Scripture Ministry

Reach 4 Life, Eastern Africa

Reaching Out With Life in Christ to Youth at Risk of HIV/AIDS

Biblica-Africa seeks to break the HIV/AIDS cycle of death and disease in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Uganda. In Kenya, twice as many young women (ages 15-24) as men are infected with HIV/AIDS. In Tanzania, mother-to-child HIV infection is on the rise. In Malawi, the HIV/AIDS infection rate is 14.2 percent (twice the sub-Saharan overall rate), but in the 15-49 age group one in eight people is infected. In Uganda, although a government campaign in the '90s caused a substantial decline in HIV/AIDS, the disease is increasing among the younger generation. This year, Biblica will conduct R4L programs with high school students in these four key countries.

• More Info on R4L

Children for Christ, DRC, Senegal, Burundi

Out of Poverty and Struggle Children Encounter God's Love

Children of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Senegal, and Burundi are at extreme physical and spiritual risk. These countries rank in the 15 percent most-impoverished countries; 6-8 percent of children die in infancy; and the risk of infectious disease including HIV/AIDS is exceptionally high. Burundi and the DRC have suffered decades-long political and economic chaos, and the children of all three countries know only struggle and poverty. They desperately need God's promise of "hope and a future." This year, Biblica-Africa will bring that hope by providing children with Scripture materials for a weeklong Bible school, bringing them good news of a Savior who wants to know them personally.

Children for Christ, East Asia

Children Introduced to Christ Become Young Evangelists

East Asian children in remote villages and predominantly Muslim areas often lack access to the good news of Christ's love. Biblica-East Asia will partner with Book of Hope Ministries and local churches to conduct the Children for Christ (C4C) program in Brunei Darussalam, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, including predominantly Muslim Mindanao, to share the gospel with children. C4C has reached more than 1 million children and youth in nine years. Local churches are trained and equipped to present a 10-day, high-energy, high-impact Bible-based children's program. Children engage in Bible lessons, music, games, drama, and Scripture memorization. Many C4C children become young evangelists as they share what they learn with family and friends.

Equipping the Church with Biblical Resources

Scripture and Training Strengthen and Equip Leaders

Many East Asian pastors and lay leaders, especially in rural areas, need biblical training but have little access to it because of distance from seminaries or lack of financial resources—or both. Called by God to preach the gospel and disciple believers, they need basic training to understand and teach the Bible accurately and effectively. Because many Christian leaders work in areas hostile to the gospel, such as the Muslim regions of Indonesia and Malaysia, it is even more critical that they and their congregations are grounded in the Word of God. To address this urgent need, Biblica-East Asia is providing study Bibles, biblical resources, and training to pastors and lay leaders in Brunei Darussalam, East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Disaster and Crisis Outreach, East Asia

Revealing a God Who Is Bigger than Tragedy

Natural disasters regularly hit East Asia with frightening, destructive intensity. Lives are lost, villages destroyed, and families devastated by tsunamis, typhoons, volcanoes, and earthquakes. Political unrest, armed conflict, and religious strife can be equally devastating. Starting over can overwhelm survivors—thousands are still recovering from the massive 2004 tsunami. As people search for answers, they are open to the gospel. Survivors need to know the reality of a God who is bigger than their tragedy and the hope of an eternal destiny with Him. Biblica-East Asia, in partnership with international and local relief agencies and churches, will reach crisis and disaster survivors with the hope of God's Word and other Scripture resources translated into Tagalog, Bahasa, Malay, and other languages.

Cebuano Bible, East Asia

A Solid Foundation Undergirds Cebuano Church for Work of the Gospel

Cebuano is spoken by 20 million people in the Philippines, nearly 22 percent of the population. The Visayans, who comprise the majority of Cebuano-speakers, are predominantly Roman Catholic. Evangelicals comprise about 15 percent of the population. They need an accurate, contemporary-language Bible to give them a solid, biblical foundation. This year, Biblica-East Asia will publish the first edition of Ang Pulong Sang Dios (The Word of God) Bible in Cebuano and present it to the Cebuano-speaking people. Ang Pulong Sang Dios will be a key evangelism and discipleship tool for the Cebuano Church, assuring sound doctrine undergirds the work of the gospel.

