In addition to my work here at the seminary, I am also working for the Center for Bible Research on the translation of the Study Bible into Spanish. Recently, I was able to complete the last portions of the New Testament that had not yet been translated into Spanish. Now I am focusing on the Old Testament. I may update the already translated books of Ruth and Esther to the latest revision, and then I will get to work on the book of Genesis.

Last year I taught a course on the cultural background of the Old Testament and used the Study Bible several times during the lessons. The students were very interested in the online version of the Study Bible and quickly downloaded it to their mobile phones. They were amazed that such beautiful, substantive and thorough Bible study material was available for free. Many study on scholarships or are supported by their home church or family. This does not leave much money for buying books or building a library. The beauty of the Study Bible is that 40 years of research and study of the Bible is now available to them.

Many study on scholarships or are supported by their home church or family. This does not leave much money for buying books or building a library.

Well not quite yet, the New Testament is available, the Old Testament still needs hard work. This is not insignificant, because in the churches here the New Testament is turned to more quickly than the Old Testament. It is important that the "credit" of the Old Testament be unlocked for the churches here. Whether it is about creation, legislation, the Psalms or the prophets, there is so much in these books that is important to the church today.

One of the first days in seminary, I got to know Jair Noriega. He has been studying at the seminary for 3 years and was one of the first people I told about the Study Bible. Immediately the App was downloaded and installed. The next day he had to lead a funeral and already had an idea about the sermon, but still had some questions about a Bible text. It was great to hear that the Study Bible provided him with exactly what he needed. He has since not only advertised the Study Bible App among fellow students, but also when he has to preach somewhere, he points elders and pastors to the App. Jair has a huge passion to preach the Gospel, especially in remote places in Colombia where the church is not yet planted. On such trips, in addition to your Bible, you often can't take much with you. But with the Study Bible App on your mobile, you still have all the information you need to understand the Bible well.

It is, of course, only a beginning. Most of the Old Testament has yet to be translated, but how wonderful it would be if you or you would support this project so that the entire Study Bible will be available to churches in Latin America.

Dr. Gerrit Vreugdenhil
Medellín (Colombia) / Gouda

See also news release 'Getting to know Gerrit Vreugdenhil'

The Center for Bible Research is committed to helping as many people as possible learn more about the Bible. In Latin America, we distribute our materials free of charge (see BibliaDeEstudio). To continue that mission, we need lots of support! You can support us support by becoming a donor or by making a non-binding gift or donation transfer.
Thank you very much in advance!