Ethiopia CapacityMekane Yesus Seminary Bible Translation Training

Strengthen seminary training for Bible translation students at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa.

Capacity Building

Country

  • Ethiopia

Region

  • East Africa

Language Population

126,223,000

The next generation of Bible translators is needed

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), the world’s largest Lutheran church, faces a profound challenge: over half of Ethiopia’s 85 languages still lack Bible translations.

To address this need, Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS) has partnered with Lutheran Bible Translators to prepare future pastors to become Bible translators for Ethiopia’s minority language communities. Through a unique program, seminarians receive training in both theology and Bible translation. Across all stages of the program, 60 students are currently enrolled, working toward the shared vision of equipping many cohorts for this vital mission.

This partnership paves the way for a new era of translation ministry, significantly expanding access to Scripture in Ethiopian languages and impacting millions with the Word of God.

Support Ethiopian Bible translation students

Your gifts and prayers empower Mekane Yesus Seminary to train the next generation of Bible translators, bringing God’s Word to East Africa’s diverse language communities.

Your financial support covers critical costs, including faculty salaries, books, registration, tuition, food, and housing, as well as administrative expenses. By reducing financial burdens, your contributions enable students to focus wholeheartedly on their translation training, preparing them to share God’s Word with millions waiting to hear it in their heart language.

Program Goals

  1. Train Future Bible Translators
  2. Support Student Development
  3. Expand Academic Excellence
  4. Strengthen Collaborative Partnerships
  5. Prepare Graduates for Ministry

Ethiopia Capacity: Mekane Yesus Seminary Bible Translation Training Plan

Step 1

Equip Students for Translation Ministry

  • Offer internships for hands-on field experience in translation projects.
  • Teach core theology and translation courses for Bachelor’s and Master’s students.
  • Provide pre-admission intensive English training for incoming cohorts.

Step 2

Foster Academic Growth and Excellence

  • Expand curriculum to develop translation, Greek, and Hebrew language skills.
  • Strengthen faculty with expertise in Bible translation education.
  • Provide advanced tools and technology to enhance learning.

Step 3

Build Collaborative Partnerships

  • Develop sustainable support systems for future cohorts and ministry.
  • Work with LBT, SIL, and others to support teaching and mentoring.
  • Partner with organizations facilitating internships and thesis supervision.

Meet the Local Team

Partner Organizations

Honoring the Language

126,223,000 total population

Christianity is a majority religion

129 unique people groups

Program Progress

  • 21 Second-year and 20 Fourth-year students have resumed classes. The fourth-year students are preparing to graduate in June 2024.
  • Training provided to MYS by Field Programs Director Paul Federwitz about the Grant Application, Reporting, and what Lutheran Bible Translators values in partnerships.

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