GokanaBible Translation
Bring God’s Word to Gokana speakers—advance Old Testament translation and Scripture engagement
Bible Translation
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
100,000
Completing God’s Story for the Gokana People
Over 30 years ago, Gokana pastors recognized the critical need for Scripture in their heart language. While the New Testament has been published, the complete Bible remains essential for fully understanding God’s redemptive narrative.
The entire Old Testament has been drafted, and we are now in a crucial phase of team and consultant checking. By printing trial editions of Genesis, we’re carefully refining the translation to ensure accuracy and spiritual authenticity for the Gokana community.
EmpowerING Local Leaders
We support Gokana leaders in developing their translation skills, ensuring the community can engage with Scripture in their heart language through locally-led, sustainable Bible ministry.
Program Goals
- Old Testament Translation RefinementÂ
- Scripture EngagementÂ
- Team Capacity Building
Gokana Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Refine Translation QualityÂ
- Re-translate key Old Testament booksÂ
- Conduct thorough team checkingÂ
- Prepare texts for consultant reviewÂ
Step 2
Enhance Scripture EngagementÂ
- Develop quarterly community workshopsÂ
- Train local teachers in Scripture interpretationÂ
- Promote active Scripture use in Gokana communities
Step 3
Build Translation Team Capacity
- Participate in external training programs
- Share advanced translation skills
- Continuously improve team’s technical capabilities
Meet the Local Team
translation team
Barine Lenen – Technical Officer
Baridomale Naasi – Translator
Bariful Moses Kpenu – Translator
Gbaranen Kanyoone – Translator
Lucky Sugu –Â Translator
team Members
Deacon Akpen Moses Barifulbel (Team check member)
Elder Cletus Dorh – Literacy Coordinator & Translator
Christopher Poi – Office Manager
Peace Bema – Office Cleaner
Dinebari S. D. Biira – Project Coordinator & Translator & Consultant in TrainingÂ
Rev. Linus Otronyi
Rev. Linus Otronyi grew up in the rural village of Iboko, in the Yala-speaking area of northern Cross River State, Nigeria. He studied at the University of Calabar and has been involved in Bible translation work since 2000.
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro first set foot in Nigeria, where there are over 500 different language groups, in 1985. They serve with multiple local translation teams including the Old Testament teams for the Ikwerre, Yala, Kukele and Gokana languages. These teams also promote literacy and serve in their local community as teachers and helpers.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Nasal vowels are indicated by a tilde and tones are indicated by an acute or grave accent.
Language Status = 5 (Developing)
A neighbor to the Eleme language community
