Record 725,000 children to receive Bibles after donors pledge $1.6 million to double every gift
EEM’s largest ever ‘Bibles For Kids’ campaign set to reach record numbers across high-need nations after generous match fund doubles impact
NEWS SOURCE: A. Larry Ross Communications
FORT WORTH, Texas, April, 2026 – Children growing up amid war and poverty will receive hope in their own language after a group of generous supporters pledged to double every donation up to a combined total of $1.6 million, enabling the distribution of 725,250 Bibles.
EEM’s Bible For Kids campaign is its biggest yet with the huge goal surpassing last year’s distribution of 600,000 age-appropriate Bibles. The current campaign – which runs until the end of June – will see color-illustrated Bibles given to children, teens and young adults in 21 languages across Europe and parts of Asia where it is hard to access Scripture.
The mission has been made possible thanks to a group of donors who have pledged to double each gift up to $1.6 million. With this unique opportunity, it means two young readers will get a Bible for every $5 donated.
“Many children in these regions still lack access to a Bible in their own language or at a reading level designed for them,” said EEM President and CEO Bob Burckle.
“That’s why this matching gift is so meaningful. Just $5 provides a Bible to one young person, but with the match that doubles. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of these donors who are multiplying the impact of every gift.”
“The response so far has been amazing, and we are on track to reach the goal. Bible For Kids remains one of our most exciting projects and it’s great that Christians are so passionate about ensuring the next generation has access to God’s Word.”
“That’s why this matching gift is so meaningful. Just $5 provides a Bible to one young person, but with the match that doubles. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of these donors who are multiplying the impact of every gift.”
“The response so far has been amazing, and we are on track to reach the goal. Bible For Kids remains one of our most exciting projects and it’s great that Christians are so passionate about ensuring the next generation has access to God’s Word.”
EEM’s Vice President Dirk Smith said the campaign is focused on reaching children and teens in places where access to the Bible remains limited.
“For many children, getting a Bible is far more than receiving a book,” he said. “It’s a moment of hope, comfort and discovery that can shape their faith and future.”
“When a child receives their first Bible, the excitement is immediate. We regularly hear stories of kids reading them with their parents at home or bringing them to school and church to share with friends. These Bibles often end up reaching entire families.”
EEM publishes and prints various Bibles, New Testaments and children’s versions, distributing them through its extensive network of more than 3,000 partner ministries. Last year they distributed more than two million free Bibles and resources.
For more information, visit: eem.org/biblesforkids
About EEM
EEM was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments, including Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and Bible activity books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations reaching more than 36 countries in 32 languages. Last year, the ministry distributed more than 2 million Bibles and biblical resources free of charge. EEM is an accredited member of ECFA. Learn more at eem.org.