The Bible Ministry Exhibition of the Protestant Church in China
A Lamp to My Feet, Light to My Path
June 5 - June 12

First Time Artifacts are Outside of China

An exhibit of over 100 Bibles and religious artifacts from China will be on public display at the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine in New York City June 5 through June 12. This marks the first time these artifacts have been displayed outside of China.

Entitled The Bible Ministry of the Protestant Church in China: A Lamp to My Feet, A Light to My Path, the extensive exhibit will include numerous priceless pieces: a fourth century Bible, a nine-foot long carved wooden mural of the life of Jesus Christ, historical photographs, artifacts, traditional Chinese paintings, calligraphy, wood carvings, paper-cuts, batik and more.

Organized by the China Christian Council, the exhibit is sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of New York, American Bible Society, and the Council of Churches of the City of New York (CCCNY).

"When I think of what is taking place in China today I am reminded of two of Christ's parables at the same time," observed the Rev. William Jefferson, Director of Global Ministries of the American Bible Society. "Both parables are about seeds. The first parable is the one Christ told about seed sown by a farmer. Some of the seeds never took root, while other seeds grew multiplying 30, 60 and 100 fold. The story symbolizes how the Word of God is embraced by some while unproductive for others. The other parable is that of the mustard seed which Christ used to illustrate the Kingdom of God. Even though the mustard seed is tiny it has enormous potential growth. We see both of these parables at work in China today. Millions of Bibles are being printed and distributed throughout this rich and diverse country. The biblical text is an ancient text, yet it is like an ancient seed that contains the power of life within."

"Visiting the China Bible Exhibit is an opportunity to glimpse the religious side of the China population often hidden," commented the Rev. Dr. John Hiemstra, executive director of CCCNY. "The Christian faith of many millions of Chinese is deep and enduring. It is vital and strong with deep roots, historically and spiritually. Today the church in China is a full partner with other churches around the world that bring faith to a broken, violent and desperate world. Thanks be to God for Chinese Christians."

"We are honored to be one of the hosts for the China Bible Exhibit," explained the Venerable Michael Kendall, Archdeacon for Mission for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. "This is a way for us to bridge the cultures and to learn what we have in common. The bibles and artifacts that comprise the exhibit offer a glimpse into the Christian life of our brothers and sisters in Christ who live a half world away. It will be an opportunity for us to learn Christ through Chinese eyes and hearts."

There is no fee to view the exhibit.

Check out www.BibleExhibitNY.org

Bibles in China

The exhibit will herald the long history of Christianity and Bibles in China.

Few are aware of the 1500-year history the Bible has in China. More than 40 million Bibles have been printed and distributed in China in the last 20 years alone.

China is the most populous nation in the world, with 1.3 billion people and it is the third largest country in land mass on earth. China boasts the world's fastest-growing economy and the country is more than 5000 years old.

Christianity first came to China nearly 1500 years ago. With over 40 million Chinese Bibles printed in the last two decades, Christianity is growing in China at a rate nearly unmatched by any other place in the world.

Founded in 1980, The China Christian Council is the national organization for Protestant Christians in China. It promotes theological education and the publication of the Bible, hymn books and other Christian literature, the exchange of information among local churches, social ministries to children, the elderly and others in need, and the development of friendly relations with churches overseas.

At present there are over 50,000 Protestant churches and meeting points throughout China with 90,000 people baptized every year.

Display in other cities New York City is the last site of the three USA city tour of the exhibit. The exhibit will be shown in Los Angeles at the Crystal Cathedral, April 27 - May 4 and in Atlanta at the Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church, May 19-24.