American Bible Society | 2013 Annual Report Stewardship

God’s Word Goes Forth p.11

Healing Trauma’s Wounds p.16

The Church’s One Foundation p.22

Opening God’s Word to the World A New Chapter in God’s Story Contents

Dear Friends, Now it is our turn. As I reflect on the past year at American Bible Society, I am Nearly, 2,000 years later, we are charged with continuing this 4 Provide consistently reminded of one thing: the urgency of the task before important work of opening hands, hearts and minds to God’s God’s Word for Millions Still Waiting us. Millions of people are waiting to hear God speak to them Word. I couldn’t be more excited to undertake this endeavor with through his Word. It is our responsibility—together with you, our our new president, Roy Peterson, and his wife, Rita. 6 extending Worldwide Reach partners—to be faithful to this call to open hands, hearts and Roy brings a wealth of experience and a passionate heart for 11 god’s Word Goes Forth minds to the Bible’s message of salvation. Bible ministry from his years as president and CEO of The Seed This task reminds me of a story near the end of the Gospel Company since 2003 and Wycliffe USA from 1997-2003. He of Luke. Jesus has returned to be with his disciples after the has served on the front lines of Bible translation in Ecuador and resurrection. While he is eating fish and talking with his disciples, Guatemala with Wycliffe’s partner he “opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.” Luke 24.45 organization SIL. (GNT) As he takes the helm of Amer- What happened next was a new chapter in God’s story of ican Bible Society, I am confident redemption. These disciples, equipped with understanding and that Roy will continue to lead 14 Restore insight from Scripture, went on to spread the Gospel throughout American Bible Society mission God’s Word Restoring Broken Lives the world and inaugurate a period of exponential growth in the of eternal importance with excel- Healing Trauma’s Wounds church. They changed the course of history. lence. Last year alone, we reached 16 nearly 49 million people with the 18 Renewing Hope at Home Gospel’s message through the We are pleased to welcome Roy Peterson as the new president and Holy Scriptures. People from all CEO of American Bible Society. Roy walks of life—and from every part is pictured here with his wife Rita. of the world—came to know God’s love for them. Through our programs and partnerships, we’ve helped sur- vivors of war and violence find healing. We’ve helped our military service members find hope on the front lines and at home. We’ve helped victims of natural disasters know that God is their shelter and their strength. And we’ve shown a skeptical generation that the Bible is the greatest love story ever told. On the following pages, we invite you to read the ways the Bible has helped so many people experience God’s love, healing and grace. The depth and breadth of his reach knows no bounds, and we see that daily in our work here at American Bible Society. Thank you for joining us in this important work. 20 Engage Blessings, God’s Word Transforming Church and Culture 22 the Church’s One Foundation 26 Honoring the Past, Securing the Future 30 advocacy: Creating Conversations 31 supporting Our Work Here and Abroad Pieter Dearolf 32 Financial Report Chairman of the Board of Trustees 34 Board Members American Bible Society 2 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 3 Provide GOD’S WORD FOR ALL PEOPLE

God’s Word brings hope to hard-to-reach places. It crosses barriers of geography, translation, oppression and injustice.

>> Lives impacted: 44,459,565

4 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 5 Extending Worldwide Reach

ecause of the faithful support THE CARIBBEAN assist the West Balkan Partnership of Bible of our partners American Bible God’s Word Empowering Women, Societies to encourage Bible engagement Society is helping to eradicate Protecting Children in their churches. This partnership serves Bible poverty in all its forms. as a catalyst through which the Bible BBy working closely with the global Bible Building on the success in Latin America, a Societies will deliver a series of programs Society fellowship, we focus on regions similar partnership involves the Caribbean that help church members rediscover their One in four Cambodians cannot read or of the world that desperately need Bible Societies: Suriname, Haiti, Nether- passion for God’s Word and its relevance write. But through Bible literacy programs, God’s Word. lands Antilles and West Indies. As with to today’s society. Specifically, the “I Read Cambodians can improve their reading skills Latin America, this cluster focuses on the the Word” campaign is encouraging thou- and engage with the Word of God. LATIN AMERICA power of God’s Word to address domestic sands of people to engage in a 30-day . God’s Word Combating violence. To that end, staff and volunteers Bible reading plan—followed by a 100-day Domestic Violence have partnered with churches and various plan—that will lead people to live out of current topics, are geared specifically nonprofit organizations to sensitize the the hope of Christ found in the pages of for young people who need to hear the God is changing lives in Latin America community through Scripture-based mate- Scripture. message of Christ. In addition, the Bible through the “Read to Live” literacy rials. They also are working with children, Society in Lebanon produced a “Year of program, which addresses the issue of women and the police to eradicate domes- LEBANON the Bible” docudrama that was broadcast domestic violence and empowers victims tic violence, and provide comfort and hope God’s Word On TV In The Middle East on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day last with Scripture-based tools adapted to their to victims. year. Combined, the productions reached reading levels. In a year marked by turbulence and change millions of viewers. These much needed literacy resourc- EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST, in the Middle East, the Bible Society of Cambodia is equipping churches with es were developed in partnership with five INDO CHINA Lebanon continued its production of “The CAMBODIA Scripture resources for youth, helping other Bible Societies: Bolivia, Chile, Ecua- Reading Plan Sparks Bible is Yours,” a series of 45-minute epi- God’s Word Changing Young Hearts them find value in God’s Word daily. dor, Panamá and Perú..In this program, Bible Engagement sodes broadcast on secular and Christian This past year, they reached out to participants learn to read and understand satellite TV across Lebanon and the Arab In Cambodia, 50 percent of the population more than 20,000 young people with what’s going on in their lives, while also We thank God for our global relationships world. is under age 25, and many have seen at- Scripture through youth camps, concerts, learning how to address the problems with Bible Societies around the world. Be- These programs, featuring testimo- tempts to eradicate their education and free- Bible Sunday, a digital Bible and the Bible associated with domestic violence. cause of our supporters, we were able to nies of cultural leaders and discussion dom. With God’s help, the Bible Society in Society’s website.

