Bible Distribution for Christians in China

At 98 years old, Tang Xiulan’s* life is a testament to resilience, faith, and the transformative power of God’s word. Living in rural Guangxi, China, she has endured decades of hardship — from the backbreaking labour of the Cultural Revolution to the quiet loneliness of old age.

“There was no rest,” Tang remembered. “We worked because if we didn’t, we would have nothing to eat.” Yet, the hardest part wasn’t the physical labour. “The hardest part was not knowing Jesus,” she confides.

Then, in her late sixties, someone shared the gospel with her. That simple act of personal evangelism opened a new chapter in Tang’s life. “I heard the gospel and believed,” she said. Since then, through it all, her faith has remained steadfast.

“I used to have a Bible,” Tang shared, “but the print was too small. I could barely see the words.” Despite her failing eyesight and limited education, she clung to her faith, praying and listening to God’s word whenever she could. But without a Bible she could read, her spiritual nourishment was limited — like a hungry soul without food.

Receiving the Gift of God’s Word

In July 2024, everything changed. Through the support of her local church, the Guangxi Christian Council and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CC&TSPM), and the United Bible Societies China Partnership (UBSCP), Tang received a large-print Bible — a Bible she could read on her own.

“I thank God!” she said joyfully. “Back then, I never thought anyone would give me a new Bible. I was so grateful and happy.”

Tang is one of the many beneficiaries of the “Bibles for Millions” project, supported by Bible Society Australia. This initiative aims to meet the immense demand for Bibles in China, where an estimated 100 million Christians live — many in rural areas and with limited means. In 2025 alone, the project will provide Bible paper for 1.3 million Bibles and distribute 70,000 free Bibles to those who find it challenging to afford one.

For Tang Xiulan, this Bible became more than a book — it became her daily bread. “To me, the Bible is the bread of life. Without it, I would starve,” she said. “Having this Bible now is like having a weapon in my hands. Whenever I am weak, God’s word gives me strength.”

Tang with her large-print Bible

A Life Transformed

When Tang came to faith in Christ in her late sixties, her faith grew even though she had very little formal education at first. “After I believed in Jesus, I slowly learned to recognise many words,” she shared. She began praying regularly and absorbing God’s word through the teaching of her local church. Over time, driven by her desire to know God more deeply, she learnt to read more Chinese characters and deepened her understanding of Scripture.

“In the past, I believed in repaying evil with evil,” Tang admitted. “But the Bible teaches me to be more forgiving and patient.”

Tang’s heart has softened, her temper calmed, and her life now reflects the peace and wisdom found in God’s word. Now, she reads her Bible daily, prays more often, and feels closer to God than ever before. “With this Bible, I can read God’s word more often, pray more, and draw closer to him,” she said. “In everything I do, God’s word reminds me not to follow my own will, but to follow his.”

The Ongoing Need

Tang’s story is just one among millions. In a country where Christians are a minority, and many live in poor remote areas, the need for Bibles remains urgent. As Tang puts it, “Without the Bible, it would feel like walking in darkness with no direction. But with the Bible, I have found my way.”

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Your support can help more people like Tang Xiulan receive the life-giving gift of God’s word. By partnering with Bible Society Australia, you can help provide Bibles to those who need them most — bringing light, hope, and strength to hearts across China.

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