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March 20, 2019

In Search Of A Giryama Bible

We were winding up Run For The Bibleless 2018 at Uhuru Gardens when I was referred to Agnes Furaha; she was at the Run to pick a copy of The Giryama Bible. “I am a Giryama and a business lady selling second hand clothes at the Gikomba market. My friend informed me that there were Giryama Bibles to be given out at Uhuru Gardens today. I woke up very early to pick my bales of clothes at the market so that I could get here in good time to pick the Giryama Bible. I have been searching for it but I have not succueeded in getting one and the only copy I had got lost.

My children attend a primary school here in Nairobi. I have in the past seen them with the sponsorship forms. I have always helped them raise the money because I see the word ‘Bibleless’ on the forms. I had never taken keen interest though my instinct would tell of a cause to win souls to Christ.”

Explaining to her what we are involved in as a Ministry, Furaha could not wait to purchase Run for the Bibleless t-shirts. “You have opened my eyes today. It is incredible how my community and I are beneficiaries of Bible Translation. From today, I am going to faithfully participate in future Run for the Bibleless events. I have a story to tell to others of the excellent work that BTL does for the small language groups in Kenya,” she concluded.

Within the few minutes I had interacted with Furaha, the stranger in search of the Giryama Bible was now a friend. Soon, God willing Furaha will be reading her copy of the complete Giryama Bible and ooh! whenever I need quality clothes, I give her a call. She will get me the best.

Caption:NCCK Deputy Secretary General, Rev. Dr. Nelson Makanda prays over the dummy of the soon to be completed Giryama Bible during the Run For The Bibleless 2018

by Daisy Kilel

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January 22, 2019

Did you Carry The Pokomo New Testament?

Shedrack Falama is not just a translator. He wears shoes of different needs of the Pokomo community he translates the Scriptures for. In his community, he is not Shedrack Falama but BTL. At one time, he was invited to speak at a funeral in a neighboring village, “I shared of our Bible Translation progress of the Pokomo Old Testament. This is what the people expect of my colleagues and I to tell them in every event they invite us to.”

As he made his way back to his seat, a Giryama pastor approached him inquiring if he had carried a copy of their Pokomo New Testament. “I had carried neither a hymn book nor a New Testament, I never imagined of anyone in need of it and especially in a Giryama populated area.” As he conversed with the pastor, someone who had sat close to them overheard the pastor’s question. “He too stood to join in our conversation with the pastor. He also expressed interest of a copy. I was overwhelmed.”

Shedrack Falama’s office was 10KM away from the burial venue; he decided to go for the two Bibles. “I rode my motorbike to our office. When I got back, on the mourners seeing me hand over the copies to the two fellows, more than 10 others came forward expressing needs for their own copies.”

“My Bibleless hands did not worry of what they were going to give to the brethren that stood before me; instead, my heart rejoiced for what the Lord was doing in the lives of His people. I saw a thirst for God’s Word in a way that I could not understand.” Since Falama could ride back to his office, he promised the growing number to carry enough copies for them as soon as he could.

*Pokomo New Testament was dedicated in 2005. Translation for the Old Testament is at its final stages and we are hopeful that in the next 2 years, Pokomo full Bible will be launched and dedicated. Pray for the remaining process of the translation to proceed well.

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November 14, 2018

The old men helped!

Atonement! What is the right word for it in Pokomo? Sacrifice? No. Reconciliation? How? I racked my hairless head, I could not figure out its meaning. I asked my colleague Vincent, he too was blank. Now what? I called a few old men who always bailed me out whenever I was hemmed in by bonds of limited language and asked them to give me an equivalent word for atonement. They too did not know! I asked myself, “Why call themselves old men, if they did not know something as simple as atonement?”

I had to change my approach. I called the same old men and asked them what happened in our culture when someone did something so hideous like killing a kinsman or committing incest? They said a particular ritual was performed to cleanse the evil and make things right between the offender and the offended, animal blood had to be spilled. I asked them what that particular ritual was called. Everybody I phoned told me it was called “Yala”.

