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Working against a backdrop of civil unrest and religious persecution, a team of Bible translators has completed the first ever translation of the whole Bible into the Central Kurdish Sorani language. Joel and Ruth Hammond*, mission partners with Faith2Share member Church Mission Society, have been part of the translation team for the last eight years.

Now six million native Sorani speakers will be able to hear and read the Bible in their own language for the first time. The whole translation project has taken 28 years to complete and the Sorani Bible is available via two digital apps as well as in print.

‘It has been a privilege to be a part of this project,’ Joel said. ‘Kurds have known healings, dreams and visions from Christ but having the whole Word of God available in written form will crystallize their faith and allow them to pass it on more effectively.’ Sorani speakers are revelling in their new Bible. One said he felt empowered by using the digital version while another related how he had given a copy to a local Mullah.

‘Trying to live as a Christian while being denied the chance to read the Bible in your own language is unimaginable,’ said Paul Thaxter, International Director at CMS following a recent visit to Kurdistan, northern Iraq. ‘However, now through the application and commitment of people like Joel and Ruth, and the team around them, millions of people will have the “Gift of Life” in their own hands.’

*Names changed for security reasons

Original story: Church Mission Society

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