HEBEI, China - In the rural county of Zhao, nestled in the heart of Hebei province, life is simple though not without its challenges considering the recent global economic downturns. Among the predominantly elderly residents living here, financial struggles are all too common. Frailty confines them to their homes, preventing outside employment. With no alternative sources of income available, they find themselves without the safety net of pension or retirement benefits. The little money given by their children for their care is mostly spent on purchasing medication. For them, even a few tens of yuan for a Bible could be quite a burden.
But amidst their hardships, a ray of hope shines through, thanks to the efforts by their local church to provide them with free Bibles with support from the United Bible Societies (UBS). This eases their burdens and enriches their spiritual lives. For some disadvantaged believers, owning a Bible of their own is a cherished gift, while for the elderly, the specially crafted large-print editions offer newfound accessibility to the Word of God.
As the Bibles are distributed, joy radiates from the faces of the recipients. Each Bible is received with eager anticipation, a treasure to behold. For those new to the faith, it serves as a pathway to understanding God's Word. For the elderly, it becomes a lifeline, allowing them to reconnect with the Bible.
As Xu received a new large-print Bible, she declared: "God truly understands my needs!”
Among those touched by this gracious gift is Xu Zhijun, aged 65, whose worn-out Bible has been her steadfast companion for over three decades. As she received a new large-print Bible, she declared: "God truly understands my needs!”
Jia Jingwen, 77, possesses a small-print Bible. As her eyesight deteriorated over time, reading became increasingly challenging. "I constantly rely on a magnifying glass to read the Bible, which is exhausting," she admits. "But now, thanks to the Lord, I have a large-print Bible. I pledge to engage with it daily, finding relief and direction in God's Word."
Zhang Changsui, aged 80 and dependent on his children for daily support, has no pension or income. "The arrival of the large-print Bible from the church today fills me with great joy," he says. "I am deeply grateful to the Christians who generously provided it. Though I hesitate to burden my children with such requests, God understands our financial limitations. In His wisdom, He has answered my needs through the kindness of His followers."
The arrival of large-print Bibles brings tears of happiness to many elderly believers, enabling them to read God's Word with clarity and comfort.
Truly, God understands their needs. The free distribution of Bibles ahead of Christmas becomes a cherished gift to the local believers, serving as a tangible expression of God's infinite love for them. With hearts brimming with joy and faces illuminated with gratitude, these believers in the local church lift their voices in praise to the Lord for His provision. The arrival of large-print Bibles brings tears of happiness to many elderly believers, enabling them to read God's Word with clarity and comfort.
After the distribution of free Bibles supported by UBS, the local Christian community takes proactive steps to foster a deeper engagement with the Holy Scriptures. Initiating Bible reading and memorisation activities across the county, believers are encouraged to delve into the depths of God's Word, allowing it to become deeply ingrained within their hearts. This distribution not only meets the immediate need for Bibles but also serves as a tangible demonstration of God's limitless love. Through this generous act, the recipients are not only provided with the written Word of God but are also ignited with a passion to strengthen their faith, drawing profound strength and solace from the transformative power of His Word.
Story: Priscila Fan & May Ang
Photos: UBS China Partnership
2024 © UBS China Partnership
