wWhen Bibles International encounters a people group willing to do what it takes to help fund the publishing of their own Bible or portion thereof, that group’s maturity level is a blessing indeed. The Warao Indians of Venezuela, however, have raised the bar and have blessed not only the BI staff but people around the world with their desire to do their share.

The Warao Indians of the Orinoco Delta region of Venezuela were unknown to most people back in the 1950’s. God had special plans for this people group when He sent Dr. Henry Osborn and his wife Anne, via Baptist Mid-Missions, to work with them. Dr. and Mrs. Osborn concentrated on developing a writing system for the Warao language. They also concentrated on evangelism. The result? Warao Christians who have seen the New Testament translated into their language, then revised and dedicated in 2004, with considerable progress made on the Old Testament. God brought the Osborns back to the United States in 1969 and later called them to continue with translation work for not only the Warao Indians but also people groups around the world through Bibles International. Dr. Osborn served as BI’s Chief Translation Consultant, and Anne’s work as a literacy consultant brought reading materials to people on several continents.
wwwIn 2006, God called Anne Osborn to her heavenly home, and Dr. Osborn resides in Grand Rapids with a finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the Orinoco Valley. And what is happening? BMM Missionary Marilyn Pitzer continues to work in Venezuela with national translation assistant, Hector. At some point the entire Bible will exist in the Warao language. But that’s not all.
wwwThe Warao Christians have grown with their project. Many have given financially to make it possible for the translation work to go forward. They have also contributed to the advancement of churches being planted among their people. But their faithfulness and generosity have not stopped there.
wwwEach month the Bibles International office receives a faith promise offering given by the Warao Indians. There is a stipulation on how their contribution is used. They request that the money go toward another people group in a different part of the world that needs God’s Word in their language. With grateful hearts they take seriously Luke 12:48: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”