GUANGXI, China – 76-year-old Dong Le* lives in Liuzhou city. He has followed Christ for nearly 25 years. In July 2024, he was overjoyed to receive a large-print Bible from his church, a ministry partner of United Bible Societies (UBS) in Bible distribution work.
Although he owned a Bible prior to the gift, it was not as helpful because it was in traditional Chinese characters with a small font. As he aged, it became increasingly difficult to read that old Bible.
"I am so thankful for the brothers and sisters who donated the Bibles! I feel the tremendous love of God. The words are in a large font which makes Bible reading so clear. Every verse of God’s Word I can now read brings so much comfort and joy."
"After Jesus entered my life, I became a different person."
Before Knowing Christ & After
Before Dong became a Christian, he practiced ancestral and idol worship. Whenever he met difficulties, he would turn to witch doctors for help. The spiritual rites they performed disrupted the peace of his family. Then one day, someone shared the Gospel with his wife, who accepted Christ. She, in turn, led Dong to faith. Now their entire household believes in Jesus and is enjoying true peace.
Dong was candid about life before Christ and the transformation conversion brought, "Before I accepted Jesus, I was often downcast and discouraged, weighed down by difficulties and challenges in life. After Jesus entered my life, I became a different person. When I encounter hardships, I remain composed and steady, not panicky and insecure like before."
"God will make my life beautiful in His good time."
Embracing Hard Times
When Dong’s wife suffered a serious fall which left her bedridden up to this day, Dong’s faith was sorely tested. Many scorned and ridiculed them, blaming their misfortune on their Christian faith. They were advised to consult a witch doctor, but Dong remained steadfast. "It is indeed a tragedy, but I know it happened as part of God’s good will, that all authority is in God’s hand and His sovereignty prevails. I am convinced that God will make my life beautiful in His good time."
The family suffered a very long period of difficulty, and the financial pressure became quite overwhelming. However, Dong was spiritually fortified. "Having the Bible with me, even during hardships, I feel great comfort. God’s Word assures me that He will never forsake me even though the difficulties are not taken away. God is my eternal Savior; it is a big help to know He will be with me!"
"No one can have true peace in this world. Only faith in Jesus can give a person hope in life."
Peace in Christ
Dong’s favorite verse is John 16:33 "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." This verse has held Dong up through the ups and downs of life ever since he became a Christian.
When asked how the Bible has changed his life, Dong replied reflectively, "The Bible reminds me that God is with me. Since He is with me, what is there to fear in life? If I never got to know God, my life would be so hopeless and purposeless. No one can have true peace in this world. Only faith in Jesus can give a person hope in life."
*name changed
Story: Angela Teo
Photos: UBSCP
2026ⒸUBS China Partnership
