|TOP|The International Bible Society (IBS) recently released its Shona Bible translation at the Celebration Centre in Harare City, Zimbabwe, Africa.

More than 3,000 church and government leaders welcomed the translation of the Bible in their contemporary language, which will allow 10 million people in Zimbabwe to gain access to the Word of God.

Although English is the official language of Zimbabwe, the Shona language is strongly preferred, composed of the Karanga, Korekore, Manyika, Ndau, and Zezuru dialects.

IBS President, Peter Bradley, presented the Bible to her Excellency, Vice President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Arnai Joyce Mujuru. Leaders from Christian denominations and churches, the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, and the Christian business community also attended the ceremony. An IBS contingent including Mrs. Shirley Bradley, IBS Vice President, PLN Murthy, and IBS-Africa Director, Wambura Kimunyu, joined President Bradley in representing IBS.

|AD|According to Kimunyu, IBS plans a large distribution of the Shona Bible through churches and bookstores in Zimbabwe.

“The new Shona Bible, in the language people speak today, makes reading God’s Word easy and enjoyable,” IBS’ Murthy said. “In as much as the nation of Zimbabwe is going through very challenging times, God’s Word becomes more meaningful each day. The launch of the Shona Bible plays a crucial role in bringing a message of hope to the nation.”

Among the many translators, editors, and reviewers who worked on the new Shona Bible were Rev. Wilson Dube, the late professor Solomon Mutswairo, Rev. Claudius Matsikit, and Rev. Never Muparutsa.

Rev. Matsikit said, “Translation of the Bible is challenging and difficult, but beneficial in many ways. It has to be done in a mood of prayer, and one has to be spirit-filled. Translation is really a big task because it calls for patience, research, much thinking, and dedication. At times, one can hear God speaking to one’s heart,”

Founded in 1809, International Bible Society translates and reaches out with God’s Word so that people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ and members of His Body.