Pura of Timor

Most of the Pura people are fishermen and gardeners, growing or catching enough on their island to provide for their families. Missionaries brought Christianity to the Pura people decades ago, establishing both Protestant and Catholic traditions in the area. Approximately 80% of the 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.

God is moving in a powerful way in the home region of the Pura people. With the help of ingenious workshop translation methods and a strong local church and university partnership, many people groups are well on their way to receiving the New Testament. Pura believers are eager to join this movement.

  • Pray for one of the translators, who has been quite ill. Praise the Lord for the progress the team has made, in spite of her illness. Pray that her illness will be diagnosed properly and that God will heal her quickly.

  • Pray for wisdom about the decision of possibly adding a new team member to the translation team.

  • Thank God for the acceptance and enthusiasm being shown for the Gospel of Mark. Pray that people who are just learning to read their language will soon be comfortable and fluent in reading.

  • Pray also that God will use His Word to touch hearts and transform lives as people finally have Scripture in a language they can understand.

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