The Legacy Begins

While selling Bibles in Guatemala in 1917, William Cameron Townsend realized that many Guatemalans couldn't understand the Spanish Bible because they spoke other languages. He soon developed a relationship with the Cakchiquel people of Guatemala, which led to his resolve that every man, woman, and child should be able to read God's Word in their own language. "If I have been devoted to my Lord's service in the past," Cam said, "by His grace, my devotion shall be a passion from now on."

That's why, covered with insect bites, dirt, and sweat, Cam trudged through the jungles of Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru taking God's Word to people in their own languages. Oceans away from comfort, he worked with people to write their language and teach them to read. Then in 1942 he founded Wycliffe Bible Translators, embarking on a seemingly impossible journey in hopes that one day all people would hear God's Word. Cam left an unforgettable legacy—one that's forever changing the face of the modern Bible translation movement.

Uncle Cam's legacy continues today. When you include the work of Bible translation in your legacy plan through the Wycliffe Foundation, you become a member of the William Cameron Townsend Legacy Society, a community of people passionate about seeing God's Word in the language of every person on earth.

Membership Benefits

• Connect with others who share your passion for Bible translation
• Invitations to special events, including legacy and estate-planning workshops
• Free newsletters with stories, updates on the progress of Bible translation, and creative charitable legacy and gift planning ideas
• Free periodic reviews of your legacy and estate plans
• Access to a professional network of Christian legal, tax, and financial advisors