SHANDONG, China - In the heart of Linyi Diocese, Shandong province, an amazing transformation has been unfolding. From March to June 2024, the United Bible Societies (UBS) supported the local Catholic churches to distribute 2,000 free Bibles, touching the lives of many Catholic faithful and seekers, and benefiting the churches in need of replacing old pew Bibles. This act of faith has sparked a spiritual revival, spreading God’s Word and deepening the believers' engagement with the Bible.
Father Chen Dengyuan, a parish priest, expressed his heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you UBS for your support. You are angels sent by God to bring His Holy Word to the marginalised. Our parishioners eagerly read and share the Bibles, but we need more copies to meet the demand. We hope for God's grace to quench the thirst for His Word in our community.”
Father Liao Jixiang echoed this sentiment: “Thank you UBS for the Bibles during this revival in Linyi. They have provided many people, especially those who couldn’t afford to buy a Bible, with the opportunity to receive and read God’s Word. The parish Bibles used publicly have been renewed, and seekers who received their personal copy of the Bible could read God’s Word promptly. We are deeply grateful!”
“God’s Word is life and power, changing and uplifting lives. Many Catholics are now reading, memorising, and meditating on the Holy Word, striving to put it into practice.
Father Li Ruyu was grateful to God for this opportunity. “God’s Word is life and power, changing and uplifting lives. Many Catholics are now reading, memorising, and meditating on the Holy Word, striving to put it into practice. I hope we can continue to provide such opportunities, so more Catholics can know and love the Holy Word.”
According to Father Li Hongbao, “Distributing the Bible is a wonderful pastoral and outreach work. Seekers who receive the Bible feel joyful and loved by the church, and eagerly cherish their reading of the Scriptures.” Father Li also observed that this charitable outreach has inspired many parishioners to enthusiastically buy and give Bibles to their loved ones. “This has revitalised the parish community, once again reinforcing the understanding that God’s Word is divine."
On the notable impact of this Bible distribution, Bishop Fang Xingyao of the Linyi Diocese said: “It was very sacred and very well received by our parish priests and parishioners. It provided each of our parishioners with their personal copy of the Bible, illuminating their hearts and strengthening their faith.”
Indeed, the beneficiaries' personal stories vividly showcase the transformative power of the Bible. Here are some of them.
Liu Zhede shared how reading the verses from the Book of Sirach on honouring parents convicted him, leading to repentance and reconciliation within his family. "As I continued to reflect on these verses, their impact grew stronger, reinforcing the importance of honouring my parents. This realisation prompted me to repent, apologise, and acknowledge my faults. Consequently, my entire family was motivated to follow suit."
Liu Yun described the comfort and guidance the Bible provides during challenging times: “Reading the Bible in moments of sadness instantly opens my heart, lifting me out of discouragement and disappointment.”
“Reading the Bible in moments of sadness instantly opens my heart, lifting me out of discouragement and disappointment.”
Before reading the Bible, Fu Yuhong had no knowledge of it, and the biblical characters seemed distant. Now, after reading it, these characters have come alive for her. “The prophets' hearts earnestly call for repentance, and the apostles' dedicated lives inspire me. God calls for my quick maturity as a responsible member of His family. Jesus' call to repentance and the clear consequences of blessings and curses are now evident to me. To follow Jesus, we must integrate God's Word with life.”
These heartfelt testimonials and overwhelming gratitude from the Linyi Catholic Diocese highlight the positive impact of UBS’s generous support of churches in their Bible ministry. God’s Word has brought light, hope, and transformation. With your continued support, we pray that more lives will be touched and changed by God’s Word.
Photos: UBSCP
2024@UBS China Partnership
