Our Vision

Sometimes, it takes something as ‘simple’ as a single Bible and a unique experience to alter the course of someone’s life. For Gerhard Pietersen, the Bible that shaped his future wasn’t a family heirloom or an antique kept on a shelf. It was a gift from his grandfather – an ordinary 1983 Afrikaans Bible, gifted to each grandchild. As a ten-year-old boy, Gerhard saw the Jesus film on television. The scene depicting the crucifixion of Christ disturbed him deeply.

Every child deserves the chance to read with confidence. Reading can change a child’s life. It opens the door to learning, builds confidence and creates opportunities that last for years. Yet, millions of South African children never get that chance. By the end of Grade 4, about 82% of learners cannot read for meaning. They can recognise words on a page, but have trouble comprehending the context of the subject matter. When this gap appears, every learning area becomes more difficult and overall education becomes a challenge.

Every year, thousands of South Africans push themselves with personal challenges that test their endurance, determination and commitment. Just this past weekend, thousands of athletes gathered at the start of the Comrades Marathon, ready to take on nearly 90 kilometres in one of the world’s most famous road races. While reaching the finish line is a strong motivation, many participants are finding that their efforts can be even more significant.

Last year, the Bible Society of South Africa embarked on a mission to make specialised Bibles more freely available to the deaf community across the country. And so the Scripture beyond Silence campaign was born. Coinciding with Deaf Awareness Month in September, the Bible Society launched the campaign with the goal of raising R100 000. This would allow 500 copies of the Bible for the Deaf to be distributed to schools, churches and organisations that serve the deaf community.