CHINA — Argentine-born Luis Palau, 70, is a world-famous evangelist, author and radio broadcaster. He has shared the Gospel with live audiences totalling more than 20 million in 70 countries, his books and articles have been published in dozens of languages and his programmes are heard daily on more than 2,100 radio stations in 48 countries. Last May Dr Palau visited the Amity Printing Company in Nanjing, China. The following interview was conducted at the printing plant by Peter Dean, United Bible Societies’ Resident Production Advisor.

Church life, Flower Garden Lane Church. Wenzhou, People's Republic of China. Photo: UBS/Rune Hansen (PRC98C12_19A.JPG)

PD: Following several visits to China, what impressions do you have of the Chinese Church? And what do you think about the Chinese Christians’ attitude towards the Scriptures?

LP: The whole world has stood amazed at the numerical growth of those who follow Jesus in China. I have met Christians so fired up and so enthusiastic. In fact, I have preached in Shanghai and in Beijing specifically and it was amazing how they clap, how they cheer, how they rejoice and how they say ‘Amen’ out loud!

Emotional

I love to preach in China and for me it is very emotional because, when I was a boy, my mother, my sisters and I used to pray for China. I always dreamt of the day that we would come to China and – lo and behold! – here we are! And to see the face of God’s people is the most thrilling thing in the world. The way the Chinese cherish the Word of God, the way they sing hymns, the way they pray and say amen so vigorously. People need to come to China and experience it, really.

The believers are very faithful, very nationalistic – in the right sense of the word. They love China, they speak out for China and they are thankful to God for what is going on in the country at this time. 

PD: From a personal perspective, can you tell us how you see the importance of people having a copy of the Bible?

Outspoken believer

LP: Well you know, I’m a strong, outspoken believer in the United Bible Societies.  UBS brought the Word of God to Latin America before I was born.  They saturated Latin America. The reason why all the Spanish-speaking countries – Argentina, Mexico etc. – are experiencing change, economic, familial, even political and military change, is, in great measure, because of the outpouring of the Bible. Without the Word of God, a nation cannot be blessed really, because they don’t know the ways of God; they don’t know the mind of God. The Word of God is inspired, it is without error and it carries tremendous punch. The fact that you’re printing all these millions of Bibles in China and around the world has to be a source of great praise to God.  In China, modern and ancient, the Word of God has just saturated millions and millions of homes. So it is a joy to be on the property of your plant now to see it for myself.

Impressions

PD: You have just had a tour of the printing facility. What are your impressions?

LP: I had heard for years about Amity Press, I had heard about the United Bible Societies working with it and now I see it with my own eyes. It is very thrilling. I think that it is a marvellous production facility. I’m amazed that with a limited number of personnel you are putting out tens of millions of Bibles, not only for China but also for Africa, India, the Middle East and even for Latin America. It is a great service for the Church, worthy of people’s financial and prayer support. I’m thrilled to get the information you gave me that Amity Press is a printing facility that services the Church in China and also the Church worldwide. Really, I think it is a marvellous ministry that God has given you. 

PD: What do you think about the United Bible Societies’ contribution towards the establishment of the Press and the provision of Bible paper for the printing of Bibles for China?

Fundamental

LP: This is one of the most fundamental ministries. If you have to cut out every ministry and keep one, printing and distributing the Bible has to be number one. The Word of God is more important than any radio programme… any commentary… any preaching. The Word of God is the fundamental work. So your supporters should rejoice that they are making such a foundational contribution to make this ministry keep going. It’s a glorious moment for me and my team members. It’s a critical, wonderful moment in our lives to be right here in Nanjing and at the Amity Printing Company.

It’s always interesting for people to know, as you informed me, that anyone can buy these Bibles and that they can be distributed to any corner of China, even direct to each home by post. It doesn’t matter who they are or why they order it. It is very important for friends to know that you are able to sell them for a reduced, minor cost, where even a humble person with minimal income can joyfully buy it – for just a few pennies, really. It’s very important for the world to know that they are being distributed for a minimum price – and many people buy Bibles in quantity and give them away, which is an added blessing. I agree it is interesting that people facilitate your purchase of the paper so that the price can be kept low. Therefore contributions are a blessing to the whole process. It is amazing machinery that you have got going here. Congratulations, brother! (WR 397/20 - 11.05) [2 photos]