Population

70,000

The community

The Bunong people’s historical home is a remote, forested region of northern Cambodia. Isolated for centuries, during the Vietnam War (1955–75) thousands of Bunong were forced to flee Cambodia by American bombing. Taking refuge in neighbouring Vietnam, many came to faith. On returning to Cambodia, they generated a growing, lively and faithful Christian community. The Bunong culture is rich in arts and music, especially textile weaving, with designs often used to convey meaning.

The need

The Bunong New Testament (completed in 2016) was the first minority language Scripture translation in Cambodia, but the Bunong people have always longed for a whole Bible in their language. For the growing church, Bible translation is confirmation of God’s love for their people and culture. It also enables Christians to use the Bible to reach out to their mostly animist neighbours, as well as helping them in their own journey of following Jesus.

The project

Translation of the Old Testament to complete the Bunong Bible is running alongside efforts to record audio versions and create Bunong Christian media, with the aim of enabling and encouraging the whole community to use and engage with God’s word.