Bible Agency Provides 400+ Million Scriptures During 194 Years of Ministry
The International Bible Society (IBS) announced on Wednesday that it has recently surpassed the 400 million mark in number of Scriptures distributed. Since its’ founding in 1809, IBS, a translation sponsor of the New International Version (NIV) Bible, has distributed more than 402 million Scriptures.
“While the scope of the Bible Society’s ministry has widened since 1809, our goal remains the same—evangelism,” said Peter Bradley, President of IBS. “We accomplish that goal through translating and reaching out with Scriptures. We have committed ourselves to making the Word of God available to anyone who truly wants it.”
Through a ministry alliance with Gospelcom’s Bible Gateway, IBS has provided online Scriptures to virtually every corner of the world. Beginning in 1995 with the NIV and in 1996 with the Arabic Bible, IBS has put 40 translations online in various digital formats. Online Scripture outreach continues to grow as IBS currently serves more than 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
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In addition, IBS has translated Scripture in 88 of the world’s major languages and, in conjunction with Wycliffe Bible Translators, has published God’s Word in more than 660 languages. In 1978, IBS published the New International Version translation of the Bible, now the most widely read contemporary English translation in the world.
Tom Youngblood, IBS Vice President for Outreach, added, “For nearly 200 years, we have worked diligently to provide appropriate Scriptures to people. From prison inmates to children, youth, disaster/crisis victims and many more, we have planted the ‘seed’ of God’s Word. It is hard to know the impact of 400 million Scriptures on the lives of men and women around the world. But we are confident the Word has done its work and has sprouted and matured and increased the population of heaven.”
Youngblood continued, “Throughout IBS’ history, we have worked with ministries around the world in unique and strategic alliances. Churches, para-church ministries, denominations and missionaries have been key in helping IBS achieve this milestone of 400 million Scriptures.”
As a producer of some of the most-read and trusted translations in the world, including the NIV, IBS has emphasized their commitment to accuracy.
“Accuracy is our sacred trust.” Bradley said. “I am convinced beyond the shadow of any doubt that God wants everyone to hear the message of Jesus Christ in the language they understand while remaining true to the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.”
IBS, both independently and in partnership with churches and other ministries, has provided God's Word to numerous cross-sections of society around the world. There are currently more than 250 of these outreach projects in progress.
