GBT (Global Bible Translators) of Korea recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special two-day event, ‘40 Years Following the Word, Unchanging Mission.’ The anniversary celebration took place 10-11 November at Yangjae Onnuri Church, bringing together members, staff, supporters, field partners and sending churches from around the world to reflect on the past four decades of ministry and cast a renewed vision for the future.
The commemorative event honored GBT’s legacy while embracing its forward-looking mission. The first day, themed ‘Journey of Gratitude’, focused on ‘40 Years Together, the Blessing of Companionship’. This session was dedicated to remembering and reflecting on the transformative history of the mission, acknowledging God’s faithfulness and the dedication of countless partners and servants who have contributed to the work of translating the Scriptures into minority languages.
A profoundly moving highlight of the first day was the ‘Impact Story’ segment, which featured live testimonies from local pastors and believers whose lives and communities have been fundamentally changed by having God’s Word in their own languages. Among the distinguished guests were representatives from the Tulung people in Nepal and the Melanau people in Malaysia.
A local pastor from the Tulung community said the mission to translate the Bible into their own language has become a generational commitment. He recounted the joy and excitement when initial Scripture booklets were published, immediately leading to the establishment of group Bible study programs, Bible quiz competitions and recitation contests. The passion of the believers was evident, with one member, now working overseas, still actively participating in the online Bible quiz tournaments. They also requested prayers for social and political stability in Nepal and for the youth, who often leave the country seeking hope, to find true hope through the Scriptures.
Similarly, Pastor Levina from the Melanau community in Malaysia shared her personal conviction and calling to bring the Bible to her own people. She emphasized that the translation process—which for the Melanau recently involved completing the recording of the Gospel of Mark in an oral Bible story format—had deeply engraved the Word into her heart and memory. During the celebration, she passionately demonstrated the power of indigenous scripture by performing in the Melanau language the story of the woman with the issue of blood. Both the Tulung and Melanau guests led the attendees in vibrant worship songs in their native tongues, a powerful testament to the unity in Christ that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.
The second day centered on the ‘Journey of Mission’, looked ahead with the theme ‘Vision 2025 & Go Beyond Together.’ This session was dedicated to charting the course for GBT’s ministry in the coming years. The main outcome of the day was the adoption and announcement of the Vision Resolution. This resolution affirmed GBT’s commitment to continuous learning from the past and humble dedication to the mission entrusted by God. It specifically redefined Bible translation not merely as a linguistic task, but as a holistic missional practice—a ministry of making disciples and building healthy, vibrant local churches.
The resolution outlined seven specific future commitments, including: remaining faithful in carrying out Bible translation and building healthy churches; committing to disciple-making by teaching the translated Word; nurturing translation consultants; serving and partnering with the diaspora; strengthening support for global Bible translation efforts; acting as a missional catalyst; and expanding collaboration with the Korean Church, prioritizing the next generation.
The 40th anniversary was thus not merely a celebration of past achievements but a profound moment of renewed commitment and dedication before God, affirming GBT’s resolve to respond faithfully and gratefully to the mission He entrusts. GBT continues to stand firmly on its mission: to ensure that ‘the mission continues until all peoples can read the Bible in their own language’.
Report submitted by Hyun Kim, GBT Director. Photos: GBT.
