Distribution Report: Desauri Tharu Gospel According to John

The following letter was received from our Desauri Tharu translators. 

Introduction

We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors, the Trinitarian Bible Society and the William Carey Foundation Canada, which made the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John in Desauri Tharu possible. This historic project marks the first-ever published book in the Desauri Tharu language, and the impact it has had on our village is immeasurable. We are honoured to share the details of the distribution event and the blessing it has been for our community.

Community Overview

Our village, home to over 5,000 individuals, is made up of 360 Desauri Tharu households. As part of our outreach, we invited all these households to participate in a special distribution program ... We are pleased to report that more than 750 people attended the event, a turnout that far exceeded our expectations and demonstrated the community’s eagerness to receive the Gospel according to John in their native language.

Significance of the Distribution

The Gospel according to John in Desauri Tharu is not just a book; it is a historic milestone for our community. For many, it was the first time they had ever seen a published book in their own language. While a significant portion of the population is illiterate, many individuals expressed their strong desire to own a copy of the Gospel according to John. They shared that although they cannot read the book themselves, they would ask their children to read it aloud to them. This moment was especially touching, as it revealed the deep yearning in the hearts of the people to hear the Word of God in their own language.

For my father and me, as the translators, this moment was especially emotional. Despite being the ones who translated the book, it was the first time we saw the published book Gospel according to John in Desauri Tharu. To witness the excitement and joy of the community as they received the book for the first time was a powerful reminder of the importance of this project. We were not just sharing a translation; we were sharing the Word of God with people who had longed for it in their own tongue.

Blessings and Impact

The distribution event was a profound blessing. It was not just a physical distribution of a book, but a spiritual event that brought the community closer to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The people were excited, curious, and thankful for the opportunity to have a copy of the Gospel according to John in a language they understood. Many expressed their gratitude, knowing that their children and future generations would be able to read the book and learn from it.

This event also highlighted the deep connection the community feels to their language and culture. The fact that they were eager to share the book with their children shows the importance they place on passing down not just cultural heritage but also spiritual truths. We believe this distribution will be the beginning of many conversations, prayers, and reflections centred on the message of Jesus Christ.

Gratitude to Our Prayer Partners

On a personal note, we are incredibly thankful to all of you for your generous financial support in making this project a reality. Your contributions have made it possible for us to bring the Gospel according to John to the Desauri Tharu-speaking community, and we are deeply grateful for your partnership in this important mission. Without your support, none of this would have been possible, and we are humbled by your willingness to invest in the spiritual growth of our people.

Prayer Points

As we continue this journey, we humbly ask for your prayers in the following areas:

1. Spiritual Growth: Pray that the Gospel according to John will lead to spiritual awakening and transformation in the lives of the Desauri Tharu people. May many come to know the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour.

2. Literacy and Learning: Pray for those who are illiterate, that they will find ways to engage with the Gospel according to John, whether through the help of others reading to them or through other means.

3. Continued Support: Pray that God will continue to provide the resources and support needed to further the mission of sharing the Word of God in the Desauri Tharu language.

4. Discipleship and Community Impact: Pray that the distribution of the Gospel according to John will spark conversations, Bible studies, and opportunities for deeper discipleship, fostering a strong and vibrant Christian community.

5. Protection and Guidance: Pray for our family and all those involved in the translation and distribution work, that we will be guided by God’s wisdom and protected in this mission.

Conclusion

We cannot fully express our gratitude for your support in making this project possible. The Gospel according to John in Desauri Tharu is not just a book; it is a vital tool for evangelism and discipleship within our community. We believe that as people continue to engage with the Word of God in their own language, it will lead to greater understanding, faith, and spiritual growth.

Once again, thank you for your generosity and partnership in this important mission. We are excited to see the continued impact of this work and are filled with hope for the future of the Desauri Tharu-speaking community.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Translators of the Gospel according to John in Desauri Tharu