By: Mohamed Sahr
The Bible Society of Sierra Leone (BSSL), in collaboration with the Sherbro community in Freetown, held a Sherbro Scripture Engagement Workshop at its headquarters at 2 Signal Hill Road, Freetown on Friday, March 21, 2025.
The workshop, supported by the American Bible Society and the Seed Company, aimed to deepen the Sherbro people’s connection to the Bible by engaging with it in their heart language.
The primary objectives of the workshop were to increase Sherbro biblical literacy, teach interpretive methods, explore personal application, and foster small group discussions. All speakers emphasized that the Sherbro language is one of the world’s recorded languages, highlighting the importance of preserving and promoting it.
Mr. Edwin Frazer, the General Secretary of BSSL, appealed for support to ensure the success of translating the New Testament from English to Sherbro. He noted that similar translations were taking place in countries such as China, Germany, and Nigeria, where local communities fund translations in their native languages. Mr. Frazer explained that the Sherbro New Testament translation project was initiated in 2011, with work officially starting in May 2017, and is expected to conclude in December 2026. He listed various groups benefiting from the translation, including heads of schools, pastors, the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone, the Catholic Mission, the Evangelical Fellowship of Sierra Leone, Sherbro churches, and various Christian denominations. He encouraged the community to contribute Sherbro materials, such as songs, poems, and stories.
When completed, the translated New Testament will be used by evangelists to spread the Gospel and help people better understand the Bible. Mr. Frazer assured attendees that the BSSL has professionals overseeing the project and emphasized that one of its goals is not only to preserve and transform the Sherbro language and culture but also to promote love and unity. He further revealed that in Sierra Leone, translations are underway for five languages: Sherbro, Temne, Kono, Limba, and Mende. He cited the success of the Kono Bible translation, which sold out after completion.
Mr. Omega Sheriff and Mr. Raymond Jarrett, both from BSSL, along with translators Mr. Rowland Stevens and Mr. John Yombo, underscored the significance of the project, urging the Sherbro people to embrace their language in worship by singing, reading, and praising God in Sherbro. They emphasized that language is power and that people understand God’s message better when it is communicated in their own language.
Plans were announced to establish Sherbro Literacy Centers nationwide and to teach and write the Sherbro language. The Sherbro community was encouraged to support and take ownership of the project to combat donor fatigue. A Translation Committee was also proposed to ensure that all stakeholders embrace and contribute to the success of the project. The committee will focus on community involvement, consistent translation, and acceptance of the process.
A tribute was paid to the late Rev. Moses Kogba and Mr. Albert Yanker for their pioneering efforts in the project. The BSSL has been committed to providing affordable Bibles in the languages and formats best suited to Sierra Leoneans, ensuring that everyone has access to the life-changing message of God’s word.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, capping off a well-attended and informative gathering.
