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.

Location: Mongolia
Speakers: 5,000,000
Project Status: Bible
Christian Population: 2.5%

Despite over half of Mongolians identifying as Buddhist or Muslim, Christianity is growing at a rapid rate in Mongolia, considering that there were only four known believers in 1992. It is estimated that there are about 35,000 evangelical Christians in Mongolia. Every Mongolian needs a faithful Bible in their own heart language.

Since 2009 work has been ongoing 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. The Old Testament has gone through second draft and is nearly complete, with over 25% of the text now finalised. We eagerly anticipate the completion of the Bible in 2027. We also hope to publish the Gospel according to John next year, Lord willing.

‘All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee’ (Psalm 22.27).

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. 

A pilot project has been established beginning with a translation of the Gospel according to John from the Received Text with the aim that it conforms to it as closely as possible. We have received a draft version of the Gospel, which is now undergoing editorial checks.

‘For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven’ (Psalm 119.89).

How to pray for this project:

• For the translator as he endeavours to produce a faithful and accurate translation.
• For Cebuano speakers to desire a faithful and accurate copy of God’s Word in their heart language.
• For the editorial team as they evaluate the text using the translation analysis and editorial system.

Location: Hungary
Speakers: 13 million
Project Status:  Gospel
Christian Population: 42%

The first Bible published in Hungarian was the work of Calvinist pastor Gáspár Károli, the ‘Tyndale of Hungary’.He began translating the Scriptures in 1586 and may have received assistance from other scholars. His edition is also known as the Vizsoly Bible, after the village in which it was printed. His translation has been of great significance not only to Hungarian Christianity, but also to Hungarian language and literature.

In 2025 we began a revision of the 1908 Karoli Bible, beginning with the Gospel according to John. The Gospel is nearly finished and we pray that it will be published in 2026, Lord willing.

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the Hungarian revision team as they finish the Gospel, before submitting it to TBS for further analysis.
• Pray for Hungarian Christians to see the need for a faithful and accurately translated version of God’s Word, and for churches to adopt it as their translation.

We currently have over 50 projects in the Indian subcontinent. Below are the languages that are found just in the northern part of India, some of which are part of the Hindi project. To view all our projects in India, visit tbsbibles.org/translations-hub.

• Awadhi: The Gospel of John has been drafted.
• Bhojpuri: The Gospel of John in the northern dialect is being published; work continues on the southern dialect. 
• Hindi: The Gospel of John is being distributed; work proceeds on the New Testament. 
• Magahi: A draft of the Gospel of John is being reviewed.
• Maithili: The Gospel of John is being distributed, and a draft copy of the Gospel of John in Standard Maithili is being reviewed.
• Kashmiri: The Gospel of John is being reviewed.
• Punjabi, Eastern: The Gospel of John is being reviewed.

Hundreds of millions speak these languages, and an accurate and faithful translation of the Bible is greatly needed. Please remember these projects in your prayers.

‘Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest’ (Luke 10.2).

Not all projects are at the same stage. Some are research projects, where we explore the need for a translation or revision and the viability of a project. As these develop, they may move into potential/scoping projects, working towards official approval.

Usually, we begin with a pilot project to test the translation process by publishing a small portion of Scripture, such as the Gospel according to John. If this is successful, the project becomes active, with work progressing on the New Testament. Finally, when the Bible is published, the status changes to completed. 

How to Use the Hub

• Browse by language or region: Languages are listed alphabetically within each region. Use your browser’s search to find a specific one, or click on a world region to see the languages listed there.
• Check project status: Each entry is labelled by stage — research, potential, pilot, active, completed, or stalled — so you can see at a glance where the work stands.
• Read updates: News items highlight recent milestones, distribution campaigns, and prayer needs.
• Explore further: Find links to articles, prayer points, published editions, and the Online Bible App.
  

Why It Matters

The hub lets you see the status of each language. Bible translation is both a spiritual and practical challenge. For many, receiving the Scriptures in their own language is life-changing, especially when translated with accuracy and faithfulness.

