Dear friends,

God does the impossible! Just when all we see are obstacles, He brings about even greater things. As the Word says in Romans 8, “all things work together for good to them who are called according to his purpose.” God’s purpose is highlighted in another verse that has become our theme, “So shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; it will not return void, but will accomplish that which I purpose.” - Isaiah 55:11

Although the worldwide pandemic created significant changes in our annual programming, God’s new purposes have been revealed for the multiplication of the Word. Working with our partners in the Bible Translation Movement, we were able to pivot and focus on the development of a distance learning program. This new program, together with the residential program in Jerusalem will enable us to serve many more translators and consultants globally to enable exponential multiplication of whole Bible translations.

“See I will do something new, I will create rivers in the wilderness.” God likens His Word to water that extends to the earth, makes seeds grow for the sower, and provides bread for those who are hungry. He describes a process of fulfillment and “success” that the Word of God creates, one that comes from the Lord and accomplishes His purposes.

This is a humbling reminder to me that God’s plan is bigger than our own, and even in times of challenge, always more than we can ask or imagine. Despite all of the circumstances and changes this year, God is showing us a way that will accelerate accomplishment of the goal of making the whole Word accessible to the whole world.

2020 marks the 5 year anniversary of 4.2.20-IBLT. We have seen much accomplished in the last decades in the translation of the New Testament, and in the last 5 years God has been raising up a new generation of mother-tongue translators and consultants who can translate the Original (Old) Testament directly from the source language of Hebrew into their own languages. As we move into 2021 and step out into the new paths He has created, we trust His Word to be a lamp to our feet. We hope for the multiplication that will come from new translators and consultants around the world who are dedicated to giving everyone the whole Word in the language of their hearts.

“Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them...He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.” – Psalm 111:2;6

I am personally so grateful for the generosity and provision extended to us and for your partnership which has made our continued operation possible. We trust that the fruit of the investments made in this season will serve to further accelerate access to His whole Word for people of all languages, whether through text, oral, or signed communication.

I encourage you to watch the Impact Video and scroll through this page to see testimonies by our students, staff, partners, and Board members. Some highlights from this report are: Dr. John Chesnut, CEO of Wycliffe USA shares about our partnership; Three new members of the 42.2.20-IBLT Board of Directors express their heart for being involved; Our new core values and guiding principles. (Scroll below this letter to view.)

Thank you for being a part of this celebration of God’s faithfulness and for being champions of prayer and support as we move forward to make the whole Word accessible to the whole world.

With you in His service,



David Swarr PhD

President/CEO‍
Institute for Biblical Languages & Translation
A program of 4.2.20 Foundation
The Whole Word for the Whole World