How Bible translation and a completed New Testament are strengthening the faith of believers
From October 31 to January 2, the “holidays” reign supreme in the US. Communities bustle with festivities that mark important milestones in the last quarter of the year.
When the new year begins, the early months can feel dull and uneventful. Yet this respite from constant demands on our time may be a welcome relief, offering a unique opportunity to broaden our perspectives and see where God is leading us.
Now as we prepare ourselves for Easter, let’s take a few moments to reflect on God’s faithfulness by celebrating the completion of the Ilchamus New Testament!
30 Years in the Making
In Anglophone East Africa, only around 30 language communities remain with no Scripture and no translation work underway. This is significant when you consider that the region is home to at least 362 languages.
The Ilchamus people of Kenya used to be one of those 30 communities. But thanks to local translators and faithful partners like you, that is all changing!
The Ilchamus people, who reside in Kenya’s Rift Valley, were first introduced to the gospel in the early 1960s, but authentic discipleship has been a struggle to establish. This is due to several factors, such as a semi-nomadic lifestyle and deep-seated traditional religious beliefs, which have made it challenging for local pastors to address the community’s issues. Only about 20% of the population claims to be Christian.
Thankfully, Bible translators in the area have been working to bring God’s Word to the Ilchamus people, and their efforts have been rewarded with life transformation.
Praise God for the Completed New Testament!
What started as a small part of a cluster project in 2006 grew to become an individual project in 2015.
Now, almost 30 years later, the Ilchamus people have finally received a complete New Testament in their heart language! Join them in celebration as you watch the recording of their dedication celebration which took place on October 8, 2022.
We invite you to join your brothers and sisters in Kenya, celebrating the good news of the gospel made available to the Ilchamus people in their own language. Check out the New Testament dedication gallery below.
