The Baloch (Baluch) are a most ancient semi-nomadic tribal group who eventually occupied an area of land stretching through Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. They first settled there between the 5th and 7th centuries. Considered to be an Iranian people based on language, their racial origin is murky. Men are grain farmers and herders of sheep, goats and cattle. Some are known as superior camel raisers. Time is also spent wrestling and horseracing or playing games such as cards, checkers and tag with the younger men - activities that once prepared them as warriors. There are a couple of Baloch dialects, one of which is known as Western Baloch. Though they are still more numerous in Pakistan, they also have a large population in neighboring Afghanistan. There are gospel materials in the Western Baloch language, but they must be accessed by computer.
In the region where this ethnic group lives, life is extremely difficult and unsafe for God’s workers. There are very few believers, and the standard of living is extremely low. Christians face severe persecution.
We believe that through our joint efforts we will be able to complete the translation of the Gospel and the entire New Testament, both in written and audio formats.
The next step is to form and train a team of translators and to carry out the Bible translation, making it accessible and understandable to the local population.
