A divine delivery for a young Chinese minister

Stringent Covid control measures implemented across China meant Bible seminary graduate Yu Feng had to wait almost a year for his free copy of the Chinese Study Bible (CSB) to arrive.

He breathed a sigh of relief as he opened the package. The crucial resource, provided by Bible Society, was timely as Yu had just entered the mission field.

‘While ministering to the younger believers in Feixi County (in Anhui Province), I realised that I needed to correctly handle God’s word to shepherd them,’ he says.  ‘Some of the young people to whom I am ministering struggle to spend meaningful and adequate time with God. Their foundation in the faith is unstable. Some of them don’t feel loved and have difficulty expressing love. I know there is only one way to help them – the authority of God’s word.’ 

‘Uncle Wong’

Yu is extremely thankful to Bible Society supporters for the Chinese Study Bible (CSB), which was edited by Bible Society theologian Simon Wong, who’s known as ‘Uncle Wong’ among Chinese Bible students.

There is a lack of Scripture resources in China, so Bible Society is supporting churches in China to provide more help to pastors, lay preachers and Bible school students, many of whom struggle financially and need all the assistance they can get.

The CSB is a translation and adaptation of the study notes from Crossway’s English Standard Version Study Bible and has been well received by the Chinese churches. 

‘The study Bible has met my needs’

Yu found the introduction sections – explaining the themes, time of writing, author and outline – of each book useful. ‘While doing my sermon preparation or describing an event in the Bible, I need to examine its background to have a deeper understanding. The CSB has met my needs in this aspect,’ he says.

‘I found the introduction and analysis of Israel’s geographical terrain, customs, and religious habits with lots of details very well captured. Such meticulous narrative was enlightening. For example, in Genesis 30, Jacob and Leah’s eldest son Reuben found the mandrakes in the field. I was wondering what kind of plant was this, and what would be its significance to this passage? I tried to look up the information and finally found the specific explanation in the CSB. Mandrake plants were believed to have helpful effects on fertility! I now see the reasons for the family tiff,’ Yu shared excitedly.

Mishaps

Knowing that he is being prayerfully supported by Christians on the other side of the world has been of great encouragement to Yu, especially after a series of mishaps almost derailed his plan to attend Anhui Theological Seminary in eastern China.

During a company team-building event he fell ill and it developed into an electrolyte disorder. On the way to hospital for emergency treatment he was involved in a road accident. He began feeling anxious and would wake up from nightmares in the middle of the night, worrying that the same unfortunate accidents would happen again and again. 

‘When I felt restless, I would go to the church even if there was no meeting. I would ride a bicycle around the church building until I felt calm and peaceful. I then decided to quit my job in Nanjing City and return to my hometown to study theology,’ Yu shared with much relief.

When Yu first came to faith, he turned to Psalm 91 ‘by chance’ one day. He did not have a deep understanding of the chapter so he searched for the text commentaries but there were not many results. 

Comfort in Psalm 91

So the first thing he did when the CSB arrived was turn to the section regarding Psalm 91. 

‘The CSB’s interpretation of Psalm 91 shows me God’s omnipresent love. I felt comforted, and I experienced the power of such love in my personal life and ministry, like in helping the young people who are struggling in their faith. With the CSB, I am now more confident when delivering my sermon, supported by biblical truth. We are called to be the channel of the gospel, and I want to be held responsible for that calling. Studying the Scriptures via the CSB has helped me tremendously in living out this calling. Thank you for providing it for me.’

If you want to support the training of Christian leaders in China like Yu Feng, join Bible a Month today.

Your generous donation of £10 or more each month will have a huge impact on Bible work in China. You will be supporting top-quality church leadership training and providing scholarships for young Bible students. As there is just one ordained minister for every 6,700 Christians in China, this work is crucial. 

Four times a year you’ll receive the Bible a Month prayer letter, packed with inspiring stories that show how your generosity is changing lives. 

This is an adaptation of a story originally published by United Bible Societies China Partnership.