Where We Serve / Sukuma Scripture Engagement
Sukuma Scripture Engagement
Oral Bible Storytelling is central to Scripture engagement for the Sukuma in northern Tanzania.
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Tanzania
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
8,130,000
Equipping Storytellers to Preserve Language and Faith
The program builds on the completed Sukuma Bible by increasing access to Scripture through Oral Bible Storytelling (OBS). Local ownership is strengthened through an advisory committee and through training for the selected storytellers and leaders.
Activities focus on preparing oral Bible stories, training storytellers, and sharing stories through churches and community gatherings.
Photo by John Harper, licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Equipping Oral Bible Storytellers
Your prayers and financial support empower Sukuma storytellers to share God’s Word through oral Bible stories in their heart language. This strengthens both the faith and cultural identity of Sukuma communities while equipping local leaders to minister effectively in their own language.
Program Goals
- Support community ownership through the advisory committee
- Train and support local oral Bible storytellers
- Increase access to Scripture in spoken Sukuma
- Share oral Bible stories through churches and community groups
- Equip church and community leaders to use Bible stories in ministry
Sukuma Scripture Engagement Program Plan
Step 1
Establish Community Ownership
- An advisory committee was formed to guide program direction and decisionsÂ
- Advisory committee members were trained in their roles and responsibilities
- Church and local leaders were engaged through meetings to build awareness and support
Step 2
Empower Storytellers and Enhance Engagement
- Three local oral Bible storytellers were identified from the Sukuma community
- Two capacity‑building workshops were completed to strengthen storytelling skills
- Oral Bible stories were prepared, and audio stories were distributedÂ
- Bible stories were shared with church leaders, local leaders, and community groupsÂ
Step 3
Preserve Sukuma Language and Equip for Ministry
- Feedback meetings were held with the Sukuma community to improve story clarity and accuracy
- Bible stories were shared with people from different church groups, including leaders, youth, and children
- Leaders were equipped with tools and practices to continue using Bible stories in ministryÂ
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
• Six translators
Honoring the Language
The Sukuma language, spoken by over 8 million people in northern Tanzania, shines with its unique tones and detailed word system. The New Testament, published in 2000, and the full Bible in 2015, created with local help and the Bible Society of Tanzania, bring scripture to Sukuma speakers, keeping their language alive. Yet, low literacy rates mean Oral Bible Storytelling is a key next step, sharing Bible stories by voice so everyone can connect with them.
Program Progress
Bring God’s Word to the Sukuma through OBS
God speaks Sukuma. Your gift funds the translation of God’s Word into the Sukuma language. Every gift makes a difference.