The progress in Bible translation since 1800 As a result of this amazing acceleration in Bible translation, we are seeing lots of launch events for New Testaments and Bibles.
But what does a launch event look like?* What is it like to be at one?
Each one will of course be slightly different, especially depending on the location. (Launches in sensitive locations are inevitably much more secretive or quiet events, and often held among diaspora groups in other countries.)
The recent launch of the Akébou New Testament – and an excellent video about it (link at bottom of the page) – provides a wonderful opportunity to get a sense of just what happens at a launch event.
Come and take a trip with us to a hot and fairly sunny day in central east Togo!
Each launch event needs lots of things to be put in place before the big day.
Not least, making sure the books have been shipped from the country of printing (most are printed in South Korea) and have made it out of customs (many get delayed at this point).
Ilchamus women carry boxes of New Testaments in Kenya But once these hurdles have been overcome, it’s all systems go!
Teams are organised to run the day, cook the meal, oversee the parking, and welcome and guide guests to their seats. The venue is prepared – be that in a church or outside. Dignitaries, churches and communities are invited. Speakers are arranged, choirs and bands rehearse, dancing troupes are put together.
The sense of anticipation grows. The community has waited many years – sometimes decades – for this day.
On the day itself, a wonderful, intoxicating smell emerges from the kitchen area. The noise levels begin to build as sound systems are tested and people start to arrive and mingle. This in itself can draw interested bystanders who just want to find out what all the commotion is about.
It was the big day for the Akébou people of Togo on 2 August 2025.
They came from across the region to a school playing field in the town of Kougnohou, to celebrate the launch of the New Testament and Genesis in their language.
Some 1,500 Akébou people attended, as well as dignitaries and leaders from religious and government organisations.
The New Testament was received with immense joy, noise and celebration in a festive atmosphere.
The Ellomwe Bible launch procession in Malawi featured a very large Bible! Many launches begin with the procession (though the Akébou ceremony didn’t).
Attended by marching groups, dancers, singers, musicians, an unopened box or other culturally appropriate container of the books is brought into the meeting area.
The noise is deafening, the celebration exuberant, the joy infectious.
Any launch event has its fair share of speeches, and the Akébou New Testament was no different, with speeches by various dignitaries and people representing involved parties.
Each speaker began by expressing gratitude to God for inspiring and guiding the initiative to its conclusion. There were thanks to the translation team for their commitment and dedication spread over many years, and to those who had supported the programme through funds.
And finally, came the emphasis on the importance and necessity of this translation. Each speaker expressed their hope that it would have a deep and impactful effect on all who read it, so that lives would be profoundly and wholly transformed.
Another vital aspect of any launch event is prayer.
Prayers of thanks and gratitude for God’s provision. Prayers over the books – that God’s word in the Akébou language would have a profound impact on all of Akébou society. For now they can understand all God is saying to them through the Scriptures in their own language.
And then, the big public moment, which is repeated in some form in every launch… the unveiling or unwrapping, and the presentation to the people.
After praying, the Akébou New Testament was unveiled, to loud cheers from the huge crowd.
As Koudjovi said at the event: ‘During the ceremony, one moment made a deep impression on me: all the pastors and priests gathered around the table where the copies of the New Testament lay. They prayed together, and at the end, the priest raised the book high, surrounded by the entire pastoral body. This solemn gesture touched me deeply.’
Then came the walkabout. An Akébou church leader took a copy of the New Testament, raised it up, and was accompanied by others to show the crowd this new treasure, amid the cheers and acclamations of the enthusiastic crowd.
Once the official service is over, it’s time for the people to get their hands on their copies.
Often, as happened in the Akébou event, members of the translation team are given their copies first.
And then the books are distributed or put on sale. The team brace themselves, as the people descend on their stall to obtain their copies. It’s a mêlée, but a friendly and good-natured mêlée, as everyone wants their copy of this prized book. They have waited years – and they don’t want to wait any longer!
On the day, 1,200 copies of the Akébou New Testament were eagerly purchased by participants. Within a few weeks, more than 2,000 copies have been sold. The Akébou people are hungry for the word of God in their language!
The spread at the Label New Testament launch in Papua New Guinea Bika, on getting the Akébou New Testament at the event, said: ‘That day, I acquired a copy in my mother tongue. As I read it, something awakened within me. The verses I knew took on a new meaning, clearer and more vivid.’
A slightly unusual aspect of the Akébou launch event was that there was no food.
But for most launches, a massive community meal is the perfect way to end the day and the celebrations – even if it takes a lot of time and effort!
And finally…
The official launch of the Scriptures in a language is, of course, a milestone. But it is also just the start of the next chapter.
For all the years of work to translate the Scriptures, for all the effort spent making the day as memorable as possible, the launch event marks the beginning of a new phase in the life of the Church.
Now the people – and in this case, the Akébou people – need to use and apply God’s word. For the first time, they can read, hear and understand what God is saying to them in the language that speaks to them best.
That’s the hope of any translation team and anyone involved in a translation of Scriptures: the transformation of individual lives and of whole communities by the life-giving word of God.
As Bika commented: ‘Today, I testify with conviction: the word of God is true, powerful, and accessible. It does not lie; it enlightens. Thanks to this Akébou version, I have regained my confidence, my passion for the Scriptures, and my joy in serving.’
The launch of the Akébou New Testament was one of those featured in the State of the Bible 2025 report. Download the full report here.