• Cebuano New Testament Online

Reach 4 Life, Thailand

Preserving a Generation of Thai young people

Underneath Thailand's beauty lies a dark underbelly of sex trafficking, child prostitution, pornography, and drug abuse. The sex industry is so entrenched that it contributes 14 percent of Thailand's Gross Domestic Product. HIV/AIDS is infecting not only sex workers but the larger population; more than one in 100 adults are HIV-infected. In this sex-saturated society, Thai youth are one of the main risk groups for HIV. To help preserve a generation, Biblica-Southeast Asia is launching the Reach 4 Life (R4L) Bible-based sexual abstinence program to reach Thai youth in secondary schools. R4L teaches, motivates, and equips teens to embrace a relationship with Jesus Christ and a biblical lifestyle that will protect them from HIV/AIDS infection.

• More Info on R4L

Equipping the Church with Biblical Resources, Thailand

Establishing Pastors and Churches in Buddhist-Dominated Thailand

Despite 400 years of missionary work, less than 2 percent of Thailand's population professes Christianity. Buddhism's grip on the lives of Thai people is entrenched and powerful. Syncretism—mixed belief systems—is a danger to the Church. Especially in rural areas, many churches lacking in doctrine, Bible knowledge, and application wither and die. To equip pastors to guide their people biblically, Biblica-Southeast Asia is developing Bible study guides for church leaders. During this five-year project, study guides will be presented in small-group training sessions that include a high degree of interaction and accountability, so church leaders can explore and discuss Scripture and its application with colleagues and trainers.

Hindi NIV Study New Testament

Hindi Scripture Opens Eyes to the Savior and Strengthens Believers

One of the largest language groups in the world, Hindi is spoken by 181 million people, primarily in northern India, where Hinduism dominates. Hindi speakers need an accurate, clear, contemporary Bible translation to lead them into God's truth. This year, Biblica-South Asia will launch a first edition of the Hindi NIV Study New Testament and present it to key Christian leaders. This is the first study Bible ever produced in the Hindi language. With its superb Bible text and extensive notes and study material, the new Hindi NIV Study New Testament will have a profound impact on Hindi speakers in India and around the world.

My Monthly Bible Reader, Kenya and Tanzania

Imparting Solid Faith to the Next Generation

Nearly half the populations of Kenya and Tanzania are age 14 or under. Introducing these youngsters, who are typically open to the gospel, to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and grounding them in God's Word is crucial to their countries' future. This year, Biblica will enroll 2,000 youngsters in the four-year My Monthly Bible Reader (MMBR) program. The program uses an interactive, Scripture-based magazine to progressively teach key biblical truths and principles. Each month, Biblica will provide church and school leaders copies of the colorful MMBRs. Natural evangelists, children will share their MMBRs with an estimated three additional children (siblings and friends of students).

Children of Africa, Zimbabwe

For Children Who've Lost Everything— Hope and a Future From God

Zimbabwe was once the beautiful breadbasket of Africa. But political, economic, and social chaos have turned it into a wasteland of poverty and despair. The health system and infrastructure have collapsed, worsening the nationwide cholera epidemic. Human trafficking has enslaved children and adults as farm and sex workers at home and abroad. Children in Zimbabwe's orphanages cling to life, but have little hope for today or tomorrow. This year, Biblica will give these children the assurance of a God who loves them and the hope of His Word, providing copies of The Greatest Story Ever Told, activity workbooks, and teacher's manuals to orphanages.

Reach 4 Life, Ethiopia

Reaching Out With Life in Christ to Youth at Risk of HIV/AIDS

In Ethiopia, 3 million people live with HIV/AIDS, and 1.2 million children have been orphaned by the disease. The economic toll of HIV/AIDS is a devastating drain on this impoverished country. When one family member cannot work, an entire family is at risk of starvation. This year, Biblica will conduct the Reach 4 Life program with Ethiopian teens and preteens in schools, churches, and sports clubs. Students will hear the gospel message as they learn the only true meaning of "safe sex," abstinence before marriage and marital faithfulness that will save them from disease and death. Biblica partners are Scripture Union and Youth With a Mission.

• More Info on R4L

Reach 4 Life, South Africa

Reaching Out With Life in Christ to Youth at Risk of HIV/AIDS

With 5.3 million—more than one in five people—infected with HIV/AIDS, South Africa has been hardest-hit by the disease. AIDS has decimated much of the adult population and threatens the entire younger generation. The impact on families, workforce, health-care system, and communities is catastrophic. AIDS orphans lack adult supervision, schooling, health care, or social services. South Africa was the launchpad for Reach 4 Life in 2004, and it has gained tremendous acceptance. This year, Biblica will conduct the program with secondary school and upper primary students (ages 10 to 16) in South Africa.

