Over 87,000 Bibles in 22 languages will be distributed to offer the hope of Jesus to families receiving surgical care at a global network of children's hospitals

June 7, 2025 - A major international Bible distribution initiative is set to provide spiritual support to families facing one of life's most challenging experiences - watching a child undergo surgery. The comprehensive program will distribute over 87,000 Bibles across 22 different languages to families receiving surgical care at children's hospitals around the globe.

Addressing Spiritual Needs During Medical Crisis

The initiative recognizes that families often turn to faith during medical emergencies involving their children. Hospital chaplains and child life specialists have long observed that parents and family members frequently seek spiritual comfort and hope when facing the uncertainty of pediatric surgery.

"When families are sitting in hospital waiting rooms, facing the unknown, they often find themselves reaching for something greater than themselves," said one participating hospital chaplain. "Having access to scripture in their native language can provide immeasurable comfort during these difficult times."

Multilingual Approach for Global Reach

The 22-language distribution reflects the diverse populations served by the participating children's hospitals. Languages include major world languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, French, and Portuguese, as well as regional languages specific to hospital locations.

This multilingual approach ensures that families can access biblical texts in the language they're most comfortable with, making the spiritual support more meaningful and accessible during already stressful circumstances.

Partnership with International Hospital Network

The Bible distribution program operates through partnerships with children's hospitals across multiple continents. Participating medical facilities include both faith-based and secular institutions that recognize the importance of addressing patients' and families' spiritual needs alongside medical care.

Hospital administrators emphasize that the program is entirely voluntary, with Bibles made available to families who express interest or request spiritual materials. The initiative complements existing chaplaincy services and does not replace professional medical or psychological support.

Supporting Families Beyond Medical Treatment

Child life specialists note that families often spend extended periods at children's hospitals, sometimes weeks or months for complex cases. During these extended stays, having access to familiar spiritual texts can help maintain family routines and provide emotional stability for both parents and siblings.

The program also acknowledges that surgical procedures for children create stress not just for immediate families, but for extended family members and communities who rally around affected families.

Distribution Timeline and Logistics

The Bible distribution is planned to roll out over the coming months, with hospitals receiving their allocated supplies based on patient volume and language demographics. Each participating facility will manage distribution through their existing chaplaincy or patient services departments.

The initiative represents one of the larger coordinated efforts to provide spiritual resources within medical settings, highlighting the growing recognition of faith-based support as a component of comprehensive family-centered care in pediatric medicine.