Courage to Seek the Truth

The Tazig people were cut off from the truth found in the Scriptures. Because an estimated 98 percent of the population lacks the ability to communicate in the national language, the Tazigs had no access to Scripture in any medium. The Tazig pre-translation project is laying the groundwork for reaching the Tazig people with the translated Word of God. Surveyors are researching the language, and nationals are being trained to assist with, and eventually take over, the Bible translation project.

Forbidden Conversions

Spiritual oppression makes the need for a Tazig translation even stronger. The Tazig live in a part of Asia dominated by a major world religion. Local law forbids conversion from the religion you are born into. Tazig people are afraid to leave their religion and adopt the new faith the Bible offers. When a person does choose to change their beliefs, they will likely face difficult times, with family members, friends and local religious leaders attempting to convince them to return to their previous faith.

Deeper Discovery 

But just as He promised, God’s Word is not returning to Him void. The Tazig translation team is lead by an expatriate, but all the translation checkers are members of the majority religion of the area. In January of 2005, the team was working on a set of narrative Bible stories. During the course of the project many discussions arose about Christ and His teachings. Conversations began comparing Christianity to the area's majority religion and moved to a deeper, more personal level as the men grew in their understanding of the Bible and what it means. One man said, “If I become a Christian, will all the last twenty years of religious study be for nothing?”

Finding a New Faith 

Until recently there were no Tazig Christians, but a small circle of believers has sprung up in the translation area. Others are interested in their new faith and are asking questions. Please pray that Tazig speakers will have the courage to seek the truth that will change their lives eternally.

Editor´s Note: Some names of people, places and languages may have been changes to safeguard work in sensitive locations.