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Our Activities

Translation

Approximately 6,500 languages are spoken worldwide. Of these, more than 4,000 have no Scriptures. At least 350 million people do not have God's Word in their mother tongue. Millions more have some Scripture, but translations are often archaic, and confusing for today's readers. The urgency of translating God's Word into all known languages remains critical. The Forum of Bible Agencies, of which IBS is a member, brings together several organisations now meeting this challenge. IBS alone has some 500 translators around the world working in more than 40 languages.

Bible translation is the gateway to God's Word and the cornerstone of IBS' commitment to providing quality, contemporary-language Scriptures. Comparatively recent discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls and developing Bible scholarship enhance accuracy and understanding. That's one reason why the IBS translation known as the New International Version is as easy to read and comprehend as a newspaper or magazine.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Publishing

Once translation is complete, the text is published in a multiplicity of formats to help men, women and children of many nations and cultural backgrounds receive, understand and apply God's Word in their lives.

While publishing began with paper and ink, this is now only a part of total media communication. Audio Scriptures are available on cassette in many languages. Video cassettes provide another means of effective communication. Some major translations can be accessed on and downloaded from the Internet.

Believing that God's Word can change lives for the better, IBS publishes powerful Scripture resources to meet the needs of Christians, and to effectively communicate the gospel message to non-Christians in a variety of circumstances. Regardless of nationality, culture, socio-economic status or any other condition, everyone is offered God's powerful and life-changing Word.

"Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it." (Habakkuk 2:2)

Distribution

IBS distributes God's Word around the world. Scripture is sold to those able and willing to pay for it. This, and the donations of concerned Christians, subsidises millions more copies which are given freely. These reach the poor, the imprisoned, the helpless and hurting, and all who need the hope to be found only in Jesus — the Living Word.

Committed to seeing the power of God's Word transform lives, IBS is involved in Scripture distribution projects at citywide, regional and national levels. Seminars and Christian leadership conferences are organised to develop strategy.

Special publications are designed to meet the spiritual needs of different segments of society. Business professionals, children and young people, New Age devotees and sports enthusiasts are among the distinct groups catered for. Also with publications speaking to their specific needs are AIDS patients, refugees, trauma and disaster victims, prisoners, and the unemployed.

Since the collapse of East European Communism, IBS is having a leading role in Scripture distribution with millions of publications provided for Russia and republics of the former Soviet Union. 'My First Bible,' a special publication for children, is distributed in thousands of orphanages in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The same publication is being similarly well received in many other languages. In other former Soviet satellite nations, millions more Scriptures are eagerly received. The Church is being equipped for more effective outreach by evangelism seminars designed to teach people to share their faith and God's Word. Scripture is used as an aid to teaching English as a second language. Young Christians are instructed in effectively sharing God's Word on school and college campuses. In more than one country of Eastern Europe, IBS Scriptures are distributed in schools, officially accepted by educational authorities for teaching purposes.

By every legitimate means, IBS is helping and equipping the Church to use God's Word in meeting the needs of people everywhere, in understandable language and relevant format.

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous deeds among all peoples." (Psalm 96:3)

New Bibles in 2007

In 2007 IBS Europe will be releasing two new first edition Bibles in Europe - Russian and Romanian. Following the elaborate development process and rigid methodology, we will be happy to offer high standard translations that use modern language while representing accuracy and faithfulness to the original texts. Both equipped with a wealth of footnotes, these translations are targeted to be used by new believers, for outreach and evangelism, especially among young people, as well as for general reading.

If you are a church, ministry or organization, contact us for ministry pricing, samples, formats, and to request availability information.