An article devoted to all BSI staff and Volunteers who formed this amazing tapestry in God’s mission of Generosity of Fundraising
Embracing Divine Generosity: The Journey of Fundraising for the BSI Ministry
Volunteers do not necessarily have TIME, but they have the HEART
(Elizabeth Andrew)
In the circle of human existence, threads of faith, compassion, and service intricately weave together to create a narrative of shared humanity. Within this narrative lies the sacred mission of God’s ministry – a beacon of hope, love, and benevolence guided by the divine principle of doing good and loving one another. The Bible Society of India is also one among the many Christian organizations and Non-Governmental Organisations where Fundraising for such a noble cause transcends mere financial transactions; it becomes a sacred endeavor, a communion with the divine, and an opportunity to partake in God’s boundless generosity for spreading the Word of God. At the heart of the BSI Ministry’s fundraising efforts lies a profound belief in the power of collective action fueled by faith. It is a call to arms for individuals and churches to become instruments of God’s grace, extending a helping hand to those in need and spreading love to the farthest corners of the world. In essence, fundraising for the BSI Ministry is not merely about securing funds; it is about embodying the spirit of generosity and compassion that lies at the core of the ministry’s mission.
As we begin the new Financial Year 2024 – 2025, our Auxiliary Secretaries, Staff, Auxiliary Committees, Branch leaders, Mary Jones Women Fellowships, Youth and volunteers across 17 Auxiliaries begin the new journey of mobilising resources. They are guided by the unwavering belief that every act of kindness, no matter how small, has the potential to spark a ripple effect of goodness and transformation for the Bible cause. They understand that their efforts are not confined to the realm of the material but are infused with spiritual significance – an offering of love and devotion to the divine.
On the same wave length, donating for the BSI Ministry is a testament to the power of community – a coming together of individuals and churches from all walks of life, bound by a shared commitment to serve the greater good for God. It is a reminder that each donor is not an isolated being but interconnected with one another, united by our common humanity and our shared values and responsibility to uplift one another through the most valuable source of life that is the Bible in various forms and formats. The Bible Society of India is currently involved in 110 on going Bible translation projects, with completed translations of the Holy Bible in 84 Indian languages; the New Testament portion with additional in 86 languages; Study Bible in 12 languages; Diglot Bible in 7 languages; Audio Bible in 69 languages; Braille Bible in 22 Indian languages; Digital Library in 88 languages for BSI partners and members. All these achievements are possible because of the sacrificial donations from our donors and committed staff and volunteers of the BSI who are in the mission of Fundraising.
In the pursuit of fundraising goals, challenges inevitably arise – financial constraints, logistical hurdles, and moments of doubt. Yet, it is during these times of adversity that the true essence of faith is revealed. Fundraisers draw strength from their unwavering belief in God’s providence, trusting that God will guide their footsteps and provide for their needs. Moreover, fundraising for the BSI Ministry is a testament to the transformative power of generosity. It is a channel for personal spiritual growth, inviting individual donors and churches to transcend their own limitations and embrace a mindset of abundance for God and for others. In giving freely of their time, talents, and resources, fundraisers experience a profound sense of fulfillment – an affirmation of their inherent worth and dignity as children of God.
Fundraising for the BSI Ministry is also an invitation to cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine. It is a sacred journey of prayer, meditation, and reflection – a communion with the source of all love and goodness. In the quiet moments of solitude, fundraisers find solace in the presence of God, drawing strength and inspiration from God’s boundless grace. Furthermore, fundraising for the BSI Ministry is a testament to the transformative power of love. It is a declaration of solidarity with the marginalized, the oppressed, and the forgotten – a proclamation that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and mercy. In extending a helping hand to those in need, fundraisers bear witness to the transformative power of love to heal, to restore, and to uplift by giving the most precious gift in the form of the BIBLE. Fundraising for the BSI Ministry is not without its rewards. Beyond the tangible outcomes of financial support and material assistance, fundraisers experience a profound sense of joy and fulfillment – an affirmation of their role as partners in God’s divine plan. They witness firsthand the impact of their efforts – the lives transformed, the communities revitalized, and the hope renewed.
In conclusion, fundraising for the BSI Ministry is a sacred journey – a testament to the power of faith, community, and love. It is a chance to partake in God’s boundless generosity, to embody God’s divine qualities of compassion and kindness, and to bear witness to the transformative power of faith in action. As fundraisers, we are called to be vessels of God’s grace, channels of God’s love, and instruments of God’s peace. And in this sacred endeavor, we find not only purpose and meaning but also the true fulfillment of our human potential.
