Welcome to Bible Society Australia
Welcome to this overview of the work Bible Society Australia is doing in our country and around the world to open the Bible to all people, everywhere. As you’ll see, there is a lot of work involved in achieving a world where Bible access and engagement are available to all.
The need for God’s word around the world is great. We know that 1 in 5 people are still waiting for the Bible in their language, and that 48% of the world’s languages still don’t have any Scripture. In fact, 188 million people still don’t have any Scripture in their language (ProgressBible, Jan 2024). Millions more are longing for a copy of God’s word, but sadly, many of them can’t get their hands on a Bible due to poverty, conflict, or displacement from their homes.
For many, poverty and displacement are made worse by illiteracy. In 2023, 75.9 million people were internally displaced, with another 120 million+ refugees worldwide. An estimated 13.4% of the world’s population cannot read and write. Non-literate adults earn 30-42% less than those who are literate.
So, although many long to know God’s life-changing word, these circumstances block their access to the Bible.
Our projects are seeing the Bible opened to people in ways that meet their deepest needs: through literacy education, trauma healing and holistic support. We are working to make the Bible affordable, accessible and available to everyone. We aim to engage humanity with the wisdom, beauty and love of our Heavenly Father through his messages to us — the Bible.
We hope that the projects outlined in this Impact Guide will bring you a sense of hope and purpose, as we at Bible Society Australia seek to meet these needs with our partners around the world.
Bible Society Australia Team
The Heart of Our Mission
Bible Society Australia aims to Open the Bible with all people everywhere through Bible translation, distribution and engagement.
We do this to see a world where the Bible is available and accessible to all, and lives are transformed as people encounter and explore God’s word.
Founded on 7 March 1817, Bible Society Australia (BSA) is the country’s longest continuously operating organisation. Established in the early days of the New South Wales penal colony, it was inspired by Lady Elizabeth Macquarie’s desire to support the spiritual needs of the community. Today, BSA is part of a global network of around 150 Bible Societies, working together to make the Bible accessible to all people through literacy programs, distribution, and translation initiatives in over 200 nations. Our mission is to connect people with the transformative message of the Bible, resulting in changed lives and communities.
We want to welcome you as you join us in this mission!
Where We Are Working
Countries and Territories
In 2024, we worked with our partners to Open the Bible through translation, distribution, literacy, and trauma healing, supporting 53 projects across 33 countries — translating Scripture into 25 languages, distributing over 93,000 Bibles in Ukraine alone, and equipping thousands through literacy and healing programs in places like Pakistan, Mozambique, and Vanuatu. Our impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives transformed by the power of God’s word.
At Home
Bibles for Indigenous Australians
Bible access is difficult for the 43.8% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in regional areas and 21.4% who live in remote or very remote areas. Furthermore, although 120 Indigenous Australian languages are spoken today, only one language (Kriol) has the full Bible translated.
We are working with local Indigenous translators and in partnership with Christian mission organisations to see God’s word translated into heart languages, and to distribute Bibles and Scripture resources through Scripture Grants for Remote and Indigenous Communities.
In Australia, we are working to ensure that the Bible is accessible and available to all people, while also encouraging confidence in its credibility. We advocate among Australians for the truth and beauty of the Bible.
Auslan Bible Translation
We are committed to making God’s word accessible and engaging for the Australian Deaf community. Bible access is challenging for Australians who use Auslan (Australian Sign Language) as their primary language. Auslan is a distinct visual language with its own grammar and vocabulary, and the Deaf community often faces barriers to engaging with written Scripture.
Our goals involve translating more Bible stories for children, launching a new Auslan Bible website in 2025, and updating older materials to current technological standards.
Advocating for the Bible
We advocate for the truth, beauty and goodness of the Bible among Australians through the work of Centre for Public Christianity (CPX). CPX is a media company that offers a Christian perspective on contemporary life, promoting the public understanding of the Christian faith by engaging mainstream media and the general public with high-quality and well-researched content about Christianity’s relevance today.
