“Open the Bible!”
Our campaign “Open the Bible” has come to the end and thanks to our supporters we have been able to donate to libraries in Latvia 180 copies of New Testament in new translation. We have taken these volumes to the Library Advisory Centre of the Library Development Institute. Its staff will organize delivery of all books to local municipal libraries. In this campaign took part 144 supporters (individuals and parishes) donating in total 2098,50 Ls.
Gospel for young people
The Latvian Bible Society has produced the Gospel of Luke in journal-type format with full colour photos. Goal of this project is to show actuality of ancient text with with the help of contemporary design and photos.
Bible Adventure in Riga
In 27th of November at the premises of the First Methodist Church in Riga took place “Bible Adventure” (Old Testament) – the seminar organized by the Latvian Bible Society. It was attended by 34 teachers who had a chance not only to gain information about this Bible teaching method but also to learn practically how to use this method. “Dynamic teaching method and very good example how to pass on large flow of information in a concentrated way”, “very needed method for Sunday schools”, “exciting teaching method”. All participants were keen to attend also seminar on the New Testament. The Latvian Bible Society is planning to provide it next year. Currently the Bible Society is collecting funds to support this project.
Seminar was lead by Kristīne Vainovska, youth leader in the First and Second Methodist Church in Riga. Her assistant was Sunday school teacher Ilze Žaime. Devotions were lead by superintendent of the United Methodist Church Gita Medne.
Photo: General Secretary of the Latvian BS Valdis Tēraudkalns provides participants with basic information about Bible Adventure.
Important celebrations
In 28th of November 90 years of life celebrated Elmārs Zvaigzne who for a long time was the Board member and Chair of Auditing Committee of the Latvian BS. He is still active in our work and continues to minister in Evangelical Jesus Church – small free church in Riga.
Photo: Board Chair of the Latvian Bible Society Ojārs Incenbergs and General Secretary Valdis Tēraudkalns greeting E. Zvaigzne.
Book Fair in Riga
From 5th to 7th of November the Latvian Bible Society participated in traditional Book Fair organized by the Latvian Publishers Association at the premises of the Congress House. In spite of economic difficulties it, as in previous years, was well attended.
Scripture Distribution Report 2009
The number of Bibles distributed by Bible Societies was over 29 million during 2009, according to the Scripture Distribution Report, a three per cent increase on 2008 and continuing the upward trend of recent years. This was accompanied by a small reduction in the number of Testaments and Portions distributed and an increase in the number of Selections. In total, Bible Societies distributed an amazing 430 million Scripture items.
These numbers include Scriptures sold through Bible Societies’ normal trading operations, subsidised distribution and Scriptures distributed for free through special projects.
These Area-based figures hide some interesting detail about individual Bible Societies. The Bible Society of Brazil alone distributed a staggering 221 million items of Scripture, for example, and there were large overall increases in total distribution in countries including the Philippines, Honduras and Panama.
Following the Literacy Symposium held in 2009, literacy programs are a particular area of development within UBS at present. The figures show that nearly 64 million Portions and Selections designed specifically for new readers were distributed, a substantial increase from 2008. Programs in Argentina and India were significant contributors to this rise.
In 2009, Bible Societies distributed 528,540 Bibles in different formats - audio Scriptures, video material and electronic Scriptures for computer usage. This is currently small compared to traditional printed items, but rose by 31 per cent from the previous year and is expected to grow further in the coming years.
The Latvian Bible Society in 2009 distributed 5041 copies of the Bible and its parts in various languages.
Seoul, September 2010 - World Assembly of the United Bible Societies
In average once in six years delegates from all Bible Societies are gathering in world assembly that every time takes place in different region. This time it took place in Asia, in South Korea. It was attended by 254 delegates representing 139 Bible Societies from 135 countries. Among them were also Board Chair Ojārs Incenbergs and General Secretary Valdis Tēraudkalns.
Global climate changes, poverty, sicknesses, corruption, armed conflicts – these are only some of challenges in contemporary world. Therefore motto of Assembly was right in place - God's Word, Life for the World.
Bible Concordance
For the first time in Latvian will be published the Bible Concordance. It will be launched at the end of this year. This has been very time- and labor-consuming project that was started in 90-ies of the 20th century. The Norwegian Bible Society has granted funds for publishing of the Latvian Concordance.
