KC Ilchamus Scripture Translation Project

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Meet the ILCHAMUS PEOPLE

The Ilchamus, a sub-tribe of the Maa language group, are a small community living in the sparse hilly terrain around Lake Baringo in central Kenya. Keeping livestock remains their primary livelihood, though most also depend on agriculture and fishing for survival. The hot, arid climate makes life difficult and necessitates moving around to find water and pastureland for cattle.

Our Projects

Ilchamus Collage

The Challenge

Bringing God’s Word to nomadic people groups, like the Ilchamus, is a constant challenge. Often five to ten families relocate every few weeks. Church pastors visit city and village families regularly but find maintaining contact with nomads difficult. Christian fellowship is a problem for families who continually move, but estimates indicate 3,500 attend church.

The majority of people live in their traditional homeland, and only a few have moved to urban areas to pursue education and employment opportunities. Though 20 percent of people consider themselves believers, multiple factors hinder deep-rooted discipleship. 

The Solution

The team and its partners have poured much effort into preparations to begin a new project design format. The plan includes focused community needs, measurable impact goals and a timeline for completion of Bible translation in less than three years.

There are a number of supportive churches, individuals and faith based organizations within the language group. While they are learning to work together, the translation team is focused and moving forward. The project’s first stages are progressing well and the community is anxious to receive God’s Word as soon as possible. The community needs prayer to prioritize tasks, work cooperatively and stay on track with production schedules.  

Number of Speakers

  • 30,000

Goals

  • Translate 7 already drafted New Testament books
  • Produce the Jesus Film
  • Produce storytelling and audio recordings of the New Testament, Bible stories and hymns

Strengths

  • Competent leadership and support from the Kenya Bible Translation and Literacy Association
  • Experienced translators and an established mentorship and training plans for translators
  • Engaged community

Risk

  • This project incorporates a new model
  • Incidental risks are political turmoil and terrorism

Timeline 2018

For more information

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