Project Profile

Dela NT | Dela

Dela 1
Dela 2

The Dela people live on the western end of the island of Rote in Indonesia, a country that has been troubled by political and religious unrest for the last several years. European traders introduced the people of this island to Christianity in the 1700s, but the Dela people still do not have God’s Word in their own language. Pastors use the Indonesian language Bible in church services, but without understandable Scriptures, professing Christians lack the foundational truths that lead to practical applications for Christian living.

In 2002, a retired pastor introduced the Dela people to the Scripture in Kupang Malay, a creole language used widely in the region. Inspired, the people formed a team and initiated Scripture translation in their own language. They have drafted the Gospel of Mark, and checked it with an advisor and the community. The team is now trained, moving ahead with a full translation project, and they’re receiving financial and technical assistance.

This project also includes preparing a young Dela woman for future service as a translation consultant for languages in the Timor region and beyond. Her formal study and mentoring program are incorporated into the project plans.

News from the Field
  • Jul16

    Dela of Timor

    The 7,000 Dela people live in a country that has been troubled by political and religious unrest for the last several years. These folks are so eager for God’s Word that they drafted Mark on their own initiative. The team is now trained and ready to move ahead with a full translation project. This project also includes an opportunity to prepare a young Dela woman for future service as a translation consultant for other languages in the Timor region. Project is fully partnered and supported.

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  • Feb06

    Daily Prayer: the Dela-speaking people of Timor

    Pray for the Dela people and the translation team working on translating the book of Acts into their language.

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