Next, I went to my fellow translators. We brought our heads together and decided to use that word as we waited for the reviewers to give us their views since this is a Key Biblical Term. When they came to review I Chronicles, they agreed that “yala” was the right word for atonement, only that the term was expressed in the verb form “kuyala”. What a mine of cultural wisdom!

by Shadrack Falama, Pokomo project leader

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Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, HE William Samoei Ruto BTL

November 8, 2018

Mother Tongue Bible Changed My Father

If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”

This quote by Nelson Mandela speaks to the heart of the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto in a special way. In his address to the Kenyan Spiritual Fathers at a Bible translation breakfast on 18th October 2018, he narrated to them how God used his own father for his benefit. “My father never went to school but through reading the Word of God in a language that he could understand, he became literate and understood the value of taking his children to school. I believe that they are other people who will benefit the way I did if the Bible was in their language,” he said

The Deputy President has attended a number of Bible Dedications in the past and is conversant with the enthusiasm and emotions of the communities as they receive the Word of God in their language. “In the year 2012, BTL invited me for the Sabaot Bible Dedication. I was moved to see the community members shed tears as the Word of God was being read to them.”

Having supported Literacy and Translation projects that are run by Bible Translation & Literacy (BTL) and Bible Society of Kenya (BSK), His Excellency at some point was confused by what the two organizations were each involved in. He therefore invited Reverend Peter Munguti, BTL’s National Director and Mrs. Elizabeth Muriuki, BSK’s General Secretary to his office seeking to understand what each organization was engaged in. “Having sat with them and understood their work, I saw the challenges that they go through in putting God’s Word in the hands of the Bibleless communities that they serve in; many years of translations, limited resources and I saw that there was value in what they were doing. I therefore thought that it would be good for all of us to put one big effort to allow these organizations to do their work in an organized manner than how they have been doing.”

With quite a number of communities yet to receive God’s Word in their languages, and especially the small language groups, The Deputy president reminded his congregation of how God had blessed them with more than they could share. “If you read the list of communities today which do not have a Bible in their language, majority are the minorities. Let us not allow them to be minorities here on earth and minorities in heaven. I thought God had provided an opportunity for me to assist and work with our spiritual Fathers to evangelize through the Word of God by ensuring that these communities that do not have the Bible in their language, get to read God’s Word.

It is not an individual effort but an effort of millions of people. This is an effort that belongs to all of us as Christians in this nation. Politicians in the National Assembly, Senate and County Assemblies are being mobilized because this is our moment to make a statement that this is a nation of God,” he concluded.

When the Deputy President shared with the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, about his early commitment that morning and the vision he had for the Bibleless communities in Kenya, the President was elated to be part of the fundraiser on 6th December 2018 as the Chief Guest. Praise the Lord for His unmerited favour toward the Bibleless communities. Pray for the plans of that big day.

To be part of this noble task, share this vision to your families, friends, church and colleagues. You can also send your contribution via:

Paybill No: 777332
Account No: Your name or name of your church

Account Name: Kenya Bible Translation Trust Bank and Branch
Cooperative Bank of Kenya, Parliament Road Branch
Account No.: 01122163819300

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Guests from Kenya and beyond to witness the ‘Bible’s’ return by their treasured animal, the camel.

October 25, 2018

The camel returned the Book it had ‘eaten’

The Rendille community has always believed that the ‘Bible’ meant for them had been eaten by a camel. This is the reason why they have not had access to the Scriptures in their heart language for a very long time. On 18th August 2018, this narrative changed as they hosted a multitude of guests from Kenya and beyond to witness the ‘Bible’s’ return by their treasured animal, the camel.

Missionaries and partners from USA, UK and South Africa who faithfully supported this project were in attendance to witness this once in a lifetime occasion. Representatives from Kenyan churches, partnering institutions and mission agency representatives with work in the community were also present. A great highlight was a choir from the Daasanach community, which had traversed the Chalbi desert, for a three-day journey in order to be part of the big day. Jeremiah Intimo, the Rendille area chief could not hide his joy as he welcomed all the guests present at the occasion. “We celebrate the coming of the Rendille Bible today. We have God’s Word in our language and I am glad you are all here to celebrate with us.” He also congratulated the translators for the sacrifice and hardwork that they had put in over the years for the Rendille translation.

