The Bible in Brazil - #235

ISSUE 235 – April-June 2012 – Year 64

Bible Society of Brazil

Although Bible Society of Brazil has reached the unprecedented world milestone of 6.78 million Bibles distributed, there is still a lot to be done to make the Word of God reach everyone.

P rayer

Calendar

All Over Cuba Wide distribution of Holy Scriptures all over the country is the main challenge of Bible Commission of Cuba.

Photo: UBS

The main challenge in Cuba is to make the population–of over 11 million people–of this Caribbean country closer to the Word of God. There are 58 Christian denominations there and the needs of those churches regarding biblical literature is met exclusively by the Bible Commission of Cuba (BCC), a member of the United Bible Societies. In order to satisfy the demand for Scriptures, BCC works on a project-by-project basis, but lacks the financial resources to expand its work across the archipelago, which consists of 1,500 islands. “Working on entre project-byproject basis has been instrumental in the process of making the Cuban people closer to the Scriptures,” reveals Mr. Alain Montano Hernández, the organization’s General Secretary.

Thanks to this approach, different segments of the population are being reached with God’s Word, including young people and the hard of hearing. “The year of 2012 is full with expectations and challenges. We plan to distribute Scriptures specially developed for children and teenagers, in addition to organizing Bible and Lectio Divina workshops, as well as providing the Catholic audience with Scriptures,” celebrates the General Secretary, pointing out that they already have the necessary funds for these projects. Another important pilot project is the translation of the Bible into the Cuban Sign Language.

One of the major support points of the projects is to make audiences interact with the Holy Bible. “They have been fundamental to make the Cuban population closer to the Word of God,” stresses Mr. Hernández. The children’s festivals are one of the examples he mentions. “The activities are developed to make children attend church with their parents, who are mostly not Christians, and they invite their

2

little friends to participate for the first time,” he tells. There will be clown performances telling amusing biblical stories, and interactive and memorization games based on the Bible.

“After this experience with their kids, 45% of the parents start to attend church,” he says with excitement.

Those who think that there are restrictions on Scriptures distribution in Cuba, since it is a socialist republic, are wrong. In fact, the main difficulties are faced in obtaining the necessary financial resources, they are not political. “This has been a highly controversial and debatable issue because there are a lot of myths about the access of Cubans to the Bible,” explains the Secretary.

Therefore, the people of Cuba are very interested in acquiring the Holy Bible, however, the shortage of materials does not allow BCC to meet the entire demand. For example, the organization does not have copies of the Holy Book to distribute to public libraries, which every year make such requests. “Unfortunately, we have to turn down those requests in order to favor the newly converted Christians who, most times, have to read Bibles very damaged due to continued use,” reveals the General Secretary.

The organization uses creativity to overcome such a big obstacle. “Last year, for example, we introduced the Family Bible, even though the book had not arrived in the country yet.

Furthermore, we organized youth groups with the H2O Bible, and distributed a copy to every 10 young people,” he tells.

BCC does not print Scriptures in Cuba. In 2011, they found an alternative solution to this problem through a partnership with a government publishing house that published the book “Proverbs of Salomon.” Featuring a contemporary language, the publication reached a distribution of 3,500 copies during Havana International Book Fair and through bookstores in the country.

According to Mr. Hernández, BCC has been accomplishing its mission of distributing the Bible to Cubans by encouraging them to have faith in the future. “The commitment of the Bible Commission is to convey the message of Christian faith, love and hope to the Cuban people, in any circumstances faced by the nation. We have the conviction that ‘the word that I speak— it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do’ (Isaiah 55:11).”

Bernt Olsen, missionary and Bible Society of Norway’s Fund-Raising Director, delivers a New Testament to a Cuban girl, with Alain Montano Hernández (left), Bible Commission of Cuba’s General Secretary.

The Bible in Brazil

in

A ction

Photo: SBB File

B ib le

The Bible in Prisons Arrives in Porto Alegre Bible Society of Brazil launched, on February 29, the project The Bible in Prisons in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, in an event held at Encontro da Fé Evangelical Church.

Part of The Bible and Peace program, the initiative will be implemented in state prisons through a partnership agreement signed with Rio Grande do Sul’s Department of Prisons (SUSEPE). The expectation, over the next three years, is to assist almost 100% of the State’s prison population, or approximately 34 thousand people, including inmates, family members and prison guards, in over 90 prisons. In this first year of partnership, the project will be implemented in 12 prisons in the Greater Porto Alegre area.

According to Ms. Emilene Araújo, SBB’s Social Outreach Manager, the implementation of this project in the State of Rio Grande do Sul’s entire prison system is a great challenge, because it will be the first time the organization will be in charge of training the visitors. “SBB was approached by SUSEPE to lead this project because of its excellent relationship with several Christian denominations. This could be felt during the launch ceremony, which was attended by approximately 180 pastors from 35 religious denominations. With everyone joining forces, it will be possible to bring the Word of God to inmates, thus fostering biblical values and encouraging a culture of peace,” says the Manager.

