One of the great strengths of the Fellowship of Organisations World Bible Societies (United Bible Societies Fellowship) is how the ministry of the Good News flourishes through human relationships. Spanning countries, cultures and organisations, the Bible Societies unite people in a shared calling: to make God’s Word available, accessible and meaningful to everyone. Often, the impact of these human connections extends beyond the original purpose of a project, meeting or ministry initiative.
This personal account is a real-life example of what can happen when we serve and build partnerships with people from all walks of life. We are invited to be open with one another and to listen carefully to where the Holy Spirit will lead us.
The following example illustrates a ministry that originated from the involvement of the American Bible Society (American Bible Society (ABS)) in the Global Community for Trauma Healing in Kenya. This ministry subsequently evolved into a journey characterised by mutual listening, relationship-building and unexpected opportunities—ranging from a closer partnership with the Bible Society of Kenya (BSK) to an evolving vision to support education for girls and local communities.
It turns out that God uses this fellowship as more than just an organisational network. The fellowship becomes a community where people, experiences, resources and relationships can come together in ways we cannot always foresee. Collaboration creates connections; partnerships open doors; and when someone is willing to listen to and respond to God’s call, a single act of service can be the beginning of something far greater.
Danielle Aarstad, Enterprise Events Manager, American Bible Society, recounts her experiences in Kenya. Here is her testimony.
The Impact of Bible Societies: When a Mission Gives Rise to a Movement
When I travelled to Kenya with ABS to help facilitate the “Global Community for Trauma Healing” in October 2025, I knew I would be contributing to a programme that brings hope and healing through God’s Word. However, I did not expect that experience to develop into something more—perhaps even something miraculous.
At the Trauma Healing conference, I witnessed first-hand the transformative impact of the “Restoring Hope” programme. That trip to Kenya made me realise that the scope of ABS’s ministry extends far beyond the events they sponsor or the funds they raise. By uniting people in a shared mission, ABS fosters ambassadors who continue that mission, even after the conferences or training sessions have ended.
During my week in Kenya, I established communication and relationships with various parties. Following this, I became aware of the various barriers faced by many girls in that country when it comes to accessing education. What began as an exercise in listening and learning evolved into a personal commitment to support education for girls. The relationships I built paved the way for me to continue conversations with local leaders, community members, government officials and others who share a similar vision: to create broader opportunities for future generations.
An unexpected opportunity then arose. In July of the following year, I returned to Kenya to review a clean water project whilst also conducting research into girls’ education. Whilst speaking at a church service in Nairobi, a local ministry partner generously offered a plot of land measuring 20 ekar (approximately 8 hectares) for the construction of a school. Shortly afterwards, a government official committed to helping fund the construction whilst also seeking support from the Kenyan government to ensure the project could go ahead. What was initially planned as a trip to support a conference developed into a plan with the potential to change the lives of many children. It also gave me a special opportunity to connect the Kenya Bible Society and its partners with people in need of Bibles, I also took the opportunity to invite our partners to consider together how to support the Kenya Bible Society’s ministry programmes on a sustainable basis.
This experience reaffirms a truth about the ministry of Bible societies: their impact cannot be measured simply by the amount of funds raised or the programmes implemented. As part of the United Bible Societies (UBS), ABS acts as a catalyst in building relationships, inspiring a spirit of service, and connecting people in ways that often yield unexpected outcomes. By investing in people and fostering meaningful relationships, the organisation creates a domino effect that extends beyond any single event. One conversation sparks another. One act of kindness inspires another. A single trauma recovery conference acts as a catalyst for the establishment of a school, opening up new opportunities for girls and bringing a brighter future for the whole community.
My journey to Kenya began with a desire to serve through Trauma Healing training (Trauma Healing). Today, this ministry continues through various partnerships, educational initiatives, and an ever-evolving vision of what can be achieved when people are united by faith, a shared purpose, and a collective commitment to transforming lives. That is the enduring strength of Bible-based organisations: not merely to rally support for ministry, but to raise up ambassadors and build networks that enable God’s work to multiply in truly limitless ways.
Translated from: ubs community
