It’s well known that China’s Christian  community is growing exponentially. Official statistics state that there are more than 23 million Protestants and 6 million (Roman) Catholics in the country. But unofficial figures push that number as high as 90 million.

Around one million Chinese become Christians each year, according to estimates so one of the challenges is keeping up with the demand for Bibles. Bible Society’s China Partnership say churches are asking for some 2.5 million affordable Bibles to be made available for China every year.

Currently there are funds to print one million affordable Bibles. They are sold at very low prices, between 16 and 26 Yuan (£1-60 and £2-30). Christians in China’s cities are buying Bibles for villages just like Meng Zhung, knowing that people there can’t afford to buy them.

They are also used as a form of evangelism: proselytising is outlawed in China, but if you give someone a Bible as a present, that’s acceptable. Accordingly many churches have little bookshops which sell Bibles, and do a roaring trade with these ‘gifts’.

If we had more supporters, so much more could be done. The need for Bibles in places like China is massive. It is our prayer that those who respond to this appeal will learn more about this ministry.