Photo: The Board Chairperson Rev. Ojārs Incenbergs at the printing press of the Korean Bible Society with the cover of the Latvian Concordance in hand. Most of Latvian Bibles have been published in South Korea.
Annual Assembly of the Latvian Bible Society
In 14th of April 2010 the Latvian Bible Society had its annual assembly. It started with devotions lead by Board member, Baptist pastor Jānis Balodis. Present members of the BS listened and accepted reports of the Board Chair Rev. Ojars Incenbergs, administration and Auditing Committee. All of speakers mentioned that 2009 was the year of economical crisis. Income from sales comparing with the previous year has been reduced by 35 %, income from donations – by 17 %. From the other side, opinion was expressed that results are not so bad if we take into account the fact that a lot of small publishing houses in Latvia are facing difficulties. The Bible is the book that is needed and required by people during times of recession.
Photo: Janis Balodis starting the general meeting with a sermon.
Materials for schools in Russian
At the end of 2009 and the beginning of 2010 the Latvian Bible Society in cooperation with the Russian Bible Society distributed free of charge books and other materials about the Bible in Russian for teachers of religious instruction in Latvia who are working in Russian schools. The set of materials included: the Orthodox Bible, Bible Encyclopedia, maps of biblical lands, CD “Traveling in the Bible”, booklet about history of the Russian Bible. 132 sets of these materials were delivered to the Faculty of Theology, students of study programme “Pedagogy of Religion” (Rezekne Higher Education Institution), Riga International Bible Institute etc. The Russian Bible Society (RBS) for some years carried out FR project “Bible in education.” In 2009 in this project was included distribution of books for Russian speaking teachers in Byelorussia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Latvia and Ukraine, in total donating 2000 such sets.
The Bible Adventure continues
In 27th of February in Liepaja at the premises of the local Methodist church took place the second seminar for teachers "Bible Adventure". Author of this program is Swedish pastor Jonas Magnusson. Opening devotions lead bishop of Lutheran Liepaja diocese Pavils Bruveris. Seminar was led by one of Methodist youth leaders Kristine Vainovska who has been especially trained for this purpose in Sweden.
40 teachers from various schools of Liepaja and Liepaja region as well as from other towns took part in seminar. The next seminar is planned in Riga at the first part of this year. We ask teachers who wish to take part in this seminar to contact the Latvian Bible Society by phone (67470585) or e-mail
(projects@bibelesbiedriba.lv)!
After the seminar we got very positive feedback: "This method is fantastic! I am looking forward to the seminar of the New Testament!", "The method is very, very interesting. If it is interesting for adults, then it will be even more interesting for children. I got from this seminar more as I expected", "It would be very good if we could organize the team that could show this project for people of the city of Liepaja, not only for some local parish Sunday School – for 5-6 children. I am very satisfied. This is very good methodology – everything is for children who have encountered the Bible for the first time.”
Joyful news
Campaign "My Advent Gift" has been finished in February 2010. 1691 donors supported this campaign. They have donated 13 630,06 Ls. These financial resources will be used to publish the Gospel of Luke for youth in journal format. 10% of income of campaign traditionally has been used to support social needs of one institution for children. This year 954,- Ls were handed over to family of Evita Raituma Zālīte. She have taken five children under her protection - 3 brothers and 2 sisters: Kaspars (8), Daniels (7), Sintija (6), Jānis (5), Elizabete (2).
Concert at the premises of the church "Blue Cross"
In 18th of December at the premises of the church "Blue Cross" took place concert that was organized as giving thanks to more then 120 persons who supported this year's action "Help to Live" aimed at providing this church with Scriptures. Bibles and other books are used by the church for its ministry to former prisoners, homeless and other socially marginalized groups. During the concert songs were performed by singing group "It is Worth Living" that mainly consists of former prisoners. .
