Contact: Roy Lloyd, American Bible Society, 212-408-8731, rlloyd@americanbible.org; Rebecca Silver, RLM Public Relations, 212-741-5106 ext 218, abs@RLMpr.com

NEW YORK, Feb. 7 /Christian Newswire/ --  The following is a statement by the Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, President, American Bible Society:

The American Bible Society is deeply saddened by the death of Ruth Stafford Peale, a member of the board of the Bible Society for more than 50 years. Mrs. Peale was the widow of Power of Positive Thinking author Norman Vincent Peale and co-founder of Guideposts magazine and the Peale Center for Positive Thinking. She was a renowned speaker and author in her own right and personified one of her most famous quotes: "Find a need and fill it."

I knew Mrs. Peale for many years when we were American Bible Society board members. She was a profoundly dedicated Christian leader, wife and mother. Her life greatly influenced countless people around the world and here in the United States. Ruth Peale always was interested in reaching the world for Jesus Christ and her influence was powerful in encouraging and guiding the work of the American Bible Society. One of my fondest memories is attending her 100th birthday celebration where I was captivated by her ongoing energy and enthusiasm.

During the tenure of Ruth Peale with the American Bible Society, millions upon millions of Bibles were put into the hands of people whose lives were changed as a result. I believe her fingerprints were on every one of those Bibles! Her emphasis on Bible engagement was epitomized by her passion for sharing God’s Word and by her warm smile and generous spirit. Ruth was 101 years old and she lived each of her days with a vibrancy of faith that all should commend.

When I reflect on Mrs. Peale's life, the words from the Gospel of Matthew 25:23 (New King James Version) are so appropriate: "Well done, good and faithful servant...Enter into the joy of your lord."

We at the American Bible Society extend our condolences to the Peale family--Margaret Peale Everett, Elizabeth Peale Allen and John Stafford Peale as they mourn her loss and celebrate her extraordinary life.

Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is www.Bibles.com.