Mekane YesusSeminary Bible Translation Training
Bolster Seminary training for Bible translation students studying at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Capacity Building
Country
- Ethiopia
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
126,223,000
The Next Generation of Bible Translators is needed
The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus is the world’s largest Lutheran church, facing a challenge: over half of Ethiopia’s 85 languages lack Bible translations.
To bridge this gap, Mekane Yesus Seminary (MYS) partnered with Lutheran Bible Translators for a unique program. This initiative aims to equip future pastors to translate the Bible into Ethiopian languages, serving minority communities. The program’s first group includes 15 seminarians training to become both pastors and Bible translators, set to graduate with a Bachelor of Theology (BTh) in Bible Translation by summer 2025. Currently, 60 students are enrolled in various stages of their education.
The vision shared by both organizations is ambitious, planning for multiple graduating cohorts. This would mean an increase in Bible translators, significantly expanding access to Scripture in native languages for millions.
SUpport Ethiopian Bible Translation Students
Your financial gifts and prayers will equip leaders at Mekane Yesus Seminary to train the next generation of Bible translators in Ethiopia to bring God’s Word to East Africa.
Funding helps cover the salaries of staff and faculty and portions of books, registration, tuition, food, accommodations, and other administrative expenses. Financial support ensures students can focus on their translation studies without additional monetary burdens.
Program Goals
- Graduate the second cohort of the 20 BTh-BTM regular students. These 20 Bible Translation and Mission students are in their last year of study and will graduate in June 2024.
- Train the Fourth Summer students, who will study five Bible Translation courses: Applied Linguistics, Scripture Engagement, History of Bible Translation, and Sociolinguistics.
- Launch the MA in Bible Translation: Preparation and promotion work will be done to recruit the right candidates for the program, then both national and international students will be admitted.
Mekane Yesus Seminary Bible Translation Training Plan
Step 1
Launch a Bible Translation program at Mekane Yesus Seminary in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Step 2
Educate students in theology and practices of Bible translation.
Step 3
Graduate pastors and laity prepared to engage in translation ministry.
Meet the Local Team
Rev. Dr. Bruk Ayele (MYS President)
Rev. Dr. Ayalew Tesema (MYS Academic V/President)
Dr. Ebise Gudeta (MYS-CoTS Dean)
Mr. Ephrem Tariku (Program Leader)
MYS teaching and administrative staff, and others will be engaged in this program.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
126,223,000 total population
Christianity is a majority religion
129 unique people groups
