Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Prayer Request 3/29 -4/4



Tuesday
Millions of Chinese believers celebrated Easter, with special services and baptisms up to hundreds in many locations. More Christians attended Easter services in China than in all of Europe combined, according to one estimate. We thank the Lord for the miraculous growth of the churches in the past 50 years. Let us not stop praying for many churches falling into heresies, in particular the Eastern Lightening, which claims Jesus has returned in the form of a woman.

Wednesday
The United States Secretary of State, Condelessa Rice, worshipped at the Gangwashi Protestant church on Palm Sunday evening. She went to the church immediately after her meeting with President Hu Jintao at the Great Hall of the People. Ms Rice, the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, said she did not want to miss worship on Palm Sunday even though she was traveling. We pray that Ms Rice will be a great model for all the young believers, children of church workers, and will inspire millions of young women .

Thursday
Two days after hundreds of thousands of people marched in Taipei to protest against an anti-secession law passed by Beijing, a high-ranking delegation of Taiwan's opposition Nationalist Party (KMT) visited Mainland for the first time since1949. The delegates paid tribute at the Martyr's Memorial in Guangzhou. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of church. Let us remember all the sons and daughters of those who gave their lives for Jesus (China and Taiwan alike) during the political turmoil past, and pray for their faith and courage to share Jesus.

Friday
It is very difficult to get a scientific answer to the question of how many Chinese believe in fortune telling. However, the practice not only has returned but it enjoys great popularity. People are eager to look for a divine solution and long for spiritual guidance. Fortune telling, once considered as superstition and banned from society, is everywhere now. In contrast, Christianity is still viewed by many as a foreign religion. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Let us pray for vigorous testimony in the churches and in the lives of believers.

Saturday
In 2004 there were 53,096 students enrolled in doctoral studies programs, double the number in 2000. Currently there are 140,000 PhD students. Critics complain that China produces too many PhD’s and question the quality of an educational system which nearly guarantees a degree once a student is admitted. Overseas Chinese churches are packed with believers with advanced degrees. Let us pray for humility and stewardship of talents as they serve in their churches. May the Lord bless their churches with their knowledge and experience .

Sunday
The very first group of government-certified mental health counselors, a group of 277 people, has completed a 2-year training course. Experts estimate that ten percent of the population has psychological problems and needs special attention. The government estimates that twenty percent of Chinese youth suffer emotional and stress-related problems. There is a great need for Biblical counseling. Let us pray for this new avenue of service for Christians in counseling.

Monday
Last year, two separate sexual scandals involving well-known university professors led to disciplinary action which included stripping them of Party membership. It is no longer news that government officials have mistresses, but scandals among teachers, the most honorable profession in China, are becoming common. It is difficult to find believers who are capable to teach in the churches. Let us pray for the spiritual lives, humility and impact of all those who teach in various capacities.




星期二
成千上萬散佈在中國各地的信徒在復活節主日以特別聚會和受洗典禮慶祝耶穌的復活,許多人相信慶祝復活節的中國人總數已經超過歐洲。感謝讚美主!中國教會在過去50年以驚人的速度增長,讓我們不住的為中國教會不受異端矇騙代禱,求神保守信徒堅守純正的真道,尤其斥退宣稱女基督已經再來的東方閃電。

星期三
在棕櫚節(Palm Sunday)晚間,美國國務卿賴斯在北京與中國領導人胡錦濤會面過後,隨即參加在北京一所教會的晚間禮拜,她原可早上在韓國崇拜,但卻選擇在多數人認為無神的中國上教堂禮拜,強調信仰自由。父親是牧師的賴斯表示,她不願因旅行而錯失在棕櫚節的敬拜。賴斯女士對信仰的執著相信激勵了許多傳道人的子女,讓我們繼續為她和許多同工第二代來禱告。

