CHINA: Hope through Scripture Literacy

Most Christians in China live in underprivileged, rural areas. Sadly, decades of poverty and lack of education has left a sobering legacy: illiteracy, especially among women aged 60-80.

Followers of Jesus in rural China have a deep desire to grow in faith, but many are unable to access the truth of God’s Word for themselves because they cannot read. Further, the lack of literacy among women means many are completely dependent on families and partners, making them vulnerable to mistreatment and abuse.

To help marginalized believers flourish in rural China, the Bible Society conducts Scripture-based literacy classes. Previously illiterate Christians are now reading the Bible for the first time, coming to a deeper understanding of the Christian faith, and finding new hope for their lives!

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45M

45 million people over 15 years-old in China cannot read or write.

75%

75% of illiterate people in China live in rural areas. 75% of them are women.

18K

Hope through Scripture Literacy will teach 18,000 people to read their Bibles in 2023. 90% of them will be the elderly. 80% will be women.

Hope through Scripture Literacy

Hope through Scripture Literacy uses the Bible to teach literacy to believers and help them develop a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Further, their quality of life increases as they use their new literacy skills to make informed decisions in other areas of life, such as medical prescriptions, financial assistance, and community programs.
Graduates receive their own copy of the Scriptures to take home and share with others.
In 2023, this program will also pilot Online Literacy classes using video and WeChat, minimizing the risk of classes stopping if churches are required to shut down (such as during the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions).

“We are getting to know our Bibles very well, and learning to read, too!”

~ Wen De Xie, age 74

“Many of my students are elderly. Learning to read is a dream come true for them!”

~ Jiao Guoyan, literacy teacher

Hundreds of Bible-based literacy classes are held each week, and the Bible Society provides the Scriptures for every single class. Your support today will empower more rural Chinese believers to access God’s Word for themselves and become steadfast and immovable in their faith.