Why Translating the Bible into Kinyamulenge Became Essential

For generations, the Banyamulenge people, a large community of Congolese Tutsi, have practiced Christianity without access to the Bible in their native language. They relied on translations in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French, and other regional languages. While these versions served as spiritual guides, they were far from ideal for conveying God’s message to a people with unique linguistic and cultural identities. This gap became the foundation for an extraordinary mission: translating the Bible into Kinyamulenge.

The core reason behind this effort aligns with the global purpose of Bible translation organizations: to ensure every person can experience God’s Word in a language they fully understand. For the Banyamulenge, language is more than words—it is the heart of their identity. Swahili and Kinyarwanda, for instance, carried meanings that often did not align with Kinyamulenge cultural nuances. This misalignment has created confusion in interpreting key biblical concepts, leaving many unable to grasp the depth of the scriptures.

Victor Mikebanyi, the visionary behind the Kinyamulenge Bible translation, uncovered just how critical this issue was. During a detailed review of the Kinyarwanda Bible with his colleague, Rudaga Philemon, they found that the Book of Matthew alone contained over 120 words entirely foreign to the Banyamulenge people. Imagine reading a sacred text, only to find phrases and terms that leave you guessing at their meaning. For decades, this was the reality for the Banyamulenge, leading to the preaching of messages that sometimes deviated from the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

The spiritual implications were profound. Faith, already challenged by years of displacement and political instability, was further strained by a lack of clarity in God’s teachings. A Bible in Kinyamulenge was not just a linguistic convenience - it was a spiritual necessity. It offered a way to correct decades of misinterpretation, empower pastors to preach authentically, and help individuals experience God’s love in their heart language.

Today, thanks to the determination of translators, the Banyamulenge community is closer than ever to having a complete Bible in their language. This effort reminds us why Bible translation matters: it bridges the gap between God’s message and His people, ensuring that no one is left in the dark when it comes to understanding His Word.