In a Word - December 2010

On July 15, 1981, the General Council of Baptist Mid-Missions (BMM) commissioned Rev. Paul Versluis to start a department to raise funds to print Bibles produced by BMM missionaries throughout the world. With entrepreneurial passion, Versluis started crisscrossing the country on behalf of the new ministry. He never fathomed that the office he started in his basement would eventually grow to become a full-fledged division of BMM and a complete Bible society.

As we begin our 30th year of ministry, it behooves us to celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout those years. The 2011 issues of Briefings will feature historical sketches and present events commemorating our anniversary. A few new programs and productions will be introduced.

The highlight of the year, however, will rest on what we love most and do best: Bible translating. From this fall through December 2011, many new Scriptures will be printed: Simte NT (India, Asia), already printed, November 2010 dedication; Manipuri Bible (India), to the printer soon, dedication projected for February 2011; Kabiyé NT (Togo, Africa), December 2010; Quechua NT (Peru, South America), December 2010;  Dagba NT (Chad, Africa), July 2011; Rito NT (Chad), July 2011; Chakma NT (India), July 2011; Dagaare NT (Ghana, Africa), August 2011; Zotung NT (Myanmar, Asia), fall 2011.

Celebrating our history serves as an impetus to do more and do it better. After a long dearth in staffing, our team is poised to welcome many new gifted and well-trained members. Some of them have labored for years to earn their Ph.D’s in order to become productive contributors to our ministry. We are excited about the prospects, in spite of the challenging economy that tends to stymie our effort. Our God is greater than all the obstacles that may come our way. Join with us, not only to celebrate God’s faithfulness during the past 30 years, but also to move forward with confidence. We know that His grace that has led us thus far will lead us until the successful completion of every project.  May we continue to keep our gaze intently on our goal: a conservative Bible translation in every language and a Bible in every hand.