The Duga people fled to their current location during the 15th century to escape from the aggressive groups in their South Asia homeland. Traditionally these people lived off forest products and migrated
to new agricultural fields each year. Today, life is changing again for the Duga. Settlers from outside have replaced the forests with cultivated farms, requiring a culture shift for the Duga people. The Duga live in more permanent settlements and work in the fields of local landowners. There is little interest in education. The literacy rate among them is less than 15 percent.

Most Duga people follow a major world religion practiced by the majority of people in this region. Their version of it, however, includes many elements of their animistic background: a specific mountain peak, special stones, relics of ancestors and animal bones. Only 3 percent of Duga people are Christians.

The believers hope many will hear about Christ as they translate the New Testament and hold literacy programs. In addition, they plan to translate sets of orally told, chronological Bible stories, and also create Scripture songs in a genre appropriate to Duga culture. They’re excited to see Scripture in their mother tongue foster growth for struggling new believers and provide tools for outreach to their neighbors.