Attaining 10 years in the ministry of ‘unlocking languages and ‘unlocking lives’ through the translation of the scripture into several native dialects, including those regarded as ‘forgotten’ ethnic groups, the propagation of the gospel among these groups, including the promotion and preservation of these Indigenous languages in Nigeria, is no mean feat, reports Ralph Madugu.
Luke Initiative for Scripture Translation (LIST), a non-denominational organisation which developed from the Luke Partnership program that gave birth to LIST in 2014, has earned a reputation for helping communities to translate the Bible and other scripture-based materials into their native languages and even assisted them in drafting and checking the Jesus Film Scripts for recording by the Great Commission Movement of Nigeria in 35 languages that already have the New Testament.
For the LIST board, management, staff, and partners, Saturday, December 7, 2024, was not just like any other day; rather, it was a special day set aside to celebrate a “decade of God’s faithfulness” in a “journey of remarkable achievements and the unfolding of a vision rooted in the transformative power of God’s Word,” as Rev. Gimba Benjamin, the National Director of LIST, captured in his remarks at the organisation’s 10th anniversary.
In his welcome address, LIST Board Chairman, and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba opined that though LIST is celebrating 10 years its work has gone beyond a decade given the impacts it is coming.
National Director, of Luke Initiative for Scripture Translation, Rev. Gimba Benjamin in an address that aptly captured an account of his leadership stewardship, said “Over the past ten years, LIST has impacted communities in Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Cross River, Rivers State and even Cameroun.
“Through God’s grace, we have translated the Gospel of Luke and produced Jesus Films in various languages.
“We have developed reading and writing booklets to promote literacy.
“LIST facilitated the completion of New Testament translations in Dadiya, Ichen, Kamo and Ibani.”
The cleric added that the recent dedication of the Dadiya New Testament, accompanied by the testimony of the guest preacher speaking in Dadiya, exemplified the “transformative power of God’s Word in local languages.”
On what he termed ‘the vision ahead’ Rev. Benjamin assured that LIST would remain steadfast in its mission to translate both the Old and New Testaments reiterating that the organisation is aiming at ministering to communities including those in hostile and traumatized environments thereby bringing hope, healing and salvation to them through the Scripture.
While soliciting more collaboration, the LIST National Director said, “We humbly call upon you; government leaders, traditional institutions, churches and church leaders and partner organisations to join hands with us.
“Your support, whether through funding, advocacy, prayer or collaboration, will catalyze our efforts to bring God’s Word to those who have never heard it in their heart language.”
Earlier, in his separate remarks, the Chairman of the occasion and Senator representing Adamawa South in the National Assembly, Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe, acknowledged that the impact of LIST has been remarkable. According to him, the availability of the Yandang language version of the Book of Luke has encouraged many young people to develop an interest in the language.
He said “I am surprised that we are talking about ten years because it seems to me that LIST has been around for over twenty years.
“The impact of LIST over the short period has been remarkably impactful. The work that LIST is doing is helping in no small way in the dual function of gospel propagation among forgotten ethnic groups in the country and the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages of Nigeria.
“I stand to give testimony on behalf of the Yandang language speakers of Adamawa and Taraba States who are benefitting from the work that LIST is doing among our people.”
Senator Binos noted that though his people were among the “late starters,” they have translated published and put to use the gospel of Luke.
Presenting a brief history of LIST, Mr Danjuma Gambo, recalled that the Luke Partnership program in Nigeria started in June 2004 under the leadership of Dr. Katy Barnwell and precisely on September 9, 2014, the organisation was registered with the name “Luke Initiative for Scripture Translation (LIST)”.
Mr Gambo explained, “With the Luke Partnership Programme, a new language project begins as an initial-goals project, usually with other languages in a cluster. Languages that are linguistically related are grouped together to form a cluster and these are engaged in a series of training in workshops to achieve the set goals.”
The anniversary celebration held at the Assemblies of God Nigeria, Evangel Worship Centre Jos, Plateau State featured goodwill messages, award presentations, special prayers for LIST, special donations towards the development of the proposed permanent site of LIST, testimonial presentations on some impact stories from beneficiaries of LIST projects and programmes amongst other events.
The gathering also featured a paper presentation on the topic “Unlocking Languages, Unlocking Lives:10 Years of Bible Translation” which was presented by Prof. Danny MacCain from the University of Jos.
The event was attended by former governor Jonah Jang, Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State who was represented by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Musa Ibrahim Ashoms, State Commissioner for Higher Education, Mrs Kachollom Gang, representative of Seed Company, wife the first civilian governor of Plateau, Prof. Mary Lar, Board members of LIST among other prominent personalities from within and outside the state.