Prayer Request 12/26/06 -- 1/1/07

Tuesday
According to a government expert, China has 20 million homosexuals, Beijing has 300,000 gays and three percent of them are HIV-positive. Such a revelation is shocking in a society that does not speak openly about sexual preference. Officially the number of Christians in China is 16 million. Traditionally and historically Chinese churches say little about social issues. We cannot ignore the fact that we need to pray for what the churches in China should and could do about the issue of homosexuality .

Wednesday
In an effort to improve rural education, the Chinese government plans to stop charging tuition and fees for elementary and junior high students. All kinds of illegal fees have plagued China's educational system and prevented many from attending. Although the rate of illiteracy is only 1% now compared to 80% fifty years ago, rural churches still have a difficult time retaining children. They lack resources and even worse, they do not have a passion for reaching children for God. Let us pray for this great need for a children's ministry in rural churches .

Thursday
180 couples wearing wedding gowns attended a special ceremony to pledge “never divorce” in front of the picture of Confucius in Beijing. This is part of a movement to promote “family ethic and character”. Even though some complained that Confucius discriminate against women, but Chinese have no one to pledge to keep their marital vows. We pray for all believers who are tempted to give up, especially those marriages are rocky and contentious .

Friday
When one attends a Chinese wedding banquet, it is customary to give a "red envelope". Although one is invited to a nice banquet, one is expected to give a minimum of 1000 Yuan ($125. US) to a close friend or relative and 200 Yuan ($45. US) to a common friend. As part of their social etiquette Chinese give money as a gift. However, we note that there is a large percentage of believers in the churches whose giving tends to be low. We pray that more believers will practice generous giving to God and understand that God does reward those who give cheerfully .

Saturday
How do Chinese people express their "never failing" love? These are common expressions they use: "I will love you ten thousand years!" or "My heart will not change even when the sea dries up and boulders rot." When people's marriage is failing, the advice they often get is "Get divorced!" Believers often receive the same advice from other church members. Let us pray for all those who strive to use the Word of God and pray with those sisters who are contemplating divorces .

Sunday
Many in China are disgusted by the rise of thefts and believe the law is too easy on the criminals so they will take the law into their own hands. Thus, if a petty thief is caught red-handed in China, he should be prepared to be beaten up by a mob. We all feel righteous about the wrongs others do to us and demand punishment and reparation. We take this time to pray for all believers who struggle with forgiving other believers who have wronged them, especially if they have borrowed money and not returned it .

Monday
Wuhan, Hebei will soon be auctioning off the naming rights for new roads, bridges, squares, and residential complexes recently built within the city. Each name is retained for a period of fifteen to twenty years. Many of the old Chinese churches are still known by their original English names. Each name has its own rich history. Many were named and dedicated for their donors. Many Chinese churches have been built by anonymous donors or churches outside of China. We pray for and give thanks for the nearly one thousand congregations who will be moving into their new church buildings this year .

星期二
中國官方發表國內有2千萬同性戀者，而北京市的30萬名男同性戀者中，愛滋病感染率超過3%。這項公佈對中國這個性保守的社會，可説是個震撼。根據官方統計，全中國有1600萬基督徒。傳統上，中國教會一向都不討論社會議題。但這些問題又確實需要大量的代禱和關切，讓我們為中國教會能夠尋求神的旨意，明確地知道應該及能夠如何處理同性戀課題來禱告。

星期三
爲提升農村教育水平，中國政府計劃由明年開始，全國農村中小學生全部免收學雜費。許多教育體系中的各種不合理、不合法的收費，常讓很多孩子沒錢接受教育。中國的文盲已從50年前的80%降到現今的1%，但農村教會仍然無法吸引小孩子。除了缺少資源外，很多教會根本沒有帶領孩童歸主的異象和使命。求主讓教會看到兒童事工的重要性，也繼續供應這事工的一切需要。

星期四
中國舉辦的「家庭倫理與人格教育講習會」為推廣真愛婚姻和頌揚和睦家庭，有一百八十對夫妻穿著禮服，面對孔子像宣誓「永不離婚」。雖有謂孔子歧視女性，但中國人在宣讀婚約誓言時，並沒有超然權威者來監誓。因此當婚姻觸礁時，就很容易放棄。讓我們為所有信徒的婚姻禱告，求主幫助他們堅守婚約。尤其賜給瀕臨離婚邊緣者，從神而來的恩慈和寬容，共同來經營婚姻，承受生命的美福。

星期五
參加中國人的婚宴，彼此關係好的至少要送1000人民幣「紅包」（125美金），關係普通的也至少要送200元（45美金）。送禮金是中國的社交禮儀，無人能免俗。比起社交費用，基督徒的奉獻相對來説是很少，大部分信徒給朋友的多，給神的反而少。讓我們為信徒在奉獻上的操練來禱告，求主幫助神的兒女能夠看重奉獻是蒙福的管道，更甘心樂意的擺上。

星期六
中國人常用「海枯石爛」、「愛你一萬年」和「生死相隨」等誓言來表達他們對愛情的忠誠。可是一旦婚姻發生狀況，往往卻是「離了算了」。基督徒也常從其他信徒處得到同樣的勸告。讓我們舉起手為家庭守望，在信徒婚姻上遇到困難時，能學習用聖經的原則來解決，求神也讓教會有能力提供相關的輔導和人力資源，幫助正在考慮離婚的信徒，特別是姐妹，陪她們禱告，渡過婚姻的風暴。

星期日
中國的小偷之多，讓人氣憤。人們認爲法律太鬆，所以一旦捉到小偷，往往不立即報警，而是把他綁起來讓人打。面對犯錯的人，我們常自覺是在伸張正義替天行道，壞人必須受到應有的懲罰，和做出賠償。求主特別記念有些遭受過其他信徒傷害的人，或欠債不還，或爭執未解而不能饒恕。求神讓信徒們都學會寬恕和交託，相信一切公義和審判都在於神。

星期一
中國武漢市政府宣佈，將透過公開拍賣方式，出售市內新建道路、橋梁、廣場等設施以及住宅區的命名權。冠名權期限15-20年。許多老教堂仍採用原來的英文名字，每個名字背後都有深厚的歷史淵源。或以當初捐錢者來命名，或是由海外的匿名人士捐款而建成的。據估今年國內將會有一千多個教會啟用新堂，我們為新的教會場地來向神感恩。

Prayer Request 12/19-- 12/25

Tuesday
Since the price adjustment made on major food stuffs in China in November, the price of noodles has jumped and 'mantou" (steamed bun) has gotten smaller. The average costs of flour and oil have jumped nearly 10 percent. Very few church workers will be receiving any cost-of-living allowance. Chinese believers still have a lot to learn about faith giving. As the cost of living increases, let us pray for even more cheerful and generous giving by the believers .

Wednesday
Although experts do not foresee having strong sales during the Christmas season in the near future, each year more and more stores in China are decorating for Christmas. Christmas cards, trees, Santa Claus and snow flakes are among the better-selling items. Many churches are preparing Christmas programs including choirs sing Handel's Messiah in special services. All these programs will be well-attended. We pray for them and share their joy and enthusiasm to reach out to their community in this once-a-year event .

Thursday
Many restaurants and bars are accepting advance reservations for Christmas Eve parties. Such celebrations are particularly popular among college students, professionals, and businessmen because they are more familiar with Western culture and customs than the ordinary people.To most Chinese, Christmas is just a Western holiday with Santa Claus but almost all of the churches will be celebrating its true meaning by inviting their friends to come to a service. During this season, let us pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who are open to the gospel .

Friday
The Chinese equivalent of "White House" is "Zhong Nan Hai" which literally means "the middle and south seas". These are the imperial man-made lakes and gardens where the highest-ranking officials like Mao and Deng once lived.The Bible tells us to pray for the rulers of the land. Let us pray for the 300 members of the Central Committee of the Party who ultimately set the policies of the nation and affect every church and believer. May the Lord grant favors for the believers in the new year .

Saturday
In the first 8 months of 2006, there were 24,152 couples who filed for divorce in Shanghai--an average of 1 in 4 marriages. Dividing the assets means they must sell the house which has greatly appreciated recently and each trying to find an affordable house.There are many divorces and believers who struggle with the decision of separation. We beseech the Lord for each one of them, especially for property settlements and an ever harder issue, the custody and well-being of their child .

Sunday
It is bitter cold in Xingjian Province at this time of year but the lack of snow exacerbates the severe drought there now. The government has been using airplanes to perform massive artificial seeding of clouds to produce snowfall and increase precipitation. Since churches in Xingjian are experiencing a revival, a lot of training activities are going on there. Let us pray for the work with students on many campuses and the safety of believers .

Monday
The real estate market has been red hot throughout China this year. Every piece of property is on a 70-year land lease from the government so buying an apartment or a house does not mean one buys the land the building sits on. Throughout China the older and more established churches sit on prime land for new development so many churches face demolition and relocation without an adequate reimbursement. Let us pray for all the congregations facing such a predicament .

星期二
自11月全國糧油價格上漲以來，中國的米、麵、食油等主副食價格平均漲幅超過10%；多數市民發現「拉麵貴了，饅頭小了」。中國教會的牧者和同工，極少有生活津貼。華人信徒中尤其是中國的信徒，對於奉獻的信心還需要很多的學習。當生活費不斷增加時，讓我們求神除了信實供應信徒們在生活上的需要外，也幫助他們學會樂意忠心的奉獻。

星期三
專家雖不看好聖誕成爲中國一大行銷節日，但聖誕商品營銷正逐年增加，越來越多商店也佈置聖誕裝飾；聖誕卡、聖誕樹、聖誕老人衣帽和雪花成了最暢銷商品。很多教會預備了精緻的聖誕節目，如詩班獻唱韓德爾的彌賽亞等，吸引了許多人參加。讓我們分享他們向社區傳福音的熱忱和喜悅，也求神藉著各種節目，讓人們得到耶穌基督寶貴的救恩。

星期四
國內許多餐廳和酒吧會在聖誕前夕推銷平安夜派對，並已開始接受預約訂位。這些節目特別受年輕大學生、白領、商人和高學歷者歡迎，因他們較能接受西方的文化習俗。聖誕節對大多數中國人而言，只是一個有聖誕老人的西方假日；但所有教會卻能乘此良機向外邀請人進來。讓我們在這人心較爲開放的聖誕季節裏努力撒種，求聖靈澆溉慕道友的心田，讓神親自引領屬衪的羊群進入豐盛美地。

