A broken life, an uncertain future, an encounter with the Bible, a new hope. 

A Personal God

 

The American Bible Society was founded in 1816 and has been a crucial part of American history over those many years.  And in all of that time the Bible Society has never taken a political position or espoused any doctrinal point of view. The purpose is to let the Bible speak for itself. Therefore, the American Bible Society transcends any lines of denominational demarcation. 

The first translation of the American Bible Society was published just two years after its beginning - a parallel text in the Delaware and English languages -a translation of the Word of God into a Native American tongue. This emphasis on having people receive Scripture in their heart language continues today. The mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message.

During the Civil War, the Bible Society distributed Bibles to both sides and fighting would stop when the Bible wagon reached the front lines. The American Bible Society supplied Bibles to the riders of the Pony Express. Many famous American figures, like John Jay (first Supreme Court Justice), Richard Varick and Elias Boudinot of the Continental Congress, John Quincy Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes and Benjamin Harrison and several U.S. Vice Presidents served as President or Vice President of the Bible Society. Several New York State governors, including John Jay and DeWitt Clinton, served in various capacities within the Bible Society, including membership on the Board. Another distinguished American, Francis Scott Key, author of the poem "The Star Spangled Banner," was associated with the American Bible Society from 1818 until his death in 1843. And Abraham Lincoln was one of the staunch supporters. 

During times of national tragedy, the American Bible Society has stepped forward to bring the comfort and hope of God's Word to those in distress. After the September 11 terrorist attack on our nation, we distributed five million Scripture booklets with the message of God's love in English and Spanish. Similarly, after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, another such effort was carried out resulting in nearly one million pieces of Scripture being put into the hands of willing recipients.

The purpose of the American Bible Society, from its beginning, remains the same today: to share God's Word with the world.

For more information about the American Bible Society, please visit www.americanbible.org.