There is great joy in Namibia. In late 2020, Khoekhoegowab speakers – the second largest indigenous language group in Namibia – welcomed the new Khoekhoegowab Bible! In a beautiful ceremony at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the capital city, Windhoek, approximately 250 Khoekhoegowab Christians gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion.The older version of the Bible, which was completed in 1966 by missionaries, used language and orthography that was outdated. This made it difficult for younger generations of Christians to read and connect with its message. So, Khoekhoegowab churches and Bible Society of Namibia began a more contemporary translation of the Bible in 2003.

Today, they have a Bible in a common language that speaks directly to their heart.

Praying for Life Transformation

We praise God for sustaining and strengthening the translation team and for providing the funds needed to complete this Bible translation for Khoekhoegowab speakers. But it doesn’t end here. Local church leaders and pastors are now working to engage their communities in God’s Word. Along with the new printed Bible, Bible Society of Namibia has also provided solar-powered audio New Testaments. And to engage the younger populations, they have produced a Children’s Bible and children’s audio Scriptures to share with Sunday School teachers and pre-school teachers. The goal is to provide God’s Word to 150,000 Khoekhoegowab speakers so that their lives will be transformed by its life-giving message.

But we need you to pray. Pray that these efforts to share the Gospel with Khoekhoegowab speakers will be fruitful. And pray that God’s Word will inspire in them a deeper connection to our Savior Jesus.

Let’s Pray Together

Father, we rejoice over the completion of the new Khoekhoegowab Bible. We pray that every Khoekhoegowab speaker will discover your unfailing love through your Word. We also pray for the churches working to distribute Scripture; give them wisdom and favor as they share the Bible with their communities.