“Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
A new international report was recently released that millions of Christians worldwide are still in regions with no access to the Bible. According to the U.S. Christian Post (CP), the report identifies the countries on the world map where Scripture is hardest to obtain, possess or read.
The Bible Access List, the newest report, has been produced through a collaboration of Christian organisations, including Open Doors International and Digital Bible Society.
The study ranks Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea, and Mauritania as the countries with the most severe Bible restrictions. In these countries, possession of the Bible itself is sometimes considered a crime due to the government’s strong religious control, Islamic law-based social system, or political persecution.
In addition, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, and China are classified as regions with low Bible dissemination due to language barriers, lack of infrastructure, and economic poverty, although religious freedom is relatively guaranteed.
The report pointed out that the difficulty of accessing the Bible is not just due to religious persecution. It explained that the Bible is not actually reaching the local community due to a combination of poverty, low literacy rates, lack of logistics and communication infrastructure, untranslated language problems, and cultural factors.
For example, churches and Christian cultures exist in some parts of Malaysia, but many residents have never read the Bible and only carry on the “Christian tradition” without understanding Jesus Christ. In the region, Open Door and local churches are working together to expand digital Bible distribution and translation projects into local languages.
Experts stress the need for a new approach through digital Bible dissemination, online platforms, and audio Bibles in the future. An Open Door official said, “To deliver a Bible is not just to deliver a book, but to open a passage of life to hear the truth in one’s mother tongue,” adding, “New opportunities are opening up, especially in Africa and Asia, where Internet access is improving.” (Source: Christian Post, Edited Version)
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-10)
God, we pray that the Word of life, the Bible, will quickly reach those who have no access to it, so that they may receive the grace of salvation. Bless every ministry dedicated to this mission, and strengthen them to serve with Your heart, without growing weary or losing courage. Raise up people who recognize the authority of Scripture and obey its truth, so that through them, those wandering in darkness may come to know the God of salvation. May Your kingdom be established in every heart, and may all rise as true worshipers who long for the day of the LORD’s return.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