6 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 7 In Latin America, literacy classes addressing domestic violence should be offered to women and men in separate classes to prioritize women’s safety while discussing the topic.

Although Buddhism is the state religion in Cambodia, Churches in Latin America a small Christian community, should speak out against constituting 2 percent of the violence that destroys the lives population of 13.4 million God so lovingly created. people, is holding steady.

CHINA American Bible Society hosted a delega- Ma cares for elderly Ren’s Story Providing Bibles, Training tion from the Bishop’s Conference of the relatives and takes care Church Leaders Catholic Church in China/Chinese Catholic of her home while her God’s Word spreads in China Patriotic Association (CCPA). Bishop Guo husband is away, trying The people of China are so hungry for Jincai, vice president of the CCPA, led the to earn a living. But she Ren is a student at Henan Bible School—the only Bible school the Word of God. But they also need delegation.The group visited theological also travels hundreds in this province of more than 90 million people. Each year, the more trained church leaders to help them schools in Manhattan and Washington, of miles each week to share God’s Word. school has approximately 500 applicants, but they only have the understand and apply God’s Word. With D.C. to learn about programs and to as- capacity to enroll 100 students each year. the help of our supporters and a solid sess the possibility of a faculty exchange. For Ren, the training provided at Henan Bible School is relationship with the Chinese Church the Chinese pastors, priests and lay critical. He wants to return to the rural areas of the province where Bible is transforming the lives of millions of leaders face an urgent need for training, he grew up to teach God’s Word as a pastor. He knows that in Chinese Christians who long for the hope transportation and Scripture resources of the Gospel. including Bibles. order to do that, he needs this solid biblical teaching and Bible On Nov. 8, 2012, the Amity Printing With the help of our supporters, Amer- resources. With support from our dedicated partners, Henan Bible Company in Nanjing celebrated the print- ican Bible Society also provided pictorial School has been able to equip Ren for ministry. ing of its 100 millionth Bible. American Bi- Bible stories for children, as well as literacy ble Society was a major stakeholder in the training for adults, to help thousands of founding of Amity Printing Company, which Chinese learn to read and write using was established as a joint venture of the Scripture as the main text. Our priorities United Bible Societies and Amity Founda- in China remain steady: rural Bible distri- tion in 1988. Amity is the only government bution, paper subsidies for Bible printing authorized printer of Bibles in China. and Scripture provision to seminaries and Further deepening this significant schools. These efforts will continue to partnership with the Chinese Church, support the growth of the Chinese church.

8 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 9 End to End This program in Africa integrates The JESUS film, Faith Comes God’s Word by Hearing® listening groups and Bible distribution through our partners for one purpose: creating followers of Christ. A pilot program, now in its second year in Rwanda, has Goes forth borne great fruit.

248 or almost 200 years, American Bible Society has been passion- Listening groups formed ate about making the Scriptures available in every tongue, to Fevery nation on earth so that everyone 311 has access to the Good News of Christ. With the Bible Society fellowship Showings of The Jesus film and the Nida Institute, which is our Women are an extremely vulnerable group translation team, we advance global in India. Statistics show they are treated like translation, helping share the Word of second-class citizens, but at-risk women are God with all. 4,430 receiving the Scriptures, finding hope and Bibles distributed through the solace in God’s Word. CHINESE UNION STUDY Bible Society of Rwanda . BIBLE SERIES Translation Reaches Modern Readers INDIA nership with BSI, Bibles and age-appropri- God’s Word for Marginalized ate Scripture selections were distributed to Bible Translation requires communicating 67,646 Communities children through Vacation Bible Schools, across languages and cultures. Only when People grew in their Christian schools and orphanages. As people have access to God’s Word in their understanding of Christ and The Bible Society of India (BSI) is a strong a result, many children from other faiths heart language can they truly experience his message partner with rich history of excellent transla- attended and experienced the Gospel the fullness of the Bible. That’s why the tion work. In order to help them reach more message found in Scripture. Chinese Union Study Bible is so important. people with the hope of Jesus, American Ministering to marginalized communi- It overcomes cultural challenges by using Bible Society joined BSI in the inauguration ties, particularly to those who cannot afford three running Chinese Scripture texts and of its Shillong Translations Center by pro- Bibles, as well as the persecuted church, extensive translational, exegetical, cultural viding funding for much-needed building remains a priority. BSI also implemented and textual notes, along with color images, renovations. Shillong is located in North- programs for at-risk women, and distribut- maps and short articles. It also supplies east India where people speak numerous ed Bibles to sick people in hospitals. Scrip- questions for devotional reflection, as well minority languages. Of the 79 ongoing ture Portions reached not only the Christian as small group discussion. translations of BSI, half are handled from population in India, but also people from That way, modern readers can receive this translations center alone. the major faith groups who seek hopeand the Bible’s message of hope and salvation Through American Bible Society’s part- truth. into their hearts and minds.

