China (MNN) — Tech Company Apple has removed access to a popular Bible app and a popular Quran app in China. The Chinese government has also suspended several Christian WeChat accounts since new laws went into effect this year.
Kurt Rovenstine with Bibles for China says, “There’s always that political piece. It didn’t meet the right criteria or didn’t have the right permissions. And I get that. That’s the story that is told. And that’s probably the reality.”
However, he also suspects the Chinese government wants to find any excuse to suspend these apps. “When those things are so easily removed, for whatever reason, it confirms in our mind that a Bible I can hold on to, that I can hide under my bed, that I can keep in my purse, or wherever it might be, is a little harder to control than something that’s digital, that can be shut off.”
Despite frustrations with the Chinese government, Rovenstine says, “I want to be really careful that we don’t look with contempt on everyone in China. Because there are some really good folks that are fighting really hard and doing everything that they can to keep those doors open for us.”
New project
Bibles for China has pursued new opportunities in Russia, near the Chinese border. Rovenstine says, “There’s a population of Chinese right along the RussiaChina border. We’re going to do kind of a trial distribution to strong Chinese-speaking communities.”
Rovenstine hopes these people will then take Bibles into China when they travel there for family or business. Pray this ministry will bring the hope and love of Jesus to many.
Want to support this mission? You can, by visiting Bibles for China’s website.
Header photo courtesy of geralt on Pixabay.
