The Mizo Bible dates back to the late nineteenth century, following the arrival of Christian missionaries in the Lushai Hills of Mizoram, India. Pioneering missionaries J. H. Lorrain and F. W. Savidge developed a practical Roman-script writing system for the language and produced some of the earliest Mizo Scripture translations. Their translation work began in 1895 with the first publications being Luke, Acts, and John in 1898. The New Testament was published in 1917 and the entire Bible in 1959. These translations played a formative role in the rapid spread of Christianity among the Mizo people and have remained foundational to the spiritual and cultural life of the community. However, as the language has developed and matured, certain limitations in style, consistency, and textual basis have become increasingly evident.

In the years since, revisions and new editions of the Mizo Bible have been undertaken to improve readability and reflect contemporary usage. While these efforts have been beneficial, many available versions are now based on modern critical texts. Consequently, there has not been a complete Mizo Bible consistently translated from the Masoretic Hebrew and the Greek Received Texts in accordance with the translation principles upheld by the Trinitarian Bible Society. This need has been recognised among Mizo‑speaking Christians who desire a translation that combines fidelity to the original biblical texts with reverence, clarity, and doctrinal reliability.

The Mizo Bible TBS is hoping to print was translated before contact was made with us. However, before giving us the text, the translator gave his work a linguistic update to ensure it is both precise and natural in Mizo. We thoroughly analysed that updated text using our translation analysis checklist. Through that process corrections were noted, though nothing major. The translator has now made those corrections and we are happy that this Bible translationally and textually meets our standards. It has been approved by the TBS General Committee for publication.

The translator is currently formatting the final text of the Mizo Bible so that we can process the files. Following this, it will be run through our editorial system which will likely point out further refinements, particularly to ensure consistency in spelling, as orthographic standardisation in Mizo continues to develop. After that we hope to move to typesetting, proofreading, and preparation of a print-ready file.

‘Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them’ (Hebrews 7.25).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translator and those providing technical support as the final files are prepared for submission to TBS.
• Pray for the Mizo people to prayerfully receive this Bible.
• Pray for the Editorial Department as work commences on final file processing, typesetting, and proofreading.

Chothe is one of the oldest tribal languages spoken in Manipur, India, yet it is one of the smallest with about 4,400 native speakers. The majority of the Chothe population is Christian. 

The Chothe Bible translation project began in January 2017, translating the Authorised (King James) Version directly into Chothe with reference to the Greek Received and Hebrew Masoretic texts.

The TBS Chothe Bible is one of the first significant written productions in this language, and so our translation team is faced with scouring the language for the appropriate vocabulary and terminology. 

With the text of the New Testament complete, the project has passed a major milestone. It is now undergoing the translation analysis. The team are eager to have an accurate translation and welcome the feedback submitted to them. We pray that following the current checks it will be approved for publication.

The translation team have also expressed thanks to all those at the Society and its supporters for their prayers:

We the Chothe people are truly indebted to TBS for your constant prayer and support in this endeavor. It is our prayer that our long awaited dream of having the Bible being translated in our mother tongue is coming to accomplishment with your blessings and support.

‘My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips’ (Psalm 63.5).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translation analysis to go well and that we can begin the publication process soon.
• Pray for the translators as they work on the Old Testament and that, in the Lord’s time, the Chothe people will have their first Chothe Bible. 

Location: Ethiopia | Speakers: 40 million | Project Status: Gospel

Oromo, a Cushitic language of the Afroasiatic family, is widely spoken in Ethiopia and parts of northern Kenya. It is the largest ethnic and first language for over 40 million speakers in Ethiopia, serving as a lingua franca across much of the Oromia region and beyond.

Oromo has several dialects, though there is a high degree of mutual intelligibility among them. Our Oromo translation project, which commenced with the Gospel according to John, is in a standardised form of Oromo based on widely understood central dialects.

Oromo translations of the Scriptures have a long history, with earlier versions produced in both Ethiopic and Latin scripts. A complete Bible is available and widely used; however, most existing translations are based on modern critical texts and often employ dynamic equivalence methods. 

The work has been carried out by capable native speakers and with careful attention to accuracy, clarity, and reverence.  The Gospel has been approved for publication, and we are now working towards preparing it for release.

‘And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd’ (John 10.16).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the print and digital publication of the Gospel to go quickly, accurately, and smoothly.
• Pray for many distribution channels to be made available through our distribution centre in Ethiopia.
• Pray for Oromo speakers to receive the Gospel gladly and that it would be used for the salvation of millions.

