This was originally published at Kentucky Today.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (KT) – The Kentucky Baptist Foundation's inaugural Seed Project last spring produced the kind of spiritual fruit KBF President and CEO French Harmon had hoped to see.
That success made the decision to repeat the effort an easy one. Through the Seed Project, more than 10,000 free Bibles were distributed, including some in Spanish. They were used in Vacation Bible Schools, adult outreach events, campus ministries and even given to any individual who requested one.
"The distribution of Bibles is one of the core values we have," Harmon said.
Harmon noted more than 60 Kentucky Baptist organizations participated in the giveaway. Associational Mission Strategists from across the state requested Bibles, along with many others. The outreach stretched widely, with shipments sent to churches more than 300 miles apart and even reaching the Maryland-Delaware Convention, where Kentucky's Crossings camps are held.
Stories highlighting the impact of the project soon followed, as churches shared how the Scriptures were making a difference. Hebron Baptist Church in northern Kentucky sent photos of children from its VBS holding up Bibles with excitement.
"It was breathtaking seeing those smiling faces. It gave our board and staff a real sense of joy and encouragement."
French Harmon, Kentucky Baptist Foundation President and CEO
Another report came from a small church on the south side of Leitchfield. A new pastor began his ministry the same week as VBS, and despite modest initial registration, he, his wife and volunteers worked to build interest. By week's end, attendance had grown and every child had received a Bible.
"The church secretary told us some of the children didn't even know what a Bible was," Harmon said. "By the end of the week, there were seven decisions for Christ. She asked me to share that with everyone."
Harmon said those kinds of results reflect exactly what the Seed Project was created to accomplish.
"Many churches enjoyed reading the children's version and reported great salvation numbers," Harmon said. "That's our mission: Get the Bible in the hands of children."
Distributing 10,000 Bibles came with logistical challenges, but careful coordination—especially by KBF staff member Trae Harmon—helped ensure the process ran smoothly. The foundation partnered with Lifeway, which provided discounted Bibles and handled shipping.
"The Seed Project has been a meaningful way for us to come alongside churches across Kentucky and support the work they're already doing," Trae Harmon said. "By providing Bibles for outreach efforts like VBS, camps and local ministry initiatives, we're able to equip leaders with resources that can have a lasting impact. It's been encouraging to see how something so simple can open doors for gospel conversations and continued growth."
Andy McLean, Lifeway's Director of Bibles and References, said the organization was honored to support the effort of placing Scripture in the hands of children.
"The local church plays an irreplaceable role in reaching the next generation with the hope of the gospel. Research consistently shows that the single strongest indicator of spiritual growth in the life of a child or student is their engagement with Scripture, which is why we are thrilled to help churches in Kentucky reach their communities with God's word through VBS and beyond."
Andy McLean, Director of Bibles and References at Lifeway
Churches, associations and ministry leaders can request Bibles by visiting kybaptistfoundation.org/seed-project, calling (502) 489-3533 or emailing kbf@kybaptist.org.
"This is more than a distribution effort," Harmon said. "It's an opportunity to plant the seeds of the gospel in young hearts across our state. And with God's help, those seeds will grow into lasting faith."