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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• Vernacular Creative Phonics (VCP) Workshop: In the fall of 2023, a VCP course was held at SIL’s main centre in Ukarumpa.
• Klinton (one of the teachers who attended the VCP workshop) was an outsider to the church and did not attend church at all. He was a changed person when he returned back to the village after the workshop. He now attends church regularly and he encourages others of his age group to do the same.
• After Klinton returned from the workshop, he met with local teachers who were curious about the VCP materials that were produced. This past January, he also began building a classroom in Bosamia. The classroom has now been built and plans are underway to have their first intake of students, once supplies can be attained.
• Pastor’s Training Workshop: Pastors who attended the training have been applying what they learned to their preaching in the local churches. The Nukna people (one language group a few days hike away) asked if the training could be done in their villages next. Lots of opportunities for more training!
• Oral Bible Storying (OBS) Workshop: The area where the event will be held in July has been determined. Team members have been promoting the course in various Asari’o villages

PRAYER POINTS

Praise God that His Word is being used regularly in an Asarɨ’o church!

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