YalaBible Translation
With the Yala New Testament complete, the team is expanding literacy, promoting Scripture use, and preparing the Old Testament for its people.
Bible Translation
Country
- Nigeria
Region
- West Africa
Language Population
278,000
The Yala People Long for the Full Bible
The revised Yala New Testament with Psalms is now available, and efforts are underway to translate the Old Testament into a clear, natural, and accurate reflection of God’s Word. Literacy classes and Scripture engagement programs empower the Yala community to confidently read, understand, and apply Scripture in daily life.
In many Yala congregations, “on the fly” translations from English to Yala during services often result in literal but unclear expressions. This can leave listeners confused or disengaged. A complete Bible translation will provide the Yala people with a unified and meaningful connection to the entirety of Scripture.
Literacy initiatives are equipping lay leaders with the skills and confidence to read and teach the New Testament in Yala. As the translation progresses, Scripture and worship are becoming increasingly accessible and transformative for the community.
Empowering Local Leaders to Bring the Bible to Life
Every Yala community should have the chance to connect with God through His Word in the language they understand best. By equipping local leaders with translation tools and literacy training, this program is transforming lives across Yala.
Leadership is vital in this process—not just for translating Scripture but for guiding the Yala people in reading, understanding, and living by it. Your support ensures leaders are equipped to establish literacy classes, promote Scripture use through listening groups, and host events that deepen Yala engagement with their language and culture.
Program Goals
- Supervise and Expand Literacy Programs
- Enhance Scripture Engagement Initiatives
- Complete and Review Bible Translation
- Develop and Distribute Teaching Materials
- Host Yala-Wide Events to Deepen Impact
YALA Program Plan
Step 1
Expand Literacy Programs
- Launch new classes in Igbekurikor, Imaje, and other autonomous communities.
- Revive and supervise literacy classes across six revived communities.
- Train new literacy teachers and assign them to underserved areas.
Step 2
Promote Scripture Engagement
- Distribute Yala Scriptures on SD cards, apps, and through the JESUS film.
- Organize Yala-wide events, including Bible recitation and song competitions.
- Conduct listening groups featuring Yala Scripture and Genesis audio recordings.
Step 3
Finalize and Distribute Bible Translation
- Host dedication service and distribute Scripture to Yala communities.
- Complete consultant checks for Ezekiel and New Testament review.
- Typeset and prepare the full Bible for publishing with illustrations.
Meet the Local Team
Team members
• Oko Joseph Ogbeche – Literacy Coordinator
• Joseph Onah – SE Coordinator
• Francis Amgboji – Translation Coordinator
• Rev. Linus Otronyi – Translator
• Four literacy facilitators
Team members
• Michael Amgboji – Reviewer
• Ogar Adegu – Reviewer
• Pius Ipuole – Reviewer
• Raphael Ogar – Reviewer
• Simon Okwori – Reviewer
Rev. Chuck and karen tessaro
Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro serve with multiple Nigerian translation teams including the Old Testament teams for the Ikwerre, Yala, Kukele, and Gokana languages. Teams also promote literacy in their local community and work as teachers.
Rev. Linus Otronyi
Rev. Linus Otronyi grew up in the rural village of Iboko, in the Yala-speaking area of northern Cross River State, Nigeria. He studied at the University of Calabar and has been involved in Bible translation work since 2000.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
An Idomoid language of Ogoja, Nigeria. Dialects include Ikom, Obubra, and Ogoja.
Originates from the Yala Local Government Area in Cross River State, Nigeria.
Program Progress
The completed Gospel of Mark has been printed and distributed. Churches continue to request for bulk copies to distribute during their evangelism activities. An energized project advisory committee continues to encourage Scripture use in church and community life.
