China (MNN) — While there always seems to be two sides of the "Bibles in China" issue, the fact remains there are two sides to the "Bibles in China" issue. Some say it's difficult to get Bibles into some parts of China and the only way to get them in to the country is to smuggle them. However, others say if you go through the proper channels, including the registered church, you can distribute Bibles with no trouble.
President of Bibles for China Wendell Rovenstine says they opt to go above ground. "Our desire is to be as honest as we can possibly be and to operate only in an open and legal opportunity that exists in China."
Rovenstine says Bibles for China opts to work with the above-ground churches. "Some would call that the registered church. There's a Chinese Christian Counsel, there's a Religious Affairs Bureau. We work through them and through our partners in China."
While there is a need for Bibles all over China, Rovenstine says, "We've opted to work in the rural area where Bibles are needed, where they can do it openly and legally and have a great opportunity to present the Gospel through His word."
Rovenstine recently returned from Hunan Province. "I went to the Coconut Island to give out Bibles. There hadn't been anyone that had been there with Bibles. And our team of four verified 8,000 Bibles through the churches that showed up to receive the Bibles."
While Bibles are available in China, most people in rural areas can't afford them. Rovenstine describes the need in a story about a pastor on the island. "On the side of his church, he had Scripture that someone had come and written on the side of the wall. [People were coming] there to copy down Scriptures to take back to their communities where they touched individuals for Christ."
While many areas need people to tell them what the Bible is saying, Rovenstine says these Christians just need Bibles. "Give them God's Word. Let God's Word be what's written on their heart and established by God speaking through His Word. And I believe churches are strengthened locally because now they are able to have Bibles and to present this as what God said."
Bibles for China is planning two more distribution trips this year. Funding is needed to purchase more Bibles; the cost is just $5. And right now you can maximize your giving, thanks to a matching gift. "For every $5 you give for a Bible, we send two Bibles into China. For $5, you're touching two souls or two families for Jesus Christ. It's a pretty easy way to 'Go into all the world.'"
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