星期五
北京紫禁城是由皇宮、人造園林和北海、中海和南海等人工大湖組成，解放後「中南海」成了中國中央和國務院的駐地和國家領導人，如毛澤東、周恩來、鄧小平等居住的地方，中南海猶如美國的白宮，成了高層的代稱。聖經教導我們要為執政掌權者禱告。他們每個決策都影響各教會及信徒的處境，讓我們特別為負責制定國家政策的300位中共中央委員禱告。

星期六
今年1月至8月，光在上海辦理離婚的夫婦就有24,152對，意味著每4.22對佳偶新婚燕爾就有一對怨偶勞燕分飛。在這房價高漲的時候，離婚後最大的難題是房子怎麽分。即便賣掉大房子換住小房子，任何一方都很難拿出房價現值的一半給對方。我們特別懇求神記念離婚和正在分居的信徒，在處理財產和孩子撫養權時，能避免更大的傷害。

星期日
新疆省今年雖冷，但降雪量卻不足，顯出當地乾旱之急。當局在11月利用大範圍降雪天氣實施了3次大規模的人工增雪作業，緩和了旱情。感謝神，新疆的教會近年經歷很大的復興，許多培訓工作不斷的進行。但最近卻傳出有多人在聚會中被捕，三十多人被驅逐出境。讓我們為當地信徒和學生們在各個校園的事工禱告，求神特別與他們同在，堅固信徒的信心，保守他們的安全。

星期一
今年中國的房地產紅火，價格越漲越高，但實際上人們買到了房卻買不到地，因爲地契只擁有70年。許多過去由宣教士買下來的老教會由於坐落於黃金地段，現在既過了70年限期，正面臨被政府收回和拆除以作其他用途，且得不到合理補償的困境。讓我們迫切為所有陷於此困境的會衆禱告。

Prayer Request 12/12 -- 12/18

Tuesday
When the government surveyed Christians in Beijing, they found that nearly seventy percent of them attended church at least once a week. In their response to this, some officials openly question why believers need to be so faithful in going to church. Going to a church in Beijing is not easy. In order to find a seat, one must get there early. To attend a house church one must have a referral and invitation. Let us pray for spiritual growth among the pastors and church workers and that all of those who minister in all of the meeting points in Beijing will have the ability to challenge their flocks to grow, too .

Wednesday
The government estimates that 3 - 20 % of college students in China may be Christians. Christianity is the fastest growing faith of any among college students. In 1998, 5.2% of Beijing College students claimed to be Christians. The government cautions that such rapid growth is dangerous. Many of the fellowships near campus are led by local or foreign students. Let us pray for the safety of all the groups and their meeting places. May the Lord raise even more who will join such efforts .

Thursday
A recent survey of 22,712 college students in Zhejiang showed that over 13 % had had sexual experiences (18% male and 9% female). These students were also more likely to smoke and drink as well as participate in dances and karaoke. Many ministries have targeted college students as the most receptive to the gospel and see them as the future of the church in China. Let us pray for a great harvest from all of the Bible study groups on campuses and for purity and the courage to share their faith for all the believers in college .

Friday
Big taxpayers, heavy investors, families where both parents hold doctorates and returned overseas scholars in Guangzhou, are allowed to have a second child, along with other special groups of people such as the remarried. Special treatments, such as exemptions from one-child policy are available to the rich. Bible teaches that there should be no favoritism in church. Let us pray for acceptance of poor, less educated and rural believers by the urban believers.

Saturday
Official Chinese radio broadcasts include programs in Mongolian, Tibetan, Uighur, Kazakh, and Korean. Officially the government does not force ethnic minorities to learn Mandarin but most young people can speak both Mandarin and their own language. Christian programming is available in these languages, too and this is often the only way to reach these ethnic groups for Jesus. Let us pray diligently for these groups and the often difficult effort to build a church among them .

Sunday
Calling someone "bu xio zhi" (a son who is not filial) is the greatest insult one can give a Chinese, for to them "Retirement is having a son." For centuries Chinese parents have expected their children, especially sons, to support them when they get old. This generation of young believers is the first one to enjoy the freedom of living independently from their parents. Many have even forgotten the Biblical command to care for one's parents. Let us pray for them, especially those whose parents are still not believers .

Monday
More than half a million people applied for government jobs for 2007. The ratio now approaches 50:1, with increase of applicants by 50% yearly. In the past, most college graduates would preferentially seek employment in foreign-owned or private business. We praise the Lord for many college students have come to know Jesus. Many have also dedicated their lives to serve full time, but face family opposition. We pray specifically for them, for continuing faith and their study in various training centers .

星期二
中國政府對北京基督徒做出的一項調查顯示，近7成的基督徒每個星期上教堂一次以上。有人公開質疑：爲什麽當代基督徒每週要到教堂做禮拜以表敬虔？在北京，上大教會聚會必須特別早到才有位子，如果要上其他教會沒人介紹或邀請是很困難的。讓我們為在北京的教會或聚會點服事的牧者和同工禱告，求主幫助他們的信仰和靈命不斷進深成熟，有能力帶領群羊茁壯地成長。

星期三
政府估計當代大學生中宗教信徒比例在3-20%之間，其中基督教爲信徒最多、影響最大的宗教。1998年，信仰基督教的北京市大學生佔了5.2%。政府對此快速發展所產生的影響力極爲重視，認爲未來將帶來許多挑戰。許多校園附近的團契或聚會點有當地或外國學生參與負責。讓我們為這些聚會和信徒的安全禱告；也求神繼續興起更多工人在學生事工中配搭。

星期四
一項對22,712名浙江大學學生取樣調查顯示：超過13%（18% 男生，和9%的女生）有過性行爲，而跳舞、唱卡拉OK、抽煙、喝酒等行爲頻率與性行爲發生有關。許多宣教事工把大學生列爲最能夠接納福音的群體，視他們為中國教會的未來。求神大大使用校園查經班，成爲傳揚福音和堅立信徒的地方。並保守大學生基督徒能彼此提醒和扶持，竭力追求聖潔純全，以信德見証福音。

星期五
在廣州一些特別的群體能和再婚者一樣，生育第二個孩子。這些人包括重量級納稅者、巨額投資家、父母皆有博士學位的家庭、以及海歸學者。在社會上富人常享有特權，豁免於「一子政策」乃其一。然而聖經教導我們在教會裏必須一視同仁，不能厚此薄彼。讓我們禱告城市教會的信徒能夠接納經濟能力較差，文化、教育水平較低，以及來自農村等不同社會背景的信徒。

星期六
國營的中文廣播電臺也播出蒙古語、藏語、維吾爾語、哈薩克語、和朝鮮語的節目。政府並不強迫少數民族學習漢語，但許多年輕一代的少數民族除學習本族語文的同時，也兼習漢語。基督教福音廣播也設有這些語文節目，往往這是爲主得着他們的唯一管道。讓我們為這些少數族群的救恩恆切禱告，也記念在他們當中建立教會面對的許多困難，求神幫助挪去一切的攔阻，並從他們本族中興起更多的工人。

星期日
「不孝子」對中國人而言是極爲羞辱的貶稱。「養兒防老」的觀念使世世代代的中國父母對子女，尤其是兒子，都寄予奉養自己終老的厚望。這代的年輕信徒第一次享受到離開父母獨立生活的自由，但很多人也因此忽略聖經裡要照顧父母的教導。求主提醒信徒對父母的責任，尤其父母仍未信主的，求神賜特別的愛心和耐心，在盡孝道之餘也向尊親做見證，傳福音。

星期一
中國2007年公務員公考報名人數又再創新高，超過55萬人，錄取比例將低過50：1。過去大學生偏愛外資或私營公司，近兩年「公務員熱」快速升溫，每年人數約增加50%。近年許多大學生有機會認識主，我們為此讚美神。有許多甚至在家人反對下，決定全職服事。讓我們特別為這些大學生的信心和學習禱告，求主大大堅立並裝備他們成為國度的精兵。

Prayer Request 12/5 -- 12/11

Tuesday
The year 2007 will be the 200th anniversary of Robert Morrison's arrival in China. A burning question many ask is, "How many Christians are there in China today?" Some have claimed an inflated and unsubstantiated 80 million or higher. Most would agree that churches in China were at their prime in the 1990's. In fact, most churches, especially those in rural areas, have reported a loss of membership. Churches in China need revival and we need to be intercessors for them .

Wednesday
The Chinese government has reported that the number of victims with HIV-AIDS is on the rise. Drug use and sexual transmission account for most of these cases. The migration of people infected with AIDS, coupled with tidal waves of migrant workers moving into cities is making it difficult to control the disease. Some Christians and churches are beginning to get involved with HIV prevention and sharing the gospel with AIDS victims. This is all done in a low-key fashion and is very time-consuming. We thank the Lord for the slow but changing view of Christians in China toward AIDS .

Thursday
Although the majority of young people have their own courtship, many Chinese ladies enjoy their reputation as matchmakers or hong niang (literally red lady) and matchmaking is still alive and well today. Matchmaking plays an important role for young believers, too. It brings people from different churches together since inter-church activities are unheard of in China. We pray for this unusual but important ministry many ladies perform and may the Lord bless the families that come from their efforts .

Friday
The motto "The hard work of studying for ten years will pay off when you become an official" has traditionally been the aspiration of all Chinese intellectuals. Although China now refers to government officials as "public servants", they still enjoy many perks and job security. Serving the church and believers humbly is a lesson we all need to be reminded of. Let us pray for a genuine desire to serve and not lord it over the sheep, not seeking fame and financial returns for all of the church workers in China and the missionaries as well .

Saturday
Many who are nationalistic-minded are asking the question, "Have Chinese people lost their pride?" because even the media in China copiously uses the term "Chinese xxx" like "Chinese Times Square" or "Chinese Silicon Valley" to describe a Chinese accomplishment. The phenomenal growth of churches in China is solely the work of God and denominational affiliation is a relatively new trend. Let us pray for the unhealthy practice of "buying" church or ministry work with outside funding and promised support .

Sunday
There is a Chinese saying which goes, "A priceless gem is easier to find than a good husband". Finding a good potential mate has proven to be very difficult for the majority of well-educated professional women. Finding a good husband who also loves the Lord and is willing to serve in the church is a big challenge for many of the sisters in the churches. We remember all who remain single for Christ's sake and pray for their health, both spiritual and emotional. May the Lord mightily use their diligent service in His harvest field .

Monday
Many have complained that Chinese pop artists and celebrities are "Illiterate" about historical facts and make a fool of themselves on TV because they do not know the key events in recent or ancient Chinese history. Most Chinese believers do not know about the work of missionaries in the past two centuries. Many churches were founded by Western missionaries but few if any know of their roots. We thank the Lord for all who had a part in building the church in China and pray even more will be built by Chinese believers .

