The Asarɨ’o people are an indigenous language group in the mountainous jungles of Papua New Guinea. This focus project supports Bible translation, Scripture engagement activities, literacy and the development of local Christian leaders.
“You are holding something good. Good things are coming out from you and bringing positive changes in people’s lives. You yourself do not realize this, but we outsiders see it.”
Three men had journeyed through thick jungle high in the mountains of Papua New Guinea to share these words with Freddy Sarong, a translator with the Asarɨ’o project. They had just completed an Asarɨ’o-led Scripture training workshop in their own village, and they wanted to tell Freddy in person how much the workshop material meant to them. In a project that is facing many obstacles, their words were a great encouragement to Freddy and the rest of the Asarɨ’o team.
Workshops—in Scripture engagement, literacy and pastor training—have proved to be an essential part of the Asarɨ’o project. In a region that lacks easy access to formal education and church training, workshops provide an opportunity for learning and growth, and their communal format is culturally relevant.
After receiving training from a workshop, local pastors are following Scripture more closely in their preaching than they did before. In a region where Christianity is often melded with traditional animistic beliefs, this is an important shift, and it marks a growing commitment of the local church to the project.
“This growth in local ownership is a big deal!” says Jon Jagt, the project facilitator.
Please join us in thanking God for this encouraging development, and in praying for spiritual breakthrough in communities where witchcraft and false beliefs still have strongholds.
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