We praise God that the Simbiti people of Tanzania now have the complete New Testament published in their language! The Simbiti are another group that Ben worked with in Tanzania. He mainly focused on the Jita translation, but there were times when he was able to assist other teams as well. The Simbiti team recently published their New Testament and then held a celebration to thank God for the arrival of the books. There was music, dancing, speeches, and of course, feasting.
One of the musicians shouted, "The Lord speaks to us in our language, praise the Lord! We now have God's Word in Simbiti!"
When the books were unveiled at the climax of the ceremony, one copy was given to a woman who had been chosen to read a passage out loud. She read Matthew 28:19,
Ku bhuyö ni-igha moghende mokore abhantö bhonswe igho bhabhe abheegha abhaane, ko okobhabhatiisya ku iriina irya Taata, irya Omoona, na irya Umwika Ömöhörëëru.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
We praise God that Simbiti people are repenting of their sins and trusting Jesus for salvation! Now that they have God's Word in their language, we pray that the church of Jesus Christ will grow and that Simbiti Christians will go and make more disciples.
photos by A.Olson
Praying for al of you and the ministry in Tansania
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