星期四
3/26台灣舉行了抗議中共通過反分裂法的百萬人大遊行,兩天過後,國民黨高層率團抵達廣州黃花崗祭拜烈士,並展開「緬懷之旅、經貿之旅」,是1949年失去大陸政權後首次正式訪問。早年聖徒在神州大陸上灑下的鮮血,造就了今日教會的基石,讓我們為這些在動亂時期為主殉道者的後代禱告,求神他們堅固在主裏的信心,願意為主作見證。

星期五
到底有多少人相信算命呢?雖然現在尚未有正式的統計資料或科學調查,但從坊間的觀察來看,人們急迫的想知道自己的未來及冀求超能力的導引,使得原本被視為迷信且被當局禁止的算命又漸漸回到中國社會中。算命現象所以能夠存在,正反映出大多數人的精神空虛狀態。我們再一次為中國人靈魂的飢渴禱告,讓主耶穌無比的愛能真正滿足人心的需要。

星期六
2004年中國高校博士生招生數爲5,3096人,為2000年的兩倍,全國在校博士生的數量已達14萬人。博士生培養過程中近乎“零淘汰率”,但如何兼顧素質及量的平衡問題引起越來越多的關注。在海外的中國教會,信徒的平均學歷更是高得驚人。讓我們禱告會眾能以謙卑捨己的心學習作主門徒,將各項恩賜才幹奉獻為主使用。更求神祝福眾肢體更多更深的認識經歷主自己。

星期日
中國首批獲國家認証的心理諮詢師誕生了!這批為數277人的職業心理諮詢師經過兩年多的培訓,日前通過檢定取得國家職業二級資格。中國13億人口當中約有一成患有各種心理方面的疾病。估計有12%的青年飽受情緒和壓力的困擾。面對這片荒蠻的心靈範疇,急需有異象的基督徒心理諮詢工作者積極投入。讓我們為這新開的福音管道仰望神,求主賜下憐憫與醫治,也感動眾肢體回應這時代性的呼召。

星期一
去年兩位大學教授分別涉及轟動的性醜聞,遭到開除黨籍的處分。今天黨政官員作奸犯科雖已非罕聞,形象清高的大學教授竟也有辱斯文,發生醜聞,令人不勝感慨。在信徒當中,有教導恩賜的人是不可多得。讓我們為肩負靈命建造,謙虛和影響力的為人師者禱告,求神使用他們透過講臺,成為合神心意的領航者。

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Prayer Request 3/22 - 3/28

Tuesday
“Too many government officials!” There is one government worker for every 26 Chinese, the highest ever, the delegates of People’s Congress complained. At every level of government, there is also a parallel Party-hierarchy. In 2002, the Communist Party boasts 66 millions members. Let us pray for opportunity of witness to them and especially those who are believers but elected to stay in the Party system.

Wednesday
One-third of urban Chinese youth condone extra-marital affairs and sex before marriage, state press said. While most said marriage was indispensable to life, but only 65 % believed a marriage should last for life. The One-child-only generation clearly has a very different view of family. Biblical stand of family and marriage has little voice in this once “conservative” society. Let us pray for the all the young believers, especially their commitment to the Lord with purity.

Thursday
National People’s Congress called for changes in the judicial system to end collusion between judges and lawyers. Frequently, lawyers make up to ten times more than judges. Last year, the entire Wuhan Intermediate People’s Court was arrested for corruption. As money corrupts the judicial court, churches and ministries face the same temptation. Let us pray for guarding of hearts and integrity for all who manages and handle funds in churches.

Friday
“Left Behind Children” are kids 15 and younger, whose parents work in cities and living with grandparents. “Moral decay” has become their biggest problem. In many villages, 70% of children have no parents with them. In one study, 20% of juvenile delinquency is from this group. Rural church already suffers shortage of worker, low morale and graying of members. There seems like no resources and ability to cope with problem. Let us plead to God on their behalf.

Saturday
Mothers head nearly 90% of the single-parents families in China. Alarmingly, only half of these families have “adequate” relationship. Divorced father easily remarries and while most mothers sink into poverty. Single mother as a group is now an important ministry for churches. Traditionally, divorced people are not well-accepted. Let us pray for the huge need of counseling and support ministry for divorced-mother headed household.

