BandiBible Translation
Support the Bandi team’s work in bringing God’s Word to communities in Lofa County, empowering local leaders through Scripture translation.
Bible Translation
Country
- Liberia
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
149,000
bandi churches await the full bible
Bandi speakers seek the full Biblical narrative—a complete understanding of God’s redemptive plan. While the New Testament provides a foundation, the Old Testament is crucial for comprehensive spiritual understanding.
Most Bandi people struggle with English translations, creating a significant barrier to deep scriptural engagement. Church leaders recognize that a full Bible translation is essential for:
- Deepening community spiritual knowledge
- Empowering local leadership
- Supporting evangelism and discipleship
The complete Bible will equip people to read, study, understand, and share God’s Word with unprecedented clarity and depth.
Empower Local Leaders
The Bandi people are primarily located in Liberia’s Lofa County and parts of Guinea. With 80% following traditional religions, 10% Muslim, and 10% Christian, the translation project aims to deepen Scripture access and community engagement.
Annual Goals
- Comprehensive Scripture Translation | Draft 10 Old Testament books, conduct team and community checking, prepare books for consultant review
- Community Scripture Engagement | Develop literacy programs, create awareness across Bandi communities, promote Scripture use and accessibility
Bandi Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Build Translation Capacity
Step 2
Verify Translation Quality
Step 3
Expand Scripture Accessibility
Meet the Local Team
BANDI Team
19 team members
• 2 consultants
• 5 translators
• 8 review team members
• 1 CAP officer
• 3 administrative staff
DR. BECKY GROSSMANN
Dr. Becky Grossmann began serving with Lutheran Bible Translators in 1985 and was assigned as translation advisor to the Bandi people of Liberia in 1989 and the New Testament translation was completed in 1996.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Bandi is a Mande language that belongs to the Niger-Congo language family.
Most speakers live in remote parts of northern Liberia, though they also live in Guinea.
The people of this community are subsistence farmers.
Program Progress
The Bandi Old Testament Translation effort is underway, with new translators joining the effort to bring the Bible to Bandi speakers.
