Not Forgotten in Prayer: A Year of Hope for Community Checkers & Review Committees

Not Forgotten in Prayer: A Year of Hope for Community Checkers & Review Committees

Community checks and review committees might sound dry…but the reality might surprise you.

Community checkers report that this Bible translation phase often feels like a mini-revival. God’s Word meets the community face-to-face. Locals hear Scripture in their language—sometimes for the first time. Review committee Scripture engagement fosters passionate Christian connection, building a dynamic Kingdom community. In these spaces, hearts begin to stir, faith grows, and the seeds of evangelism take root.

But why are community checks and review committees needed, especially considering Bible translators are indigenous language speakers?

Because language isn’t just an academic process of organizing words, mother-tongue communication is the very heart and soul of a community. 

Even skilled indigenous translators can miss subtle meanings, cultural expressions, and everyday ways of speaking. Community checks add a wider range of voices, so the translation feels richer and shared by all. Without this engagement, translation may seem distant and foreign, and people may disconnect from God’s Word—or even reject it. Community checks and review committees help keep each translation natural, clear, and accurate.

What do community checks and review committees involve? 

Community checkers visit locals in their homes or in open spaces. These men and women read the translated Scriptures aloud or share printed copies for group reading. They ask questions such as: “Does this sound right? Would your family understand this? Does this language reflect our culture?” Their role is a bridge, carrying the Bible from another language into the everyday life of their people—a gift of love and service to the community.

Review committees are made up of trusted local leaders—both men and women—who ensure Bible translations are accurate, natural, and meaningful in their language. Members often include pastors, elders, poets, songwriters, teachers, and others devoted to their language and culture.

They:

• Represent different church denominations and regions.

• Speak the mother tongue and value their heritage.

• Contribute insights from both literacy and oral tradition.

• Bring skill in teaching, writing, or composing.

• Serve voluntarily, giving their time and wisdom so their people clearly understand God’s Word.

When the Rubber Meets the Road

During a community check in Eastern Europe’s Gurbet language community, a non-Christian Roma family welcomed a community checker into their home. Together they worked through Mark 7—the account of Jesus healing a deaf and mute man.

One son had suffered from hearing problems since childhood. As the passage was read, the family leaned in, asked questions, and asked to keep the manuscript.

The translation team marveled at God’s providence. Of all the passages, the Lord had arranged for this family to check the very story of Christ restoring hearing.

Deeply moved, the parents saw God in a new light. For the first time, they heard the Scriptures in their own language and discovered an all-powerful God who gave His life for the Roma.

Pray for community checkers and review committees through September. May the Holy Spirit continue to embolden these gospel workers and bless them with increased hope, faith, and joy.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. — Romans 15:13, NIV

Download Prayer Card Below

September Prayer Card