Written by: Sherlyne Erasmus
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Today, as I sit quietly reading my Bible, I’m still trying to take it all in. A few weeks ago, I stood in the middle of something I will never forget—a moment where heaven kissed earth.
On the 26th of April 2025, in the Chitipa District of northern Malawi, under a sky full of sun and songs, I watched as the Lambya people received the full Bible in their own language—for the very first time in history.
It wasn’t just a Bible dedication. It was sacred. Holy. As if the air itself knew something eternal was unfolding.
I stood shoulder to shoulder with men and women who had waited twenty years for this day. Grandmothers clutched their new Bibles to their chests. Young people danced with joy, singing praise. Children watched, eyes wide with wonder. Overwhelming, undeniable joy echoed through the valley.
One woman whispered, “We have heard many things, wonderful to tell…… But now, IT IS WRITTEN!”
I will never forget those words.
Girl reading the Bible to kids in the Lambyan language for the first time.
From developing the alphabet in 2003, to printing the New Testament in 2016, to this day—this miraculous day—the Lambya church can now grow with the full Word of God in their hands.
As I stood there, surrounded by worship and wonder, Revelation 7:9 came alive: “A vast multitude… from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne…”
This is what the Gospel fulfilled looks like. It’s real. It’s happening. And it changes everything.
Fathers can now lead with truth in their own language. Mothers can speak Scripture over their children in words their hearts understand. Communities can know Jesus—not as a foreign Saviour, but as Emmanuel—God with us.
And I wonder… could God be stirring something in your heart too?
What if this isn’t just a story to celebrate—but a calling to step in? To pray. To give. To go. Because every Bible translated is not the end—it’s the beginning. Of hope. Of faith. Of revival.
Let’s not just read about it. Let’s be part of it. All glory to God.
This project wasn’t driven by outsiders, but championed by local leaders, pastors, and translators—with support from partners like you. The Word for the World has been honoured to walk alongside them every step of the way. What most people don’t know is … still nearly 1 billion people are without access to Scripture in their language and some 3,000 language groups need Bible translation.
This article is featured in the June issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
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Date published: 25/05/2025
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