New Testaments reach Cham and Katu people of Vietnam
After four years of translation work, New Testaments in two languages have now been printed. One is in the Cham language, and the other is in the Katu language. Both are now reaching believers in Vietnam who had never held a Gospel in their own language before.
The Cham people live along the coast, in Ninh Thuan province. The Katu people live in the mountains of the central highlands, in Quang Nam province. For both groups, these New Testaments are in their mother tongue, the language of their homes and their churches.
Praise Report!
Frontlines partnered with local translation teams over four years to complete this work. When the translation was completed, the team applied for government permission to print the New Testaments. In Vietnam, every Bible or Gospel to be printed must be approved and stamped by the religious affairs department before it can be legally distributed.
This permit took almost two months to arrive. Frontlines supporters around the world prayed during the wait. Brother Simon, a partner in Vietnam, said he felt that prayer. He said it helped carry the project through.
The permit was granted. Two thousand New Testaments were legally printed by a licensed publisher in Hanoi. They are now being delivered to Cham and Katu believers who can read the Gospels in their own language.
A time to Rejoice
Christians in these regions still face real pressure. Persecution has eased since past decades, but it has not ended. Believers must ask local authorities for permission to gather. Some feel pressure to join government-recognized denominations. In one village, fifteen believing families have no church of their own. Every Sunday, they travel often two to three hours each way on mountain roads, just to worship and learn from God’s word together.
We give thanks that God’s Word is now available to them, and they can share with others in their midst and encourage more people to come to know the Lord.
Please pray
We give thanks: Praise God for the 2,000 New Testaments now reaching Cham and Katu believers. May these Gospels enable believers to grow more confident and sure of their faith.
For favor with authorities: Pray for continued favor with authorities as future translation and printing projects move forward.
