Amharic (Ethiopia)

In 2012 we prayerfully began a new translation project in Amharic. The first fruits of the project were the printing of 100,000 copies of the Gospel according to John in 2015. By God’s grace, we were able to print the New Testament and Psalms at the end of 2021 which arrived in Ethiopia in late 2022. Also in 2022, our registration as a foreign‐based religious organisation in Ethiopia was granted. As a result, we established a distribution centre in Addis Ababa (the capital of Ethiopia) to facilitate importing and distributing the Amharic New Testament and Psalms, as well as to promote our work and principles across the country. 

As is typical with the publication of a New Testament or Bible, over the last two years we held a series of launch events for the New Testament in Ethiopia, England, and Sweden. Generally, these meetings have been well attended with many people travelling several hours to be present. Various talks and presentations have been given and feedback from the meetings has been positive. After one meeting an attendee commented, ‘I will never use a translation from those critical texts again, I will only use the TBS Amharic translation going forward’.

The demand for the New Testament has been high, and we are thankful we have been able to print tens of thousands of copies of it so far. We have also been able to establish significant distribution avenues throughout Ethiopia and South Africa. The eager demand for a faithful copy of the Scriptures has been very encouraging and we pray this to continue.

As the work of distribution is underway, so is the translation of the Old Testament. Thus far, much of the first draft of the Pentateuch has been prepared. The Amharic New Testament with the Psalms can be read on the TBS Online Bible App at tbsonlinebible.com/#am. We are grateful to the Lord for all the work undertaken in the Amharic language and in Ethiopia.

‘This also cometh forth from the LORD of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working’ (Isaiah 28.29).

How to pray for the Amharic project:

• For the ongoing printing and distribution of the Amharic New Testament and Psalms.
• For the Old Testament translation work to continue to progress, with the translator being given much wisdom and help as he works on this. 
• For the demand of the Amharic Scriptures to grow and for the resources to meet these demands.
• For the distribution centre in Addis Ababa and the staff overseeing the work there.