Kenga New Testament (KYQWBT)
Overview
The Kenga New Testament is the first complete New Testament in the Kenga language, spoken by approximately 139,000 people in Chad's Guera region, primarily in the Bitkine subprefecture across 52 villages [1]. The translation was completed and dedicated in late November 2012, alongside the Dangaleat New Testament, together bringing God's Word to communities numbering approximately 85,000 people [2]. Canadian linguist Jackie Hainaut served as a translation consultant for the project, checking approximately one quarter of the text [3]. The Kenga are classified as a predominantly Muslim people group (69% Muslim, 30.7% ethnic religions, 0.3% Christian), making this New Testament a significant resource for the small Christian minority and for outreach efforts [1]. Following the dedication, Kenga churches established listening groups -- weekly meetings where community members gather to hear the Kenga Audio New Testament, with reports of spiritual transformation and new conversions resulting from Scripture engagement in their mother tongue [4].
Language and People
Kenga (ISO 639-3: kyq) is spoken by approximately 40,000 people in Southwestern Chad. [Glottolog: keng1240]
Publishing and Organizations
Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc. Translation type: New.
References
- [1] Kenga in Chad - Joshua Project. People group profile with population, religion, and translation status.
- [2] Singing in Celebration (archived) - Wycliffe Canada, In Other Words. Report on the November 2012 Kenga and Dangaleat New Testament dedications.
- [3] Jackie Hainaut (archived) - Wycliffe Canada. Profile of the consultant who worked on the Kenga New Testament.
- [4] Imagine Chad (archived) - Cindy Trotter. Blog documenting ministry among the Kenga people, including listening groups and ongoing Old Testament translation.
- BibleSearch (archived) - Online text, American Bible Society
- Audio Bible - Audio Bible, Faith Comes By Hearing
- NT - Online text, Faith Comes By Hearing
- Kitapm kɛn Raa dɔɔko kiji ute jeege - Online text, Wycliffe Bible Translators, Inc.
- Bible For Developers - DBL archive entry, Digital Bible Library
- Global Bible Catalogue - Global Bible Catalogue entry.
- ebible.org entry - ebible.org.