Photo: Singing group "It is Worth Living"
Discussion in Rezekne about religion and education
In 29th and 30th of October 2009 in Rezekne took place academic conference for teachers "Themes of religious diversity in education - European, national and regional dimension". Papers were read by experts from universities of Latvia and Daugavpils as well as from Rezekne Higher Education Institution. At the opening of the event speeches were given by representatives of Jewish and Old Believer communities in Rezekne. Conference was organized by the Latvian Bible society in cooperation with the Faculty of Theology (University of Latvia), Department of History and Philosophy and Lettonica Institute (Rezekne Higher Education Institution. During the symposium participants had an opportunity to receive a copy of proceedings of the conference. This project was supported by PROGRESS, the EU's employment and social solidarity programme (2007?2013).
Photo: During the conference
Photo: The Head of the Jewish religious community Rashele Kukla giving a speech at the opening session
Campaign "My Advent Gift" has started
In November we have started our annual fundraising campaign "My Advent Gift". This time donations are collected in order to publish in 2010 special edition of the Gospel of Luke in the format of glossy journal designed for young people. Besides, we will support financially (10% of income of the campaign) family of Evita Zilite Raiskuma from the town of Cesis - she is guardian of 5 children - three brothers and 3 sisters (Kaspars (8 years old), Daniels (7 years old), Sintija (6 years old), Janis (5 years old), Elizabete (2 years old)).
Thanks to all supporters who already have made their donations or are thinking of doing it in near future! Thanks also to those who have donated via charity phone of the Bible Society. This year we will not be able to send to all of you written message of thanks therefore we would like to use this opportunity to wish you all bright hope brought to us by season of Advent and Christmas.
If after reading this information you would like to participate in our project you can donate by dialing 90006284 and thus donate one lats. About other ways of making a donation, please see section of this website "Taking part".
Bible Adventure Campaign "My Advent Gift 2008" - what has been done
In 31st of October in Rēzekne at the premises of the Catholic Secondary School took place seminar for teachers "Bible Adventure". Teachers of religion instruction were trained how to use the attractive Bible learning program "Bible Adventure" in schools. The author of this program is Swedish pastor Jonas Magnusson. He is convinced that religious education in schools can be approved by using methods that involve children in various dynamic ways including songs and gestures. The seminar was led by the Head of the Catholic Secondary School in Rezekne Marija Mickane and one of Methodist youth leaders Kristine Vainovska who attended training course of the "Bible Adventure" in Sweden in May this year. Opening devotions were lead by the bishop of Aglona-Rezekne diocese Janis Bulis.
35 teachers from various schools of Latgale took part at the seminar. They received the teaching manual of the "Bible Adventure" as well as Bibles and other materials free of charge as a gift from the the Latvian Bible Society.
After the seminar we got very positive feedback: "This was very worthwhile seminar", "I will be able to implement everything I learned: songs, elements of drama, symbols, drawings", "The travel through stories of Old Testament with a lot of gestures will be fascinating for children. Songs can change boring lesson to very interesting lesson","The manual is very valuable".
Such seminars will be hold in other regions of Latvia as well. We ask teachers who wish to take part in these seminars to contact the Latvian Bible Society by phone (67470585) or e-mail
(projects@bibelesbiedriba.lv)! We are very grateful to our donors who supported distribution of teaching materials for the Bible learning program "Bible Adventure" in schools during campaign "My Advent Gift" in 2008!
Photo: Bishop Janis Bulis leading devotions at the opening of the seminar
Photo: During seminar activities....
Festival of Books
The Latvian Bible Society took part in the traditional Festival of Books in Riga organized by the Latvian Publishers Asociation, 23rd October to 25th of October.
The invisible Bible
The Latvian Bible Society delivered parts of the Bible in Latvian Braille (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Proverbs) to the Latvian Library for the Blind at the end of this October.
In the age of modern technologies importance of the Braille script that was devised in 1821 by Louis Braille a blind French teacher (this year we celebrate 200 years since his birth) still has not been diminished. Though there are a lot of possibilities to get information using digital tech or audio-materials, many visually disabled persons consider that contact with the published book cannot replace other information sources. It concerns also Word of God - the Bible.
Since 1992 the United Bible Societies in cooperation with two organizations Lutheran Braille Workers (USA) and Compass Braille (UK) have produced most of the biblical books in Latvian Braille. By now readers have access to the complete New Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuterenomy, Psalms, Esther, Job, Proverbs, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel, 1&2 Kings, 1&2 Chronicles, Obadiah-Malachi. For many years editors of the text have been Edgars and Tamara Melbergi. Number of copies printed for each of books is 10 to 30 copies. All of these books the Latvian Bible Society have delivered to the Latvian Library for the Blind that distribute them to the other departments of the library in the seven largest cities of Latvia.
