MAKING THE BIBLE KNOWN

The Philippine Bible Society (PBS) joined Bible Societies around the world in observing the World Day of Prayer, an annual celebration of the founding of the United Bible Societies (UBS) on May 9, 1946.

But it wasn’t just the PBS staff members who were present. Translation Officers from different countries also joined, as their global training is currently being hosted by PBS until this week.

The gathering was blessed with a message from Rev. Lee Doo Hee, General Secretary for Translation from the Korean Bible Society. He shared the Word of God from Luke 4:16–21, where Jesus began His ministry by reading Scripture. Rev. Lee reminded everyone that the mission of each Bible Society today is deeply connected to what Jesus started:

“Let us keep proclaiming [the Word of God] until every heart in every language can say, ‘Now I hear. Now I understand.’”

“You may not preach like Peter or travel like Paul… but if you help translate, print, carry, or fundraise the Bible, you are part of the same holy mission.”

Adding a deeply personal and inspiring note, Sajid Imdad, a Translation Officer from the Pakistan Bible Society, shared how, even though their ministry faces challenges in a predominantly Islamic country, they are moving forward in faith:

“Thank God—with the prayers of all the United Bible Societies’ fellowship—we are, even though struggling, advancing in Bible ministry. So, not like we are suffering, but thank God, even in struggle, we are moving ahead.”

Attendees walked around the ministry center, praying at different stations where tarpaulins displaying prayer points for Bible Engagement were posted. After praying, each person signed the tarps—a symbolic act of unity and commitment to the global Bible mission.

Mrs. Vicky Franco, PBS’s Bible Engagement and Advocacy Manager, also shared exciting plans to strengthen partnerships with other organizations and create more opportunities to bring God’s Word closer to every Filipino.

This World Day of Prayer reminded us that Bible ministry is more than just a job—it’s a mission. We press on, bringing God’s Word from the pages of the Bible into the heart of every person.