Thanks to the generosity of Bible Society supporters, thousands of lay preachers, Bible students and teachers in China now have access to study Bibles and Bible tools they wouldn’t have been able to afford on their own.  

 The United Bible Societies China Partnership, with the support of Bible Society Australia, is working through the Bible Study Resources for Poor Preachers & Seminary Students Project to provide highly valued Bible resources to the next generation of preachers in China. Most of these people serve in rural areas, where poverty is common and formal theological training is desperately needed.   

 Many students come from farming families and serve in churches that can’t afford to pay them a ministry salary. Yet, because of their passion for God, his word and his people, they’re leading growing communities of faith.  

Lei*  a 39-year-old Guangxi Bible School student serving in Guangxi, shared:  

“I’m the only Christian in my family. Life hasn’t been easy, I’m separated from my wife and raising a daughter, but God’s grace has been with me throughout.   

“Before receiving the Bible study tools, I only had a Bible. When I received this set of Bible tools, I was truly overjoyed. These are books that are hard to come by, especially for someone like me who is still a student and learning how to preach and teach God’s word.   

“Among the tools, I found the commentary on the Gospel of John particularly helpful. It gives detailed explanations that open new ways of thinking and deeper understanding as I meditate on Scripture. It has been a great help not only for my personal spiritual growth but also for my ministry. In the past, I often struggled to fully grasp God’s word, but now I can prepare sermons with more clarity and confidence. I’ve even been able to share my faith more effectively with my sister—she noticed that I now understand the Bible much better, and that has opened her heart to the gospel too.    

“What I’ve received is not just for my own benefit; my hope is to help bring my family to know Christ and to spread the gospel more widely. Many believers in our region have a shallow spiritual life because there’s little structured discipleship. I long to nurture them in a deeper, more systematic way.   

“To the donors who made this possible, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for crossing national and organisational boundaries, for putting aside differences, and for helping people like me who are truly in need. Your support is making a real difference.”  

At a Bible training centre in southwestern China, the students see Bible Society Australia’s support as so much more than Bibles and books.  

“This support isn’t just for us,” one student, Tian*, said. “It’s an investment in the kingdom of God, aiding in the spread of the Gospel far and wide.”   

The need for trained leaders in China remains urgent. On average, one ordained pastor serves 6,700 believers, and 60% of churches are located in rural regions. Each year, the United Bible Societies China Partnership aims to distribute 10,000 sets of Bible study resources, with the potential to impact over 16 million people through the ripple effect of equipped leaders ministering to their communities, strengthening the bonds of the church and nurturing the growth of its future leaders.  

This project reflects a collaborative effort between international partners and local church leaders to strengthen the churches in China through sound biblical teaching and practical support.  

The ongoing need for biblical resources to support lay pastors and local churches in China is immense. Your continued prayer and contribution help provide Bible study resources that equip leaders, deepen discipleship, and transform lives.   

 Together, we can ensure that the word of God continues to reach hearts and communities across China, leaving a lasting impact for generations to come.   

 If you would like to find out more or support this project, visit https://www.biblesociety.org.au/projects/china-support-leaders/