Faith
Worldwide Bible Access Faces Urgent Barriers
Faith Facts
- An estimated 100 million Christians have no access to a Bible, facing legal blocks and shortages in dozens of nations.
- The Bible Access Initiative highlights nations with the harshest restrictions, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, North Korea, and Mauritania.
- Vast shortages exist in countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Ethiopia, India, and China, where millions still long for Scripture.
A recent global assessment by the Bible Access Initiative exposes alarming gaps in Bible availability, pointing to persecution and social barriers that keep many from God’s Word.
Their carefully compiled Bible Access List uses data from 88 countries to show where believers endure the greatest obstacles and lack Scripture in their own languages.
“While there are many misconceptions about Bible access worldwide, the Bible Access List highlights the complexities and nuances of the issue,” said Ken Bitgood, founder and CEO of the Digital Bible Society.
On-the-ground reports demonstrate that government action, extremist threats, and economic hardship all contribute to the Scripture shortage and hinder the faithful from learning and living by the Bible’s teachings.
“A modern famine persists, not due to apathy, but because of barriers that prevent people from accessing the Bible,” stated Wybo Nicolai, co-creator of the report.
Researchers emphasize local solutions are needed, as circumstances differ widely from region to region, and digital options alone often fall short in places where surveillance or poverty prevent free access.
“One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to solving the issues of Bible access globally,” shared Jaap van Bezooijen, project leader, explaining the importance of printed and audio Bibles for many believers.
The goal of the Bible Access Initiative, a collaboration among trusted Christian ministries, is to empower churches and missions to bring Scripture to every believer, upholding the central role of God’s Word in nurturing faith, family, and freedom.
Pray for those facing persecution and for ministries working courageously to deliver the life-giving message of the Gospel to those still waiting for God’s Word.
Faith Facts
- Office for National Statistics data reveals marriage halves the risk of domestic abuse compared to other family structures.
- Only 4.4% of domestic abuse victims were married, while 39% were separated or divorced and 8.8% were cohabiting.
- Children in homes with unrelated adults are far more at risk—up to 50 times more likely to be killed than those with both biological parents present.
Marriage, rooted in biblical principles, emerges as the most protective environment, reinforcing God’s vision for family stability.
Recent statistics confirm that the traditional married family, built on faithfulness, offers a strong safeguard against the dangers of domestic violence.
“For years a ‘gendered narrative’ has heavily shaped the official debate on domestic violence, painting the traditional family as dangerous and ‘patriarchy’ as the root of abuse. That dogma is not just misleading, it is dangerous. The official figures tell a very different story, one that points back to real marriage,”
said Dr. Tony Rucinski of the Coalition for Marriage.
Biblical fatherhood is vital, providing sons and daughters with the example and security needed for wholesome development and peaceful homes.
“Good fathers are not decorative. They are one of the most powerful long‑term protections against violence we know about … Marriage between one man and one woman, lived out in faithfulness, quietly teaches sons how to be men and daughters what to expect from men.”
Dr. Rucinski noted that enduring marital commitment gives women, men, and children the safest foundation for life.
Let us boldly affirm God’s design for marriage and family, standing firm for faith, freedom, and the protection of every generation.
Faith Facts
- The Church of England’s Living Ministry project surveyed over 1,000 clergy since 2017, revealing persistent challenges to well-being in ministry.
- Burnout, isolation, financial worries, and administrative burdens are the most common difficulties reported, especially intensified after Covid-19.
- Despite pressures, many clergy find hope in congregational engagement, vocational fulfillment, and spiritual support among peers.
The report highlights the ongoing need for resilience among those called to shepherd the faithful, emphasizing the importance of church community and biblical support for leaders.
Many clergy struggle with feelings of isolation, but Christian fellowship and shared burdens strengthen their sense of purpose and mission.
“Of the three elements of burnout, high scores in depersonalisation (related to isolation) and personal inefficacy (related to demoralisation) were more prevalent than emotional exhaustion (related to tiredness), suggesting that the nature of ordained ministry may contribute more to burnout than simply the number of hours worked,” the report said.
The survey underlines the vital necessity of encouraging, equipping, and providing for our pastors, that they may better serve God and His people.
Let us pray for our clergy and support their calling, so the light of Christ continues to shine strong in British communities.
Faith Facts
- Jesus affirmed that children are welcome in the Kingdom of God.
- Simple, humble faith is central to salvation, regardless of age.
- The Holy Spirit’s transformation is not limited by age or understanding.
Scripture reveals that even young children can put their trust in Jesus and be received into His Kingdom. The Lord calls us to present the gospel to all, including the youngest among us, and to accept their sincere expressions of faith.
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4)
Jesus used the humility and trust of a little child as the standard for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Children’s ability to believe simply is honored by Christ Himself.
“Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:14)
We are reminded that the Holy Spirit can move in hearts beyond our comprehension, bringing about true transformation at any age. As faithful believers, we are called to guide, teach, and nurture children toward a personal relationship with Christ, trusting God’s power to save.
Never underestimate the faith of a child—encourage them to know Jesus and embrace His gift of salvation.
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