When the Gospel Sounds Like Home

Songs For Saplings “Questions with Answers” Translation into Swahili

Around the world, most people have no access to Christian resources in their native language that help children understand and remember God’s Word. That’s where Songs for Saplings is stepping in—bringing Scripture to life through music and into the heart languages of people everywhere.

This past year, that vision took a significant step forward.

Through the translation of Songs for Saplings into Swahili, over 70 million additional people can now hear and learn the truths of Scripture through music—in a language that feels like their own.

Swahili is spoken widely across Kenya—over 9,000 miles from the Saplings headquarters in Portland, Oregon. Not exactly a quick trip. But last year, Dana and James packed their bags—along with a portable recording studio—and spent a month on the ground in Kenya recording over 60 singers in Swahili..

But this story didn’t start there.

Over ten years ago, the Dirksen family formed a relationship with Thomas and Viola Kipchumba and their family in Kenya. Over time, that relationship grew into something deeply rooted. Their family didn’t just know the music—they grew up with it.

So when it came time to translate these songs, it wasn’t starting from scratch. It was building on trust, shared faith, and a love for helping children know God’s Word.

Working closely with Viola and her daughter, Melody, the team began translating songs—not word-for-word, but truth-for-truth.

Because translating Scripture into song isn’t just about language—it’s about meaning. The truths must remain clear, faithful, and beautiful in every culture they enter.

And in Kenya, that matters deeply.

In many African communities, oral tradition is central to how people learn, remember, and pass down truth. Stories are spoken. Songs are carried. Meaning is shared through voice and repetition.

So, when Scripture is set to music in a heart language, it doesn’t just stay in the mind—it settles into the heart. It becomes something children sing while they play, something families repeat together, and something that shapes identity over time.

How the Music Comes to Life

The translation process is both simple and extraordinary.

After a team does the recording, a fully bilingual and trained theologian checks the translation to make sure none of the truths are lost. Next, local singers are recruited and begin learning the songs in their own language. 

When they’re ready, Dana and James travel to record with them in person. Studios are built on the spot—often using 2x4s, mattresses, sleeping bags, and whatever is available to create a quiet space (James now calls himself a “Blanket Fort Engineer”).

Then comes the most powerful part: recording.

Adult vocalists and harmonies come first, followed by groups of children singing one by one. There’s something uniquely meaningful about this moment—the people recording aren’t just contributors. They are participants. The songs become theirs.

More than 60 singers were recorded over a month. Multiple schools, churches, and mission organizations took part in learning and singing.

After returning to the U.S., Dana spends months mixing and mastering each track. From there, the music is released and shared throughout the world at no cost. But the heart of this work isn’t the process—it’s the people. 

More Than Translation

If you know Songs for Saplings, you know this mission has always been about more than music. It’s about helping people experience the truths of God in a way that is personal—and in their mother tongue.

Because when someone hears truth in their own language, it doesn’t feel distant. It feels familiar. It feels near. It feels like home.

That’s why relationships are at the center of everything.

During their month in Kenya, Dana and James spent time with four churches, an orphanage, and a school. They participated in a radio interview and began building connections with ministries like Scripture Union, Assemblies of God churches, Awana, and the Presbyterian Church of Kenya. These aren’t just connections—they are the beginning of long-term partnerships.

In just one month, 52 songs were recorded into Swahili. The first half of these have now been released as Volume One of Questions with Answers in Swahili, [Album name and link} And the work continues, with more volumes already in progress.

“It Belongs to Them Now”

One moment from the trip captured the heart of it all.

Shortly after arriving, Dana and James visited a church that had already begun singing these songs in their own voices.

“It wasn’t just a translation anymore,” Dana shared. “It belonged to them. Deeper than understanding—it becomes identity. Singing joyfully in their heart language.”

That’s the goal: not just understanding, but belonging. Not just hearing, but knowing. Not just singing, but believing.

Be Part of the Story

We are so grateful to be part of what God is doing—and we would love for you to be part of it too.

Support the Mission 

As a nonprofit organization, the pace of this work is directly connected to the generosity of our community. You can join through a monthly gift or a one-time donation.

Share 

These albums are completely free. Send them to anyone you know working with people in Swahili: missionaries, schools, friends, families, and anyone who would benefit from having these resources in Swahili. Follow along on social media and share with your community.

Pray 

Pray for the relationships formed in Kenya—that they would grow into lasting partnerships. Pray that God would continue opening doors and planting His Word deeply in hearts.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

With gratitude,

 James and Dana Dirksen