From Addiction to Redemption

“I believe the Bible helps us distinguish between good and bad, discern right from wrong, and teaches us things we don't understand. The Bible guides us to be righteous in every way. Everything the Bible says is good and without error."

Bao Xueliang, Yunnan, China.

YUNNAN, China – Amidst chaos and despair, Bao Xueliang’s life spiralled out of control. Excessive drinking, chain-smoking, and compulsive gambling consumed him. Then, tragedy struck with devastating force. His wife and child fell gravely ill and, despite all efforts, he lost them both. Overcome with grief and guilt, his own health began to deteriorate. Buried under the weight of sorrow and despair, he lost all hope.

Each day blurred into the next, numbed by addiction. Bao had no way out. His sister-in-law, heartbroken by his suffering, urged him to visit ”Home of Love Fellowship”. At first, he resisted. “What could faith possibly offer me now?” he asked. But desperation left him with little choice. He agreed to go.

At the ”Home of Love Fellowship”, voices lifted in song. The warmth of the hymns and the kindness of the believers offered him something he had long forgotten - hope. Bao also received from the Fellowship a copy of the Bible in his native Wa language, provided through the Yunnan Christian Council & Three Self Patriotic Movement with the support of United Bible Societies. But he had a question: “Could this book truly speak to someone like me?”

As he opened its pages, the Book of Job touched his heart deeply. “While reading it, I experienced deep sorrow, tears flowing down my face. Witnessing Job's anguish, I found a personal connection,” Bao shared.

As he opened its pages, the Book of Job touched his heart deeply. “While reading it, I experienced deep sorrow, tears flowing down my face. Witnessing Job's anguish, I found a personal connection,” Bao shared. He kept reading, drawn to the love, wisdom and truth he found in the Bible. It became his anchor, guiding him away from destructive habits and toward a newfound discipline and peace.

Bao’s journey of faith has not been without struggle. In his village, he and his sister-in-law were the only believers at that time. The ”Home of Love Fellowship” faced resistance, and many found it to be intimidating. Bao’s decision to follow Christ even cost him his leadership position in the community. Yet, his faith remains steadfast. No longer enslaved by addiction, he finds power and strength in God’s Word.

Determined to grow in faith, Bao distanced himself from old friends who remained in their vices. He immersed himself in God’s Word, drawn especially to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, which reminded him of life’s fleeting nature. His hunger for God’s Word deepened, leading him to work on improving his personal relationship with God.

A turning point came in 2017 when, under a government initiative supporting impoverished communities, Bao relocated and lived closer to a motorway. This move granted him better access to essential services, something he had lacked in his remote mountainous home. The shift in location became another step in Bao’s spiritual transformation.

With unwavering support from the ”Home of Love Fellowship”, Bao took a bold step forward to enrol in Bao Shan Bible School. Learning to read was challenging, but the rewards were immeasurable. Each verse in the Bible he studied strengthened his faith and clarified his purpose in life.

Reflecting on his journey, Bao humbly shares, “If it wasn’t for the Wa Bible, I might never have come to know Jesus in my lifetime.”

By September 2023, Bao had entered his third year of Bible school. His heart was set on returning to the ”Home of Love Fellowship” not just as a member, but as someone who could share the same gospel hope and God’s Word which has transformed his life.

Reflecting on his journey, Bao humbly shares, “If it wasn’t for the Wa Bible, I might never have come to know Jesus in my lifetime.” As the sole survivor of his family, the Bible became his constant companion, leading him toward righteousness and revealing life’s true meaning. “The Bible offers me comfort in grief, strength in struggle, and clarity of purpose.” It not only saved him from addiction but also ignited his passion for learning and sharing God’s Word.

United Bible Societies partners with local churches in China to make the Bible accessible, transforming lives like Bao’s. His story is a testament to the power of God’s Word. Join us in bringing hope to many more through the gift of the Bible.