Promoting Biblical Literature
The Onesimus Nasib Bible and Literature Foundation is dedicated to promoting Onesimus Nesib's legacy through works of biblical literature that are faithful to Scripture and the Evangelical Lutheran Confession.
This foundation's mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and touch the hearts of people from all walks of life through language and culture that is meaningful to them, as well as to foster a deeper understanding of the Christian faith and the power of written words, drawing on the rich wisdom and heritage of biblical teachings in Lutheran Evangelical literature.
The Onesimus Nasib Bible and Literature Foundation encourages people to engage with Biblical texts and doctrinally sound literary works through a variety of vernacular Gospel literature initiatives and programs, thereby realizing their transformative power. The foundation, which is rooted in the rich tradition of the Ethiopian Lutheran Evangelical Mission, 'The Ethiopian Evangelical Mekane Yesus', seeks to prepare believers for authentic discipleship and mission while also transforming their spiritual lives and well-being.
Supporting Biblical Literature in Ethiopian Languages
The Lutheran Study Bible Translation to the Oromo Language.
Our main project at this time is helping translate The Lutheran Study Bible into the Oromo Language. Spoken by millions of people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and other nearby countries, the Oromo language is one of the largest indigenous languages in Africa. However, very few resources and materials are available in the Oromo language for sound Gospel literature, particularly of the Luther confession, and no commentary on the Bible. Our goal is to bridge this gap for the Oromo-speaking Christian community by providing a comprehensive and user-friendly Lutheran Study Bible in their tongue.
If you want to know more about this project and desire to be involved, please use the form below to reach out to us.
Onesimus Nasib: Literary and Translation Pioneer in the History of the Ethiopian Lutheran Evangelical Church
In 1899, Onesimus Nesib was the first to translate the Bible into Oromo. He was a literary and translation pioneer in the history of the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, as well as in Africa as a whole. His efforts and successes serve as living proof of the Gospel's liberating power, which remains the cornerstone and driver of Evangelical growth in Ethiopia.
He was born in 1856 in Ethiopia's Oromo area, where he was kidnapped by slave traders at the age of seven. At Maswa, Eritrea, Swedish missionaries rescued him and gave him the baptismal name Onesimus after introducing him to Christianity. After receiving theological study, he became a missionary himself, devoting his life to translating the Bible into Oromo, his people's language. Overcoming all the numerous challenges and opposition by God's grace, he left behind a monumental legacy and vision, which we aspire to further support in his footsteps.
He persisted, however, and finished his translation in 1899 after 23 years of work. His translation is considered an Oromo literary masterpiece and a source of inspiration for many Oromo writers and literature students, both religious and secular. He died in 1931, leaving behind a legacy of faith, heroism, and intellect.
Contact Us
Phone
info@onblf.org
+1 507 774 0057