• More Info on R4L

Equipping the Church, Ethiopia

Equipping the African Church for the Work of the Gospel

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church predominates in Ethiopia, and Islam is on the rise. But the evangelical Church has grown immensely since the end of the oppressive communist regime in 1991. As it grows, it must be characterized by faithfulness to the Word of God as the source of faith, teaching, and action. This year, Biblica-Africa will provide untrained yet dedicated Ethiopian pastors with seminars to teach them to use the Bible as the sole foundation for their preaching and teaching. The seminars will also teach them to train and mentor other leaders to do the same. Pastors will receive Amharic-language study Bibles and B2B training manuals.

Equipping the Church, Uganda

Equipping the African Church for the Work of the Gospel

Uganda endured political strife and violence in the 1960s through 1980s. Although the situation has improved, northern Uganda still suffers from terrorist activity. The country also suffers the consequences of a devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. Uganda is 89 percent Christian, but many pastors have never had biblical training and cannot afford a Bible of their own. To support the Church, Biblica will conduct seminars for Ugandan pastors to teach them how to use the Bible as the basis for their preaching and teaching. Pastors will receive NIV study Bibles or Bibles in local languages, plus training manuals, and will learn to train other leaders in their churches and communities.

Kiswahili Bible

God's Word Speaks to the Heart and Soul

Kiswahili, a language with Arabic roots, is the native language of 5-10 million people and the primary trade language of approximately 90 million people throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This year, Biblica will publish the Neno Kiswahili Bible. This accurate, contemporary translation will allow millions to clearly understand God's message of love and redemption and come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Because the Kiswahili language crosses many borders, this translation will be an especially effective evangelism tool.

Oromo New Testament

God's Word Speaks to the Heart and Soul

The 27 million Oromo people comprise 35 percent of Ethiopia's population and are its largest ethnic group. Other Oromo speakers live in Kenya and Somalia. This year, Biblica will publish the Oromo New Testament (Kitaaba Oulgulla—Kakuu Haaraya) and present it to the Oromo-speaking people and Church. This translation is critical to reaching people in Ethiopia. Oromo is becoming an increasingly important trade language in the region, which will increase the New Testament's effectiveness in evangelism.

Kikuyu Bible

God's Word Speaks to the Heart and Soul

Kikuyu is spoken by 6.5 million Africans who comprise Kenya's largest ethnic group. In 2009, Biblica will publish the Kiugo Githeru (Kikuyu Bible) and present it to the Kikuyu-speaking people. This translation is critical to reaching people in Kenya and Ethiopia—especially the more than 2 million young people who have embraced the violent Mungiki sect—with the Word of God. While Africans speak English or another major trade language, there is no substitute for reaching people in the "language of their heart." As one African man said, holding a recently published Biblica Bible, "Now I know God speaks my language, too."

My Monthly Bible Reader, Russia and Romania

Christ's Love Embraces Orphans in Russia and Romania

The fall of the iron curtain hasn't brought hoped-for health, wealth, and happiness. Organized crime, prostitution, AIDS, drug addiction, family dissolution, and other social ills are ravaging parts of Eastern Europe. Children—neglected, abused, abandoned, and orphaned—are suffering the consequences. To minister to them, Biblica developed the My Monthly Bible Reader (MMBR) four-year curriculum. MMBR is a monthly interactive Scripture-based magazine/reader that teaches children about God's love using stories, games, activities, and real-life lessons in a colorful format. In this second year of the four-year program in Russia and Romania, Biblica will work with orphanages and Christian relief agencies to introduce orphans to Jesus through MMBR.

School Outreach, Eastern Europe

The Solid Rock of God's Word for Eastern Europe's Students

Western European influences such as post-Christian secularism, unrestrained consumerism, and organized crime have flooded Eastern Europe, tainting the minds and hearts of the younger generation. Yet this generation will someday lead government and society. Will they base their thoughts and actions on shifting sands or solid rock? Because many European nations require public schools to teach religion courses, Biblica-Europe has an excellent opportunity to reach and influence children and youth with the gospel. Biblica is partnering with New Generation, Russian Ministries, and other local partners to translate and distribute New Testaments in five languages for East European schools and day camps.

School Outreach, United Kingdom

School Doors Open to God's Word in the U.K.

