A New Chapter for the Zay Community
My name is Mamitu Koricho. I was born and raised in the Zay community on the island of Tsedcha, where I also got married. My husband and I were blessed with four children before he passed away.
After his death, I left the island and moved to Batu town. Life was difficult—I worked various jobs, including daily labor. Yet, through my weakness, God chose to do something extraordinary for the Zay people.
Our language was only spoken; we had no written alphabet. Without that, the Bible was out of reach. But when God’s time arrives, His promises unfold. He reached out to the Zay community through Wycliffe Ethiopia’s Bible translation ministry. In that moment, I felt called to leave behind my former life and volunteer for this sacred work.
We faced many challenges. Even for native speakers, the task was daunting. We had to create an alphabet from scratch. It wasn’t easy, but we held firmly to the belief that when God has a plan, He will bring it to completion.
This translation marks a turning point for the Zay community. First, we now have an alphabet. Second, our language—once excluded from historical documentation—can now be recorded and preserved.
“The translation of the Bible marks a significant chapter in the history of the Zay community.”
Through His Word, God has revealed Himself to the Zay people. This is truly His work. As a Christian, I’ve gained so much from the profound experience of translating the Bible. If I’ve been transformed this deeply, imagine the impact on the entire community when they hold the Scriptures in their hands. And for those who cannot read, having the Bible in audio will be life-changing.
The community will engage with it—it’s their language, their story. I say this with deep faith, great hope, and a prayer that God will work wonders. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us:
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
I want to acknowledge that this journey was not easy. But as Ecclesiastes 3:11 says,
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.”
To Wycliffe Ethiopia, our international supporters, and all my dear brothers and sisters who made sacrifices for this mission—I am deeply grateful. Thank you for your unity, your support, and your love.
May God bless you richly. May His grace shower blessings upon your lives. I pray that your efforts will bear much fruit.