Bible League International®, World Bible Translation Center combine operations, share resources
The boards of both ministries approved the merger unanimously, with the agreement to become final in September.
Bible League and WBTC have a common mission of sharing the Word of God around the world so it can be understood and lives can be changed. Each ministry brings unique strengths to the relationship; Bible League in Bible distribution and WBTC in Bible translation. The impact of combining these strengths and building together will be global in its reach.
"One of the directions we see God moving in the 21st Century is ministries are looking at ways to collaborate with other organizations to grow their common mission," BLI CEO Robert T. Frank said. "This merger will strengthen operations for both of our ministries, increasing the tools available to reach the three global audiences we share: the poorest of the poor, the persecuted church and those walking in darkness."
Bible League contributes strengths in the areas of administration and relationships internationally with networks in the field, but seeks better access to Bible translations. WBTC has that core competency, focusing on easy-to-read Bible translations, along with printing and distribution of new Bible translations. By sharing these strengths, each ministry enables the other to better fulfill its mission.
"The focus is equipping believers to help people understand who Jesus is and how He can change their lives," said WBTC President Eric Fellman. "We will do this through Bible translation, training and publishing of Scripture materials so that people prepared by the Holy Spirit will be brought into God's community through Jesus Christ."
Bible League headquarters will remain in Crete, Ill., near Chicago. Translation, global procurement and new product development will be managed from WBTC offices in Fort Worth, Texas. The staff and operations will be combined under the Bible League structure, with WBTC retaining its identity in translation and publishing as a ministry of BLI.
Frank will serve as Global CEO and Fellman will become President of the combined U.S. operations.
