The Marenje live in the Milange district, a tropical and mountainous area of Mozambique, near the border with Malawi. Most of the Marenje survive through farming and selling their produce in neighbouring areas. It’s likely that their first exposure to Christianity was as refugees in Malawi during the Mozambique war in the 1980s.

The Marenje church makes use of two Bible translations: Chichewa and Portuguese. The majority of churches use the Chichewa translation and a few of them use the Portuguese translation. However, every time they use either one of these two translations, there is someone who has to translate orally into Marenje in order for the Marenje speakers to understand the message well. Because of this, the Christian Council of Mozambique in that part of the country, together with native church leaders who serve as pastors for some of the biggest churches in the area, have been asking for the Bible to be translated into Marenje. This will make Scripture far more accessible to the people, and they are much more likely to be open to and interested in the gospel when it is presented to them in their own language. Christian discipleship will also be more effective using Scripture in Marenje.

Several members of the translation team told us how their faith has grown because of the translation work, and this, in turn, has impacted their families and local community. 

“In my family, the Christian life has changed a lot for the better, as I have come to know more about the Word of God and this has greatly strengthened my faith in God." 

- Sandra (Translator) 

"The practice we have when we meet together as a team, to have daily devotions and pray together, I have brought in my own home. As a family, we now have regular Bible studies. This is strengthening our faith, as we stand firm in what God promises. The work we do has also given me a heart for my community. I am now involved in social relief initiatives to help those in need in our community"

- Carlitos (Translator)

We were told that community interest in the Word of God seems to be increasing, as many who participate in community testing meetings often request to be given recorded scriptures to go listen to by themselves or with loved ones.

The Marenje translation team has completed oral translation and transcription of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and recently met with the consultant to review the book of Acts. 

Booklets of the four gospels have been printed and delievered, and the team is excited to share these with the community. 

In September, they successfully organised a "Run for the Bibleless" in Milange, Mozambique. This marks a historic first for Bible translation efforts in the country, and we are grateful to God for making it possible. The event was attended by local chiefs and government officials, who expressed their support for Bible translation. On that day, they also dedicated and distributed the four Gospels in Marenje.