Wiltshire man leaves £100,000 in his will to train pastors in China

Ian wrote the final chapter in his life before he passed away earlier this year – after taking care of his loved ones, he left £100,000 in his will to train pastors in China.

China faces an acute shortage of pastors with an estimated one trained leader for every 6,700 Christians.

Ian’s gift will pay for scholarships for Bible seminary students. The tuition fees of 30 students are being paid for through a Bible Society project. All of these 30 students have already secured posts as pastors when they graduate, and each one will provide pastoral care and Bible teaching to an average of 800 believers.

So even though Ian has gone to glory, the impact of his generosity will be felt in China for many generations to come.

It’s estimated that about 1 million people come to faith every year in China, and the scarcity of leadership means many Christians have little or no guidance or pastoral care. This means some may be vulnerable to being led astray or stumbling in their faith. That’s why supporting and encouraging pastors is of utmost importance right now in China. Ian’s generosity means more pastors will enter the shepherding field.

October is Free Wills Month, which allows charity supporters to have their wills updated free of charge. if you think you may also want to leave a gift in your will for Bible mission after taking care of your loved ones, then please take a look at our free booklet Share your blessings.

Gifts in wills are usually given simply for Bible mission, to be used where they're needed the most. A ministry does not need to be specified, although in Ian's case pastoral care was close to his heart.

Please pray for Bible mission in China, perhaps by visiting our China Prayer Tree. Pray that the standard of theological education will continue to rise and that church leaders will be protected and granted wisdom in their increasingly challenging situations.

Support Bible work in China