In addition to distributing biblical materials, SBB will be in charge of training the volunteers. For this step of the project, the organization will be supported by Churches–that will select the participants–and the Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), which will provide Theology students for the training. The training sessions shall start in April in order to teach volunteers how to use the Bible Portion “Come and See.” This booklet contains the full text of the Gospel of John, in the New Translation in Today’s Language (NTLH), published by SBB.

3

During the project presentation in Porto Alegre, Mr. Eude Martins, SBB’s Special Projects Adviser, explained how the material will help with the evangelization. “The Bible Portion will be part of a devotional study that will help readers understand who is Jesus Christ and motivate them to follow him, by trusting him as their Lord and Savior. The goal of this study is to encourage self-reflection among inmates and help them to examine passages contained in the publication, in order to associate them to their personal experiences,” explains Mr. Martins.

In addition to the Gospel of John, SBB will prepare a kit for each prisoner containing the New Testament in the New Translation in Today’s Language and other Bible Portions. Each penitentiary will also receive a study and research kit, as well as Study Bibles for those interested in a more detailed search for knowledge. On visiting days, there will be supplementary work with the families of inmates, especially on commemorative dates. Bible Portions, like the booklet “Families Hanging by a Thread,” will be distributed.

New Methodology SBB is now being supported by different religious denominations in order to implement the methodology of The Bible in Prisons project in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. Previously, SBB’s role was developing and distributing proper biblical literature to this audience, leaving the work of spiritual assistance to the partner institutions.

“This is a new phase of the project, in which SBB participates in every step, from the development of the plan of action to the distribution of biblical literature.

We’ll not follow a specific religious trend, since the focus is on God’s Word and in rehabilitating inmates through it,” concludes the Social Outreach Manager.■

The Bible in Brazil

C over

A Record and a Challenge

Bible Society of Brazil reaches the unprecedented world milestone of 6.78 million Bibles distributed in 2011, but knowing there is still a lot to be done to make the Word of God reach everyone.

After reaching, in May, the historic milestone of 100 million Bibles produced since the establishment of the Bible Printing Press, Bible Society of Brazil (SBB) closed 2011 setting another record: 6,783,255 full Bibles distributed to the Brazilian population, 14.54% more than in 2010. “We thank God and ask Him to guide us in this mission, because there is still a lot of work to be done,” says Mr. Rudi Zimmer, SBB’s Executive Director. “The Word of God is more and more necessary in our world, particularly for people in situations of social risk, whose lives are transformed through the biblical message,” he adds.

According to him, the numbers of 2011 are an unequivocal demonstration of two factors: firstly, the relevance of the Bible today, contradicting predictions that it would be outdated in the 21st Century. “This distribution is a testimony given by millions of people that the Word of God is very precious and relevant to them,” he says. The second factor is the confirmation

4

that SBB’s strategy of working in different fronts and in partnerships with Christian churches and institutions is the correct one. “We work without losing sight of the mission of spreading the Bible and its message to everyone, in a language people can understand and for a price they can afford. We also invest in expanding our outreach programs and developing new donors and volunteers,” explains the Executive Director.

“We’ll continue on this path because there is still a lot to be done. One of our goals is that every Brazilian teenager has his/her own copy of the Bible when they turn 15 years old. Therefore, we’ll have to double the distribution numbers.”

The sum of all kinds of biblical literature distributed

by SBB in 2012–New Testaments, Bible Portions (booklets containing parts of the biblical text, such as the Gospels), and Bible Selections (pamphlets containing selected biblical texts)–is more than 242 million copies, of which 26.3 million copies, that is, more than 10%, reached

The Bible in Brazil

Photos: SBB File

SBB develops specific publications for different audiences.

people through the organization’s outreach programs.

“Although those figures are impressive, they make SBB’s major shortfall apparent. There are millions of people–sick, victims of disasters, prison inmates, substance abusers, among others–who need the Word of God and still cannot afford a copy of the Bible, or simply do not have access to one. We must join forces and work together to bring the Bible and its liberating message to all of them,” ponders Mr. Erní Seibert, SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary.

The celebration of this new record and the growth of almost 3% in free distribution is a special moment to thank churches and volunteers that, year after year, are highly dedicated to the task of bringing the Word of God to all audiences. “As founders of SBB, the churches have been strengthening the institution they created.

And the volunteers do a superb job. In addition to donating funds, they go to prisons and hospitals, attend social mobilizations, and visit places where people need the Word of God,” stresses Mr. Seibert.