In Western Europe, atheism and agnosticism have displaced Christianity as the foundation for thought and action. Most mainline Christian denominations in the United Kingdom have seen steep declines in membership, and evangelical churches are basically in maintenance mode. Less than 10 percent of the population believes in Jesus Christ, and Christianity is marginalized in all sectors of society—media, education, government, law, social services. Coupled with the rise of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and "alternative" religions like occultism and paganism, this has resulted in a generation of young people with little or no exposure to God's Word. Ironically, religious education is mandated in public schools for children ages 5-18. This gives Biblica, working with other organizations and ministries, an open door to distribute Bibles and Scripture resources to schools in Northern England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.

Children for Christ, Argentina

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

In urban Argentina, drugs, abuse, and exploitation threaten children's well-being. They lose ground daily in their struggle for survival. Three out of four children have never been introduced to Jesus Christ and the hope He offers.

Working with local churches and ministries, Biblica-Argentina will reach underprivileged Argentinean children this year through its Children for Christ (C4C) program, which has presented the gospel to more than 1 million youth in nine years. C4C trains and equips local Christians to evangelize and disciple youth through a 10-day, high-impact, fun Bible-based program. Argentinean children will learn of God's love and how to resist social evils through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Children at Risk, Bolivia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

Poverty breeds desperation. Parents abandon their children, six-year-olds work on the streets, preteens have babies, and drug abuse and prostitution are rampant in impoverished regions. But Biblica-Latin America knows the power of God's Word can transform communities. In Bolivia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay, Biblica will pour Scripture resources into the lives of at-risk children through churches, schools, and community centers. Children will learn of a heavenly Father who loves them and a Savior Who promises never to abandon them. Ministry partners will distribute Biblica's children's resources, including New Testaments, Bible workbooks, and Aventuras bíblicas magazine/readers. Many children will also receive blankets for warmth.

Children at Risk, Northeastern Brazil

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

Northeastern Brazil is an especially impoverished, underdeveloped area, with the country's lowest percentage of evangelicals. Evangelical ministry is often met by political and religious resistance; however, Biblica-Brazil has ministered there for several years. This year, Biblica-Brazil, in partnership with Cook Communications Ministries and Campus Crusade for Christ, will reach adults and children with God's Word through The Jesus Film, followed by a presentation of the gospel and distribution of Scripture resources, including New Testaments for children. Biblica-Brazil trains volunteers from local churches to follow up with people who have seen the film, heard the Word, and received Scriptures

Children at Risk, Colombia

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

Political and drug-related violence has wracked Colombia for 40 years. Children suffer most because they lack understanding of their circumstances and have little control over them. Nothing will bring comfort, peace, and hope to these children like God's Word and the Person of Jesus Christ. Partnering with local churches, Biblica-Colombia will reach children this year in Colombia's major cities with Scriptures designed to draw children to Christ. Programs in Barranquilla and Cartagena have had remarkable results: not only have many children come to Christ, they have led their parents to Him, as well. For every child reached, an estimated six more people will hear the gospel.

Children at Risk, Ecuador

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

Poverty in Ecuador forces many children, some as young as 6 years old, to work to help support their families. Other children, just as young, are surviving on their own. They are vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse and drugs and alcohol. Most will never go to school or church. Biblica-Ecuador partners with local churches and ministries that specialize in working with street children. The gospel message—a heavenly Father who deeply loves them and a Savior who longs to know them personally—touches the hearts of these street-tough children and can draw them into life-changing relationship with Him. This year, Biblica-Ecuador will provide children's New Testaments and Bible-centered, interactive magazines/readers for these children.

Children at Risk, Guatemala

News of Jesus Christ For At-Risk Children

Forty percent of Guatemal's population is under age 14; a staggering 60 percent is under age 18. Widespread poverty and a culture of violence (the residue of a 36-year civil war) take a toll on these children's lives. More than one in four children under age five is malnourished, and tens of thousands are war orphans and street children. Biblica-Guatemala partners with humanitarian and child development organizations to provide God's Word so children whose physical needs are being met can also enter into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. This year, Biblica-Guatemala will reach at-risk children with New Testaments and the "Conociendo mi Bíblia" ("Knowing my Bible") series.

Equipping the Church, Argentina

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

From 1980 to 2000, the evangelical Church in Argentina tripled. But the spiritual hunger that drove Church growth also increased interest in cults and occultism. In this spiritual climate, pastors must know God's Word thoroughly to discern truth from falsehood. Many pastors and most church members lack access to Bible training and resources. To meet this need, Biblica-Argentina is presenting seminars for church leaders and members on the biblical canon, Bible translation, Scripture interpretation, and the Bible as sole foundation for faith and action. Seminar participants will receive Biblica's Spanish Bibles, CDs, and training manuals.

