The Bible Society of Brazil distributed a record 6.8 million Bibles last year, 14.5 per cent more than in 2010. In the following report, Rev Dr Rudi Zimmer, the General Secretary of the Bible Society, describes the figure as “extraordinary and inspiring news”.
2011: A fruitful year for the Bible Cause
And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity (2 Cor. 9:10)
2011 was an extremely fruitful year for the Bible cause in Brazil. I would like to invite you to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the great blessings He has bestowed upon us. In May, the Bible Press reached the incredible milestone of 100 million Bibles and New Testaments produced in just about 16 years; a milestone that was celebrated in June, with a special Service of Thanksgiving to the Lord, our God, who blessed us with the abundant production of this very special seed of hope.
Then, in the first week of January, I received another piece of extraordinary and inspiring news for us, as well as for the work of the whole fellowship of Bible Societies: in 2011 the Bible Society of Brazil distributed a total of 6,783,255 full Bibles to the Brazilian people (14.54 per cent above the distribution in 2010), which is another record. So, we have to thank God even more for this increase in the sowing of his Word. If we consider all types of Scripture, more than 242 million seeds of hope have been spread in all regions of Brazil. It is important to mention that 26.3 million of these seeds have been sown through the holistic Bible programs of special social impact, a sowing that is 2.89 per cent above that of 2010 (See table) .
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Distribution of Scriptures by the Bible Society of Brazil in 2011 |
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|
Type of Scripture |
Quantity |
Growth in relation to 2010 |
| Bibles |
6,783,255 |
14.54% |
| New Testaments |
757,256 |
12.29% |
| Bible Portions |
2,912,055 |
10.27% |
| Bible Selections |
231,436,400 |
2.44% |
| Other Materials |
454,264 |
25.37% |
| Totals |
242,343,230 |
2.89% |
Bibles being unloaded for distribution to flood victims in south-east Brazil last year.
More than numbers, this data represents the importance of working on different fronts, never losing sight of the mission of spreading the Bible and its message to all people, in a language they can understand and at a price they can afford. Thank God we can count on a very dedicated staff who believe in and work towards this mission.
So I would like to emphasise some points that have played a key role in helping us to reach these results.
- Relationship with the churches: To intensify and seek closer relationship with all Christian churches has been crucial for our sowing of the Word of God. The churches are the heart and arms of Bible Societies, and it is through them that the people are reached with the Bible message.
- Relevant and diversified editorial projects: Great emphasis has been put into developing Scriptures that meet the needs of our different audiences, in formats and language that are adequate to them. Our challenge still is to make that the Word of God be communicated to all segments of the population with relevance to their lives.
- Holistic Bible programs: Increasing development of programs that holistically meet the needs of individuals and groups in social risk has been another important factor. These aim at exercising fully the example and teachings of Christ, so that the Word becomes nourishment, comfort and motivation for human development
- Strategic partnerships: Bible work is, in many ways, grandiose and highly challenging. So, we seek to join forces with other organizations that hold the same missionary spirit, in order that this work is developed in a more extensive way. We are so grateful for the hundreds of partners in Brazil, and several key international partners, that have joined in this mission.
- Technology: The technological development is advancing, and the Bible text must also be up for grabs in all available formats and platforms; this is now requiring very special attention.
- Newer generations: More emphasis in reaching out to youth, teens and children is moving us. It is all-important to bring the truths and values contained in the Word of God into the lives of the newer generations, so that they keep pace with their development.
As you can see, there are still many challenges ahead. May God guide and help us as we respond to his call to take the transforming Bible message to all people. Let us join in prayer to ask our God that the sowing of his Word continue to be extraordinary in Brazil, as well as in every country in the world.
Fraternally yours, in Christ,
Rev Dr Rudi Zimmer