About Us
Our Vision:
To get God’s Word into the hands of more people, in more countries, more efficiently, so they may become disciples of Jesus Christ.
Our Mission: The mission of IBS-STL is to advance the Kingdom of God through translating, producing, and distributing Bibles, Scripture materials, and other Christian resources so people around the world may become disciples of Jesus Christ.
Who is IBS-STL:
- IBS-STL Global is a newly merged organization.
- IBS stands for International Bible Society, which has been translating and distributing the Bible for 200 years.
- STL stands for Send the Light, which in 50 years has grown to be the world’s largest Christian distributor of Christian products.
- The two ministries merged in 2007
International Bible Society-Send the Light translates and reaches out with the Word of God so that people around the world can meet and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to use the resources God provides to reach as many people as possible with accurate, readable, understandable translations of His life-transforming Word.
Founded in New York City in 1809, IBS carries out its ministry through a worldwide network of 40 ministry centers staffed by Christian’s native to each area. In 1978, IBS published the New International Version translation of the Bible; the NIV is now the most widely read contemporary English translation in the world.
Bible Translation: Of the more than 6,500 languages spoken globally, Scripture exists in only about 2,500. Many of the Scriptures that do exist are in outdated language that is virtually impossible for today's reader's to understand. To date, IBS has translated and published Scripture—directly and in partnership with Wycliffe Bible Translators—in more than 600 languages. IBS is currently translating God's Word in 48 languages that need understandable Scriptures. Some of these translations have been in development for as many as 20 years. Many of those who speak these languages have limited, if any, access to Scriptures in formats that are understandable both linguistically and culturally. As a producer of some of the most-read and trusted translations in the world, including the New International Version (NIV), IBS translates with unwavering commitment to accuracy and cultural clarity.
Evangelism: IBS, both independently and in partnership with churches and other ministries, provides God's Word to numerous cross-sections of society around the world. We currently pursue major outreach projects in 65 countries.
Discipleship: Leading people to Christ through Scripture is only the first step in a process. The second step is to facilitate spiritual growth in the Scriptures through discipleship. IBS participates in numerous initiatives intended to aid in the discipleship process and ultimately produce "disciple makers."
For more information about us, please visit our primary website at www.IBSSTL.org (a new window will open if you click on this link leaving your current session with IBSDirect.com active).