by Allyson O'Bryant, Student Public Relations Writer
Imagine not having access to the Bible 鈥 or if it is accessible, not having it in a language you understand. Cedarville University is preparing its students for the important work of Bible translation: to help overcome this gospel hurdle.
According to the , of the 7,396 world languages, only 756 have access to the complete Bible in their native tongue. With so many people groups still unable to access God鈥檚 Word, people like Rebecca Neely, who is working with , are working to fill the gap.
Neely, a Cedarville University senior from West Jefferson, Ohio, has a heart for serving others.
鈥淕od may never call me to go overseas, but I can still live my life helping accomplish His mission right here in the United States,鈥 said Neely.
As a communications intern, Neely talks with missionaries, collecting their stories of how others have been impacted by the Gospel. Through her words, Neely captures the moments when missionaries see the gospel transform lives around the world.
Throughout her internship, she has attended translation sessions, hearing refugees and translators debate passages of scripture and discuss the meaning of Bible verses. She鈥檚 also been able to witness the Bible being translated into American Sign Language.
鈥淕etting to sit in on the translation sessions has been a highlight of my internship,鈥 said Neely. 鈥淭he sessions are filled with wisdom, and the passion of each translator for the project and the people they鈥檙e helping overflows.鈥
Neely chose to study English at Cedarville knowing that this major would use her love of words to impact people. But most importantly, she knew that her four years at college, her faith and her life鈥檚 path would be shaped by the educational environment she chose 鈥 making Cedarville the perfect choice.
Because of Cedarville鈥檚 core values and emphasis on missions, Neely knows that she wants to spend her life reaching others for Christ. As she prepares to graduate next May, Neely realizes anything that God calls her to is her mission field. Whether returning to her hometown or working with Pioneer Bible Translators, Neely is excited to follow God鈥檚 direction in her next steps.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian鈥痠nstitution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by鈥疶he Wall Street Journal鈥痑s being among the nation鈥檚 top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at鈥cedarville.edu.鈥&苍产蝉辫;