The Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, officially opened the Third Global Gathering of Oral Bible Translation this morning at Ciela Resort in Chongwe, marking a significant moment for global faith based collaboration. The event brought together delegates from different countries who are actively involved in advancing oral Bible translation initiatives across the world. The gathering highlighted the growing importance of making Scripture accessible to communities that have historically lacked written translations in their native languages. It also underscored Zambia’s role as a host nation for international dialogue on faith, language, and inclusive communication. The opening ceremony set the tone for discussions focused on expanding access to spiritual resources through innovative and culturally relevant methods.
During her address, Vice President Nalumango described the Oral Bible Translation movement as a powerful expression of “Many Voices, One Story.” She explained that this approach reflects the diversity of global languages while maintaining a shared message of faith and hope. She emphasized that oral translation is transforming lives by ensuring that people can hear and understand the Word of God in ways that are meaningful to their cultural and linguistic backgrounds. According to her remarks, this method of translation is particularly important for communities that have limited access to written Scripture or formal literacy resources. She noted that oral communication remains a vital bridge for sharing spiritual teachings in a way that is accessible and engaging for all.
The Vice President highlighted that Oral Bible Translation has grown into a fast expanding global movement with far reaching impact. She pointed out that more than one thousand languages worldwide are now benefiting from these initiatives, allowing millions of people to access the message of God’s love and redemption through Jesus Christ in their own languages. This development, she said, demonstrates the power of inclusive communication in strengthening faith communities and promoting understanding across cultures. She further explained that the expansion of oral translation efforts reflects a broader commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in accessing spiritual knowledge. The initiative continues to gain momentum as technology and collaboration make it easier to reach remote and underserved populations.
Vice President Nalumango also reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment as a Christian nation to promoting unity, peace, faith, and inclusiveness. She stated that the country remains supportive of efforts that bring hope and spiritual transformation to communities both locally and globally. Her remarks emphasized the importance of cooperation between nations, faith based organisations, and translators in advancing shared goals of accessibility and understanding. She noted that initiatives such as Oral Bible Translation align with Zambia’s values of compassion and social cohesion. The Vice President encouraged continued partnership and innovation to ensure that spiritual resources are available to all who seek them, regardless of language or location.
The gathering at Ciela Resort also served as a platform for delegates to share experiences and explore strategies for improving the reach and effectiveness of oral translation programmes. Participants discussed the challenges of language diversity, cultural adaptation, and the need for sustainable support systems to strengthen ongoing projects. The event highlighted how collaboration across countries can help address gaps in access to Scripture and improve the quality of translation efforts. It also reinforced the importance of listening to local communities and incorporating their voices into translation work. These discussions are expected to shape future approaches to expanding oral Bible translation globally.
The opening of the Third Global Gathering of Oral Bible Translation reflects Zambia’s growing involvement in international faith based initiatives that promote inclusion and accessibility. It also highlights the increasing recognition of oral communication as a powerful tool for education, cultural preservation, and spiritual engagement. As the movement continues to expand, more communities are expected to benefit from access to Scripture in forms they can understand and connect with deeply. The Vice President’s address reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen unity and uplift communities through shared values. The event concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among delegates to continue advancing the mission of making the Word of God accessible to all languages and people across the world.