Northeast, China – 38-year-old Li* is a preacher and an avid user of the Chinese Study Bible (CSB). She refers to it frequently, for sermon preparation, Bible study facilitation or personal and family devotions.
A Truly Empowering Tool
During a church training programme organised by the provincial CC&TSPM, Li received the CSB – made available through the support of United Bible Societies (UBS).
Describing her first time browsing the CSB, she recalled, “Seeing its detailed study notes and in-depth exposition filled me with gratitude. It is like a ‘spiritual weapon’ prepared by God for ministry. It enables me to grasp biblical truth in greater depth and helps me communicate God’s Word more accurately. My connection with the Lord and my confidence in service have been greatly strengthened through this Bible.”
Enriching Biblical Insights
The detailed study notes in the CSB help Chinese Christian workers like Li to study Scripture more carefully to uncover deeper insights. Its rich content and profound explanations allow users to prepare messages with greater clarity and depth, motivating them to use it regularly.
Li appreciates the thorough explanation of biblical context which grounds her sermons with clear application points. Some amongst Li’s congregation gave feedback that her sermons have become easier to understand and more applicable to daily life. God’s Word has become more relevant now and they are more eager to discuss issues further.
Resolving Practical Struggles
During a small group study on “Loving Your Neighbor,” Li shared insights from the CSB study notes which provide information on historical background and practical examples. One brother confided about his conflict with a neighbor not knowing what to do. After discussion, he felt encouraged to initiate reconciliation. Not only was the issue resolved but they also began attending church activities together. Seeing how insights from the CSB could have such practical impact deeply encouraged Li as a preacher to keep faithfully sharing God’s Word.
Another significant exchange Li had, when sharing from the CSB, was with the son of her daughter’s calligraphy teacher who has a congenital condition. The young man had faced repeated setbacks in job seeking after graduation and began to doubt his own worth. Using the CSB’s study help on God’s unique plan for each person, Li shared her experience of how she had once also felt lost after recovering from illness early in her career but found strength through faith. Comforted, the young man regained confidence and eventually found a suitable job. He told Li that he learned to believe good things can still come despite hardship. Moments like these show Li how the CSB can bring real encouragement into people’s lives, making her treasure the privilege of service even more.
Impacting Personal Life
The CSB has deepened Li’s own faith: she shared how the study notes on Matthew 6:33 (‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you’) have been particularly meaningful to her. It explains in depth what ‘seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’ means, teaching her to prioritize her faith and not be overly burdened by worldly worries.
She added, “When facing life’s pressures such as work or relationships, this note reminds me to seek solutions from a God-centered perspective, drawing strength and direction from Him.”
Thanksgiving
Li expresses her heartfelt gratitude for the UBS donors of the CSB: “I am truly thankful to all of you! Your generosity has given us such a valuable tool for studying God’s Word and strengthening our faith. I often mention your loving kindness while ministering and strive to share that same love by caring for and helping those in need around me. I will express my gratitude by continuing the chain of blessings you started. I pray that you will also experience God’s blessings through the love you’ve shared with us.”
*name changed
Story: Angela Teo
Photos: UBSCP
2025@UBS China Partnership