10 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 11 CHOCTAW PROJECT ESKIMO-YUPIK Every New Testament Provides Basis for 20-Year Effort Culminates in tribe Audio Recording New Translation every nation The Choctaw Project is based on the After more than 20 years of tireless and Every Tribe Every Nation is an Choctaw Reservation in Mississippi. With prayerful translating, reviewing and editing, alliance composed of the largest support from the Nida Institute, the follow- a team in Bethel, Alaska finally completed Bible agencies in the world. It ing books were finalized in 2012 and 2013: the Yupik Bible translation in 2012. During seeks to make the Scriptures Ecclesiastes; Luke; John; Romans; 1 & 2 its 20-plus years of work, the team of available in a Digital Bible Library™ Corinthians; Philemon. The book of Mat- Yupik native speakers completed the Old to those still waiting for God’s thew is in progress, and about 75 percent Testament and fully revised the 1956 New Word. Every Tribe Every Nation of the New Testament is completed. Nearly Testament, which had fallen into disuse. ensures that Bible Societies will 8,000 Choctaw speakers live in Mississippi Their revision of the New Testament have a standardized, digital format and about 10,000 in Oklahoma. Most of included a thorough editing of language so they can share God’s Word with those speakers are bilingual, and potential and concepts into a more contemporary the world. readers may be several thousand. Most style, thereby matching that of the freshly Choctaw can hear the Scriptures through translated Old Testament. audio formats. Our translation of the New The Nida Institute expects to publish the Testament provides the basis for the re- Yupik Bible shortly. The Moravian Church cordings, so that the Choctaw people can in Bethel has already begun planning the 180 hear the Word of God. celebration of the launch and dedication Million people worldwide are of this Bible, which will be life-changing for waiting for God’s Word in LAKOTA PROJECT this community. their heart language Team Finishes Four Books of the Bible

The Lakota Project is based in Rapid City, S.D., and the team is composed of 583 five native translators and one project Texts available in the manager. About 20,000 Lakota speakers Digital Bible Library by live in South Dakota alone, 6,000 of whom the end of 2013 are Lakota-only speakers. Further, more than 100,000 native Lakota people live in the United States. With support from the Nida Institute, the following books were 55% finalized in 2012: Esther; Psalms 1-85; 1 Increase in the upload of & 2 Timothy; Titus. In addition, the books biblical texts in just one year of Matthew and Mark are in progress, and (2013 vs. 2012) about 65 percent of the New Testament is completed. Through these books, the Lakota people will be able to read the Gospel message in their heart language.

12 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 13 Restore God’s Word restoring broken lives

God’s Word brings life-changing hope that heals hearts and build the faith of survivors of trauma and injustice.

>> Lives impacted: 575,125

14 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 15 Healing Trauma’s Wounds very day around the world are responding by putting Scripture into ple’s hearts to experience the love of God. millions of women, men and action by caring and speaking for trauma The Trauma Healing Institute (THI) helps children suffer from the pain of survivors. Bible Societies and other faith-based war, sexual violence and abuse. institutions design and manage effective EBut God works through his Word to heal ™ Bible-based trauma healing ministries. SHE’S MY SISTER these hearts devastated by atrocity. By Fostering Hope in the Great During the past year, THI released the leading people to Scripture in times of Lakes Region of Africa book, Healing the Wounds of Trauma, in pain and suffering, we help them expe- a revised edition in English and Spanish rience the grace, love and forgiveness God longs for his people to know true heal- (available at Bibles.com). The French that Jesus brings to the world. ing and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ. edition is at press. In the Great Lakes region of Africa this Healing the Wounds of Trauma is the RESTORATION MINISTRY need is particularly urgent due to decades book upon which our entire Bible-based Equipping Churches with of war and violence. Our flagship program, trauma healing work is based. The book Trauma Healing She’s My Sister™, brings Bible-based also was translated and published in trauma healing to survivors of trauma in the two languages by the Bible Society of Sri Many pastors and Christian leaders long to Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Lanka, and a group of trained facilitators bring the Bible’s message of forgiveness Sudan, Uganda and Central African Re- started outreach to communities in this and healing to people in their communities public. Other Bible-based trauma healing war-torn country. who desperately need this message. But activities were implemented in Great Lakes THI also has begun trauma healing they don’t know how. That’s why we equip Africa by partners in Burundi, Kenya and work in Central African Republic, South churches and other organizations with Rwanda. Together, we are working to care Sudan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Ecuador, Rwan- holistic programs to help people encounter for survivors who need God’s hope and da, Burundi, and with Spanish-speaking the healing power of God’s Word. This past restoration. communities in the U.S. Southwest and fiscal year, more national Bible Societies Mexico. added Bible-based trauma healing to their TRAUMA HEALING INSTITUTE In addition, THI held its second global programs. And more churches, organiza- Building Foundations for Community of Practice. This gathering of tions and individuals are encountering the Worldwide Healing 67 participants from 28 organizations Bible’s power to restore hope in the face world-wide shared best practices in of endless suffering and trauma. They Bible-based trauma healing opens peo- biblical trauma care.

