Like many in her nation, Gloria*, who lives in a small mud hut, knew poverty all too well. At the age of 35, she also knew heartache. All three of her children died. She says, “My life was miserable indeed! We were living under the domination of Satan.”

Gratefully, a neighbor talked to Gloria about Jesus and she began attending a Bible Society literacy ministry nearby. There she received her very first Bible in her heart language of Fon.

“I felt very happy to get the complete Word of God in my language,” said Gloria. “It became my companion every day. This Fon Bible is assurance, a guarantee for my life, because I no more need an interpreter to explain verses to me before I understand.”

Gloria’s entire life has changed since receiving her Bible in this recently translated language. “With the Fon Bible, I have light. Without that Bible … my life would dwell in darkness.”

So many people in Benin are desperate for the hope that only God’s Word can provide. A high percentage of the population lives in poverty, and the dire situation has led to a rise in human trafficking and terrible living conditions for so many like Gloria.

That’s why American Bible Society’s First Bible Initiative is so important. Through the support of our financial partners, we are making sure “that the Word of God is getting into some of the toughest places on Earth where poverty exists,” said a leader at American Bible Society. God’s Word provides a light in the darkness.

But so many people like Gloria still do not have the full Bible translated into their heart language. The gifts of American Bible Society’s financial partners will help us continue to reach those who hunger to know and understand God’s love.

*Name changed to protect privacy.