Location: India | Speakers: 108,000 | Project Status: New Testament

The Halam people received the Scriptures in their own language for the first time earlier this year, when the Gospel according to John was completed, printed, and distributed. It has been very well received thus far, as it is written in a standardised form of the language that encompasses the three main tribal varieties. Halam is still a developing language, but the team makes every effort to ensure that the translation is understood without sacrificing accuracy.

The Halam team begins its translation work each day by reading the passage to be translated and then committing the work to the Lord in prayer. The Scriptures are being translated from the Authorised (King James) Version, with reference to translations in two other languages that the team understands—Hmar and Mizo (TBS is also working on New Testament and Bible projects in these languages.) When questions arise concerning specific words or verses, the team is directed to our linguistics specialist for guidance and clarification.

With the Gospel of John completed, the Halam team continues faithfully to translate the New Testament. Thus far, they have completed the first draft of the book of Matthew and hope to begin translating Mark soon.

‘Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent’ (Acts 13.26).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray that the translators will faithfully translate the Bible into Halam and that avenues of distribution will reach the entire tribe.
• Pray for the safety of the team, as the situation in Tripura is difficult and, at times, dangerous for Christians.
• Pray that those who have received a copy of the Gospel according to John will be blessed and encouraged through it.

Polish is spoken by over 43 million people worldwide, yet the historic Polish New Testament—though appreciated by many—has become difficult for modern readers to follow.

We are working with an experienced translator to translate the text into current literary Polish, while remaining faithful to the original, Biblical languages. The Gospel according to John is now ready for printing and has been published on our Online Bible App.

The translator continues to work on the books of Matthew and Galatians. Lord willing, he hopes by the end of the year to finish the four Gospels and begin on James and Acts. The help of a reviewer has been of significant value, ensuring that the language used is acceptable across different Polish dialects.

‘That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth’ (Psalm 83.18).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the printing of the Gospel according to John to progress quickly and smoothly.
• Pray for many distribution avenues to be opened and for Polish-speaking churches to recognise the need for faithfully translated Scripture.
• Pray for the translator as he endeavours to produce a faithful and accurate translation.

The Lord continues to provide opportunities to translate and distribute His Word among the peoples of Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and surrounding regions. Several projects—each commencing with the Gospel according to John—have begun in the past few years. We are thankful for the translators and reviewers who have laboured faithfully on these texts, and we continue to seek additional native speakers who can assist with reviewing and refining the translations.

• Dari: John is being reviewed and additional reviewers are needed before the text can undergo analysis.
• Hindko, Northern: John has been translated and requires additional reviewers and analysis.
• Kurdish, Kurmancî: John is being translated in the Latin-based script used in Türkiye, and is approximately halfway complete. Native reviewers are needed to assist with this project.
• Kurmancî, Bandi: Spoken in Iraqi Kurdistan, this is a subdialect of Kurmanci. We are investigating the feasibility of adapting the Kurmanci translation from the Latin-based script into an Arabic-based script.
• Pashto, Northern: A pilot project has commenced, and John is undergoing our translation analysis checks.
• Pashto, Southern: The text is being reviewed. It is very similar to the northern variant, although there are differences in vocabulary and idioms.
• Persian: The Old Testament revision work is progressing well. Additional distribution avenues for the New Testament are desired.
• Urdu: John is being typeset. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are in progress.

As one of our translators recently remarked, ‘We need to pray more … the devil is at work’. Although we do not often report difficulties, challenges regularly arise—from technical problems and Internet outages to printing delays and other obstacles. Yet the Lord continues to sustain and advance this work. We are grateful for His faithfulness and ask for your continued prayers for each project mentioned here, as well as for all our translation efforts worldwide.

How to pray for these projects:

• For the Scriptures to be faithfully and accurately translated.
• For the physical safety and spiritual health of translators and proofreaders.
• For the printing of Scriptures to proceed quickly and smoothly.
• For distribution avenues to be opened and expanded throughout the countries where these languages are spoken.

We were greatly shocked and saddened to hear about the death of the Rev. Dr Vumthang Sitlhou, our TBS Thadou reviser. He, along with two other pastors, was killed in a deadly ambush in Manipur, India on 13 May 2026 while returning from a church gathering. The Rev. Sitlhou was a man of peace and a faithful servant of Christ who had long devoted himself to strengthening the church through the Scriptures.

The attack comes amid a prolonged and complex conflict in the region since 2023, which, though rooted largely in political and land issues, has at times involved the burning of churches and attacks on Christians. The Thadou community numbers around 350,000 across Manipur and neighbouring regions. It has seen remarkable Gospel growth since the 1920s, with the vast majority now professing the Christian faith.

