SabeltoBible Translation
Help restore hope for displaced Sabelto communities by bringing God’s Word to their languages, transforming lives.
Bible Translation
Region
- Worldwide
Language Population
10,503,000
Three Sabelto communities await God’s complete Word
The Sabelto program serves three distinct language communities, each having received the New Testament within the past five years. Now, these communities are working toward completing Old Testament translations.
Throughout two millennia of persecution, Sabelto Christians have been displaced globally, causing their languages to evolve into unique vernaculars. In refugee camps, these communities find hope in God’s Word, yet many modern speakers struggle to understand older Scripture versions.
When each community receives their complete Old Testament, pastors will be equipped to lead worship and Bible studies without language barriers. A full Bible will strengthen believers and provide a foundation for community outreach.
Bring Scripture to scattered communities
Every community deserves access to God’s Word in their heart language. Your generous gifts and prayers empower translation teams to bring the complete Bible to three distinct Middle Eastern Sabelto language communities, reconnecting displaced believers with Scripture they can fully understand.
Program Goals
- Complete Old Testament Translation
- Expand Children’s Bible Distribution
- Enhance Translation Quality Assurance
- Strengthen Local Translation Capacity
- Facilitate Community Engagement
Program Plan
Step 1
Finalize Old Testament Translations
- Collaborate with consultants for final approval of Sabro texts.
- Draft and review key books including Zechariah and Malachi (and others in Imona and Tareq)
- Conduct community reviews for accuracy and cultural relevance.
Step 2
Distribute and Translate Children’s Bibles
- Complete distribution of the Children’s Bible in Sabro.
- Initiate the translation of the Children’s Bible in Tareq and Imona.
Step 3
Strengthen Translation Capacity
- Foster engagement with communities through workshops and feedback sessions.
- Identify and recruit qualified translation consultants for Sabro.
- Support translators with training and resources.
Meet the Local Team
Team members
• Dr. Abdul Massih Saadi – Head Translator
• Jim Smith – Project Manager
• Bashir Saadi – Translator
• Souad Saadi – Translator
Rob Hilbert
Rob Hilbert is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Aramaic Bible Translation Project (ABT) through a partnership with Lutheran Bible Translators. The mission is to translate God’s Word into all modern Aramaic dialects including Assyrian, Chaldean, Suryoyo (Turyoyo), Ma’luli (Suryon) and Mardini. Rob’s grandparents spoke Assyrian as their heart language so this project is especially meaningful for him.
Partner Organizations
Program Progress
With the New Testament circulating, the language community desires the full Scripture.
