Oral Bible Translation
Scripture in oral form for communities where listening is the primary way knowledge is shared.
Learn about oral bible translation
Missionword Translation Ministry · Nigeria
God's Word in Every Heart Language
Missionword Translation Ministry works to make Scripture accessible to communities through oral Bible translation, missions, Scripture distribution, discipleship, and indigenous-language ministry.
- Oral Bible Translation
- Making Scripture available through culturally appropriate oral methods for communities where oral communication is the most effective means of learning.
- Missions
- Supporting Christian witness, evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and indigenous Christian leadership.
- Scripture Distribution
- Providing Bibles, translated Scripture, audio Scripture, and other biblical resources to communities and individuals.
- Language & Culture
- Respecting indigenous languages, cultures, stories, and community knowledge while communicating the biblical message faithfully.
Why oral translation
Bringing Scripture to Communities Through Oral Translation
In many communities, knowledge, history and faith are carried through speech, story and song rather than written text. Scripture that is only available in print can remain out of reach — even where a translation exists.
Oral Bible translation begins with listening. We work with communities to understand how they communicate, translate Scripture faithfully into the heart language, record it in local voices, test it together, and release it through channels people already use.
How the work happens- 01
Listen
Sit with communities and hear how knowledge is shared.
- 02
Translate
Render Scripture faithfully into the heart language.
- 03
Record
Capture Scripture in the voices of local speakers.
- 04
Test
Check clarity, accuracy and naturalness with the community.
- 05
Share
Distribute through the channels communities already use.
- 06
Disciple
Support local churches in teaching and application.
Ministry areas
How we serve communities
Six connected areas of work, each carried out in partnership with local churches and communities.
Missions & Evangelism
Christian witness, church partnership and indigenous Christian leadership.
Learn about missions & evangelismScripture Distribution
Bibles, Scripture portions, audio Scripture and digital resources for communities.
Learn about scripture distributionIndigenous Language Development
Respecting and strengthening indigenous languages, stories and community knowledge.
Learn about indigenous language developmentDiscipleship & Leadership
Equipping local believers, translators and ministry partners for long-term service.
Learn about discipleship & leadershipCommunity Transformation
Serving communities with dignity as Scripture takes root in everyday life.
Learn about community transformationOur reach
Ministry at a glance
These figures are maintained by the ministry and updated as verified information becomes available.
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Projects
Work currently in progress
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Impact stories
Read our stories
Accounts of Scripture engagement shared with the consent of the communities involved.
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News & updates
From the field
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Get involved
Pray with us. Give a Bible. Become a partner.
Every translated passage, recording and Scripture delivery depends on people who pray, give and serve alongside the communities we work with.