The !Xun are an extremely isolated Bushmen group that have largely been without any Christian witness until recently. They originated in the southern part of the African continent, and are scattered across Angola, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. In Angola they are widespread in the provinces of Huila, Cunene and Cuando Cubango. They live in small groups, usually united by blood ties and their main economic activities are hunting, gathering, fishing, handicrafts and agriculture.

We were told the !Xun community was overjoyed to be blessed with God's Word in their own heart language.

They said, "Who are we to be remembered? We thought that we were not important and no one knows of our existence, but to hear that now we are about to have a Bible in our language - this is all God's doing."

The progress on this translation got off to a slow start due to challenges with the software they needed to use. They are now well on their way translating the book of Genesis. 

As part of the translation process, the team takes portions of translated scripture into the community, and they have reported that they are received with great excitement whenever they do so. Having the Word of God in their languge validates them in their value and worth. The demand for more audio scripture devices is high, as they only have a few in circulation and are constantly being asked for more.

The team was recently visited by members of the Wycliffe South Africa team, which we heard greatly encouraged them.