星期二
2007年是馬禮遜來華200周年，現在很熱門的話題是「中國現今究竟有多少基督徒？」部分誇大而無實據的説法宣稱至少有8千萬人。事實上中國教會最興旺是在90年代中期，近年來許多教會，特別是農村教會，都陸續失去了大量的會友。讓我們為整個中國教會的發展趨勢代禱，求神讓中國教會再次經歷轉型後的大復興，也讓所有信徒投入扎裉真理、福音遍傳的時代使命。

星期三
中國衛生部最近公佈愛滋病的感染人數增加，主要傳播途徑是吸毒和性傳播。疫情因人口大量流動，包括感染者的流動以及湧入城市的民工流動而難以控制。目前一些教會或信徒開始參與防範愛滋病並與愛滋病患分享福音。這項事工既低調又費時，讓我們為他們的愛心服事禱告，並為中國基督徒雖緩慢但已逐漸改變對愛滋病的觀感來感謝神。

星期四
雖然時下大多數年輕人追求自由戀愛，但中國傳統式的媒婆「紅娘」仍然非常普遍，很多婦女也樂得爲人做媒。為年輕信徒做媒、幫助不同教會的年輕男女配對成雙也成許多教會姊妹一項重要服事。在中國，雖然教會之間的聯誼不盛行，讓我們為這不尋常卻很重要的工作禱告，求主祝福所有在這些媒人撮合下組成的家庭。

星期五
俗諺「十年寒窗苦，金榜題名時」。多年來，「當官」一直都是讀書人的目標。雖然新中國改稱官爲「幹部」，但仍為享有許多特權，引人追逐的鐵飯碗。在教會裏服事需要學習謙卑，不為名也不爲利，更不可以「當官」心態管轄羊群。讓我們特別為教會同工以及到中國服事的宣教士們禱告。求神保守信徒有正確的事奉態度，尤其自認出錢支持教會的人，能學主樣式，不矜驕自義。

星期六
許多中國人似乎患上了「民族自尊官能症」，在外國人面前有心理劣勢。媒體報導常見中國的「時代廣場」、中國的「麥當勞」、中國的「綠卡」、中國的「硅谷」等等。難道中國人失去自己的驕傲了嗎？中國教會的成長一直以來都是神親自動工，近來宗派門戶之見有復辟趨勢。某些教會同工或機構甚至有以金錢「收買業績」，把別的教會、人數或事工歸己的行徑。求主潔淨神自已的家，阻擋這不健康的現象。

星期日
俗語有云：「易求無價寶，難得有情郎。」對當今許多受高等教育的專業女性而言，覓得佳婿確實是件難事。教會裡單身的姐妹們比例很高，要尋找愛主又願意服事的伴侶也是一項大挑戰。讓我們為所有爲主的緣故仍守獨身的姐妹們禱告。求主時常照顧她們身心靈的健康，親自成為她們的倚靠和安慰，並且在禾場上大大使用、祝福她們。

星期一
中國現在有許多明星「文盲」欠缺基本的歷史知識和普通常識，因此常在電視上出洋相，惹來許多投訴。大部分中國信徒同樣也對過去兩個世紀以來在他們本地的宣教工作毫無所知。雖然有很多教會都是早期西方宣教士所建立的，但知道自己教會的歷史背景和由來的信徒少之又少。讓我們為這些教會被建立起來感恩，也為信徒今後繼續在各地興建神的家來禱告。

Prayer Request 11/28 -- 12/4

Tuesday
Recently China announced the recipients of the 10th "Good Samaritan Award" for heroism in rendering help to those in emergency. Some recipients got upward of 50,000 yuan ($6,300.US) and medals while others received the honor posthumously. Christ told us we should love others as ourselves. While Chinese Christians tend to be anonymous in their charitable deeds, let us pray that we may all be able to live out Jesus' command by showing compassion for the lost and giving help to those who suffer .

Wednesday
China strongly objected to being listed by the United States as one of the eight countries that need improvement in regard to religious liberty. In the past year many Chinese delegations have gone abroad as part of their desire to show they want to build friendship with Western churches. Such issues are often delicate and even stir up contention in overseas Chinese churches. We pray especially for those congregations struggling with the demolition of their churches, inadequate compensation for their church property caused by urban development, and trying to decide the issue of registering officially

Thursday
In China discrimination based on where one comes from is very prevalent. It is not uncommon to hear people make derogatory comments about people from Henan or Hubei and migrant workers from these provinces are often ridiculed. The largest concentration of Christian Chinese is in Henan but there are also many who have fallen into cultic teachings there. We lift up all the believers in Henan and pray for their steadfastness in serving the Lord as well as discernment to know the Truth .

Friday
In Shanxi Province, the new requirement to be promoted to party leadership is to honor one's parents. Anyone who abuses his/her parents or is not supporting them financially will be ineligible to be a leader. It is common for many Chinese to "make up" for their lack of filial piety by hosting a lavish funeral for their deceased parents. We pray that no believers will forget to honor their parents and in-laws, especially those have not yet become believers .

Saturday
A huge task the Chinese church faces is that of learning how to mobilize elderly believers to serve and then keep them busy since they lack resources and people who can lead them. Younger church workers find it difficult to communicate with these seniors and frequently lack the patience to do it also. Let us pray for every one of the churches that has Bible studies, fellowships, and prayer meetings specifically for the seniors. May the Lord use the testimonies of these older ones to encourage the younger ones .

Sunday
Everywhere in China one can see old people practicing Tai chi, sitting by the roadside, or playing mahjong. It is now a priority of the government to keep this huge segment of graying population occupied. Some churches offer classes for seniors in their communities which serve believers and also serve as an outreach tool to unbelievers. A few churches even operate their own retirement home for their church members. Let us pray for these unique evangelistic efforts .

Monday
In 2004 China had 66.8 million tourists ranking her as the most popular travel destination, second only to France with her 75.1 million. China and Taiwan together account for the majority of visitors in Asia. Many Western believers have a favorable impression of China and her people. Let us pray for all who have visited China, prayed for China, and been involved in mission to China through their churches.

星期二
最近中國召開了見義勇爲英雄表揚會，有10人授予「見義勇爲英雄」稱號，各獲最高獎金人民幣5萬( 6,300美金)不等。這些英雄當中有些爲了救人而犧牲生命，死後得到這項殊榮。基督要我們愛人如己，但在中國基督徒當中，真正做到默默付出而不爲人知的並不多。讓我們禱告信徒們都能有主耶穌的憐憫之心，關心失喪者，幫助苦難者，在社區作鹽、發光，活出主耶穌的教導。

星期三
中國強烈不滿被美國列入國際宗教自由「特別關注國家」名單（共8個國家）。過去一年很多國內教會領袖有機會到國外與西方教會交流和建立友誼，中國的宗教自由課題在海外教會也引起一些爭論。國内一些教會也有因都市發展計劃而面臨被拆而補償額不足的困境，以及是否向政府註冊的問題。求主親自保守、引領國內教會發展的大方向。

星期四
中國人之間歧視非常明顯，尤其時常可聽得到嘲諷河南或湖北民工的言語。一般河南人教育水平不高，因此常被人看輕。河南也是中國基督徒人口最密集的省份，但許多人卻落入異端教導。求神幫助河南教會能在真理教導上更紮實，使信徒有能力分辨、維護真理，並激發事奉的心志，按真理廣傳福音。也求神讓河南信徒能以屬神的智慧和品格在受歧視的環境裏贏得優勢。

星期五
山西省的幹部選拔辦法新增了一項要求，就是「盡孝道」。凡不孝敬父母者不能擔任局級領導幹部；不履行贍養義務，甚至虐待、遺棄父母長輩者，一律不予提拔任用。在許多華人中，常有父母健在時不孝，過世後卻大事鋪張豪華葬禮，裝孝子给别人看。我們禱告所有信徒都能遵守神的誡命孝敬父母親及翁姑，尤其是仍未信主的親長者。

星期六
中國教會當前面對的一大任務就是學習推動年長信徒出來服事。由於一般的教會人力資源缺乏，鼓勵年長信徒參與牧養工作或培養他們在教會發揮所長是有效的方法。讓我們為每一個特別設立長者查經班、團契或聚會的教會禱告。求主賜下愛心與耐性給不同年齡群，彼此交流溝通，也求神在教會使用年老信徒成爲年輕人的好榜樣。

星期日
在中國到處可見年長者打太極拳，打麻將，或在路邊閒坐著。政府已看到為這批年老族群設計消閒活動的廣大需要。許多教會也積極回應這項需要為社區老人推出了各種課程，包括靈修班、識字讀經班、美術班及合唱團等，既可服事信徒又能成爲福音管道。有些教會甚至為會友開辦老人院。讓我們為教會這些特殊的事工以及傳福音的機會來禱告，求主親自祝福和保守善工的果效。

星期一
2004年投選中國爲最受歡迎的旅遊區的遊客有6千7百萬人，僅次於法國的7千5百萬人。到亞洲的旅客中，旅遊中國大陸加上臺灣兩地的觀光客佔了大多數。許多西方信徒對中國和中國人都有很好的印象。好些西方信徒曾到過中國，也為中國人禱告，並且透過他們的教會來參與中國的宣教工作，求神記念他們的愛心；並藉他們的中國經歷和感受，把對中國的負擔帶囘他們的教會。

Prayer Request 11/21 -- 11/27

Tuesday
Although they are mostly limited to face cream and shampoo, 30% of urban Chinese families, now have skin care products for men in their homes. Men in the south in Guangzhou and Shenzhen are more open to "beauty" products than men in the Northern provinces. People from North China and South China are quite different and it often is reflected in their philosophy of ministry. Let us pray for the harmony and humility needed for ministry in churches in China when it involves workers from various regions .

Wednesday
Voluntary human organ donation has not been popular in china. Of the 2,000,000 who await corneal transplants, only 2000 were available and a very few of them came from volunteer donors. Chinese believe strongly that a "good death" must not be dismembered. Volunteerism and sacrifice are new and foreign to many in China, including believers. We thank the Lord for many the Christians known only to God who have given their best years and their lives serving the blind and handicapped .

Thursday
In all of China, Shanxi Province has had the dubious distinction of being in the top three most polluted cities caused by burning and mining coal. Many Shanxi cities do not see blue sky for much of the year because of dust caused by high winds. Because many believers have left for better job prospects in other provinces, Shanxi has lagged behind in economic development. Let us pray for the difficult church work and all the missionaries involved in community development in Shanxi .

Friday
For many foreigners living in China it is very affordable to have a housekeeper or live-in nanny. It costs only about 800 yuan or $100.US a month. Whether they live in or commute, such helpers tend to stay with the family for a long period. For those who are Christians this is a great opportunity to witness and live out the love of God before those helpers. As a consequence many have believed in Jesus. Let us pray for this unique and precious fruit .

