The Pura (also known as Blagar) live in the far southwestern islands of Indonesia knowa as Nusa Tenggara. Most people who speak Pura are fishermen and small farmers, growing or catching enough on their island to provide for their families. Aid organizations are active in the region, but the primary focus of those offering aid is on common diseases and other issues of poverty and health.
Translation of Scripture is planned and scripture in their mother-tongue will help pastors connect people's daily struggles with real answers found in the Gospel. It will foster personal spiritual growth and challenge remaining animistic beliefs that are still a problem for some people in this group. Scripture in their language will also encourage evangelistic outreach by the Pura church.
It is possible that this initial translation will be the catalyst for projects in eight additional area languages where Scripture is needed.
Missionaries brought Christianity to the Pura people decades ago, establishing both Protestant and Catholic traditions in the area. Approximately 80% of all Pura attend church and consider themselves Christians. However, because they have had very little Scripture in their language, they do not readily connect faith with their daily problems.
Scripture Prayers for the Belagar, Tereweng in Indonesia.
| Profile Source: Anonymous |
