Biblica Annual Report 2022

To top
A NOTE FROM GEOF
2022 IMPACT NUMBERS
GATEWAY TRANSLATION INTRODUCTION
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ILLUMINATIONS PARTNERSHIP
FRONTLINE CHURCH INTRODUCTION
CHURCH PLANTING - BIBLES FOR A GROWING GLOBAL CHURCH
RESPONSE TO A GLOBAL CRISIS
KIDS IN CRISIS INTRODUCTION
A GENERATION OPEN TO GOD’S WORD
TAKING INITIATIVE IN CHICAGO
FINANCIALS
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
MISSION STATEMENT

Unimaginable Love

2022 Annual Report

“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him

1 Corinthians 2:9 (NIV)

A Note
From Geof

Dear Friend,

What do you do when God steps forward in stunning ways to accelerate the provision of His Word for the world? You stop and you praise Him for His radical generosity.

This last year reminded us exactly what happens when you, generous, kingdom-minded investors, join with global partners and the bold purposes of God—going all in to bring God’s Word to those who need it most.

In 2022, this included:

More completed Bible translations than in any single year before.
New Technology-assisted Bible translation, promising needed velocity to meet global translation needs.
Our new contemporary Ukrainian New Testament reaching over 650,000 inside the national borders of Ukraine.
The global reach of God’s Word through Biblica translations, increasing 40 percent among least-reached, least-resourced communities.

As you read through this report, you’ll see what happens when your generosity meets God’s desire to reach to the furthest corners and hardest places—to bring the love of Jesus to all.

And I believe God is just getting started.

So join me. Let’s pray boldly for the “immeasurably more” that God has in store as we serve Him in this mission together.

Yours Gratefully,

Geof Morin

President/CEO

Impact
Overview

Bible translations completed

0 M

Scripture Engagements Across the Frontline Church

0 M

Scripture Engagements to Serve Kids and Teens in Crisis

Growing Global Impact

0 M

2020

2021

2022

Gateway Translation

Full Bibles Launched

New Testaments Launched

Projects in Progress

God’s generous provision through partners like you has allowed us to remain committed to the free release of our Bible translations for global ministry outreach.

There are still over 3,000 languages in the world in need of Scripture. Our work on major languages and the start of our work on minority languages are propelling the work to ensure that by 2033, 100 percent of the world’s population has access to God’s Word in a language in which they dream.

In Their Own Words

“I am very happy, very excited. I have the privilege to translate God’s Word. I’m not afraid. I trust that my life is in God’s hands. My dream is that one day I will translate the Bible for my people, and I know God is doing this work.”

— A Brave Iranian Bible Translator

We Thank God for
Strategic Partners

illumiNations Partnership

Blazing the Trail in Europe

Biblica is committed to ending Bible poverty through the collective impact of the global illumiNations alliance. In May 2022, the first in-person illumiNations Europe gathering took place in Scotland. Generous investors and European Bible translation agencies came together to raise $4 million for the Bible translation movement.

New Advocacy Campaign for Bible Translation Takes Off

Through popular Christian artist concerts, community events, and online influencers, the illumiNations 12 Verse Challenge is bringing the plight of Bible poverty to mass audiences across the country. Now with the completion of a second year for this campaign, over 60,000 people have agreed to join the Bible translation movement. Many heard for the first time that a billion people are still cut off from the hope of God’s Word—and they responded accordingly. Using powerful digital technology, mobile giving, and our strong network of Bible translation partners, the 12 Verse Challenge advocacy campaign is providing significant funding for vital Bible translation projects across the globe.

Advanced Technology

Revolutionizing Bible Translation

The first draft of the Bible in the Malaysian language of Bahasa Malay took only seven months—three times faster than it would have taken with traditional methods.

Between the hard work of a team of trained theologians and the speed of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence, both working together to clarify accuracy and proofreading the text, the Bahasa Malay translation is one of the fastest and compellingly accurate drafts ever initiated.

This dynamic process is accelerating Bible translation, bringing us closer to the goal of every language having Scripture by the year 2033.

In Their Own Words

“I feel it is a great opportunity to be part of a revolutionary process for God’s Kingdom.”

— Daisy, Bahasa Malay Bible Translator

Unprecedented Speed

Accelerated First Draft of Bahasa Malay Bible:

Advancing AI-Based Bible Translation

Frontline Church

0 M

Print Reached

0 M

Non Print Reach

0 %

Global Met in 2022

Biblica equips the frontlines of Gospel ministry with Scripture resources that serve the unreached, unengaged, and unseen. Never has the world needed the Bible more than it does now. At the same time, there has never been a greater opportunity to reach more people with the Bible.

In Their Own Words

“We have some people
leading churches without
Bibles. Without a Bible, how
can they lead? What Biblica
is doing to bring Bibles here
is a great blessing! God has
answered my prayer.”

