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"You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word." - Psalms 119: 114 Protecting the Bible–One Woman's Calling  During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese government was systematically searching out and destroying all the Bibles they could find throughout the country. Any Bible remaining was treasured and protected by the believers of that area. A woman called "Grace" was in possession of one copy of the Bible that she guarded with her life. She knew that her Bible was not only a precious gift worth protecting, it was also a precious gift worth sharing.Protecting the Gift Demands Quick Thinking Enduring government search raids became a part of Grace's life soon after she was entrusted with the gift. During one of the early Bible search raids, Grace did the first thing her scrambling mind could think of: rush to the back room and get into bed. Grace hid the Bible under her clothes, but because she thought she might be searched, she quickly thought of a plan to elude the authorities. She reached down and grabbed the chamber pot, still full from the night before, and dumped out its contents on the floor next to her bed, where she laid moaning, feigning sickness, and hoping her plan would work. When the door swung open, the stench was overpowering. One officer said to the other, "That woman is disgusting!" Quickly they left the room to continue searching without success. The Raids Continue Through the years, Grace experienced many heart-stopping moments as she protected God's Word. Another raid began with a warning from Grace's daughter. "Mother, mother, they're coming, they're coming." Grace was once again faced with reality of the risk she had assumed. She quickly began hiding the "contraband item" that would guarantee arrest for both herself and her daughters. The Bible the officers were seeking was the only one remaining in the area. The others, whether previously buried in the fields or hidden in homes, had all been discovered and destroyed. Anyone found in possession of such illegal material would be jailed and severely beaten, some never to be heard of again. The elderly woman had been through this before. At times Grace didn't have this much notice. On this day, two officers hoped to get lucky and catch the family unprepared. "We know you have a Bible! Where is it?" shouted the voices outside from the officers hurling accusations at Grace's daughters. The door swung open violently, and Grace busied herself in the kitchen ignoring the officers. Without hesitation they began the ransack the room, turning over tables, looking under seat cushions, pulling out and emptying drawers, and rummaging through the kitchen. Then they moved their attention to the ceiling of the home, ripping wide openings that caused debris to fall inside the home. They found nothing. The officers left with a threat. "When we find that Bible, you will all be severely punished." As the door slammed shut, Grace lifted her eyes heavenward and breathed a prayer of thanks to God for protecting both His Word and their lives. Keeping Vigil The next morning, Grace again placed the Bible beneath her clothes and walked cautiously out to the fields. Though she knew that no one would suspect anything of an old lady going out into the fields, Grace still caught herself stealing nervous glances behind her to see if she was being watched. Finally, she reached the hiding place on the hillside where she had dug a small hole years before. She placed the precious Bible back in the hole. After covering it with a mound of dirt, she walked to a shade tree. The tree was far enough from the hiding place for her to easily keep a protective eye on it while not jeopardizing its location should officers return and search her immediate area. Just as a mother keeps watch over her children, Grace kept watch over the precious copy of God's Word as part of her daily ritual. |
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At times, she kept it buried in the field and when it rained, she would quickly dig the Bible up and carry it back to the house for safekeeping. A Lasting Legacy Enduring years of physical and emotional torment, Grace's mission was simply to protect this Bible. The words from the book of Romans chapter 3 had great meaning to her: "… they have been entrusted with the very words of God…" She considered it a high privilege and great honor to have been chosen to be "entrusted with the words of God." Through Grace's dedication, many villages and hundreds of Christians were able to share this Bible. Often in the middle of the night, she was awakened by a gentle knock on her door, and she would give the Bible to a trusted elder of a neighboring village. Christians would dutifully copy a section then return it to Grace for safekeeping. This one Bible had been used countless times, handled and copied so much that the pages had become thin and worn. But it had brought great encouragement and sustenance to the Body of Christ. Finally, at an advanced age, Grace knew her job was done. When a pastor came to retrieve the Bible she said, "My job is now complete." She handed the Bible to him, and he bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Because of you, many have already come to know Christ and many more will in the future. You have done well, sister." Together they prayed, thanking God for the miracle He had worked in her life and the legacy her commitment would leave on future generations. For the continuation of Grace's legacy, see article... "Thousands of Believers, One Bible to Share" which tells where this Bible went when it left Grace's hands. What Can You Do for People like Grace? While this story of Grace is from earlier days, the need for Bibles in China is just as great today. The Bible is a restricted book in China, and the need for Bibles far outweighs the supply. Through WorldServe's distribution of Bibles, believers are able to own a copy of God's Word without having to register with the government or endure questioning that risks exposing their underground church. WorldServe Ministries is unique in that other ministries often "outsource" to us when they are ready to mobilize Bibles into a restricted area. WorldServe works with Christians in the underground church who are risking all to share God and His message. We are passionate about helping people like Grace who treasure God's Word. Grace knew who secretly knocked on her door at night to borrow the only known copy of the Bible. She knew who would protect and cherish it. She knew who would be overjoyed if they had a copy of their own. By giving to "source people" like Grace, we can give to others in need. By supporting WorldServe, you can be confident that your donations are maximized for ministry potential and God's Word will placed directly into the hands of those who are waiting. |
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