The Gospel of Luke in Kinyamulenge: A New Chapter for the Community

When the Gospel of Luke was translated into Kinyamulenge and dedicated in 2024, it marked a historic moment for the Banyamulenge community. For the first time, they could read and understand a portion of the Bible in their own language—a language that speaks directly to their hearts. The impact was immediate and profound, sparking widespread interest and a renewed hunger for God’s Word among Banyamulenge people worldwide.

Extensive research conducted in countries where the Banyamulenge diaspora resides, including Canada, the USA, Kenya, Congo, Uganda, and Rwanda, revealed an overwhelming reception. Community members expressed deep appreciation for the translation, describing it as a spiritual awakening. Many remarked on the clarity and emotional connection they felt while reading Luke in Kinyamulenge, something they had never experienced with other Bible versions.

“The words feel alive,” shared a church leader in Nairobi, Kenya. “For the first time, the stories of Jesus resonate with our daily lives. It’s like hearing God speak directly to us.”

In Canada and the USA, where sizable Banyamulenge communities have settled, requests for copies of Luke poured in. At Bible study groups and community gatherings, people openly discussed how the translation helped them grasp concepts that previously felt distant or confusing. Many elders noted how the use of Urufkabi grammar preserved their linguistic heritage, further deepening their connection to the text.

The enthusiasm wasn't limited to Luke. Across all surveyed regions, there was a growing call for the complete Bible to be translated into Kinyamulenge as quickly as possible. Congregations in Uganda and Congo organized prayer sessions to support the translation team, while youth groups in Rwanda created initiatives to promote the use of Luke in local churches.

The project’s success has united the Banyamulenge community, transcending borders and reinforcing their faith. Pioneer Bible missionaries and the team of Banyamulenge translators have been inspired by this response. They are working tirelessly to translate other books of the Bible, beginning with Acts, Matthew and the rest of the New Testament.

This overwhelming interest proves the power of language in shaping faith and identity. The Gospel of Luke in Kinyamulenge is more than a book—it is a testament to the community’s resilience and their shared desire to encounter God’s Word in a way they can truly understand.

The journey continues, but one thing is clear: the Banyamulenge people are ready to embrace the full Bible in their language, and their curiosity and commitment to this project are driving it forward.