The Bible Society in Cambodia is an organization affiliated to the United Bible Societies. The United Bible Societies is made up of Bible Societies operating in over 200 countries and territories. Together, we are the biggest translator, publisher and distributor of the Bible in the world. We are also active in areas such as literacy training, HIV and AIDS prevention and disaster relief. Bible Societies work with all Christian Churches and many international non-governmental organisations.
BIBLE SOCIETY IN CAMBODIA
The Bible Society started its ministry in Cambodia as early as 1892 when a British & Foreign Bible Society’s missionary from Hong Kong visited the kingdom for the first time.
The ministry began with Bible translation. The first gospel of Luke was published for in Khmer in 1899.
When missionries from Christian and Missionary Alliance began its ministry in Cambodia in 1923, Rev. Arthur Hammond was assigned the task of translating the full Bible into Khmer language. Rev. Hammond worked with a team of missionaries and Cambodian pastors and completed the first Khmer Bible.
British & Foreign Bible Society was entrusted the task of publication and distribution of the Khmer Bible. The first Khmer Bible was printed in England in 1954. The second edition, with minor corrections, was published in 1962 by the Bible Society.
In 1955, a branch office of the Bible Society was setup at Preach Sihanouk Blvd. Phnom Penh
The national Bible Society was established in 1968, the first director was Rev. Son Sonne, from the Khmer Evanglical Church.
From 1975 to 1992 the Bible Society office was closed. During that period, the Bible work among Cambodians was carried out by Thailand Bible Society, American Bible Society, French Bible Society, etc. and coordinated by United Bible Societies Asia Pacific in Hong Kong.
In 1993, in partnering with national Church leaders in Cambodia, the United Bible Societies re-established the Bible ministry in the country. The Bible Society in Cambodia was formed.
The Bible Society in Cambodia is a national office of the United Bible Societies (UBS), the largest and oldest interdenominational Christian organization. Begun in 1804, the Bible Society movement is now serving in more than 200 countries and territories around the world.
Like all other national Bible Societies all over the world, the Bible Society in Cambodia has as its motivation the fulfillment of the Great Commission (MATTHEW 28:18-20), through Scripture distribution.
The Bible Society in Cambodia recognizes Churches as the primary agents of God's mission in the world. Therefore, the Bible Society serves the local churches and their partner organizations as a resource, not usurping their primary mission.
The Bible Society affirms that the Holy Scriptures belong to all churches, recognizing that doctrinal interpretation of the Scriptures belongs to them.
The Bible Society is an expression of the fellowship of God's people sharing their resources. These include, for example, spiritual gifts, knowledge, money, time, talents, and technology.
Although the Bible Society uses sound business principles in order to achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency in its service, the ultimate goal of its activities is however the fulfillment of the Great Commission.
OUR STAFF
Our dedicate staff members also come from different Church backgrounds working together to serve the Kingdom of God through publishing, translation, distribution and different Scripture engagement programs.
[BSC Staff members and their family]
OUR BOARD
The Bible Society is an expression of the fellowship of God's people from different Church traditions and background working together towards the same objective: bringing the Word of hope and salvation to the Cambodian people.
In order to meet the needs of Christian communities in Cambodia, the BSC Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee are composed of Christian representatives from almost all Church traditions: Evangelical, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, as well as parachurch organizations.