Saturday
Living alone or in retirement home is considered a shame in China. Deeply influenced by the traditional value that children should support their elderly parents and guarantee them a happy life, many Chinese seniors are reluctant to leave home and live in retirement homes. Let us pray for the salvation of non-believing elderly parents of so many Chinese believers. The reality of eternal separation weighs heavily on so many Chinese believers. May the Lord grant mercy and Holy Spirit bring about a change in their hearts.

Sunday
Many Chinese families now have a "four parents, one couple, and one child" structure. Young people are shouldering a heavy burden supporting the elderly. Experts recommend that senior citizens live at home and that their communities take care of them. It is a solution that suits China's situation and its traditions. Let us remember those churches that operate retirement homes and are regularly involved in caring for the senior citizens near their churches.

Monday
A popular phrase fueling the desire to take bribes among public officials in China is, "If you don't grab, you will lost your chance to grab". Not a day goes by without news of the arrest of high officials who have accepted bribes. Corruption at all levels is now the number one problem of the Communist Party. A lack of transparency and public accounting among house churches creates a great temptation even for believers. We pray for the integrity of all believers and Christian workers alike .

星期二
國內一般「男士美容」雖然仍限於使用洗面奶、潤膚霜等，不過在都會區，超過3成家庭有男士美容護膚產品。北方人對男性美容的看法較爲保守，比起廣州和深圳等南方大城市的男士，對以「美」悦人，「解压、休閒」的需要訴求顯得格外冷靜。南方人和北方人的觀念差異也反映於教會事工理念上。讓我們為眾教會同工的合一禱告，求神賜下謙卑和睦，願意尊主為首，彼此洗腳，同心完成神的託負。

星期三
器官捐獻在中國仍不普遍，主要因爲中國人自古以來看重好生好死，不留全屍等於不得好死。在2百萬等待器官移植的人當中，只有兩千人得償所願，且器官多半來自受刑死囚，志願捐贈者少之又少。義工和犧牲的觀念對中國人，包括基督徒都很陌生。感謝主，仍有一群人爲主默默奉獻出寶貴的青春歲月，來服事瞎眼、弱視等殘障同胞，和社會的弱勢群體。求神記念賜福他們，並且藉他們愛心的善工，結出美好的果子。

星期四
中國山西省環境污染情況嚴重，臨汾陽泉與大同並列全國前三名污染最嚴重的城市。境內許多地區因爲沙塵的關係，全年多數時間風沙滿天飛見不到藍天白雲。由於該省經濟發展落後，許多基督徒為了更好的工作機會紛紛離開，因此雖然福音傳到此地已久，卻很難發展。近來有許多宣教士在此開啟社區發展和醫療服事的工作。讓我們為山西教會和宣教工作禱告，求神在困難和挑戰中不斷為他們開路。

星期五
在中國聘請家庭女傭每個月只需付大約800人民幣（100美金）。很多住此地的外國人都負擔得起。這些家務管理員無論以駐家或計鐘點的，都有很多機會與雇用家庭相處。對基督徒家庭而言，是以生活見證來傳福音的大好機會。許多雇員也因此信了主。求神繼續使用這個福音橋梁，並記念這些特殊的果子，也幫助信主的家務管理員靈命能繼續成長，並把福音帶到各自的家庭。

星期六
中國的傳統觀念認爲孩子奉養父母終老乃是天經地義，年老獨居或住在養老院往往被視爲羞恥，因此許多中國老人都不肯離開自己的家住進養老院。今天許多中國信徒年長的父母仍未信主得救，永恒的分離比起今生的短暫相聚，結局更有天壤之別。求神讓眾信徒在生活中把握機會，以真實的愛心和見証孝順父母，並施恩憐憫這些父母，讓聖靈在他們心中動工，得著他們。

星期日
中國現在的家庭結構是：夫妻一雙，父母兩對，孩子一個。年輕人背負支持年長者的經濟責任越來越重。專家們建議讓老年人住在家裏，由社區工作者上門關照他們。這不但能照顧到他們的需要，也比較合乎中國的傳統觀念。隨著中國人口老化，老年人事工越來越重要，許多教會都積極參與長者探訪和關懷活動，也有開辦老人院的。我們為這些教會的愛心擺上感恩，也為教會能因應老年人事工需要來禱告。

星期一
坊間流行這麽一句話「不撈白不撈」。中國官員的貪污現象，已經成中國首要解決的問題。高官涉貪被捕的消息無日不聞，不同程度的貪汙已經形成一種風氣和勢力。儘管政府一再加大反腐力度，但始終沒能有效抑制更遑論根除。國內教會的財政狀況不透明，欠缺公開的財政報告，對許多教會同工是一大試探。讓我們為所有教會同工和信徒的忠誠和信實禱告，求神保守他們不落入金錢的誘惑。

Prayer Request 11/14 -- 11/20

Tuesday
“China, I've lost my key! It has started to rain again. Where do you rest, my key? I think wind and rain have corroded you, and you must be rusted by now.” This is a poem that has been studied and memorized by and fascinated millions of Chinese high school students. Not a day goes by without some new high officials arrested for gross corruption. “Where is the key to integrity and ethics?” We pray for the integrity of church workers and those who come into possession of funds on behalf of church .

Wednesday
2006 is said to be a very lucky year (once in every 38 years) for marriage. Everywhere in China, record numbers of couples are getting married. 2007 is said to be the “golden pig year,” most auspicious for giving birth to a child, and many piglets are expected. Officials are worrying about the effects of record childbirths on schooling years in the future. Let us pray for this expected baby boom and what China churches can do this new crop of new sheep .

Thursday
A beautiful single instructor posted online her list of 11 requirements for her own husband. He must be handsome, at least 32 years old, 1.7 meters tall and have 5 million yuan in asset, among other qualities. Chinese parents all desire for their daughters to marry a rich man, the so-called “Golden turtle son-in-law.” We take this time to pray for all the sisters who are considering marrying future or present church workers; may the Lord bless their decision and their service as a team .

Friday
1 in 2 marriages failed in Beijing, which is the highest in China. Regulations adopted in 2003 have simplified the divorce process, and the application fee is only 10 yuan (1.25 USD). Socially, the stigma of divorce has faded away and people openly speak of divorce as an option of ending unhappy marriage. We pray for all believers who are contemplating divorce now. May the Lord provide them friends who can help with their struggle and grant them faith in trusting the Lord .

Saturday
China has the most elderly of all nations. Every year, more than 100,000 elderly (>55 years old) commit suicide, accounting for 36% of all suicides. In rural areas, many elderly simply cannot get to church because they are physically unable or unable to afford transportation to the closest churches. Some churches send out workers to visit monthly. Let us pray for these efforts to minister to the old saints who no longer can attend church worship and fellowship .

Sunday
There are more than 130 million Chinese older than 60 years. Many have observed that the younger generation in general no longer considers caring for the elderly parents a must. Seniors who are abandoned are ever more common. Ministering to the elderly is not a priority for most China churches. Let us pray for the few churches that organize believers and dedicate manpower to visit and care for the old people at home. May the Lord stir up more churches to do the same .

Monday
“Old people must have their resting place” is an ideal Chinese have for their aging parents. The elderly should have their needs met and enough to spend. In Hong Kong, pastors have retirement funds, but in China, the story is totally different. Living with their children is the only option for the old pastors. Unfortunately, some do not even have that. We take this time to remember those who have served the Lord faithfully and now face financial and health problems .

星期二
「天，又開始下雨，我的鑰匙啊，你躺在哪里？我想風雨腐蝕了你，你已經鏽迹斑斑了。」這首《中國，我的鑰匙丟了》是千千萬萬中學生都曾背誦和學習過的８０年代新詩。當代中國到底丟失了什麼？每天翻開國內報紙都會讀到又有高官因貪汙被捕。「道德和公義的鑰匙在那裡？」讓我們為整個社會以及教會同工能有正直、清潔的心來禱告。求神讓同工們在處理物資和錢財時，能存敬畏神的心，克服不當的貪念，勝過物質的引誘。

星期三
最近熱傳２００６年是３８年一輪回的大吉之年尤宜嫁娶，而2007年是「金豬年」適宜生育，中國各地為孕育「豬寶寶」而趕在今年結婚的新人大大增加。估計明年將會有一波嬰兒潮，政府擔心未來會出現入學學額不足的問題。讓我們為這嬰兒潮禱告，也求神讓中國教會作好準備，幫助年輕的父母成為敬虔的父母，迎接這些新生的羊群。

星期四
中國一位美女講師在博客開出徵婚條件：眾多條件之外還加上「英俊/３２歲以上/１．７米高/擁有５百萬資產。」中國父母都盼望女兒覓得金龜婿。讓我們特別為正考慮嫁聖職人員的姐妹們禱告，求主預備她們的心，並且祝福她們的決定，讓她們能夠與丈夫尊主為大、同心服事，以承受上好的福份為樂。

星期五
中國離婚率最高的北京市，每天平均不到兩對夫妻結婚卻有一對離婚。２００３年實施的《結婚登記條例》又進一步簡化離婚手續，符合條件的只需付工本費10元人民幣。離婚所承受的社會壓力亦逐漸轉弱，更多人視離婚為結束不快樂婚姻的一種選擇。讓我們為所有正考慮離婚的信徒禱告。願主在他們面對婚姻問題時，預備能協助和安慰他們的弟兄姐妹，使他們有信心依靠神來解決一切難題。

星期六
中國是全世界人口老化最甚的國家。每年有超過１０萬老人（＞５５歲）自殺，佔所有自殺人數的３６﹪。在鄉村地區，很多老人因行動不便和付不起交通費而無法到教會聚會。因此一些教會差派同工每月去探訪他們。讓我們為這些老年事工禱告，尤其求主記念無法繼續到教會敬拜的年老聖徒，以及教會所作的努力。

星期日
中國人口年逾60者，有超過1.3億之多，如今年輕一代已不再以奉養父母終老為理所當然，年邁遭棄者時有所聞。多數中國教會也不以老年人事工為優先，只有少數教會組織信徒，貢獻人力來關懷留在家中的老人家。求神祝福這些教會的擺上，同時也求神把同樣的負擔加給更多的教會，一同把神的慈愛傳遞到每個有需要的心靈裡。

星期一
「老有所終」是華人年老時的理想，年老時不只是精神上要有依靠，也該在日常需用上的到滿足。香港的傳道人有工資及退休金，在中國情況就不同，許多傳道人連薪金都沒有，更遑論退休金了。國內有很多年老傳道人沒有家人供養，景況淒涼。讓我們特別記念這些忠心事主的牧者及同工，求神顧念他們現在的經濟狀況和身心健康。

Prayer Request 11/7 -- 11/13

Tuesday
Effective November 1, all newspapers are no longer to have false medical advertisements. It is so common to see ads proclaiming cures for weight loss, sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis and cancer. In many regions, cults still attract large followings with the false claim that believing in Jesus will bring quick prosperity and health. Let us pray for the alarming trends of countless extreme and even un-Biblical teaching, especially in the impoverished areas .

