable manual that explains the Mesa culture to help other regions of the world initiate cross-organizational mission roundtables.
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Budget
Total need (in USD): $217,800
Contributions received: $91,000
Balance needed: $126,800
For more information, including budget details, contact us at info@wycliffe.net.
