LOMWE PEOPLE[ E L - LO M ’ - W E H ]

The Lomwe people call their language Elhomwe. They live mainly in rural areas. These hill dwellers generally survive on subsistence farming, but some have moved to work on tea estates. Christianity is influential, but many practice ancestor worship and other traditional rites. A full Bible will meet a significant need.

Goals

Meet the

Expected Impact

Africa

Quick FactsLocation: Malawi

Number of Speakers: 1 million

Expected Completion: 2018

RisksPartnersStrengthsComplete Bible,

audio New Testament and “JESUS” film

The team members are experienced and well trained. They come from a variety of denominations. Local

leadership is well established. The project location is within

the language group, while easily accessible from the Bible Society.

Bible Society of Malawi,United Bible Society,

Reformed Mission League (Netherlands),

Centre for Language Studies,

Local churches

Civil unrest could have negative consequences on the project.

The Malawian economy is fragile, and the country experiences

shortages of fuel and electricity that could delay the work. Illness

and disease are common in Malawi.

01 02 03 The Scriptures will be a tool for churches to bring Christ’s message to Elhomwe speakers and transform lives.

God’s Word will free people from fear of spirits and build the self-worth of this low status group.

The Elhomwe Bible will help people turn from traditional destructive practices and learn to trust in Jesus’ promises.

MALAWI

ElhomweLanguage

The Lomwe people originally migrated to Malawi as laborers or as refugees. They have lived with a sense of low self-worth ever since — to the point that many try to hide their identity as Elhomwe speakers and pretend to be members of a more highly rated group. It’s hoped this Bible translation will help the Lomwe recognize they’re precious in the sight of God.

Malawi is an extremely poor country. The people’s poverty level, along with dire health concerns and other crises, drives them to seek relief through their animistic beliefs and ancestral worship. They live in fear and are feared by others because of their expertise in using magic and shamanism.

This is a large language group with an active local church but no access to mother tongue Scripture. The continued high level of involvement in traditional religious practices indicates that other-language Scripture is little understood and has had limited impact. Consequently, in-name-only Christianity is common.

Although Malawi has a peaceful history, troubling signs have emerged in recent times. Demonstrations and riots in protest against alleged government mismanagement have occurred throughout the country. Government security patrols have periodically responded with force, resulting in ill feeling among the population.

PRAYER | Father, thank You for the mighty work You’ve done among the Lomwe since Bible translation first began. We praise You that they have the printed New Testament. Please bring this project to successful completion so “the whole will of God” (Acts 20:27 NIV) is accessible to this large group.

God, You know the adversities Lomwe people live under — economic hardship, bondage to traditions and political instability. Show them You’re adequate to meet their every need, both spiritual and temporal. Transform in-name-only Christians into passionate Jesus followers.

Lord, empower the translators in their daunting task of producing the whole Bible. Help them make maximal use of available resources — human and material — to get the job done.

The Elhomwe Bible translation project is the fulfillment of a dream for local Christians. Three translators are working on the mother tongue Scriptures. Alfred received introductory training through United Bible Society workshops. He has also studied in a theological training-by-extension program. Hayes has a Bachelor of Arts degree in biblical studies and has translated for six years. Brian is a retired schoolteacher and has also been translating since 2010.

These men plan to translate the entire Elhomwe Bible. They’ll also produce an audio New Testament that will appeal to people preferring oral literature. Listening groups also offer opportunities for interaction around the Scriptures. Additionally, the team hopes to finish the “JESUS” film and publish HIV/AIDS brochures to encourage literacy.

The Bible Society of Malawi started the project at the request of local churches and will continue to provide management. The Reformed Mission League has offered the services of a Bible scholar. The United Bible Society provides consulting. The Centre for Language Studies produced the language’s writing system and has done valuable linguistic research. Local churches provide translators and reviewers.

Lomwe congregations are actively involved in the project, indicating that interest in and desire for translated Scripture is high.

The Challenge

How You Can Make a Difference

The Solution

Visit theSeedCompany.org or call 1-866-663-8377 to join the team today.

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FINANCIAL INVESTMENT | Help bring the Lomwe people Scripture they can understand. Your investment will give the Lomwe church the tools they need for personal spiritual enrichment as well as effective outreach to their people.

As an investor, you will help the Elhomwe translators receive training, equipment and a livelihood as they work to bring God’s Word to their people in their own language.

Call the Seed Company at 1-866-663-8377 or visit theseedcompany.org/projects/elhomwe-bible to make your commitment to the Elhomwe speakers today.

Pray With Us

Lord, You know the adversities Lomwe people live under — economic hardship, bondage to traditions and political instability. Show them You’re adequate to meet their every need, both spiritual and temporal.