Bible League International, WBTC merge to bolster global Bible translation, distribution
Two Bible organizations have joined forces to maximize on their strengths and expand and consolidate their ministry of bringing the Bible to people all around the world.
Bible League International (which has focused on Bible distribution since 1939) and World Bible Translation Center (which has been in operation since 1973) have agreed to merge in order to enhance one another’s strengths and enlarge the ministry’s power in distributing the Bible globally.
The merging of these two organizations with complementary strengths is expected to impact largely in fulfilling the Great Commission to ensure that the gospel reaches even the most remote corners of the world.
Literacy, digital technology
The merge, which is expected to take off next month, will focus on expanding its literacy program globally. It will also enlarge its use of the latest digital delivery technology, which is especially helpful in remote areas of the world.
BLI CEO Robert T. Frank said collaborating with other Christian organizations who share the same mission is a direction that will be strongly pursued by the merged organization in the 21st century.
“This merger will strengthen operations for both of our ministries, increasing the tools available to reach the three global audiences we share: the poorest of the poor, the persecuted church and those walking in darkness,” Frank said.
With the new merge, BLI will work in administration, international relationships, and field networking. WBTC will continue with producing Bible translations that are easy to read, in different languages and dialects. It will also work in the printing and distribution of each Bible translation.
In this way, people can better know Jesus and comprehend His life-changing power in their lives. WBTC President Eric Fellman said, “We will do this through Bible translation, training and publishing of Scripture materials so that people prepared by the Holy Spirit will be brought into God’s community through Jesus Christ.”
BLI’s Frank will be the Global CEO and WBTC’s Fellman will be president of both agencies. WBTC will be a ministry of BLI.
“These are exciting days to be involved in the ministry … there are amazing new opportunities on the horizon, and our partnership with WBTC allows us both to take advantage of these more quickly, to see more hearts transformed by the power of the Gospel.”
“God has been leading us into this relationship for many months. We believe His hand is in it, and we look forward to seeing what He will accomplish through our combined efforts,” Fellman said.
BLI was founded by William Chapman in 1939. By 1989 it went global and has specialized in bringing the Bible to persecuted people around the world. Some 27 million globally have through its work been led into Bible studies, and five million into church memberships. Its outreach has extended to 700 language groups.
WBTC has since 1973 pursued its vision to translate the Bible in a clear and simple way into all the languages of the world. It has distributed over 19 million Bibles and New Testaments, as well has supplied online portions of Scripture, including downloads from the internet, in tens of millions.