Desauri Tharu Translation Project

Location: Nepal, India
Speakers: 950,000
Project Status: New Testament

Desauri is spoken by the Tharu people in the Terai region of Nepal and in neighbouring regions of India. There are about 450,000 Desauri speakers in Nepal and a further 500,000 in India. It is written using the Devanagari script. This language is one of more than 120 spoken in Nepal, and many of these are without their own translation of the Bible. The need is very great in Nepal.

The Gospel according to John was published in 2024 and was the first print publication in the language. As the translation team works through the Pauline epistles, they hope to complete drafting the New Testament in the next three months. We eagerly anticipate publishing the New Testament next year, Lord willing.

‘How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?’ (Romans 10.14).

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for the translator and proofreaders to be given wisdom and guidance as they translate and revise the text. Pray also for their physical protection and health.
• 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.
• Pray that many Desauri Tharu people will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that this new translation will be for the spiritual benefit and reformation of many.