The Marenje live in Mozambique’s Milange district, a tropical, mountainous area near the Malawi border. Most make a living through farming and selling produce locally. Their first exposure to Christianity likely came as refugees in Malawi during the Mozambique war in the 1980s.Currently, the Marenje church uses Chichewa and Portuguese Bible translations. Most churches use Chichewa, while a few use Portuguese, but in every case, someone must translate orally into Marenje for the congregation to understand fully. The Christian Council of Mozambique, together with local church leaders, has therefore requested a Bible translation in Marenje. Making Scripture available in their own language will improve accessibility, spark greater interest in the Gospel, and make Christian discipleship far more effective.

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.