Sunday
Dalai Lama recently renewed his commitment not to seek the independence of Tibet from China. Tibetans are found not only in Tibet, but also in the neighboring provinces. 20 % of Qinghai population and many villages in western Sichuan are ethnic Tibetan. While Tibet is less accessible, opportunities exist for evangelism to Tibetans in other provinces. Let us continue to pray for several ministries who are involve in community development work and direct witnessing in these remote regions.

Monday
On March 1, the new Regulations on Religious Affairs was enacted, government claims this is a step towards religious freedom. Some younger house church leaders are optimistic and say they will register, but there is also increases penalties for unregistered churches. Chinese house church leaders testified for the first time before the UN Human Rights Commission. Let us pray for hundreds of thousands of church leaders who struggle with the difficult decision of whether to register.

星期二
中國官民比例,已達史無前例的程度,10年前爲1比40;改革開放初期爲1比67。如今每26個老百姓,就要養活1個官。目前中國是黨領導一切,上到中央,下到基層,任何機構,設置黨政兩套班子。比如,除了省長,還有省委書記;除了校長,還有校黨委書記.今天共產黨再次積極吸引社會菁英入黨,讓我們藉著這個機會為超過6600萬共產黨員的來禱告,願主耶穌偉大無比的救恩能臨及他們,也為已經信主的黨員能在黨內作光作鹽代禱。

星期三
實行"一胎化"政策下出生的新一代現在正好爲青年階段。三分之一的都市青年人認爲婚外情和婚前性行爲不但是可容忍,甚至是“有益”的。雖然大部分的受訪者認爲婚姻是生命不可或缺的一部分,僅有65%的人相信婚姻應該維繫一輩子。新一代在婚姻觀有顯著的改變,以聖經為基礎的家庭觀念在這個曾經”保守”的社會漸漸失去其聲量,讓我們也為家庭事工機構禱告,讓他們對中國家庭有更深的影響力去抵擋扭曲的社會價值觀,帶來神所祝福的婚姻觀念。

星期四
由律師們協助完成的司法改革報告是兩會中引人注目的焦點之一。該報告提出的“五年改革綱要”,推動中國司法獨立改革,改革法院的審判委員會制度,解决審判委員會“審而不判、判而不審”的問題。司法行賄等違法行為往往影響法院的判決,主內的同工領袖也常常要面對金錢試探,求主保守他們的心懷意念,財務上不留下任何破口,能榮耀主名來禱告。

星期五
許多農民長年在外打工,產生了一特殊群體—留守兒童。在部分地區,和祖父母或親戚同住的留守兒童,高達七成。刑事犯罪統計中,有近20%爲這類孩子,“道德滑坡”是留守兒童的普遍現象,更是一個不可忽視的社會問題。農村當中缺乏傳道人,教會中同工的流失讓問題更為嚴重,讓我們為這個現象來禱告,願神的手自己來改變。

星期六
單親家庭中,90%以上是母親與子女同住,僅有不到50%的母親能保持離婚前那種融洽的母子關係,一般單親爸爸會很快找個女人替他看孩子,而單親媽媽怕孩子受委屈,寧願選擇單身一個人扛著家計,許多生活水平幾乎接近貧困線。現代社會已較能接納單親媽媽現象,她們往往為子女的好處不計得失竭力付出。也求主看顧教會裡單親媽媽的需要,興起教會來照顧這個日益擴大的族群。

星期日
西藏流亡精神領袖達賴喇嘛表示,他不贊同西藏跟中國分離,西藏是中華人民共和國的一部分。在他做出這一新表示的同時,西藏流亡政府的特使將在今年與北京商討西藏的自治地位問題。20%的青海人口及四川西部的村莊為藏族。西藏的基督徒棄絕佛教信仰、需面對族人的隔離與孤立。在西藏向人傳福音不易,但出西藏就容易多了。禱告神保守藏族信徒並使他們持續堅守信心,也紀念辛苦工作的宣教士。