Suzanne’s Story She’s my sister impact zone

God Word brings healing 120 Locations 77 People Educated 18,000 people strong 18 Bike for Sisters The number of trauma The “Sister Circles” The holistic Scripture and food Eighteen riders of all ages Suzanne Gimitinite knows how anger and pain can prevent someone from functioning in daily healing locations funded women’s volunteer network program in Dungu and Goma, cycled through the Southeast life. She was once abducted by the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the eastern in the Great Lakes region hosted a gathering in New coming into its final year, has and the Great Lakes region of part of Democratic Republic of the Congo. of Africa has expanded York City to commemorate served more than 18,000 the United States to champion But Suzanne also knows that fear and despair do not need to last forever. God has used from 23 to 120 in fiscal year International Women’s Day, widows and orphans. The the cause of She’s My Sister. His Word in her own life to bring healing and hope, even as militias continue to cause havoc 2013, testifying that God’s introducing 77 people to women have taken leadership The riders also began and in the countryside around her. healing Word is active and the Bible’s power to restore roles, spreading God’s healing completed a Scripture-based Now Suzanne is so passionate about the power of God’s Word in the midst of trauma alive in this region. and heal lives. in their communities. Journey along the way. that she has begun to train the community around her, using American Bible Society’s trauma 16 | 2013 Stewardship Report healing curriculum. Now, God is using Suzanne’s pain to help heal those around her. AmericanBible.org | 17

Mission: literacy ™ Mission: Literacy is a multicultural, 16-week, Scripture-based literacy curriculum developed by American Bible Society with Bank Street College of Education and The Salvation Army. Along with learning to read, children earned Renewing better grades, attended school more regularly, and improved Hope at Home their behavior in school.

od often uses Scripture to Through these efforts, families re- offer courage and strength ceived the help and hope they desperately 2,979 to those who face economic needed. Children learned to read difficulties and devastation This holistic project included God’s God’s Word Gfrom natural disasters. We know, too, Word, food, relief services, skills training that the Bible can help children learn and medical care. Local churches encour- to read. As they gain skill in reading, aged people to connect to ministries to they learn about God’s profound love help them deal with stress, family issues 552 for humanity, strengthening their under- and high unemployment. Tutoring groups in 40 standing and faith. After Hurricane Sandy, Operation states used Mission: Literacy Compassion and ABS mobilized a network curriculum to mentor BREAD TODAY™ of local churches in New York and New Entering a Broken World Jersey to provide Scripture, along with young lives with God’s Word food, drinking water, cleaning supplies and clothing for storm victims. More than In the Bible, Jesus provided for people’s 768,000 pounds of relief goods were deliv- spiritual needs and physical needs. ered to storm victims as the body of Christ 67 Through Bread Today, we work with worked together to provide for the needs of Salvation Army Corps dedicated partners to replicate this mod- body and soul. conducted biblical el—ensuring that the spiritual food of the Working alongside Operation Com- education classes Bible is delivered together with the basic passion, we allocated 100,000 God Is Our necessities. This year we continued our Shelter and Strength Scripture Portions work with Operation Compassion by em- developed for victims of national disasters. bracing more than 200,000 families who In addition to offering the urgent message were discouraged, food insecure, home- of God’s guidance during tough times, the less or victims of disasters. During this Scripture Portions included practical tips last fiscal year, we conducted more than on what to do during the first 72 hours of a 150 outreaches in the Appalachia region natural disaster. Local churches provided of West Virginia, Corbin, Ky., and Oneida, trained chaplains to help people deal with Tenn.—places where unemployment rates the psychological toll of the storm’s after- far exceed the national average. math.

18 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 19 God’s Word transforming church and culture

God’s Word crosses cultural channels where the Bible Engage lacks a strong voice. Its reach extends to today’s churches and social spaces, inviting millions to renew their engagement with God.

