Churches in China need Bibles following historic floods

By September 17, 2020
2020 flood

China (MNN) — Parts of China saw once-in-a-century flooding in recent weeks. Above-average rainfall and subsequent flooding affected 70 million people throughout the country; damages cost at least $29 billion.

The deluge caused more financial difficulties this year compared to previous seasons, Chinese officials report. Kurt Rovenstine of Bibles for China says rural church partners are struggling to recover.

“Folks that we reach out to are those [who] couldn’t afford that [damage]; they don’t have a nest egg. There’s [nothing] set aside for flood insurance,” Rovenstine says.

“There’s a tremendous need there.”

Priority: Bibles

To supply Chinese Christians with Scripture, Bibles for China partners with rural churches. As described here, Bibles for China provides the funding, while local believers handle distribution.

Last month’s flooding temporarily shifted church focus to relief aid. Believers share Christ in word and deed as they help community members recover from the floods, Rovenstine says. At the same time, Bibles for China comes alongside to fill in the gaps.

china-floods-2020

A photo taken from the church rooftop.
(Photo courtesy of Bibles for China)

“We’re hoping to find places ready now for Bible replacement and help in that regard,” he explains.

“We [received] some pictures of pews floating in a sanctuary, and Bibles were destroyed in that.”

Pray believers will have endurance as they serve their communities in Christ’s name. Ask God for Gospel opportunities, and pray Christians will obey the Holy Spirit’s leading.

“For the people of China, [there is] a great prayer need for those who experienced that flooding, and we need to be faithful in prayer for them,” Rovenstine says.

Help Bibles for China send God’s Word to churches in need. Rovenstine adds, “We would love if folks would see the need and respond tangibly by helping us with replacing Bibles.”

 

 

Header image courtesy of Bibles for China.


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