Edina* was excited. She was headed from her small village in Angola to celebrate the launch of the very first New Testament in her heart language of Nkumbi.

The crisp white shirt and colorful skirt she wore would match the other members of her church choir. Edina was looking forward to singing at the party with her friends, but one thing threatened to damper her celebration:

Edina was unable to afford a Bible of her very own.

Decades of civil war, limited educational opportunities, and government corruption are just some of the reasons more than half of Angolans like Edina must survive on less than $1 a day.

For most Angolans, being able to buy a Bible in their heart language could only happen in their wildest dreams.

So, when Edina arrived at the celebration and received her first Scripture in her heart language, thanks to our caring financial partner, she was overjoyed!

“I am very happy and thankful to have the New Testament in my language,” she says with a smile. “This is ours, our own New Testament! We understand it all!”

Rosine* also attended the celebration of the Nkumbi New Testament. She has two passions in life: traditional Nkumbi music and God’s Word. For nearly 40 years, Rosine has been setting the words of the Bible to traditional melodies. She sings her love for God, accompanied by drums and dancers.

Rosine has waited a long time for her copy of Scripture, and now that she has it, she will have plenty of inspiration for her songs.

“The music of a people’s own mother tongue is a very effective way to share the Good News,” Rosine says.

Because of the generous support of our financial partners, people like Edina and Rosine will have the Bibles their hearts crave, and His Word will continue to spread throughout Angola.

* Names have been changed to protect privacy.