Warm welcome for the modern Lingala BibleKINSHASA, DR Congo — Christians and churches warmly welcomed the launch of the modern Lingala Bible on September 16. Awaited for 30 years, the new Bible has already had a major impact on Lingala-speaking Christians, many of whom were unable to understand the language used in the old version. However, many people cannot afford to buy their own copy – decades of civil war have devastated the economy and hundreds of thousands of people are living below the poverty line. The Bible Society of DR Congo (BSDRC) is looking at ways of making the new Bible available to as many people as possible, and is concentrating on promoting it among the major churches in the capital. At the launch ceremony the Rev Christophe Kongo, the new General Secretary of the BSDRC, noted that this was the 21st Bible to be published by the BSDRC and appealed to the Christian community and local authorities for more support for the Bible cause. (WR 365/24 - 12.01) e-169 |