>> Lives impacted: 3,821,975 The Church’s One Foundation

od’s Word is the solid rock collaborative and prayerful partnerships. More upon which the Church stands. than 1,487 church leaders from 250 cities American Bible Society is gathered for Movement Day to make the case passionate about helping the for Scripture, prayer and joint service among GChurch in America stay true to its founda- Christians. Church leaders and representatives tion. To that end, we maintain strong church of city movements were challenged to engage networks and reach leaders with Bible with God’s Word and pray for 30 minutes each resources and engagement programs. In day thereafter. doing so, we strengthen the role God’s Through a partnership with Concerts of Word plays among millions of Christians Prayer Greater New York and the New York of all denominations. Our interconfessional City Leadership Center, American Bible So- reach ensures that all have the opportunity ciety developed Now Is The Time: Acts. This to experience the Bible’s life-changing 30-day Bible campaign focused on the book message. of Acts, inviting churches to read through it communally as they prayed about how to live Partnerships out the message of Christ in their everyday Strengthening Bible Engagement lives. The Acts Journey offers tracks for adults, youth and children. Companion materials American Bible Society and the New York include reading planners, discussion guides City Leadership Center gathered and trained and sermon outlines. Churches across Amer- leadership teams from America’s largest cities ica participated, resulting in 93,436 people so they can serve more effectively through who journeyed through Now Is the Time: Acts.

22 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 23 Willow Creek Association and Amer- Prominent scholars in the field of biblical $50,000 to create and publish an Orthodox ican Bible Society formed a partnership studies presented at the event, which we Wedding and Family Bible designed in the to assist leaders in strengthening their cosponsored with the Archdiocese of Orthodox tradition. Because these family Scripture engagement efforts. Through New York. The keynote speakers were The Bibles are produced in Greece, many our strong partnership with Willow Creek Reverend James Martin and Colombia’s parishes in the United States distribute Association, we connected with more Cardinal Ruben Salazar. Protestant-based Bibles to Orthodox cou- than 65,000 U.S. ministry leaders, who In other highlights, 250 leaders from ples being married in the Greek Orthodox represent various denominations, cultures, around the country attended the Catholic Church. ethnicities and workplaces. Association of Latino Leaders Annual Funds will be used to license the Re- American Bible Society and Willow Convention in Miami. The speakers at this vised Standard Version English-language Creek also collaborated to bring Scripture three-day conference were the Papal Nun- text; an initial print run of 8,000 copies is resources to leaders to help them effective- cio of the United States, His Excellency, planned. The Archdiocese Department of ly engage their congregations with God’s Carlo Maria Vigano; the Archbishop of Los Family and Ministry will collaborate with us Word. The training tool was designed to Angeles, Jose Gomez; and His Eminence, on a projected publication date shortly. challenge leaders to rethink the way they Sean Cardinal O’Malley, Archbishop of In July 2012, we sent two delegates engage with Scripture and make Scripture Boston. As cosponsors of the event, we from the Greek Ministry team to attend the Bible engagement is on the decline. engagement the center of their ministries. presented a workshop on Lectio Divina. Biennial Clergy-Laity Congress in Phoenix. But through partnerships with church leaders, Other regional highlights include the Sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdi- such as Bill Hybels at Willow Creek, and Bible reading campaigns, we are strengthening the Catholic Clergy Convocation in Florida. We ocese of America, this Congress gathers CATHOLIC MINISTRIES role God’s Word plays in the lives of believers. Highlighting Scripture sponsored this event and presented on religious and lay leaders from around the Through Education Verbum Domini, a Papal exhortation from United States. Pope Benedict XVI. This document under- The conference theme, “Chosen and Pope Francis’ popularity has sparked Catholic Ministries has intensified Ameri- scores the centrality of God’s Word in the Appointed by God to Go and Bear Fruit,” renewed interest among lapsed Catholics, who are now returning to the Church and can Bible Society’s flagship program for life and mission of the Catholic Church. has been central to the ABS-Greek Ortho- the sacraments. the Catholic Church—Lectio Divina—for American Bible Society also presented dox Archdiocese partnership, which creat- adults and youth. This program is helping on biblical Catholic resources at the three- ed and distributed many Greek Orthodox Catholics across the country dive deeper day event, “New York Encounter: An Annual Scripture resources. into the story of hope and salvation found Convocation of Catholic College Students More than 1,200 participants and 330 in Scripture. In the past fiscal year, we held in Manhattan.” Finally, we welcomed Cardi- parishes from across the United States 20 Lectio Divina training workshops. Our nal Ruben Salazar, a distinguished prelate attended, including a representative from manual on Lectio Divina has been trans- of the Roman Catholic Church, to speak at The Ecumenical Patriarchate.The event lated by the Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the American Bible Society’s headquarters in provided greater insight into National Vatican publishing arm. It is now available New York. Greek Orthodox Ministries, as well as the in Italian, and all three versions (English administrative and legislative process of and Spanish) are now carried there. GREEK ORTHODOX the Archdiocese. We had a booth at the Our efforts to offer scholarly biblical Wedding and Family Bible to Debut event, which enabled our team to speak American Bible Society and the Greek education for Catholic leadership continue in the United States about our work with the Greek Orthodox Orthodox Church have been building a strong relationship, extended by a close through our Bible Summit program. More community. partnership with the Greek Bible Society. than 500 participants attended the annual The Archbishop Iakovos Leadership 100 Pictured is His All Holiness Ecumenical northeast regional summit in New York. Endowment Fund approved a grant of Patriarch Bartholomew.

