New Bible House opens in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Hurricane Mitch swept away both Bible House in Tegucigalpa and the written history of the Bible Society of Honduras when it struck in October 1998. Staff faced many challenges as they moved into temporary accommodation and continued the Society’s work, but, as General Secretary Jorge Gómez explained at the time, they sought to view the disaster positively as a God-given opportunity to start from scratch and to “write a new history” (see World Report 336/16).

The new Bible House of the Bible Society of Honduras, which was formally opened on April 2, 2003. The previous Bible House was swept away in the floods which followed Hurricane Mitch in October 1998. Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Photo: BS Honduras (HND03DJ-1.JPG)

The new vision and sense of purpose finally became reality on April 2, when the Society formally opened its new premises. With financial support from the Opportunity 21 program and from individual Bible Societies, the Society was able to build a new facility which is ideally suited to meeting the emerging needs of Bible work in the 21st century and to serving the process of national reconstruction in Honduras.

Recognising the need to broaden the scope of Bible work the Bible Society has created a centre which is intended to function as a “learning experience”. Through features including a research centre, reference materials, videos and computers, visitors will gain an insight into many aspects of the Bible and the work of Bible Societies around the world. Located in a rapidly expanding part of the city where there is a mixture of housing, schools, shops and businesses, the new Bible House also has residential accommodation for visitors, enough office space for both current and future requirements, and training and meeting rooms.

The Society believes that this facility will bring financial benefits, including boosting Scripture sales through improved access and enhanced display areas. It will also serve the wider vision of expanding the reach of its work among the churches and, through them, within society as a whole at a time of ongoing renewal. It will allow the Society to train people for Bible work, for example, as well as promoting the use of new media in Bible communication and teaching, supporting and boosting distribution work and encouraging gatherings of churches and Christian organisations.

Hurricane Mitch forced the Bible Society to embark upon a journey into the unknown, a journey which has taken it from devastation to a modern, tailor-made building which will enhance its profile in national life and allow the Bible to influence social, moral and physical reconstruction. The new Bible House, emphasises Mr Gómez, is “meant to be a monument honouring the Scriptures”. (WR 377/22 - 6.03)