ZayseOld Testament Translation
Transformation is happening among the Zayse. God’s Word has brought a new understanding of identity, and long-standing social class systems and separations are fading away.
Bible Translation
Country
- Ethiopia
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
18,500
God’s Word Puts All Zayse on Equal footing
The history of Christianity in Ethiopia dates to the 4th century. Yet many of the 85 language communities in Ethiopia do not have access to the Bible in a language they can understand. The Zayse New Testament is ready for publication. Drafting and reviewing remains on multiple books as the translation team makes the final push to complete the Old Testament.
Because of the ongoing translation, equality is being realized in the region. Historically, there has been a pervasive class system. For example, there have been unique graveyards for different classes, and people were not allowed to marry someone from a different class. Yet, with God’s Word reaching their communities, people realize that all descend from Adam; this is transformational.
There are no longer separate graveyards, and marriages between classes are becoming more regular. The hope is that in 10 to 15 years, there will no longer be a separation of classes.
Empower Zayse Leaders To Finish the Full Bible
We believe that every community should have the chance to read the Bible in the language they know best, led by people they trust and respect. Your financial gifts and prayers equip leaders in Ethiopia to translate the Bible into the Zayse language.
Program Goals
- Communicate to the community the standard of living that the Scripture teaches.
- Make God’s Word available to the Zayse in the format that fits the context best.
- Empower and equip translators to do quality translation work.
Zayse Old Testament Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Train as a team to increase translation capacity and skill.
Step 2
Complete drafts of Old Testament books.
Step 3
Finalize drafts and move to the checking phase.
Meet the Local Team
team members
EECMY-DMT Director | EECMY-LD, BT & SU National coordinator | BT-supervisor & SU-coordinator | EECMY-SWS-DMT Director, SWS-BT coordinator | Finance worker
Four parish leaders | Three translators
Fifteen Reviewers
Seven language committee members
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Religions are Protestant, Orthodox, and Islam.
Most of the population live in the lowlands.
Translators often need to go to the highlands to get better Zayse words for the translation because the lowlands people are more intermingled with other languages.
