Mbum-Nzakambay New Testament & Literacy

• Location: Chad
• Pronunciation: mboom’ nzah-kam-bye’
• New Testament Target Completion Date: 2035

The Mbum-Nzakambay people reside in the African countries of Chad, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, with a combined total population of over 31,000 throughout all three countries. Approximately 25% of the Mbum-Nzakambay profess Christianity.

Although two individuals translated the New Testament into the Mbum-Nzakambay language in 1974, the original printing of 4,000 copies and additional printing of 2,000 photocopies ran out, and the people remained without further access to the New Testament. Two other related translations, a Catholic version and an edition from Cameroon, proved unacceptable to the believers. An evaluation of the 1974 translation of John and Romans found numerous gaps and weaknesses as well.

On November 22, 2017, a team from Bibles International and Société Biblique du Horeb in Chad met with four members of the Mbum-Nzakambay people, including Baptist Pastor Samuel Benou, to discuss their desire for a full Bible in their language. The members of this first meeting completed a Potential Project Questionnaire and a BI Post-Translation Questionnaire based on the 1974 edition. The results of these surveys revealed that the Mbum-Nzakambay believers preferred to preach, sing, and worship in their mother tongue. These practices were impeded by the errors and omissions found in the 1974 edition. Another meeting 18 months later with the Mbum-Nzakambay group confirmed their strong desire for a complete Bible.

On May 21, 2020, the BI Administration approved the project’s adoption so that Société Biblique du Horeb could begin to move forward with literacy work. Despite language teaching in primary schools, a dictionary, a grammar book, and several editions of hymnals, only 10–20% of the people can read their language. Literacy efforts among the adults has included the publication of a language primer. However, unrest in the country has interrupted further development of the literacy program, and it remains a serious need.

On March 8, 2025, BI personnel met with Pastor Benou and other church leaders from the three nations. It was confirmed that a new translation was desired, not just a revision of the 1974 edition. A project agreement was signed and training to begin the New Testament translation was held in June 2025.