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THE BIBLE SOCIETY IN THE GULF - BAHRAIN
A BRIEF HISTORYThe concept of a Bible Society has existed since 1710, when the von Canstein Bible Society was founded in Halle, Germany, for the purpose to supply the poor people of the local area with subsidized Bibles The British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS), founded in London in 1804 to increase the availability of Scriptures, first of all in Wales, quickly widened its missionary vision. BFBS soon had agents throughout the world, distributing Scriptures and establishing Bible Societies and agencies. The Bible distribution work in the Gulf dates back to 1820, when some missionary covered the region under the umbrella of American and British Bible Societies. On September 9, 1950, a group of Christian national leaders-clergy, businessmen and lawyers-formally organized Bible Society in Lebanon with the single –minded conviction that the widespread distribution of Scripture was the most effective and important mission of the organisation. In 1946 delegates from several national Bible Societies met at Haywards Heath, England where United Bible Societies (UBS) was founded on May 9. The UBS is a world fellowship of national, independent and autonomous member Societies. Each national Bible Society is rooted in the life of its own people and churches. The Bible Society in the Gulf is a member of UBS. MISSION STATEMENT The Bible Society’s mission is to publish and achieve the widest possible, effective and meaningful Distribution of the Holy Scriptures: -in a language and media which meets the needs of the people it serves. -at prices people can afford, -encouraging people to read the Scriptures and helping them interact with the Word of God. The Bible Society seeks to carry out its task in partnership and cooperation with all the Churches and with Christian organizations. THE ACTIVITIES OF A BIBLE SOCIETYThe Bible Society in the Gulf has two distribution out lets in Bahrain. We distribute Scripture in more than 44 languages and provide devotional, reference and Christian livings books in both shops. The Bible Society promotes regular consultation at a national level with representatives of churches And other Christian organizations, encouraging cooperation in providing the Holy Scripture to all the people in the country and in promoting their use. SCRIPTURE TRANSLATION- The Bible Society promotes clear and accurate translation of the Holy Scripture, which: - use a form of language which is understood and accepted by the audience for which they are intended - are faithful to the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek source texts as it would have been understood in its original text. SCRIPTURE PUBLISHING- In its role as a Scripture publisher, the Bible Society is required to: - carry out research to identify Scripture needs - plan and develop publications which meet the needs of specific audiences - ensure efficient production, storage and distribution of the Holy Scriptures. SCRIPTURE DISTRIBUTION- It is the aim of the Bible Society to make the Bible, the New Testament or parts of the Holy Scriptures available to everyone in the country in the most effective manner. FUNDRAISING - The Bible Society raises funds to support the Bible cause. The Bible Society exists to provide the Scripture for the people of its own country at a price they can afford. Every year Bible Society provides thousands of Bibles below the cost price for those who can not afford to pay the cost of the Bible. Financial support comes from individuals, national churches and congregations. VOLUNTEERS PROGRAM- The Bible Society encourages people who love the Bible to serve as volunteer workers. They have always played a vitally important, creative role in expanding the activities of the Bible Society. They can assist in many aspects of Bible Society work, such as distribution, promotion of the Bible cause, and fundraising. GET INVOLVED:- Pray for the ministry of the Bible Society - Share the Scripture with those who have not yet read or heard the gospel - Become a volunteer of the local Bible Society - Contribute financially to support the ministry of the Bible Society. Bible Society Locations:
American Mission Hospital
Tuesday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM St Christopher’s BookshopOpening Hours:
Tuesday- Sunday: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1, Manama, Bahrain
Tel:
17272249 Email: anupbsg@batelco.com.bh |