星期一
從三月一日起,新制訂的宗教事務法正式施行,中國政府宣稱朝著宗教自由的目標又邁進一步。有些家庭教會的年輕領袖們樂觀地表示將會前往註冊,新法規也對沒有註冊的教會也加重了處分。近日中國家庭教會的領袖第一次在聯合國人權協會聽証會上作証受到迫害,使得目前許多教會領袖們的顧慮仍多。讓我們為為數頗眾的家庭教會領袖切切代禱,求主賜給他們屬天的智慧來面對這樣的情況。

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Prayer Request 3/15-3/21

Tuesday
China unveiled law authorizing preemptive attack to prevent Taiwan seeking formal independence, but said an attack would be a last resort. Taiwan plans for million people march for show of solidarity. With the tension and confrontational rhetoric, again we pray for divine wisdom of the national leaders and especially for the revival of the 1 million believers and 4700 churches on the island.

Wednesday
Last year the divorce rate soared by 20% (1.6 million couples) due to the simplified procedures used and the one-child policy. The previous regulations required consent from the employer or a residence committee . There is less stigma to being divorced these days and more people think they have the right to get divorced if they are no longer in love with their spouse. Let us pray for badly needed counseling in family/marriage relationships as well as for more resources for pastors in this area.

Thursday
100,000 volunteers, mostly college and high school students will be recruited for the 2008 Beijing Olympic. The opening ceremony is expected to attract 4 billions global TV viewers. Government has also order cab drivers to learn English and manner training. Although years away, plans are in place to share Gospel during this 2 week long Olympic event. Let us pray the Chinese believers and ministries who are praying and preparing for this bold outreach effort .

Friday
A government survey shows that only ten percent of Chinese in five large cities consider Washington a friendly government. Nearly fifty-seven percent think the United States is trying to contain China due to her close ties with Japan and Taiwan. A large amount of support for Chinese churches, both Three-Self and House churches come from the United States, so this generally negative attitude hampers co-operative efforts. Let us pray for humility of both the giver and the receiver .

Saturday
A new compulsory testing for HIV/AIDS and venereal disease for all public workers in entertainment, beauty parlors, massage centers, and disco operators sparked controversy. These workers are commonly associated with prostitution and this law implies sanction by the government of prostitution. The temptation to prostitution, not only for believers but for all church workers, is very great in China. Let us pray for the spiritual warfare they face and even more importantly, the guarding of hearts for all Christian workers .

Sunday
Pharmacies sell all kinds of antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription and nearly everyone takes antibiotics for the common cold and fevers. Fake, impure, and even toxic substances are sold as medicines. RU486, an abortion pill is available for 1 USD each.
Self-medicating and taking medicine is deeply entrenched in the Chinese mentality. Let us pray especially for those young women who must struggle with the decision of abortion.


Monday
Many church workers in the rural area are farmers who support themselves and their ministry this way. With the prices for many agricultural products going down, many must seek additional work to survive or even continue to shepherd the flocks in the villages.
Let us pray for the effort of Christian agricultural scientists, church leaders, and some business people in Taiwan who are forming plans to help rural churches achieve sustained economic and spiritual growth.

星期二
目的在抑制”台獨”勢力的反分裂法在全國人大通過。當台灣從中國分裂出去,或和平統一的可能完全喪失,北京將採取非和平及其他措施來維持國家主權和領土完整。台灣將於3/26舉行百萬人大遊行抗議反分裂法。讓我們在禱告中記念充滿潛在危機的台灣海峽,求神賜智慧給兩岸領導人,為人民謀長遠福祉。也為台灣島上4700間教會近100萬信徒的靈命復興禱告。

星期三
去年離婚率上升20%(160萬對),簡單的離婚手續和一胎化政策是導因,新的《婚姻登記管理條例》中,辦理結婚或離婚手續,都不用到單位開介紹信,只需帶戶口本、身份證和結婚證去辦理,離婚的家庭會因此增加了,現在離婚不再是一件羞耻的事,當他們感覺不再愛配偶時,就有權利離婚.讓我們為要結婚或離婚年輕男女來禱告,神對家庭是為極為看重的,也爲家庭/婚姻輔導事工的迫切需要代禱.

