ORLANDO, FL — Ligonier Ministries is expanding its campaign to distribute free copies of the Reformation Study Bible to pastors, teachers, and students in ten African countries. Having originally planned to deliver 36,000 study Bibles by 2028, this outreach has considerably outpaced its initial target, with a total of 30,000 expected to be distributed by the end of October 2021. This great success has encouraged the partnership to pursue a new distribution goal of 100,000 study Bibles by 2028.
Study Bibles for Africa was the final ministry campaign launched by Dr. R.C. Sproul, Ligonier’s founder, before he went to be with the Lord in 2017. Looking to the future, Dr. Sproul noted that while people often overestimate what they are able to accomplish in one year, they often underestimate what they can achieve in five years. In God’s providence, this campaign presents a fitting illustration of that fact, as Ligonier has developed capabilities to distribute study Bibles more efficiently than anticipated, fueled by the generosity of supporters who believe in this work.
The study Bibles are distributed to a multi-country network of African villages, schools, seminaries, and churches through the Rafiki Foundation established by Rosemary Jensen, along with other distribution partners. Commenting on the significance of this outreach, Mrs. Jensen said:
“There is nothing more important for anybody to have than the Bible. And I love the Reformation Study Bible. More than a Bible, it’s a whole library in one volume.”
Its theological notes, trusted commentary, and historic creeds and confessions make the Reformation Study Bible an exceptional resource for church leaders in regions where sound discipleship materials are scarce. Even if pastors in these areas could manage to find such a resource in a bookstore, the cost would equal at least one month’s stipend. Placing the Reformation Study Bible in the hands of an African minister provides him access to the obtainable and impacts hundreds of others as he goes on to teach and disciple others.
Chris Larson, president and CEO of Ligonier Ministries, said:
“Some demographers think that in the next ten to fifteen years, more than a billion souls will be added to Africa’s population. Today, the average age on the continent is under twenty years. We’re presented with a critical opportunity to equip pastors and leaders who can disciple the next generation. As we hear of the church’s expansive growth in the Global South, it appears that Africa’s future is Christian. The question is, what kind of Christianity will it be? We pray and strive in obedience to our Lord’s Great Commission so that the church may not be storm-tossed by doctrinal winds but steadfastly committed to the truth once for all delivered to the saints. By God’s grace, the Reformation Study Bible is capable of playing a pivotal role in this work, and this distribution partnership has galvanized our efforts to translate the study Bible into even more languages.”
This significant endeavor is aided by visionary donors who want to help advance the teachings of Scripture and Reformed theology throughout the world. To support the Study Bibles for Africa campaign and to help distribute 100,000 copies of the Reformation Study Bible to African Christians by 2028, donations can be made today on Ligonier’s website.
About Ligonier Ministries
Ligonier Ministries exists to proclaim, teach, and defend the holiness of God in all its fullness to as many people as possible. To that end, Ligonier’s outreach today is manifold and worldwide. Founded by Dr. R.C. Sproul in 1971, Ligonier’s teaching fellowship consists of theologians, pastors, and scholars. Ligonier publishes Renewing Your Mind broadcasts, the Reformation Study Bible, Tabletalk magazine, books, and hundreds of teaching series. The ministry also offers an undergraduate degree program through Reformation Bible College. In addition, Ligonier hosts national and regional conferences, provides an online learning community through Ligonier Connect, streams 24-hour Christian Internet radio through RefNet, answers biblical and theological questions with Ask Ligonier, pursues numerous translation efforts in other countries, and makes available thousands of unique educational resources online at Ligonier.org.
CONTACT: Deborah Finnamore, Publicity Manager, 407-333-4244, definnamore@ligonier.org
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