How You Can Help

• Pray: Each project faces unique challenges. Your prayers for translators and recipients are vital.
• Support: Financial gifts fund translation, printing, and distribution.
• Share: Spread the word about the work to others.

Our Translation Hub

Over 300 million people speak French throughout the world—and they all need a faithful Bible. Since 2013 a team of French speakers has been revising the 1872 Lausanne Bible. By the grace of God, the French New Testament was published in 2023, and it has been very well received, especially in Francophone Africa. Tens of thousands of copies of it have already been printed, and, Lord willing, the next printing will include Psalms and Proverbs.

Last week members of our French revision team met in Toulon, France for their biannual conference. They focused on refining the New Testament while advancing steadily through the Old Testament. The historical books were the main focus and revision proceeded up to First Chronicles with most of the Pentateuch having been finalised. Revised books are passed on to the reading committee members for their feedback. Thus far the project has reached draft revision of the book of Ezekiel. The team also made minor refinements to the New Testament to ensure harmony with the Old Testament.

We are thankful for successful public conferences held in Quebec in June of this year where we were able to further explain the need for reliable and accurate translations of God’s word for French-speakers.

Learn more: French   / English 
French New Testament: Physical copy / Digital  

How to pray for the project:

• For the French team to be given wisdom and guidance as they endeavour to once again provide French speakers with a faithful copy of the Scriptures.

• For the distribution of 50,000 New Testaments in Africa (funded by GBS), and for distribution avenues to be opened in other parts of the French-speaking world.

Location: India, Myanmar
Speakers: 257,000
Project Status: New Testament
Christian Population: 70%

The Tedim Zomi people are a small tribe of about 250,000 people located primarily in northern India and Myanmar. Much of the initial translation work was completed before we met our translator, and we were thankful to learn that he understood and followed the translation methods the Society holds to. He had handwritten his translation which needed to be digitised before we could publish it.

We give thanks that the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs have now been digitised and have gone through the TBS translation analysis. Lord willing, we hope to finish the editorial checks by the end of October, at which point it can be typeset.  

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translator as he continues his New Testament revision and proofreading translation work.
• Pray for the Old Testament digitisation to proceed quickly and accurately, and for the editing and checks that must follow thereafter.
• Pray for further distribution channels to be opened amongst the Tedim Zomi people, who have a wide diaspora including India, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and the USA.

Location: Malta 
Speakers: 544,700
Project Status: Bible 
Christian Population: 97%

In recent decades many changes have occurred to the Maltese language and the government has sought to standardise it. As a result, TBS is revising the Maltese Bible, with the team seeking to use vocabulary and grammar that reflects the current literary standard of the language. The first fruits of the project was the publication of 100,000 copies of the Gospel according to John in 2018.

In 2023, we were able to appoint a new lead reviser to work on the TBS Maltese Bible. The draft revision of the whole Bible is now largely completed, and is undergoing further review by others. Please continue to pray for this project.

How to pray for the project:

• Pray for the revision team as they endeavour to finalise the text of the Maltese Bible and produce a faithful translation of God’s Word.
• Pray for the translation analysis, typesetting, and final editorial checks.
• Pray that the Bible would be distributed widely among Maltese speakers.

We are seeking to have Scripture in the top 20 languages spoken in the world which would cover around 75% of the world’s population. There are only two languages in this list in which we have no options to explore, these are Vietnamese and Javanese.

There are particular areas of expansion geographically that have opened through the commitment of dedicated individuals. These include India, Nepal, Myanmar, and the Philippines.

‘Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning’ (James 1.17).

Summary

• 90 languages: a definite project in which some progress has been made over the last twelve months.
• 45 languages: carrying out research or giving consultancy, advice, and/or exploring the possibility of doing some (further) work.
• 3 languages: stalled projects, yet some prospect of further progress.
• 4 languages: initial work or research has come to a premature end (at least for the present).
  
  

The past 12 months

In the past twelve months (May 2024 – April 2025) the following have been published (those printed have been published online also).