Australia has become increasingly secular, with the number of people identifying as Christian dropping to 43.9% in 2021.
Despite this, younger generations show a growing interest in spiritual questions. CPX addresses this spiritual hunger by being a thoughtful and generous Christian presence in public.
CPX produces the Life & Faith podcast, exploring the beauty and complexity of faith in the 21st century. In 2024, 34 episodes were released, with 129,115 downloads. Highlights include episodes on people who came to faith through atheist Richard Dawkins and an interview with war crimes investigator, Janine DiGiovanni.
Find out more about CPX at publicchristianity.org
Providing the Bible
We provide Scripture Grants to chaplains and gospel workers, enabling them to acquire Bibles and Scripture resources for those serving in the ADF, victims of natural disasters, people in prisons, hospitals, aged care homes, and other vulnerable situations.
Many recipients have never been exposed to the Bible’s message. The trauma of their circumstances often makes them open to seriously reading about and contemplating Jesus’ call on their lives. Our goal is to open the Bible with people in vulnerable situations.
We also support volunteer teachers in Special Religious Education (SRE) and Christian Religious Instruction (CRI) by providing them with Scripture Grants for Bibles to be used during lessons and home reading.
Many public school students in Australia lack familiarity with the Bible. The Bibles in Schools grant empowers Scripture Teachers to provide students with the opportunity to hold, navigate, and read a Bible during their classes.
The goal of our Scripture Grants is to equip chaplains and gospel workers with the resources they need to help Australians from all walks of life engage meaningfully with the Bible.
For more about our work in Australia, scan the QR code or visit, biblesociety.org.au/our-work
Transforming Lives Through Opening the Bible
Scan the QR code to hear artist and Pitjantjatjara Bible Translator, Carolyn Windy share the story behind her painting.
Globally
Bible Translation
Together with the rest of United Bible Societies fellowship, we are committed to completing 1,200 Bible translations, including 880 first translations providing the Bible to 600 million people for the first time, and 320 new and revised translations between 2018-2038.
In 2025, we are partnering with 5 Bible Societies to support 11 Bible translation projects in 9 countries and territories:
Vietnam
Mongolia
Sri Lanka
New Caledonia
Tonga
Vanuatu
Samoa
French Polynesia
Papua New Guinea
Bible Society Australia seeks to make the Bible accessible and available in people’s heart languages by supporting Bible translation work across the world. Bible
Society Australia, together with Bible Societies and Christian Bible translation organisations worldwide, are focused on finishing the work of Bible translation into the world’s languages.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Mongolia: Bible Translation
We are seeking to make the Bible accessible to all Mongolians by supporting the Mongolian Union Bible Society (MUBS) in translating the Mongolian Standard Version.
Since 2015, this project has worked to produce a translation that is accurate, natural, and easy to understand for both readers and listeners in the Khalkh dialect, the official dialect of Mongolia.
“Many Christian people are waiting for this translation to be printed very patiently and are very excited,” says Magnai, Executive Director of MUBS.
The project has made significant strides, and in 2025 the entire Old Testament is now available in Mongolian for the first time.
The impact of this project is expected to be profound, benefiting approximately 80,000 people, including 65,000 Mongolian Christians and non-Christians interested in reading the Bible. The translation is also anticipated to reach Mongolian speakers globally, including those in China and Russia. Through supporting Bible translations like this one in Mongolia, we are working to ensure that the word of God is available to all people in their heart languages.
For more about our Bible translation projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work
Other Translation Projects:
Vietnamese Study Bible
Vietnamese Minority Language First Old Testament
Gospel Parables in Sri Lankan Sign Language
New Caledonia Bible Translation
Tongan Bible New Translation and Bible Revision
Vanuatu Bible Translation
Samoan Contemporary Old Testament
French Polynesia Translation
Tok Pisin Bible Revision
PNG Bible Translation for People Without Bibles
In 2025, we are partnering with 26 Bible Societies and 2 mission organisations to support 22 literacy projects, 5 trauma healing projects and 5 specialised Bible engagement projects in 29 countries and territories.
