Where We Serve / Kono Scripture Engagement
Kono Scripture Engagement
Empower Kono Communities Through Language: Literacy, Scripture, and Spiritual Transformation
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Sierra Leone
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
354,000
Transforming Faith: The Kono Language Journey of Spiritual Awakening
The Jembwe family struggled to participate in required prayers because the words were not in a language they understood. Through a Kono literacy class, they encountered the Lord’s Prayer in Kono for the first time. Scripture in their own language helped them pray with understanding. The Jembwe family is now part of a local Lutheran congregation, where they continue to grow in faith and fellowship.
Since the Kono New Testament was published in 2008, churches and local leaders have continued to use literacy as a pathway to Scripture engagement. Community based classes help adults and children learn to read the Bible in Kono and participate more fully in church life. Current efforts focus on strengthening literacy classes, supporting Scripture listening groups, and developing resources that serve churches across the Kono speaking area.
Empower Local Leaders
Your partnership enables us to support Kono leaders in developing literacy programs, increasing Scripture accessibility, and nurturing spiritual growth across West African communities.
“To a Kono, everything has a spiritual cause. Their lives have been controlled by fear. Parents put charms around their young children’s waists for protection from evil. Sacrifices are offered in the fields to protect crops. Amulets are hung in doorways to prevent witches from entering. Yet all these things fail. Fear remains. Now is the time for freedom! Now, for the first time, Kono men, women and children can hold in their hands the Word of God—the Kono New Testament. God now speaks their language. Jesus has set the Konos free from the power of the devil, and they can experience freedom from fear.” – The Bible Society of Sierra Leone.
Program Goals
- Support literacy classes for adults and children using approved Kono primers
- Strengthen Scripture engagement through reading and listening groups
- Develop and distribute Kono learning materials, including numeracy and proverb resources
- Equip local facilitators and church leaders for ongoing literacy and Scripture engagement
Kono Scripture Engagement Program Plan
Step 1
Build Educational Infrastructure
- Establish new learning centers
- Recruit and train literacy facilitators
- Develop contextual learning materials, including materials specifically for children
Step 2
Enhance Scripture Engagement
- Support community biblical learning
- Promote and launch Faith Comes by Hearing listening groups
- Develop worship resources, including hosting workshop for composing Scripture songs
Step 3
Empower Community Leadership
- Create pathways for spiritual growth
- Support local language preservation
- Develop multilingual educational strategies
Meet the Local Team
Meet the Team
Rev. Kpakima – Kono literacy and SE chairman
Mr. Aiah Joe Momoh – Kono literacy and SE coordinator
Mr. John Sesay – Secretary
Mr. Komba Ngaikia – Translation advisor
Mrs. Bondu – Women leader & Proof reader
20 Literacy Facilitators.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Over 14 dialects of Northern Kono and Central Kono
Program Progress
Regional News & Media
Help Bring Scripture to Life
Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Kono language. Every gift makes a difference.