星期四
將有100,000的義工將被甄選參與2008年的奧運會.這些義工多數為高中及大學學生.開幕典禮預計將吸引40億的全球電視觀衆的目光.政府也要求計程車司機接受英語和禮貌訓練.離奧運會雖然還有一段時間,但要在爲期兩周的奧運會的福音事工,國內信徒已經著手計畫進行.讓我們爲奧運期間的福音事工代禱.

星期五
據官方調查顯示,在國內的5大城市之中,只有10%的人認爲美國是個友善的政府.約57%中國人認爲美國與日及台的密切關係是嘗試在對抗中國.國內教會與多的金錢資助來自美國.對美國的消極思想及負面態度將會妨礙彼此的合作.我們爲著施與受心雙方皆能存謙卑的心來代禱.

星期六
美容美髮、歌舞娛樂、桑拿浴室、按摩足浴等公共娛樂場所從業人員是愛滋病傳播的高危人群。河南所有公共娛樂場所從業人員,上崗前必須進行性病、愛滋病相關項目檢測,並接受防治知識培訓。但此政策意味著對政府對色情行業將加強管理.現今社會上有許多誘惑及試探,包括信徒,同工們亦面對此挑戰.讓我們爲這場屬靈哉爭禱告,求主保守信徒的心懷意念.

星期日
非處方藥劑在坊間藥房隨手可得,發燒感冒無醫生的處方籤,私自到藥房購買各類抗生素的情形更是常見.RU 486墮胎藥丸,一顆僅售一塊美元.部分不肖業者出售假藥牟利,有些假藥甚至成分含毒.中國人喜歡吃藥,有病吃藥無補身是一種潮流,藥物濫用的情形嚴重.讓我們爲中國人醫藥保健及年輕婦女在墮胎抉擇事上獻上禱告.求神讓祂自己的話語成為這世代最好的良藥,帶領心靈孤寂無依的人,找到真正的生命泉源。

星期一
農村教會的同工大部分都是農夫,他們不但在經濟上需要自給自足並且出錢資助教會事工.最近農產品價格下跌,使許多人要尋找額外工作來求生存,仍能繼續牧養信徒.許多著基督徒農業學家,教會領袖和一些臺商推動一些計劃希望能幫助這些農村教會,讓我們爲農村教會達到經濟和屬靈上的成長代禱.

Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Prayer Request 3/8 - 3/14

Tuesday
Confusion grips Hong Kong with Beijing’s unexpected acceptance of Tung Chee-hwa’s resignation as the HK SARS chief executive. A recent survey of HK residents shows a 7% drop (to 57%) in confidence level toward Beijing. Many churches in Hong Honk are involved in mission, not only to the neighboring China, but also cross-culturally to Muslim and even Africa. Let us pray especially for the 200 plus missionaries from Hong Kong .

Wednesday
Guiyang, the 3 million population capital of Guizhou, enacted a pioneering ban on abortion after 14th week. It hoped to deter gender selection by ultrasound. After 25 years of the one-child policy, abortion of female fetus and routine killing or abandonment of baby girl is widespread. Let us remember all the adopted Chinese children and their new families worldwide. Many will now be teenagers and seeking to understand their roots .

Thursday
Tsinghua, Beijing, Zhejaing and Fudan are the top four universities, in a media ranking released recently. Many of the top Party officials are also alumni of these schools. Entrance to these elite school are fierce but are the dreams of millions of students. We praise the Lord for the flourishing of Bible studies and fellowships on nearly all university campuses. Connecting the students into church lives prove harder. Let us pray for good harvest through student ministry and badly needed follow-up once students graduated .

