“The Bible – A Spiritual Necessity”

CHONGQING, China - Guo Yubi's faith in Jesus began in her early teens, but it was only in 2020, at the age of 57, that she received her first Bible. This set her on a journey of deepening her faith and understanding of God's word.

The Seed of Faith

In her early teens, Guo's life took a turn when her elderly aunt introduced her to Jesus. “She told me that there was a God who created the heavens and the earth, that the kingdom of heaven was near, and we needed to repent quickly.” With a simple faith, Guo believed and gave her life to Jesus.

During visits to her aunt's home, Guo would glance at the Bible that belonged to her aunt but lacked one of her own. Nevertheless, she held on to her aunt's teachings. When life brought its share of challenges and trials, Guo sought help and peace in Jesus through prayers and counsel from her church pastor.

One area was Guo’s health. When she was wrestling with various illnesses, including cervical spondylosis and frozen shoulder, she prayed and experienced divine healing. With medical expenses reduced and her family’s health also improved over time, Guo shared: “God is very gracious to me. He has answered my prayers and healed me.” 

However, one trial has been especially difficult – her son’s troubled teenage years when he was growing up and his failed marriage and separation from his wife. Guo grappled with guilt and shame, feeling responsible for her son. “I felt that I’ve not raised him well, and I felt unworthy to be a child of God. This has weakened my faith.”

“I wasn't very clear about many things regarding my faith. I only knew that there is a God who created the heavens and the earth. I didn't really know anything else as I didn't have a Bible to read for myself.”

Without the Bible, Guo’s understanding of her faith remained limited. “I wasn't very clear about many things regarding my faith. I only knew that there is a God who created the heavens and the earth. I didn't really know anything else as I didn't have a Bible to read for myself.”

The Bible's Transformative Power

Praise God that in 2020, Guo’s church, with the support of the United Bible Societies (UBS), distributed free Bibles to its members. Receiving her very own Bible filled her with tremendous joy. “It is more than just a book; it is a lifeline, a source of hope, and the key to a beautiful life. Every word of the Bible has made a dwelling in my heart,” Guo shared with heartfelt happiness.

The Bible not only answered her questions about creation but also deepened her understanding of God's providential dealings with His own children. It taught her love, the importance of avoiding quarrels, and the dangers of greed. Remarkably, reading the Bible even improved her sleep, granting her peaceful nights. 

“Owning a Bible is not merely a desire; it is a spiritual necessity,” Guo said. “The Bible contains God's teachings, and without it, my faith would be weak and incomplete, like a vessel floating on uncertain waters. I would feel like a sheep without a home.”

“The Bible contains God's teachings, and without it, my faith would be weak and incomplete, like a vessel floating on uncertain waters. I would feel like a sheep without a home.”

Guo's faith and testimony deeply influenced many, prompting them to also place their trust in Jesus. She credited the Word of God for transforming her, strengthening her faith and extending its impact beyond herself.

With her own Bible in hand, Guo found joy in knowing God and His will. Although her circumstances may remain the same, her faith and prayers are now guided by the Bible which has become her light, shaping her life and faith.

UBS is honoured to support the Churches in China in printing and distributing the Bible, benefiting Guo and millions across that country. Let us pray that more Chinese Christians would be built up in the Word of God!