The Bible Societies belong to us

For many of us, the Bible Society is where we go to buy a Bible at a good price or find a Bible in our mother tongue. However, the Bible Societies across Africa are involved in more than just printing and selling the Scriptures. Across the world, over 150 Bible Societies are joined into an international organization called United Bible Societies (UBS). One of their biggest tasks is to complete over 1,200 Bible translation projects in the next 20 years.

The Bible Society of Namibia (BSN) is one of more than 50 Bible Societies across Africa. Their latest project is a sign language translation for the deaf of Namibia, which will be recorded as videos. Five trained Namibian deaf people are involved with an interpreter and a theological exegete. Besides two oral Bible translation projects for the Ovahimba and the SAN (!Kung and Ju/’Hoansi) respectively, the BSN also has some “traditional” projects going, including two written translations into the Oshiwambo and Thimbukushu languages.

In your own country, you may find Bible Society staff and volunteers working in literacy and trauma healing programmes, workshops to prevent gender-based violence, children’s Scripture engagement, and youth camps. Indeed, the societies often find creative ways to combine Scripture engagement with community programmes.

How do they pay for these programmes? The international UBS channels funds through various fundraising initiatives across the globe. Funds are made available for projects of individual Bible Societies based on needs, proposals and reports. Traditionally, a large portion of the funds came from Western countries but these have waned in recent years due to the decline in faithful church attendance in the West. Because of this, the international pot of money has shrunk. At the same time, the needs for Bible translation, Scripture engagement, and other programmes in Africa have risen significantly as the growing numbers of Christians increase demand for local-language versions and printed copies.

Local Bible Societies are rising to the challenge of fundraising and must keep in mind the preferences of diverse cultures. Dr. Schalk Botha, CEO of the Bible Society of Namibia, explained that it has become a challenge to raise funds: “Since our Sponsor a Verse initiative (giving Christian mother-tongue speakers the opportunity to contribute to their own Bible translation) did not attract many donors, we have to look for other creative ways like gala dinners with inspirational speakers.” Events such as soccer tournaments, Walk-for-Bibles, and selling food are used in various countries.

It is important for Bible Societies to partner with churches since they serve the different churches in the respective countries. The partnerships make it possible, on the one end, to fundraise for Bible projects; and on the other end, to serve churches with trainings and resources. Dr. Botha commented that Bible Societies must now be proficient in collecting high-quality photos, impact stories and testimonies to share with potential donors.

Bible translation involves immense costs to cover the needed software and hardware, transport and lodging, and salaries for full-time translators. Where communities can assist Bible Societies with hospitality and accommodation, this can defray expenses tremendously.

Let’s remember that our local Bible translations benefit our whole countries and are a vital resource to mature the Church and disciple Christians. Donations toward printing Bibles in local languages keep the whole cycle functioning. You can find a link to your local Bible Society on the UBS website at https://unitedbiblesocieties.org Free online Bibles and resources in mother tongues are available in apps like YouVersion and 5 Fish. The Bible Societies are hard at work so that everyone can engage with God’s Word – let’s support them.