The story of Art Borden’s life reads like an impressive resume of international Christian ministry.

From establishing national Bible Societies in seven Latin American countries to holding various leadership positions at American Bible Society to serving as president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Art has labored tirelessly to strengthen God’s Kingdom around the world.

But for Art, genuine Christian service is not defined by a list of spiritual accolades; it is defined by a simple and humble obedience to the will of God.

“If it’s worth my time, it’s worth some of my money.”

“I believe that Christian service is being whatever God has called you to be and doing it to honor and serve the Lord,” says Art. “One can be a truck driver, surgeon, entrepreneur, waitress, pastor, teacher, et cetera and be in Christian service.”

Reflecting on what motivated his own lifetime of Christian service, Art sees this rather simple obedience at work. “There was no bolt of lightning,” says Art. “I just had these opportunities to go out and serve, so I went out and did it.”

Despite the breadth of his lifelong ministry, Art’s work for American Bible Society kindled a unique passion for the way God’s Word reaches communities around the world. “I learned in the Bible Society that God is working in so many ways and in so many places and with so many different groups,” says Art. “I learned to have respect for all kinds of people.”

Throughout his life, Art has not only given his time and energy to sharing the Bible with countries around the world; he has generously supported American Bible Society with his finances. “If I can’t contribute to the organization that I work for, then I should not be working for them,” he explains. “If it’s worth my time, it’s worth some of my money.”

After working tirelessly since the end of World War II, Art retired in 2011. Today he and his wife, Alice, reside in Harrisonburg, Virginia; they enjoy spending time with their 13 grandchildren. But while Art’s career has slowed down, his zeal for international Bible ministry has only grown stronger with time.

“We should have enough faith to trust the Scriptures to reach men and women,” says Art, reflecting on the work of American Bible Society. “Get the Scriptures into their hands and trust God to change their hearts and change their lives.”