Wednesday
China has suddenly become the country with the highest incidence of rabies (from dog bites). Before 1980, having a pet was not permitted. There are nearly half a million unregistered pets, not including stray dogs, for Beijing, a city of 14 million people. The Bible describes false teachers as dogs as well. It is hard to determine how many China churches are orthodox. Let us pray for the influx of cults from abroad and believers being led astray .

Thursday
Chinese police must now take the "Pledge of Police Conduct": "I pledge before the PRC flag and the National emblem to fight crimes without ceasing to the last drop of my blood and rather be poor than to accept bribes in my entire career." Church leaders on the other hand unfortunately do better when they are poor and ministries have little funding. There are often unaccounted-for expenditures. We pray for this alarming trend and for Chinese churches that will thrive in good times, not just in bad times.

Friday
Chinese police (the Public Security Bureau) were once greatly feared. Now it is not uncommon to see citizens shouting back at them. The government has tried to polish the image of the police against corruption and the reputation of being henchmen for rich businessmen. We pray for all Chinese police. Many churches dread to see them but some have a good relationship with them. We pray for their sympathy toward Christians and especially for those who have seen the good witness and works of believers who live under their jurisdiction .

Saturday
A bumper crop in Taiwan has literally destroyed the market of bananas. Mainland China announced it will purchase 300 tons of bananas at a great discount to relieve the excess. Fruits from Taiwan now commonly available in China markets and vice versa. More Taiwan churches are sending short-term teams into China. Many are involved in community development and health care. Let us pray for the fruits born through these demonstrations of compassion and helping the local churches to grow strongly .

Sunday
Both parents leaving their children in their village home with grandparents and working far away in the cities have become a serious social trend. The government estimates there are 20 million-plus “left-behind children.” The only communication is a monthly phone call and a Chinese New Year’s family reunion. The long separation of believer parents and their child creates a spiritual void too. We pray for this distressing and damaging trend among China’s rural churches. And, we remember all the left-behind believer kids .

Monday
Ganzhou is in the southern Jianxi province, neighboring Fujian, Guangdong and Hunan. Almost everyone (95%) is Hakka (kejia people). One cannot find young people in villages there because they all work in the cities. One in five children lives with grandparents. Church work in Jiangxi is considered difficult by many. Let us pray for the faithfulness and willingness of all believers and the urgent need of young workers .

星期二
中國自11月1日起，禁止所有報刊發布包含性病、癌症等內容的醫療廣告。希望遏制傳媒散播氾濫的減肥、治療性病、肝炎和癌症等不實醫療廣告。在信仰上，訛稱信耶穌能快速得到財富和健康之類的異端邪說，仍能吸引大批跟隨者。求神特別記念一些偏遠貧困地區的人，讓他們有機會聽到純正的福音，並賜信徒分辨的智慧，能以真理抵擋違反聖經的歪道。

星期三
中國近來狂犬病例激增，驟然成爲國內死亡數最高的傳染病，也使中國成了狂犬病病發率最高的國家。1980年以前是不許養寵物的。現今在北京這1千4百萬人口的城市裡，注冊的寵物狗就有50萬隻，還有大量未登記的黑戶犬和流狼犬。聖經裏把假教師形容爲犬類。一些来自國外的極端教導和異端邪說滲入教会 ，使許多信徒偏離了正道。然實際的損害與影響尚難評估。讓我們爲中國教會能持守純正的信仰來禱告。

星期四
中國公安部讓警察就職宣誓《中國公安廉政宣言》「…與各種犯罪活動進行永無休止的鬥爭，直至流盡最後一滴血。以我廉潔，守護正義。從警一日，清廉終生。」教會的領袖往往處貧困時能勤儉；卻在富裕時揮霍，而且產生帳目不清楚的問題。我們為教會這種不良趨勢禱告，求神幫助教會領袖們無論順境或逆境都能忠心事奉主，勝過金錢物質的誘惑試探。

星期五
中國警察（公安）曾經是人們懼怕的對象，現在由於公安貪汙和「見高拜見低踩」的腐敗形象，使其威信大損。人們不難在街上看到警民衝突，政府最近開始積極改善警察形象。教會和公安的關係呈兩極化，有些教會很怕公安，避之惟恐不及，另一些則彼此關係良好，求神藉著信徒的見證和好行爲成為社區的光和鹽，能使轄區公安善待基督徒，甚至親身得享救恩的福樂。

星期六
中國宣布將緊急收購滯銷台灣香蕉，預計首期有300噸銷往大陸。自大陸推行促進兩岸農業合作政策以來，兩岸人民都能買到彼此出産的水果。除了水果登陸外，台灣也有越來越多短宣隊到中國大陸宣教，參與當地的社區改善和醫療服務。我們禱告神保守這些關愛行動能結出和平喜樂的各樣福音果子，爲當地教會帶來復興與成長。

星期日
國內農村父母外出務工、經商把孩子留在家鄉的情形日益嚴重。據政府估計，高達2千萬的孩子被留在農村與父母分離，親子間唯一的接觸就是每月幾通電話及一年一度的新年家庭團聚。許多農村信徒也把孩子留給祖父母照顧，長期的分離易造成孩子們感情和心靈上的空虛。讓我們記念這些孩子們身心靈的需要，和祖父母在培養敬虔孫輩的挑戰。求主藉農村教會幫助他們在屬靈生命上成長。

星期一
中國赣州位于江西省南部，鄰近福建、廣東和湖南三省。人口中95%即800萬人是客家人，附近的村子根本沒有年輕人，因爲他們都赴城裏工作。此地有五分之一的孩子是從小跟祖父母一起住，跟著他們長大的。因爲青壯年人的離開，江西這些地區的教會工作發展特別困難。我們爲當地的信徒和傳道人能克服艱難的環境和條件，忠心和持久的服事來禱告。

Prayer Request 10/31 -- 11/6

Tuesday
Chairman Mao's oldest son died at age 28 in a bombing raid in the Korean War in 1950. According to a new memoir, when Mao heard of his son's death, he said, "It's all right. There are always casualties in war." Self-sacrifice has long since become only "talk" and people in this "money talks" society even laugh at it. We praise the Lord for many who have answered the call to serve in remote and rural settings in China forsaking better pay and urban living .

Wednesday
This month is the 70th anniversary of the famed "Long March" of the Red Army in 1934-36. The fledgling Communist Army consisted of 20 - 30 year-old recruits (generals whose average age was 25) who literally marched an average of 37 kilometers daily. It is rather difficult to find a group of 20 - 30 year-old believers in a Chinese church. Many who believed when they were students have been lost to follow-up once they began working. We need to pray for the people in this gap and what churches can do to minister to them .

Thursday
Although cheap factory labor seems to be advantageous right now, the retention rate of workers in most factories is low because they tend to jump from one company to another any time they find higher wages. We see the same phenomenon in people who work for the Lord in that they switch from one ministry to another. We pray for foresight for all who support Christian ministry in China that they will not merely support a church worker for a while but will take them as holistic co-workers/partners for life .

Friday
In Israel there are thousands of Chinese construction workers who are there on multi-year contracts and live in work camps. There are also about one hundred Chinese students in various universities. Amazingly, there are several Chinese churches in this country. As Christmas draws near, we pray that these Chinese will have the unusual opportunity to accept Jesus as their Savior in the land where He was born. We also remember the growth of all the Christian churches there .

Saturday
China is now exporting books and the copyrights to them. As more and more Westerners have become interested in Chinese authors, Chinese novels are now being translated. Books on learning Chinese, however, still lead exports. There are many non-Chinese in overseas Chinese churches. Some are married to Chinese people and others have a great love for the Chinese culture and people. We remember this special group, especially those who are retired missionaries but still minister to Chinese .

Sunday
Since 1994, educators in Taiwan have been pushing "Smaller schools and classes" to improve the quality of education. Currently, the average size of classes in elementary school is only 30 students (down from 39 ten years ago). The attendance at Sunday school has been decreasing in Taiwan. Part of this downward trend is caused by heavy loads of school work and the availability of entertainment. Let us pray against this alarming trend and for the need to emphasize children's ministry .

Monday
In modern China image is everything. For an amount equal to three month's salary image consultants offer clients advice on the color and style of clothes, make up, posture, body language, speech, and mannerisms. It is no longer an easy task to describe what a typical modern Chinese believer looks like. Let us pray for the tens of thousands of believers who are high-ranking officials, serving in the military or Public Security who must keep the image of a Party member.

星期二
1950年毛澤東28歲的長子毛岸英死於韓戰美國空軍轟炸中。，據新書《毛岸英在北韓戰場》記載毛澤東聽到兒子戰亡消息後，緩緩說出「唉，戰爭嘛，總要有傷亡，沒得關係…。」在這個「向錢看齊」的社會裏，「自我犧牲」似乎成了笑柄。但感謝主，仍有許多願意回應神呼召的人，捨棄城市豐厚的物質條件到偏遠貧苦的地區服事。求神信實看顧供應他們一切需要。

星期三
十月是中國有名的紅軍「長征」70週年。當時年齡介於20-30歲（平均年齡是25歲）的工農紅軍，在兩年之中（1934年到1936年），步行了2萬5千里。目前國內教會很難找到20-30歲年齡層的信徒，很多在求學期間信主的人，在開始工作後就流失了。我們需要爲這個屬靈斷層禱告，求神賜智慧給教會能有效的得著這群人。

星期四
中國有便宜的勞動力，像是優勢其實是個劣勢。低收入的工人會爲了較高的薪酬而輕易跳槽，使得工廠的人力流動量很大。同樣的現象也可見於服事神的工人中。教會或機構人手缺乏，因而以互相挖角的情況相當普遍，也有在機構或團隊之間轉換事奉工場的人。我們特別爲所有支持中國事工的單位代禱，求神讓他們不只在經濟上支持，也能扶持工人成爲全人服事和終生事奉的夥伴。

星期五
在以色列有4、5千名中國建築勞工，他們都需要簽下多年的工作合約，且同一住在宿舍區。除了工人，這裏也有大約100名中國留學生分別在不同的大學就讀，奇妙的是以國已有好幾間華人教會。在準備迎接聖誕節之際，求神讓在以色列的華人能有特別的機會在耶穌的出生之地接受祂爲個人的救主。我們也在禱告中記念這裏的華人教會。

