Ending Bible Poverty: A Research-Driven Approach

EMQ » Jul - Sept 2026 » Volume 62 Issue 3

People reading and studying outdoors in a park setting. — IMB missionary Mark Hoshizaki leads a Bible study in Yoyogi Park in Tokyo with homeless men who received free food after the service in 2011.

Summary: Matthew Elliott discusses how ending Bible poverty requires more than translating Scripture into every local language. Drawing on research from Africa, he argues that most people read in national or educational languages and lack access to the Bible due to cost and distribution issues. Elliott calls for a research‑driven, transparent, sustainable approach that prioritizes Bible engagement, local publishing, effective distribution, and contextual discipleship.

By Matthew Elliott

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