The Rev. Sitlhou spoke at the TBS Annual General Meeting in 2019. In his message, he highlighted the desperate need for the Thadou Bible, ‘It may not be excessive to say that the Thadou people are spiritually perishing for lack of the Bible. To ensure spiritual revival, strengthening of their faith, restructuring of the churches, and revitalisation under a total commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, the Thadou’s greatest need is the Holy Bible’.

In the days before the tragedy, colleagues had been in contact with the Rev. Sitlhou to undertake the final checks on the second edition of the Thadou Bible. For many years he had laboured with unceasing prayer to ensure the faithful translation of the Scriptures for his people. We are thankful that a son of the Rev. Sitlhou has agreed to finish the project, Lord willing.

Even amid the unrest, the work of making God’s Word available continues. A recent milestone has been the completion of an audio recording of the Thadou Bible in Manipur, produced with local Christians despite ongoing disruption and sustained by daily prayer. We pray for the publication of the second edition and for its continued use in strengthening the Thadou church.

We extend our deepest condolences to the Sitlhou family and the Thadou tribe. While the loss of faithful servants is deeply grievous, we take comfort that ‘the word of God is not bound’ (2 Timothy 2.9), and pray that the Word will continue to prevail mightily (Acts 19.20). 

The New Testament has been published, and the Psalms approved for publication. Lord willing, we hope to publish the Psalms together with the New Testament in the near future. Thus far, the Old Testament up to and including 2 Kings have been drafted. Most of the wisdom books—Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon—have been finalised. The team hopes to begin drafting Job soon, while continuing to work on Isaiah.   

Besides the translation work itself, there is a need to educate the Chinese churches to know and accept the Received Text. Very few Chinese Christians and church leaders are aware of the significant distinction between the Greek Critical Text and the Received Text, and very few hold adhere to the Received Text. Currently, almost all Chinese pastors are influenced by mainstream seminaries that teach and promote only the Critical Text. To that end, articles have been translated, a website has been designed, and videos have been published.

‘Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you’ (2 Thessalonians 3.1).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for wisdom, health, and guidance for the translators as they continue to work on the translation.
• Pray for the Lord’s blessing on the distribution and promotion efforts.
• Pray for Chinese speakers around the world to receive this translation and that it would be used for their salvation and strengthening of faith.
  

Location: Kenya | Speakers: 2 million | Project Status: Bible

Spoken by approximately two million people, Kalenjin is one of the tribal languages belonging to the Nilotic family. It is spoken by a tribal group of the same name, who mainly reside in Kenya. There is little written material in the language, and while a Bible is available, it is not a translation from the Received Text.

Since 2014 TBS has been working with a team in Kenya to prepare a faithful new translation of the Kalenjin Scriptures directly from the Biblical languages, with secondary reference to the Authorised (King James) Version and extant Kalenjin Bibles. The New Testament was published last year.

In April, we received files for all Old Testament books. These are currently undergoing final checks on our Editorial System and a translation analysis. When this is complete, we will proceed to typesetting the full Kalenjin Bible. Lord willing, we hope to publish this next year.

This will be the first faithful translation of the Holy Scriptures in this language. We therefore seek your prayers for the translation team and staff who are involved in the preparation of this Bible.

‘Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it’ (Acts 28.28).

Location: Mongolia | Speakers: 5 million | Project Status: Bible

Mongolian, the official language of Mongolia, is spoken by five million people and primarily uses the Cyrillic script, although a traditional Mongolian script is also used. Our project uses the Cyrillic script used in Mongolia and some parts of Russia, in contrast to the traditional script (which is written vertically) used in Inner Mongolia, a region of China.

Historically Mongolia was Buddhist and today half of the population identifies as such. Evangelical Christians have grown in number since the fall of communism in 1990, though they only make up a small proportion of the population.

Since 2009, TBS has partnered with Dr Charles Keen (assisted by other American Independent Baptists) to prepare a new edition of the Mongolian Bible translated directly from the Greek Received and Hebrew Masoretic Texts.

The first edition of the New Testament was published in 2017 but is being lightly revised to improve some of the phrasing. The revision is going well, with final files submitted for Matthew, Mark, and John, and we expect to receive the book of Romans soon, Lord willing. Progress in the Old Testament is also going well with all books up to and including 2 Kings now in final draft. Meanwhile, the Gospel according to John is being typeset. Lord willing, we hope to have it ready for publication this year.

