Expanding Our Reach in Africa

By Tom Castor | May 2, 2025 |

We announced in April that the Swahili and Hausa translations of Simple Truths for the New Believer were completed.  As is our practice, we do not invest in a translation project unless we have strong partners.

By strong, we mean that our potential project partners must have:

1. Theological positions and ministry purposes that are compatible with Clear and Simple Media

2. A history of individual and organizational effectiveness in accomplishing their stated goals 

3. A network that assures the widest possible distribution and effective long-term use of the resources

4. Credible leadership capacity that assures a reasonable expectation of success

While we are working out some of the distribution details for the Hausa translation, we have settled on what we feel is an optimal strategy for the Swahili books.

First, we have secured a very good quote from a printer in Kenya who will print the books. Only once have we secured better pricing from a printer who was able to clearly demonstrate a capacity to produce books that meet our quality standards. Well-printed and bound books get greater use and stay in circulation much longer.

Second, we have engaged in a partnership with our translator, Marwa Mwikwabe, to put books into the hands of church planters and influential leaders throughout East Central Africa. What has been especially encouraging is Marwa’s personal commitment to the project. He is so certain that the books will be well received and well used among the Swahili churches that he has asked if he could do the work without pay. Because of his connections with one of the largest church planting and pastoral-training networks in Africa, blessing pastors and workers with these resources is all the compensation he will accept.

With all of the details that God has put into place, we feel that we need to move ahead with this project as soon as we can gather the resources.

The cost of printing 10,000 books (5,000 Simple Truths for the New Believer and 5,000 of The Jesus Story) is under $0.70 per book. With minimal shipping and storage costs, we believe we can complete the project for $7,500 USD. If you are interested in learning more about the Swahili project, do not hesitate to connect with us. And if you would like to help with the project, visit our Support page, find the To Support Clear & Simple Media Projects and make your donation through the link you find there.

Tom Castor

Thomas Castor, founder of Clear and Simple Media Group, is a seasoned writer and communicator who has been delivering content with clarity and simplicity for 30 years.