Olgam of India
15,000 speakers, most of whom live in small villages scattered among remote hills and the narrow valleys in between. Today they practice a lifestyle and wear clothing that has remained unchanged for hundreds of years. The Olgam practice a traditional animistic religion, attributing power to the spirits of ancestors, trees, water and other objects that they believe control their lives. Because the concept of Christianity is new to the Olgam people, they remain very resistant toward the Gospel. Fewer than 10 people have accepted Christ, so Christianity hasn’t yet had an impact upon their community, and the Olgam people continue to be ruled by fear and superstition. The Olgam people are currently very resistant to the Gospel, but have shown active interest in seeing their language in written form. The translation team has been welcomed into the community to learn the language and develop initial literacy materials. Translation of the entire New Testament and portions of the Old Testament is the goal.
- Six Epistles and Revelation are being worked on. Pray that the team will be equal to the unique challenges in translating Revelation.
- Plans are underway to publish in trial form a half a dozen books of the NT to distribute and check out. Pray that these printed Scriptures in trial form will do double duty of helping the team make the translation better and also of blessing those who hear and read them.
- Praise God for an encouraging response from the Olgam community to His Word. Pray that they and the team will carry through with plans made at their latest workshop.