Rivali of South Asia

The Rivali people have worshiped animal gods as part of their traditional animistic beliefs for generations. Many years ago Catholic priests brought Christianity and practical assistance like the children’s homes they still run today. In 1978, national missionaries started planting churches. As a result of these ministries there are about 20,000 Rivali believers. Recognizing that God’s Word was needed for spiritual growth, nationals began translation in 1996. The literacy rate is very low, so literacy programs are also part of the project.

  • Praise God this project is swiftly moving toward the end of the translation phase and will soon begin the Scripture-use stage. Pray that the team will root out all errors in the translation, no matter how small, in spelling, grammar and meaning.

  • The team met with staff at the of a local organization to discuss how the Rivali Scriptures could be effectively used in the future. A major point of discussion was recording these Scriptures on CD.

  • Bratam and Alma led a training program for Sunday schoolteachers in two Rivali areas. In the first location the program was only for women and about thirty attended. In the second area, nine men participated. Pray that these Sunday schoolteachers will use what they learned at the training course to address the spiritual needs of people in their classes.

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