The remaining books of the Old Testament will be published until 2011 if funds will be available. The funds for these Latvian Braille project are raised in several countries. Latvian community of blind people community is grateful for this support. It is very relevant in conditions of reduced budget of the Latvian state that is threatening further publishing books in Braille in Latvia. About 15 books (in average 3 copies per edition) in Latvian Braille are published per year.
Photo: Ilgvars Hofmanis, the Chair of the Strazdumuiza Club (in Riga) for visually disabled persons reading the portion of Bible in Latvian Braile.
Photo: Gospel of John in Latvian Braille published in 1938 by the Britain and Foreign Bible Society and other biblical books in Latvian Braille published by the United Bible Societies.
The Bible exhibition in Ventspils
From 15th to 30th of August portable Bible exhibition was exhibited in the house for elderly people "Selga" at the town of Ventspils.
Then exhibition was moved to the newly opened library in Parventa, suburb of Ventspils where it stayed from
2nd to 22nd of September. During exhibition Ojars Incenbergs, Board Chair of the Latvian Bible Society,
presented three lectures about the origins of the Holy Scriptures, Bible archeology, various Bible translations
and about use of the Bible in world literature and arts.
Campaign "My Advent Gift 2008" - what has been done
10 % (1569 lats) of total amount of donations receiving during campaign "My Advent Gift" was handed over to the center "Dardedze" for children who suffer from violence in their families in the city of Valmiera. "Dardedze" was chosen because we wanted to support social needs of one institution for children. Eva Sare, the head of this center, told us how this money has been used - they have bought 3 bicycles, roll skates, boxing bag and other accessories, puzzles, books, different toys, accessories for gymnastics and badminton, trampoline, balls for volleyball and football etc. are acquired for needs of children. Every month center offers social rehabilitation to 26 children who suffer from violence in their families. Donations are very important for this center because state's financial support is provided only for consultations and some other basic activities. Donations provides a possibility to make life of children more interesting and colorful by developing their creative skills. Eva Sare said: "Your help is very large contribution that allows little hearts of children to receive positive emotions and feeling good. Thank you very much for your interest and willingness to help our children!"
Bible reading marathon in Ventspils
In 1st of August in Ventspils The Latvian Bible Society together with local Christian churches organized
public reading of Scriptures. More then 60 participants from 9 churches read almost all New Testament text
during 12 hours.
Photo: Member of local Lutheran parish Arija Upmale reading the Scriptures
Photo: Participants of the Bible marathon at the Town square
Bible exhibition in parishes of Pardaugava
During April, May and June portable Bible exhibition travelled around parishes situated in one part of Riga - Pardaugava. People attending worship services at Luther's Church as well as at the premises of Agenskalns Baptist Church and Saint Teresa of Jesus Catholic Church had an opportunity to fill out forms with questions of Bible quiz, to find out more about main themes of Bible and various Bible translations.
New proceedings on the Bible Translation
In 12th of June in the Hall of Coats of Arms of the Riga Castle took place opening of the proceedings of international conference "Bible Translation - a Cultural Historical Event". Its main themes are theory of Bible translation, history of Bible translations and contemporary praxis of translation work. Authors of articles (local as well as foreign scholars including ones from the United Bible Societies) have paid attention to the role of language in canonical texts, biblical style, terminology, rendering of forenames in Latvian Bible translations, contemporary usage of biblical phraseology and other topics.
The Latvian Bible Society signs the Cooperation Memorandum between Non-governmental Organizations and the Cabinet of Ministers
On May 20 2009 Board Chair of the Latvian Bible Society Rev. Ojars Incenbergs together with representatives of some other non-governmental organizations signed the Cooperation Memorandum between Non-governmental Organizations and the Cabinet of Ministers. Meeting was addressed by Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis. The Memorandum has been developed with the aim of facilitating operation of an efficient public administration system that meets the interests of the society by ensuring involvement of the civil society in the decision-making process. The current wording includes proposals of NGOs, as well as suggestions and editorial changes by the State Chancellery. Currently it is signed by 193 non-governmental organizations.
