“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

The following is from our December 2018 monthly update after we had been in China visiting and we had the joy of sharing personally with four different leaders who came to Beijing to be with us and discuss the need for Bibles and Bible training literature.

“Are there problems? Absolutely. Are the doors open? Yes. Will doors continue to be open? Only the Lord knows. However, at the present time we can report that our partners, friends and the provision of the Lord have granted Bibles for China with the funds and locations to be able to serve as the bearers of the Light in a dark country that is atheistic and without hope. It is our responsibility to pray and support those who still have an open door to carry out the mandate of the Gospel placing His Word into the hearts of those who are hungry and seeking direction.”

It’s now December 2020, two years following the above statement, and the same could be repeated. At the present time, due to COVID-19 and international circumstances, we are unable to travel in to China to fellowship with our partners there and secure the personal stories that were once possible. So what should we do? The Lord was gracious to us and for a number of years we were able to sit in the churches where we listened to the messages of pastors in the CCC/TSPM churches preach the gospel with conviction and passion under the unction and leadership of the Holy Spirit. They often gave invitations to accept Christ at the conclusion of their messages. It was their desire to make sure the new believers were introduced into the community of believers who were gathered for worship on a weekly basis with materials that were Biblical and sound in order to establish the new believers in the Word of God.

Today the churches we have served are still fervently engaged in seeing that this is happening when it’s not possible for us to be there to observe. We thank God that those who traveled with us to China still get feedback from those within China who have spiritual influence in the churches they attend on a weekly basis. There are many in China utilizing virtual Chinese apps to present their services online to reach those within the church community. Why is it we limit the touch of God by what we imagine is taking place by comparing it to what is happening personally to us? Our staff/team in China is quite capable to continue to carry out the mandate and passion of Bibles for China within mainland China.

The Bibles for China family feels strongly that the great darkness in China needs to be filled with the light of the Gospel by funding Bibles that give light and hope to those we love, pray for, support and serve within China. “A passion for Bibles – A heart for China” is our clarion assignment. I have had the wonderful privilege of serving in China for over ten years and I remember being there in early December and hearing the Christmas songs that we sing being played in public places. I sensed that even in the dark places of the world the Christmas message is heard through the music of the season. What a time for us to do all we possibly can for those living in darkness to provide them light through the gift of His Word, the Bible.

Last week when our board held their annual meeting it was a great blessing for us to share that all of our 2020 projects approved at last year’s board meeting have been successfully carried out. This gives us a great sense of humility, praise and joy. We are thankful that we have been able to secure projects, dates and locations for the year 2021 and praise God for leading many new partnerships to join us in reaching our goals. How can it be that in the midst of a COVID-19 riddled global pandemic there are those who have such a strong conviction and are willing to maintain the prayers and support for the many who call mainland China home. The Good News of the gospel is making a difference to families in China through those who are receiving God’s Word.