Bibles for the World Founder Dies

Dr. Rochunga Pudaite, founder and president of Bibles for the World, passed away at a hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Oct. 10.

"Dr. Ro was an inspiration to millions, and his life story and ministry work demonstrate how much one Christian can do when directed by the Lord," Jeff McLinden, vice president of Bibles for the World, said.

"Because of his efforts, millions of people around the world have been introduced to the message of the Bible, and they understand what it means to be true followers of Christ. Dr. Pudaite will be greatly missed," McLinden said.

Pudaite was a very significant missions leader who was mentored by Billy Graham and Bob Pierce of World Vision.

He rose from poverty in a remote village of headhunters. His father was one of the first converts to Christianity in the area and dreamed of some day having God's word in the language of his tribe.

Pudaite was the first child in his village to attend school, finishing his graduate work at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he completed his translation of the Bible into his native tongue.

He later went on to establish Bibles for the World, recruiting volunteers to mail appropriate language translations of Bibles to households across the globe.

Pudaite also helped children in poverty. He and his wife created a sponsorship program in India, which now assists more than 3,000 children who receive help, including medical care, schooling, shoes and uniforms.

"Dr. Ro was concerned for both the spiritual and physical needs of thousands of poor people in India," McLinden said. "And his ministry has touched the lives of tens, if not hundreds, of millions of people across the globe."

Memorial gifts in his name may be sent to Bibles for the World, P.O. Box 49759, Colorado Springs, CO 80949. You can also give online at www.biblesfortheworld.org <http://www.biblesfortheworld.org/>.