Focus on Outreach Programs In the next few years, SBB will intensify its actions to expand the distribution of the biblical message through outreach programs in order to reduce the shortages affecting the audiences that most need assistance. The estimate is that–even with

5

the growth achieved over the last years–just 5% of people hospitalized and in prisons have received a biblical publication during the year. “Certainly, churches and Christians, knowing the challenges we have ahead of us, will support SBB with their offers, so that all those audiences can receive a copy of the Holy Scriptures,” says Mr. Seibert, while announcing new plans. One of them targets the expansion of biblical literature distribution in the North Region from the recently opened Manaus Regional Unit.

Other programs being improved are those targeting families and children at school age.

“We’ll continue, through the Regional Offices, to strengthen relationships with churches by providing them with the Word of God, so that the biblical message can reach the most distant places, and we’ll get even closer to bookstores and colporteurs, in addition to expanding the work developed by the institutional promoters,” complements Mr. Marcos Gladstone, SBB’s Coordination of Regional Offices’ Secretary.

According to him, the Internet will be a great ally in 2012. In addition to the retail online store, SBB launched in late 2011 an exclusive wholesale store for bookstores, colporteurs and churches.

Manaus Regional Unit started 2012 working in the distribution of Scriptures to the Amazonian population. The Bible Boat was totally refurbished,

The Bible in Brazil

Bible Printing Press: Scriptures in different formats, at affordable prices.

and has a bookstore and a Bible Museum.

Therefore, it will bring Bibles with special prices to riverside communities, in addition to spreading biblical culture and stories. In the other extreme of the country, Porto Alegre Regional Unit will be expanded with special focus on the development of outreach programs. Recife Regional Office will go through the same process. “The record reached this year makes our challenge even bigger. While there are people, families, lives needing access to the Holy Scriptures, we’ll be working, with the grace of God and a lot of dedication, to sow the Word of God,” guarantees Mr. Gladstone.

Special Publications SBB’s strategy also takes into account the development of specific titles targeting several different audiences, including those assisted by the outreach programs. The launch of thematic, study, children’s Bibles, as well as Bibles in indigenous languages and diversified formats, was intensified in the past few years and helped to strengthen the relationship of Brazilians with the Holy Book.

According to Mr. Paulo Teixeira, SBB’s Translation & Publications Secretary, outreach programs were very important in this process because they became a source of inspiration and constant challenge to SBB’s publishing professionals. “In order to meet specific demands, they have created, for example, Bible Portions, which are very successful. We were fortunate, for the development of such publications, to count on the love of Christians who deal with those themes, and, therefore, have both skills and experience to apply God’s Word in a relevant way to people facing difficult moments,” says Mr. Teixeira.

Among the different titles, he highlights publications for families in crisis, such as “Families Hanging by a Thread,” “A Plea for Help” and “God Talks to the Family;” portions for the program The Bible in Hospitals, like “In Bed with Infirmity” and “Psalms for the Sick; and portions targeting the recovery of substance abusers, like “Back to God” and the Life Recovery Study Bible, in addition to the series of Biblical selections Ethics & Citizenship, which features biblical texts targeting topics like work, honesty, alcoholism and respect.

“This segmentation made it possible to offer and apply the biblical message in a way that it’s welcomed by a given audience. It’s just like prescribing a specific medicine for each illness,” explains Mr. Paulo Teixeira, pointing out that this is a ongoing work.

In order to support SBB’s mission, the Bible Printing Press continuously invests in equipment.

Therefore, it expands both production and formatting and binding options, thus meeting the specifications of new products, such as the first Bible in Braille in Portuguese. And, in 2012, new investments will be made. “We’ll install a new rotary press, 100% dedicated to the production of Study and giant print Bibles, which will enable to more than double the production of these types of Bibles,” announces Mr. Celio Emerique, Bible Printing Press’ General Manager.

And, also in 2012, SBB will open a new Distribution Center in an area of approximately 21,500 sq. ft., which will enable swifter services, thus reducing delivery deadlines and minimizing stock problems.

C over

A large part of the publications distributed by SBB is available for subsidized prices or is offered for free to the populations benefited by the outreach programs developed by the organization.

They include programs like Light in Brazil, The Bible for the Disabled, The Bible in Hospitals, The Bible in Schools, and Partner in Evangelism. The latter is carried out by volunteers, who, in 2011, distributed 231.4 million Bible Selections. And, in order to accomplish the mission of bringing the Word to everyone, SBB is also supported by people who donate financial resources and help to develop this wonderful biblical work. To them, the main motivation is knowing that, thanks to their donations, another life can be transformed. And those who receive the Word through such programs give testimonies of their strength.

