Source: Wycliffe Bible Translators, March 15, 2023
For centuries the Keliko language was only oral. Because it wasn’t written down, Keliko wasn’t recognized or taught in schools. As a result, many Keliko who didn’t learn the majority languages couldn’t go to school. Others ridiculed them and many Keliko faced identity crises.
People continued to deride the Keliko even as young pastors were selected to become translators for the Keliko Scriptures. But as the translation team worked, first writing the language down and later completing portions of Scripture, something marvelous happened.
The translation project has helped the Keliko people gain recognition and redemption. But most importantly, the Keliko Scriptures have created something the people have desired for a long time—joy in a new identity in Christ. The people once taunted as “fools” possess wisdom beyond that of this world through the Word of God.
The full story paints a great picture of how Bible translation can transform a community—in this case, a community from South Sudan forcibly relocated to Uganda, where despite the odds, translation work continued. Looks like the Keliko New Testament was published years ago now, so this isn’t “new news,” but it’s very encouraging.
Pray for this region as fighting has flared up in Sudan. Here’s what we know (Al Jazeera).