This year, we’ve seen a remarkable and inspiring trend: a growing desire among European writers to create in their native, heart languages. It’s a shift that holds immense significance for both local and global Christian communities.
Firstly, “local voices” are invaluable. Christianity is a global faith, but its expressions are beautifully diverse, shaped by each country’s history, culture, and worship practices. When writers use their native languages, they capture the unique ways their communities experience and live out their faith. These contributions enrich the global church, allowing us to follow the same Lord and learn from the wisdom and perspectives of one another.
Secondly, native-language writing addresses local spiritual needs like no translation can. While translated works have their place, only local authors fully grasp the struggles, hopes, and spiritual questions of their compatriots. They know how to address issues that resonate deeply within their communities, explain God’s love to children in familiar terms, and pass on the cultural heritage that grounds faith for future generations.
Finally, writing in one’s heart language allows for unparalleled connection. Native languages carry unique idioms, expressions, and cultural allusions that foster a sense of familiarity and trust. Books written in these languages can touch hearts more deeply, creating emotional connections that even the best translations may struggle to achieve.
This year, we’ve received requests from Albania, Greece, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, and Italy to provide writing workshop trainings. These workshops would equip writers to create powerful works in their native tongues, ensuring their messages resonate deeply within their communities.
The desire to write in native languages reflects a growing understanding of the power of local voices to share the message of hope and salvation in ways that truly resonate. It’s a beautiful reminder of how God works through diverse expressions of faith to reach every heart.
We are grateful for the writers answering this call, ensuring that the message of Christ continues to be shared in the most personal and meaningful ways possible.