An introduction from Grant

Thomson CEO, Bible Society Australia

Dear Friends,

It is my great pleasure to introduce to you Bible Society Australia's 2023 Project Prospectus. This prospectus outlines the Bible projects we will be focussing on this year as we continue to carry out our mission of Opening The Bible to all people, everywhere, ensuring that as many people as possible have access to the Bible and its lifetransforming message.

As we look forward to the year ahead, we are filled with hope for the future of our work in Australia and beyond. Our commitment to Opening The Bible with those who need it most remains unwavering, and we are excited to continue our efforts to translate, engage, advocate, and distribute the Bible to all people, everywhere.

In Australia, we remain committed to providing access to the Bible in people’s heart languages and in a format that is meaningful to all who desire to hear God’s message. We will continue to work with communities across the country to ensure that the Bible is available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work around the world in countries in South East Asia, the Oceania region, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, China and other areas will continue to be a priority for us. We are supporting Language projects in Vietnam, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, the South Pacific and Sri Lanka, seeing the Bible translated into heart languages, accessible to all cultures. Our Bible Engagement projects will continue to connect God’s word to people’s hearts in practical ways, with literacy and trauma-based healing programs in countries such as Syria, Slovenia, Cameroon and Laos helping people connect with the Bible and apply its teachings to their lives. Our Advocacy work will involve partnering with less well-resourced Bible Societies around the world, such as the ArabIsraeli Bible Society in Galilee, supporting them as they work to maintain a core presence and advocate for the relevance and truth of the Bible in their cultures. Finally, our Distribution work, in partnership with Bible Societies in countries such as China, Vietnam and Ukraine, will make the Bible available to everyone, everywhere, at a price they can afford — including free of charge.

As we embark on this new year, I am reminded of the words of Isaiah 55:11: "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it." We are confident that our work in 2023 will be fruitful, and that the Bible will continue to transform lives and communities around the world.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to what the year ahead holds.

Wishing you God’s every blessing,

Grant Thomson CEO, Bible Society Australia