Krupto New Testament & Literacy

• Location: Asia
• Pseudonym: Krupto
• New Testament Completion Target Date: 2031

The Krupto people number about 40,000 and, according to popular legend, are the original inhabitants of their region. The Krupto live deep among the hills, valleys, and forests in the northern part of a creative access nation and speak an undeveloped language. A majority of the Krupto have less than a 5th-grade education, contributing to only a 10% literacy rate in the state language.

Only 0.04% of the population profess Christianity, while the vast majority of the Krupto follow the national religion. Evangelism among the Krupto people remains in the pioneer stage, as a small number of faithful believers have formed six house churches, which are mostly attended by seekers at this time. During church services, the believers read the Word of God in the national language and preach in the state language—neither of which is their heart language.

With such a great need evident among the Krupto people, many Christian churches have expressed willingness to sponsor translation and literacy work. One pastor advocated translation work by declaring, "It is our conviction that the Gospel will spread faster and penetrate more deeply if the Krupto tribe has the Scriptures in their own language.”

Even though there is active persecution against Christians, enthusiastic support both internally from among the Krupto believers and externally from churches and individuals has led to the establishment of sponsorship, translation, and read-and-review committees. After approving a request for the Krupto New Testament translation and literacy development in November 2018, Bibles International officially adopted this project in January 2019. The books of Mark and James, as well as 1, 2, and 3 John, were printed in 2024. Since then, there has been increased persecution against anyone found with these printed Scripture portions.