Contact: Evelyn Lemly, Biblica, 719-867-2617
COLORADO SPRINGS, March 29, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Being young in Suriname isn't easy. In this South American country young people and parents don't talk about sex and relationships, making it hard for youth to find their way in life, with many unwanted results, such as sexual diseases, teen pregnancies, and even HIV infections. Teen pregnancies have become a major problem, with as many as 10% of all teen girls having babies during their school years.
A staggering 70% of the people in Suriname live below the poverty line. The main religion is Christianity, but many people can't afford their own Bible. Besides Christianity, old beliefs in ancestor spirits are also strong. Often these two belief systems are mixed, frequently resulting in teens having a distorted view of Scripture. Without a Bible of their own, they are unable to study Scripture for themselves. Fortunately, schools are open to evangelistic activities, making it possible to teach Scripture and biblical messages related to sexual education.
Biblica Netherlands has translated the Reach4Life New Testament in Dutch, the official language in the Netherlands and the main language in Suriname. This New Testament contains many studies on life issues for young people, promoting sexual abstinence and sharing biblical principles in practical ways.
Over 200 church leaders have been trained to use Reach4Life in classroom settings. The first edition has been used in Brokopondo as part of the sexual education program. According to our partners, an impact is already being seen and there are reports of a drop in teen pregnancies among those participating in the Reach4Life program.
The hunger for Scripture and education on life issues is evident; as partnering organizations have requested another 15,000 Reach4Life New Testaments to give to Suriname teens. Funding is entirely dependent on donations. You can participate in reaching another 15,000 teens with the gospel and promoting a safe and healthy lifestyle for them.
Expansion of the program to the Dutch Antilles will soon take place.
About Biblica
Celebrating more than 200 years in ministry, Biblica provides God's Word to people through Bible translation, Bible publishing, and Bible engagement. Biblica's ministry extends worldwide, with outreach in Africa, East Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, North America, and South Asia. Biblica has translated the Bible in more than 100 languages and is the translation sponsor and publisher of the New International Version® (NIV®) Bible, the world's leading contemporary English translation. Through its worldwide reach, Biblica engages people with God's Word so their lives are transformed through a relationship with Jesus Christ. For more information, visit www.Biblica.com.