Friday
Despite the unprecedented economic boom, 29 million Chinese still living on less than 2 yuan ( 0.25USD) a day. An increase of 800,000, according to Xinhua. Since the discontinuation of free medical care a decade ago, skyrocketed medical care and education cost have further impoverished the poor. Work of the Gospel means also assisting the poor and community development. Let us lift up all ministries who demonstrate the compassion of Christ in rural China, and all who participate in the short term mission for these projects .

Saturday
In March, Beijing will abolish completely all restrictions on the influx of migrant workers, eliminating bias and fees. Untold millions of farmers move into cities yearly, seeking better lives, and filling menial jobs.Few urban churches have the vision and resources to outreach to these new residents.Many believers cannot find churches to attend in cities and are lost to follow up. Let us pray for this epic migration of people and the strategy churches need to formulate to reach them .

Sunday
Beijing derided the USA Human Rights Report released this week, attacking the American’s own violations and “hypocrisy”. Human rights and religious oppression remain thorny issues between the two countries. An outdoor evangelistic meeting in Jiangsu last summer attracted thousands of people without interference. Elsewhere, some unregistered meeting sites were ordered to be demolished. Let us continue to pray the unique situations between Three-self and House churches, and the Religious Affair bureau who oversee all churches .

Monday
In the city of Guangzhou, 10,000 new single-parent families are added yearly, mostly as a result of divorces and out-of-wedlock. Educators note that single-parent children have severe character defects, namely selfish and lack of warmth toward others and even their mothers. Within the church, single mothers are becoming a large block of believers. But, majority of churches have no program for these youth. Let us pray for people raised up to fill this void. We too pray for faith, hope and love for all the single mothers in church.


星期二
總 理溫家寶會見來向中央政府辭職的香港特首董建華,對他的工作成效給予 “充分的肯定”,但至今官方尚未對辭職事件發表正式聲明。民調顯示,香港市民對政府的信任比率,下跌了7個百分點。歷來香港教會不僅積極幫助內地教會,對 於各種跨文化的培訓及短宣也積極參與,在許多中東回教國家甚至非洲都有他們的美蹤。求主繼續把合一興旺福音的火焰,在香港的弟兄姊妹心中燃燒,讓我們常以 禱告與200多位宣教士在主裡同工。

星期三
貴 州首府貴陽市,這個擁有三百萬人口的的城市,率先通過了禁止孕婦懷孕十四周墮胎的法令,以期能夠減少選擇胎兒性別的墮胎,國內重男輕女思想仍濃厚,在“一 胎政策”下,放棄未出世的女嬰是普遍的現象。讓我們為將要成為父母親者禱告,無論孩子是男是女,都是神所賞賜的尊貴產業。也記念那些被收養在世界各地的孩 子,現在他們許多已是青少年,因為膚色的差異,開始面對 “我是誰,我從哪裡來? ”的問題,求主親自保守他們的人生路滿有屬天的恩惠。

星期四
一 份全國性知名的經濟類報紙公布的2005年中國大學排名榜上,清華大學,北京大學,浙江大學及復旦大學仍是媒體公認的名牌大學.今天許多活躍於官場的黨政 要員,多是出身名校.想要進入名校是千萬高中生的夢想,入學競爭是十分激烈的.感謝神在校園興起了查經班及團契,但因學校和社會環境的差異,領學生到一般 教會是一大挑戰.讓我們為在學校所結的果子禱告,盼望他們畢業後能繼續持守信仰,並能在各地教會內忠心的服事.

星期五
雖 然現今中國的經濟是史無前例的繁榮,但仍有二十九萬的中國人過著每天只賺得2元人民幣的生活。 經濟改革後中國政府不再提供免費的醫療福利,民眾看診、療病與教育的花費,成為一般家庭沈重的經濟負擔。在中國,踏著福音腳蹤的宣教士面對的往往是最貧困 的一群,讓我們為這些願意為主擺上的弟兄姊妹禱告,願他們在村落中的服事能真正為人們的生活帶來無限盼望.

