|
 IBT
for children – and adults, too!
The
Children's Bible in Russian was
published by the Institute for Bible Translation to mark the new
millennium. This very readable book with full colour illustrations
which stays close to the Bible text is designed to appeal to both
children and adults.
It is a new
revised edition of the very popular Children’s Bible in Russian
that the Institute first issued in the mid-Eighties. That was later
translated into 33 of the many ethnic languages of the CIS, and about
8 million copies have been published and distributed.
The
Children's Bible is now being translated
into more of the ethnic languages. Recently
the Chuvash edition was published, and the
Chuvash government, churches and libraries
helped with the
 distribution.
The translations into Tatar and Lezgi have been completed and are
waiting for funds so that they can be
printed. Then there
will be the Karakalpak edition, followed by others.
For many such
a book is the first step towards greater acquaintance with the Bible
and can lead to life-changing experiences. In a remote village a woman
who together with
 her
husband was often drunk and neglected the children borrowed a copy. As
she read it through she knew such joy that
she gave up alcohol and read the book to the children. It marked the
start of a spiritual awakening in that home. A man from the Caucasus
who read a copy while he was ill said: “I discovered many interesting
things about the character of God and the identity of Jesus. I thought
that if a Bible for children was so interesting, lively and
meaningful, how much more interesting and complete a ‘proper’ Bible
for adults would be.” He later gave his life to Christ and is now a
pastor.
 “Restore
their Hope” is a project that encourages
distribution of IBT’s Children’s Bibles
through the cooperation of churches, organizations, private
individuals and through the generosity of
donors. For many of the children in children’s homes, residential
schools, orphanages, hospitals, penal and other social care
institutions who receive such a gift this is often the first book they
can call their own – a ray of hope in their difficult lives. |
