YOUR MONTHLY MEMBER'S REPORT FEBRUARY 2026
South AFRICA
South Africa is facing a deepening literacy crisis. In 2023, findings by the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) revealed that by the end of Grade 4, only 18 per cent of learners can read with comprehension.
The impact is far-reaching with South Africa’s poorest communities being the hardest hit. Low literacy fuels a relentless cycle of poverty, unemployment, crime, violence and broken families—one generation after another. In response, the Bible Society of South Africa has developed and implemented two Bible-based initiatives to address both literacy and values formation among children and young people.
The Bible-based literacy programme supports early learning in 11 of South Africa’s official languages. With the approval of education authorities, it has been used in primary schools, pre-primary centres and Sunday schools, reaching more than 360,000 children to date.
The Grade 7 learners programme provides young adolescents with a Bible at a formative stage of life. For many households, this is the first—and sometimes the only—Bible they have ever owned. Through this programme, over 90,000 Grade 7 learners have been reached.
Together, these initiatives address the literacy crisis, strengthen Bible engagement and instil Christian values that help young people navigate life’s challenges. Beginning with English, isiZulu and Afrikaans, the programme aims to reach 17,500 children in 2026—transforming not only young lives, but entire families and communities. Your gift to Bible a Month Regular Giving this month will help to support these projects.
View the PDF version of your Member's Report here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYKMPii0z4w
Prayer Points for South Africa
Pray for children in South Africa to gain reading skills, confidence and hope, breaking cycles of poverty through education and God’s Word.
Pray for teachers, facilitators and volunteers to be equipped with wisdom, patience and compassion as they nurture literacy and faith together.
Pray for the Bible-based programmes to bear lasting fruit, shaping young hearts with godly values and transforming families and communities.
Pray for sustained provision and partnerships, enabling these initiatives to reach more children in every language and region across South Africa.
Pray more with us here.
FURTHER BIBLE MISSION PROJECTS
Belarus
In 1991, Belarus became independent from the Soviet Union, but it has remained under Russia’s influence. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurred in Ukraine, which affected Belarus more severely than any other country leaving it with significant environmental and human devastation. Today, 1.7 million children live in poverty with 500,000 children living in contaminated zones, which brings unbelievable suffering as many are born with genetic defects.
The country has many orphans and children living in dysfunctional families where there are issues such as alcoholism or drugs. Bible Society has a long-standing ministry to orphanages, boarding schools, and hospitals where it provides children’s Scriptures including Bibles, New Testaments, and portions to vulnerable children.
Nepal
In 1715, Christianity reached Nepal brought there by Capuchin Friars. In 1768, following Nepal’s unification, Christian groups were banned from the country. After the revolution of 1951, foreign missionaries were permitted to enter Nepal but only to perform social service work. In the same year, a church was planted in Kathmandu by Indian Christian technicians working in the area. However, church growth was slow due to a hostile cultural and political environment.
In 1976, the Nepal Bible society was formed. Today, it is working to provide scripture engagement projects to women and children. It is providing audio bibles to vulnerable people including illiterate and semi- literate people, the visually disabled and disabled people.
Moldova
In the 4th century, Christianity reached Moldova. Today, 90 per cent of Moldovans identify as belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church while a further three per cent belong to other denominations. In 1991, Moldova achieved independence from the Soviet Union. In the same year, the Interconfessional Bible Society of Moldova was established.
Bible Society is focusing on two key areas of work. Firstly, it is travelling to remote rural areas to serve the churches using a Bible Bus which enables it to go to places, such as marketplaces, summer camps and church outreaches. Secondly, it is distributing free family Bibles to give vulnerable families, single-parent families and elderly people access to the Word of God.
Latvia
In the 13th century, Christianity reached Latvia. In 1813, the first Bible Society in the territory of Latvia was established. Latvians were early supporters of Luther and much of the population converted to Lutheranism. The churches in Latvia were harshly persecuted under both the Nazis and the Communists. Today, although the country is neither anti-Christian nor anti-religion, it remains a challenging mission field to work in.
The Latvian Bible Society is working to revise the Modern Latvian Bible to make it more accessible to a new generation. It is producing the Gospel of Mark in Latvian sign language. And it is creating a new website with an online shop.
Belarus
In 1991, Belarus became independent from the Soviet Union, but it has remained under Russia’s influence. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurred in Ukraine, which affected Belarus more severely than any other country leaving it with significant environmental and human devastation. Today, 1.7 million children live in poverty with 500,000 children living in contaminated zones, which brings unbelievable suffering as many are born with genetic defects.
The country has many orphans and children living in dysfunctional families where there are issues such as alcoholism or drugs. Bible Society has a long-standing ministry to orphanages, boarding schools, and hospitals where it provides children’s Scriptures including Bibles, New Testaments, and portions to vulnerable children.
Nepal
In 1715, Christianity reached Nepal brought there by Capuchin Friars. In 1768, following Nepal’s unification, Christian groups were banned from the country. After the revolution of 1951, foreign missionaries were permitted to enter Nepal but only to perform social service work. In the same year, a church was planted in Kathmandu by Indian Christian technicians working in the area. However, church growth was slow due to a hostile cultural and political environment.
In 1976, the Nepal Bible society was formed. Today, it is working to provide scripture engagement projects to women and children. It is providing audio bibles to vulnerable people including illiterate and semi- literate people, the visually disabled and disabled people.
Moldova
In the 4th century, Christianity reached Moldova. Today, 90 per cent of Moldovans identify as belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church while a further three per cent belong to other denominations. In 1991, Moldova achieved independence from the Soviet Union. In the same year, the Interconfessional Bible Society of Moldova was established.
Bible Society is focusing on two key areas of work. Firstly, it is travelling to remote rural areas to serve the churches using a Bible Bus which enables it to go to places, such as marketplaces, summer camps and church outreaches. Secondly, it is distributing free family Bibles to give vulnerable families, single-parent families and elderly people access to the Word of God.
Latvia
In the 13th century, Christianity reached Latvia. In 1813, the first Bible Society in the territory of Latvia was established. Latvians were early supporters of Luther and much of the population converted to Lutheranism. The churches in Latvia were harshly persecuted under both the Nazis and the Communists. Today, although the country is neither anti-Christian nor anti-religion, it remains a challenging mission field to work in.
The Latvian Bible Society is working to revise the Modern Latvian Bible to make it more accessible to a new generation. It is producing the Gospel of Mark in Latvian sign language. And it is creating a new website with an online shop.
Understanding Spiritual Warfare
Are there unseen spiritual battles being waged against you? Are you trapped in a cosmic struggle far bigger than yourself? Or have you dismissed it all as mere Christian mumbo-jumbo from fundamentalist fear-mongers? In this eye-opening five-session study on spiritual warfare, Pastor Guna Raman rips away the veil of complacency when it comes to the spirit world. Through biblical teachings and real-life testimonies, he opens our eyes to the spiritual forces actively opposing our faith. He also provides us with practical strategies to engage boldly with these spiritual enemies.
WATCH NOW
Haven't activated your free RightNow Media subscription yet? Learn more here.
EMPTY HANDS
BIBLE POVERTY
EMPTY HEARTS
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
EMPTY MINDS
BIBLE LITERACY