星期六
由於西方人紛紛開始對中國的著作和作者産生興趣，中國現在已開始輸出書籍和注重版權。中國近代小說也開始被翻譯成外文，但學習中文的書籍仍在輸出項目中占領先地位。海外的中國教會裏也有許多非華裔人士，有些是娶了中國太太，有的則是特別喜愛中國文化和中國人。讓我們記念這一特殊的群體，尤其是爲那些退而不休仍繼續服事華人的外籍宣教士禱告。

星期日
台灣教育界自1994年提出推行「小班小校」 以提高教育品質，國小每班平均人數由10年前的39人降至30人。主日學的參加人數近年來也不斷降低，原因卻不是爲了提高素質，而是因爲學校功課日愈增多，以及各樣的娛樂占據了孩子們的時間。讓我們特別爲主日學學生大量流失的現象禱告，也求主讓衆教會都能看到需要加強第二代或兒童事工的迫切性。

星期一
「形象」在時髦的中國社會裏幾乎代表了一切。人們願花3個月薪水徵詢形象顧問服飾搭配、款式色調、儀態化妝、及禮儀語言等專業意見。現代中國基督徒形象為何？實難一概而論。因爲其中除了老百姓之外還有成千上萬的高官，軍人，和公安信徒必須對信仰保密，維持各自職位和黨員的形象。求神保守這些「夜間的基督徒」，在靈命上能不斷成長，在壓力中仍能有堅固的信仰。

Prayer Request 10/24 -- 10/30

Tuesday
In a newly released multi-city survey of urban working women only 46% of Chinese women describe their marriages as happy. Only 38% of those 51-60 years old say their marriages are happy. Traditionally Chinese family values stress harmony rather than happiness in marriage. The husband-wife relationship is hardly mentioned. Churches have also been shy about speaking about the Biblical teaching on family. Let us pray for healing and renewal of family relationships among believers in China .

Wednesday
Nine out of ten Chinese women complain of stress at work. Those in their 30's and 40's and those with higher education experience far more pressure in the work place. The stay-at-home mother is nearly unheard of and nearly all mothers must balance work with raising a child. Traditionally, typical Chinese men play a minimal role in raising children. Let us pray for believing fathers, as they fulfill the Biblical role and responsibility of godly fathers. We too pray for many examples of godly fathers in local churches .

Thursday
Which line of work is most stressful in China? The media (communication) is the most stressful, followed by medically related jobs, education, and the insurance business. The most frequently given reasons are "Being too busy" and "too much competition." Interviews with Chinese church workers reveal that many of them have symptoms of being "burned out". They preach often but lack spiritual nourishment themselves. Shouldering a heavy task alone is not necessarily a healthy thing. Let us pray especially for those who are struggling with thoughts of leaving the ministry .

Friday
Nearly all the women in China have great concern about consumer product safety. A whopping 38% worry about the safety of food products. Chinese women make the decision for what her family eats in nearly 80% of the cases. Who is worrying about the spiritual health of the children in China? In the churches there are many "spiritual single parents"--families where only the wife is a believer. Let us pray along with all the Christian mothers who are concerned about how their children will grow up loving God .

Saturday
Seventy percent of the women in China are optimistic about the quality of life they will have in the next three years. These are mostly working women considered to be middle class and above. Younger women are more optimistic than older ones. Women aged 40-50 years old are the core of Chinese churches. They serve in all positions including preaching sermons. Let us pray for wisdom and strength for all the women serving in leadership positions .

Sunday
A full 20% of Chinese women describe their marriage relationship as "xiangjing rubin" (respecting each other as a guest). This Confucian term describes the ideal relationship of husband and wife but the modern usage refers to a tie that is merely cordial, icy, and without pleasure. How many Christian Chinese families are together merely for the sake of the children? We do not know but the high divorce rate among believers is alarming. Let us pray again for all wives who struggle with an "unhappy marriage" and submission to husband and God .

Monday
In a recent nationwide survey of working women, wives in one out of three marriages in China describe their marriages as "bland". Chinese men are not generally known for their romanticism and they grew up without a role model for being considerate to their wives. Western values presented in movies are helping to change this but the idea is still foreign to most Chinese men. Let us take time to pray for all Chinese male believers as they try to live out the Biblical mandate for men and the call to love their spouses as Christ loved the church .

星期二
最近一項調查對中國女性對婚姻的感覺作出統計：46%形容自己的婚姻幸福，而年齡介於51-60歲的女性，只有38%認爲自己婚姻幸福。傳統的華人家庭觀念看重婚姻的和諧多過於幸福，而且人們很少提起夫妻關係，連教會也因拘謹而很少教導基督教的家庭觀。讓我們爲中國的基督徒家庭禱告，特別求神醫治和重建那些受損的家人關係。

星期三
根據一份中國女性生活狀況的調查報告： 9成女性回應有工作壓力。尤其30-40歲年齡層並高學歷的女性更覺壓力重大。國內留在家中不用出去工作的母親幾乎聞所未聞，母親們必須在工作和教養孩子的責任上作出平衡。而傳統的中國男人在教養孩子方面扮演很小的角色。我們特別為基督徒父親們禱告，求神幫助他們擔起敬虔的父親當有的責任。也求神在所有教會裏陶造更多敬虔父親的好榜樣。

星期四
在中國哪一個行業的工作壓力最大？答案是傳媒；其次是醫療衛生行業、教育工作和金融保險業。根據調查，工作壓力的首要來源是「工作太忙」和「競爭太激烈」。同樣的教會事奉的同工也表示常有被「燃盡」的倦怠感。他們長期忙於講道，卻缺少屬靈的補給，獨自肩負沈重的服事擔子並不健康。讓我們爲中國教會的工人，尤其爲那些覺得困乏，需要重新得力的人禱告。

星期五
幾乎所有中國女性都會憂心消費産品的安全，尤其針對食品安全，占38%。而近80%中國家庭的生活消費決策和購買，是掌控在婦女手中。然而，中國孩子的靈命健康又有誰來關切呢？教會裏有很多「屬靈單親」—只有媽媽是信徒。讓我們記念所有關注教導孩子敬虔、愛人的基督徒母親們，求神保守引導屬靈下一代的健全成長。

星期六
問卷調查顯示：收入中等以上、有較強消費能力的中國女性當中，70%對未來三年的個人生活素質感到樂觀。其中教育水準較高和較年輕的女性占大多數，而年齡越大，則對爲來則越不樂觀。中國教會普遍以40-50歲的婦女爲核心，她們在各個崗位上服事神，有的也負責講臺信息。讓我們求神賜信心、智慧和力量，給這些在教會裏領導的姐妹們。

星期日
將近20%的中國婦女以「相敬如賓」來形容她們的夫妻關係；這句過去儒家觀念中夫妻相處和睦之道，現代人卻用以容彼此平淡甚至冷漠的關係。雖然不知基督徒家庭中有多少夫妻是爲了子女才繼續在一起？但信徒的高離婚率已然敲響了警鐘。讓我們再次爲基督徒夫妻禱告，尤其是很多妻子掙扎於「不快樂婚姻」之中，為無法順服神及丈夫所苦。求神幫助她們，更教導丈夫們曉得敬重、顧惜妻子。

星期一
近期一份全國性的調查反應：有三分一的婦女以「平淡」來形容對婚姻的感覺。中國男人一般而言都不太浪漫，在成長過程中也沒有好榜樣學習如何體貼妻子。西方電影裏的浪漫觀讓一些人有了改變，但許多人仍然對這「外國觀念」感到陌生。讓我們特別爲中國的男信徒禱告，求神幫助他們能按聖經的教導，學習像基督愛教會一樣來愛他們的妻子，共同承受神應許的生命恩福。

Prayer Request 10/17 -- 10/23

Tuesday
In a large independent survey 37% of men aged 18-54 admitted they have sex with prostitutes and only 30% of the men surveyed ever discussed AIDS or sexually transmitted diseases with their spouse or partner. The common saying that "Once men become rich, they become bad." has much truth in modern China. Money and sex are corrupting the believers too. Let us pray especially for the guarding of hearts of Chinese male believers and all the male church workers alike .

Wednesday
In Taiwan, one in four brides is a non-Taiwanese. Half of them are from mainland China and the rest are non-Chinese Asians. Nearly a quarter of the children in Taiwan have mothers who are not Taiwanese so for them Chinese is not their mother tongue. Such demographical change is rocking Taiwan. Let us pray for new strategies for churches in Taiwan in reaching out to their neighbors and the "mixed" young generation .

Thursday
According to a recent survey, 68% of the residents of Taiwan who are older than 15 do not read any book in a week. Reading books as a leisure enjoyment has been steadily decreasing. Christian books sale has suffered. Taiwan is the largest market for Chinese Christian books which are mostly translated American books. Let us pray for all of the literature ministries that often struggle to stay in business. We pray, too that there will be a new generation of Chinese Christian writers and thinkers .

Friday
On an average 473 couples are married each day in Taiwan but the divorce rate is approaching 35% and each Taiwanese couple usually has an average of only 1.3 children.Churches in Taiwan must adjust their ministry to reach out to divorced people as well as single parents. Let us pray for all who are involved in family counseling and children's ministry, especially to children from divorced homes .

Saturday
The oldest copy of the Koran in China (which is about 700 years old and bound with rhinoceros leather) will be restored and displayed in Xining, Qinghai, the city that is the beginning point for the new railway to Tibet. The influence of Islam in China is very deep. The government grants special favor to Islam because it is the religion of several large ethnic minorities. They also strongly discourage conversion of Muslims to Christianity. We lift up all who are involved in work among Muslim .

Sunday
The kung fu movie by Jet Li, "Fearless", became a hit. Some had predicted that Chinese fighting movies are losing their attraction. This realistic fighting Chinese-speaking movie was released with English subtitles. Kung fu style movies of the old days have become main stream in Hollywood In many ways, China churches are no longer merely the rural churches of peasants and uneducated. Yet, there are still many, many souls rural churches can reach effectively. We pray earnestly for another revival of rural churches like those during the years of 1980-90 .

Monday
Urban churches in China have been going through a phenomenal change in the past three years. Churches of six to eight hundred people are common now. House churches of forty to two hundred can be found in nearly every city. It is estimated that by 2020, half of the Chinese population will be in the cities. Many former believers from rural churches have not been plugged into city churches. Let us pray for this tremendous loss of God's sheep .

