One Million Bibles Initiative: Global South

The Global Need

It is estimated that between one-half to two-thirds¹ of the world’s current Christian population lives in the Global South. As the church continues to grow in this region, so does its need for Bibles and gospel-rich resources. Although the majority of the world’s Christian population has shifted to Africa and Asia, most of the world’s Bibles and Christian resources remain concentrated in the Global North and West—leaving millions without access to the life-transforming beauty of God’s Word.

What’s more, nearly 90% of the world’s youth—which amounts to two billion children—live in the Global South. Of these, too many are unable to obtain a copy of Scripture and are left without a way to discover the wonder of God’s truth for themselves. Through Crossway’s One Million Bibles Initiative: Global South, we hope to give men, women, and children an opportunity to own the treasure of God’s Word.

Evidence of the Impact

Cecilia serves as an Awana program director and one of the teachers at Ruiru Bible Baptist Church in Nairobi, Kenya. Last year, through the generosity of Crossway’s donors to our previous One Million Bibles Initiative, boys and girls in this Awana program received Bibles. She shared how she has seen many lives changed as a result.

Before we received the [donated Bibles]—maybe eight or nine kids would have to share one Bible. So as a teacher you would have to write the verses on the whiteboard using the one shared Bible, then take the Bible to someone else to write on their whiteboard. But now every child has a Bible. So when the teacher says something like, “Somebody open to John 3:16,” everyone jumps to open their Bible and races to get there first. The Bibles are having a very big impact as they get to read the text for themselves.

Cecilia has also seen a ripple effect of transformation through the donated Bibles. The children are impacting their peers as well as their parents.

Through those Bibles, kids are getting other kids to the church. [They are saying], “In our church we are given the Bible. Look at the Bible.” They are even taking them to school and using them at school. Kids are coming [to church] because of those Bibles. The parents are coming asking for the Bibles. And we have seen change. Even this Sunday, there was a boy who came and told me his mother was sitting there. I had never seen that mother in church before.

Crossway remains committed to providing one million Bibles to the growing church in the Global South. Cecilia sums up the impact this way: “Through those Bibles, the lives of people are being transformed. And people are getting to know Jesus and getting to know the Bible better. When you read it yourself, it is better.”

Respond to the Need

We rejoice in the opportunity for Cecilia and those in her ministry to receive Bibles. As we give thanks, we recognize that many in other communities long to own one. Thanks to a generous donor match, through May 31, 2026, a $35 gift will help provide 20 Bibles to men, women, and children in great need throughout the Global South. Your gift will help us reach our goal of raising enough funds to support the printing and distribution of one million Bibles throughout the Global South.

As always, 100% of your donation goes directly toward Bible distribution, ensuring the maximum reach of your generosity.

Would you prayerfully consider joining us in this effort to provide the Word of God to those who need it most?