Reaching the Riza People

The Riza* currently utilize the Bibles International trial edition of the Gospel of Mark and other portions of Scripture in their teaching and preaching as they await their first fully translated, printed New Testament. Some pastors attend additional training to familiarize themselves and their congregations with the Old Testament names and stories that are mentioned in the New Testament.

Most churches conduct their services in the national language, but both children and adults within the villages speak the Riza language, so being able to preach, teach, and read from their heart language will strengthen the Riza churches immensely.

*pseudonym

The Riza people of South Asia number around 450,000 and predominantly practice animism. Although early missionary efforts were met with resistance and persecution of the converts, today there are more than 2,000 Riza believers in as many as 52 “worshipping groups” who continue to practice their faith.

The complete Bible in their mother tongue will provide the Riza believers with a fuller understanding of their faith and deepen their spiritual roots, enabling them to better reach their own people.

We rejoice that there are an estimated 2,000 Riza* believers in Asia who continue to worship God despite facing hardship and persecution from the government and national religious groups. There are 20 pastors and evangelists ministering among the Riza churches and communities.

The lack of translated Scriptures and Bible resources such as recordings, radio programs, and literature limits not only Riza believers in their walk with God but also the unreached who have never heard the good news of salvation. Undoubtedly, God’s Word in the Riza language will significantly impact the community.

Prior to the Bibles International New Testament translation in their language, the Riza* could only read the four Gospels translated by the Roman Catholic Church. At the time, no other passages of the Bible existed in their language.

Bibles International began the Riza New Testament translation project in October 2014 and steady progress has been made. The translation team anticipates the dedication of the New Testament translation in 2026. Being able to preach, teach, and read the Scriptures in a language that resonates deeply with the Riza can bring about spiritual repentance and growth as they fully grasp what God is telling them.

In addition to portions of translated Scriptures, the Riza currently have literacy materials and songs composed in their language and are participating in Scripture memorization programs.

Although early 18th-century European missionaries planted Presbyterian churches in the region, many past attempts to evangelize the Riza* people in Asia met with significant persecution. One of the issues stemmed from the foreigners presenting the gospel without cultural sensitivity.

The Riza live in the hilly regions of their country and are very dependent on forests for their living—land for agriculture, wild animals for food, firewood for fuel, and teak wood for building homes. Their animistic beliefs pervade every area of their lives, even in the decision of where to build a home. Since tamarind trees are considered to be haunted by spirits driven out of those possessed, no houses are constructed near one.

Completing the Old and New Testaments in their heart language and understanding their culture will reach them where they are and speak to them in a way that penetrates every barrier. Only God’s Word can break the bonds of fear and sin, setting the Riza free!

A national church planter from another area of the country and who has an extensive list of linguistic degrees up to the doctorate level has laid an excellent foundation for the translation process. His wife has also earned multiple degrees, including education qualifications, and contributes greatly.

Their work among the people generated excitement and raised awareness of the need for Scripture in their mother tongue, leading them to approach Bibles International for help in translating the New Testament into the Riza language. A native Riza speaker was carefully chosen as translator and other Riza believers to serve on special review committees.

In late 2014, Bibles International began working with the team to translate the New Testament into their heart language. The translation team and believers in churches eagerly await the dedication of the New Testament in 2026 and already desire the Old Testament in their language.