Mary Jones was born Dec. 16, 1784. She lived in a small grey cottage in Wales. From a very early age, Mary attended church. At the front, the minister would open a large, black, leather-bound Bible and read. Mary marveled at the wonderful stories. One day after the service, Mary rushed up to her mother. “I must have a Bible, I must have a Bible!” she cried.

But Mary’s family was so poor, they could not afford a Bible. For six long years, Mary saved all she could doing odd chores for neighbors until she had enough money to buy a Bible. But the only place to buy a Bible was 25 miles from her home.

With her purse of money and some bread and cheese tied up in a bundle, she set off. Barefoot, Mary followed many paths, crossed valleys and streams, and found her way around hills. She finally found the home of Thomas Charles, a minister who sold Bibles.

“I’ve walked twenty-five miles to get here, I’ve saved up for six years to buy a Bible, I’ve got the money–please can I have a Bible?” said Mary.

Mr. Charles gave Mary some bad news. Every copy of the Bible he had was already sold but moved by her diligence in seeking a Bible he gave her one of his own.

The Bible for Everyone

It was Mary Jones’ need for a Bible that began a movement of Bible Societies around the world. Today, there are 150 Bible Societies working in more than 200 countries and territories to make the life-giving words of the Bible available to everyone.

Incredibly, since 2010, they have distributed 305 million full Bibles! In addition to Scripture distribution, Bible Societies also do Bible translation, offer Bible-based trauma healing, and promote Bible-based literacy.

And God is moving! From sparsely populated villages to bustling mega cities, and from dusty refugee camps to affluent suburbs, millions of lives are being touched by the inspiring messages of hope found in God’s Word. As God’s Word shines hope into all corners of the world, let’s thank him for:

• Impacting lives. In 2018, Bible Societies distributed 354.6 million Scriptures.

• Transforming communities. In 2018, Bible Societies completed Scripture translations in 66 languages used by 440 million people.

• Healing nations. In war-torn nations like Syria, Bible Societies are using God’s Word to heal the deep affects of trauma. Bible-based trauma healing is bringing God’s healing to 109 countries.

“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done.” (Psalm 9:1)