24 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 25 Honoring the Past, Securing the Future

ith God’s help and the partners, American Bible Society creates A Soldier’s Story prayerful support of customized Bible resources that bring millions of Americans, God’s Word to the brave men and women God’s Word heals the wounds of war American Bible Soci- in all branches of the U.S. military. “I can’t tell you what an impact it is to share Wety has supplied the U.S. Military with This past fiscal year, ASM continued to God’s Word when you’re about to lock and load God’s Word for nearly two centuries. We respond to a widespread request from our continue this rich heritage, knowing that chaplains for compact Military E100 Bibles your rifle. There’s just something about the eternal. Scripture fortifies our active-duty men in the English Standard Version (ESV)—the Questions are asked, as you go [through] your and women, as well as our veterans, translation of choice for these particular mission brief.... ‘What will happen to me if I die? when and where they need it the most. chaplains. These ESV Bibles will be an in- Have I been a good husband? Have I been a good We also invite millions to explore the valuable support to our chaplains, some of wife? Have I been a good father? Will I serve my Bible through social media, digital tools whom have no religious support material. country, and more importantly, my battle buddies, and advocacy efforts. In April, ASM released the E100 Mili- during this mission? And again, what happens tary Catholic Bibles. Within three hours of SERVING OUR MILITARY that release, more than 4,000 copies were if I die?’ AND VETERANS ordered, with the entire 10,000 copies “As you wait there, and wait there, for your time God’s Word at Home and Abroad expended in one week. We had to print to leave, there are opportunities to go down that 20,000 more to meet demand. This Military line and talk to people, planting the seeds God has America’s heroes deserve our very best. Catholic Bible is now the official Bible at the given us. He has given us a hope that lies within And our Armed Services Ministry (ASM), Air Force Academy, as well as the Military us, one that will not return void. It is a hope that with its strong network of military chaplains, Academy at West Point. is true for them, just as it is true for us. We get to believes the military and veteran chaplains Our large-print Military Bibles continue we serve should have the best Scripture to be a blessing. This past fiscal year saw share it. We get to be that light and that salt, and resources available. With support from our a significantly higher demand for these melt those spiritual barriers. And, win people to God’s Kingdom.” – Former Infantry Officer, United States Army

26 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 27 Tumblr and Instagram is helping us reach 524 Bible versions covering more than tionals. These daily devotionals, which new generations with the life-changing 420 languages. Advanced searching can be delivered via SMS or email, include message of the Bible. Videos showcasing techniques help users find what they’re Bible passages and text, as well as audio American Bible Society’s ministry can be looking for, even if the exact phrase doesn’t and video. viewed on our YouTube channel, and we directly appear in the Bible. Terms, such as American Bible Society partnered with are beginning to provide audio clips of “Christmas” and “Eucharist” now produce the Jesus Culture Conference in Los Ange- God’s Word on SoundCloud to help people relevant results. les to provide attendees with opportunities connect with Scripture in new ways. BibleSearch also played a key role in to engage with the Bible for 30 days after Engagement on Facebook and Twitter accelerating ongoing translation projects. the conference with Journey Maker. The continues to grow, with nearly 5 million In March 2013, the Gospel of Mark in the response was overwhelming, with nearly unique users discovering God’s Word and Nsenga language went live on our Bible 63 percent of all attendees signing up to sharing it with others. Search tool. receive the ongoing Jesus Culture Chal- This past fiscal year, we offered two Native readers had the opportunity to lenge Journey. new spaces for Spanish speakers: immediately engage with the new transla- Start your journey today. Visit Biblia y Oración reaches the Span- tion, long before traditional methods would JourneyMaker.org. ish-speaking community on Facebook and have made this possible. We are thankful Twitter with ministry and Bible engagement to our partners and supporters who have BIBLE MINDED news and posts. helped make God’s Word available to so Scripture Memorization Made Easy And in a joint effort with the United many people around the world. Bible Societies, we revitalized the Bible Check out this tool at Bibles.org. This is American Bible Society’s first mobile Facebook page, renaming it the Digital app designed to help people memorize Bible. Followers of this page will have op- JOURNEY MAKER Scripture through reminders, flash cards, portunities to engage God’s Word digitally. Allowing Churches to Create Online fill-in-the-blank and other memorization Custom Devotionals tools. BIBLE SEARCH Our prayer is that, through this in- A Powerful Tool to Search Scripture Based on the success of the original novative tool, the life-changing words of Bibles embossed with the appropriate unit written by veteran chaplains, explore the cance when we learned that we are the Journeys site of American Bible Society, Scripture will be rooted in the hearts and crest. We also have received encouraging eight spiritual injuries most commonly sole source for religious material for the More and more people are searching we created Journey Maker. This tool allows minds of believers everywhere. letters, informing us that the E100 Military experienced by military veterans. This year, VA. We thank God for the continued part- for God’s Word online. American Bible churches and other ministries to create Start memorizing Scripture today at Bibles continue to be an effective ministry the large-print and audio versions continue nership with VA and our supporters who Society’s Bible Search tool now contains their own sites with online custom devo- BibleMindedApp.com. tool for Christian discipleship. to be in high demand. are making the hope of Christ available to ReZilient Life, our web-based initiative According to our network of chaplains, America’s heroes. to connect with military teens, continues these audio and large-print resources toward completion, thanks to our part- have already been popular and incredibly SOCIAL MEDIA Culture-centric Service nership with Military Community Youth effective in providing counsel for soldiers Engaging Online Communities Who we are Training leaders On the airwaves In print Ministries. The ReZilient Life website is and veterans. In fact, military chaplains With God’s Word Multi-Language Ministries MLM hosted Descubre la Descubre la Biblia™ Radio MLM published and replete with biblical messages, Scripture this year ordered God Understands in the (MLM), a unique outreach of Biblia™ Engagement Seminars Bible Advocacy, via Palabra distributed the following verses, videos, music and other interactive same volume as did the VA chaplains. By God’s Word continues to reach more and ABS, creates culture-specific and Biblical Seminars in various Eficaz and 24 Hours with resources: Libro de Apocalipsis media designed specifically to reach mili- God’s grace, these resources will continue more people through the power of social programs, materials and cities around the country, the Bible radio broadcasts, en 4 versiones, 2013 Daily Bible tary youth with the message of Jesus. This to change the lives of soldiers and veterans media. This year, we increased our en- new media that minister to introducing interdenominational served as a catalyst for the Reading Guide in Spanish and site will continue to expand as we address alike. gagement efforts in social media by open- non-English-speaking people leaders to ABS’ Bible Bible in the United States and Ten Traits for Confident Living, a even more teen issues with God’s Word. Our partnership with the Department ing new channels for people to engage residing in the United States. engagement initiatives. around the world. Scripture Portion. The God Understands booklets, of Veterans Affairs took on new signifi- and share God’s Word online. Growth in

