CHINA – A Tibetan Bible is one of the most profound blessings of the Bible League’s China ministry. Tibetans – like other ethnic groups in China – are deeply rooted in their Buddhist faith. This fact, combined with the Chinese government’s efforts to eradicate their ethnic, religious, and cultural heritage, which also leaves them poor and marginalized, means less than one-half of one percent of Tibetans are Christians.Despite these challenges, the Bible League is committed to a ministry that places Tibetan Bibles into the hands of Tibetan Christians - even in remote areas. Although work in these areas can be difficult because of language barriers, providing God’s Word in “heart” languages remains vital to reaching many in China like Li.
Li lives in northwest China - beyond the busyness of cities and beyond the range of good roads. A self-described “simple, working man,” Li is not educated and he is not a leader. But, he is willing to learn how to reach others for Christ. Li eagerly attends Bible studies and he stops to share Christ with those he meets in his every day life—the rice vendor, his barber or the postman. They ask Li questions about his faith. And because he has his own Tibetan Bible, he can find answers – in his own language.
Without the support of Bible League partners, Li - and thousands of other Christian minorities in remote areas of China just like him - would not have any way to study God’s Word. They would be forced to travel long distances to purchase expensive Bibles (which many cannot afford) inChina’s common language rather than a Tibetan Bible in their own language — and run the risk of attracting the government’s suspicions.
“It is possible that [with a Tibetan Bible] these minority people will be able to start ministry among their own people,” the Bible League director says. But he cautions that the Chinese government continues to affect many aspects of their ministry aimed at reaching the minority ethnic groups in China. A Bible League contact was even sent into hiding for several months. “We trust that everything works to the good of those who love the Lord,” he says. “Any persecution is a tool for God’s ministry.”
Li’s story is just one of many that encourages the Bible League to continue placing Tibetan Bibles into the reaching hands of this minority people. Together with the Tibetan Bible ministry – and other “heart” language Bible blessings given by the Bible League - and by strengthening churches and leaders, God’s Word and His gospel are spreading throughout China. Your support helps make this possible. Thank you.
