Somali Bible Society

Welcome to Somali Bible Society, a non-denominational, non-sectarian and not-for-profit Christian organization for all Somali Christians. Our mission is to translate and improve the existing translations of the Holy Bible into Somali, the language of our hearts.

We believe that the Word of God is living and powerful, and that it can transform lives and communities. We want every Somali person to have access to the Bible in their own language, so they can read, understand, and apply it to their daily lives.

We also believe that the Bible is a source of hope, peace, and reconciliation for our nation, which has suffered from decades of violence and instability. We want to share the message of God’s love and grace with our fellow Somalis, and invite them to join us in following Jesus Christ.

SBS exists to translate and improve the existing translations of the Holy Bible into Somali. We have a team of dedicated translators, editors, reviewers, and consultants who work hard to produce accurate, clear, and natural translations of the Bible into Somali. We use the latest technology and best practices to ensure the quality and consistency of our work.

Our vision is to see the Somali people become Christ-like disciples through the Word of God. We partner with local churches, ministries, and organizations to distribute and promote the Bible among Somali speakers. We provide printed copies, audio recordings, digital downloads, and online platforms for people to access and engage with the Bible.

Our Vision,

Mission & Values

SBS Vision s to see the Somali people become Christ-like disciples worldwide.

Our Mission is to enable and facilitate opportunities for the holistic development of the illiterate masses, impoverished families, and fatherless children. We aim to evangelize the lost and disciple the believers in Somalia and beyond. We will achieve this mission by producing, distributing, and teaching biblical and contextualized resources in partnership with local churches.

Our Core Values are as follows:

Compassion: We believe in being kind and caring towards everyone we come across.
Respectful: We treat everyone with dignity, regardless of their beliefs and conduct.
Integrity: We believe in responsible speech and actions and strive to develop healthy and sustaining relationships.
Proactive: We take action to improve the lives of others within the limits of our abilities.
Christian: We aim to live according to the Word of God (Holy Bible) and follow Jesus Christ's teachings.

About the General Secretary

Rev. Ali Aweis (BTh., MDiv., PhD) is a missiologist and an author. Ali is a former house-church pastor, worship leader and evangelist; he has been in ministry since 1993. Ali is passionate about the Islamic ministry in general and in the Somali ministry in particular.

Ali is the founder and Series Editor of Maansada Masiixa (Anthology of Somali Christian Poetry); he is also the founder and the Editor in Chief of Somali Bible Society Journal. The General Secretary can be reached by clicking here.

About the Chairman

Pastor Muse Bashir is a longtime minister and evangelist. Bashir was the chief translator of the recently translated New Testament in the Somali language. Muse ministered many years in East Africa where he also earned a law degree. Muse currently ministers to the Somalis in Scandinavia and the Horn of Africa. Muse is passionate about the translation of the Somali Bible in ways that Somalis can comprehend and enjoy.

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”’ Romans 10:14-15

The Chairman can be reached by clicking here.

About the Director of Development

Dr. Howie F. Shute has an engineering background, working as a manufacturing executive for twelve years before God's calling to full-time ministry. In addition to his undergraduate degrees, he holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Africa Nazarene University. Subsequent to his call to ministry and theological training, he served as a pastor for fourteen years, and as a global missionary for fifteen years. He has been involved in several movements of God that have given rise to explosive church growth. His broad but distinctly unique experience has made him a popular speaker throughout the world. He has authored three books on mission, along with various magazine articles and journal papers. Currently, Howie also serves as the Managing Partner for the Good Samaritan Network, a non-profit charitable organization ministering to widows, orphans, and the poor.
The Director of Development can be reached by clicking here.

About the Senior Consultant

Isaac Litali is a highly experienced Senior Consultant who holds multiple professional certifications and qualifications, including being a Certified Public Accountant of Kenya (CPAK) and a Certified Public Secretary of Kenya (CPSK). He also has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, in Scotland, UK. In addition, he is a member of the Kenya Institute of Management (MKIM).

Isaac has over 40 years of experience in various senior positions as a Senior Financial and Human Resources Manager/Director, a Company Secretary and Chief Executive Officer in organizations such as Total Kenya Ltd, The Nairobi Hospital, Karen Hospital, and the Agricultural Sector Coordination Unit for Government Ministries.

Isaac has also served on various Boards, including the Chairman of the Bible Society of Kenya, the Chairman of the Parents and Teachers Association of Sunshine Secondary School in Nairobi, and a Board Member of the Africa Area Board of United Bible Societies. He was also Chairman of Ripple Effect (Kenya) and Treasurer of Ripple Effect (Africa Region). Moreover, he serves on the board of Pathfinder International (Kenya). He worked as a Global Ministry Resources Facilitator for United Bible Societies, which is a well-known international Christian organization, advising on governance, capacity building, strategic planning, real estate stewardship & board training, resource mobilization, and project management.

Isaac has also served as a member of the Customs and Excise Appeals Tribal for six years. He was the first Chief Executive Officer/Secretary of the County Government of Kakamega Public Service Board. For inquiries, please reach out to the Senior Consultant by clicking here .