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Bible Media's values

Bible Media (BM) is a ministry that makes content available for Christian faith and ministry. The content should be theologically sound and easily accessible, inclusive, open-minded, genuinely Southern African and available in a variety of formats such as courses, printed and digital mediums.

It was especially pleasing at the end of the reporting year to receive the newsthat for the third time since 2007, when we restarted publishing books,the organisationhas yielded a winner of the Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brandprize with Annette Potgieter's "Jong teoloë praat saam," published in 2015. The prize is awarded to a Christian theological debut work published in an official language of South Africa.

BM, true to the Word of Jesus Christ, rigorously lived the six values at the core of its existence:

• respect

• loyalty

• accountability

• integrity

• excellence

• innovation

Bible Media's many activities can be divided into three main groups: Publications (books and magazines) and electronic media, Ministries and Auxiliary Services.

PUBLICATIONS AND E-MEDIA

Biblecor, LiG, Kerkbode, MEMA, BM Music and Jeugfokus are some of the brands ofpublications and e-media.

Biblecor and Jeugfokus

Strategic Objective:User-oriented printed products for believers and faith communities.

• Biblecor

During the past financial year Biblecorand Jeugfokus produced43 newtitles (2015: 33) and 42 reprints (2015: 32).

Biblecor's 43 new publications can be divided into:

7 Bible studies

4 theological and liturgical books

8 containing congregational material

3 baptism and baptismal preparation

• Jeugfokus (catechism products)

In collaboration with the synod's Task Team for Catechism, they developnew catechism productscontinuously. Rev Paul du Toit has completeddeveloping the LP3 seriesin a part-time capacity. The six year cycle (for primary schools) and the four year cycle (for high schools) are now complete.

BM finances and bears the responsibility to developcatechism material for the Dutch Reformed Church and Uniting Reformed Church.

Kerkbode, LiGand Jaarboek

LiG- a guide for families and believers

Strategic objective: To create a publication that helps to deepen and develop faith

Through this particular approach, LIG tries to provide the space in which every Christian mother can gain insight and strength to be both a mother and a companion and guide for her family on their journey of faith. LiG gives advice on being a woman, mother and marriage partner. By telling peoples' stories and giving practical advice, LIG can inspire, encourage and bring hope in the Christian community.

LIG aims particularly at people in leadership positions within a faith community. With this in mind, each edition focuses on the church calendar. More articles about faith are published than in the past, in easy language, but not superficial in content. New articles like idees met hart give congregations, small groups or individuals ideas for outreach projects. The leef-ligter articles provide practical ideas on looking after God’s creation.

The Dutch Reformed Church and beyond

This strategy is used to strengthen the bond between the Dutch Reformed Church and LIG, with the hope that this relationship will lead to an increase in subscriptions from congregations.

LiG’s ABC figures still reflects a decline compared to the previous year – unfortunatelya trend throughout the market.

Same depth but lighter

In 2015 LIGwas printed on thinner paper for two reasons. Firstly, in order to be a more environmentally friendly magazine. Secondly, to lower the price per copy in order to place a more affordable publication on the shelves. LIG’s price compares very well with those of its competitors.

Kerkbode

Kerkbode offers congregations a publication that is both attractive and contains inspiring news.

Kerkbode’s subscriptions decreased from 14607 in March 2015 to 13004 in March 2016.

The new e-Kerkbode which supplements the printed newspaper, is already reaching 5800 e-mail addresses. An app for Kerkbode is envisaged for the near future.

Jaarboek van NG Kerke

The Jaarboekremains a useful resource for the Church. The 2016edition sold 1543 hard copies and 109CD’s.

MEMA (electronic products and videos)

Strategic objective:User friendly printed products for believers and faith communities as well as marketing material.