Czech Bible (Online) 
Dutch Bible  (Online)
German Bible  (Online)
Arabic New Testament (Online)
Dan New Testament
Kalenjin New Testament
Kom New Testament
Armenian Old Testament Digital Online edition
Slovak John & Romans
Boro John
Desauri Tharu John
German John
Hindi John
Kikamba John
Mauritian Creole John
Modern Greek John
Paschimi Kham John
Tagalog John
Tamil John
Thaiti Maithili John

Two year plan

Over the next two year we anticipate publishing the following Scriptures. All are provisional and subject to the Lord’s will, and may change over time.

Bibles

Arabic (Online)
Catalan (2nd ed.)
Chichewa
Latvian
Ndebele (2nd ed.)
Norwegian
Romanian (2nd ed.)
Simte (2nd ed.)
Thadou (2nd ed.)
Turkish
Zokam

New Testaments

Bemba
Boro
Chothe
Desauri Tharu
Hmar
Modern Hebrew
Paschimi Kham
Tedim Zomi (with Psalms and Proverbs)
Ukrainian (with Psalms)

Gospels

Albanian
Angika
Awadhi
Bengali
Bhojpuri
Chamling
Chhattisgarhi
Chinese (Traditional Script)
Dari
Doteli
Eastern Punjabi
Eastern Tamang
Georgian
Goan Konkani
Halam
Hungarian
Japanese
Kabyle
Kannada
Kashmiri
Khasi
Korean
Limbu
Lisu
Magahi
Magar Dhut
Maithili
Manobo (with Genesis and Exodus)
Marathi
Oromo
Pashto
Polish
Sanga
Sora
Sunuwar
Swahili
Telugu
Urdu
Western Punjabi

Location: DRC 
Speakers:  1.1 million 
Project Status: Gospel 
Christian Population: 96%

In 1991, we published a Kisanga Bible, and with some revisions, we would like to publish it again. While the work is slow, the Gospel according to John has recently been approved for publication. Work continues on revising the other Gospels.

Our reviser lives in the DRC and faces serious safety concerns due to the ongoing rebel fighting which is supported by Rwandan soldiers. Earlier this year, the escalating violence in the DRC resulted in the kidnapping and deaths of 70 Christians.

‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee’ (Isaiah 26.3).

How to pray for this project:

• For the safety of the reviser and his family who live in a very dangerous war zone in the DRC.
• For all Christians in the DRC, the salvation of the rebels and fighters, and peace to be restored to the country.
• For the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John.
• For the revision work of the whole Bible.

Delitzsch New Testament

Since 2009 we have been revising the Delitzsch Hebrew New Testament (DHNT). The Hebrew New Testament revision project aims to make the Delitzsch translation more faithful to the Greek Received Text and in a more understandable form of Hebrew. After completing all checks and corrections, the New Testament was typeset and is currently being carefully checked. Lord willing, this will be finalised by the end of September. Additionally, a project to record an audio version has commenced through a partner organisation.

Masoretic Old Testament

Since 2015 we have been digitising the Hebrew Masoretic text. The progress has been slow due to various issues encountered and it has now stalled. We need someone with Hebrew to resume the project. The work includes consonantal corrections so as to match it to our published Ginsburg text. The finished work is due to incorporate the qere and ketiv marginal notes which provide helpful assistance to the Biblical Hebrew reader. In due time we hope to publish the Hebrew Masoretic Old Testament on our Online Bible App.

How to pray for the Hebrew projects:

• For the proofreading of the typeset Hebrew New Testament, and its subsequent publication, distribution, and reception among Hebrew speakers.
• For the Lord to send someone highly skilled in Hebrew to assist us in digitising the Hebrew Masoretic text.
• Pray that both projects will be a blessing to those who speak and study Hebrew.

Location: India, Nepal 
Speakers: 5 million 
Project Status: Gospel 
Christian Population: <1%

Awadhi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken primarily in the Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh, India, and parts of Nepal. Nearly five million people speak this language, which is closely related to Hindi.

The Awadhi project is part of our work in Hindi and its related languages. The team have drafted the Gospel according to John, and we are looking for proofreaders/reviewers to join them. Lord willing, the Awadhi will soon have a faithfully translated copy of God’s Word in their heart language.

