Where We Serve / Sumbwa Bible Translation

Sumbwa Bible Translation

Help families engage Scripture in Sumbwa, the language used in their homes and churches.

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Bible Translation

Country

  • Tanzania

Region

  • East Africa

Language Population

361,000

Training and Tools Bring God’s Word to the Sumbwa

The Sumbwa people pass their language from one generation to the next as a core part of daily life. Yet, access to Scripture and related materials in Sumbwa remains limited.

Program support focuses on community‑based Scripture engagement through oral Bible stories and local leadership training.

These efforts help churches and families interact with God’s Word in the language they understand best.

Equip Leaders for Oral Bible Storytelling

Local leaders in the Sumbwa community are actively involved in sharing Scripture through oral Bible stories. These leaders receive training in oral Bible storytelling and community engagement.

Through this training, leaders share Scripture in churches and community settings using stories prepared in Sumbwa. 

Program Goals

  1. Build Community Ownership
  2. Train and Support Storytellers
  3. Preserve Language Use Through Scripture
  4. Share Scripture Through Oral Bible Stories
  5. Strengthen Local Leadership

Sumbwa Bible Translation Program Plan

Step 1

Build Community Ownership

  • Engage 40 church leaders and 20 local leaders through collaborative meetings.
  • Form and train an advisory committee of seven members.
  • Host quarterly advisory committee meetings to review progress.

Step 2

Train Storytellers

  • Host two leader meetings to discuss integration of storytelling into ministry.
  • Identify and mentor three storytellers from the Sumbwa community.
  • Conduct two 28-day capacity-building workshops for storytellers.

Step 3

Share the Gospel and Preserve Language

  • Host storytelling events for 200 people, including men, women, youth, and children.
  • Prepare and refine eight biblical stories for the community.
  • Share biblical stories with 40 church leaders and 20 local leaders.
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Meet the Local Team

  • Team Member

    • Ezekie Kamkulu – Community Facilitator

Partner Organizations

Program Progress

  • Identified and trained four Sumbwa storytellers.
  • Completed two oral Bible storytelling capacity‑building workshops in 2025.
  • Prepared and refined 13 oral Bible stories in Sumbwa.
  • Shared Bible stories with church leaders, local leaders, and community members through meetings and church visits.
  • Formed and trained an advisory committee and conducted quarterly meetings.
  • Conducted community feedback and awareness meetings related to oral Bible storytelling.
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Regional News & Media

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Bring God’s Word to the Sumbwa Community

God speaks Sumbwa. Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Sumbwa language. Every gift makes a difference.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    For Sumbwa storytellers as they share oral Bible stories in churches and community gatherings.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    For continued clarity and unity among the advisory committee and program facilitators.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    For upcoming oral Bible story preparation and community feedback activities planned for 2026.

    Become a Prayer Partner