The Blessing of Scripture Literacy

Northeast China - At the age of 80, *Wu Huajie is an enthusiastic student of the Scripture Literacy class held in her local church. Despite being advanced in age, her voice resonates with a vibrant clarity that carries an unmistakable sense of joy.

Overcoming Literacy Challenges

 "Before I joined this Scripture Literacy class, my knowledge of Chinese characters was very limited," she confessed. “I’m so grateful that I can read the Bible better now. The words are no longer strange to me!”

With a broad, radiant smile, Wu added, “I began to appreciate the pastors’ preaching and teaching more in church. To sit and listen to their words with better understanding brought immense joy to my heart."

“I’m so grateful that I can read the Bible better now. The words are no longer strange to me!”

This remarkable transformation in Wu's life was made possible through the Scripture Literacy class organised by the Christian Council & Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CC&TSPM) with the support of United Bible Societies (UBS).

Though Wu was raised in a Christian family, her inability to read has limited her spiritual growth for many years. During her formative years, she had to forego her education due to her family's dire economic circumstances.

Over the years, she found herself forgetting most of the Chinese characters she had learned during her brief time in school. As she recounted those challenging days when she could hardly read or write, she said, "It was a struggle. I longed to read the Bible when I listened to sermons, especially when comprehension was beyond me, but I simply could not."

She shared, "Just listening wasn't sufficient to retain the message. I wished to jot down the essential points and revisit them later, but I could barely manage to scribble a few Chinese characters."

A Second Chance

Wu is therefore deeply grateful for the Scripture Literacy class which offers individuals like her a second chance at learning to read and write. She marvelled at the opportunity, saying, "I cannot speak for others, but in my case, attending the Scripture Literacy class felt like returning to school once again."

Indeed, the Scripture Literacy class has become a tremendous blessing to many elderly believers like Wu who remarked, "It brought us reassurance that someone cared about our inability to read and wanted to do something about it. Isn't that a cause for joy?"

As the elderly believers gathered in the Scripture Literacy class to read, study and understand God's Word, joy and peace filled their hearts. "It's as if we've finally found our way out of the shadows of educational darkness. We eagerly embrace every opportunity to learn, and we know God’s presence is with us as we learn. Without His Holy Spirit, we would not be able to understand the Word.”

"We eagerly embrace every opportunity to learn, and we know God’s presence is with us as we learn. Without His Holy Spirit, we would not be able to understand the Word.”

Wu beamed with pride as she said, "Today, I can read the Bible quite well. There are only a handful of characters I still struggle with."

Indeed, being able to read the Scriptures has brought immeasurable joy to Wu's life. "The more I delve into the Lord's Word, the more fascinating it becomes. The Word of God is truly as sweet as honey, just as the Psalmist describes. My desire for the Word grows, and I simply can't get enough of it," she expressed with excitement.

Gratitude and Devotion

Wu expressed her heartfelt gratitude to UBS and all the generous donors who have made her transformation possible. "No matter where we are in the world, we are one family under God. Your love inspires us to love God even more."

Today, Wu diligently reads the Bible and prays daily. She shared, "I particularly enjoy the Psalms, Proverbs, the Gospels, and Paul's thirteen letters. I also find inspiration in the books of Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel. Their unwavering faith during challenging times is truly remarkable."

Wu’s heartfelt prayer is for her local church to be fervent in spreading the Good News and for all to come to know God. "Let's pray for China and the world," she urged, her faith shining as brightly as her newfound ability to read the Word.

*pseudonym has been used