KereweBible Translation
Bring God’s Word to Kerewe speakers—build community ownership and deepen biblical storytelling.
Bible Translation
Country
- Tanzania
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
241,000
Transforming Worship Through Language: The Kerewe Scripture Journey
For decades, the Kerewe people of Ukerewe Island struggled to connect with worship conducted in Swahili. Rev. Andrew Petro Gulle, bishop of the East of Lake Victoria Diocese, recognized the critical need to reach these unreached communities through their heart language.
Since 2018, a partnership between ELVD and Lutheran Bible Translators has been transforming spiritual engagement. Preliminary Scripture drafts and innovative Scripture apps are already showing remarkable impact—increasing church attendance and creating anticipation for full Kerewe-language worship.
Empower Local Leaders
We support Kerewe leaders in developing storytelling and translation skills, which can have an immediate impact. Our approach also ensures the community can engage with Scripture through locally-led, sustainable Bible ministry.
Program Goals
- Community Ownership and Leadership
- Storyteller Empowerment
- Language Preservation and Scripture Engagement
- Translation Quality and Capacity
- Team Development
Kerewe Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Build Community Leadership
- Create collaborative translation framework
- Establish robust advisory committee
- Train local leaders
Step 2
Develop Storytelling Capacity
- Identify and empower local storytellers
- Conduct skills workshops
- Facilitate knowledge sharing
Step 3
Enhance Translation Quality
- Perform detailed manuscript reviews
- Conduct consultation check-ins
- Translate key biblical texts
- Continuously improve translation skills
Meet the Local Team
team members
Translation Coordinator
Rev. Domisian Alloys
3 Translators – Laurent Malelo, Samwel Mahendeka, Sospeter Makene
Back Translator – Protaz Magesa
Dr. Michael Megahan
Rev. Dr. Michael Megahan and his wife, Jo Ann, began in missions in Tanzania in 1982. Michael later served as assistant to the bishop of the East of Lake Victoria Diocese in Mwanza. He was sent to north central Kenya to work with the Samburu tribe. In 2004, the Megahans began their work with Lutheran Bible Translators.
Ruthie Wagner
Ruthie is a Translation Advisor and Exegete working with translation programs in Tanzania, particularly with the Kerewe Bible Translation Program. Ruthie primarily works remotely from Minnesota and travels to Tanzania a couple times a year. She teaches and trains Bible translators using technologies such as YouTube, Zoom, and WhatsApp.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
The Kerewe people make a living through farming and fishing on Ukerewe Island.
Kerewe, belonging to the Niger-Congo language family, is an endangered indigenous language.
Three dialects include: Bwiro, Irugwa, Mumbuga
