Welcome to Bible Society New Zealand and Manna Christian Stores
WE BECAME ONE
Although Bible Society has been around since 1846, and Manna Christian Stores since 1972 it was in 2017 when we became ONE forming ‘The Bible Society New Zealand Group.’ This divine appointment saw two mission-hearted organisations, both rich in history join forces, interweaving their mission, passion, and purpose to become one.
WE ARE STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
As we have stepped into a new chapter of our shared story, we have not forgotten the richness of our individual stories. Our stories reflect the giants that have been influential in shaping us.
It is these stories, woven with the threads of our experiences, that define who we are today. It’s this beautiful tapestry that brings us together, knowing we are called for His purpose.
THE STORY OF BIBLE SOCIETY NZ
In 1800, 15-year-old Mary Jones, a girl from a poor Welsh family who had saved up her pennies for six years, walked barefoot 26 miles across a mountain to Bala to buy a Bible.
Her determination had a deep impact on local church leaders, who, inspired by her story, formed a vision of taking Bibles not just to Wales but to the world.
In 1804, the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) was formed, which included William Wilberforce and other members of the Clapham Sect, a group of evangelical Christians who campaigned for the abolition of slavery. It was the birth of a global Bible movement, which two hundred years later would be active in over 240 countries and territories!
The gospel message came to New Zealand and was first preached in 1814 by Rev. Samuel Marsden after having been invited to come to New Zealand by a Māori chief known as Ruatara. In 1846, the Rev. Walter Lawry founded the Auckland Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society. Today, Bible Society New Zealand (BSNZ) is a member of the United Bible Societies (UBS) who continues to be a global leader in translating, publishing, distributing, and engaging all people groups with the Word of God.
THE STORY OF MANNA CHRISTIAN STORES
The story of Manna Christian Stores, began in 1972 when the first store was opened in Invercargill. This was made possible when a group of visionary and faithful people formed a Charitable Trust. Through this store the desire and mission was to help grow and serve God’s kingdom, by partnering with churches and the local communities, and providing Bibles and life-changing resources. As the need and hunger grew more bookstores were established throughout New Zealand.
With a passion to see God’s people thrive Manna Christian Stores began to run workshops and conferences to train leaders and equip believers. They partnered with mission groups to help spread the gospel which impacted communities.
Today, that same passion from which Manna Christian Stores was birthed, to help grow and serve God’s Kingdom, is still at the heart of what we do. It is through these stores, scattered throughout New Zealand as well as online, that Manna Christian Stores continues to sow into many lives, to bring life and hope through their resources, and to share the Gospel.
TOGETHER WE BUILD
Watch this video to learn more about OUR STORY… OUR HEART
Together, we at Bible Society New Zealand and Manna Christian Stores build on the work of those who have gone before us, spreading the gospel, aiming to place a Bible in every empty hand to reach and fill empty hearts everywhere. We are driven by one conviction: we believe that when people get to know Jesus Christ through God’s Word, lives change for good, and that is why our mission is to make the Bible accessible to everyone and to encourage interaction with it.
OUR MISSION
Our mission field is vast. From busy city streets, to war-torn, poverty-stricken overseas villages to our very own backyard of New Zealand, we earnestly work to spread the gospel and to make the Bible and other life changing resources available so that all people may encounter God and His Word.
When you partner with us, you partner with more than just Manna Christian Stores or BSNZ but with over 150 Bible Societies around the world, working together to solve Bible Poverty. We also work together to better Bible Literacy by helping to make it more relatable through translating Bibles into people’s heart language and distributing it, by creating digital formats and resources, advocating for it in society, and by encouraging daily Bible Engagement for people to get to know Christ, to thrive, to heal, to grow and learn – to be equipped for His purpose so that they too may fulfil their calling to share the good news with everyone.
EMPTY HANDS
BIBLE POVERTY
Availability, affordability and accessibility of Scripture in the language of the reader.
EMPTY HEARTS
BIBLE ENGAGEMENT
How people read, interact, meditate, apply and respond to Scripture.
EMPTY MINDS
BIBLE LITERACY
How people understand and interpret Scripture.
HE CALLED WE ANSWERED
Will you go with us?
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.” ISAIAH 6:8 (NLT )