Running to unlock God's word for every heart

Having the word of God in your own language for the first time is an extraordinary moment. A moment that those of us who have never known a time without the Bible in our language cannot fully appreciate.

Our marathon runners are running because they want everyone to know Jesus through God's word. Today 1.5 Billion people (1 in 5 of us) around the world are without God's word in their own language. We are working to change this reality.

There’s nothing like hearing from people on the day they first get their hands on a copy of God’s word in their language, to get a sense of what it means to them.

For the Akébou people of Togo, that moment came on 2 August 2025, when the New Testament with Genesis was launched with great celebration in the town of Kougnohou, Togo.

Koudjovi, a motorcycle mechanic:

‘I was born into a pagan family and was therefore a pagan myself, but on the day the New Testaments were completed and distributed, I was there.

‘That night, I had a disturbing dream. A huge man dressed in white approached me. He was holding that same book in his hands and handed it to me, saying, “Take it, take it, take it… this is life.” I took it, and at that moment I woke up.

‘This dream moved me deeply. The way this man spoke to me, with such authority and gentleness, convinced me to change my life. I decided to abandon my old ways, bought the book, and accepted Jesus as my saviour.

‘I give thanks to God for this transformation, and I sincerely thank everyone who contributed. This book is a blessing.’

The precious Akébou New Testament

Bika Jean's story:

‘My name is BIKA Jean, and I have been a deacon in an Assemblies of God church for 20 years.

‘During my journey, I went through a period of deep doubt. My confidence in the Bible had eroded. Certain verses seemed contradictory to me, and I could no longer understand them. This distanced me from Scripture, despite my commitment to the ministry.

‘But everything changed during that New Testament dedication ceremony in Akébou. That day, I acquired a copy in my mother tongue. As I read it, something awakened within me. The verses I knew took on a new meaning, clearer and more vivid. It wasn’t the Bible that was at fault; it was my perspective that needed to be renewed.

‘Today, I testify with conviction: the word of God is true, powerful, and accessible. It does not lie; it enlightens. Thanks to this Akébou version, I have regained my confidence, my passion for the Scriptures, and my joy in serving.’

Bible translation progresses at record pace

There are currently 4,473 languages with translation work in progress around the world and Bible translation is at it's fastest pace in history. Last year over 54 million people received a New Testament in their own language for the first time and 10 new Bibles or New Testaments are being completed and launched every month!

Will you support our London Marathon runners and join us in unlocking God's word for people like Bika and Koudjovi so that they can understand God's word to them?

Thank you for your support!

For more stories and information please visit: Wycliffe.org.uk