On June 25, 2023, the Isnag people, who live in the remote mountains of northern Philippines, celebrated an incredible milestone. After years of waiting, they finally received the complete Bible in their own language. This moment marked a new chapter in their faith journey as they held God’s Word in their hands and praised Him for His faithfulness.

Lindsay Olesberg, Wycliffe USA’s board chair, attended the dedication and shared her reflections on the Isnag Bible dedication. She witnessed firsthand the power of Bible translation and how God’s Word is transforming lives in the Isnag community.

The Journey to the Full Isnag Bible

In the 1950s, Wycliffe missionary Dick Roe began translating Scripture into the Isnag language. Over the next few decades, many people contributed to this mission through hard work and prayer. On June 25, 2023, after more than 60 years of translation, their efforts culminated in the dedication of the full Bible. The Isnag people now have the entire counsel of God’s Word in their language — something that will guide their faith for generations.

Learn more about the history of the Isnag Bible translation.

Worshipping in Their Own Language

One of the most moving parts of the ceremony for Lindsay was worshipping alongside the Isnag people. Even though she didn’t understand the words, she was able to sing along because the lyrics were projected on the screen. The experience of praising God together made her feel deeply connected to the Isnag community.

“I didn’t know what I was singing,” Lindsay shared, “but I knew that we were all praising God. And it’s very powerful for me — almost kind of teary.”

The Impact of Well-Worn Bibles

As part of the dedication, the Isnag people were able to exchange their well-worn New Testaments for the new, complete Bibles. These New Testaments, filled with notes and underlined verses, represented people deeply engaging with Scripture for years. Lindsay picked up one of these New Testaments and saw something that deeply moved her: The owner had written their “spiritual birthday” inside, along with their name and favorite verses.

“There’s a real person on the other side of this Bible,” Lindsay reflected, emphasizing how much the Isnag people had connected with God’s Word.

For more stories of how God’s Word has been transforming lives in the Isnag community, read “God Is on the Move: The Journey to the Isnag Bible.”

Transformation Through God’s Word

The completion of the Isnag Bible is already making a huge impact in the community. Many Isnag people had waited their entire lives for this moment to happen. Their excitement and joy as they received the full Bible was clear, and now both older generations and young people will be able to experience the full counsel of God’s Word.

Lindsay shared how she saw “the eagerness [and] the joy that the Word of God is in their language.”

The Mission Continues

Now that the Isnag people have the full Bible, the mission continues. The Isnag believers are working to distribute the Bibles; they are eager to share the Good News with people to ensure that everyone in the community can understand God’s Word.

The Isnag Bible dedication showcases how God’s Word brings hope and lasting transformation to entire communities. As Lindsay reflected on her experience witnessing the Isnag people worship and receive the complete Bible in their language, it became clear to her that this was more than just a celebration: It was a powerful moment demonstrating God’s faithfulness at work.

We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has prayed for, partnered with and given to this mission of Bible translation. Your faithfulness has made it possible for communities like the Isnag to have Scripture in their own language. The lives that are currently being transformed through God’s Word are evidence of your impact. Thank you!

But the work isn’t finished. There are still many people around the world waiting for the Bible in a language that touches their heart. We invite you to join us in this life-changing mission. Whether through prayer, financial support or partnership, you can be part of what God is doing through Bible translation — bringing the hope and truth of His Word in every language and every nation.