‘He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law’ (Isaiah 42.4).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translation team as they finalise the text of the Old Testament and work on the revision of the New Testament.
• Pray that the Scriptures will be distributed widely throughout Mongolia, and that many new avenues of distribution will be opened.
• Pray for the Gospel to reach the hearts of Mongolians and that they would be brought to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. 

Location: India | Speakers: 58 million | Project Status: Gospel

Kannada, also known as Kanarese, is a Dravidian language spoken in India. It is predominantly used in the state of Karnataka in the southwest of the country, where it functions as the official and administrative language. As one of India’s classical languages, it has a long-standing literary tradition, with written inscriptions dating to the fifth century.

Efforts to produce a Bible in Kannada date to the early 19th century, albeit with considerable setbacks—for example, the Serampore missionaries (associated with William Carey) produced a New Testament manuscript in 1809 which was subsequently destroyed by a fire while at the printing press. Today, Kannada Bibles are available, though none are literal and faithful to the Received Text.

TBS has worked historically in this language, producing various tracts and booklets from around 1938 to 1981. We then published a Kannada Bible in 1987. There has been interest in republishing this Bible but revisions were needed; in 2021 our current revision project commenced. Following textual analysis and improvements to meet our translational standards, work in the Gospel according to John was finalised and approved for publication late last year.

The typesetting has been completed and the file is ready for printing; it has been published on our online Bible. Lord willing, a Kannada edition of our article, The Lord Gave the Word, will also be printed to accompany the Gospel thereby aiding believers in their understanding and strengthening confidence in the textual foundations of Scripture. Both are highly anticipated for publication in June, when a TBS Deputation Speaker is scheduled to visit the region, God willing.

In the meantime, the translation team are focusing on the rest of the New Testament, with Matthew, Mark, and Romans drafted, and work underway in Luke.

‘Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent’ (Acts 13.26).

Please pray:

• For the translation team to remain encouraged, focused, and diligent in this important work among their competing priorities.
• For interest among Kannada-speaking people regarding this translation, in addition to the textual matters at stake.
• For the printing of the Gospel to go smoothly and the distribution efforts that will follow.
• For the salvation of Kannada-speaking people, the majority of whom are Hindu.

In March, our French Bible translation project marked significant progress, as the translation team gathered in Toulon for a focused working conference. The multi‑year effort— revising the 1872 Lausanne Bible (with reference to the Martin Bible of 1707/1712)—is dedicated to producing a textually faithful and accurate translation of the Scriptures into French. We are pleased to report that the work is reaching a key milestone in the Old Testament. In addition, preparations are underway for the printing of the New Testament and Psalms.

Old Testament Nears a Historic First Draft Completion

The team is now very close to completing the first full draft revision of the entire Old Testament. Only the minor prophets remain to be drafted, a task scheduled for completion over the next two months, Lord willing.

This achievement represents a major milestone in a translation process that has spanned years of textual analysis, cross‑checking, and collaboration. However, substantial work remains ahead: several additional years will still be required for careful finalisation, comprehensive review, and rigorous proofreading before the full Bible can be published.

During the conference, the translators successfully worked through finalising the text from Joshua to 2 Kings. This stage incorporated detailed feedback from readers, allowing the team to refine clarity, accuracy, and consistency.

New Testament and Psalms: Nearing Print

In parallel with Old Testament progress, the conference also addressed the upcoming publication of the Psalms. Delegates reviewed the final pre‑publication text and agreed on several minor amendments. We hope to print these within the coming year, God willing.

Distributing the New Testament

In recent years a project to distribute 50,000 New Testaments across nine countries in West Africa has been ongoing, meeting a widespread desire for Scripture among French‑speaking Christians. We are grateful for our sister society, the Gereformeerde Bijbelstichting, for funding this project, and the primary distribution partner, the Free Grace Evangelistic Association.

Why a New French Translation Is Needed

Although long cherished for its elegant language, the widely used Louis Segond translation falls short of literal accuracy in key passages. Some of these issues stem from the theological perspective of Louis Segond himself, whose liberal approach did not fully honour the inspiration and authority of Scripture as held in the Reformed tradition. Additionally, the Segond translation is based on the Critical Text, rather than the Received Text historically used by Reformation-era translators. Furthermore, extensive changes have been made to bring French tenses and vocabulary into greater conformity with modern usage.

Location: DRC | Speakers: 431,000 | Project Status: New Testament

Kisanga is one of 200 languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Our Kisanga revision project continues to advance in the DRC, amid intensifying violence, robbery, and long-standing conflict. Scriptures are scarcely available for speakers of this language. The 1991 Kisanga Bible is being revised by a native speaker in the DRC, and despite significant personal and security challenges he has completed the Gospels and is currently progressing through Acts. In a region where political peace efforts frequently collapse, the necessity for the true peace spoken of in God’s Word is desperately needed and we look forward to the publication of the Gospel according to John this year, Lord willing.

