Disruption to Bible translation in South Sudan
The Bible Society asks us to pray for a translation team working in South Sudan. They are translating the Bible into Zande, the language of some 350,000 people. Work has come to an abrupt halt as members of the Zande community flee the city of Yambio, where the project is based.
Edward Kajivora, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society in South Sudan (BSSS), explained that recent clashes have forced people to flee from the town into the bush, even though it’s rainy season. “At first I couldn’t make contact with Paul, the translation team leader, but now I’ve spoken to him. Nobody has been able to get to the translation office. The future for our whole country is uncertain. The economy is very fragile and disease is rife, especially malaria. But at BSSS we always encourage each other through God’s Word.”
“We ask you to pray with us as we continue to face this uncertain situation,” adds Edward. “Only God knows whether some of us will reach the end of the year. But above all this uncertainty, our Living God continues to be with those who trust in him. We are confident that one day the Lord will hear the prayers of his people and that peace will come to our country.”
The small team are committed to bringing God’s Word to as many people as possible. Their work is restricted to the capital, Juba, and a few other provinces. They distribute Bibles in churches and refugee camps. The demand is so high that this year they have distributed twice as many Bibles as last year.
Down and Dromore is linked with the Diocese of Maridi, to the east of Yambio.