The eMakhuwa language group is spread across the northern provinces of Mozambique and represents the country’s largest Bantu language, spoken by about one third of the population. eMakhuwa consists of eleven variants, including eSaka. This translation project is based in Alua Village in Nampula District, where the language is spoken across four main districts. Communities rely mainly on agriculture and fishing for subsistence. Around 25% of eSaka speakers identify as Christian, alongside the practice of Islam and traditional religion. The need for Bible translation became clear through outreach efforts by the Catholic Church and Evangelical churches, who recognised that meaningful life transformation and effective participation in God’s mission require Scripture in people’s own languages.

Horacio is a young man who was mentally ill. But he has moved from being an outcast, who children would run away from, to being used by God to share His Word with the same kids that were scared of him. Through listening to audio scriptures, he is able to internalise and retell them with great joy and faith. On Sundays, he gathers the children and shares the Bible stories and scripture passages.

Horacio also now attends a nearby church regularly.

The eSaka translation team completed translation of the Gospel of Luke and are now busy translating Genesis. Their last workshop was two weeks, finishing in early October 2024.

The translation team is passionate about engaging with their community, reporting that people are hungry for the Word of God. They are eager for more audio devices with translated Scripture. A new church has even been planted as a result of this work.