2025 Children’s Missions Project

Mbum-Nzakambay Tribe

The Mbum-Nzakambay tribe is spread out across three countries in Central Africa—Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. There are more than 31,000 people in this group, and the largest number (over 18,000) live in Chad.

Although some of the Mbum-Nzakambay speak French, which is taught in many primary schools, it is not the language they speak at home and in their community. They have their own language, called Nzakambay. This is the language of their heart. The Mbum-Nzakambay believers love to preach, sing, and worship God in their mother tongue, yet they do not have a reliable Bible translation in their own language.

With the support of their churches, four members of the Mbum-Nzakambay tribe asked Bibles International to help them have a reliable Bible translation in the Nzakambay language. Bibles International has agreed and will begin working with them this year (2025).

Translation Process

Several national believers will be chosen as national translators to write in the Nzakambay language. Bibles International translation consultants will then guide them throughout the translation process. They will work both together and separately, meeting periodically at translation workshops to make sure that God’s Word is carefully and accurately translated into their language.

The Mbum-Nzakambay believers are very eager to begin translating the Bible. The New Testament will be translated first, and then the Old Testament, until the whole Bible is in the Nzakambay language.

Literacy Materials

Before the Mbum-Nzakambay can receive a Bible in their language, however, they must be able to read it. Only a small number of people (10-20%) can read, and many of them are children. In order to prepare them for receiving the translated Bible, Bibles International has developed a literacy program for Mbum-Nzakambay who are unable to read or who struggle to read well.

In 2024, Bibles International created a Reading Primer (pronounced PRIMM-er) in the Nzakambay language which teaches the basics of reading and writing. Used with both children and adults, it teaches the letters and sounds of the alphabet, commonly used words, short stories, and handwriting. Six hundred copies of the primer have been printed, but the tribe has requested another six hundred copies. National teachers trained to use the primer are now helping their own people learn to read with fluency and comprehension.

In 2025, Bibles International will work with nationals to write selected Old Testament stories in their language. Many of these stories are from Genesis and will be written in a simple way that is easy to understand. The Old Testament Storybook will help new readers build confidence in their reading, but also introduce them to God’s Word in a way that is easy to understand.

Prayer Points

• Pray for God to bless the accurate translation of His Word and for the Mbum-Nzakambay to have receptive hearts.
• Pray for the national translators as they face many challenges, including civil unrest, financial hardship and difficult terrain.
• Pray that the literacy materials help children and adults learn to read and share the Gospel.
• Pray for the provision of finances to print and ship the Bibles and literacy materials.
• Above all, pray that God is glorified and works mightily among the Mbum-Nzakambay through the power of His Word!