China (MNN) – Lockdowns and restrictions around the world have put a pause on everyday life, and ministries have not been exempt from it’s affects. Bibles for China has seen some those restrictions lifted and resumed Bible distribution.
“Some churches are starting to open up, function a little more towards normal,” Kurt Rovenstine says. “So from a COVID perspective, it seems to be loosening a bit. So we’re excited about that.”
The current pandemic has opened many doors for the Gospel to bring hope to those who need it most. But that does not mean that persecution and scrutiny, especially from government, is at an end.
“When there’s crises, there’s opportunity for God to work and for folks to examine their own lives and where they’re putting their priorities, but it’s also an opportunity for those who oppose the church to take steps forward to gain tighter control,” Rovenstine says. “It makes our hearts heavy.”
Photo courtesy of Bibles for China
The ministry’s main focus is on giving people in rural areas of China access to the Scriptures that they are hungering for.
“We’re not too concerned about things that aren’t within the context of distributing Bibles because our approach has always been try and maintain good relationships,” he says. “We’re not there to be political or to start a revolution. We believe Scripture will do that in some respect.”
Despite the possibility of increased scrutiny from those who oppose the Gospel, Bibles for China is still delivering hope and support to the Church through constant prayer and support.
“A big part of the prayer is that God would give continued peace and strength to the church in China because it’s facing crises, from economic to persecution or the heavy handedness of the government. The discouragement that might be there. That the church would continue to be strong and to push forward,” Rovenstine says.
In additions to donations, the biggest need Bibles for China needs is prayer.
“Pray for the church, that they continue to have that strong presence, strong conviction towards the Gospel,” Rovenstine says. “And know that Christ is Lord, not let the government oppress them to the point where they stop being the church as they’re commanded to be.”
Bibles for China is a nonprofit ministry that openly and legally distributes Bibles to Christian Chinese people in need.
Feature photo courtesy of Bibles for China
