The United Bible Society has reported a sharp increase in the number of Christian Scriptures distributed in countries where believers suffer the highest levels of persecution. Global Scripture distribution rose from 381 million in 2011 to more than 405 million in 2012, of which 32.1 million were Bibles.
The highest increase was in Syria; in the midst of its huge humanitarian crisis, over eight times more Scriptures were distributed through a network of church volunteers, in 2012 than 2011; 163,000 in total last year. “Christians in Syria are under enormous pressure and are in great need of encouragement,” said Mike Bassous, General Secretary of the Lebanon Bible Society. “Staff in Syria are working hard to produce enough Scriptures to meet these needs.”
There has been a similar substantial increases in Iraq, Egypt, India, Laos and Nigeria, all countries where Christians are suffering some of the highest levels of persecution. United Bible Societies Director General Michael Perreau says, “With rising persecution of Christians in certain parts of the world, and increasing secularisation in others, it is encouraging… to see that God’s Word is more sought after and cherished than ever before.” There has also been “a huge boost” in digital access to Scripture, which is particularly helpful in countries where it is dangerous to read printed Christian literature.
Source: Christian Today
BIBLE STUDY: Proverbs 30:5
PRAISE: God that so many people are receiving the blessing of God’s Word. Pray for those undertaking the task of distributing Scriptures in these countries.