28 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 29 Advocacy Creating Conversations, Building Communities Supporting Across America Our Work Here and Abroad

ProjectShift.com > This web resource ^ Atrium hrough our research, Scrip- com connected more than 30 million facilitating training events. Such events equips Bible-friendly This space at our headquarters in New ture provision, translation people with God’s Word. continue in Misano, Italy, and have advocates to open York City is a community environment constructive conversation conducive for people to encounter and training teams, we Working with the United Bible Soci- expanded to Greece, West Africa, and, with skeptical friends by God and his Word. They talk and strengthen our mission and eties Fellowship, Bibles.com introduced soon, to Central America and India. highlighting stories in learn about the Bible through various Tshare God’s Word, which is profound, more than 81 new Bibles and Scripture Last fiscal year, a multi-agency collab- the mainstream media high-tech experiences, including video that represent the Bible’s elements, a touch-table and iPads. powerful and life-changing. resources in print, audio, e-book and oration began with a focus on developing message of hope. digital formats. a distance-learning ecosystem. This con- GLOBAL SCRIPTURE IMPACT Among highlights, Bibles.com devel- cept involves multi-user contributions that oped a mobile app (English and Spanish) stretch the learning experience beyond Global Scripture Impact (GSI) continues for children 7 and under to learn and en- a teacher-student to a student-student The Media Wall ^ to provide American Bible Society and gage with God’s Word. Bibles.com also interaction of sharing and learning. Con- The Word on the Street Media Wall, which fronts its donors with research to develop and created 24 unique customized Bibles, tributors can upload content and post the ABS Atrium, inspires fund effective, Scripture-based programs including the Lutheran Church Missouri inquiries for the virtual community. passersby with messages, around the world. Synod Bible, and 27,000 paperback In collaboration with UBS translation, questions and images that engage the soul and create GSI uses highly experienced U.S.- Bibles for the triennial LCMS National the Nida Institute inaugurated the Nida openness to the Gospel. based staff, as well as consultants in Youth Gathering in San Antonio, Texas. It School of Bible Translation in May 2013. the field. These experts research and also provided 1 million Spanish-language Key partners—SIL, The Seed Company, evaluate the projects of ABS and its part- Bibles and New Testaments. Bible League International and Gor- ners—projects that have affected more Through the licensing of the RVR don-Conwell Theological Seminary—also ^ My Creation ^ Make Today Better Our first iPhone game launched in A campaign on the than 30 million lives. 1960, CEV and GNT Bible versions, are participating. January. This game for kids (of all media wall spotlighted Among highlights last year, GSI pro- Bibles.com authorized the provision of Nida Institute’s scholarly publishing ages) invites players to make their simple principles from vided ABS with reports on Bible projects in more than 28 million Scripture resources program focused on working with authors the Bible to make own creation based on the biblical more than 40 countries, researched proj- by Christian and secular publishers and to assure the development of high-quality account in Genesis. everyone’s day better. ects for six sister Bible Societies, offered ministries. manuscripts for new titles in the History of technical input for ongoing development Bible Translation series. of the United Bible Societies Fellowship NIDA INSTITUTE FOR BIBLICAL This past fiscal year also saw the and conducted the annual assessment of SCHOLARSHIP culmination of Nida Institute’s four-year Every Tribe Every Nation. collaboration with the Society of Biblical The Nida Institute for Biblical Scholarship Literature to mark the 400th anniversary BIBLES.COM undergirds ABS’ work with the highest of the King James Bible. standard of Scripture integrity. The Nida The resulting volume, King James Bibles.com is the Scripture publishing, Institute pursues its commitment to serve Version at 400: Assessing Its Genius As ^ Bible Miniseries provision and licensing unit within Amer- the Bible Society fellowship and Every Bible Translation and Its Literary Influence, We partnered with producers Mark ican Bible Society. Last fiscal year, Bibles. Tribe Every Nation by coordinating and is now available. Burnett and Roma Downey to include exclusive media from the critically 30 | 2013 Stewardship Report acclaimed Bible miniseries at the Atrium. AmericanBible.org | 31 Financial Report Statement of Activities For the year ended June 30, 2013 ($ millions)