— Pastor Andela, Church Planter in Mozambique

We Thank God for
Strategic Partners

New Initiatives

Equipping Pastors in South America

Your prayers and support equipped South American church leaders through an epic gathering in Colombia last summer. The event was aptly named “Fortaleza,” which means “strength” and “fortitude.” Nearly 2,000 pastors descended upon the city of Cucuta to hear a message of hope and revival for their churches and cities. Through Biblica, you shared over 318,000 free Scripture resources for all attending pastors to take back to their communities. Because of you, they all left equipped with God’s Word, knowing that only He can bring “Fortaleza” to their communities.

Healing Hearts in South Asia

Thanks to your generous investment with Biblica, our Asha trauma healing resource is reaching women coming out of abusive situations with the love of Jesus. Last year, Biblica held facilitator trainings in India and the Philippines, enabling our partner ministries in this region to lead women through this Bible-based curriculum. More than 7,500 copies of the Asha book were distributed in Kannada and Bengali alone. Your prayers and support are helping frontline churches care for courageous women in their communities. As one Asha participant put it, “I have forgotten every sadness in my life when I found Jesus.”

Church
Planting

Bibles for a Growing Global Church

Without a Bible, how can a church survive?

Ever since funding William Carey’s Bengali Bible translation in India back in 1810, Biblica has been passionate about helping people have God’s Word in their language. Centuries later, with Bible translations completed in nearly 100 versions, we are more passionate than ever to see the global church thrive when receiving God’s Word.

In 2022, we helped Harvesters International solve one of the largest problems facing church planters—access to Bibles. Harvesters is involved in church planting in more than 50 countries worldwide, with half of those located in Africa. No other place on earth has as many Christians, and the church is continuing to grow. It is estimated that Africa will have more than half of the world’s Christians at the end of the century.

In Africa, Biblica supported the church planting movement by providing over 100,000 Bibles and Bible discipleship resources to new church communities. Many of them received a Bible for the very first time in their lives.

Bibles in English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, Somali, Shona, Chichewa, Swahili, Zulu, Kinyarwanda, and Amharic were mobilized last year. Some were given to new churches in ISIS areas of Mozambique and others in Somalia. The dangers to Christians in these areas are real, yet God’s Word continues to minister to the hearts of those serving the church on the frontlines.

You provided 100,000 Bibles for church plants in Africa!

Global Crisis
Response

You are helping a world in crisis find comfort in God's Word.

On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to Europe’s most significant refugee crisis since World War II. Imagine a Ukrainian in this war yearning to take comfort in God’s Word but, without a contemporary Ukrainian Bible, having to read the Bible in Russian.

When the war erupted, Biblica fast-tracked the launch of our contemporary Ukrainian New Testament and Psalms. Your support helped us reach suffering Ukrainians via a new Bible reading app and through other Bible resources in Ukrainian—all months ahead of schedule. Since then:

658,000 people have downloaded the Bible app.
199,000 copies of the New Testament and Psalms have been mobilized.
89,000 Bible resources focused on youth, trauma, and discipleship have been shared in Ukrainian.
30,000 Russian New Testaments have been deployed.

As the conflict continues, the demand for Scripture from our frontline partners increases. Thanks to your compassionate support during this crisis, Biblica has been able to equip nearly 1 million people with the hope of God’s Word when they needed it most.

In Their Own Words

“The translation from Biblica in Ukrainian is the best translation in the Ukrainian language. I am very grateful to you.”

— Bohdan, Bible App User

Kids in Crisis

0 M

Print Reach

0 M

Non Print Reach

0 %

Global Met in 2022

Kids worldwide are experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual crises. Biblica develops and deploys Bible programs that bring the love of Jesus to children and youth in the world’s hardest places.

In Their Own Words

“Now the youth are reading and understanding God’s love. Reach4Life is a big blessing for the Central Asian church.

Whatever it takes, I want to fight for those young people who go through life without anyone to show them the way. I know Jesus can do this. He did it in my life, and now I know that we can do so much more together than we can do alone.”

— Pastor Ruslan, Biblica Partner in Central Asia

We Thank God for
Strategic Partners

Global Programs

Kids in Crisis Become Ambassadors for Christ

Reach4Life takes youth on a life-changing journey through the New Testament. Lessons are broken up into four journeys helping kids around the globe to:

Believe the Gospel message of salvation
Grow in faith and spiritual maturity
Live wisely through life’s challenges
Change their communities and work for God’s Kingdom

Thank to your prayers and support, this powerful ministry has helped millions of young people experience the life transforming power of God’s Word.

