Asarɨ’o

The Asarɨ’o people, an indigenous language group in the mountainous jungles of Papua New Guinea, number around 1,500. Mostly consisting of subsistence farmers, this rural community highly values relationships and hospitality. 

For the past 20 years, Bible translation activity has been underway in the Asarɨ’o language.  Though the community demonstrated interest in this work, the team lacked the capacity and necessary resources to succeed in the translation process. Consequently, progress was hampered. The need to reimagine this project, and form a more holistic Bible translation initiative among the Asarɨ’o people, has become increasingly clear. 

A mother-tongue translation team is already in place, and will be led by a Bible translator from a neighbouring language group who has 25 years of experience. The initial goal is to translate the entire New Testament into Asarɨ’o.

The spiritual landscape is ripe with opportunity. Local Asarɨ’o churches gather weekly, and long for translated Scripture. Without the translated Word, biblical truths are often misunderstood, and many Christians meld traditional beliefs and church teachings which contradict each other. Yet the small community of dedicated believers desires to grow in their knowledge of the Lord, and hunger for God’s Word in their language. They believe this will lead to lasting transformation in their community.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP IS KEY

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With your help, this newly launched project will:

• Build upon previous Bible translation work
• Pursue Scripture engagement activities 
• Bolster literacy rates 
• Develop mature Christian leaders 

Your support will enable the Asarɨ’o people to gain access to the translated Word, and be equipped to apply its truths to their lives.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

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After accessing portions of translated Scripture and attending a Scripture use workshop, one Asarɨ’o man shared: “I repent of all these [sinful] practices. And today I choose to follow Christ. I want to follow the road that leads to Heaven.”

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for the nine people from SIL, Wycliffe’s key field partner, who will be visiting all of the Asarɨ’o villages in August. Their goals include phonology analysis, reading activities, Bible studies and language use research.

OUR COMMITMENT

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• Visit the project regularly to monitor its progress, address challenges, and help ensure good stewardship of resources
• Send you regular updates to keep you informed of progress, financial need, and prayer requests
• Send you an annual tax receipt for your gifts