How to pray for this project:

• For the safety of the reviser and his family, who live in a war zone in the DRC. Pray that he will be able to continue his revision work with diligence and faithfulness.
• For all Christians in the DRC, the salvation of the rebels and fighters, and for peace to be restored to the country.
• For the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John.

Location: India | Speakers: 108,000 | Project Status: New Testament

‘I am called by God to do the work. How can I just give up? The Bible in our language is going to help many to understand God. How can I just give up? I believe that many souls will be saved from the translation’—TBS Halam translator

Halam is the language spoken by the Halam tribe, mostly in the north-eastern part of the Indian state of Tripura, which borders Bangladesh. The Halam language is believed to belong to the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family, which is related to several other languages in which TBS is working. It has no known written materials, and thus, helpful resources such as dictionaries, grammars, and digital spellcheckers are absent, adding complications to translation work.

Christianity influenced this tribe in the early 1900s, and thus, the majority of Halam are Christian. Until our publication there were no Scriptures available in this tongue at all, something Halam churches have felt keenly and have long desired. Our translator also reports that Christians within this tribe have faced intense persecution over the last five years.

We rejoice that 5,000 copies of the TBS Gospel according to John were printed in February, which have recently arrived with our lead translator for free distribution. God willing, this will commence in April.

This is a significant milestone for the Halam Christians who are eagerly awaiting the arrival of these Gospels in the coming weeks. The text of the Gospel according to John is also available on our Online Bible App, and if you know any Halam contacts, we encourage you to share that link with them.

The translator is now diligently working on the New Testament, for which we ask your prayers.

‘Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain’ (Philippians 2.16).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for distribution efforts due to begin in the coming weeks: that these Gospels will be received, read, and used for the spiritual strengthening of believers and the conversion of unbelievers.
• Pray for the translator as work progresses into the New Testament, that the translation would be accurate, faithful, and clear. 

Minanubu (also known as Manobo) is a language spoken by approximately 60,000 people. The Minanubu people are an indigenous group from Mindanao in the southern Philippines, comprising nine subgroups speaking 15 languages. Besides a Christian population, some are Muslim, and some are animists living in jungle areas who have never heard the Gospel. Many of the indigenous Minanubu lack an understanding of creation and follow animistic religious practices, including grievous practices such as animal sacrifice and polygyny (men having more than one wife).

As with so many nations and people groups around the world, the Minanubu need the Scriptures in their own heart language. A native-speaking pastor has translated the Gospel according to John along with the first two books of the Bible, Genesis and Exodus. These three books will be a unique publication, but we pray it will be used by the Lord to bring the Minanubu to saving faith in Jesus Christ and a true understanding of the creation of the world. The booklet has been typeset and final checks and corrections are underway; we hope it will be ready for publication in the coming weeks, Lord willing.

‘Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine’ (Exodus 19.5).

How to pray for this project:

• For the remaining checks and corrections to be done faithfully and diligently and that the booklet will soon be published and distributed among the Minanubu people.
• For the Minanubu people to receive the Gospel and that many will be brought to faith in Jesus Christ.
• For the translator as he continues his translation work, the printers as they print the booklet, and all those who will assist with distribution efforts.

Location: India | Speakers: 96 million | Project Status: Gospel

Telugu is a Dravidian language primarily spoken in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana on the east coast, states where it is also an official language. It is the fourth most widely spoken language in India, with approximately 96 million total speakers, and it is considered one of the country’s ‘classical languages’, with a literary history of over 1,500 years. The majority of Telugus are Hindu, and thus the need for a faithful translation of the Scriptures to show them the way to salvation is great.

Although several modern Telugu Bible translations are available, these are dynamic versions based on the Critical Text. TBS published a Telugu New Testament in 1983, but by the early 1990s we were advised there were significant errors within it, by which time we had stopped publishing it. Revision work began again in the late 1990s, but we were unable to proceed due to issues with these efforts too.

In 2022, we connected with a Telugu speaker to commence a new translation, and, following extensive review and analysis early last year, the text of the Gospel according to John was completed and typesetting commenced in August. We anticipate that the Gospel will be made available for publication by the end of March 2026, if the Lord wills. Our translator has turned his attention to the rest of the New Testament, and we are pleased to report that he has already made significant headway with the remaining Gospels.