Bible Engagement
We seek to open the Bible with all people to see lives transformed as people encounter and explore God’s word. We encourage the faith journeys of people around the world through Bible engagement campaigns, Bible-based literacy programs and trauma healing programs.
Bangladesh
Burkina Faso
Cambodia
China
Colombia
Egypt
Guatemala
Jordan
Kenya
Laos
Lebanon
Mongolia
Mozambique
Myanmar
Pakistan
Palestine
Rwanda
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
The Gambia
The Gulf
Uganda
Ukraine
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Mozambique
Rwanda
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Pakistan: Literacy Project
We are supporting the Pakistan Bible Society (PBS) in providing Bible-based literacy classes for non-literate Pakistani women. Since 2014, this project has aimed to empower women by teaching them to read and write, making them ‘beacons of light’ in their communities. “I am thankful to the Lord and PBS for providing us such an opportunity to learn to read and write,” says Sima*, a mother of three.
In 2025, the project aims to reach 3,000 women across 350 literacy classes in remote areas. These classes will focus on reading, writing, mathematics, and health lessons, with an external evaluation program to assess areas for improvement. The project also includes eyesight tests and the provision of glasses for new students.
The impact of this project has been profound, with over 57,964 women graduating since its inception, indirectly benefiting nearly 290,000 people. By supporting literacy projects like this one, BSA is working to empower women in Pakistan, helping them become educated citizens and competent Bible readers.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Vanuatu: Trauma Healing
We are partnering with the Bible Society of the South Pacific to bring hope and healing to women in Vanuatu through trauma healing programs. Since 2021, this project has aimed to empower women who are victims of domestic violence by providing holistic support and advocacy. “At the Domestic Abuse session in Mele Village, one male participant shared that he was blessed to attend because it used God’s word,” says a staff member from the Bible Society of the South Pacific.
In 2025, trauma healing workshops are planned across several provinces and islands, including Torba, Sanma, and West Ambae. These workshops will address the needs of women suffering from gender-based violence, offering them healing, understanding, and hope. Additionally, the project includes violence prevention activities and literacy programs to help women acquire reading and writing skills.
The impact of this project is expected to be significant, benefiting approximately 60,000 people, especially women and girls. By supporting initiatives like this, BSA is working to address trauma healing among women and offer the Bible’s words of wisdom and healing.
For more about our Bible engagement projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work
In 2025, we are partnering with 6 Bible Societies and 3 Christian mission organisations in 9 Bible distribution projects in:
Bible Distribution
We support various Bible-distribution projects around the world, which are specialised to reach people in need with the Bible in the best format for their situation.
South Africa
Nicaragua
Ukraine
Kenya
Jordan
Africa
India
South Africa
China
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Jordan: Bibles and Bread for Refugees
We are partnering with the Bible Society of Jordan to provide practical support and the word of God to refugee families and underprivileged Jordanian families. Since 2011, this project has aimed to ease both the emotional and physical suffering of families by providing basic necessities and Scripture. “The impact of this relief was immense, both spiritually and materially,” shares Youssef*, a Syrian refugee and project beneficiary.
In 2025, the project seeks to distribute 1,000 Bibles, 2,000 New Testaments, and 5,000 Scripture portions each year. Additionally, it will provide emergency supplies such as food packages, mattresses, baby essentials, and medical aid. Volunteers from local churches deliver these supplies through home distribution and church visits, ensuring families in need are reached.
The impact of this project is expected to be significant, benefiting approximately 50,000 people yearly. By supporting initiatives like this, BSA is working to ensure that refugees and the underprivileged receive the care and support they need, both physically and spiritually.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
For more about our Bible distribution projects, scan the QR code or visit biblesociety.org.au/our-work
In 2025, we are supporting 4 Bible Societies, 2 Christian mission organisations and the United Bible Societies to help strengthen their Bible mission, emergency relief work and/or literacy projects in:
Bible Advocacy
We work to advocate for and strengthen the capacity of Bible Societies around the world by coming alongside them as they work to recommend, defend and champion the truth and goodness of the Bible in their cultures.