Ms. Julite Pires Costa, Christian, retired, resident in Belém (Pará), makes donations for about 20 years to the Partner in Evangelism and Light in Amazonia programs. “I started to donate because I felt like contributing to help the work of evangelizing peoples grow more and more. As I don’t consider myself talented to do evangelization work, I contribute so that people engaged in it can do even more.”

One of the benefited by those funds is Ms. Carla Munique Francês Claudino, also from the State of Pará, who had her first contact with the Bible through The Bible in Hospitals program. “I was tending to a relative hospitalized, and I received a Bible through the Chaplaincy. Since that moment, it has been instrumental to me by helping me make decisions and accept the daily challenges.”

The businessman Mr. Eder Vianna makes regular donations for over 50 years. “I consider it very important. I think that we, people blessed by the Word, must contribute to expanding this possibility to other people. We are blessed to bless.” Mr. Carlos de Oliveira Nascimento, who is visually impaired and a student and teacher at Institute for the Blind of Londrina (State of Paraná), agrees with the businessman. Therefore, in addition to being benefited, he is also a multiplying agent of the access to the Word. He receives, free of charge, biblical

7

materials in Braille and audio from SBB, and shares them with his friends. “Hearing the Bible made me understand better the meaning of God’s message. I try to share the materials I receive with others. It’s my way of contributing and exalting this important work developed by SBB.” Ms. Ruth Klemz, businesswoman from the hospitality industry in Blumenau (State of Santa Catarina), thinks everyone who can has the duty of contributing. She donates regularly, every two months.

“It was God who gave me conditions to be able to help SBB bring the Word to those without access to it. We’re here to help the work of Our Lord, and, therefore, we must collaborate with each other.”

Mr. Jorge Alencar, currently a Pastor with the United Presbyterian Church of Bom Sucesso (State of Rio de Janeiro), was benefited when he was a drug dealer. After his conversion, he started to work as an evangelizer.

“When I read the Old Testament, I instantly knew that I would find a new path for my life in that book. And it really happened. Today, I thank SBB for the work that allows poor people to have access to the Word with free or low cost materials. I also help by distributing Bibles and pamphlets, and working at my Church together with my brothers and sisters.”

It was by reading the Life Recovery Study Bible– distributed by SBB free of charge through Social Institute for Assistance & Support to Citizens, in Rio de Janeiro–that Mr. Felipe Renato, a former substance abuser, found the strength to overcome his addiction. “When I received my first Bible I could immerse myself into that knowledge and seek the truth. It contains explanations to help us fight the affliction of drugs that is always trying to come back.

But, with the strength of God’s Word, I continued with the treatment, and today I’m studying to be a teacher. I’ll get there for the honor and glory of Our Lord!”■

The Bible in Brazil

A nniversary

64 Years for the Word On June 10, Bible Society of Brazil celebrates one more anniversary by launching a fund-raising campaign focused on its outreach Bible translation programs.

On June 10, Bible Society of Brazil (SBB) completes another year dedicated to promoting the Bible and its message to all people. This challenging mission has been reaping good fruits, such as the more than 100 million Bibles and New Testaments produced by the Bible Printing Press and the record number of Bibles distributed in 2011 (read cover story). However, SBB knows that such results are still small in light of the grandeur of the Bible work. “There are millions of people who still don’t know or don’t have access to the Word of God,” says Mr. Erní Seibert, SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary. It is moved by this feeling that the organization celebrates its anniversary by launching a national fund-raising campaign focused in its outreach and Bible translation programs.

“Our focus will be on the programs The Bible for the Visually Impaired and Light in Amazonia,” says Mr. Mário Rost, SBB’s Institutional Development Manager and coordinator of the campaign. These programs will be causes for special celebrations this year. The first one for two reasons: in 1962, 50 years ago, the first fund-raising campaign to bring Scriptures in Braille and in audio to the blind was launched–at the time, passages of the

Scriptures were recorded on LPs–, and, on November 30, SBB will celebrate a decade of the launch of the first full Bible in Braille in Portuguese. The year of 2012 is also a historic milestone for the Light in Amazonia program: half-century ago–on December 8, 1962–the first boat was launched to assist Amazonian riverside communities.

“By completing so many years of outreach and spiritual work targeting those audiences, we want to draw the attention of all Brazilians to those segments of the population. Although the world has evolved a great deal, those people still need the comfort and guidance of God’s Word in their lives. Therefore, we invite all Christians to help us continue and expand this work,” urges Mr. Seibert.

The annual campaign will also highlight the Holy Bible translation programs. “It’s through them that the biblical message can touch people in the language that speaks to their hearts,” observes Mr. Rost. One of such programs is the Bible in LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language), which this year will have its first publications, inspired by SBB’s acclaimed Adventures of the Bible series, in addition to translations into immigration and Brazilian indigenous languages, like Hunsrik, Pomeranian and Karajá, whose publications are scheduled for this year.