‘Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food’ (Job 23.12).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray that this translation would be used greatly by the Lord for the conversion of Awadhi speakers, of whom there are very few Christians.
• Pray for additional team members, including reviewers, to assist us in translating and publishing the Scriptures in this language.

British Sign Language (BSL) is the primary sign language used by the deaf community in the United Kingdom, featuring its own grammar, syntax, and regional variations distinct from English. In 2003 it was officially recognized as a minority language in the UK and relies on hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language for communication.

Good progress has been made with a draft version of the Gospel according to John, in which the signing is to be placed in video above the English Authorised (King James) Version on our Online Bible App. Although the original project overseer has continued to be very unwell, we are grateful that others are now involved and a process for drafting has been implemented. Please remember this project in your prayers.

‘And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away’ (Isaiah 35.10).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for those involved in the production including the person signing, video editors, and production staff.
• Pray that the technical aspects of the production will proceed smoothly.
• Pray for the deaf community in the UK to be blessed by these Scriptures.

Location: Pakistan
Speakers: 95 million
Project Status: Gospel
Christian Population: 2%

There are over 125 million people around the world who speak Punjabi dialects, yet they still are in need of Bible translations that are faithful to the original Biblical languages. With less than 2% of Punjabi speakers worldwide identifying as Christian, there is an urgent need for the Scriptures. Most Punjabi speakers are generally either Sikh or Muslim.

Punjabi is primarily spoken in Pakistan and India. In Pakistan, where there are approximately 95 million speakers, the language and its dialects are often grouped under the term Western Punjabi or Lahnda. In India, where around 30 million people speak the language, it is known as Eastern Punjabi. TBS has projects in both Western and Eastern Punjabi. There are significant Punjabi-speaking communities in Australia, Canada, the UAE, the UK, and the USA.

Punjabi is one of the few Indo-Aryan tonal languages is used and has three different writing systems based on the region. The Gurmukhi script, which is written right-to-left, is mainly used in India (for example, Punjabi would be spelled as ਪੰਜਾਬੀ), whereas the Shahmukhi script which is written left-to-right is used in Pakistan (Punjabi would be written as پنجابی). On more rare occasions it is written in the Latin script.

We rejoice that the Lord has opened the door to begin a translation in Western Punjabi. The Gospel according to John has been translated and is ready to be proofread. Once proofreading is complete it will go through our translation analysis check. Please join us in praying for this project, that it may be used for the salvation of millions of Western Punjabi speakers in Pakistan and across the wider diaspora.

‘O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever’ (Psalm 136.26).

How to pray for this project:

• For the proofreading to be thorough, with all errors identified and corrected, and that the subsequent translation analysis would proceed smoothly.
• For the Gospel to be published quickly in print and online, and that it would be used for the salvation of Western Punjabi speakers.
• For the translators and proofreaders undertaking the project—that they may be granted wisdom, good health, and perseverance to see the complete Bible translation through to the end.

Location: Liberia, Ivory Coast
Speakers: 1.6 million
Project Status: Bible
Christian Population: 32%

In 2008, the Lord raised a new team to revise the Dan New Testament, bringing it closer to the biblical languages by correcting some textual errors. For 17 years, this small group based in Monrovia (the capital of Liberia) has led a team of revisers based in Nimba county, in rural Liberia.

After years of carefully checking tone marks, spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structure, the printed Dan New Testaments arrived in Liberia earlier this year, which is also available on our Online Bible App. The thanksgiving launch services were very well attended, with many New Testaments distributed to attendees. While the distribution of the remaining New Testaments continues, the team is progressing with the Old Testament with initial draft translation work completed in the historical books.

It is our prayerful desire that the Lord will add His blessing and use this translation to the honour of His Name, the edification of His church, and the conversion of lost sinners.

‘Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake’ (Psalm 115.1).

How to pray for this project:

• For the distribution of the remaining New Testaments and for widespread use of the digital edition on the TBS Online Bible App.
• That Dan Christians would desire to have a faithful and accurate translation of God’s Word in their heart language, and that individuals and churches would adopt it as their translation of choice.
• For wisdom, health, and ability for the revisers and proofreaders as they continue to make progress on the Old Testament.