The Journey to Translating the Bible into Kinyamulenge: A Mission of Faith and Perseverance

Kinyamulenge Bible & Language is a groundbreaking project aimed at translating the Bible into Kinyamulenge, a language spoken by the Banyamulenge people. This effort began as a dream in 1980 in the heart of Victor Mikebanyi, a devoted missionary. For decades, the Banyamulenge community relied on Bible versions in languages like Swahili, Kirundi, French, and Kinyarwanda—languages that differed significantly from Kinyamulenge. As a result, many struggled to fully understand the Word of God.

Recognizing this challenge, Mikebanyi took on the task of developing a written grammar for Kinyamulenge, called Urufkabi, which he completed in 1999. Despite his move to Kenya in 2000, the vision of a Kinyamulenge Bible remained a burden on his heart. In 2004, he met Rudaga Philemon in Nairobi, and together they reviewed the Kinyarwanda Bible. They discovered that over 120 words in the Book of Matthew alone were entirely foreign to the Banyamulenge people. This revelation confirmed the need for a Bible in their own language.

Further investigations into various Bible translations revealed discrepancies that had caused decades of misinterpretation. Sharing this insight with pastors in the community, the vision of a Kinyamulenge Bible gained momentum. However, political and security instability delayed the project for 15 years.

In 2014, Victor relocated to the United States, where he shared his vision with Southeast Christian Church in Kentucky. The church embraced his mission, offering support. Through divine appointment, Victor met with the Bible translation organization called Pioneer Bible Translators, who offered him what he was lacking: translation experts to bring to life his dream of translated scripture in Kinyamulenge. In 2019, Pioneer Bible led a workshop of over 60 Banyamulenge leaders for a conference to learn how translation works. There they developed a translation committee and chose translators, and Pioneer Bible finally launched the project in January 2021.

By 2024, the team had linguistically analyzed the Kinyamulenge language and completed the Gospel of Luke. They continue their progress through the New Testament, completing Acts in February 2025. With the support of many congregations and dedicated Banyamulenge individuals, this Pioneer Bible translation project continues to bring hope to the Banyamulenge community, ensuring they can finally understand the Word of God in their own language. This inspiring journey showcases the power of faith, determination, and collaboration in making the Bible accessible to all.