Driven by passion and conviction the three men will walk one kilometre for every language into which the Bible is yet to be translated. Organiser and walker Andrew Carnell (affectionately named Carnsey) said their aim was to make Australians aware of this need. In fact, many of these languages do not even have basic literacy material.
The walk will take an intense 80 days battling weather and hard roads, with only 16 rest days scheduled. The walkers have experienced wet weather in Mackay; walked 8km in the wrong direction, have regularly been dealing with blisters and are now enduring the central Queensland heat. "The scenery and the physical challenge of the walk has been enjoyable but the passing semi trailers have been rather intimidating" Carnsey said.
He and his cousin Dave Carnell are former PE teachers and have both been involved in overseas mission work. The third walker Andrew Sav, lived in Africa for three years and as a linguist, knows about translation and language development. "Most people are surprised to learn that there are still over two thousand languages with no Bible, no dictionary and no resource books," Sav explained.
Along the route the trio will visit churches and community groups to conduct information sessions about the walk, the languages and their mission. Carnsey said while Christians would be particularly interested because of the Bible emphasis, the walk is also expected to generate wider community interest.
"The Bible is one of history's great pieces of literature and is not only read by those who adhere to the Christian faith," he said. "It has been the long standing world's best seller. The complete Bible has been translated into 450 languages, but there are still 2000 languages without any part translated".
The public is invited to welcome them into each town along the route. Those interested in following their journey can find their blog or more information at: www.the2000walk.com