China
Arab-Israel
The South Pacific
Papua New Guinea
Malawi
Rwanda
Asia Pacific
Myanmar
Ukraine
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Papua New Guinea: Rebuilding Bible Society
We partner with the Bible Society of Papua New Guinea (BSPNG) to enhance its capacity to reach future generations with God’s word. This project focuses on establishing sustainable and impactful Bible-based mission work. “Our labour is not in vain. We are in the kingdom-making business,” reflects a local partner in 2024, highlighting the dedication and purpose behind this mission. “This is the reason why Bible Society exists. Thank you, Bible Society Australia and other sister Bible Societies, for your continued support. Together we will impact the world through God’s word.”
In 2025, the project aims to complete the renovation of BSPNG’s Koki property in three phases, advertise and fill key positions like the Operations Manager, and develop robust finance and HR policies. Training sessions will cover project management, financial literacy, and database management, with BSPNG engaging in regional collaborations and ongoing training offered by the United Bible Societies (UBS).
The impact of this project will be significant, equipping BSPNG to better serve the country with Bible mission work. By improving individual, organisational, and systemic capacities, BSPNG will enhance its ability to distribute Bibles more widely, fostering greater engagement with Scripture and transforming lives and communities.
I Can Give ...
I Can Pray ...
We are passionate about the Bible because it has the power to impact lives both now and for eternity. But it is your generosity that fuels our mission. Together, we can make a world of difference. By giving to Bible Society’s work you help make it easier for us to expand our reach with God’s word.
Subscribe to our monthly prayer letter and stay connected with Bible Society’s global mission. Join us in prayer for our projects, be inspired by powerful testimonies, and stay up to date with how God’s word is making an impact around the world.
biblesociety.org.au/donate
biblesociety.org.au/pray
Make an Impact Where It’s Needed Most
In a world where countless individuals are yearning for God’s word, your donation to Bible Society Australia’s ‘Where Needed Most’ fund stands as the most effective and flexible way to make a profound impact You will be meeting the most pressing needs, from emergency responses and benevolent relief work to advocacy, Bible engagement, and Bible translation, enabling Bible Society Australia to respond swiftly to the most critical projects.
Becoming a regular giver to Bible Society Australia, or giving a one-off donation to our ‘Where Needed Most’ fund, enables rapid action in times of crisis,
champions Bible engagement and advocacy, supports translation projects, and sustains mission work, including the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX), staff, and operational costs. Donations are allocated based on their tax-deductible status, ensuring compliance and maximising impact.
Your prayerfully considered support, whether in a regular gift or a one-off donation to the ‘Where Needed Most’ fund is the most effective way to see lives transformed as they encounter and explore God’s word.
Church Partnership
Connect
Make a meaningful impact by partnering with Bible Society to distribute Bibles, advance Bible translation work, and help people encounter and engage with God’s word. Talk to our team today about becoming a Bible Society Mission Partner by supporting us financially or fundraising as a church.
Contact us at church@biblesociety.org.au
Partner
Unlock new ways to connect your community with God’s word by signing up for email updates from Bible Society Australia! Whether you’re a church or ministry organisation, we are here to help you enrich your Bible engagement and access exclusive offers and resources. From subsidised Bibles to children’s resources, subscribe today and be the first to know about the latest Bible engagement products and special offers tailored to your church’s needs.
Sign up at biblesociety.org.au/for-churches
Volunteer
You can help us by becoming a Bible Society Australia volunteer. We will equip you to tell others about Bible Society’s breadth of work and our impact. We are committed to enabling you with information and training to support you as you represent us in your church and community. We hope that you will join us and become part of the Bible Society Australia family!
Contact us at volunteer@biblesociety.org.au
Thank You
We are eternally grateful for your support — donors, church partners, and faithful volunteers — making it possible for lives to be transformed as people encounter and engage with the Bible.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)