The Senga Bible Translation Site was officially opened on May 1, 2019, by its founder, Rev. Father Jackson Katete Jones. Senga Site is the first location established for this initiative. Since its inception, the work has grown and expanded to many other communities across Zambia.

The vision behind this project led to the establishment of the site. Its purpose is to bring Bible translation closer to the people and to support the church through God’s Word in their heart language. The goal is to create a center that equips translators, serves local churches, and strengthens ministry in the Senga-speaking area.

After the establishment of the Senga Site, it became a foundation for further development. The site has given rise to many other translation sites in Zambia, including Fungwe, Lambya, Tambo Wandya, and others. As the work expanded beyond a single site and language, the organization’s name was changed to BILTA—Bible Translation and Literature Association. This new name reflects the wider scope of translation and literature efforts that began at Senga and spread to other locations. In 2022, two offices were also established: Senga Office 1 and Senga Office 2.

A. New Testament Oral Bible Launch
On April 12, 2026, the Senga Site launched the New Testament Oral Book, under the leadership of the founder and BILTA. This event was a significant milestone, marking the completion of the translation in just six years. Representatives from seven chiefdoms in Chama District, along with various stakeholders, were invited. BILTA also welcomed Hon. Paul Chanda Kabuswe, MP – Minister of Mines and Minerals Development. 

B. Current Work: Old Testament
The Senga Site is currently translating the Old Testament, a task that began on November 17, 2025. This work continues under the same vision of making the complete Word of God available to the Senga people.

It is impossible to discuss BILTA without mentioning the Senga Site. Senga is the mother site; it is where the vision began, where the first work took place, and where the model for additional sites was established. Thanks to Senga, BILTA now has multiple sites across Zambia serving various language communities.

The Senga Site remains central to the identity and mission of BILTA. It stands as the origin of the association and continues to be a testament to God’s faithfulness—from the initial team in 2019, through the expansion to two offices in 2022, to the launch of the New Testament in 2026, and now to the ongoing translation of the Old Testament.