P a rtn e rsh ip

Brazilians Living in the USA Are the Target Audience of a Program American Bible Society and Bible Society of Brazil get together to offer the Word of God in Portuguese to this audience, estimated today in about 2 million people.

Brazilians living in the United States, estimated in two million people, are the target audience of a special program developed by the American Bible Society (ABS), and supported by Bible Society of Brazil (SBB): Ministry with Brazilians. Launched on January 6, 2012, at ABS’ headquarters, its goal is to make the Holy Scriptures available in Portuguese to Brazilians living in the United States. The program’s introduction ceremony, in addition to ABS’ President, Lamar Vest, and SBB’s Executive Director, Rudi Zimmer, was attended by Brazil’s Consul General in New York, Ambassador Luiz Felipe de Seixas Corrêa, and the Adjunct Consul General, Minister Wladimir Valler Filho.

“To bring the Word of God to everyone, for a price they can afford and in a language they understand was the motivation that prompted Bible Society of Brazil and the American Bible Society to establish this partnership. Our goal is to make sure that the Holy Scriptures are also available in Portuguese to those who speak this language and live in the United States,” tells Rudi Zimmer, SBB’s Executive Director. The partnership established by the organizations from both countries is managed by a Brazilian: Lécio Dornas, who will visit communities of Brazilians in the United States to check the demand for Scriptures that must be met.

We have prepared a catalog listing the different editions of the Holy Book that can be acquired in order to make the search for biblical titles in Portuguese available in the U.S. easier: Bibles, Study Bibles, academic publications, thematic Bible Portions, among others. Furthermore, there is a phone number in the United States (1-855-3BRASIL), with Portuguese-speaking operators, fully dedicated to receive orders of biblical literature. The website www.bibles.com thas a special section with biblical materials in Portuguese.

The Ministry with Brazilians will also include other activities promoting the Holy Book and its message to Portuguese speakers, such as Biblical Sciences Seminars, activities to encourage Bible reading, and campaigns to raise funds for the Bible Cause.

SBB’s Executive Director points out that immigrants, in the Bible, are the main characters of several stories.

“To name just a few of such characters, we can mention Abraham, Ezra, the apostle Paul, and even Jesus’ family.

Giving attention to migrants and foreigners is part of the biblical guidance. The goal of the Ministry established by both Bible Societies is to reach this audience with the message of God’s Word.” ■

Biblical Sciences Seminar in New York

The first edition of the Biblical Sciences Seminar, targeting Brazilian Christian leaders living in the United States, was held on January 9 and 10, 2012, at the First Portuguese Speaking Baptist Church of Astoria, New York. The event is integrated to the activities of the

9

Ministry with Brazilians. During the event, participants attended six lectures delivered by Mr. Rudi Zimmer; Mr. Erní Seibert, SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary; Mr. Vilson Scholz, SBB’s Translation Consultant; and Mr. Lécio Dornas.

The Bible in Brazil

W orld

The Word of God in 2,539 Languages Scripture Language Report presents the advances in the translation area worldwide, whose goals are to make the biblical message accessible to everyone, in a language that speaks to their hearts.

10

the Americas 515 translations have been made. Countries of Oceania have 449 translations, and Europe has 210.

And there are three publications in constructed languages, like, for example, Esperanto. The report does not include only translations made by the United Bible Societies. It features Scriptures translated and published by several organizations. The objective is to showcase a worldwide panorama of the work that has been done to spread the biblical message. In addition to publications in their first editions, the report also shows the growth, year by year, of revisions and new editions, which indicates the efforts made by organizations involved in constantly updating the language and improving the publications.

Highlights During the biennium 2010/2011, six publications in languages from India, including four New Testaments and one full Bible, are worth mentioning among the 30 publications in languages without a previous Bible

The Bible in Brazil

Photo: UBS

In order to accomplish the mission of increasing the access to the biblical text, Bible Societies from all countries, as well as other organizations dedicated to Bible translation, are working in partnerships with missionary institutions and translators to produce every year Scriptures in languages from all continents. In the last two years there was an expressive advancement in this work with the publication of 30 new editions of biblical text, including seven editions of the New Testament and ten editions of the full Bible. According to the Scripture Language Report (SLR), published by the United Bible Societies (UBS) based on information gathered by Bible Society of Brazil’s Bible Museum and UBS’ Bible department at the University of Cambridge, in England, until December 31, 2011, publications of Bible text have been registered in 2,539 different languages: 1,241 New Testaments, 823 Bible Portions, and 475 full Bibles. “We must thank God for the efforts made to translate the Word of God for all peoples worldwide. However, we must remember that there are more than 6,900 languages worldwide, and, therefore, numerous people still without access to the biblical message and values in a language that speaks to their hearts,” explains Erní Seibert, SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary and in charge of preparing the document.

