Through crisis and disaster, millions of people have been comforted by God’s Word thanks to a world-wide network of around 150 independent Bible Societies in over 240 countries and territories called United Bible Societies (UBS). For 75 years, the mission of these Bible Societies has been to make the life-giving words of the Bible available to everyone. Today’s UBS is built on a legacy of faithfulness, courage, and sacrifice.

How it All Began

The Bible Society movement began in England in 1804 and quickly spread around the world. As more Bible Societies were formed, their leaders realized that they would be more effective in sharing God’s Word if they worked together. In July 1939, at the 125^th anniversary of the Netherlands Bible Society, several Bible Societies used the occasion to discuss global collaboration to which John Mott of American Bible Society remarked, “We should only impoverish ourselves by standing alone.”

In May 1946, representatives from Bible Societies in 13 countries gathered at England’s Elfinsward retreat center. Less than a year after World War II, and convinced more than ever of the “need of the world for the Word of God,” delegates agreed to form United Bible Societies. Today, UBS is the largest translators and distributors of Scripture on the planet.

Shining Hope into All Corners of the World

People everywhere are searching for meaning and hope. The Bible is the answer. UBS is committed to ensuring that everyone has a chance to engage its life-transforming message. They have translated the entire Bible into the languages of more than half of the world’s population. That’s around 70 percent of all Bible translations that exist today. In the last five years, Scripture has been translated in 270 languages used by more than 1.7 billion people around the world.

Whether it’s a community in Eretria who recently received the New Testament in their language, a man who learnt to read and write through a Bible-based literacy class in rural Cambodia, or Syrian children who found healing through Bible-based trauma healing groups, God’s Word is transforming lives. And we have Bible Societies to thank for that.

But this critical work needs your prayers. Many Bible Societies are underfunded, understaffed, and face constant pressures, both physical and spiritual. Let’s join our hearts in prayer for UBS to continue to be successful in sharing the light of God’s Word with the world.

Let’s Pray Together

Father, thank you for faithfully providing, protecting, and blessing Bible Societies around the world for 75 years. We ask you to continue to use UBS to reach the unreached, those who don’t know Jesus. Bless the work of their hands and protect each and every worker. Amen.