US-based Wycliffe Associates has announced plans to support new translation efforts in Benin, a west African nation known as the birthplace of voodoo.
Located between Nigeria and Togo, and bordered on the north by Niger and Burkina Faso, Benin is roughly the size of Pennsylvania, with a population of more than 10 million. About half of the country’s population practices voodoo.
“Brand-new research from our partners in Benin has uncovered an amazing need in this lost nation, and it is greater than we ever anticipated,” said Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates, speaking in a news release.
More than 15 language groups, including some two million people, need translation startups in Benin. There are 54 living languages spoken in the nation, which places it among the top 15 countries in the world in need of Bible translation.
Smith added, “We have an incredible opportunity to pierce the darkness of Benin with the brilliant light of God’s Word.”
Wycliffe Associates will support the launch of critical Bible translation efforts and construct a national training center in Benin, which will provide training facilities and housing for mother-tongue translators.
“With over two million souls at stake,” Smith said. “Benin is a critical nation for Vision 2025. Our goal to begin Bible translations in every language that needs it by 2025.”
