Assyrian Christians have suffered genocide and persecution, which has led to a diaspora around the world. Assyrian Christians in the Middle East have learned Arabic as a national language, but it is not used within their churches. They associate the national language with oppression they have faced, so they hold to their Assyrian language in Scripture and worship.  

But modern readers are no longer able to discern the older versions of Scripture in Assyrian. So, the Assyrian community translated the New Testament into their modern language five years ago. The translation of the Old Testament is underway.  

The full Bible will strengthen Assyrian Christians – in the Middle East and the Diaspora – and encourage outreach in their communities.