Butbut Kalinga of Philippines
The Butbut Kalinga speakers live in traditional scattered settlements in the northeastern region of Luzon Island in the Philippines. The Butbut are a fierce warring tribe. Among the Butbut, traditional animism is still practiced widely, and the percentage of Christians remains low. Christians are looked down upon in Butbut society, and believers often mix together the religious practices of Christianity and animism. God has called a Filipino couple, Alfred and Racquel Mijares, to translate the Bible for the Butbut Kalinga people. They are working with a team of Butbut mother tongue speakers whom they are training in translation skills. They also plan to form a local language committee who will provide community leadership in moving the project forward.
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Translation teams have been working diligently on the books of Matthew, Romans and Luke ready for consultant. Pray that the consultant will spot any areas in the translation that need attention.
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Main translator Alfred and the team conducted a translation awareness seminar in the Tabuk area and were encouraged by the enthusiasm of the 12 participants, mostly church leaders, from seven villages and four churches. Pray that these pastors will use the translated scriptures in their churches.
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Most members of the Scripture reviewers’ committee were once top leaders of a leftist movement. Pray that God will continually stir up these reviewers’ hearts to be passionate for the greater cause of making God and His Word known among their people.