The International Bible Society and Send the Light are exploring a new project which will see them collaborate to bring the Bible to millions who have so far, been unable to receive it.

For many years, the International Bible Society (IBS) and Send The Light (STL) have served Christians around the globe. At the centre of their work has been the Bible. However, many people in the world are still not able to access copies of the Bible. In India and China alone, it is estimated that around 200 million new Christians are eager to read God's word and this number increases each day.

Both STL and IBS have vast experience in reaching new people with the Bible, with STL specialising in retail and distribution, and IBS in Bible translation and sales. From October this year, a working party with representatives from both STL and IBS will discuss a possible collaboration between the two organisations.

STL is the largest Christian distributor of religious product in the world, with offices in the UK, United States and India. Its multi-channel retail division Wesley Owen has 45 stores in the UK and 20 in India. Its STL Distribution division has five distribution centres spread across three continents.

The International Bible Society celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2009 and has grown to be one of the leading Bible publishers in the world. The New International Version (NIV) and Today's New International Version (TNIV) are its principal Bible translations. It has over 500 staff working in 48 ministry centres around the world. Indigenous Bible translation is a core activity for IBS and each year it distributes over 13 million Scripture products on a free or subsidised basis. Zondervan and Hodder & Stoughton handle its trade markets.

While a number of options are being considered, a merger is not being ruled out. These include sharing warehousing, distribution and printing facilities, sales representation, publishing and supply agreements, marketing, finance, IT and identifying any other areas where collaboration might benefit the vision of both organisations. The working party will report back to their relevant boards in early 2007. It is envisaged that the Bible can be made available to an even greater number of people worldwide with the organisations working in a complimentary, rather than competitive manner.

Both STL and IBS have sound management systems in place and secure finances, and neither organisation is looking for financial relief from the other. However, in the United States alone, the two are already duplicating warehousing and distribution efforts. One benefit of collaboration may result in joint efforts in these areas, allowing resources to be released to concentrate on the core mission of supplying Bibles to those without them. It is not expected that job losses will take place, as the partnership will focus on maximising the impact of existing resources, with a vision for the ministry of both organisations to grow as a result of collaboration.

STL and IBS are also sensitive to the needs and concerns of other Bible publishers, who will continue to receive the same level of service and partnership with STL. It is hoped that this collaboration will lead the way to encourage other Bible publishers to further explore other world markets and opportunities. STL is committed to operate in a transparent manner throughout the negotiations, and will clearly outline any plans and decisions that are made in the future.