For generations, Chichewa-speaking Christians have read and treasured God’s Word in their own language. Now, an exciting new chapter is unfolding as work progresses on the first-ever Chichewa Study Bible, designed to help readers not only read Scripture in their heart language, but understand it more deeply and apply it to everyday life.

The Chichewa Buku Loyera Old Testament Study Bible Project is making encouraging progress, thanks to the commitment of a dedicated editorial team and the generous support of partners who share the vision of making God’s Word more accessible and understandable.

A Major Milestone Reached

Recently, the project team gathered at Bible House in Blantyre for an important review session. Guided by United Bible Societies Global Translation Consultant, Dr. Lady Paula Mandalika, the team carefully reviewed and checked the study notes prepared for the books of Exodus and Numbers.

The meeting marked an important step forward. Draft study notes have now been completed for the five books of the Pentateuch, as well as Ruth and Jonah.

This is more than progress on a manuscript. Every completed study note brings the project closer to placing a unique resource into the hands of Chichewa-speaking readers who want to understand the Bible more deeply.

Helping People Go Deeper into God’s Word

For many Bible readers, pastors, church leaders and families, access to Bible study resources in their own language remains limited. Study Bibles and other theological resources are frequently available in English, creating a barrier for readers who engage with Scripture most naturally in Chichewa.

The Chichewa Study Bible seeks to help bridge that gap.

Through carefully developed study notes, it will provide Chichewa-speaking readers with additional context and explanations that can support a deeper understanding of Scripture and encourage practical application of God’s Word.

For a pastor preparing a sermon, a family studying Scripture together, a church member seeking to understand a difficult passage, or a young person growing in faith, the Chichewa Study Bible has the potential to become an invaluable companion.

This is why the project matters: people should be able to go deeper into God’s Word in the language that speaks most naturally to their hearts.

Overcoming Challenges Together

Producing a Study Bible of this magnitude requires commitment, expertise and perseverance.

Because members of the editorial team normally work remotely from different locations, technical challenges can sometimes slow progress. The recent gathering therefore provided an opportunity not only to review the biblical content, but also to strengthen the team’s computer and software skills.

Editors worked together to troubleshoot challenges and improve their use of the software required to draft, organise and manage the study notes. Strengthening these skills will help the team work more effectively as drafting progresses through the remaining books of the Old Testament.

 

A Team Committed to the Vision

The project is also benefiting from a strong commitment to collaboration and quality.

Despite her demanding schedule, Dr. Mandalika has committed to meeting with the editorial team at least six times each year, through a combination of physical and online sessions. Inspired by this commitment, the editors have also pledged to meet every two months to review progress, address challenges and maintain the momentum of the project.

This shared commitment reflects the importance the team places on producing a Study Bible that will faithfully serve Chichewa-speaking Christians for years to come.

The Journey Continues

With this important milestone achieved, the team is now pressing ahead with the Historical Books of the Old Testament.

There is still significant work ahead. Each new book requires careful drafting, review and refinement before the complete Study Bible can reach its intended users. But every completed section brings the vision closer to reality.

And this is where partnership continues to matter.

The generous support invested in this project is already bearing fruit. It is enabling a dedicated team in Malawi to undertake the careful work necessary to develop what will become the first Chichewa Study Bible.

Continued prayer and financial support will help sustain the editorial work and move the project towards the day when this historic resource can be placed in the hands of churches, pastors, families, Bible study groups and individual readers.

Help Us Bring the Chichewa Study Bible to Life

Imagine a pastor preparing a sermon with study notes available in Chichewa. Imagine families exploring difficult passages together with explanations they can readily understand. Imagine young Christians discovering the background and meaning of Scripture without language becoming a barrier to deeper study.

That is the vision behind the Chichewa Study Bible.

To all those who have already supported the project, thank you. Your partnership is helping transform an ambitious vision into a resource that can strengthen engagement with God’s Word for generations.

To those considering joining this journey, we invite you to pray, partner and give. Together, we can help bring this historic Bible to completion and make deeper engagement with Scripture accessible to Chichewa-speaking communities.

The work is progressing. The vision is becoming a reality. And, with your partnership, the first Chichewa Study Bible is moving closer to the people it was created to serve.