There are 6,912 languages spoken around the world. Only 438 have complete Bibles, about 6% of the languages of the world! Over 4,450 languages still have no translated scriptures. That represents around 200 million people without even one book of the Bible in the language that speaks to their heart. Pioneer Bible Translators exists as a team to disciple Bible-less peoples, mobilizing God’s people everywhere both to provide enduring access to God’s Word translated into their languages and to maximize its impact to grow the Church. During the translation process, there is a focus on evangelism, partnering with nationals to build sustainable and indigenous Scripture use programs. PBT originated from the independent Christian churches and the Churches of Christ, but its worldwide team has a wide church background and it desires to promote the unity of all believers with Scripture as the sole authority.

In 2000 PBT employed 107 missionaries serving in 19 active language programs. By 2008 it has grown to over 220 missionaries reaching 9.5 million people in 43 languages throughout Papua New Guinea, East Africa, West Africa, Northern Eurasia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Rim. Currently, the goal is to be serving 33 million people in 69 languages by 2014. We are mobilizing to add 200 new missionaries by 2012, along with new PBT Advocates who will encourage their congregations to pray, give, and serve. New missionaries and churches from other nations, such as Australia, Brazil, El Salvador, Ghana, South Korea, Mexico, and the Philippines, are getting involved in the ministry of Pioneer Bible Translators.

PBT is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, on the campus of the International Linguistics Center. Development is underway for the construction of a new, permanent facility in Dallas. This will position PBT to live out our bold vision at the International Service Center, the hub for our global ministry.