They arrive in groups of six to eight, disembarking from small vans with luggage and high hopes.
These men and women have come from the ends of the earth to attend a yearly meeting of the minds. Anticipation grows as the travelers sign in to the invitation-only event. Here in this secret, sacred space, technology, media and Bible translation converge for three weeks of connection, training, collaboration and ideation.
Donning their name badges — some using pseudonyms because of where they live or work — they expectantly enter the meeting hall, scanning the room for familiar faces they usually only “meet” online. And in spite of an abundance of cameras, smartphones, audio and video equipment onsite for connections and training, every participant agrees to protect their colleagues: photos, videos and social media posting of the venue and participants are strictly forbidden.
This commitment to security ensures a safe workspace and fosters highly interactive participation. Translation organizations as small as three people to global leaders in the mission find equal footing and opportunity here. Each learns from the other in genuine regard for the other’s passion, innovation and calling. This is about a concerted effort — a global movement — to work together well beyond the duration of the event.
“I learned so much about topics I did not understand before,” said a networking specialist. “And it’s good for my organization. We are sharing with others and they are sharing with us.”
In what is likely the most productive and motivating gathering you’ve never heard of, Bible translation, distribution and engagement professionals are finding ways to accelerate the mission through innovation and partnership.
Over 600 participants from over 200 organizations and companies share ideas, work through solutions and partner together to improve efficiency and create opportunities to expand the reach of God’s Word to the nations.
The annual conference that began in 2010 births breakthroughs in technology such as a groundbreaking oral translation software and a digital sharing device with its own wifi network. Each year discussions — formal and informal — include new ways to leverage technology for missions. Even inspiration for feature films, some of which have won awards at recognized film festivals, have come from conversations about sharing the Good News in various cultural contexts.
Others come to the event ready to share a variety of cutting-edge tools and resources they’ve created, including a stuffed animal with a sharing device inside, a do-it-yourself portable “network in a box” solution for remote area connectivity and a language-customizable Scripture app.
“It’s inspiring to see a platform where people can share the latest technology, trends and strategies,” said a translation coordinator.
Over the years, innovation has expanded to include practical Scripture engagement efforts — social media marketing, oral storying, trauma healing and more — as well as training and support solutions for field workers. Dubbed a “conference of conferences,” it’s a one-stop shop for almost every discipline in translation technology and Scripture engagement.
Participants are able to dive deeper through hands-on training in specialized four-day tracks during the first and third weeks of the event. Over 20 courses are offered, from video production to building Scripture apps to cultural awareness. The intensives provide attendees with in-person technology training solutions from subject matter experts donating their time and talents. For some students, it’s the only way they can receive this kind of training in safety.
“There’s so much technology and resources that I didn’t even know about,” said a participant working on a tool for women.
The middle week is more like a traditional conference filled with networking, brainstorming and spiritual refreshment. Additional training opportunities are offered at over 50 shorter breakout sessions, and networking groups are formed for people with affinities for geographical locations and subjects.
“The people. They’re the best part,” said an oral translation manager. “We’re learning from each other.”
Small groups gather among the rows of dining tables. One man tells a story of the difficulties of former slave traders who have come to Christ but are struggling to grow and find community. His new friend across the table offers a way for them to have videos translated into their language. Yet another diner suggests a solution for a social media community of believers.
Group after group gather in similar fashion. Ad hoc committees form to problem solve. Stories are swapped, words of encouragement are offered, friendships begin and are renewed, prayers go up spontaneously, ideas and contact info are exchanged, cultures are celebrated, Jesus is magnified. This is a picture of God’s global kingdom work in action.
“What is amazing is that so many people can meet each other, and then contact each other later,” said a communications coordinator.
That’s what it’s all about. Collaborative minds working together to provide creative Scripture access so that all people have the opportunity to meet the God who loves them.