Southern Africa—a vibrant region encompassing South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, and Swaziland—captures the imagination with its breathtaking contrasts. The golden sands of the Namib Desert give way to the thundering Victoria Falls, while the lush Okavango Delta nurtures incredible wildlife. This magnificent landscape is home to hundreds of distinct cultures, each communicating in a different language.

Sadly, for many, one thing is still missing: the words of life.

Despite Southern Africa’s linguistic and cultural richness, millions lack access to God’s Word in the language of their hearts. Without Scripture, spiritual growth stalls, and generations miss the hope and guidance that Scripture provides.

Across Southern Africa, prayers rise—mothers singing over their babies, elders passing down wisdom, young believers longing to know Jesus more. Pastors yearn to put the Bible into the hands of their congregants. But without the Bible in their heart languages, how can believers truly grow in faith?

Even now, thousands are asking God for Scripture they can hold on to in troubled times. The burden is heavy, yet hope remains—hope that God sees, hears, and that the body of Christ responds.

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,
   whose trust is the Lord.
He is like a tree planted by water,
   that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
   for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
   for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
—Jeremiah 17:7–8, ESV

Why Can Southern Africa Have Hope?

Because hard-working, indigenous translators have responded to God’s call to bring the Scriptures to their people—and because Christians like you are praying and living out the Great Commission.

Indigenous-led Bible translation transforms lives through the power of the Holy Spirit and the equipping of the saints.

When the Shiyeyi translation team from Namibia first began their work, the translators struggled to complete even twelve verses per day. Balancing online classes, assignments, and translation work felt overwhelming. But through persistent prayer, these faith-filled men and women asked the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance—and He answered.

“Now, we are happy and enjoying the translation,” one translator shared. “It no longer feels difficult but instead has become an essential part of our lives, transforming us every day.”

This transformation fuels their hope—hope that God will continue to equip them, that His Word will reach their people, and that lives will be changed.

“The translation process helps us read and study the Bible every day,” the team explained.

As these Bible translators work, they not only bring Scripture to their communities but also grow in their own faith.

“With prayer, we have victory, and we know that everything is possible through Jesus Christ,” these passionate believers affirmed.

Translation teams across Southern Africa press forward. The Word for the World responds by investing in communities, providing tools, and building infrastructure for sustainability.

In the past five years alone, thousands of people have gained new access to Scripture in the language they pray in—through 125 Bible translation projects and 25 oral Bible translation projects.

The Word for the World invites you into something beautiful: unified prayer. Every time you lift these translation teams to our loving God, you help someone receive His Word—often for the very first time.

Thank you for caring about Scripture for all language groups.

Show Southern Africa they are not forgotten. Pray with us through 2025.