ZiaBible Translation
Travel to work on translation is long and costly, but your support brings God’s Word to the Zia people.
Bible Translation
Country
- Papua New Guinea
Region
- South Pacific
Language Population
6,550
the Zia are committed Despite Travel Challenges
The Zia people received the New Testament in 1980, which was revised in the 1990s. Yet, the church longs for the complete Bible in the language they understand best. To meet this need, a dedicated team of local translators has undertaken the translation of the Old Testament.
Travel for training and collaboration is both challenging and costly, requiring days of walking and boat rides across rugged terrain. Despite these hardships, the Zia team remains steadfast, relying on faith, determination, and God’s provision to carry out their mission.
Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand local meeting spaces to reduce travel burdens. Partners have also provided solar setups to empower team leaders as they press forward in translating God’s Word for their community.
Empower Zia Leaders For the Road Ahead
Every community deserves the opportunity to encounter God’s Word in the language they understand best. Your prayers and financial gifts empower leaders in Papua New Guinea to translate the Old Testament into the Zia language, helping bring the life-changing message of Scripture to the Zia people.
Program Goals
- Translate Old Testament Scripture
- Refine and Verify Translations
- Equip Translators with Essential Skills
- Leverage Technology for Translation Efforts
- Foster Spiritual and Emotional Wellbeing
Zia Bible Translation Plan
Step 1
Advance Old Testament Translation
- Collaborate with consultants to verify translations and prepare them for distribution.
- Draft, review, and refine translations of Deuteronomy and Leviticus.
- Conduct group checks and back translations for Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy to ensure accuracy.
Step 2
Equip Translators with Skills and Tools
- Provide phones for communication and reporting within the translation team.
- Train leaders in Rev 79 for effective reporting and translation management.
- Host Paratext #2 workshops to improve technical translation proficiency.
- Conduct workshops to enhance the back translation skills of translators.
Step 3
Foster Wellbeing and Spiritual Growth
- Expand local meeting spaces to reduce travel burdens for translators.
- Hold trauma healing workshops to address emotional and spiritual challenges.
- Provide support for spiritual growth and professional development.
Meet the Local Team
team members
• Dick Ninio – Chairman
• Sou Una – Coordinator
• Giria Zia – Secretary
• Ian Emozai – Treasurer
• Agnes Zamunu – Translation Team Leader
team members
• Bego Keriso – Translator
• Ezekiel Maino – Translator
• Giria Zorugo – Translator
• Job Guguwa – Translator
• Bakewe Zia – Translator
• Bou Una – Co Translator
• Gira Mawae – Co Translator
team members
• Diah Woi – Back Translator
• Gore Amos – Back Translator
• Ham Sou – Back Translator
• Kepas Sam – Back Translator
• Wahan Zamunu – Back Translator
• Zingwong Poiwo – Back Translator
team members
• Ismael Sasa – Co Translator
• Jane Benny – Co Translator
• Mathew Abel – Co Translator
• Mato Ewa – Co Translator
• Robert Duna – Co Translator
• Robin Begura – Co Translator
team members
• Bewaro Niwo – Checker
• Eware Binago – Checker
• Honeo Siki – Checker
• Kasai Kumis – Checker
• Kokosa Kokosa – Checker
• Tetu Dumi – Checker
• Titus Sowegi – Checker
