Pura Speakers of Timor

Missionaries brought Christianity to the Pura people decades ago, establishing both Protestant and Catholic traditions in the area. Approximately 80% of all Pura attend church and consider themselves Christians. However, because they have never had Scripture in their language, they do not readily connect faith with their daily problems. As part of a Seed Company-sponsored initiative, the Pura translation team published the Gospel of Mark in Pura recently. The community is eager to build on this success. Mother-tongue Scriptures will help pastors connect people’s daily struggles with real answers found in the Gospel. It will foster personal spiritual growth and challenge remaining animistic beliefs that are still a problem for some people. Scripture in their language will also encourage evangelistic outreach by the Pura church. It is possible that this initial translation will be the catalyst for projects in eight additional area languages where Scripture is needed.

  • Translator Julius reports: “I was very sick for two months. This was one of the problems that hindered us in our translation. I also felt depressed after the community testing sessions for Acts that we did in Bali and the criticism there. But God restored peace to my soul. I’m sorry for keeping this heartache from you. I know God is in control. Please pray that we will cling to God.” Give God thanks for restoring Julius’s peace of mind and giving him faith to believe God is in control of the translation work.
  • The team did a great job in translating Titus. Then they finished drafting Luke through chapter 22, so they have two more chapters to go. As they work, it’s becoming easier for them to translate based on meaning, instead of trying to do it word for word. That’s a huge step forward. Praise God with them!
  • The largest Protestant denomination in Timor recently held their annual meetings over twelve days. Attendees included denominational leaders, pastors and representatives from every congregation in the region. Pray the Holy Spirit will use God’s Word to bring growth in peoples’ faith and understanding.
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