It is our hope and prayer that with the publication of this Gospel that Telugu speakers may realise that ‘these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name’ (John 20.31).

Please pray:

• For the translator and community reviewers as they diligently work on the translation.
• For Telugu speakers throughout India and its wider diaspora to receive the Gospel and the translation.
• For the final edits and corrections to the typeset Gospel to proceed smoothly and its publication.

Location: Philippines | Speakers: 24 million | Project Status: Gospel

Cebuano, also referred to as Bisaya or Binisaya by most of its speakers, is an Austronesian language primarily spoken in the southern Philippines. It is most widely spoken in Central Visayas, including Cebu, Bohol, and Negros, though it is also used as a trade language in the surrounding areas, including Eastern Visayas and most areas in Mindanao. Due to the influences of Spanish missionaries from the sixteenth century, the majority of Cebuano speakers are Roman Catholic, though younger generations are only nominally so. Recently however, as this influence weakens, evangelicals have grown in number.

While there are Bibles in this language, none are suitable for use—there is a translation based on the Authorised (King James) Version, but it is extremely literal in following the English syntax and follows this over the original biblical languages, resulting in a translation that does not read naturally to Cebuano speakers. Other Bible translations exist; however, they fall into the opposite extreme in that they are not formal equivalence translations made directly from the Received Text.

In April 2025, we met with a translator interested in producing a fresh translation in line with our translation principles. It was his belief that, while the influence of Catholicism was strong amongst Cebuano speakers, this presented a good evangelistic opportunity, as concepts such as the Trinity, the Bible being God’s Word, and the existence of heaven and hell were already understood and accepted by individuals. In light of this, in May 2025, the Gospel according to John was approved as a pilot project by the TBS Committee.

Since then, the translation team have been working diligently in drafting the New Testament, with the first drafts of the four Gospels already completed, and work underway on Acts. Recently, we were able to examine their work on John and are close to finalising the text, once the team's final review has been completed this month, Lord willing.

We trust that this translation will bring Cebuano speakers a full understanding of the Grace of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures alone, and that many will be brought to the saving faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Please pray for:

• The translation team as they endeavour to produce a faithful and accurate translation.
• Cebuano speakers to be made aware of this new translation and why it is needed.

Location: Nepal & India | Speakers: 1.3 million | Project Status: Gospel 

Purbiya Tamang is a Tibeto-Burman language spoken primarily in the Bagmati and Koshi provinces of Nepal, as well as parts of India including Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Sikkim. Although there is already a New Testament in the language, it was translated using dynamic equivalence. The Purbiya Tamang people need a faithful translation from the Greek Received Text—one that accurately conveys God’s Word as it has been preserved and passed down through the centuries.

The Gospel according to John is nearly ready for print. The Lord has graciously provided for this project with the generous help of our supporters in Canada, enabling the translation team not only to complete the Gospel according to John but also to begin work on the entire New Testament. This is a significant milestone, as it will provide the Purbiya Tamang people with Scripture they can trust.

We eagerly anticipate the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John. May the Lord use His Word to draw many hearts to Himself among Purbiya Tamang speakers in Nepal and India.

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed to Purbiya Tamang speakers in Nepal and India, and that the Lord would open their hearts to hear the truths proclaimed in the Scriptures.
• Pray for the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John.
• Pray for the translation team as they endeavour to translate the Scriptures faithfully and begin work on the full New Testament.

A young student stood before the congregation that Lord's Day morning in Kenya, his sermon prepared from John 16. He had studied diligently at Bomet Bible Institute, working through the passage in his English Bible. Three points emerged clearly, which he was eager to expound.

The first two points proceeded smoothly. Then came the third, and with it, confusion. The verse upon which his final point rested was not in his Kalenjin Bible, nor was it in any Kalenjin Bible held by those gathered that morning. The passage stood plainly before him in English yet remained absent from the Scriptures in his mother tongue.

Standing at the pulpit with no explanation to offer, this student-preacher could only acknowledge what had become painfully evident: something was missing from God’s Word as it had been rendered in Kalenjin.

A burden for complete Scripture

The following Monday, the perplexed student brought his question to his tutor. Why did portions of Scripture appear in one translation but not another? His tutor, rather than providing immediate answers, offered instead a challenge: ‘Work hard in your studies, that you might find the answer yourself’.

What the student had encountered was a textual variant. The 1969 Kalenjin translation had been rendered from a different textual foundation than the traditional text underlying his English Bible. The question would not rest: how many Kalenjin believers were reading incomplete Scripture, unaware of what had been omitted?

