Malawi’s Lambya people celebrate getting first-ever full Bible translation in their language

Article source: gatewaynews.co.za

A moment of biblical proportions unfolded in northern Malawi as hundreds of Lambya speakers gathered to celebrate the dedication of the first-ever full Bible in the Lambya language — a translation journey over two decades in the making.

For the 300 000 Lambya people, this milestone marks not just the end of a translation project, but the beginning of deep spiritual transformation, literacy, and community renewal.

This extraordinary event on April 26 was marked by traditional songs, dancing, emotional testimonies, and tears of joy as the local community received printed copies of God’s Word in the language of their hearts. One local lady expressed the magnitude of the moment, saying: “We have heard many things, wonderful to tell… but now, IT IS WRITTEN!”

She waited 90 years to receive the Word

The Lambya Bible launch is the culmination of work that began in 2003, when a writing system was first developed for the language. By 2004 local translators began training, and in 2016 the New Testament was completed and joyfully received. The entire Bible was finalised on December 13 2024, and on April 26 2025 it was dedicated with heartfelt celebration in Chitipa District.

This project is especially notable for being locally led, with trained Lambya translators and community leaders taking ownership of the process, supported by global partners like The Word for the World, a Bible translation organisation with deep South African roots.

Rev Sikwese, 90-year-old translator

Founded 42 years ago in South Africa by Dr Veroni Kruger, The Word for the World began as a simple step of obedience. But that step soon blossomed into something far beyond what anyone could have imagined — a global movement spanning nations, igniting discipleship, and equipping leaders to carry God’s Word to the ends of the earth.

And as long as there are people without Scripture in their heart language, this good news South African story is far from over.

The emotional celebration in Malawi is more than a milestone — it’s a glimpse of Revelation 7:9 being fulfilled: “…a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people group, and language.”

The following statistics highlight the global need for more Bible translations, and the significance of the Lambya full Bible:
7 396 languages in the world
3 740 languages with 0% scripture
756 languages with a full Bible
This is Bible 757

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Date published: 26/06/2025
Feature image: Happy to receive the Word

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