Bible Societies in countries with greater financial stability have through a new Global Solidarity Fund embarked on assisting fellow branches facing financial collapse in countries hardest-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Eternity News, more than $4.1 million has so far been raised, and distributed to continue translation work, pay staff salaries, and continue work on essential outreach projects among branches in crisis.
Reports show that the Solidarity Fund was established late last year in response to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and aims to raise a total of US$6.5m.
Close to two thirds of Bible Societies around the world face significant survival challenges, brought on by the economic fallout of the pandemic. About 20 per cent are at risk of immediate closure due to significant falls in fundraising and sales income, according to Eternity News.
Director General of the Cameroon Bible Society Luc Gnowa told the media outlet COVID-19’s impact had been devastating for the organisation which already had been dealing with attacks from Boko Haram, as well as experiencing a social crisis bordering on civil war.
“Conscious of this state of vulnerability, I wondered what would become of us if the devastation of COVID-19 gained ground at home and elsewhere,” Gnowa said. “An intense fear took hold of me despite the great courage that has often characterised me.”
“We are very surprised and happy to know that we are among the happy beneficiaries of this grace from the UBS Fellowship,” Gnowa added. “Our voice rose to the Lord to express our gratitude to Him, and then to the many donors who … were willing to share their love with us.”
Since inception, Bible Society has through 150 branches operating around the world today, served over 4 billion people with Bible translations.
