More than a million lives reached through God’s Word

In the past financial year, the Bible Society of South Africa witnessed yet another powerful reminder of God’s provision and faithfulness. Through the support of churches, donors and partners, more than 1,7 million complete Bibles were distributed across the country in print, digital, braille and audio formats.

Reflected in this remarkable number are individuals, families and communities encountering the life-changing message of God’s Word in the language they understand best.

Making the Bible accessible to all

Access to Scripture remains the heart of our mission. This past year, our distributions included:

• 332 768 printed Bibles
• 1 416 960 cellphone Bibles
• 2 655 e-Bibles

These figures reflect a growing demand for Scripture in both traditional and digital formats, ensuring that people of all ages and circumstances can engage with the Bible in ways that are meaningful and accessible.

Reaching people in their heart language

Language and understanding thereof plays a vital role in how people experience God’s Word. The highest distribution of printed Bibles was in:

• English (65 118)
• IsiZulu (61 961)
• Afrikaans (50 877)

In addition, a wide range of translations – including isiXhosa, Sepedi, Tshivenda, Xitsonga and Afrikaans 2020 – continue to serve diverse communities throughout South Africa.

This ongoing demand highlights something deeply significant: people long to encounter Scripture in their heart language, where its message can truly speak into their lives.

Supporting mission through strategic distribution

A significant 89,45% of all printed Bibles distributed directly supported the mission of the Bible Society – providing affordable Bibles in suitable formats so that all may experience the life-giving message of the Word. These included standard and medium-sized Bibles, as well as the outreach editions used in ministry contexts.

Through donor support, 14 657 Bibles were distributed via mission projects – reaching:

• Individuals living in poverty
• Prisoners
• Grade 7 learners in under-resourced schools

For many of these recipients, this was their first opportunity to own a Bible.

More than numbers – lives transformed

While the numbers are significant, they tell a much bigger story.

They represent:

• A learner discovering hope through Scripture
• A prisoner encountering God’s grace
• A family reading the Bible together for the first time

Through every Bible distributed, the Word of God is bringing light, hope and transformation where it is most needed.

A shared mission

This work would not be possible without the faithful support of donors, churches and partners who share the vision of making the Bible accessible to all.

Together, we are ensuring that God’s Word continues to reach every corner of South Africa – across myriad languages, cultures and communities.

As Scripture reminds us:
In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In the Word was life, and this life was a light for the world’s people. John 1:1,4 (Essential English Version)

Your support makes this mission possible. As we look ahead, we remain committed to expanding access to the Bible so that even more people can encounter its life-changing message.

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