Dear Friends, We are grateful for the enduring support of so many as we partner Total Program Services Revenues Unrestricted Restricted* Total together to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford so all people may experience its Contributions $26.3 $16.2 $42.5 $73.7 life-changing message. Legacies 6.1 - 6.1 We are blessed by the generosity of both past and present donors. We honor the wishes of our donors and engage in short- and long-term Scripture sales 7.9 - 7.9 projects, such as multi-year translation, strategic provision and scholar- $56.5 Net investment return and valuation changes 35.0 5.2 40.2 ship efforts. We create resources for the Church to use, provide Bibles and develop Scripture resources focused on the needs of America’s military Other 3.7 - 3.7 families. We work domestically and internationally to end Bible poverty by Net assets released from restrictions 13.3 (13.3) - providing Scripture to those who desperately need it. Because Bible projects are long-term, we know that a strong and  Donor Total Revenues 92.3 8.1 100.4 financially sound mission is vital to stay the course until the “earth will be Contributions, as full of the knowledge of the Lord’s glory as the seas are full of water.” Legacies and Scripture sales (Habakkuk 2.14, GNT) Expenses Through the completion of our 2013 fiscal year, American Bible Soci-  Program ety continues to be on secure financial footing. Because of the generosity Services Program services of past and present donors—and the wise stewardship of these funds— M illions of D ollars Expenditures Domestic outreach 43.5 - 43.5 overall program expenditures of $73.7 million exceeded contributions of $42.5 million, legacy income of $6.1 million and Scripture sales of $7.9 Due to the past and continuing generosity of our International outreach 30.2 - 30.2 million. American Bible Society’s overall program ratio remains high, at 80 donors, as well as ongoing stewardship, American Total Program services 73.7 - 73.7 percent. Bible Society has maintained its commitment to Spending decisions and budgets are based on management’s ex- domestic and international programs. ABS program Support services ecution of the strategy and vision of the Board of Trustees. Decisions to spending was $1.30 for every dollar received in Administration 5.4 - 5.4 conserve or spend funds are prayerfully made to honor the Lord’s will, donations and sales of Scripture. meeting and supporting critical needs for exceptional mission opportunity. Development 12.5 - 12.5 As we have for nearly 198 years, we pledge our commitment to the 2013 Operating Expenses Total Expenses 91.6 - 91.6 Bible and to financial integrity through the proper use of contributions and stewardship of donor funds. The staff at American Bible Society trusts in 13.6% Change in Net Assets 2013 $0.7 $8.1 $8.8 the Lord. We praise his name forever in seasons of trial and in seasons ($12.5M) Net Assets, beginning of year 323.9 65.6 389.5 of triumph. He is holy and worthy of praise. We remain committed to the 5.9% Word of God and its power to transform lives. ($5.4M) Net Assets, end of year $324.6 $73.7 $398.3 80.5% We thank God for these blessings and for you. ($73.7M) *Includes Temporarily and Permanently restricted net assets

Downloads of the American Bible Society financial information (Form 990s) are available at AmericanBible.org. As required by the Internal Revenue Service, audited financial statements (the source for this summarized presentation) are available upon request, as well as on the American Bible Society website.

Julia A. Oliver, CPA/PFS, CGMA  Development Chief Financial Officer  Program Services American Bible Society  Administrative

32 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 33 BOARD OF TRUSTEES As of June 30, 2013

Pieter Dearolf EX-OFFICIO VOTING Chairman of the board BOARD MEMBER Nick Athens R. Lamar Vest Vice chairman of the board (through December 2012)

Elizabeth Peale Allen Recording secretary/treasurer We also would like to acknowledge Thomas Bindley and thank God for the service of the following board members who reached Victor Cardenas the mandatory service limit date this past year. They are: Rebecca Contreras Nadia Cavner Jerry Dimitriou Sister Joan Curtin James Eastman John A. Grant Jr. Sharon Watson Fluker Hans G. Jepson Mark Hanson The Rev. Dale Meyer Cheryl Holland Diane Linen Powell Harvey Hoskins Shelia Y. Smalley Karen Louie His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas I ask that your minds may be Angelique Walker-Smith opened to see his light, so that The Rev. Paul A. Soukup S.J.

Frank M. Taylor III you will know what is the hope to

David J. Trobisch which he has called you, how rich

Darrell L. Whiteman are the wonderful blessings he promises his people.

– Ephesians 1.18 (GNT)

34 | 2013 Stewardship Report AmericanBible.org | 35 Making the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message.

AmericanBible.org