The Xirima translation project is located in Nampula province in Mozambique. It is a Bantu language, and one of the 11 variants eMakhuwa - the language group spoken by about a third of the population in the country. The Xirima people are traditional farmers, based in Malema district, which is considered the storeroom of the province. This is because it supplies the wider area with all kinds of produce, including maize, beans, tomatoes, onions, and potatoes. Animism is the traditional religion of the Xirima people, but Islam and Christianity are also practiced. The need for Bible translation was determined when the Catholic Church, together with other Evangelical churches, began conducting outreach programs. They came to realise that what they needed, both to elevate life transformation in the communities and to follow God’s mission, was to have relevant Bible narratives in their own languages.

Alberto is married and has three children. Before he started listening to the scripture portions, he was a young man who indulged in drinking and drug abuse. He didn't respect his wife or take care of his children, and his behaviour lead to the loss of his job as a cook for a local businessman. Alberto used to be violent with everybody in the community and would steal things from his former employer. Whatever he stole, he would sell to buy alcohol or drugs.

When Alberto was exposed to the scripture audios in the eXirima language, he immediately bought an SD card for himself. His wife said that he kept listening to the scripture portions almost the whole night even though he was drunk. The following day he refused to go with his friends to drink. From that day onwards Alberto stopped drinking and was reunited with his family. His day-to-day life has been one of selfless dedication to serving his brothers. He is reconciled with his wife and he can be considered a role model in the community.

Everybody in the community was amazed at how radically God has transformed Alberto’s life. It was difficult to believe that he is the same person. This has greatly influenced his ability and sense of belonging, like the Apostle Paul, who before his conversion was averse to Christians and after his conversion became their defender. For this reason, he gives himself to the service of his brothers and sisters with an open heart, capable of understanding their way of being and thinking. God really has his own way of changing people’s lives.

The team has completed translation and transcirption of the book of Luke, and are currently busy with Genesis. 

The translators took the radios and memory cards with translated scripture to play in their churches and homes. They reported that people were blessed to hear the Word of God, which is so much easier for them to absorb in their heart language, and are requesting for more audio radios. The translation project in eXirima has also served to bring unity within the churches.

The newest member of the translation team, Selvina, has been deeply impacted by her involvement in Bible Translation. It has renewed and deepened her relationship with God, which has spilled over into her family and community. She now has a much better relationship with her children, and has been helping to encourage other women in the community through the Word.