星期二
據一項國際網路調查顯示，年介18-54歲的成年中國男子中，37%承認有嫖妓經驗，而曾與性伴侶討論艾滋病或性病危險的卻不到30%。所謂「飽暖思淫欲」，這話在現代中國更爲真實。金錢和性的誘惑也敗壞了許多信徒。讓我們特別爲中國的男信徒以及教會的同工禱告，求神切切保守他們的心懷意念，時常儆醒躲避試探，以聖潔自守來與主同行。

星期三
臺灣2002年結婚的佳偶中，外籍新娘占了26%，其中半數來自中國大陸，其餘還有約占1/8的非華人的亞裔籍新娘，普通話非其母語。可預見四分之一下一代臺灣人是由外籍媽媽所生，這樣的人口變化激蕩著臺灣。讓我們爲教會能有效地把福音觸角伸到社區鄰里，以及多元化的年輕世代來代禱。

星期四
根據最新統計，臺灣十五歲以上的人，有68%在一週內沒有閱讀任何書籍，喜好閱讀的人數正逐步減少中。臺灣是中文基督教書籍最大的市場，但書架上銷售的大都是美國書的譯本。中文基督教書籍的銷售一直沒有起色，讓我們爲所有掙紮求存的文字事工禱告，求神興起素質優良的新一代華人基督徒作家和思想家，藉文字來拓展神的國度。也求神讓信徒看重文字和閱讀的重要性及其廣大深遠的影響力。

星期五
臺灣每天平均有473對新人結婚，但離婚率也升至35%。另外，平均每對夫婦只生1.3個小孩。面對社會型態變遷，教會須調整事工方向以顧及失婚和單親家庭。讓我們爲從事家庭輔導和兒童工作的肢體禱告，求神與他們同工，以神的愛和救恩幫助這些人，尤其厚賜智慧與能力更有效地幫助破碎或單親家庭的孩子。

星期六
國家文物局將撥出經費，修復中國最古老的「古蘭經」手抄本（約有700年之齡，函封為犀牛皮），並將展於青海的西寧市，即通往西藏的青藏鐵路的起站。伊斯蘭信仰對中國的影響非常深，是中國好幾個大的少數民族信奉的宗教，因此得到政府特別的關照。為了宗教和諧的緣故，政府不鼓勵穆斯林改信基督教的態度強勢。讓我們切切為回宣事工禱告，求神保守看顧參與回區宣教的同工們。

星期日
當一些人認爲中國武打電影已失去市場吸引力時，李連杰主演的「霍元甲」卻成功掀起熱潮。這部功夫片即使全片都用華語僅附加英文字幕，卻仍在美國十分賣座，並把過去的武打電影推入好萊塢主流。今天多數的中國教會已走出了鄉村，農民，和基層的舊框框，跨入城市主流社會，但在農村仍有眾多急待救恩的靈魂。讓我們爲農村教會另一波大復興來禱告。

星期一
過去三年來中國城市教會經歴了重重變化。隨著農村人口向城市湧流，40-200人的教會比比皆是，六百到八百人的教會亦不斷湧現。預計到2020年，中國人口半數將集中城市，然而很多從農村來到城市的信徒，卻遲遲未能加入城市教會，我們爲這群流失的信徒禱告，求主使城市教會有此負擔，積極為主尋回迷羊。

Prayer Request 10/10 -- 10/16

Tuesday
The first week of October is the “Golden Week” for travel (following October 1st , the National Day). Tourism travel in general is up 17% from last year and more Chinese are taking trips abroad too. This week, a bus carrying tourists from China crashed in Taiwan. It is the first time travel from China to Taiwan is officially sanctioned. Many believers are able to visit churches and attend conferences abroad for the first time. We pray for the mutual sharing, encouragement that will benefit their churches and ministries when they return .
Wednesday
The official definition of poverty is an annual income of 680 yuan (US$85). At the end of last year, China had 23.65 million people living below the poverty line. But, using the internationally accepted guideline of US$1 per day, China's poor totaled up to 130 million. A high percentage of China’s rural church would be considered poor. We pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who appreciate so much more the grace of God and living for God whether they are rich or poor .
Thursday
China is encouraging communities to provide services for the elderly, as pressure grows on retirement homes and individual families. There are now more than 143 million Chinese seniors aged over 60, which is about 11 percent of the total population. Approximately, more than half of the attendees in open churches are seniors. Let us lift up all the aging saints who have witnessed the tumultuous half century, yet have remained faithful to the Lord and tirelessly served their churches .
Friday
There are only 8 beds for every 1,000 elderly Chinese. The typical cost is 1,300 yuan to 1,600 yuan (165-200 U.S. dollars) per month, which the great majority cannot afford. Living alone or with their children are the only options. There is a huge need, unfilled in most churches for elderly ministry. Visitation by church members, large-print Bibles and audio sermons are mostly unheard of in China. Let us pray for the availability of such materials and vision of churches to serve the elderly .
Saturday
Extreme poverty is still very common among the ethnic minorities in Yunnan province where many live on less than $100 USD a year. In 1910, the gospel entered this region through the extraordinary work of many missionaries who translated the Bible into local languages and even gave their lives to do it. There are still many small churches and preaching stations there. We thank the Lord for the example of faithfulness and love for God these impoverished believers model for us .
Sunday
Celebrating the Harvest Festival in October is a huge event among the ethnic minority people. Believers in the Lisu tribe in the most northwest corner of Yunnan where Christianity is the official religion, offer their harvest to God in fancy costumes and with dancing in every village. The gospel came to the Lisu in 1908 with miraculous results (60,000 baptized in 2 years). We pray for all the Lisu preachers who are among the most fervent Chinese missionaries in Western China .
Monday
A nationwide survey of the way urban Chinese youths 12-17 years old spent their money revealed that they spend equal amounts eating out in restaurants and on entertainment (buying music or videos). Nearly 14% of them feel wearing name brand clothing is part of their identity. Christianity is totally foreign to millions of Chinese teenagers and they are the hardest group in all of China to reach for the Lord. We pray for a burden and a strategy to effectively reach out to this consumerism-minded young generation .

星期二
十一黃金週是旅遊高峰，據中國旅遊局報導：今年的遊客量比去年同期增加了17%。其中特別是北京政府開放至台灣考察旅遊。但很不幸地，上週在台灣中部南投便發生大陸團重大車禍。隨著旅遊開放，將有更多中國旅客到世界各地旅遊，許多信徒也第一次有機會到國外參訪各型研習營會及參與當地教會的聚會。求神藉這些交流和分享，激勵信徒，幫助教會事工更有效地的發展。

星期三
中國政府對極度貧窮的界定是年收入低於680人民幣（85美元）。據此標準，去年底有236萬人生活在貧窮水平以下。若按國際「一天少於一美元」的底綫指標，則中國的貧窮人口總數達1.3億，即有更多的農村教會屬於赤貧行列。讓我們爲處在貧窮中的主內肢體禱告，求神讓他們更經歷神的豐盛恩典，也讓信徒或貧或富，都能因神豐盛的慈愛凡事謝恩。

星期四
中國政府正積極地推動社區對老年人的關懷和服務。因爲隨著人口老化，除了養老院供不應求，社會與個別家庭都開始需要面對這與日俱增的壓力。現在中國有超過1.4億人口的年齡在60歲以上，佔總人口的11%。在教會裏聚會的信徒就有一半以上是年長的。讓我們爲這些年紀漸老的肢體禱告，求神記念他們雖經歷過半個世紀的動蕩，也仍能繼續存著信心忠心不怠地服事神。

星期五
中國的養老院床位供不應求。每千名老人，分得8個床位。養老院的費用一般介於每月1,300到1,600人民幣（165-200美金），絕大部分的年長者都負擔不起，只能選擇獨居或與孩子同住。照顧老年人的需要極大，然而多數教會尚未有老年人事工，甚至不知有專為長者預備的大字聖經，有聲聖經，有聲講章，並實行關懷探訪。求神感動眾教會能正視長者的實際需要，也求神藉各種管道使相關的資源能在中國普及。

星期六
在中國雲南的少數民族當中，極度貧窮尤為普遍，一些家庭僅以年收入不及100美元來維生。福音自1910年傳至此地區，全賴許多宣教士前仆後繼甚至犧牲生命的擺上，在當地此宣教並翻譯方言聖經。至今還留存許多小教會和福音小站。這些拓荒先輩以對神的信心和忠堅來愛這些貧苦的少數民族，是我們的榜樣。讓我們求恩慈的神供應赤貧家庭的生活所需，更求神感動中國信徒願意承接傳福音的棒子成爲拓展國度的精兵。

星期日
十月份慶秋收的收獲節，是中國少數民族一個重要的傳統節日。以基督教爲公認信仰傈僳族，會穿上美麗的民族服裝，全村人跳舞歡慶並把收成帶來教會奉獻給神，這是極美的事。1908年福音傳到雲南最西北角的傈僳族，兩年之內就有60,000人受洗。他們常常熱心傳福音走訪其他民族。讓我們特別爲傈僳族感恩、禱告，求神不斷堅固他們，紮實他們信仰的根基。大大使用他們把福音廣傳在全國的少數民族當中。

星期一
一著名跨國諮詢公司針對國內12-17歲都會青少年消費習慣調查顯示，他們在餐飲上的花費幾乎和花在休閒（音樂CD和磁帶）一樣多；另份調查也指出14%年輕人認爲身上的名牌是自我表達的一部分。中國上千萬的青少年至今對基督教仍全然陌生，是教會最難接觸的對象。讓我們爲這走向消費主義的年輕一代禱告，求聖靈開啓他們對真理的渴慕。也讓信徒有負擔，能有策略地接觸他們。

Prayer Request 10/3-10/9

Tuesday
Many famous Chinese brands have their original store in Shanghai. The city has been the commercial and religious center of China for the past two centuries. In the past two years, 60% of those who received baptism in Shanghai had college education, and among them, 1 in 4 were people who returned after studying abroad (hai guai). We thank the Lord for this exciting change in the makeup of new Chinese believers. May the Lord use them to be the light and salt of the commercialized modern Chinese society .
Wednesday
According to a recent survey of Chinese high school students, the “most influential authors to young people” are not the traditional big names but authors who are only 20-30 years old who write about the struggle of youth in school and friendships. “What do the young Chinese believers read?” and “Who inspires the young Chinese believers?” are much harder questions. Let us pray for the emergence of good role models of sacrificial serving and devotion to God for the next generation of believers .
Thursday
Living in a school dorm is a reality and trend for many Chinese elementary school children. Parents are told that this promotes better study habits and students go home only on weekends. Separation from parents at even the tender age of 6-10 years old is common, and churches and parents are losing opportunities to share faith with this new generation. Let us remember all these children whose parents are believers but live away from home .
Friday
The month-long mass demonstration demanding the resignation of Taiwan’s President continues to divide people on the island. Churches have been drawn into this high political drama. In many heated speeches, speakers invoke both the names of God and Chinese gods. Politics and churches have been intertwined in the past decades. Let us pray for the healing of all the Taiwanese and especially the unity and harmony of believers in Taiwan .
Saturday
The legal marriage age for Chinese men is 22 and for women 20. Officially, young people are encouraged to marry at an even later age. For ethnic minorities the law is changed to 20 for men and 18 for women. When marrying someone from the ethnic minority groups Han Chinese must follow the stricter age guideline. There are many believers among the ethnic minorities, especially in southwest China. We pray for spiritual maturity in the young families and for their continuing to serve in the church .
Sunday
In 2005, there were 470 new Christian book titles published in Chinese. More than 3/5 are translations of North American bestsellers. The number of Christian book titles printed in Chinese is increasing by 50 books a year, but the number of Christians has not changed at all. Let us pray for more Chinese authors and books that will challenge Chinese believers to live more godly and serve the Lord more effectively, rather than imitate fads and what is culturally foreign.
Monday
“Chinese students studying abroad,” a T.V. documentary, will be shown in October. Studying abroad is the dream for every Chinese student and will dramatically alter one’s life and even family fortune. Being exposed to Christianity and becoming a believer is also the “byproduct” of studying abroad. We pray for the spiritual vitality and faithful serving of all who have become believers as students. May the Lord use them to reach many other fellow students .

