One way that the Bible Society can bring God’s Word to the nation is by responding quickly to event of grave national and international concern. Here’s a recent example:

On February 15, 2015 a gruesome video was released showing the beheading of 21 Egyptian Christians by Islamic fanatics in Libya. As they were being executed, cries of “Oh, Jesus” could be heard in the background. The video shocked the country. Both Christians and Muslims shared a common revulsion over this barbaric act.

As soon as the video was broadcast, Egyptian President El-Sisi delivered a speech declaring 7 days of mourning. Shortly afterwards, the Egyptian Air Force bombed ISIS targets in Libya.

In response, the Bible Society of Egypt produced a simple tract called Two Rows by the Sea. Scripture verses were carefully chosen.

A moving poem was written that asked the question:

Who fears the other?

The row in orange, watching paradise open?

Or the row in black, with minds evil and broken?

The executions took place on Sunday. The editorial team met on Monday to develop the text, while the art department produced the graphics. On Tuesday, the finished publication went to the press, which worked all night and began delivering 1.6 million Arabic copies the next day.