Where We Serve / Zayse Bible Translation
Zayse Bible Translation
Transformation is unfolding among the Zayse as God’s Word reshapes identity and breaks down class divisions.
Bible Translation
Country
- Ethiopia
Region
- East Africa
Language Population
18,500
God’s Word is Transforming the Zayse
God’s Word is shaping how Zayse communities understand identity and belonging.
As Scripture becomes available, long‑standing social patterns of inequality are being questioned and discussed within the community. Scripture is helping people reflect on shared human origins and dignity.
In some communities, practices tied to class divisions are beginning to change. Continued access to Scripture is contributing to gradual, long‑term change within Zayse society.
Help Zayse Leaders Complete the Bible
Every community deserves to hear God’s Word in the language they understand best, led by people they trust and respect. Your prayers and financial gifts empower leaders in Ethiopia to bring the Zayse people closer to having the full Bible in their heart language. Together, we can see lives and communities transformed.
Program Goals
- Continue Old Testament drafting and checking
- Support church and community leaders using translated Scripture
- Encourage Scripture use through teaching and audio resources
- Develop locally written worship songs based on Scripture
- Sustain translation team operations
Zayse Bible Translation Program Plan
Step 1
Finalize Old Testament Translation
- Record completed Old Testament books (Nehemiah, Ezra, Judges, and Malachi) for audio engagement.
- Complete drafting, team checks, and back translations for Judges, Malachi, and Deuteronomy.
- Facilitate consultant checks in Addis Ababa or Arbaminch to ensure accuracy and quality.
Step 2
Equip the Community with God’s Word
- Organize “Faith Comes By Hearing” workshops to share the Bible through SD cards and Talking Bibles.
- Print and distribute key materials, including Genesis (1,000 copies), Exodus, and Numbers.
- Dedicate and distribute Small Catechism (3,000 copies) and the Zayse Bible dictionary.
Step 3
Cultivate Christ-Centered Worship and Leadership
- Celebrate Bible Week annually in Zayse churches to foster awareness of Bible translation work and its impact on the community.
- Host songwriting workshops with local musicians and LBT’s ethnomusicologist to compose new church music based on the New Testament.
- Train and support community leaders to distribute Scripture and equip churches with recorded and printed materials.
Meet the Local Team
Team Members
• Dr. Edilu Eyasu – Project Personnel
• Eva. Astiko Wakeno – Project Personnel
• Mr. Eshetu Girma – Project Personnel
• Mr. Zenebe Kebede – Project Personnel
• Rev. Yakob Taka – Project Personnel
• Tsegaye Shoka – Translatorteam members
• Rev. Mesele Tsige – Translator
• Tadele Badege – Translator
• Kegnalem Tilamo – SE Worker
• Eva. Astiko Wakeno – Reviewer
• Eva. Geresu Chonfoshe – Reviewer
• Eva. Hailu Tesfaye – Reviewerteam members
• Eva. Melse Marikos – Reviewer
• Mr. Abebe Adama – Reviewer
• Mr. Abraham Demese – Reviewer
• Mr. Alemayehu Abebe – Reviewer
• Mr. Ayikarma Sagale – Reviewer
• Mr. Chunka Chode – Reviewerteam members
• Mr. Ermiyas Napo – Reviewer
• Mr. Eyasu Eshetu – Reviewer
• Mrs. Shitaye Tokka – Reviewer
• Mrs. Wogene Gulasho – Reviewer
• Mrs. Zenebech Demese – Reviewer
• Rev. Atenafu Siyume – Reviewerteam members
• Rev. Weyesa Woyike – Reviewer
• Eva. Astiko Wakeno – Reviewer
• Mr. Abraham Demese – Reviewer
• Eva. Geresu Chonfoshe – Reviewer
• Eva. Melse Marikos – Reviewer
Partner Organizations
Honoring the Language
Translation work draws on vocabulary from both lowland and highland speech forms, helping Scripture sound natural and recognizable to Zayse readers and listeners.
Program Progress
Bring Scripture to the Zayse Language Community
Your donation helps translate God’s Word into the Zayse language. Every gift makes a difference.