星期六
北 京市以往對外來民工的種種限制,將于三月份廢除。每年有無數的民工湧進城市,尋求更好的工作機會,預料政府這項措施將吸引更多農民工到大城市來,誰願向他 們傳講主耶穌的福音呢?主可以差遣你嗎?讓我們在禱告中記念近郊服事民工的教會,願神賜充足的智慧和愛心能有效將福音傳開來,也願更多離鄉背井至城市中尋 夢的中國人能找到耶穌基督祂自己。

星期日
針 對美國上週發布的最新人權記錄, 北京評擊美國自身亦存在嚴重的人權問題。壓迫人權與信仰自由仍是兩國間爭拗的焦點之一。江蘇省去年夏天舉行的一個戶外佈道會曾吸引了數千人,也沒有遭公安 的干涉。但在別處的佈道會卻常被勒令取消。讓我們爲處在特殊環境下的教會和主管宗教事務的政府單位禱告。

星期一
廣 州省每年增加一萬個單親家庭,多數是由於離婚或非正式婚姻關係而組合。教育工作者發現單親家庭的孩子普遍有嚴重的性格缺陷,譬如個性自私,對人冷漠不關心 甚至對待自己的母親亦是如此。在教會肢體中單親母親的人數已為數不少,但多數教會卻沒有配合這些需要預備相關課程或活動來幫助他們。求神感動更多人齊來堵 住這破口,也爲堅固這群單親母親的信心,盼望和愛心來禱告

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Prayer Requer 3/1 - 3/7

Tuesday
China agrees to eliminate all cigarette advertising in 5 years and impose strong warning message on packaging. Among the top 100 Chinese companies, 35 are tobacco related and is the number one contributor to tax revenue. One in 3 Chinese is a smoker. Smoking-cessation program is nearly unheard of and offering cigarettes is a social norm. Let us pray for the millions of believers and even church leaders who struggle with this addiction..

Wednesday
600,000 Chinese tourists will visit Paris this year, a 50% increase. Average Chinese tourist spends 6900 yuan (850USD), more than the American, a close second behind the typical Japanese tourist. During the Spring Festival, 10% more tourists and tourists-related spending are seen domestically. Let us pray that prosperity will not bloat the spiritual hunger and close the window of evangelism. We too pray for fruits for ministries passing out tracts to Chinese tourists abroad .

Thursday
The government in a move to “create a safer environment for young people” shut down 12,575 illegal Internet bars, 2,861 dance clubs, and 3,434 video halls in 2004. Recently, rounds of prosecution had cleaned up much on-line pornography. Among the ninety-four million Internet users, twenty million are gamers. Sadly, there is really no strategy to reach these mostly young and educated Internet users for Christ. Let us pray for more Christian Chinese content to be available on the Internet. .

Friday
Before 1998 blood used in hospitals was bought instead of donated which led to rampant blood sales and infectious diseases. Blood sales are still common in large cities like Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing, but the government says this will stop in three years. Jesus gave His blood on the cross for all of us. We pray that all those who are ill and require blood transfusions will know the power of His cleansing blood in their lives. We also remember the millions with HIV and their families and pray that someone will share Jesus with them..

Saturday
The European Tour will be played in Hainan this March. The sponsor believes that “Golf can change its image there from a rich man’s sport to a sport that all Chinese people can play.” Hainan on its southernmost tips has become the “Hawaii” of China overflowing with both vacationers and prostitutes. It is also the home in Asia of many overseas Chinese. Let us pray for the believers, churches, and ministries of these returning Christians on this big island..

Sunday
Before 1949 there were many hospitals in China run by churches but now only a handful remain. Lingqu hospital in Shangdong is run by an all-Christian staff and charges only 700 RMB (90USD) for cataract surgery. There are Christian hospitals all over Taiwan. Many of them are modern and have strong Christian chaplain departments that share the love of God with patients and their families. Let us remember all the fruit that these ministries bear.

