GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., November 18, 2009 — After six days on the auction block, the bid for the first ever entirely handwritten version of the best selling NIV Bible, Bible Across America, has already surpassed $6,500. The one-of-a-kind item, which features the original handwriting of more than 31,000 different people from across the country, is being auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds benefiting Biblica to support their global Bible translation and distribution efforts.

Interested buyers can visit Zondervan’s Bible Across America eBay store at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Bible-Across-America-Charity-Sale and make an offer to own this piece of history. The auction will close on Sunday, November 22 at 11:11 a.m. EST.

• The original Bible Across America features three leather-bound volumes of the 2,200 hand written 11 x 17 pages.
• The Bible Across America was created during a nine-month cross country tour that covered 22,579 miles and 90 cities.
• The Bible Across America tour was launched in September 2008 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the NIV Bible, the best selling, most trusted Bible translation.
• Original manuscript features the handwriting of more than 31,000 people, representing all 50 states and several countries.

“We’re excited to watch the final days and hours of the auction knowing that many people wait until the end to enter the bidding war. Our goal is to raise as much money as we can to support the great work of Biblica, while also helping the original manuscript find a cherished home,” said Chip Brown, Zondervan’s senior vice president and publisher of Bibles. “Whoever ends up winning the auction will not only be helping a great cause in Biblica, but will also be the owner of a truly one-of-a-kind keepsake item that will forever stand as a symbol of the love people across the country have for God’s Word.”