Where We Serve / Yala Bible Translation

Yala Bible Translation

With the Yala New Testament complete, the team continues literacy and Scripture use efforts while advancing Old Testament translation work.

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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. Old Testament books are in drafting and review stages.

Literacy classes and Scripture engagement activities support Yala readers as they learn to read and use Scripture in daily life.

A complete Bible translation will allow the Yala people to read the full counsel of Scripture in their own language.

The program equips local leaders with literacy training and Scripture resources to support Bible use in churches and communities.

Partner support helps sustain literacy classes, Scripture listening groups, and church‑based activities that encourage Scripture use in Yala.

God speaks Yala – let them know.

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

  1. Supervise and strengthen ongoing literacy programs
  2. Continue Scripture engagement activities
  3. Advance Old Testament drafting and review
  4. Support use and distribution of existing Scripture materials
  5. Continue Yala‑wide Scripture and literacy events

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.
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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.

    Meet Rev. Chuck and Karen Tessaro

  • 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.

    Meet Rev. Linus Otronyi

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 New Testament with Psalms has been printed and distributed. Churches continue to request bulk copies to distribute during their evangelism activities.

  • Scripture shared on SD cards and apps with individuals during the quarter.
  • Scripture listening groups continue in family, church, and community settings.
  • Team checking continued on Old Testament books, including Genesis, Leviticus, and Ecclesiastes.
  • Review and quality‑assurance steps are ongoing across multiple Old Testament books.
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Help Bring Scripture to Life

Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Yala language. Every gift makes a difference. God speak Yala – let them know.

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for literacy coordinators and teachers as classes continue.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for reviewers and translators working through Old Testament drafts.

    Become a Prayer Partner

  • Join Us in Prayer

    Pray for Scripture listening groups using Yala audio Scripture in homes and churches.

    Become a Prayer Partner