Equipping the Church: Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Panama, Peru

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

Evangelical Christianity is growing in Bolivia, Chile, Panama, Paraguay, and Peru. But numerical growth is not the best measure of a strong Church. More important are doctrinal integrity, godly living, biblical leadership, and a consistent witness for Christ. Through a two-day seminar, Biblica will provide church leaders with Bible knowledge so they can strengthen their congregations. This seminar affirms the Bible as God's inspired and inerrant Word and the only sure foundation for Christians' faith and actions. The seminar will be offered across denominations to pastors from poor rural areas and urban slums. Attendees will receive Biblica's Spanish or Portuguese Bibles, plus Scripture booklets.

Equipping the Church, Colombia

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

In Colombia, one of the most violent countries in the world—resulting from organized crime, drug trade, and terrorism—the Church flourishes. Fear pervades the country, but the peace of Jesus Christ reassures believers and draws nonbelievers to learn of Him. In 2000, there were 2 million evangelical Christians. But there are too few pastors and leaders thoroughly trained in the Word to serve these believers. This year, Biblica-Colombia will reach church leaders with seminars to strengthen their knowledge, faith, and pastoral calling. Pastors will receive Biblica's Spanish Bibles and training manuals.

Equipping the Church, Ecuador

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

The evangelical Church in Ecuador has grown substantially since 1960. However, syncretism has crept into the Church, cults have drawn Christians away, and some believers have turned lukewarm. Many pastors have little or no theological foundation, especially in rural, coastal areas. Training and empowering these pastors is critical for the Church to be strengthened in its faith and witness. This year, Biblica-Ecuador will offer church leaders seminars to help them understand the Bible's origins and Bible interpretation and translation. The teaching affirms the Bible as the sole, authoritative source for Christian faith and action. Pastors will receive Biblica's Spanish Bibles and How the Bible Came to Us DVDs.

Equipping the Church; Guatemala

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

The evangelical Church has increased exponentially in Guatemala, and in 20 years, more than 50 percent of the population may be evangelicals. This explosive growth has stretched pastors and churches as they try to disciple new believers and develop leaders for ministry work. To address their needs, Biblica-Guatemala will provide two seminars, an evangelism seminar pastors can take back to share with their congregations, and a seminar on "How the Bible Came to Us" to deepen their Bible knowledge. Pastors will receive Biblica's Spanish Bibles, two booklets on Bible translation, and seminar manuals.

Equipping the Church, Mexico

Equipping the Church for the work of the gospel

Mexico's 110 million population is 90 percent Catholic, although only 10 percent regularly attend Mass. Nearly 7 million people are evangelicals. The evangelical Church needs to be strengthened in its understanding of Scripture and doctrine and the application of biblical principles to daily life. Rural areas and urban slums especially need solid, biblically trained pastors—but the lack of resources is an obstacle. In these two disadvantaged areas, Biblica-Mexico will offer pastors two seminars to increase their Bible knowledge and help them and their congregations know how to share their faith effectively. Pastors will receive Biblica's Spanish Bibles and seminar manuals.

U.S. Prison Outreach

Freedom Behind Prison Bars

Jesus ministered to the rejected and reviled, transforming their lives and making them free and whole. In the same spirit, for nearly 200 years Biblica has shared the hope and guidance of God's Word with U.S. prison inmates. Statistics show that prisoners who make a commitment to Christ are less likely to re-offend. In partnership with Prison Fellowship, Biblica-US developed Free on the Inside Bible, which contains notes of encouragement for prisoners and counsel on following Christ, even in a prison cell. Since its creation, more than 1 million inmates have received this much-loved Scripture. This year, in partnership with Prison Fellowship, prison chaplains, and other ministries, Biblica will provide inmates with Free on the Inside Bibles in English or Spanish.

Global Disaster Outreach

Holding Out the Word of Life to Crisis and Disaster Victims

When crises hit, whether manmade—terrorist attacks, warfare, or mass killings—or natural disasters such as famines, earthquakes, or violent storms, victims' emotional pain must be addressed along with their physical needs. Disaster survivors need the comfort of a God who is bigger than their tragedy, and they often are open to putting their faith in Christ. Biblica Scripture resources minister to crisis and disaster survivors and caregivers. These resources include When Your Whole World Changes, a Scripture booklet that has been translated into many languages and that has ministered to tens of thousands. This year, Biblica will provide crisis Scripture resources to affected areas through partner organizations such as The Salvation Army and local churches and agencies.