In the rugged and remote Nuba Mountains of Sudan, the Hiban people have long carried their traditions, stories, and faith through spoken language. For centuries, their rich oral culture has preserved their identity, but when it comes to accessing the Word of God, many have faced a barrier—the Bible has not been available in Hiban, their heart language.
Now, through the dedicated efforts of local translators, pastors, and Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH), that is changing. The Hiban New Testament is being translated and recorded, allowing the people of Nuba to hear the Gospel in the language that speaks directly to their hearts.
The Beauty of Bible Translation in Hiban
For the Hiban people, hearing the Bible in their own language is more than just understanding the words—it’s about experiencing God personally. While many have learned Arabic or other languages spoken in Sudan, nothing compares to the power of hearing Scripture in the language they dream in, pray in, and share their deepest thoughts in.
As the translation work progresses, elders and young people alike gather to listen, often moved to tears. For the first time, they hear Jesus speaking in their own tongue, and it awakens a new depth of faith. It also strengthens their cultural identity, reminding them that God sees them, knows them, and speaks to them in the way they understand best.
Overcoming the Challenges
Despite the beauty of this work, it has not come without obstacles.
- Linguistic and Cultural Complexities – Some biblical terms and concepts do not have direct equivalents in Hiban. The translators must work diligently to ensure accuracy while maintaining cultural relevance, so that the message is both faithful to Scripture and clear to the listeners.
- Limited Resources – Hiban is a primarily oral language, meaning there are few written materials to reference. This makes translation a painstaking process, requiring deep collaboration with native speakers, linguistic experts, and church leaders.
- Technical and Logistical Challenges – The process of recording the audio New Testament comes with its own set of difficulties. Reliable electricity and high-quality recording equipment are not always available in the Nuba Mountains, making it difficult to produce clear and professional recordings. Additionally, many translators and voice actors are working in difficult conditions, yet their passion for God’s Word keeps them moving forward.
- Access and Security Concerns – Sudan has experienced political instability, conflict, and restrictions on Christian activities, making it difficult to freely distribute Christian resources. In some cases, believers must gather in secret to hear the recordings, yet their faith remains strong despite these hardships.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The Hiban New Testament audio recordings are more than just a project—they are a gift that will impact generations to come. Many Hiban speakers, especially those who are illiterate or semi-literate, will now have direct access to God’s Word.
As the recordings are shared in churches, homes, and listening groups, the Gospel is spreading in ways never seen before in the Nuba Mountains. This work is not just about translating words—it is about transforming lives, renewing faith, and giving people the opportunity to encounter Jesus Christ in their own language.
Pray for the Hiban Bible Project
As this work continues, let us pray for:
- The translators and recording teams, that they may have wisdom, endurance, and protection.
- The Hiban-speaking community, that their faith may grow as they hear and understand God’s Word.
- The safe distribution of these recordings, despite challenges and restrictions.
- More partners and supporters to help complete the work and bring it to more people in the Nuba Mountains.
The Word of God is living and active, and now, it is reaching the Hiban people in a way they have never experienced before. May this translation be a light in the darkness and a source of hope for all who hear it.