IKWERRE PEOPLE[ I K - WA R ’ - R AY ]

Ikwerre believers have eagerly embraced the New Testament and look forward to having all of God’s Word. Church leaders have chosen to begin with Old Testament books that cover foundational truths, including God’s work as Creator. Having the Psalms will enable Ikwerre believers to sing God’s Word as they worship.

Goals

Meet the

Expected Impact

Africa

Quick FactsLocation: Nigeria

Number of Speakers: 2.5 million

Expected Completion: 2019

RisksPartnersStrengthsGenesis, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra,

Psalms and Ezekiel in print, with some audio recordings

Every denomination in project area is actively involved. Speakers of all 19 Ikwerre dialects understand this dialect; each dialect is represented

on the team. Lead translator is highly skilled. Technical partners

have decades of experience.

Nigeria Bible Translation Trust (NBTT),

Lutheran Bible Translators, Ikwerre Language

Committee, local churches

Lead translator previously worked alone; larger team

will be an adjustment. Part-time translators’ other

responsibilities could impact availability. Political instability in the region, armed groups in

some parts of country.

01 02 03 As Ikwerre believers grow in knowledge of God’s character, they will trust Him more, even in difficult times.

Ikwerre people within the church and throughout the community will learn about the Creator and His character.

This musical community will have psalms of worship, rejoicing and lament to sing back to God.

IkwerreLanguage NIGERIA

The Ikwerre homeland is on Nigeria’s southern coast, close to the Atlantic Ocean. Port Harcourt, a major industrial center, is located within their traditional territory. Although Ikwerre people speak 19 different dialects, they have a strong sense of identity. As the saying goes, Ikwerre bų otu, “Ikwerre is one.” People here support their families by fishing, operating small businesses, working for one of the oil companies or farming. Yams are the most important crop. Just before the late September harvest, Ikwerre villagers observe a time of rest in which they don’t plant, cultivate or weed their fields. This ends with the New Yam Festival. Community leaders eat the year’s first yams and churches hold thanksgiving services to praise God for a good growing season. Singing and dancing are an important part of this and other Ikwerre events.

Ikwerre people traditionally worshipped many gods, with one important deity known as the Ancient One. The first Christian missionaries came to the area In 1810. Today, 80 percent of Ikwerre people identify as Christians. The Gospel offers freedom from the oppressive fear of gods, demons and witches. However, in times of trouble, Christian believers may be tempted to return to the traditional practices.

PRAYER | Heavenly Father, thank You for the Ikwerre New Testament, for the lead translator who has continued to work on the Old Testament, and for the rest of the team dedicated to making all of Your Word available to their people.

Grant the team unity and good cooperation. Renew their energy for each new day of examining and improving the text. Give them the insight needed to produce a translation that clearly, accurately communicates Your unchanging truth.

As Ikwerre people encounter the translated Scripture, let it take root and grow in their hearts. Set people free from the fear of spiritual forces. Make churches and believing families beacons of hope in their communities.

The Ikwerre New Testament, published in 2010, has been eagerly received by all the local denominations. Now they look forward to having the full Bible. The Old Testament team is working to make that dream a reality.

The first draft is done, but there are many steps of checking, testing and revising ahead. Between the translators and reviewers, all 19 dialects — spoken by 2.5 million people — are represented. This translation has potential to significantly impact southern Nigeria.

Church leaders chose these first eight books to help Ikwerre believers grow in their understanding of God as Creator and learn to trust Him in all situations. The Ikwerre people love to sing. With the Psalms in their own language, Ikwerre believers will be able to sing God’s Word as they worship.

Pastors will use the translation in church services. Each new portion of Scripture will add to the resources that believers have for evangelism, church planting and discipleship activities ranging from family devotions to marriage seminars. As God’s Word takes root in hearts, Ikwerre families and churches will become beacons to the surrounding community, living in the peace that only God can give.

The Challenge

How You Can Make a Difference

The Solution

Visit theSeedCompany.org or call 1-866-663-8377 to join the team today.

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FINANCIAL INVESTMENT | Help bring the Ikwerre people Scripture they can understand. Your investment will give the Ikwerre church the tools they need for personal spiritual enrichment as well as effective outreach.

As an investor, you will help the Ikwerre translators receive training, equipment and a livelihood as they work to bring God’s Word to their people in their own language.

Call the Seed Company at 1-866-663-8377 or visit theseedcompany.org/projects/ikwerre to make your commitment to the Ikwerre people today.

Pray With Us

Set Ikwerre people free from the fear of spiritual forces. Make churches and believing families beacons of hope in their communities.