The Sa'idi are an Arab ethnic group living primarily in Upper Egypt.
- Their population numbers approximately 27.3 million people.
- Their native language is the Sa'idi dialect of Arabic (Arabic, Sa'idi).
- Most Sa'idi are Sunni Muslims and are deeply religious.
- There is also a small Christian minority among them, primarily Copts.
- Sa'idi culture is characterized by more conservative traditions and a strong sense of identity, partly shaped by the historical isolation of Upper Egypt.
- Some members of this group have migrated outside Egypt, for example, to Greece, where they continue to preserve their dialect and cultural traditions.
Together with Wycliffe Associates, we have organized and trained two groups of local Sa'idi translators in different cities.
These translators have already completed more than 70% of the New Testament in the Sa'idi dialect, making the Gospel more accessible to this language group in their own mother tongue.
This is important not only for personal reading of Scripture, but also so that God’s coworkers can bring the Gospel to the Sa'idi people in the language of their hearts.
- There is still a large amount of work ahead: translating the entire Bible (Old and New Testament) into the Sa'idi dialect.
- We plan to create an audio version of the translation to reach even those who cannot read.
- It is also important that the translated Scripture does not simply exist, but is actively used: readings in churches, small groups, and distribution among the population, so that God’s Word becomes the key to opening the hearts of the Sa'idi and genuine spiritual revival can begin.
