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Press Release Detail

Chichewa New Testament Released

27.11.2002

LILONGWE, Malawi— International Bible Society (IBS) released its recently translated Chichewa New Testament, “Chipangano Chatsopano Mu Chichewa Cha Lero,” at a release and dedication event in Lilongwe, Malawi, on Saturday, November 23. The New Testament has the potential to reach 10 million Chichewa speakers.

A team of translators led by IBS-Malawi National Coordinator Mr. Lester Chikoya began work on the New Testament in 1997. The team completed the translation, rendered in contemporary language from the original biblical texts, earlier this year. As a result of test audience meetings the team conducted, IBS-Malawi expects its New Testament to be well received by evangelicals.

“We praise God for His precious gift of the Holy Word in the Chichewa language that is spoken today,” Chikoya stated. “We believe this translation will lead many people to the saving knowledge and hope for abundant life found in Jesus Christ.”

The release and dedication ceremony took place at Le Meridien Capital, situated in the heart of Lilongwe. The climax of the event was the Act of Dedication, conducted by seven ministers from seven churches representing the majority of the Bible-believing denominations of Malawi. Christian performers who recited Bible verses from the newly published version punctuated the event. The ceremony also featured several speakers: the founding member of IBS-Malawi’s Team, 78-year-old Chief H.A.K. Thumba; Barbara Nkala, IBS’ Zimbabwe and Malawi National Director; Dr. Betta Mengistu, Executive Director of IBS Africa; and the keynote address speaker, Rev. Dr. Augustine Musopole. The Guest of Honor was Right Honorable Justine Malewezi, the Vice President of the Republic of Malawi. Many pastors also participated in the ceremony, which was attended by more than 220 people.

In his speech, the Vice President of Malawi said, “When biblical values are introduced to children at the family level, it becomes easier for the school to teach Bible knowledge to its students. Perhaps with the release of this New Testament, International Bible Society can now consider providing Bibles to schools so as to encourage the culture of Bible reading among our youth. In this way, we are certain that the seeds we are planting today will bear fruit in the future. Let us therefore work together toward your vision of changing the hearts of today’s generation to change tomorrow’s world.”

Distribution of the New Testament will take place through churches, religious organizations, booksellers, youth clubs of the Scripture Union, and the youth department of the Presbyterian churches in Malawi. IBS has already printed 50,000 copies for sales and another 15,000 for outreach.

Chichewa, or Chewa, is the national language of Malawi and is also spoken in Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

International Bible Society, founded in 1809, faithfully translates, publishes and reaches out with God’s Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Body.

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New Bibles in 2007

In 2007 IBS Europe will be releasing two new first edition Bibles in Europe - Russian and Romanian. Following the elaborate development process and rigid methodology, we will be happy to offer high standard translations that use modern language while representing accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts. Both equipped with a wealth of footnotes, these translations are targeted to be used by new believers, for outreach and evangelism, especially among young people, as well as for general reading.

If you are a church, ministry or organization, contact us for ministry pricing, samples, formats, and to request availability information.