Monday
In terms of female suicide, China ranks an infamous second in the world with 14 suicides per 100,000 (behind Sri Lanka). There are few programs for prevention of suicide or even crisis intervention in the cities and they are practically non-existent in rural areas. Wide availability of insecticides contributes to the high death rate. Unfortunately the village churches and even believers do not have the resources for suicide prevention. Let us pray not only for a reverse of the suicide trend among village women but that the church feels its call to help remedy this ill..

星期二
2002年度中國納稅百大企業排行榜上,有35家烟草公司,爲中國稅收的一大來源。中國簽署的《烟草控制框架公約》上周正式生效,意味著在5年內,中國政府要廣泛禁止所有的烟草廣告、促銷和贊助。國內每三個人中就有一名吸菸,而男性吸菸者又是女性的兩倍。讓我們為願意戒煙者來禱告,尤其是主內的肢體,求神賜給他們力量與信心來擺脫煙癮的纏累。

星期三
浪漫與時尚之都 - 巴黎,有越來越多的中國遊客的身影。今年估計至少將有60萬中國人至巴黎旅遊,平均每位遊客在法國的消費約人民幣6,900元,已超過美國人,僅次於日本人排在第二位。我們盼望國人富裕後,舒適的生活不致取代心底真正的需要,成為福音傳遞的纏纍.也為在世界各地向中國觀光客發單張傳福音的事工代導,願神藉這樣的事奉,讓更多人歸向祂.

星期四
爲了替年輕人“製造更安全良好的環境”,政府在2004年共關閉了非法網吧12575家、非法歌舞廳2861家、非法游戲6200家、非法錄像3434家。近來執法單位的積極行動,清除了大量色情網站。在九千四百萬網民當中,有兩千萬是沈迷於網路對戰遊戲。現在似乎尚無良策將這群教育水平高又年輕的族群帶到耶穌面前。讓我們禱告在網路上能有更多質量上乘的中文福音內容或遊戲,為主嬴得這批年輕人。

星期五
雖然國內血液主要的來源仍來自賣血者,但政府表示 “無償獻血”的形式將在三年內普及至全國各大醫院.1998年前,社會上沒有“無償獻血”的觀念,賣血者便成為主要的血液供給來源,但血液品質參差不齊,為許多傳染病的溫床.讓我們為需要輸血治病的同胞來禱告,祈求他們有一天也能得到主耶穌永生的寶血.也為國內無數的愛滋病患及其家庭代禱,願神興起有負擔的肢體能將永生的盼望傳給們.

星期六
一場舉世矚目的國際體育盛事 - 歐洲職業高爾夫巡迴賽將於三月初在海南島登場.
色情和觀光常被世人與海南島聯想在一起,當地政府努力藉著各式的宣傳與促銷,試圖扭轉世人對海南島過去的不良印象.地處最南端的海南島素以中國的夏威夷著稱,也是許多海外華人的故鄉。讓我們為海南島上的教會來禱告,願神堅固他們的信心,不受社會不良風俗及其他異端邪說的影響,在社會中作光作鹽.


星期日
西方宣教士過去在中國各地建立了許多醫院,然而物換星移,今天內地的基督教醫院是屈指可數.山東有一所基督教醫院,標榜高水平的服務,低廉的價格.其眼科和牙科,更是全國數一數二,一次白內障手術只需七百人民幣(90美金).在臺灣也有許多早年宣教士建立的醫院,不但醫療水平高,且有堅強的院牧同工陣容來關懷病人,與家屬分享福音.讓我們在禱告中求神記念他們的服侍,保守他們所結的屬靈果實.

星期一
中國僅次于斯里蘭卡,是全球女性自殺率第二高的國家,不但城市中對防範自殺或協助危機處理的資源稀少,在農村中有需要的求助者更是求告無門.每十萬名中國女性中,有十四人選擇以自殺結束自己的性命,隨手可得的農藥是自殺成功的一大幫兇.很可惜的自殺者仍未將各地的教會視為一個尋求幫助的對象,求主感動更多肢體對自殺問題有負擔和行動,防範自殺於未然,積極宣揚真理,讓生命能真正擁有屬天的喜樂、平安與盼望。