In the aftermath of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991, Protestant groups began consistent outreach to the Ayta-speaking people who lived in the Abellen region, but few have come to the Savior. Why? The only Scriptures available are in another language and many view Christianity as something for outsiders. The Ayta Abellen project is designed specifically to meet that need by translating the New Testament and distributing it in print, through Bible storytelling and on radio programs.

It’s clear the Ayta Abellen need this message of love. When early settlers came from the South China Sea into the coastal lowlands of Luzon Island, they found a group of small-boned, dark-skinned people with features like those of South Africa’s pigmies: the Ayta. More aggressive settlers have gradually pushed the docile, peace-loving Ayta people into the mountains and foothills of central Luzon, where they’ve lived off forest products and shifted their limited planting to new garden spots each year. But social upheaval and discrimination are still problems as modern life threatens their culture and traditions.

Christian ministries don’t have the tools they need to reach Ayta Abellen hearts. Church services are usually in a major language. This gives people the false impression that he local spirits speak their language but God does not. Mother-tongue Scripture can offer them real hope—the God who never changes—in the midst of fear and uncertainty. Ayta Abellen speakers need to understand God’s love for them in the face of ridicule and ostracism.

The team will use a neighboring translation as a source text for computer adaptation. They also plan oral tools like Bible storytelling and radio programming in Ayta Abellen to meet the needs of this traditionally oral society.