Several years ago I celebrated my 72nd birthday in China. Along with many others, I believed that it was almost impossible to distribute Bibles to the Christians there. Many of the churches would post scripture portions for the believers to copy and take to their homes. Much to my surprise I began to realize that it was possible to purchase Bibles that are printed in China and provide them for the believers who attend legally registered churches.

As I was sharing at a church, it seemed God was speaking to me that he would bless and give the opportunity of sharing Bibles to Christians who had never had one of their own. God impressed me with the assurance that he would bless if we would convey this opportunity to those who love God’s Word and that many would become involved. Therefore, sensing that this was of God, I said “I’m going back home and find others to join us to assist in the purchase of Bibles and we’ll be back.” In retrospect I sometimes think that I was a little overconfident but in reality confidence is not arrogance when God speaks and sends you out on a limb.

This small dedicated church of believers faithfully followed the conviction and ministry of those the Lord had called years ago to leave all and serve in a remote area in China. Thank God for their sacrifice and willingness to carry out the mandate of Matthew 28:19, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” The images from this first church still stand out vividly in my mind. Little did they know that their humble group would be the inspiration that began the work of Bibles for China!

Personally, the experience inspired in me a renewed and vigorous love for God’s Word. Since that day there has never been a day that the Bible has not been read and embraced. His Word gives the assurance that if we pray, wait on Him for guidance and opportunity that He will be faithful and provide the details and resources to carry out his ministry. We are confident that Bibles for China is God’s ministry and he will provide.

Since that day when the promise was made to come home and ask for partners to pray and share funds, we have been to China numerous times to distribute Bibles in several provinces. Social media has made it possible for believers from 32 countries around the world to share in the blessing of providing God’s word to the precious Chinese Christians. We are often reminded of Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” Then His Word that seals the deal for us is Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”