A Milestone Achieved on Easter Monday

On Easter Monday, April 21, the Bible Society of Malawi (BSM) reached a significant milestone by hosting its first-ever Bible Translation Workshop — a long-awaited dream finally realized. Held in Blantyre, the workshop brought together 25 church leaders in person and 11 participants online, creating a rare opportunity for dialogue between translators, biblical scholars, and church leaders.

The timing of the workshop — during Easter — made it especially meaningful. “It felt like a gift to the church during the most sacred season of the year,” one participant remarked. Learning Beyond the Pulpit In his opening remarks, BSM Board Chairperson Mr. Gary Jumbe thanked Dr. Gerrit van Steenbergen, a translation consultant from the United Bible Societies (UBS), for making time to facilitate the workshop despite his busy schedule. Mr. Jumbe also commended Life Members and church leaders for participating in what he described as an “eye-opening” session that reshaped common assumptions about the Bible and its translation.

One of the central lessons from the workshop was that Bible translation is not the same as preaching. Unlike preaching, translators must not impose personal interpretations onto the text. Each passage demands careful, context-sensitive translation — a reality that explains why Bible translation is such a painstaking and time-intensive process. “I realized translation is not about opinion; it’s about faithfulness to the original meaning,” said one participant. Deepening Understanding of Bible Translation The workshop provided structured teaching on several important topics, helping participants gain a well-rounded view of translation work. Key focus areas included:

• Understanding the Bible translation process — from drafting to publication
• Learning about different types of Bible translations and their use in various contexts
• Exploring the origins of English Bible translations, including their influence on local versions
• Clarifying the differences between Buku Lopatulika and Buku Loyera, two prominent Chichewa translations

These discussions gave attendees — many of whom are influential church leaders — deeper insight into how linguistic, theological, and cultural factors all play a role in bringing the Scriptures to life in Malawi’s languages. A CEO’s Vision Realized BSM CEO Mr. Mphatso Bello expressed heartfelt joy that this workshop — something he had long envisioned — had finally come to life. “It has been on my heart for a long time,” he said. “And today, I am simply grateful we could gather, reflect, and grow together.” Participants were invited to engage actively, asking challenging questions and discussing real-world translation scenarios. Topics ranged from theological nuance to the impact of dialect, cultural relevance, and the role of digital tools in modern translation work. Voices from the Workshop One of the standout voices was Major Luke Msikita of the Salvation Army, who shared how profoundly the workshop had changed his perspective. “It deepened my appreciation for how language, culture, and faith are so intricately woven into the Word of God,” he said. “I was especially amazed at the quality assurance process — how computer-assisted programs are used to ensure precision. We often take for granted how much work goes into a single verse.” He strongly recommended that such workshops be held regularly to help the wider church community understand and support Bible translation work more effectively. Looking Ahead The Bible Society of Malawi hopes to make workshops like this a regular feature in its programming, providing opportunities for deeper engagement with the Bible — not only as a source of spiritual guidance but as a carefully translated treasure of language, meaning, and faith.