December 20, 2024
The Word of God has taken root in new ways thanks to the work of the Bible Society of Burkina Faso (BSSF), which dedicated the first Bibles in the Bissa and Lyélé languages.
The Bissa Bible: A Historic First
On November 23, 2024, the Christian community of Zabré rejoiced at the dedication of the Bible in Bissa, a first for this language group. Organized by the Bible Society of Burkina Faso, the event was a vibrant display of gratitude and celebration, attended by religious leaders, political figures, and the local community.
Mr. Théophile Gouba, representing the sponsors, captured the sentiment of many, saying, “The Bible is the foundation of everything we need in this world.” This translation allows Bissa speakers to engage with God’s Word in their heart language, fostering spiritual growth and unity.
One of the translators, Pastor Gédeon Zanré, emphasized the Bible’s transformative power in Bissa, stating that it would now enable Catholic and Evangelical communities alike to deepen their faith. The event culminated in a joyful procession through Zabré, where singing, dancing, and cheering accompanied the Bible’s symbolic entry into the community. You can see some of this joyous community procession in the below video.
Bissa speaker Gustave Kéré expressed his delight at finally being able to read the Bible in his own language: “From now on, I’ll be able to translate the Word of God faithfully, because my Bible will be close at hand when I’m preaching. This translation will also strengthen my closeness to God, enabling me to understand His Word more deeply in my own language.”
Nearly 800,000 people speak Bissa with at least 500,000 of those living in the central south of Burkina Faso. 165,900 people speak Bissa in Ghana, and about 3,000 in Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. While the New Testament has been published in Bissa since 2000, Bissa speakers now have access to the whole Bible.
The Lyélé Bible: A Testament to Perseverance
Just a week earlier, on November 16, 2024, the Bible in Lyélé was dedicated in Réo. This milestone marked the culmination of 14 years of meticulous work by the Bible Society of Burkina Faso.
More than 210,000 people speak Lyélé in Burkina Faso. The New Testament has been published in this language since 2001 and it is well used as more than 40% of the community are Christians.
In his speech, Abbé Charles Bassolé, a translator for the Lyélé Bible, shared a profound message: “God now wishes to address us, the Lyéla people, in our language. He has chosen to dwell among us and share His Word.” This sentiment echoed the joy and gratitude felt by the thousands who attended the dedication ceremony, including national leaders and international partners.
The Lyélé Bible not only strengthens the faith of the Lyéla people but also equips them to share the Gospel across Burkina Faso and beyond. Pastor Patrice Bamouni, Chairman of the Lyélé Project Management Committee, highlighted its role in evangelism and its potential to rekindle the faith of believers.
A Broader Mission
The dedication ceremonies for the Bissa and Lyélé Bibles are part of the Bible Society of Burkina Faso’s ongoing mission to make Scripture accessible to all. These projects follow translations into Mooré, Jula, and other local languages, with new translation efforts underway, including the Birifor Bible and the Esprit et Vie Mooré Study Bible.
Pastor Dramane Yankiné, Bible Society General Secretary, underscored the dual purpose of these translations: to distribute God’s Word widely and to create opportunities for meaningful interaction with Him.
Both dedications serve as reminders of the power of Scripture to transform lives. Communities are encouraged to embrace these translations, not just as books but as tools for daily living and deeper communion with God.
Faith and Life in Burkina Faso
In 2022, the population of Burkina Faso is estimated to be more than 22 million. Islam is the majority religion in the nation with approximately 63% of the population claiming to be Muslim. Approximately 20.3% are Christian.
Approximately 55% of the population is under 20 years old, making it a comparatively young nation demographically.
In 2022, the literacy rate was estimated to be approximately 34% which is an almost 5% increase from 2019.