Africa is the continent with more translations, 743 languages, followed

by Asia with 618. In

translation. Brazil also showed expressive results with the inclusion of three new publications. In South America, new publications were also launched in Colombia and Ecuador.

India, a continent-like country with a huge cultural and linguistic diversity, has been expanding the work of Bible translation in order to reach the hundreds of languages and dialects spoken in its territory. Bible Society of India (BSI) operates by encouraging partnerships and cooperation with Christian Churches and institutions, in addition to providing technical and publication support.

During the celebration of Bible Society of India’s 200th anniversary, in February 2011, the full Bible in Kashmiri was launched, a language spoken by about eight million people in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

The translation process began in 1995, when BSI, in collaboration with the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar, decided to support the work developed by a team led by Jim Borst, a Danish missionary.

The first result was launched after four years of hard work: the New Testament. But the mission was not accomplished yet. The goal was to translate the Old Testament as well based on a version in the KashmiriPersian language.

In Brazil–where approximately 185 languages are spoken by about 200 ethnic groups, including indigenous peoples and immigrant descendants–, SBB supports initiatives carried out by Christian organizations specialized in translating the biblical text, especially over the past ten years with several new releases. Titles were published in three languages for the first time in 2010

and 2011: Nadëb, Parakanã, and Tembé.

The organizations Evangelical Missionary Linguistic Association (ALEM) and SIL International (Brazil) were the partners of the most recent new release in Brazil with support from SBB: the New Testament in Tembé, which is being distributed since late 2011 to the community of Tekohaw village, located in Paragominas, State of Pará.

Chief Lourival Tembé touched everyone during the launch ceremony by confirming the relevance of the work carried out. “From now on, we have the Bible in our language so we can understand God’s things,” he said.

More than three thousand people participated in the parade that launched the Bible in Quechua Cañar, in March 2011, in Tambo and Cañar, known as Ecuador’s twin towns. It was a colorful party where Christians from this ethnic group celebrated the result of the translators’ hard work over two decades. More than 20 churches participated in the event, which was attended by representatives from organizations that supported the initiative, including Bible Society of Ecuador.

Together they covered the 6 miles from Tambo to Cañar. The dedication ceremony was held at the auditorium of a local school, where over one thousand people heard the story of this translation told by Dale Nesse, from the Lutheran Bible Translators, one of the people in charge of the work. At the end of ceremony there was a long line of people wanting to buy copies of the publication, showing in practice the sincere desire of the community to have the Bible in its mother tongue. ■

SUMMARY OF THE SCRIPTURE LANGUAGE REPORT 2011 Continent or Region Portions NTs Bibles

Total

Africa Asia Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Islands Europe North America Caribbean Islands / Central America / Mexico / South America Constructed Languages

227 207 138 107 41

334 265 271 41 30

182 146 40 62 8

743 618 449 210 79

101

300

36

437

2

0

1

3

TOTAL

823

1,241

475

2,539

11

The Bible in Brazil

Photo: Eduardo Cesar

R eg i o n a l O ffices

The Size of a Country Servicing the States of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, São Paulo Regional Office is é responsible for 20% of SBB’s Scriptures distribution.

Service Christians in the States of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul with quality and agility, respecting the cultural differences and covering the entire territory, from the Greater São Paulo area to the smallest and most distant town. This is the main mission of São Paulo Regional Office. Established in 1956 by Bible Society of Brazil (SBB), today it is responsible for 20% of Scriptures distribution made by the organization. In 2011, it made 1.2 million copies of Bibles reach the hands of Brazilians.

“As it’s located in the country’s most populous region, including Brazil’s main financial and business hub, this Regional Office faces huge challenges, most times bigger than those experienced by Bible Societies of many countries. With a staff that is skilled and, above all, committed to spreading the Word that transforms lives, the unit excels in every task undertaken, from establishing partnerships with churches to assisting people benefited by the outreach programs,” says Mr. Marcos Gladstone, Coordination of Regional Offices Secretary.

São Paulo Regional Office’s staff of 21 develop activities focused on one main objective: strengthen personal relationships with partners in both states, in order to cover their vast territories–over 230 thousand sq. mi.–with high quality services.

“In the Greater São Paulo area, due to its large concentration of people, we must have agility and flexibility, in servicing both our customers and our partners in the

outreach programs. At the same time, we must have more reach in order to be present in small towns, distant from our headquarters, and, sometimes, difficult to access. We must always provide different audiences with high quality services, by keeping close relationships and focusing on bringing the biblical message to everyone,” explains Mr. Humberto Marchi, SBB’s São Paulo Regional Secretary since 2008.

