Throughout November, Jesus Film Project® has been celebrating an important milestone. With the translation of the JESUS film into the Zo language, we’ve reached the 2,000-languages threshold.
To give you some perspective, the entire Bible is only available in 724 languages, and the New Testament has been translated into 1,248 languages. Keep in mind that Bible translation is currently happening in 2,846 languages in 157 countries.
The JESUS film has played a critical role in spreading the gospel, allowing people to experience the Gospel of Luke in regions that don’t even have a written language. In fact, it may be the only “Bible” that some people will ever encounter. And the impact upon people hearing Jesus’ words spoken in their heart language can not be overstated.
If you haven’t already, take a minute to hear Josh and Holly Newell speak about reaching this milestone.
So many reasons to be thankful
This announcement couldn’t come at a better time than the Thanksgiving season because we have many reasons to be grateful. The JESUS film premiered in 1979 in only 250 theaters. To hit a milestone of this magnitude in under 50 years is such an achievement. Think about it—if we were to evenly space out the translations of the JESUS film over that 43-year span, that’s more than 46 translations a year!
Through the partnership of more than 1,800 ministries, people all over the globe have had an opportunity to experience the gospel, leading to more than 633 million indicated decisions to follow Jesus.
All the while, we’ve been able to create more Jesus-centered films (in multiple translations) and a mobile app to make it easy for everyone to share the love and message of Jesus with others.
None of this would have been possible without God’s help and provision, and the assistance of:
- Linguists
- Translators
- Ministry leaders
- Native language speakers and actors
- Engineers
- Editors
- Mixers
- Fundraisers
- Technologists
- Missionaries
- Jesus Film Project team members
- Partners
- And many more
The 2,000th-translation landmark bears the fingerprints of so many individuals. It would be impossible to adequately thank them all. We’re eternally grateful for all their blood, sweat and tears.
We’re thankful for people like you
None of this would have been remotely possible without the prayer, support and gifts of people like you. Over the years, Jesus Film Project has benefitted from the stewardship of people who believe in the significance of global evangelism. These investments have helped fund translation work, equip international workers with tools to share the gospel, and the creation of new, inspiring content.
We’re so grateful for everyone who has helped support the Jesus Film Project ministry over the years.
The work goes on!
For Jesus Film Project, 2,000 language translations is just the beginning. As we celebrate, we continue to translate, record and create new films to help the watching world encounter Jesus—and we still need your help.
Please consider helping us fulfill the Great Commission by giving today!