Years later, the Lord’s providence would prove faithful. Through the provision of a scholarship, the young man found himself at Far Eastern Bible College in Singapore, enrolled in theological studies with a particular focus: New Testament Greek. The elementary courses proved demanding for one who had never encountered the biblical languages, yet the memory of that Sabbath morning drove him forward through the conjugations and grammatical complexities.

As he gained proficiency in Greek, he began a systematic analysis of the 1969 Kalenjin New Testament against the Greek Received Text. The extent of the differences proved sobering, and his research, eventually spanning two hundred pages, documented discrepancies demonstrated that Kalenjin readers did not have a complete Bible. The findings troubled not only him but also his professors and fellow students.

The Lord opens a way

Following graduation, the Lord’s guiding hand connected this now-qualified scholar with the Trinitarian Bible Society, whose commitment to faithful translations from the traditional text aligned with the burden he carried. In 2014, TBS appointed him to assemble a translation team of those with both theological training and deep knowledge of the Kalenjin language and culture.

The work proved more demanding than anticipated. The New Testament translation required years of careful attention, with multiple rounds of review and refinement. The team laboured on, trusting in the Lord’s timing for completion.

Scripture completed

In July 2025, many years after that morning at Bomet, the Kalenjin people received their first faithful Kalenjin New Testament translation. Thanksgiving services were held at Chuiyat Good News Church in Eldoret and Bomet Africa Gospel Unity Church, where TBS General Secretary Jonathan Arnold joined. Kalenjin speakers received their New Testaments with gratitude, knowing they now held Scriptures rendered faithfully from the Received Text. No longer would preachers find themselves before congregations with passages present in one Bible yet absent in another.

No longer would teachers struggle to explain textual gaps to questioning students. The Word of God now speaks in Kalenjin, while work continues on the Old Testament, the team remains steadfast with the same conviction that began with one student’s earnest question years ago.

The greater purpose

One moment of confusion before a congregation became, in the Lord’s providence, the catalyst by which an entire people would receive complete access to Holy Scripture. What began as an awkward Sabbath morning question has resulted in years of faithful labour, a labour of love motivated by the desire that souls might read God’s Word in its fullness and, by His grace, come to salvation through Jesus Christ.

May the Lord be pleased to use this translation to bring many Kalenjin people to saving knowledge of Him. May pastors faithfully expound these Scriptures and families read them in their homes. May the Holy Spirit apply the Word with power, that sinners might be convicted, converted, and built up in the faith. To Him be the glory in the salvation of souls.

Location: Myanmar | Speakers: 5,000 | Project Status: New Testament 

We are thankful that the translation of the Bible into Khawngtu Chin was approved as a full project following the publication approval of the Gospel according to John.

Chin State, in the mountainous northwest region of Myanmar, has witnessed ongoing violence and human rights violations, as well as ethnic and religious persecution since military leaders seized control of the government through a coup several years ago. Despite these severe trials, the people of this region maintain a strong desire to have the Scriptures in their own heart language. Currently, in their church services, the Burmese Bible is used for reading and preaching, a language that, while understood, does not speak to their hearts as their mother tongue does.

Lord willing, the Gospel according to John will be published in the coming months, which marks a significant milestone in bringing God’s Word to this community of 5,000 speakers. By God’s grace, work continues on the translation of the New Testament, despite limited resources. Two faithful pastors are engaged in the translation work. This translation will provide the Scriptures in the heart language of the Khawngtu Chin people, enabling them to read and hear God’s Word with clarity and power.

The ongoing work of completing the New Testament, as well as the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John, continues to require the Lord’s gracious provisions. We trust Him to supply all that is needed to sustain the Khawngtu Chin people and place His Scriptures in their hands during these dark and difficult days.

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for peace to be restored to Chin State and for protection for the Christians in this region amid ongoing violence and persecution.
• Pray for the Khawngtu Chin translators as they work faithfully to translate the Scriptures in difficult and dangerous circumstances, that the Lord would strengthen and sustain them.
• Pray for the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John.
• Pray that the Lord would provide the financial resources needed to sustain the translation team in their workspace and basic support, so that progress on the New Testament may continue without interruption.

Location: Nepal | Speakers: 34,560 | Project Status: New Testament 

By the grace of God, the Sunuwar Gospel according to John was completed in November 2025. It was published on our Online Bible App, and preparations are now underway for the printing of 2,000 copies. This translation will provide God’s Word to this group of nearly 35,000 Nepali people in their heart language.

