The dedication of the Bible into the Sisaala language was quite an event. Hundreds attended. The Sisaala are only 10% Christian and only 1% Evangelical – both up from 0% not that long ago. Many still follow their traditional religion. So it was significant that many attended. It means that many are open to the message of the Gospel even if they have not made the decision to believe.

Only about 600 of the world’s 7000 languages have the Bible. So Sisaala joins a rather exclusive club. (Many more languages have the New Testament.)

In people groups like the Sisaala, it is likely that the Old Testament will have as much impact as the New Testament, or even more, because the culture of the Sisaala and that in the Old Testament are so similar. Also, they ask similar questions and have similar problems to the ancient Hebrews.

Enjoy the Photos. I’ll post more details later. Hover over a photo to enlarge it and see a description. Click on a photo to enlarge it and start a slide show.

Praying on the bus before leaving early in the morning

The Master of Ceremonies in his traditional garment – a smock

The chairman welcoming everyone to the event

It was a hot day, as one can see on this sleeping baby.

Traditional dancers

Traditional dancers

Traditional dancer with iron noise makers on his ankles

Traditional dancers

Traditional dancers

Drums, the key instrument in traditional Sisaala music, stayed i

This church choir sang priase songs in traditional Sisaala style

Traditional drummer

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

A number of traditional Sisalla chiefs attended the event

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Dayle in sunglasses, all ready for a hot, sunny day

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Calixt Banazaro, visiting the dedication from the neighboring co

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Man in smock

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Here is where the VIPs sat

Event guests in their plastic chairs under canvas awnings

Justin Frempong, who lead the translation effort

The MC in his smock

Mark Zalve, visiting from Burkina Faso. We go way back to 1984.

VIPS at the high table

The representative of the Paramount chief giving his remarks. He

Pastor giving remarks

Pastor in smock praying for the event

Paul Opoku-Mensah giving remarks

Procession presenting the Sisaala Bible

Procession presenting the Sisaala Bible. A praise song in traditional Sisaala style was sung during the procession.

Procession presenting Sisaala Bible – girl with water

Minister’s pray over the Sisaala Bible

The first Bibles were auctioned off to benefit literacy activiti

The Chairman of the event bought the very first Bible for 300 ce

Man happy with with the Bible he bought at auction

Man happy with with the Bible he bought at auction

Here the Chairman is making his summary remarks. He did a very g

We came and went with other GILLBT staff on this chartered bus

Dayle in the bus, ready to leave the dedication and head back to Tamale

On the way back, the GILLBT staff with us in the bus stopped to

The banner hanging at the dedication grounds