  • Video clips: Mema has produced 143 video clips, short films and sound bites as well as marketing material.These products are made up of the following:

15 worship products (video clips for use in congregations)

15 video clips linked to printed products

50 products with BM partners

3 products for commercial purposes

3 CD’s with catechism aids

  • Radio programmes

44 radio programmes specifically for marketing LIG

Radio spots

e-Media (websites, tablet and smart phone applications)

Strategic objectives: Integrated webnetwork, development of applications and new e-shop.

  • BM built a multisite for web communication of its services, as well as a service to the greater church. The multisite includes an integrated search function, automated newsletters, simplified updates and a uniform look. The website already has 63 subdomains.
  • Development of applications ("apps") is a new focal point. Initially five different applications were built, three of them for both the Apple suite as well as the Android platform. They are well maintained and additions are being considered.

Liedboek van die kerk(for the Reformed Church) (Apple and Android tablets)

Liedboek van die kerk(Apple and Android tablets and cell phones)

Boodskap vir Vandag (a short daily devotion) (Apple and Android)

  • Presently there are 918 products in the BM e-shop and new products are being added continuously.

BM music

Strategic objective: Responsible management and expansion of BM's musical intellectual property.

Rev Faani Engelbrecht is contracted to manage BM’s goals and interests.

• VONKK

VONKK had 288 songs on the VONKK website at the end of the reporting period. There are melodies with chords, organ and/or piano accompaniment, full PowerPoints (with notations and text) as well as a 30second demonstration audio clip of each song. License holders can purchase a data stick containing all the sheet music, PowerPoints and audio clips. There are 570license holders, of which69are new additions this year.

• FLAM Music Publishers

FLAM manages a catalogue of more than 494 songs.

The website had more than 70000 unique visitors in the last year and sells only South African mp3s.

FLAM's e-newsletter, Fuurhoutjie is also integrated into the multi-purpose website. Megaphone is the newsletter for

• Liedboek van die kerk

Bible Media still manages the copyright, printing and distribution of theLiedboek van die kerk.The Christian Copyright Licensing Institute (CCLI) handles a contract licensing agreement with 1375congregations for the electronic projection of the songs. Of these, an additional 40new licensees were added this year.

MINISTRIES

Nehemiah Bible Institute

The Nehemiah Bible Institute has its own board of directors of which the nominations must be presented to the BM board for approval.

  • This year, 430 new students registered at the Wellington office for the course (461 the previous year).
  • Wellington had 818 active learners (925 the previous year).
  • Of these, 256 students obtained UP certificates (239the previous year).
  • A total of 4779 tests were marked (5501 the previous year).
  • 7996 books were sent and 8390 new NBI course bookswere printed (sent out 8070 books and printed6895 books the previous year).
  • Eight new learning centres (Bible Schools) were established (previous year:fourteen).
  • Shepherd Centre based at the University of the Free State enrolled 117 students (previous year: 27). The Centre paid royalties for the use of the course.Statistics about partners in other southern African countries were unfortunately not available in time.
  • In India 5970 students did part of the NBI course in Tamil or English (previous year: 4915).

Strategic goals

1. Relationship with stakeholders

Last year there was concern about a decline in student numbers. However, the situation has stabilised, with renewed growth in numbers in sight. At present there are a total of 104learning centres.

The strategy of meetings with stake holders in regions is bearing fruit. Strengthened relationships particularly worthy of comment are those with the Bethany Bible School in Mthatha and Gatyana Bible School in Willowvale. Student numbers for the NBI course at the Shepherd Centre are increasing notably. During the past year there were more than 100students in comparison with the 27from the previous year. Royalties were also gathered without any trouble.

2. Strengthening of cooperation with training partners

Excellent progress has been made with the accreditation process at the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) as well as the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). In addition a professional body, Association for Christian Religious Practitioners (ACRP), has been established. (This is the professional body’s new name after amalgamating with the SAAP, the Southern African Association for Pastoral Care.)

Two occupational categories have already been registered, namely Religious Practitioner (NKR2) and Specialist Religious Practitioner (NKR5).

