Ikizu

There are about 132,000 Ikizu and Sizaki people, a few of whom are pictured here. While Ikizu and Sizaki people consider themselves to be different people groups, their languages are very closely related, and Sizaki is considered a dialect of Ikizu. There are a few minor pronunciation differences, but their vocabulary and grammar is essentially the same. The groups get along well, and the Sizaki (who are significantly fewer than the Ikizu) seem happy to accept the Ikizu writing system and Bible translation as their own.

As with all the groups in Mara (Mara is a region of Tanzania), there are Christians, Muslims, and people who practice traditional religion. Roman Catholic is the largest denomination, followed by Seventh Day Adventist. There are also Mennonite, Anglican, and a variety of small Pentecostal churches. Some villages have no churches at all and people have to travel to another village on Sunday if they wish to attend. In the traditional Ikizu religion, the sun is the main god, and deceased ancestors play an important role. There are various taboos to follow and special places to worship, such as groves of trees.

When the translation project began, there were two Ikizu translators. One of them has recently moved away and we are not able to hire another one right now. Rukia, the lone Ikizu translator at this point, is pictured above. Unfortunately, she has recently been plagued by health problems. Medical care in Musoma is a bit lacking, so Rukia really needs prayers for her health. Rukia is a widow; her husband died about fifteen years ago, leaving her with two small children. He had two wives (Rukia was the second) and when the first wife died, Rukia became responsible for that wife's son as well. She was raised in a Muslim family but left Islam after her husband died because she became frustrated with not being able to understand the Arabic used in services. After quite a few years of living without any religion, she recalled the kindness of her neighbors who reached out to her when she was left alone, and remembered that they were part of the Seventh Day Adventist church in town, so she began attending there. She became a believer after reading the Bible and learning more through her church and friends. Because of her own experience of not understanding what was said at religious services, she is determined that Ikizu people will have the Bible in the Ikizu language and be able to understand every word!

The Ikizu translation of Luke is almost ready for beginning the publication process. There are just a few final checks that need to be done. Unfortunately, with there being only one ill translator working on the project, these steps might take longer than planned. The book of Ruth and some tracts are also in process. A committee of Scripture reviewers and a language committee have recently been formed, each having their first meeting in February.

During the past five years of work going on at the Mara Cluster, it has always been a struggle to find Ikizu participants for our workshops and other events we’ve held. Different theories have been proposed (spiritual forces hindering us, there not being many Ikizu Christians, inadequate public relations on our part, etc.), and whatever the causes are we know we need prayer for the translation work and other upcoming activities such as the JESUS Film and literacy workshops.

We are tentatively scheduling to dedicate the Ikizu gospel of Luke in August 2011. We hope and pray this plan can become a reality!