Where We Serve / Kerewe Bible Translation
Kerewe Bible Translation
Bring God’s Word to Kerewe speakers—build community ownership and deepen biblical storytelling.
Bible Translation
Country
- Tanzania
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
241,000
Transforming Worship Through Language: The Kerewe Scripture Journey
For decades, many Kerewe churches on Ukerewe Island have worshiped primarily in Swahili. Church leaders within the East of Lake Victoria Diocese identified the need for Scripture in Kerewe so congregations could hear and understand God’s Word in their own language.
Since 2018, the diocese and Lutheran Bible Translators have worked together to translate Scripture into Kerewe. Draft translations are now being used in churches and community settings as the work continues toward a full Bible.
Empower Local Leaders
We work alongside Kerewe church leaders, translators, and storytellers as they develop skills for translation, oral Bible storytelling, and Scripture use. This work supports local leadership and helps churches engage with Scripture in ways that fit their language and context.
Program Goals
- Community Ownership and Leadership
- Storyteller Empowerment
- Language Preservation and Scripture Engagement
- Translation Quality and Capacity
- Team Development
Kerewe Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Build Community Leadership
- Create collaborative translation framework
- Establish robust advisory committee
- Train local leaders
Step 2
Develop Storytelling Capacity
- Identify and empower local storytellers
- Conduct skills workshops
- Facilitate knowledge sharing
Step 3
Enhance Translation Quality
- Perform detailed manuscript reviews
- Conduct consultation check-ins
- Translate key biblical texts
- Continuously improve translation skills
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
Translation Coordinator
Rev. Domisian Alloys3 Translators – Laurent Malelo, Samwel Mahendeka, Sospeter Makene
Back Translator – Protaz Magesa
Dr. Michael Megahan
Rev. Dr. Michael Megahan and his wife, Jo Ann, began in missions in Tanzania in 1982. Michael later served as assistant to the bishop of the East of Lake Victoria Diocese in Mwanza. He was sent to north central Kenya to work with the Samburu tribe. In 2004, the Megahans began their work with Lutheran Bible Translators.
Ruthie Wagner
Ruthie is a Translation Advisor and Exegete working with translation programs in Tanzania, particularly with the Kerewe Bible Translation Program. Ruthie primarily works remotely from Minnesota and travels to Tanzania a couple times a year. She teaches and trains Bible translators using technologies such as YouTube, Zoom, and WhatsApp.
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
The Kerewe people primarily make a living through farming and fishing on Ukerewe Island.
The Kerewe language belongs to the Niger-Congo language family and includes several dialects, including:
Bwiro, Irugwa, and Mumbuga.
Program Progress
Help Bring Scripture to Life
Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Kerewe language. Every gift makes a difference.