Introduction
This project has been a journey of dedication, collaboration, and prayer aimed at ensuring that the Cushitic speaking community, predominantly of Islamic faith, will be able to access and engage with the Word of God in their native language. The launch was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, and we are deeply grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders in making this vision a reality.
Vision and Genesis of the Project
The vision behind this translation was to provide the Cushitic community with a Bible that speaks directly to their hearts, in their language. The project began with a clear understanding of the importance of reaching this often marginalized group, offering them the opportunity to learn about and engage with the teachings of Jesus Christ in a way that is accessible and meaningful. The translation process was not without its challenges, but through perseverance and faith, the team was able to complete the New Testament, a crucial step in our long-term goal of translating the entire Bible.
Challenges Faced
Translating the New Testament into the Cushitic language was a complex and often daunting task. Our translators faced numerous challenges, including linguistic nuances, cultural sensitivities, and the technical demands of producing an accurate and faithful translation. How can I forget the security risks that led us to come up with secret locations where the translators would meet? Despite these difficulties, the team remained committed to the vision, working tirelessly to ensure that the translation maintained the integrity of the original text while being accessible to the Cushitic community.
Successes and Key Features
The completed New Testament (NT) is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our translators, partners, and ministry investors. The finished NT contains several features designed to enhance the reader’s experience including a unique cover that looks like the Quran which was intentionaly designed to protect readers from extremists who might want to harm them.
Additionally, the launch of the S* Bible App was a key highlight during the launch event. This platform will enable broader access to the translation, allowing individuals to engage with the Bible digitally, regardless of their location. The platform includes features such as a search function, audio recordings for those who prefer to listen to the Bible, and interactive study tools to aid in understanding the Scriptures.
Launch Event Highlights
The launch event was attended by key stakeholders, partners, and members of the Cushitic community as well as Biblica East Africa board members and staff. Those in attendance included: A.I.M., I.A.S., Bethany, Open Doors, S.I.M., Scripture Mission, Sheepfold, K.A.G., A.C.K, The door, World Vision, E.Y.C, V.O.M., FIDA, SIM, SOM, African Service, among other friends of S* believers.
Their presence was a powerful reminder of the collective effort that went into making this dream a reality. A particularly moving moment was when a member of the Cushitic community read from the book of Acts in their native language, showcasing the impact of the translation and the importance of this project. The testimonies from community members were both heartfelt and inspiring, highlighting how the availability of the New Testament in their language will deepen their understanding of the Christian faith.
Following the formal presentations, the event transitioned into a time of fellowship, where attendees shared a meal and celebrated together as a united body of Christ. The sense of unity and brotherhood was palpable, a reminder of the power of the Gospel to bring people together across cultural and religious divides.
Testimonies
“This Bible is simple to read. I am enjoying reading it.” (From a S* believer who is being discipled)
“Thanks for thinking about us, nobody thinks us about us. When we are mentioned we are oftenly associated with terrorism, but this communicates that God loves us and He dies for us.” (Partner involved in S* outreach)
“We have been challenged as a church to be ready to accommodate the harvest from the S* community. The way we conduct our services indicates that we are not ready.” (Church leader)
“This is a very clear and easy to read version, Biblica has done an amazing work.” (S* believer from Ethiopia)
Next Steps
- Continue distributing both physical and digital copies of the New Testament Bible.
- Translation of the Old Testament.
- Engage with the community through follow-up.
- Seek additional partnerships and support for the sustainability of the ongoing project.