In Albania, a communist government prevented Bible translation work for more than 50 years until a new democratic party took power in the early 1990s. By 2007, Bible translators had completed an Albanian New Testament, with help from the Protestant, Orthodox and Catholic churches.

Today, with support from American Bible Society’s financial partners, Bible translators are working on the Albanian Old Testament, so that Christians in Albania will have a complete copy of God’s Word in their heart language.

Opportunity

Without access to an Old Testament translation, Christians in Albania cannot engage with essential Bible stories and teachings. This limitation has also presented challenges for Albanian church leaders as they seek to share God’s Word with those who have yet to encounter its life-changing message. Without access to the Old Testament, these leaders struggle to effectively teach and distribute God’s Word.

Transformation

With support from American Bible Society’s financial partners, the Bible Society of Albania has equipped a team of Bible translators to translate the Albanian Old Testament. Upon completion of this project—which is scheduled for late 2017—translators on the ground expect to reach more two million people with God’s Word.