Onésime Nesib
v. 1856-1931 19th century
Giving his people the Word in their own tongue, turning slavery into gift.
Who was Onésime Nesib?
An Oromo child of Ethiopia seized by slave traders, ransomed and freed by missionaries, he received the name Onesimus. Restored to freedom, he devoted his life to translating the whole Bible into his mother tongue, Oromo, with the help of Aster Ganno, so that his people might hear the Word in their own words.
In their own words
I longed to return to my people, to give them the great things of God in their own tongue.