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The Bible’s Lifeline: Key Statistics on Global Scripture Access and Impact

In our quest to bring the life-transforming power of the Bible to every corner of the world, the United Bible Societies (UBS) and their partners are tackling some of the most profound challenges. The statistics shared in the first issue of Bible Ministry Magazine paint a vivid picture of this monumental task and its inspiring progress. Here are the most captivating statistics that highlight the scope and impact of their efforts.

The Global Landscape of Bible Translation

  1. Untranslated Languages:
    • 1.5 billion people lack access to the full Bible in their language.
    • 246 million people have no Scripture in their language at all.
    • Over half of the world’s languages have no Scripture.
  2. Sign and Braille Languages:
    • Only around 40 of the world’s 400+ sign languages have some Scripture.
    • The full Braille Bible is available in just 45 languages.
  3. Scripture Availability:
    • 5.6 billion people can access the full Bible.
    • The UBS Fellowship works in 692 languages used by these people.
  4. Recent Translation Efforts:
    • In 2018, Bible Societies completed Scripture translations in 66 languages used by 440 million people.
    • 44 languages received their first translations, impacting 77 million people.

The Challenges and Triumphs of Bible Translation

  1. Cost and Effort:
    • Bible translation is a meticulous, time-consuming, and expensive process involving local churches, communities, translators, Bible scholars, and donors.
    • Many translators work under challenging conditions, including regular power outages and threats to their safety.
  2. Impactful Stories:
    • The Bura-speaking Christians in Nigeria can now read the full Bible in their language, despite the translation team facing constant threats from Boko Haram.
    • In Venezuela, despite severe economic and political turmoil, translation teams continue their work to provide access to the Bible.
  3. Long-term Vision:
    • The UBS’s Bible Translation Roadmap aims to provide 600 million people with access to Scripture in their heart language within the next 20 years, involving 1,200 translation projects by 2038.

Scripture Distribution: Spreading Hope Worldwide

  1. 2018 Distribution Figures:
    • Bible Societies distributed 354.6 million Scriptures, including 38.5 million full Bibles.
  2. Regional Distribution:
    • North America: 3.4 million full Bibles, 4.5 million Scriptures.
    • Central and South America: 14.9 million full Bibles, 273 million Scriptures.
    • Europe: 2.9 million full Bibles, 5.8 million Scriptures.
    • Africa: 7 million full Bibles, 9.8 million Scriptures.
    • Asia: 9.4 million full Bibles, 58.6 million Scriptures.
    • Oceania: 0.6 million full Bibles, 0.7 million Scriptures.
    • Middle East: 0.3 million full Bibles, 2 million Scriptures.

Special Focus: Impact on Children and Youth

  1. Reaching the Next Generation:
    • Malawi: Bible distribution to children through Sunday Schools increased attendance from 80 to 250 in one church.
    • Thailand: A Bible Quiz engaging over 1,000 children and teenagers each year, expanding to high schools and colleges.
    • United Kingdom: The interactive Youth Edition of the Good News Bible, designed by young people for young people, includes YouTube links and journaling spaces to make Scripture relevant and engaging.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The statistics from the Bible Ministry Magazine’s first issue not only highlight the immense challenges faced by the UBS and their partners but also underscore the remarkable progress and transformative impact of their work. As the UBS continues to bring hope and life through Scripture, they invite everyone to join this mission through volunteering, prayer, and support, ensuring that the life-giving words of the Bible reach every soul yearning for hope and purpose.

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