The NBI plays a fundamental role in the whole process and hopes to be one of the first accredited institutions. Important changes to the courses and particularly the assessments will still have to be made.

Translations remain an important strategic aim. Good progress has been made with the Tsonga (Shangaan) translation. The Tswana translation can only be done if a donor can be found.

3. Integration of the Sokhanya Bible School

The Sokhanya Bible School has been successfully integrated with the NBI since the beginning of the year. It offers training to church leaders at a more basic level than the NBI. Pastor Mohau Motenana has worked as the coordinator for the Sokhanya Bible School in the NBI office since the beginning of the year. His language skills in Sesotho (and Setswana), Xhosa (and Zulu), English (and some Afrikaans) add a great deal of value to the department. Dr Danie van Zyl is mentoring him till his retirement in June.

The Sokhanya partnership (which is made up of individual congregations and the Witness Commission of the Western Cape) is making certain that this service can be paid for.

4. Improving financial sustainability

SARS has approved the application for the section 18a-tax exemption. Hopefully this will make donations more attractive for donors.

The financial year ends with a surplus of R55364, which can be particularly attributed to stable student numbers and good sales of course books.

As regards marketing, the NBI publishes one newsletter annually, updates the website regularly and has a good facebook presence.

5. Staff

Phaphile Celesi has been the new principal since January 2016. Hennie van Deventer can now focus on his function as head of the Department of Ministries, of which the NBI is a part. He also wants to expand the ministry to the prisons.

Nkululeko Pelem has taken over as registrar from Lenie Carstens. Ria de Vos retires as the marker for NBI. This work will be contracted out from now on.

Prison ministries and courses in different languages

Strategic objective: Strengthening of cooperation with religious workers, prison authorities and other partners.

  1. Several initiatives were taken to build on relationships with heads of prisons and spiritual workers. Three hundredChristmas Cards, together with the book, Socially acceptable were sent to them, with a favourable response. One thousand hand-made Christmas Cards (in cooperation with the DRC Wellington East Congregation), were dealt out in five prisons. Each card had an accompanying stamped envelope so that the prisoners could send their own cards to family.
  2. New momentum to the ministry in African languages

The Zulu edition of the fourbooks in the "Living with Hope series" will be published soon. New Sotho and Tswana versions are vital, especially since it has been a long time since books were published in these languages. This influences the number of students from these language groups.

In addition to the publication of Val Hamman’s books, The only way outand Socially acceptable, two of her new publications are also ready: Your life, your choice! and My pledge: Committed to change. BM does all the printing of publications for the prison ministries.

  1. Staff

Dalene Jooste had retired after 32 years, but she will still remain involved. Mercial Adonis is taking over most of her work.

Wena van Wijk, involved since 1980, has finally handed over the baton.

Statistics (previous year in brackets):

  • The staff handled 9104 (8135) course requests and other inquiries.
  • They distributed7418 (7992) free courses to prisoners, the unemployed and school children.
  • 3039 (3022) certificates were awarded – 2978 (2891) for courses in different languages and 61 (131) for advanced courses.
  • 741 (645) new students registered for courses.
  • Pastoral counsellors handled 812 (865) people's questions and problems (438 – Afrikaans and English; 178– Tswana, Sesotho and Northern Sotho; 193 – Zulu and Xhosa; 3– Portuguese).
  • Participation in courses in different languages: Zulu – 71 (76); Xhosa – 212 (210); Northern Sotho – 6 (3); Tswana – 35 (25); Sesotho – 66 (61); Portuguese – 5 (4).

Athletes for Christ

Good support was once again received from the Athletes for Christ for the prison ministries. These young people have an infectious enthusiasm for spreading the gospel.

Good News Media (GNM)

Altogether 2513 items were distributed. These includeAudibibles, backpacks, carry bags, flip books (LLL series), picture books, Sunday school booklets and GNM programs in different languages. Sponsorships carry the bulk of the distribution of these items.

