Bible Society in the South Pacific General Secretary Solomone Duru was among those who attended the dedication of the Samoan Contemporary New Testament held at the National Council of Churches premises in Apia, Samoa’s capital, on 2 July.

Women eagerly read the Samoan Contemporary New Testament at its launch.

The new diglot publication uses the newly translated contemporary Samoan text alongside the English Good News New Testament. Its dedication was organised by the National Council of Churches and attracted a large number of Church leaders. Also present was Roger Bolam from Dayspring Yacht Ministry, supported by Bible Society New Zealand. He sails the yacht Seahawk across the South Pacific to bring God’s Word to remote island communities.

“This was a momentous day for Samoan Christians and for Bible Society,” he says. “The first Good News version of the Samoan Bible has been launched after 40 years in the translation process, giving Samoans at last a modern parallel translation of the Word of God which the young people here can relate to."

“We have also seen some difficult differences between various parties involved in this work being graciously settled. The joy on their faces as these old hurts were resolved was a delight to witness."

Rebuilding spiritual lives
“Dayspring Ministries was warmly acknowledged for its work in bringing Christian books to Samoa as gifts for the tsunami-affected villages. And in true Island fashion there were exchanges of gifts, much speech-making and a spectacular meal!”
“As well as providing comfort to those affected by the tsunami,” Bible Society adds, “the new translation will help to improve biblical literacy levels, as it is easier for people to read. Our prayer is that their spiritual lives will be rebuilt.”