Translating Hope: Khawngtu Chin New Testament Project

Location: Myanmar | Speakers: 12,000 | Project Status: New Testament 

We are thankful that the translation of the Bible into Khawngtu Chin was approved as a full project following the publication approval of the Gospel according to John.

Chin State, in the mountainous northwest region of Myanmar, has witnessed ongoing violence and human rights violations, as well as ethnic and religious persecution since military leaders seized control of the government through a coup several years ago. Despite these severe trials, the people of this region maintain a strong desire to have the Scriptures in their own heart language. Currently, in their church services, the Burmese Bible is used for reading and preaching, a language that, while understood, does not speak to their hearts as their mother tongue does.

Lord willing, the Gospel according to John will be published in the coming months, which marks a significant milestone in bringing God’s Word to this community of 12,000 speakers. By God’s grace, work continues on the translation of the New Testament, despite limited resources. Two faithful pastors are engaged in the translation work. This translation will provide the Scriptures in the heart language of the Khawngtu Chin people, enabling them to read and hear God’s Word with clarity and power.

The ongoing work of completing the New Testament, as well as the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John, continues to require the Lord’s gracious provisions. We trust Him to supply all that is needed to sustain the Khawngtu Chin people and place His Scriptures in their hands during these dark and difficult days.

How to pray for this project:

• Pray for peace to be restored to Chin State and for protection for the Christians in this region amid ongoing violence and persecution.
• Pray for the Khawngtu Chin translators as they work faithfully to translate the Scriptures in difficult and dangerous circumstances, that the Lord would strengthen and sustain them.
• Pray for the publication and distribution of the Gospel according to John.
• Pray that the Lord would provide the financial resources needed to sustain the translation team in their workspace and basic support, so that progress on the New Testament may continue without interruption.