ThemneScripture Engagement
Equip Themne-speaking communities to read and understand God’s Word through literacy programs.
Scripture Engagement
Country
- Sierra Leone
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
2,210,000
Themne literacy education unlocks access to God’s Word
The Themne New Testament has been available for years, but low literacy rates prevent many from reading and fully understanding it. Without the ability to read and preach from the Themne Bible, its transformative power remains unrealized.
Over 30 literacy classes have already sparked change, inspiring a growing desire among Themne communities to read God’s Word in their heart language. Seeing others learn to read and write has fueled a movement of hope, faith, and understanding.
In 2025, the Themne Literacy Committee aims to expand classes and produce more Scripture materials, equipping lay preachers and communities to engage deeply with the Themne New Testament and future Old Testament. Through the Holy Spirit, this mission will bring people closer to God and His unending love.
Empowering leaders to inspire growth through literacy and Scripture
The success of the Themne Scripture Engagement program hinges on the dedication of local leaders. These facilitators, preachers, and listening group leaders are transforming lives in their communities by equipping others to read, understand, and engage with God’s Word.
Equipped local leaders will:
- Train literacy teachers and advisors to expand Bible literacy.
- Lead Bible listening groups in rural communities.
- Help preachers use the Themne New Testament and prepare for the Old Testament.
Your prayers and support allow these leaders to bring Scripture closer to every Themne home.
Program Goals
- Supervise and Expand Literacy Programs
- Enhance Scripture Engagement Initiatives
- Develop and Distribute Teaching Materials
- Celebrate Themne Language and Culture
- Build Sustainable Community Capacity
Themne Scripture Engagement Program Plan
Step 1
Build Literacy Foundations
- Supervise existing literacy classes regularly to ensure quality and engagement.
- Train and mentor 20 new and 20 current literacy teachers across operational areas.
- Establish 10 new literacy classes, each serving 30 learners in Makeni and Magburaka.
Step 2
Promote Scripture Engagement
- Celebrate literacy achievements with World Literacy Day and Thanksgiving events.
- Train 20 new listening group leaders to facilitate engagement through Scripture.
- Establish and nurture Bible listening groups in churches and communities.
Step 3
Develop and Distribute Teaching Materials
- Distribute materials to literacy students, churches, and community leaders.
- Host writers’ workshops to produce literacy and Scripture teaching materials.
- Organize reviewers’ workshops to refine existing resources for accuracy and clarity.
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
• Mr. Daniel Fulah – Scripture Engagement Project Coordinator
• Mr. Joseph S. Kamara – Scripture Engagement Committee Chairman
• 13 Literacy Facilitators
Committee Members
• John Sanko
• Mr. Abdulai Koroma
• Mrs. Isatu Fullah
• Mrs. Rugiatu J. Bangura
• Pastor Kadiatu Koroma
• Rev. Christopher Turay
• Rev. Hassan Thullah
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Themne is a primary language of central Sierra Leone.
A tonal language, with four tones. Tonal words have different meanings based on inflection.
11 dialects include Banta, Konike, Yoni, Bombali, Western Temne (Pil), Sanda, Ribia, Kholifa, Koya, Masingbi, Malal
Program Progress
A special one-day children’s ministry program brought together 50 children from two churches in Makeni at their community school hall. The children and their teachers discussed their experiences in church kid’s groups and enjoyed a quiz in Themne language about Bible basics.
In the first quarter of 2023, leaders visited five Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) groups, revealing varying meeting frequencies. Monthly visits helped maintain group activity and attract new members to local churches. The program ramped up faster in Magburaka than in Makeni, prompting more frequent visits to Makeni in 2023. These activities contribute to the program’s progress, and continued strength and support are hoped for.
From July to September 2023, leaders visited four more FCBH groups, revealing an increase in church attendance. The positive outcomes and program sustainability are greatly appreciated.
