Scripture engagement leads to knowing God—and lives changed forever. Now more than ever, Americans need to know God’s Word and the hope we have in its transformative message. The State of the Bible is a yearly, in-depth study, asking Americans their opinions and practices relating to the Bible, all made possible by generous supporters like you.
These Bible insights can provide critical information and give you direction for your Biblical ministry to help better serve the needs of people in your community.
History of Translation in China
Scripture portions distributed to the homelessMore than 1.3 billion people speak some form of Chinese as their heart language. God's Word has been translated into Mandarin, as well as nine minority languages. But, there are 55 minority languages and an unknown number of dialects within each minority language. This means there are still millions of Chinese people waiting to hear…
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Going the Distance
73 year-old Yan Hanquan, one of the original translators of the East Lisu New Testament, is overjoyed to see his work finally come to fruition. Photo by UBSCP/Yeo Tan Tan.In thanksgiving ceremonies last fall, church leaders unveiled the newly translated Bible for the Miao and the New Testament for the East Lisu people. The ceremony for the East Lisu was…
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6 Million Bibles in One Year
Brazil’s Bible Society printed a record number of Bibles in 2009. Photo by ThrowingLight.comThe Bible Society of Brazil (BSB) is commemorating an unprecedented accomplishment: in 2009, the BSB surpassed its record by 5.7 percent—it distributed 6 million Bibles in Brazil and across the globe. Rudi Zimmer, general secretary of BSB, said, ”As we were coming to the end of 2009,…
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Musgum Speakers Eager for Old Testament Translation
Silas Anamak is looking forward to having the Bible in his own language. Northern Cameroon, (Chad Border) October 2009. Photo by Jacqueline ZouteneSilas Anamak, 77, is beginning to worry. ”This translation business is taking too long,“ he says sadly. “You can see how old I am . . . how long do I have left? I'm afraid of dying without…
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Revealing Jesus to Kids Across the Gulf
Children join in excitedly at the performance given the the Just for Kids drama and music troupe in Abu Dhabi during its tour of the United Arab Emirates. Photo by Erle S. Deira, Courtesy of Bible Society in the GulfFor children of expatriates who now call the countries surrounding Saudi Arabia their home, finding Christianity in the heart of Islam…
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Bibles for Children
A young boy in Jakarta receives a gift, including a children’s Bible. Photo courtesy of Tommi & Poppi Smith MinistriesAmerican Bible Society President R. Lamar Vest provided a grant for the purchase of children’s Bibles in the Alkitab language for 1,500 children across the poorest parts of Jakarta. For many, this was a first Bible for them and the first…
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