Strong Bonds Over the past few years, the Regional Office has been working in expanding relationships. The first step was strengthening the bonds with Churches, the basis of all the work developed by SBB. Gradually, the work was expanded to the partners in outreach programs, including hospital and prison chaplaincies, as well as therapeutic communities.

Simultaneously, new relationships were developed with students and leaders of seminaries and biblical institutes, colporteurs, booksellers, and other customers.

“This process reached a large number of donors as well. It’s also worth mentioning that São Paulo Regional Office has the largest network of donors and has been reaching excellent fund-raising results, especially through the programs Partner in Evangelism and Bible-a-Month Club,” stresses Mr. Gladstone.

One of the tools contributing to expand relationships is the project Institutional Promoter, created in 2010.

Photo: Eduardo Cesar

1

Photo: SBB File

The idea is to have professionals who leave the office to bring an integral knowledge of SBB and its mission to customers and partners. The results achieved are very good, and, this year, São Paulo Regional Office will have two institutional promoters working simultaneously on the field with churches, NGO’s, seminaries, Theology colleges, donors and bookstores.

“The results of actions at seminaries and Theology colleges are excellent. We have also built teams of collaborators trained to present the academic materials and deliver lectures at the institutions. We organized two Biblical Sciences seminars, one in São Paulo and another in Mato Grosso do Sul. Thanks to these activities, we were able expand our contacts with approximately 20 religious education institutions, which enabled us to introduce SBB’s products, outreach programs and fund-raising campaigns to over 2,500 students,” explains Mr. Marchi.

New Challenge The assistance provided by the outreach programs is another highlight of São Paulo Regional Office. The work carried out by the Social Outreach team includes from the registration and assessment of NGOs, to following up the results achieved with those benefited. The Bible in Hospitals is the program with the greatest impact in both states, followed by The Bible and the Family, The Bible for the Disabled, The Bible and Peace, The Bible in Schools, and The Bible and Culture.

In 2012, São Paulo Regional Office will start to promote the Light in Southeastern Brazil program within the State of São Paulo, which will be a new challenge for the area.

“We’ll offer medical and spiritual assistance, citizenship, education and culture to communities throughout the state. I’m sure it will be a significant milestone in consolidating the work already developed by SBB in other states in the Southeast of Brazil,” says the Coordinator of

2 1– Humberto Marchi and São Paulo Regional Office staff. 2 – Social Mobilization in Paraisópolis (São Paulo).

Regional Offices.

The Regional Office staff are already putting together a schedule of activities based on the experiences in other places and on the specific demands of the people of São Paulo. “I can say we’re looking forward to putting the plans into practice. We’ll work with a lot of dedication, and we believe that will reap very good fruits,” promises Mr. Marchi. ■

São Paulo Regional Office São Paulo Regional Office started its activities with an office and a warehouse, both in São Paulo’s Lapa district, on August 2, 1956. Currently its has 21 employees working in the administrative, sales, social outreach, institutional development, stock, and service areas in two brick-and-mortar stores, one call center and an online store Address & Phones: Av. Tiradentes, 1441 – CEP 01102-010 – Ponte Pequena – São Paulo – SP – Brazil Phone: (+55-11) 3245-8999 – Fax: (+55-11) 3245-8998..

13

The Bible in Brazil

São Paulo Regional Office services: São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul, states with 724 cities/towns, in a total area of 233,707 sq. mi., where more than 43.3 million people live.

B ib li c a l S ciences

Bible and Missions Eighth edition of the Biblical Sciences Forum, which will be held on June 21 and 22 in Barueri (State of São Paulo), will gather renowned international experts to discuss the theme.

SBB will organize on June 21 and 22 the 8th Biblical Sciences Forum, an event that gathers renowned experts, from several fields, to discuss a specific theme.

“Bible and Missions” was the theme chosen for this edition intending to focus on the Holy Bible from two aspects: as the text to study the missions; and

as a missionary tool. “The scholars invited to participate in this edition of the Forum will explain the relationship between the biblical text and the missions from the point of view of the church’s missionary effort,” observes Mr. Erní Seibert, SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary.

Open to teachers/professors and students of Theology, Religion Studies and Linguistics, as well as to other Bible scholars, religious leaderships and Christians in general, the event will be attended by representatives from several Brazilian and international institutions who will be able attend eight lectures. Check below the schedule of the event, which will take place at Barueri Event Center (State of São Paulo) from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.■

June 21 :: 2:30 p.m.: Opening :: 2:45 p.m.: Transcultural Aspects of Bible Translation and Missionary Work Paulo César Duarte de Oliveira: Missiology Coordinator for the Americas from ALEM (Evangelical Missionary Linguistic Association) and Wycliffe Global Alliance. :: 4:30 p.m.: Light in Amazonia: A Holistic Mission Program Acyr de Gerone Junior: SBB’s Regional Secretary in Belém (State of Pará); Master’s Degree in Education.