By Dr. Hrangthan Chhungi – Associate Director
Church, Public Relations and Resource Mobilisation Department
Empowering and Embracing Diversity:
The Impact of BSI’s Audio Bibles in India
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24:35
India’s linguistic diversity, encompassing over 19,500 languages and dialects, is a testament to its cultural richness. The Audio Bible emerges as a beacon of opportunity, breaking barriers by granting access to sacred texts in everyone’s heart languages, irrespective of reading abilities.
Beyond mere accessibility, the Audio Bible serves as a guardian of cultural heritage and tradition. It reverently preserves and propagates cultural teachings, echoing the oral traditions deeply cherished in Indian society. Through this medium, timeless wisdom is seamlessly transmitted across generations.
Moreover, the Audio Bible opens doors of spiritual enlightenment for the visually impaired, estimated at 15 million strong in India. It empowers them to independently engage with spiritual insights, fostering a profound sense of scripture engagement, belonging, and inclusion within communities.
Geographical hurdles fade away in the face of the Audio Bible’s portability and digital dissemination. It transcends physical barriers, ensuring that the divine message reaches even the farthest corners of the nation.
Furthermore, with India’s tech-savvy youth and burgeoning digital connectivity, the Audio Bible presents an innovative avenue for cultural immersion. Its seamless integration with digital platforms and mobile applications makes the Bible accessible and engaging for younger generations.
In a nation marked by religious plurality, the Audio Bible fosters unity and understanding. It serves as a catalyst for interfaith dialogue, promoting mutual respect and cultural harmony.
In essence, the Audio Bible heralds a new era of accessibility, enlightenment, and cultural enrichment in India. It beckons all to partake in this transformative journey, where every contribution nurture inclusivity, dialogue, and spiritual growth across diverse communities.
The Vision and Initiatives of The Bible Society of India
For over the last four decades, the Bible Society of India, in collaboration with its partners, has been actively engaged in the production of Audio Bibles in a multitude of Indian languages. Out of the available BSI translations in 170 languages (Full Bible in 84 languages with only New Testament in 86 languages), Audio Bibles are currently available in only 70 languages. This signifies the urgent need for expanding this initiative to reach the hundreds of languages across the country still awaiting this vital tool for spiritual nourishment and education.
However, the production of Audio Bibles is not without its challenges. To produce the entire Bible in audio format, the cost typically ranges between seven to ten lakh rupees. Even for the New Testament alone, the expenses amount to three to four lakh rupees. These costs can escalate further when additional artists and proofreaders are involved, along with the necessity of individuals traveling long distances for production purposes.
Despite ongoing efforts, the demand for Audio Bibles continues to outstrip current capacity. Many more languages are in the pipeline to receive this invaluable resource. We earnestly appeal to the Church and the wider community to generously contribute towards these efforts. Your support can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals who lack access to traditional written forms of the Bible.
Additionally, we invite individuals to share their talents and skills towards this noble cause. Whether through volunteering time, providing financial support, or assisting with production logistics, every contribution, no matter how small, is invaluable.
Furthermore, we encourage everyone to spread awareness about the importance of Audio Bibles and the urgent need for their availability in various languages. Together, let us join hands and make a tangible difference in the lives of those longing to hear the message of hope and redemption.
This year marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve access to sacred texts through the production of Audio Bibles. Our focused initiatives aim to expand this noble undertaking by creating Audio Bibles in an additional 30 languages. This expansion not only involves recording scriptures in languages new to our collection but also includes revisiting and revising existing recordings to align them with the latest translations and ensure higher quality output.
In response to feedback from our community, we recognize the preference for Audio Bibles without musical accompaniment. Many individuals have expressed a desire for plain voice narration, believing it enhances clarity and deepens scripture engagement. Therefore, we are dedicated to meeting this preference by providing recordings solely featuring the spoken word, offering a more immersive and focused listening experience.
Moreover, revisiting existing recordings allows us to incorporate advancements in translation and linguistic nuances, ensuring accuracy and authenticity in conveying the sacred message. By prioritizing quality and relevance, we strive to enrich the spiritual journey of our audience and foster a deeper connection with the scriptures.
We earnestly request for your prayers, seeking divine guidance and provision as we endeavour to create the highest quality Audio Bibles in these languages and ensure their accessibility to all who seek them. We invite you to partner with BSI in this important mission of producing Audio Bibles. Whether you choose to contribute towards the production of a single Audio Bible or support the entire translation cycle, your participation is invaluable. For more information, please reach out to your nearest Auxiliary or visit our website. Together, let us make the Word of God accessible to everyone who seeks it.
Caleb Martin Hilton
Associate Director – Media and Special Audience
