JIANGXI, China – “Receiving these Bible resources are like receiving ‘charcoals in the snowy weather’ (雪中送炭), a Chinese idiom which means providing help when one most needs it,” exclaimed Liu Guihua, a recent graduate from the Jiangxi Bible School.
Liu was referring to these books she received from Jiangxi Bible School with the support of the United Bible Societies (UBS): Chinese Study Bible, Topical Analysis of the Bible, New Bible Commentary, and the two-volume Tien Dao Commentary on the Gospel of John. She considered these resources a timely help to graduates from the Bible School: “After three years of theological studies, I learned a lot of knowledge, but my memory is limited, and I was worried that I wouldn’t have access to any reference book after graduation. These Biblical resources addressed my concerns perfectly!”
“They provide valuable references for my interpretation of the Bible... When I encounter difficult passages (in the Bible), I would take the reference books out, look through the explanation to understand the meaning of the texts."
Liu regarded these books as her “intimate friends and exegetical assistants” in her ministries and sermon preparation. “They provide valuable references for my interpretation of the Bible. I love them as treasures and put them in the most prominent place in my home,” Liu shared affectionately. “When I encounter difficult passages (in the Bible), I would take the reference books out, look through the explanation to understand the meaning of the texts. Thanks to our Bible School teachers and UBS for knowing our needs and helping to avail such good resources to us! May God remember and bless you for your generosity!”
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10 ESV
Liu became a Christian after her parents died, one after another within two years from 2004 to 2006. “God is full of love and compassion. He knew my pain and sorrows. He reached me by His grace through a new believer who shared God’s Word with me,” Liu recalled.
Liu was in depression and great sorrows that she was unable to share with anyone. She isolated herself and felt sad all the time. In the summer of 2007, she heard a Christian praise song being played from a photography equipment shop in a mall. Apparently, the shop owner came to faith recently and was passionately telling her how to look for Christian resources. “I found his friendliness annoying at first and I did not want to talk to any strangers. However, now looking back, the Holy Spirit worked in my heart, and I was drawn to God through the praise songs that comforted my heart somehow. Later, as I listened to the sermons and God’s Word, I realised my sinfulness, repented, and turned to Jesus to save me. I went to church, grew in my spiritual relationship with God, and got baptised in 2009. There is no turning back since! I am committed to following Jesus, serving Him, being a witness for Him, and glorifying Him in all that I do,” Liu shared.
UBS is privileged to have the opportunities to support Liu and many others like her in providing biblical resources for their preaching and teaching ministry. You can be a part of this work by praying and contributing to these opportunities.
Photo: UBS CP
2023@UBS China Partnership
