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"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands for ever." - I Pet. 1:24-25  Millions without a BibleWhile the Chinese government maintains that there are plenty of "authorized" Bibles for individuals who want one, believers who pray and worship in the underground church paint a very different picture. Despite persecution, hundreds of thousands of people put their faith in Christ each year. There are over 500,000 unauthorized house churches in China which desperately need the Word of God. Leaders in the underground church estimate that across the country, only around 30% of believers have a Bible of their own. Still to this day, most believers memorize large portions of the Scripture and, when possible, copy down verses and chapters that they study and memorize. The Facts About the Government and the Bible Here is a brief explanation of the shortage. Quantity: The Chinese government printed approximately 2.5 million Bibles in 2002 and 2.5 million Bibles in 2003. While these do contain full, unedited texts of the Chinese Union Translation, these quantities come far short of the need. Availability: Even as more copies are printed, they are virtually inaccessible to believers in the underground church. Bibles can only be purchased through "official" government-sanctioned selling centers. There are about 70 such centers around China. Bibles cannot be purchased in bookstores as a rule. (Although large bookstores may stock one or two unofficially.) Restrictions: Why don't underground church members buy Bibles from one of the 70 selling centers?
Risk: Approximately 80 million Christians comprise the underground church in China. As they meet in homes or secret locations, they constantly live under the threat of discovery and arrest, and are desperate for printed copies of God's Word. |
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Despite the persecution and danger our fellow believers in China face, they beg for God's Word. It offers them great comfort, assurance, and strength to withstand the spiritual battle and challenges they experience day in and day out. One Million Bibles in 12 Months God's Word is pivotal for discipleship. Providing Bibles is absolutely vital to the growth of the underground church in China. New believers must be grounded in the Truth and prepared to stand against persecution and heresy. That's why WorldServe has launched a major initiative to provide one million Bibles to Chinese believers in the next 12 months. It's a goal we can achieve… with your help. What Can You Do to Help? For just $2.50, WorldServe can place a complete Bible (Old and New Testaments) in the hands of a believer in the underground church in China. This project is carried out under the trusted leadership of the underground church. Working through their networks is the most effective and safest way to operate, and it greatly reduces the risk of confiscation and the threat of arrest for those involved. Distribution takes place with care to ensure the Bibles get to new believers where the need is the greatest. We plead on behalf of suffering believers in China for your help. Your $25 gift will put a copy of God's Word in the hands of 10 believers. You will, in all probability, be giving believers their very first Bible, or you might be replacing a Bible that has been confiscated. In any case, your sacrifice will provide one of the most precious gifts imaginable to our brothers and sisters in China. Donate $25 USD/$37.50 CDN to provide ten Bibles. |
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