The following is the mission statement of the Shekgalagari Bible Translation Project in Botswana approved by the board of the project on May 3:
'Go kywisa go nere phoriso ya lehoqo gya ga Gyeso Keresete mbakyhong ba Bakgalagari qa go thabolola puo ya Shekgalagari.'
You will notice first of all that the mission statement is written in Shekgalagari. This is because this project and its fruit are for the Bakgalagari people and as much as possible we are using the language in record keeping, publicity, and planning as well as for publications and/or other products of the project.
In English it translates: 'To help bring the healing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Bakgalagari people through the development of Shekgalagari language.'
The process of discussion among the board members as the statement was being formulated was fascinating. Some ideas that formed the statement (translated into English):
We say 'to help' because we recognize that there are churches and other organizations at work among the Bakgalagari to spread the gospel. Our goal is not to compete with or override these but to come alongside and help.
We say 'healing' because we recognize that in many of our communities things are broken or sick.
We say 'the gospel of Jesus Christ' because there is no other gospel given under any name that can bring the healing we need.
We say 'through the development of the Shekgalagari language' because we recognize that our goal is not a Bible for the sake of having a book, but rather that we would be able to engage with that word of God. This development may include things like scripture in various media, sermon helps for pastors, Sunday School materials, literacy materials and other things.
Needless to say this was an exciting discussion to be a part of and to participate with and I praise God for the vision He has given the members of our board and for His blessing on our efforts to begin to connect with the churches and communities to raise awareness of and support for this work.
To Him be all Glory! Amen!