EEM Announces Availability of New 499 Project Bible Illustrations for Proverbs
‘Envisioning Truth 499’ Free Drawings Available Under Creative Commons, Accessible Courtesy of EEM
HURST, Texas, April 15, 2024 — EEM (Eastern European Mission), a ministry that has been providing free Bibles in former Communist bloc countries and surrounding nations since 1961, is excited to announce the newest “Envisioning Truth 499” addition, highlighting the book of Proverbs. Made possible by Publishing Director Scott Hayes, this creative, educational compilation has previously included 499 illustrations representative of the New Testament, featuring nearly two images for every chapter, designed for children and adults of all backgrounds to better understand the Scriptures. More than 60 new drawings have now been added to help communicate the wisdom of Proverbs at a time when it’s so desperately needed.
After nearly 40 years acquiring and managing copyrights for the Bible translations and artwork used in ministry by EEM, Hayes recognized a real need for copyright-free artwork that could be utilized in a variety of creative ways around the world to promote comprehension of the Gospel message. Therefore, “Envisioning Truth 499” was co-created by Hayes and illustrator Fred Apps.
“The true Gospel message is the same regardless of one’s culture, status, background or language,” shared Hayes. “Therefore, it’s about relaying this message to others in a way that is also universal, transcending any potential barriers of literacy, age or privilege.”
Available under a Creative Commons license (CC by NC), the project’s objective remains to offer this powerful biblical resource to others. Together, Hayes and Apps have continued to apply their inspired talents to now present these profound teachings from this ancient book of wisdom through vivid and engaging visual representations.
They also aim to serve as a “memory hook,” assisting readers as they meditate on the Word of God to make a deepened head and heart connection. By making the images available and free for non-commercial use, the artwork can be used for multiple purposes – in teaching, at Sunday School, in small group Bible studies, at events such as Vacation Bible Schools and Backyard Bible Clubs, in after-school Christian programs, and abroad in nations with lower literacy rates.
“Our hope with this new addition is to offer the timeless wisdom and spiritual guidance contained within Proverbs in a unique and helpful way — just as we had already done with the New Testament stories,” added Hayes. “I believe these illustrations will encourage readers to envision the message within the text, and therefore, better understand it.”
The images are simple black-and-white line art, which allows them to be used for many purposes, as well as invites readers to color them in. They will be available via download from the EEM website and can be used in just about any way that helps to spread the Gospel, with the exception of being used for profit. They can be shared online via other websites, and with the reach of the Internet, have the potential to be used all over the world.
More information is available at https://www.eem.org/envisioning-truth-499/, where the images are also available for download — now featuring those from the book of Proverbs, as well as the original New Testament illustrations.
About Eastern European Mission
Eastern European Mission (EEM) was established in 1961 to provide Bibles and Bible-based materials throughout the former communist bloc countries in Eastern Europe. Today, EEM publishes and prints Bibles and New Testaments as well as Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles and coloring books, distributing them through a vast network of partner churches and organizations which last year reached 36 countries in 26 different languages.
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