Why is it especially significant that the “The Bible for Tomorrow: A Global Commitment to Future Christian Generations” focuses on the future even we commemorate 80 years of the United Bible Societies? Rev. Gevers: Focusing on the future has been part of the DNA of Bible societies from the very beginning—not just UBS but the Bible society movement, which is now over 220 years old. The Bible society movement was inspired by a girl in her early teens, Mary Jones. She lived in the Welsh countryside, and she wasn’t able to go to school. But her grandmother had a Bible, and Mary Jones started to learn to read when she visited her grandmother. Mary was desperate to have a Bible of her own. She worked for four years saving up money, and announced to her parents that she would walk 47 kilometers to the town of Bala in North Wales to meet Rev. Thomas Charles. But Rev. Charles had just sold the last Bible he had! Poor Mary was distraught. That moved him to the point where he gathered some Christian leaders. They met in London at an inn and asked: what are we going to do about the scarcity of Bibles, not only in Wales but in the rest of the world? Even then, at that very founding, future generations were in mind. And it is even more crucial now because of the state of our world. It’s about thinking beyond ourselves. To commemorate an anniversary is never just about looking back—it’s about looking back only to look forward. In what ways can Bible engagement serve as the compass many young people are seeking? Rev. Gevers: Currently the world’s geopolitical space is very fragmented—broken. It’s a very unkind world. One out of four of our 156 Bible Societies is operating in a war zone. Young people need the option of a different world view and a different value system. Some of them are wondering: Am I even going to have a world to live in? I think about Psalm 119: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” and “Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” In a world of constant change, the Bible provides a fixed point for people, particularly if we understand the Bible through the lens of the New Testament. I think for us the important thing is the Bible is not just a book that has moral codes and life codes. The Bible leads people to Jesus and to transformation. The recent Patmos youth survey data indicates that young people are open. What are some practical ways in which churches can foster Bible engagement? Rev. Gevers: The churches are the places where this will happen. Churches can create more spaces for young people to engage with the Bible, and to engage with the message and content of the Bible in a nonthreatening way and even in a non-directive way in a community setting. For me, it’s really important that the church create these spaces in different ways – inside the church, at the door, and outside. This means going beyond Bible study into different types of engagement. There are those at the door of the church—standing at the door looking in. Then you need space totally outside the church where people can come and engage with the authentic meaning of the Bible. The church should not react defensively but engage in dialogue. In some contexts, the Bible has been misused and distorted, and young people may have negative perceptions, but what is the authentic story of the Bible? Our point of entry is not about religion or church, but the Bible itself. This book has been around for so long—more than 2,000 years! It’s the most translated book of all time. It’s the only book that’s on the moon. Would you like to discover why? As we at the World Council of Churches share the global declaration worldwide, what is your main message to churches? Rev. Gevers: Firstly, thank you! I believe churches are very good at Bible engagement inside the church. Perhaps more focus is needed on creating outside spaces which will then also link to the door. Christianity is growing very quickly in Africa. But the danger there is superficial Christianity. It’s often prosperity linked. There is a need for the church to provide solid Bible engagement. All three spaces are critical. What can your ecumenical family pray for UBS as it embarks on its 81st year of global ministry? Rev. Gevers: For UBS, first pray for Bible societies that are in these war zones that are doing incredible work with such resilience, creativity, and courage. Pray for the unity of fellowship and across dividing lines, for unity and openness of hearts, minds and spirits. Pray for those in difficult circumstances where the church faces restriction and opposition. Pray for God’s blessing on our declaration for the future generations. The Bible for Tomorrow: A Global Commitment to Future Christian Generations United Bible Societies Marks 80th Anniversary with Global Declaration for Future Christian Generations | 
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