Issue 9 - 2011 - Asia Pacific Hungry for God's Word - Biblica

...we encountered the kind of thirst thatexists within Asia for God’s Word.After weeks of waiting, I was thrilled to find advance copies of the ChineseContemporary Bible (CCB) waiting for me at my hotel.I walked to a nearby bookstore to get some copies gift wrapped. A young man in hisearly twenties appeared at the counter from behind me. He asked, “Is this a Bible?They say it is the Word of God?”“Yes, it is. Have you ever read the Bible?” I asked.“Yes, I have been to church with my friend and I have read his. It is not easy to findBibles,” he said. “I like to read the Bible, because it gives me peace and comfort.”I’ve been privileged to spend my entire life working in ministry in Asia in oneform or another. It is amazing to see the progress that the gospel is makingin many parts of this continent—the growth of the Church in China is simplyamazing. Churches in Vietnam are springing up like tiny shoots, giving birth to new hope.Translations are being completed, making God’s Word available in the Philippines, Thailandand throughout Asia.On a recent trip to China with a colleague we encountered the kind of thirst that exists withinAsia for God’s Word. As you read about his divine encounter, please prayerfully consider therole you can play in reaching the people of Asia with the transforming power of the Word.Group Vice President, Asia PacificI asked him, “Would you like to have this Bible? It is easy to read and understand.” Heresponded excitedly, “Yes! It will be my first Bible. Thank you! You are my teacher now.Can I write you if I have any questions?”We exchanged contact information, and I wrote 2 Timothy 3:16-17 on his Bible:All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting andtraining in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped forevery good work.As we parted, we promised to write. Who would have thought that I would be givingaway the first copy of the CCB during an unexpected bookshop encounter?This is just one story of how God is working inAsia. With your help, we can continue to bring thetreasure of God’s Word worldwide. Translationwork can take many years.Please give to Biblica’s translation projects so youmay join in the privilege of bringing the lifetransformingpower of the gospel.8 Biblica InDepth • • Issue 9 • • 2011Biblica.com 9