A Beacon of Hope in China
From Darkness to Light
The Bible says, “Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (John 1:3-5) These powerful words have brought comfort and guidance to millions of people around the world, including those in China.
A Miracle in China
In a remarkable turn of events, the 50 millionth Bible was recently printed at the Amity Printing Company in Nanjing, China. This achievement is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance. During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, all churches in China were closed, and Bibles were banned, confiscated, and destroyed. Yet, in less than twenty years, Amity Press was established, thanks to donations from supporters of Bible societies worldwide. This was a dream come true for China’s Christians.
A Remnant of Faith
Despite the government’s efforts to extinguish Christianity, the faith remained strong in the hearts of Chinese Christians. As God promised, there will always be a remnant. Today, China is home to nearly one hundred million practicing Protestant Christians and twenty-five million Catholics. The Bible, once banned, is now the nation’s number one best seller.
A New Era of Christianity
China is experiencing rapid growth, not only in population but also in Christianity. Today, nearly as many practicing Protestant Christians live in China as in the United States. New churches are being built, and there is a growing hunger for Scripture among the Chinese people. The Amity Press addition, which will allow for the printing of twelve million Bibles a year, is a beacon of hope for the future.
A Journey of Faith
During a recent visit to China, we had the privilege of attending the dedication celebration of the Amity Press addition. We also visited a local congregation and presented Bibles, as well as the Catholic seminary. The Chinese Christians we met were not only grateful for our support but also encouraged us with their own stories of faith.
Government Support
In a surprising turn of events, we met with top government leaders who oversee Social and Religious Affairs and received assurances of their support for the Christian movement in China. The Chinese constitution has been amended to recognize the importance of religious activities for the nation’s well-being.
A Brighter Future
The Cultural Revolution may have been devastating for the church, but it is now mostly behind them. As God promises, there will always be a remnant. Today, China is embracing a brighter future, where Christianity is growing and thriving.
Leave a Reply