MAXIXE, Inhambane Province, Mozambique — One hundred years after the American Bible Society first published the Gitonga New Testament in 1897, the Bible Society in Mozambique (BSM), working with local Gitonga speakers, published a new, interconfessional New Testament, which was launched here in early April.
Among the 4,000 or so people who marked the joyful occasion with songs, prayers and dancing were members of the translation team, consultants, and representatives of the Bible Societies, churches, and local authorities. "Our only regret was that there had not been ample time to see and experience the joy of all the Tonga people in Inhambane," said the Rev Zitha. "If we were like Joshua, we would have stopped the sun until noon until we had completed all that we wanted to do."
In his keynote address, Bible Society board Chairman, the Rt Rev Dinis Sengulane, Anglican Bishop of Lebombo, spoke of the challenges faced by and courage of the translators over the years of conflict in the country – the first main translator, Father Frederico Samuel, was murdered by guerrillas.
Following the presentations of New Testaments to the guests and team members, and as darkness fell, copies went on sale, and in under one hour some 715 copies were sold: many buyers having taken advantage of the specially-reduced price for the day of the launch.
Background:
UBS Translation Consultant: Dr Peter Renju (Africa Regional
Service Center);
Estimated number of speakers: 500,000 in southeastern
Mozambique.