Audio version of the Old Testament in Latvian in process of being recorded
We have started to record texts of the Old Testament. It will be double CD with a number of selected OT books recorded. This is done by actors Dita Lurina and Kaspars Znotins who are well known in Latvia. Production director is Antonija Apele. In future we are planning to continue this work to produce the complete audio library of biblical texts. Thanks to all people who have financially supported this project!
You can listen to short fragment of the recording (1st chapter of Genesis).
mp3 sample
Annual Assembly of the Latvian Bible Society
In 2nd of April 2009 The Latvian Bible Society had its annual assembly. It started with devotions lead by Board Chair Rev. Ojars Incenbergs. Present members listened and accepted reports of administration and Auditing Committee. Formal part of assembly was followed by the fellowship time with a coffee and tea. These times in the twist of bread were 20 candles to mark 20 years since Bible Society work in Latvia was restarted.
Campaign "Reading Matter" in Liepaja Catholic Elementary School
In 6th of March 2009 General Secretary of the Latvian Bible Society Valdis Teraudkalns met with students of Liepaja Catholic Elementary School informing them about campaign of promoting Bible reading "Reading Matter". The campaign provides Internet users with opportunity to learn about the Bible in new and attractive way. V. Teraudkalns listened to young people how they would prefer to read the Bible. Perception of written text by contemporary teens is well described by one of students:"More pictures, less text!". Most of students would like to read the Bible in journal-type format (46 from 101) and in format of strip cartoon (30 from 101). Students (63 from 101) would like to buy Bible in Narvesen news stands, in petrol stations and in similar public places.
Information on Latvian Bible Society in the synod of Latvian Lutheran Church in Sweden
In 14th of March 2009 General Secretary of the Latvian Bible Society Valdis Teraudkalns following invitation of Dean Ieva Graufelde took part in the synod of Latvian Lutheran Church in Sweden and made a presentation on the work of the Latvian Bible Society. He also participated in the worship service organized at the premises of the Finnish Church in the medieval part of Stockholm.
Meeting in Ventspils
In 28th of January 2009 at the premises of the House of Language Writers and Translators took place meeting with Old Testament translators Uldis Berzins and Enoks Neilands as well as with Board Chair of the Latvian Bible Society Ojars Incenbergs. Place of the seminar - former town hall that is situated at the very center of the city, opposite to the St. Nicholas Lutheran church, is very suitable for such an occasion not only because of its location but also because of the vision its new owners have.
Bibles for people at the economical krisis
The Latvian Bible Society has donated Bibles and New Testaments for the non-governmental organization "Galilea". Mission of this organization is to offer the help to people who because of present economical crisis have lost financial stability, hope for the future and are in despair and are even thinking of comitting suicide. "Galilea" would like to show to the people the way out of despair and to help them to recover the hope and to provide advice based on the Bible.
The founder of this organization is Janis Baumanis who has gone through the financial crisis himself some time ago. He has created the blog to offer the help to others. Since that he has received a lot of e-mail messages and has met many people. Now J. Baumanis has founded the organization "Galilea" and its first seminar on the financial freedom will take place in 11th of March. Bibles and New Testaments will be donated to those participants who have expressed such a need.
Bibles for elderly people
The Latvian Bible Society in 20th of February donated 158 Bibles for 51 houses for elderly people around Latvia. These Bibles have large font and they are suitable for elderly people with sight difficulties. This donation was possible thanks to our donors who supported campaign "Help to live!" during year 2008.
Photo: Unloading of Bibles in the house for elderly people "Gauja".
Campaign "My Advent Gift" is finished
Campaign "My Advent Gift" is finished in February 2009. 2080 donors supported this campaign. They have donated 18068,5 Ls. These finansial resources will be used to put into practise attractive and original method of teaching of Bible stories "The Bible Adventure" during this year. 10% of income of campaign traditionally is used to support social needs of one institution for children. This year 1569 Ls were handed over to the center for children who suffer from violence in their families in the city Valmiera.
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17 Kooperativa Street, Riga,
LV 1067, Latvia
Phone: (371) 7412141, (371) 7470585, Fax: (371) 7471818
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Humans wither like grass, and their glory fades like wild flowers. Grass dries up, and flowers fall to the ground. But what the Lord has said will stand forever.
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