On May 11, we celebrate 210 years of ministry at American Bible Society—a milestone made possible through God’s unwavering provision and our faithful partners. 

What began as a bold vision to see God’s Word translated into every language for every nation has grown far beyond what our founders imagined. From translation and Scripture distribution to Bible-based trauma healing programs and Bible-centered resources for the digital age, God has continually expanded this work as part of a movement to help people both access the Bible and truly encounter him through it. 

“For the past 210 years, we’ve helped people encounter the life-changing Word of God by making the Bible accessible to all,” says Jennifer Holloran, president and CEO of American Bible Society. “God doesn’t need us to accomplish his plan, but he chooses us to partner with him in it! As we continue this legacy, we each have a beautiful opportunity to point people to Christ and equip them with his Word. This is our part in God’s story!”  

This mission has guided our ministry for more than two centuries and continues to shape where we’re headed next. That’s why, as we celebrate the last 210 years, we’re not only reflecting on all God has done, but we’re also committing to where he is calling us today. 

Breaking Down Barriers to God’s Word 

For more than two centuries, American Bible Society has been about one thing: getting God’s Word to people who need it. That was true in 1816, and it remains true today. 

However, for much of the world, language and access to a physical Bible are no longer the primary barriers to building a meaningful relationship with God. You’ve likely seen this firsthand. Your friend, walking through the pain of a divorce, struggles to hear the comfort found in God’s Word. Your relative dismisses the Bible as outdated and irrelevant to modern life. Your child, caught up in the pressures of college, relationships, and future plans, seems too distracted to engage with its wisdom. These challenges—and many others—often keep people from clearly hearing and responding to the truth of Scripture. As a result, many miss the opportunity to meet Jesus through his Word. 

But we know something powerful: when God meets people where they are, through a Bible in the language and format that works for them, they aren’t just reading words, they’re encountering the Author. And an encounter with God changes everything! 

So, as we look ahead, we are refining our focus to fit our world today and become even more effective in the mission we share with believers and other Bible societies around the world. We’re building on what has always been true: God uses Scripture to transform lives by his Spirit, and everyone deserves the opportunity to experience that. This means a renewed commitment to innovation, to listening and learning, and to deeper partnership with the church so we can meet people with the Bible right where they are, in ways that speak to the realities they face every day. 

God Isn’t Finished Yet! 

God is still at work through American Bible Society because he’s at work in believers like you. And we don’t want to miss this moment. 

Scripture reminds us that “the harvest is plentiful” (Matthew 9:37). The need is great, and the opportunity is now. Together, we remain committed to stepping forward in faith, trusting God to continue what he has faithfully sustained for 210 years. 

If you love the Bible, thank you for being part of this mission. Your prayers and support have helped the truth and hope of God’s Word take root in countless hearts, and we know God isn’t finished yet!