Upon entering a local bookshop, one might find a table dedicated to literature that has faced censorship. Among these works are titles by authors such as George Orwell and Harper Lee. However, conspicuously absent from these displays is a book that continues to face bans or severe restrictions across 52 nations: the Bible.
The significance of the Bible is particularly highlighted by Open Doors, an organization marking its 70th anniversary. Founded by Brother Andrew, a young Dutch missionary, the group began by smuggling Bibles into the Soviet Union using a blue Volkswagen Beetle. For the Christians in these regions, the Bible was more than just a collection of texts; it was a source of life and hope. This need for scripture remains so profound that many are willing to take great risks to obtain it.
A poignant story from the Soviet era illustrates this desperation. A man braved the harsh Siberian winter to reach Bible smugglers from Open Doors, only to find all copies had been distributed. Undeterred, he requested the empty box the Bibles had arrived in, stating, “that’ll sustain me until you next come.”
Open Doors has annually ranked the most challenging countries for Christians since 1993, with North Korea frequently topping the list. There, possession of a Bible can lead to execution or imprisonment, with repercussions extending to family members. Despite such dangers, the Bible remains central to the lives of believers, who go to great lengths to read it, even in secret.
In China, digital versions of the Bible have been altered, with references to ‘Christ’ and ‘Jesus’ removed. Bible apps have also disappeared from platforms like Apple and Google. In 2019, individuals who had purchased Bibles from the Wheat Christian Bookshop years earlier were detained and questioned.
Reflecting on its history, Open Doors continues to distribute Bibles, adapting methods to modern times, such as using data cards. This enduring commitment underscores the power and influence of the Bible, a book that regimes fear for its capacity to empower and inspire.
As the Bible remains a beacon of hope for many, it invites reflection on the freedoms others may take for granted. Its words, as expressed in Romans 10:17 and Hebrews 4:12, carry the power to transform lives and challenge oppressive systems.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
