The translation program was begun in Me'phaa of Tlacoapa in 1938 by Herman Aschmann and H. V. Lemley. Later 'Lem' and Millie Lemley continued the program after resigning from his agency. In 1975, the New Testament was published, but several factors made the book unusable to native speakers.

Current ministry in the area is conducted by Iglesias Cristianas Tlapanecas (ICT), with support from Tlapanec Indian Ministries of Memphis, Tennessee.

The people are steeped in superstition and have a very hard time getting over these problems. They have not had extreme objection to the gospel such as many groups in Mexico have had, but their old animistic practices continue in their lives even for those who have accepted Christianity.

Scripture Prayers for the Tlapaneco, Tlacoapa in Mexico.