Our attention is now turned to the New Testament; the Society currently lacks the necessary funding to complete the full translation of the New Testament. We earnestly seek the Lord’s provision to proceed with this vital work of bringing His Word to this region of Nepal.

How to pray for this project:

• Pray that the Lord would provide the resources needed to complete the entire New Testament translation for the Sunuwar-speaking people.
• Pray for the Gospel to be proclaimed to the Sunuwar people of Nepal, and that the Lord would open their hearts to hear the truths declared in His Scriptures.
• Pray for the print publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John, that it may soon be placed in the hands of Sunuwar readers.
• Pray for wisdom and diligence for the translation team as they labour in this important work.

Location: Karnataka, South India | Speakers: 58 million | Project Status: Gospel

Kannada is spoken by over 58 million people in southern India, yet many believers lack access to a faithful translation of Scripture. We are working with translators to produce the New Testament using accurate biblical scholarship while remaining faithful to the Greek Received Text.

In 1987 the Society published its first Kannada Bible, a translation from the Authorised Version; it was then reprinted in 1991. In 2021 the Society commenced a revision to bring the Bible up to the Society’s textual and translational standards. The Gospel according to John has been typeset and the team is reviewing it. Lord willing, we hope to publish the Gospel in spring 2026. A Kannada version of the article The Lord Gave the Word is being prepared to help believers understand the textual foundations of Scripture and strengthen their confidence in God’s Word.

As work on the Gospel according to John nears completion, the team has turned its attention to other New Testament books. The book of Matthew has been completed, Luke is nearly finished, and work on Mark has begun.

‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him’ (Psalm 18.30).

How to pray for this project:

• For the translator and team to remain encouraged, focused, and diligent in this important work among their competing priorities.
• For Kannada-speaking churches to recognise the need for faithfully translated Scripture.
• For the publication of the Gospel according to John and the distribution efforts that will follow.

Location: Poland | Speakers: 43 million | Project Status: Gospel

Polish is spoken by over 43 million people worldwide, yet the historic Polish New Testament—though appreciated by many—has become difficult for modern readers to follow. It also needs closer alignment with the Greek Received Text, in keeping with TBS principles.

We are working with an experienced translator to revise the text using current literary Polish, while remaining faithful to the original, biblical languages. The Gospel according to John has now been approved for publication, and preparations for typesetting and printing are underway.

Alongside this, Polish editions of the TBS articles The Lord Gave the Word and How the Holy Bible Came to Be are also in progress. We trust that these resources will help believers understand the textual foundations of Scripture and strengthen their confidence in God’s Word.

‘Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him’ (Proverbs 30.5).

How to pray for this project:

• For the typesetting and publication of the Gospel according to John to progress quickly and smoothly.
• For the translator as he endeavours to produce a faithful and accurate translation.
• For Polish-speaking churches to recognise the need for faithfully translated Scripture.

Location: Nepal, India | Speakers: 950,000 | Project Status: New Testament

Desauri is spoken by the Tharu people in the Terai region of Nepal and in neighbouring regions of India. There are about 450,000 Desauri speakers in Nepal and a further 500,000 in India. It is written using the Devanagari script. This language is one of more than 120 spoken in Nepal, and many of these are without their own translation of the Bible. The need is very great in Nepal.

The Gospel according to John was published in 2024 and was the first print publication in the language. As the translation team works through the Pauline epistles, they hope to complete drafting the New Testament in the next three months. We eagerly anticipate publishing the New Testament next year, Lord willing.

‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?’ (Romans 10.14).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translator and proofreaders to be given wisdom and guidance as they translate and revise the text. Pray also for their physical protection and health.
• Pray for those who are illiterate, that they will find ways to engage with the Gospel according to John, whether through the help of others reading to them or through other means.
• Pray that many Desauri Tharu people will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that this new translation will be for the spiritual benefit and reformation of many.

Location: Kenya, Uganda | Speakers: 700,000 | Project Status: New Testament

In 2014, TBS commenced a new edition of the Pokot Bible. The Gospel according to John was published in 2021 and feedback thus far has been very positive. Lord willing, the New Testament will be translated by the end of this year, with review work commencing in 2026.

This new translation is primarily from the TBS Greek New Testament with secondary reference to the Authorised (King James) Version. Our lead translator also refers to the first edition TBS Pokot New Testament of 1967, as well as the Pokot New Testament published by the Bible Society of Kenya and other extant African language translations.

‘His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed’ (Psalm 72.17).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the continued health of the main translator who is quite elderly.
• Pray for the translation team as they continue their translating and proofreading work.
• Pray for the distribution of the printed copies of the Gospel according to John.