The greatest highlight of the day was the greatly awaited arrival of the New Testaments, loaded on the backs of camels that made their way through a colorful procession to the venue. There was great celebration and dancing as the crowd witnessed the offloaded cartons of the Scriptures being placed on the table. It had been an over thirty year’s wait. This duration of the translation process was not just silently passing years, as Rev. Peter Munguti, BTL’s National Director, narrated the many challenges that the Rendille translation team faced while attempting to provide the Scriptures in their language. He pointed out that at some point during the translation process, the team was faced with very long spells of drought and famine forcing them to stop the work. “Choices had to be made between saving a dying population and continuing with the translation; the obvious choice was to save the Rendille people

The unending thirst to have the Word of God in the Rendille language was finally quenched. This was evident on the faces of the elderly Rendille men and women as Rev. David Gargule, delivered the first sermon from the dedicated New Testament. Rev. Micah Amukobole in his address noted the changes that had taken place in the community. Among these were the special increases in the number of colours in their attire. Relating this to the occasion, he stated that the Bible had added even more colour to an already colourful congregation. “Thanks to God for an increase in colours. The work may have taken time, but God was developing His people. The Book that the camel had eaten is finally here. Read and believe it. ”

Church leaders from the Anglican church of Kenya and the Catholic Church from Marsabit Diocese gave their remarks in support of the work of Bible translation and the impact it has in the kingdom of God. Marsabit County Assembly through the Speaker, presented the Marsabit County Governor’s donation of Ksh 100,000/ to facilitate Bible translation and literacy work. Over 400 copies of the New Testament were sold out that day, with many local mission agencies pledging to take more for evangelism within the community.

To God be the glory!

Praise God for the availability of Scriptures in the Rendille Language.

Praise God for making the long awaited dedication happen. Praise God for all the men and women who took an initiative to bring this to fruitful. Pray for the Rendille Church to grow in the knowledge of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ. Pray that the Word will go forth so that God’s people will experience His daily presence in their lives. Pray for funds and plans to start translation of the Old Testament.

by Jackson Vusaka

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Emmy Rono, an advocate by profession and a partner of BTL

August 30, 2018

Scaling the Heights for the Bibleless

Emmy Rono, an advocate by profession and a partner of BTL, took a personal challenge to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro on Saturday 24th March in order to raise USD10, 000 to support the work of Bible Translation. She was in the company of 3 of her friends and managed to complete the hike on 31st March 2018. This is what she had to say when interviewed;

What inspired you to take this hike and why?

The hike was a challenge I always wanted to undertake, but I did not want to do it simply for the fun of it, so I waited until I finally had a good reason to do it… What inspired me; I once attended a dinner hosted by BTL for partners and potential partners, and listening to the stories of how the work of BTL was transforming communities challenged me. One particular story of how an old woman was able to listen to the audio Bible in her mother tongue astounded me. Perhaps I felt this way because I have seen the incredible transformative power of God’s Word in my own life and in the lives of friends and families around me. I knew then that it would be a privilege to support in any way, the amazing work done by BTL among small language communities. The fact that an institution can enable people to hear/read the living Word of God in their mother tongue is priceless! This was my inspiration to finally hike Mt. Kilimanjaro.

What was your experience as you climbed the mountain?

Climbing the mountain was thrilling, challenging and fun. It required a lot of patience, resilience and discipline. Going as a team was a good motivation as we encouraged each other along the way. I cannot stress enough the kind of support we received from the guides, the porters and the cooks, who made the experience worthwhile. Every step counted, so we kept walking even when we were extremely tired, one-step at a time, until we reached Uhuru. The prayers of many also restrained the weather, which eased our climb, as the weather was not as harsh as is usually the case on Kilimanjaro. All the encouragement and prayers from friends and family made all the difference. BTL is grateful to God for ministry friends like Emmy and the zeal that they have towards ensuring that the Bibleless communities in Kenya get God’s word in their language.