Little Children Learn to Treasure God’s Word

Your provision of the Treasure Hunt Bible helped school-age children engage deeply with the text of the New Testament for the very first time. Using nine lovable animal characters, children learn the truths of God’s Word and discover the unique way He created them. Thank you for helping God’s precious children grow in their walk with Jesus.

Over 1.8M Children & Teens

reached through these two global programs in 2022.

Global Teen Survey

A Generation Open to God's World

This year, Biblica commissioned a research study called “The Open Generation,” which is the largest study conducted by Barna in its 38-year history and the first global study to uncover how Generation Z thinks, feels, and behaves toward the Bible. More than 25,000 teens, ages 13 to 17, were included, with responses gathered from 26 countries.

The study revealed that one in three teens see the Bible as relevant to the world today.

Likewise, the more a teen actively engages with the Bible, the more likely they are to feel loved by God and empowered by His Word. And although a mere eight percent of global teens qualify as “Bible Engaged,” an incredible 62 percent say that they are open to engage more with God’s Word.

These findings present a massive opportunity for ministry—exposing areas where teens need help to begin their journey in Bible engagement. It is our prayer that this research is a catalyst for lasting impact in the lives of global youth and kids in crisis around the world.

“This generation is open, inclusive, and curious about different faiths and perspectives. It’s our goal to offer a picture to the Global Church so that we may support teens in relevant, meaningful ways.”

—David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group

Altogether for Chicago

“Why is this not happening at home?”

That’s the question Danielle and Matt Forté (former NFL running back) asked after witnessing the impact of Biblica’s Reach4Life resource around the world. Their next question was, “How can we get it there?” They longed to see God’s Word penetrate hearts and communities here in the U.S., just like it is around the globe.

These questions prompted a beautiful ministry partnership with Biblica in their home city of Chicago. Under the Fortés’ leadership, a Christ-centered afterschool program called By The Hand became the first nonprofit in North America to implement our Reach4Life discipleship ministry.

Reflecting on the spiritual transformation that he’s witnessed in his city, Matt says, “One thing that stands true is the light of God’s Word. It can never be overcome by darkness. We must be willing to shine His light in the right places, so people have an accurate idea of what it looks like to live according to God’s Word.”

Whether through the Together Chicago movement or their “True vs. Truth” podcast, Matt and Danielle are not shying away from having biblical conversations in hard spaces. And Matt believes you can shine brightly for the Lord no matter where He has stationed you. Together across these Chicago initiatives, we reached nearly 40,000 people with scripture in Chicago last year.

“As a Christ follower, each of us can do ministry. You don’t have to have a title or be a pastor,” he says. “If you are reading the Bible and learning, you can make an impact. Just go and do.”

“Youth who have gone through Reach4Life say it was the first time they felt informed, loved, unashamed, and safe enough to have hard conversations. It’s amazing!”

—Danielle Forté

Generosity Report

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

—2 Corinthians 9:15 (NIV)

Dear Friend,

The radical generosity of our God never ceases to amaze me.

Whether it’s manna in the desert, loaves and fishes for thousands, or His broken body on the cross, God gives His beloved children every good and perfect gift that we need.

I get to see God’s generous provision on display every day through your gifts to this life-changing Bible ministry. His heart to reach the lost, restore the broken, and ignite hope in the world shines brightly in you. Thank you for generously giving His Word so that more people around the world can be transformed by Jesus Christ.

Because we know that every dollar received by Biblica comes from God through you, we steward God’s resources with a deep sense of responsibility. We even refer to charitable donations as “investments”—because that’s how God talks about them (Matthew 25:27). God expects a spiritual return on the gifts He entrusts to us. To whom much is given, much is required.

That’s why I’m pleased to share that the indescribable growth in kingdom resources we experienced last year—$46.5 million poured out by God—was matched by indescribable growth in kingdom impact—219 million people reached with His life-giving Word. God gives the growth and God gets the glory.

The first thing I want to do in response is thank you and express my gratitude for partnering with Biblica this past year. The second thing I want to do is lift up praise and thanksgiving to God.

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Bruce Trowbridge

Senior Vice President, Finance / Chief Financial Officer

Financial Overview

0 %

of your giving went directly into ministry programs in 2022.

GOD PROVIDED

$46.5M

WE INVESTED

$38.5M

$34.4M
$5.9M
$6.2M

Contributions
Royalties
Other

$34.2M
$3.6M
$2.7M

Ministry Programs
Fundraising
General & Administration

Mission Resources

0 %

increase in kingdom resources this year.

Biblica’s mission is to provide the Bible in accurate, contemporary translations and formats so that more people around the world will have the opportunity to be transformed by Jesus Christ.

Unimaginable Love

2022 Annual Report

A Note
From Geof

Impact
Overview

Growing Global Impact

Gateway Translation

We Thank God for
Strategic Partners

illumiNations Partnership