Scripture Engagement Center roof installed

The Themne Literacy and Scripture Engagement Program center in Sierra Leone is already transforming lives—and it holds the promise to impact many more, just as it has for Pastor Joseph Conteh. 

“After a few years of learning how to read and write in both Themne and Krio, I decided to move further to be trained as a literacy teacher of the two languages,” Conteh said, adding that he is employed within the government secondary schools in Magburaka.  

Conteh’s story is a powerful example of what literacy can do, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel. Yet for many others in the region, the challenge has been a consistent place to learn. That is now changing. With support from Lutheran Bible Translators, construction of the Themne Literacy and Scripture Engagement Program center is underway, and significant progress has already been made, including the installation of roofing materials. 

Once completed, the center will serve as a hub for translation, material development, and administrative work. It will also host literacy classes, workshops, Jesus Film showings, Bible reading activities, and Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) programs. 

The new space addresses several needs. In the past, learners often met on verandas, under makeshift shelters, or beneath trees—conditions that became especially difficult during the rainy season. In addition, literacy coordinators had to store materials and equipment in their homes. The new center will provide a stable, centralized location for both learning and proper storage and maintenance. 

More than just solving logistical challenges, the center creates opportunities for growth. It will include a dedicated recording studio for Faith Comes By Hearing and other Scripture engagement programs, expanding the reach of God’s Word. In this way, the center is an example of LBT’s dedication to an integrated approach for Scripture engagement. When a community receives literacy training and support alongside Scripture translation, God’s Word becomes a natural part of their daily lives. 

This center is more than a building—it is a place where lives will be impacted by literacy, and Scripture will continue to spread. 

To learn more, visit the Themne Scripture Engagement web page, dedicated to the Lutheran Bible Translators work with Scripture Engagement in the Themne community.