Work in India

During the past year Bible Media subsidised the work of Pastor Sam Salva Raj and his team in India with a subsidy of R455000. This money was mainly used for the printing of Bible studies (especially the Biblecor course booklet New Life – foryou!) and the “Echo of his call” as well asfor the support of the Nehemiah Bible College.

48101 people registered for the Biblecor Course, New Life – for you! (23583 registered in Tamil, 12708 in English and 11810 in Hindi).

Huguenot Bible Institute

Huguenot College has been the new home of the HBI since January 2016. The HBI remains a combined activity of BM and HK. Two representatives from BM still serve on the Governing Body.

Boodskap vir Vandag

A spiritual daily reading, writtenespecially for Bible Media, is distributed on daily basis via e-mail to more than 8765 subscribers. It uses the Lectionary texts,has a modern approach and is primarily aimed at people who do not have time for a daily quiet time.The responses to these messages confirm the deep value of this ministry.

Sermons for the Season of Listening

In cooperation with a sermon group from Port Elizabeth a weekly sermon proposal, free for use by all ministers,together with a proposed liturgy and supporting PowerPoints, are posted on the Internet. These follow the Lectionary textsand the model of the Season of Listening.

Kruisgewys

This year,Kruisgewysmagazineappeared three times. More than 3000 churches and church leaders from a variety of denominations received this magazine free. In conjunction with the Community Services Network, Kruisgewysintroduces leaders to new theological thought in a particular known field of congregational and church practice.

Bible Media Cordis Trust Prize

In conjunction with the Cordis Trust and Dr Fanie Marais, BM could awardthe Bible Media Cordis Trust Prize for children, youth or family literature for the third time. Lux Verbi and CUM books were the respective winners.

Dr Chris van Wyk from Summer Strand received a special award as a team member with a Bible Media connection. Dr Pieter Fourie was honoured with the Order of the Lamp as special recognition for an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to spreading the message of hope.

Andrew Murray and Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu prize fund

Bible Media once again provided administrative housing (from this year, together with the CLF),for these prestigious prizes. It involves the accounting, secretarial and administrative services required to successfully continue with this prize fund.

Christian AIDS Bureau (CABSA)

Bible Media accommodates this organisation free of charge in the Ferguson Building in Wellington.CABSA campaigns for AIDS prevention and fights against gender discrimination and violence.

AUXILIARY SERVICES

Strategic objective: To provide the most excellent service possible to all Bible Media’s media projects in the most cost-effective way.

Fundraising

BM’s loyal corps of donors gives some financial muscle to the organisation, so that once again the organisation has been able to render commendable service to the Christian Church community. These donors trust BM as a partner playing an important role in working within the Kingdom. Many specifically express their gratitude about the quality of BM’s products.

If one adds the hundreds of donors who pray faithfully and send good wishes, even when they are unable to give financially at that time, this is telling about our donors.

Unquestionably, the challenges faced by the fundraising department this year have been its greatest since 2006. Job creation and opportunities are influenced by economic circumstances. Donors and supporters from all over are sending the same message: “We would like to give more, but we are having a hard time ourselves!” This message comes from congregations, individuals and businesses.

Nevertheless, 2015-2016 was a blessed year, even if the nett income decreased by 9% in comparison to the previous financial year. Fundraising strategies have been followed closely.

• Debitorder contributions:Since 2006 the focus of fundraising has fallen more and more on the recruitment of debit orders from individuals and businesses. In spite of the fact that some debit orders were cancelled this year, the overwhelming majority of existing debit orders were increased or supplemented by new debit orders, with the result that the rand value of debit order income increased by 2% in 2015-2016. Debit orders represent almost 78% (2014-2015: 72%) of the total income. This channel is therefore BM’s most important source of finance. That is why feedback and regular contact is so important.