Marizete Lopes Andrade: SBB’s Regional Social Outreach Coordinator; Master’s Degree in Education. :: 6 p.m.: The Bible Cause in Brazil Edson de Faria Francisco: Linguist and professor from the Bible Department of São Paulo Methodist University; Doctor of Hebrew Language, and Jewish Literature and Culture.

Wilson Paroschi: Theologian and professor; Doctor of New Testament by Andrews University (USA). :: 8 p.m.: The Bible as Text for Missions Timoteo Carriker: Doctor of Philosophy; Master’s Degree in Theology and Divinity.

June 22 :: 2:30 p.m.: Opening :: 2:45 p.m.: Bible in Audio as a Missionary Tool Eude Martins: SBB’s Special Projects Adviser; and guests. :: 4:30 p.m.: The Bible for Audiences with Special Needs: 10 Years of the Bible in Braille and Launch of the Adventures of the Bible Series in Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS) Erní Seibert: Doctor of Religion Studies, and Master’s Degree in Theology; SBB’s Communications & Social Outreach Secretary. :: 6 p.m.: The Bible Cause Worldwide Esteban Voth: Theologian and Biblicist; Translation Coordinator for the Americas, United Bible Societies.

Elza Tamez: Theologian and Biblicist; United Bible Societies’ Translation Coordinator.

Daniel Gerber: United Bible Societies’ Translation Consultant. :: 8 p.m.: Bible Translation from the Missions Perspective Esteban Voth: Theologian and Biblicist; Translation Coordinator for the Americas, United Bible Societies.

SCHEDULE

14

The Bible in Brazil

M o v e m e nt

Everybody Together in this Team Fair Play Brazil calls Brazilian Christians to spread the Word of God during the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.

On April 24, Fair Play Brazil will be launched–a movement coordinated by Bible Society of Brazil (SBB) to create a huge mobilization of Christian athletes, churches and organizations to spread the biblical message and principles during FIFA World Cup of 2014 and the Olympic Games of 2016. “It’s a big challenge and a unique opportunity to sow the Word of God,” says Mr. Eude Martins, Fair Play Brazil General Coordinator and SBB’s Special Projects Adviser. The event will take place at the Presbyterian Cultural Center in São Paulo, at 7:30 p.m., and the goal is to introduce the main strategies to put God’s Word in evidence during both sporting competitions.

The objective is to mobilize Christian athletes, organizations and churches around Brazil, during FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games, to pray and work to promote the Bible in their cities and in places where the sporting events will take place; support the development of activities around the Word of God; encourage the participation of young Christians in the multiple official activities planned for the competitions by seizing the opportunities that will be created; and motivate volunteers who will work during the World Cup and the Olympic Games to make a daily contact with God’s Word.

“Christian athletes, churches, denominations and organizations that join Fair Play Brazil will be free to develop their own activities, but always according to established projects and objectives, and respecting the characteristics o each Christian organization and denomination,” explains Mr. Martins, pointing out that the idea is to constitute a Fair Play Brazil Reference Committee. “Everyone who is part of the Committee will receive a certificate ‘I Play for this Team’ demonstrating their commitment to participating in the movement,” he says.

In addition to this Committee, Fair Play Brazil has a Steering Committee formed by representatives from the following organizations: Bible Society of Brazil; Christian Athletes; Brazilian Sports Coalition; AMME Evangelization;

15

and National Evangelical Social Outreach Network.

SBB will organize activities to promote the movement and motivate those who join it to accomplish their objectives. “SBB will be a sort of hub to promote the activities developed by Fair Play Brazil partners, whose major tool will be the movement’s official website (www. jogalimpobrasil.org.br) ”, explains the Coordinator.

Fair Play Brazil activities will be promoted during three distinct moments: FIFA Confederations Cup, from June 15 to 30, 2013, which will serve as laboratory for subsequent activities; FIFA World Cup, from June 12 to July 13, 2014; and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, from August 5 to 21, 2016, and from September 7 to 18, 2016, respectively.

Inspiration Fair Play Brazil was inspired by the vision that made Apostle Paul go from Athens to Corinth (Book of Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 18), one of largest and busiest cities of the Roman Empire, where one of the most important periodic sporting events of the time took place, the Isthmian Games. There, Paul had the opportunity of announcing the Gospel with freedom, as well as reaching people from all over the world. The goal of the movement is to inspire Christian Churches and organizations to follow Paul’s example, and seize the opportunity to spread the biblical message to both the Brazilian population and visitors. The name chosen for the program, “Fair Play,” is widely used in the sporting world to deal with the issues of ethics, following rules, and the importance of respect among competitors. ■

The Bible in Brazil