Programme name

Primsang*

Population

500,000

The community

Primsang is a diverse, mountainous region in Africa, where there are communities speaking more than 100 languages. Decades of conflict have caused poverty, food insecurity and trauma, but there is a significant and faithful Christian population. The multiple ethnic groups have a mainly oral culture, in which songs and stories play an important part. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced from their original homes because of years of violence.

The need

Christians in Primsang have faced bombings, poverty and persecution. They have buildings to meet in, but no Bible in their language. Historical efforts to suppress and eradicate local languages mean that having the Bible in their language will not only energise the faith of Primsang communities but also strengthen their culture and help them feel known and precious to God.

The programme

The translation programme was initiated by the churches in Primsang, which are leading the work. The goal is to train, equip and provide expert assistance, so the churches themselves can translate the Bible into the many languages of the region.

Most Primsang people have never had the opportunity to learn to read or write, so the initial focus of the work will be on audio Bible translations, with the aim of producing written versions later on.

*name changed for security reasons