It has been only a few months since one of our West African “champions” contacted us about the need for our little book to be translated into Swahili. Swahili, (also known as Kiswahili), is a Bantu language, originally spoken primarily in Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique and along the East African coast. Today, Swahili speakers are spread out across more than 14 countries, mainly in East Africa. Significant numbers of Swahili speakers can be found in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Somalia, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Comoros, Oman, and Yemen in the Middle East.

It was through Dieudonné that we were introduced to Marwa Mwikwabe. Marwa works with The Timothy Initiative in Kenya. He is, as it turns out, one of the most sought-after Swahili translators in East Africa. When we contacted Marwa, he confirmed the need for discipleship material among the Swahili and because he was certain that the books would be well used among the Swahili churches, he has asked if he could do the work at a severely discounted rate. 

As we have said repeatedly, the effectiveness of our work is built on partnerships. In Marwa Mwikwabe, God has provided us with a partner who is both competent and committed. Because of his desire to put books into the hands of church planters and influential leaders throughout East Central Africa, he not only translated the books, but found the printer, and just a few days ago, took delivery of 10,000 books. 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. And by the time you read this bit of news, distribution will have already begun.

The cost of printing 10,000 books (5,000 Simple Truths for the New Believer and 5,000 of The Jesus Story) was just under $0.70 per book. With minimal translation, shipping and storage costs, we have been able to 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.