November 2004
 

CHINA NEVER CEASES TO AMAZE THE WORLD

 

With ¼ of the world’s population within its borders, and with stunning engineering feats and inventions to its credit through the centuries, it remains a land of great paradoxes. Some of the world’s richest people live in Hong Kong in lavish apartments that sell for hundreds of millions of dollars. The nation boasts of the longest suspension bridge in the world connecting the airport and Kowloon in Hong Kong. They are building the largest dam ever conceived by man to harness the power of the mighty Yangtze River. They figure into biblical prophecy with a huge army of 200 million soldiers. Many are calling China the nation of the 21st century. In the realm of Christianity, millions of believers have suffered persecution and death since the take over in 1949, yet today, a revival of the most amazing proportions is taking place in Book of Acts style. At the same time, severe restrictions of the house church movement is occurring with many leaders in prison camps or living in peril of their lives. Amazingly, the Chinese church is deeply committed to raising up a missionary army of 100,000 church planters to take the gospel back to Jerusalem through the 10/40 window which is occupied by Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists.

 

THE IMPACT OF THE BIBLE IN CHINA

 

This issue is devoted to the impact the Bible is making on China today. Much has been made of the fact that Amity Press, the officially recognized printing press associated with the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) has printed more than 30 million Bibles since its inception twenty years ago. These Bibles are available through registered churches and bookstores throughout the country. The American Bible Society provides the paper for these Bibles as a gift. Amazing as this may appear, the Christian population has grown from less than 2 million in 1949 to an estimated 80-100,000,000 people today! 30 million Bibles in twenty years does not even begin to meet the need for the exploding Christian population.

 

ASIA HARVEST PRINTING BIBLES

 

According to a report in Asia Harvest fall publication 2004, they estimate that 30,000 people turn to Christ every day! With such an explosion of new believers, there is an unprecedented need for Bibles. This organization has printed 395,347 at a cost of $2.25 per Bible. These Bibles are distributed to all parts of China- somehow. The need is so urgent because many church groups still have only one Bible for the entire congregation. As more and more house churches spring up throughout the country and in rural areas, they have little opportunity to get a Bible. Check out Asia Harvest web site at http://www.asiaharvest.org and pray and give for this important ministry.

 

OPEN DOORS, BROTHER ANDREW

 

This is another organization that provides Bibles to China. They report that Bibles are being distributed to house church groups where persecution is taking place. They report a leader of a large house church group as saying, “In my group, we have hundreds of churches with thousands of converts in Henan Province. Some of the churches don’t even have a Bible!”

 

THE AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY

 

In the American Bible Society Record, Lan Xin from Shenyang reports that "the new religious freedom in China is almost like heaven on earth." Several Bibles, displayed openly on her bookshelf, are evidence that she practices her faith without fear and the secrecy of a few years ago. One of her Bibles, very old and worn- even losing some pages- is one she rescued from those dark days. “I could never bear to part with it,” she says. “Every time my eyes fall on it I am reminded of its troubled history and those terrible years.” Contributions for printing the Chinese Bible may be sent to The American Bible Society, 1805 Broadway, New York, NY 10025

 

TRANS WORLD RADIO

 

Each week, tens of thousands of believers in China gather together to listen to their Bible-teaching broadcasts. TRW is distributing unique Radio Church Kits to house church networks that include a short wave radio, a Mandarin study Bible and study books. Contributions of $75 may be made for one kit including delivery. Contact TRW at Box 8700, Cary, NC 27512.

 

ALLIANCE RADIO, HONG KONG

 

Hundreds of hours of Bible-teaching broadcasts are aired each month through the Alliance radio studios in Hong Kong in order to feed new believers and ground them in the Word of God. Groups meet in homes to listen to Bible teachers from Hong Kong and around the world. Many of these groups have never had a pastor, and few have Bibles, but they depend on these radio broadcasts and their elders for instruction. Great efforts are being made by workers from Hong Kong to train leaders in many parts of inland China. Alliance Radio is a self-supporting ministry by overseas Chinese and other believers. Contributions may be sent to The Christian and Missionary Alliance, Box 35000, Colorado Springs, CO 80935 designated “China Radio.”

 

BIBLE ADDED TO STUDENTS’ READING LIST IN SHANGHAI

 

The Shanghai Daily printed an article on October 19th stating that the Education Commission is expected to publish a recommended reading list for middle school children, which includes Kung Fu novels AND THE BIBLE. Education officials noted that the Bible plays an important role in Western culture and that Chinese students should understand it in order to know foreign countries. This is the first time a communist education authority in China has suggested that children should read the Bible. This could open the door to a whole new opportunity of reaching children. For many years it was forbidden by the government to evangelize children. Praise God for this unusual opening door.

 

GIVE A BOOK AND CHANGE A LIFE

 

My latest book, Red Runs The River- The Story of China’s Persecuted Church, Vol. 1, is changing lives according to letters received. With many people seeking to give a lasting gift at this time of the year, bulk orders of 5 books to the same address are available for $65.00 postage paid, (a savings of $18.10 over a single book) or 10 books for $120.00, (a savings of $40.00 over a single book). Single books are $16.00 postage paid. Praise the Lord, this book is changing the lives of young people and older folks as they discover the joy of total commitment to Jesus. Send check to the author at 1622 Calvin Circle, Kissimmee, FL 34746.  

  • Thanks to many people who are making bulk orders.

  • One church ordered a large quantity of "Smugglers In Hong Kong", from The Jack and Jenny Mystery Series, for children of prisoners they minister to.

  • Another church order 30 copies of "Red Runs The River" for their Missions Conference.

  • Individuals are ordering bulk orders for their Christmas giving with a purpose.

  • Mysteries for children include "Smugglers In Hong Long, "The Mystery of the Counterfeit Money," "Rescue at Cripple Creek," and "The Tiger Shark Strikes Again." Adult books include "To China and Back" and "Giants Walked Among Us."

  • Most orders are filled the same day received and reach their destinations in about one week.

  • Please check out the web site for brief descriptions of all books and their prices.

GOOD NEWS AT LAST

 

Many, many people have been asking for volume 2 of this series entitled Exiles of Hope- The Story of China’s Persecuted Church, Vol. 2. The good news is that it is in the hands of the editor right now and could possibly be available by the end of the year. This is the continuing story of Meiling and Anching, who against all odds, choose to suffer persecution and separation rather than yield to Communist pressure to recant. It is full of surprises and unexpected twists, but this authentic story leads the reader to one conclusion- no matter what one suffers for Christ, it is worthwhile and it is glorifying to God.

 

THANKS FOR PASSING THIS ON

 

Many new people have been added to the mailing list this month. Thank you for referring China Clippings to your praying friends, and being part of the greatest revival in China’s long history.

 Anthony Bollback, Editor (Former Missionary to China)