KOBUS VAN ASWEGEN
INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT & CEO
Dear friends,
It’s difficult to conceive that bibleless places remain on earth. Yet for 6,500+ languages, a full Bible does not exist.
Hundreds of millions do not know the words, “In the beginning,” or “For God so loved the world,” or “He is not here, for He has risen!” Instead, they live in darkness.
Jesus has called each of us to change this reality, so that every people, tribe, nation, and language may know and serve Him.
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46, NIV
First Light Rises
The Word for the World exists to bring the first light of God’s Word to bibleless communities. This is God’s work, and you are part of it.
Indigenous-led Bible translation is a model we pioneered, and it works. God’s Word comes to life within each local church and community.
Through this model, Scripture is translated, tested, owned, and embraced among their own people. They are not forgotten.
More than 450 projects are now at work in oral, written, and sign languages. Training, research, quality assurance, and AI-driven translation tools help God’s Word shine in ways that are deeply understood.
The model is built on one simple truth: the best translators are those who know the language best, because it is their own.
We are deeply grateful as you learn about, pray for, share in, and invest through this work.
God bless,
Kobus
Bibleless Places
For more than 6,500 languages throughout the world, a full Bible does not exist.
Together, we can change this reality.
Heart Language
We believe every person was created to hear God speak in the language they know and love, their mother tongue, so they may know Jesus.
Not Forgotten
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”
Isaiah 43:1, NIV
Arise, Shine, Your Light has come
Jesus is the Light of the world. At The Word for the World, our work brings God’s Word to life among people who are not forgotten. In this way, the Light of Christ shines among them. Minds are awakened, hearts are changed, and lives are transformed—all to the glory of God.
Indigenous-led Bible translation makes this possible. We respond to God’s calling in three ways:
Invest in Local Communities & People
Equip Indigenous Translators With World-Class Training
Steward a Global Translation Infrastructure
First Light Rises on a Global Scale
People Not Forgotten
84 M.
Indigenous Translators
1,228
Language Communities
451
Countries
35
New Testaments
Published
105
Full Bibles
Published
10
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