Covenant News

Chichewa New Testament Translation Released

LILONGWE, MALAWI (December 13, 2002) - International Bible Society (IBS) recently released its newly translated Chichewa New Testament, Chipangano Chatsopano Mu Chichewa Cha Lero, during a dedication in Lilongwe. It is estimated the translation could eventually reach 10 million Chichewa-speaking individuals.

A team of translators led by IBS-Malawi National Coordinator Lester Chikoya began work on the New Testament in 1997. The team completed the translation, rendered in contemporary language from the original biblical texts, earlier this year.

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

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

Chichewa, or Chewa, is the national language of Malawi and is also spoken in Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. International Bible Society was founded in 1809.

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