Thaiti Maithili: A Language of Nepal

In Nepal, there are 131 languages recognised amongst 269 people groups, with an estimated population of thirty-one million people. One language, Thaiti (or Thetiya) Maithili, is spoken by about 1.6 million people. Thaiti Maithili is completely separate from the Maithili language, which is spoken in the Terai. It is spoken in only two or three districts of Nepal. The Thaiti Maithili people live in the eastern part of the Terai, a lowland plain that borders India.

Approximately 88% of people in Nepal are unreached by the Gospel. Within the Thaiti Maithili-speaking community, a strong majority of them are Hindu and those who profess Christ are often ostracised. The Thaiti use their language in their churches/house fellowships. Many villagers do not understand Nepali and Hindi, but those who are educated or have migrated to Kathmandu understand Nepali.

Following approval for a pilot project, the Gospel according to John was drafted, reviewed, and approved for publication. The Gospel is currently being printed and we eagerly anticipate receiving a printed sample to check the print quality. Due to the nature of the project, funding is needed to continue with the translation of the New Testament. At this time, we do not have the funding for this particular project, and the project is coming to a standstill for the time being.

How to pray for this project:

• For the printing of the Gospel according to John to proceed smoothly.
• For the Gospel to be distributed widely to the Thaiti Maithili people, and that it would bring many of them to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
• For specific funding for this project so that it may resume.