INFORM
A space where teams find everything they need to align with what God is doing globally in the world of Bible translation.
COLLABORATE
A forum where YWAM translation initiatives and teams come together to support one another.
FACILITATE
A home for conversation, where teams share their experiences and resources to enhance everyone's capacity and efficiency.
INNOVATE
A hub where fresh methodologies are tested, and teams can explore both established and emerging models of translation.
EDUCATE
A platform providing insights, guidance, and training resources while honoring the unique calling of each initiative.
OUR MISSION
WHO WE ARE
The YWAM Resource Circle is a global team that provides leadership, support, and strategic guidance for the Bible Translation movement in YWAM. We serve as conveners, connectors, and advocates—helping teams succeed by offering training, mentorship, funding pathways, and project oversight. Representing different regions of the world, each member walks alongside translation teams, helping them navigate challenges, steward resources, and stay aligned with the broader vision and YWAM values. Whether facilitating AI tools, offering scholarships, reviewing projects, or building bridges with local leaders, we are committed to equipping communities to bring God’s Word to every language.
Cleo
LATIN AMERICA
portuguese, english
Cleo has been with YWAM for 30 years and serves alongside her husband Emanuel in leading a base and managing translation projects. With a background in nursing, theology, and linguistics, she has worked among various ethnic groups and actively leads initiatives in Bible translation across Brazil.
Edson Suzuki
Global
portuguese, english
Edson is a missionary and linguist passionate about Bible translation. With cross-cultural experience and linguistic expertise, he works to translate Scripture while preserving local expressions. His goal is to make God's Word accessible and transformative in every language.
Jessy
NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE
english
Jessy grew up in Oregon, USA and has enjoyed learning languages since she was a teenager. She has been in YWAM since 2007 and served in various positions in Berlin with her husband, and three children for 14 years before returning to the US. After training to be a facilitator, she has participated in mother tongue led translation projects in three nations so far, both oral and signed and continues to support these projects how she can. She enjoys working with and learning from others who also wish to see the Bible accessible in every heart language.
Meleah Ouedraogo
Africa
english, french
Originally from the USA, Meleah joined YWAM in 2003 and has served in Togo and West Africa since 2011 with her husband and children. She empowers others in valuing their languages and leads training in Bible translation, walking alongside those working to bring the Word to their communities.
Youngshin
Asia, Pacific
english, korean
Youngshin joined YWAM in 1989 and has ministered in over 50 nations. She has been involved in training programs and pioneering efforts among unreached peoples. Since completing her MA in Bible Translation in 2018, she has focused on Oral Bible Translation schools and mentoring, and recently studied Biblical Hebrew in Israel.
ABOUT US
Why Shema?
Shema (שמע) is the Hebrew word found in Deuteronomy 6, calling all people of Israel to listen and internalize God’s words in their hearts. This concept is very familiar to Bible translation, as the teams often internalize a passage as part of their translation process.
Shema YWAM is about listening, honoring, and learning from each other to better fulfill the calling of our generation.
We are committed to sharing stories from every generation and around the world, bringing perspective, variety, and unity.
Shema is a community of practice—a space for conversation, cooperation, and growth offered by the UofN. We invite translation teams to:
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Share testimonies and stories of what God is doing.
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Share their prayer needs, journeys, and challenges.
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Participate in talks, workshops, and forums.
These words are to be in your heart. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.