(Photo Caption” From left to right: Nyambura Karita, Peter Okaalet Jr., Benjamin Nge’no and Emmy Rono at the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park)

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June 25, 2018

I graduated with Jesus not a goat

Nareio is a lovely Rendille Woman. She feels good when she is asked how she came to know about Christ. “I was looking after the goats when I heard of Rendille classes that were to begin soon in my vicinity. I registered for the classes because I was promised a goat upon graduating from the class. That was my motivation; to graduate with a goat,” She says.

Nareio began her literacy classes immediately. “Neither did I know how to hold a pen nor read.” Nareio likens her first experience in a literacy class to that of a toddler in kindergarten. “I was taught every other thing that a toddler would be taught,” She asserts.

Nareio attended literacy classes until she could read and write in the Rendille language. Something she refers to as a miracle. “Besides knowing how to read and write in the Rendille language, we were taught Bible stories and towards the end of the year, we started reading the gospel of Mark. As we read through the gospel of Mark, I heard the voice of the Lord and my eyes opened to the marvellous things He has done. I needed to be a new being.”

“My life changed, I became a new creature in Christ. I received Christ through reading the gospel of Mark. Through literacy classes, I realized that looking after the goats was in vain. Christ changed my life. I experienced patience and peace. I used to follow so many customs of the Rendille but after I received Christ, I made a decision: TO FOLLOW HIM. Since then, I chose to do the right thing, do what He desires of me and that which is good in His sight.” Nareio concludes.

Praise the Lord that Nareio will be reading The Rendille New Testament soon. Pray for her walk with Christ as she grows in Him. Pray that she will experience God’s love in her life and pray that she may never depart from His ways.

by Daisy Kilel

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April 30, 2018

Please let Jesus continue to talk

One day I was traveling by bus to Chuka, a town in my own language area. That morning I had just set Luke Chapter 4 of the audio New Testament as the ring tone for my phone. Somebody rang me, and so people heard Luke 4 being recited in my language. It took me time to realize that it was my phone that was ringing. It had, however, drawn the attention of a number of the passengers who sat close to me. Unknown to me there were people listening to the Bible portion very keenly, and when I answered the phone I interrupted them.

As I was putting the phone back into my pocket, a man patted me on the shoulder and said, “So the Bible is in your phone? Please allow Jesus to continue talking. Let us listen.” It happened that he was not the only one: the passengers requested the driver to turn off the radio and told me to turn up the volume of my phone. Unfortunately, it was not loud enough to be heard in the whole vehicle above the noise of the engine. But those who sat near me listened attentively to several chapters of the Tharaka Bible before we arrived at Chuka. I also sent some chapters of the Bible to three people via the Bluetooth function on my phone.

This has inspired us to plan to distribute the audio bible using memory cards which can be played on phones, DVD players and even on motorbike radios

By Onesmus Kamwara

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March 23, 2018

I thank God He found me!

*Kazuri is a pleasant old woman, who cannot stop smiling. Are you always this happy? I ask her, as we chat outside her house. “Yes, who would not be? since I became a Christian, I have known only Joy. I do not even get sick – I was a sickly woman.

She is eager to tell me how she became a Christian. “ I heard a man preaching in Kigiryama, reading from the New Testament and I said, “that God must be real. He knows our language! The more I listened to him preaching, the more I became interested. My grandchild continued reading to me and telling me about Jesus. Soon, I knew that I needed to commit my life to this God…”

As I look at *Kazuri, I can tell that this joy I see on her face comes from her heart. “What wasted years!” She says, staring into the horizon. “The life without Jesus! How vain! I wish I could live again”. But I thank God that He has saved me before I die”. She is so fascinating to listen to. She gives me her life story – of visits to witch doctors, broken relationships and many unpleasant things that have happened to her in her lifetime – things she truly regrets. But she is grateful that they belong to her past. I am curious to know if she can read and whether she reads the Kigiryama New Testament.

“No, I cannot read! But I thank God for my grandchildren and her friends. We hold a Bible Study meeting here every Wednesday. She and other brethren read the word of God to me and to others who cannot read. It is so good to hear the Bible read in my language! I wish that this word had come when I was young!” she concludes I can imagine her reaction when she finally reads The Giryama Full Bible; tears of joy. I am hopeful to meet her soon during the launch and dedication of the Giryama Complete Bible.

by Florence Wamae

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