Eastern European Mission Seeks to Distribute 2.7 Million Bibles

One of the world’s largest Bible distribution ministries is launching a major campaign to deliver 2.7 million copies of the Scriptures in some of the most challenging countries on Earth. Part of their inspiration comes from a pilgrimage made by Dirk Smith, director of Eastern European Mission, who recently retraced the footsteps of William Tyndale, 500 years after he translated the New Testament into English, making it accessible to the world.

Tyndale, who was born in 1494, was an English Biblical scholar and linguist who became a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation in the years leading up to his execution. He translated much of the Bible into English and was influenced by the works of prominent Protestant reformers, such as Martin Luther.

“Standing there next to that 1526 New Testament was pretty incredible,” Smith said. “It’s a remarkable thing to follow in his footsteps and see and be reminded of all he gave us. For anyone in the English-speaking world, when we open our Bibles, that’s Tyndale. Eighty percent to 90 percent of what we read is Tyndale. Nobody has been able to improve on his translation.”

Smith said he wants to continue Tyndale’s legacy by launching one of the largest ever Bible distribution campaigns this year.: The ministry is committed to getting Scripture in the hands of people who have never had access to God’s word in their native languages.

“Last year we did 2.2 million Bibles,” he said. “This year we are budgeting to do 2.7 million Bibles, which is a 23 percent increase. We are walking really in his legacy. In Tyndale’s legacy. This was his heart. His heart was get the Bible into people’s hands. Because if they engage with Scripture, everything changes. And these scriptures will be delivered in some of the world’s most challenging nations, including Iran, Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe and Central Asia.”

More information is available at www.eem.org.

–Alan Goforth