Where We Serve / Khwedam Bible Translation

Khwedam Bible Translation

Help make Scripture accessible in Khwedam through a Bible translation project serving speakers in Botswana.

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Bible Translation

Country

  • Botswana

Region

  • Southern Africa

Language Population

7,860

About the Khwedam Bible Translation Project

Nestled in one of Africa’s most remote regions, the Khwedam people—traditionally hunters and gatherers moving between the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert—are experiencing a profound cultural and spiritual transformation.

Khwedam speakers in Botswana deserve the opportunity to engage with God’s Word in their own language. The Khwedam Bible Translation project is working toward that goal through the translation of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Empowering Bible Translation

Local Khwedam leaders guide translation, literacy, and Scripture engagement activities in Botswana. Through translation checking, literacy workshops, and community participation, the project is building local capacity to make Scripture available and accessible in Khwedam.

Program Goals

  1. Complete and Check the Gospel of Luke
  2. Expand Khwedam Literacy
  3. Encourage Scripture Use
  4. Strengthen Translator Development

Khwedam Bible Translation Program Plan

Step 1

Expand Khwedam Literacy

  • Conduct literacy workshops in Khwedam-speaking communities
  • Increase opportunities for people to read and write in Khwedam
  • Equip teachers and community leaders with literacy resources

Step 2

Complete the Gospel of Luke

  • Conduct team checking of Luke
  • Complete community checking of Luke
  • Finalize consultant checking of Luke

Step 3

Encourage Scripture Use

  • Explore next steps for the Khwedam Luke Film project
  • Record and share Scripture-based songs
  • Conduct a Scripture drama workshop and distribute recordings
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Meet the Local Team

  • Local team members

    Thapelo Moronga – Coordinator
    Moses Johane – Teacher
    Splash Moronga – Translator and Teacher

  • Rev. Dr. Tim and Lisa Beckendorf

    Since 2005, Tim and Lisa Beckendorf have partnered with Khwedam-speaking communities in Botswana. They work alongside local leaders to support Bible translation, literacy development, and Scripture engagement efforts as communities gain greater access to God’s Word in Khwedam.

    Meet Dr. Tim and Lisa beckendorf

Partner Organizations

Honoring the Language

Khwedam is spoken in communities across Botswana and Namibia. As Scripture becomes available in Khwedam, speakers have greater opportunities to engage with God’s Word in the language they understand best.

Program Progress

  • Literacy workshops are helping more people read and write in Khwedam.
  • The Gospel of Luke has been drafted and is advancing through the checking process.
  • Local leaders continue to guide translation and literacy efforts in Khwedam-speaking communities.
  • Existing Scripture resources are being used in churches and community events.
  • New opportunities for Scripture engagement are being explored through music, drama, and media.
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Help Provide Scripture in Khwedam

Your generosity supports Bible translation, literacy workshops, and community review activities that help make Scripture more accessible in Khwedam.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for the Khwedam translation team as they complete the checking process for the Gospel of Luke.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray that literacy workshops will help more people read and write in Khwedam.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray that Scripture, songs, drama, and other resources will encourage greater engagement with God’s Word in Khwedam communities.

    Become a Prayer Partner