Bibles International began as the vision of several missionaries serving with Baptist Mid-Missions. Paul and Genella Versluis, veteran missionaries to India, Hawaii, Alaska, and Michigan, were among those who knew first hand the struggles of people who did not have the Bible in their own languages. Early projects included New Testaments in Brazil, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. When the Carlsons were called to Baptist Mid-Missions to work with the Versluises, their initial tasks were to arrange the publishing, recruit and build a staff, develop and manage systems of operation and public relations, and help Paul Versluis raise funds. Now 105 missionaries, employees, translators, and typists serve powerfully in this effort in the USA and overseas.
Volunteers help in many capacities.
Rev. Frederic Carlson and his wife retired from BI at the end of 1999. Rev. Hantz Bernard was appointed as the new director-designate in the fall of 2000. It takes a team to provide a high quality product. Thus, it takes the concerted efforts of many individuals and churches. Businessmen, foundations, families, and individuals young and old give large amounts and small to make translation, publication, and distribution of God's Word a reality.