The Gospels in Rennell-Bellona (MNVWBT)

Overview

The Gospels in Rennell-Bellona, titled "Te Gongo Gaoi," represent a revised edition of portions of the Rennellese New Testament, which was originally completed and dedicated in 1994 [1]. Translation work on the Rennell-Bellona New Testament began in 1978 when Nico and Pam Daams were assigned by the SICA Translation Committee to assist Polynesian language groups in the Solomon Islands [1][2]. The Daams lived on the islands of Rennell and Bellona from 1978 until 1984, when they relocated to Honiara to also assist the Tikopian language group [1]. The Rennellese New Testament was completed while the Daams were serving in the Netherlands, and they returned to the Solomon Islands for the dedication in 1994 [2]. In November 2011, David and Ribeka Tago launched the Old Testament translation project, 17 years after the New Testament dedication, with over 100 people attending four meetings on the islands [3]. David Tago continued this work until his death in November 2016, after which Ribeka carried the project forward [1].

Language and People

Rennell-Bellona (ISO 639-3: mnv) is spoken by approximately 4,390 people in Solomon Islands. [Glottolog: renn1242]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.

References