星期二
中國許多著名的 老字號，是從上海起家。兩個世紀以來，上海一直都是商業和宗教的中心。過去兩年，在上海接受洗禮的基督徒當中，60%有大學程度，其中海外歸國學人占 1/4。在中國，一般人對基督徒的印象為沒有文化水平的迷信者，讓我們特別為這個變化與新的肢體感恩，求神使用他們，在這日趨商業化的都市裏做光做鹽。
星期三
最近一個文學網 站所發起的“影響青少年的作家排行榜”結果出爐，在這排行榜上的不是傳統名作家，而是20-30歲的當紅新人，他們寫作主題多半圍繞著青少年的校園生活、 感情及成長事跡。“中國年輕信徒在讀什麽呢？”，“是誰在影響中國年輕一代的信徒呢？”這些都是值得深思的問題。我們求神興起更多能毫不自私地服事，而且 願意爲主完全擺上的人，來成爲能夠讓中國年輕信徒學習效法的榜樣。
星期四
讓孩子從小學就 開始住校在中國已經日趨普遍，學童只能在周末回家。許多父母親相信這樣能更能的培育孩子的讀書習慣。但是，孩子自小（6-10歲之間）與父母分開，父母和 教會都失去了影響下一代屬靈生命的機會。讓我們為著因不得已而與孩子分開的父母，仍能在信仰上成爲孩子的榜樣來禱告，也求主保守這些孩子，在周末與家人團 聚時有美好的教會生活，沐浴在天父永遠無比的愛中。
星期五
近月來台灣一連 串罷免總統運動，無論是支持或是反對方都舉辦多場大型活動。政治人物在演説中以神明，上蒼，或上帝之名為自己的政治理念背書的情形明顯的加增，也有教會因 會友或牧師個人言論而被貼上政治標籤，社會中彼此對立的情況不斷升高。讓我們特別為台灣與特別同為神國子民的弟兄姊妹們禱告，求親自神縫補這個裂痕，也藉 著教會帶來醫治與和諧。
星期六
中國政府鼓勵人 民晚婚，法定的結婚年齡：男的不得早於22歲，女的為20歲。但是，少數民族的結婚年齡通常都很低，他們的法定可婚年齡被降低為：男20，女18。然而， 與少數民族結婚的漢人仍必須嚴格遵照較高的年齡規定。西南部的少數民族中有許多基督徒。讓我們特別為這些少數民族的年輕信徒家庭禱告，求神賜他們成熟的屬 靈生命，幫助建立基督化家庭，也在教會忠心的服事。
星期日
在2005年， 新出版的基督教中文書籍有470冊，其中超過半數（3/5）為北美暢銷書的譯本。中文基督教書籍出版量年增約50本（從370本，420本，到470 本），反觀基督徒人口總人數卻沒有顯著的改變，因為”市場”狹小，經營基督教出版社實在是個很大的挑戰。讓我們為基督教中文出版社及基督徒作家來禱告，求 神藉著他們帶出更多具挑戰和啟發性的出版品來激勵中國信徒，而僅僅只是一味的追隨和仿效外國異文化的時尚觀念。
星期一
一部名稱為“留 學生”的電視系列紀實片，將於十月份播出。到海外留學是許多中國學生的夢想，因爲這將能夠改變一個人的一生，甚至全家人的幸福。留學生在海外很自然地有許 多機會接觸基督教，成爲基督徒則是可能的“副產品”。讓我們特別記念已經成爲基督徒的留學生，為他們生命的更新和靈命的成長代禱，求主復興他們並能忠心的 為主做見證，帶領更多學生歸主。

Prayer Request 9/26 --10/2

Tuesday
Wu yi, the vice premier of China, was voted by Forbes as the 3rd most powerful woman in the world. Known as the "iron lady of China," Wu Yi is a firm and direct negotiator, who unlike her colleagues refuses to dye her graying hair black. Miss Wu is single and devotes her whole day to work. Let us pray for wisdom for her as the leader of the nation. We too remember all the single church workers who give their best and their lives for the Master .

Wednesday
Jackie Chan is probably the best known Chinese philanthropist who makes the most of his high visibility and fundraising ability. In a recent interview, Chan said he has been cheated by people who took advantage of him many times. Chinese in general hold a cynical view of those who give to charitable causes and are suspicious of those who seek help. Such an attitude is also common among believers. Let us pray for wisdom as believers learn to live out the compassion of Jesus Christ .


Thursday
Wu yi, the vice premier of China, is 67 years old. The official retirement age in China is “Manager: male, 60, female 55. Worker, male 55, female 50.” Such limits ensure job openings for young people. Many are forced to retire and start a second career. There are many 50 years old and older church members who are retired and able to help out in ministries. Let us pray for this huge group who with trainings and Biblical equipping can be a great work force for God .

Friday
Mao and the President are not the “the most familiar faces in China.” Surprisingly, they are the faces of the hosts and hostesses of China Central TV (CCTV). Several of them host the highly anticipated annual events which command a viewing rate of 80-90%. Who are the most familiar names associated with China churches? The answer varies depending on who one asks. Let us prayerfully watch God raise a new generation of powerful believers who preach His Words, impacting the intellectuals and bridging closure to the past hurts .

Saturday
Why is TV programming produced by Hunan TV so popular? Each province in China has its own TV network. Hunan TV owes its success to being innovative and appealing to young people with such hits like the “Super Female Voice” talent contest. Christianity in China needs badly to reach the younger generation. The impression of churches is still of the peasants and uneducated. Let us pray for all the churches and house groups who outreach specifically to the students and young professionals .

Sunday
A private school operated by parents in Shanghai was shut down for unapproved curriculum. It teaches some well-known Chinese classics, Shakespeare's “A Midsummer Night's Dream” for English, and yoga and tai chi for physical education. Christian parents in China have very little resources to teach their children. Finding a copy of Bible stories with pictures is priceless and a dream for many parents. Let us pray for people with vision to provide this need with translation and copyrights .

Monday
Japanese are crazy about Chinese movies. In fact, Japan has become the most important foreign market. Big hits like “Hero” and “The House of Flying Daggers” brought in revenues 5 times more in Japan than the rest of Asia. Japanese appreciation of Chinese culture and media is not reciprocated in China because of the memory of war atrocities. But, with so many Chinese working and study in Japan, let us pray for the raising up of Chinese to share the Gospel in Japan .

星期二
中國副總理吳儀，在最近的《福布斯》雜誌推選的世界100女強人排行榜中名列第三。她頭髮白了也不染黑，談判風格鐡性十足，堪稱鐡娘子。吳儀單身，她把所有時間都投在工作上。讓我們禱告副總理能有智慧來領導中國，也記念單身，願意把最自己完全獻給主的肢體，求神祝福並在事奉的道路上與他們親密同行。

星期三
藝壇大哥成龍以高曝光率和籌善款力見稱，可説是華人知名度最高的慈善家。他在採訪裏表示，做慈善事業曾多次被人欺騙。中國人普遍懷疑善心人士的動機，對援助者的真偽也存疑。連基督徒在社區慈善服務時，也常會感到困惑，求神賜給信徒聰明智慧分辨和處理，發揚神的大慈愛，高舉基督耶穌的聖名。

星期四
爲保障年輕人的工作機會，官方的管理幹部退休標準是男60女55；職工男55女50。67歲的中國副總理吳儀雖已過退休年齡，但仍活躍政壇。目前有很多正值壯年卻被迫退休的人開始了第二個事業。尤其是許多50歲領了退休金後的信徒在教會積極參與各種服事，成為教會的主力軍。讓我們特別為這一大群黃金銀髮族禱告，求神在事奉的各項需要上裝備他們，成爲拓展神國事工的精兵。


星期五
在中國，人們最熟悉的面孔不再是毛澤東也非國家總理，答案竟是中央電視的節目主持人。他們的名字家喻戶曉，主持全國收視率高達80-90%的年度大型節目。論到中國教會，人們會聯想到誰呢？答案雖因回答者的立埸而異，但我們仍懇切禱告，求神興起滿有屬靈生命的新一代信徒，讓他們不但能有力傳講神的話，也能影響新一代的知識分子，並撫平人們過去所受的種種創傷。

星期六
爲什麽湖南電視臺製作的節目特別受歡迎？中國有中央電視臺，每個省也有自己的電視臺。但是湖南電視臺能夠在堅持「不做有害節目」的原則下，創新突破，貼近大衆喜好，吸引年輕觀眾群，比如製作「超級女聲」。中國的教會也必須更觸及年輕人的需要。目前教會整體上一向給人印象是偏向屬於農村、農民或低教育水平。讓我們特別為中國教會禱告，尤其針對學生和職青的事工，求神親手引領。

星期日
上海由家長創辦的一所私立學校—孟母堂，日前因被定為違法辦學而關閉。他們教學課程包括易經，道德經，等古典文學和莎士比亞的仲夏夜之夢等，體育課則教瑜伽或太極。中國的基督徒父母教導孩子的資源不多，一本圖畫聖經故事書，已是父母們夢寐以求的無價寶。我們求神感動更多有前瞻有異象的信徒，從事著作、翻譯適合兒童或年輕人的基督教書籍，在文字事工領域為主嬴得下一代。

星期一
日本人對中國電影的風靡使日本成爲中國電影工業最重要的海外市場。影片如「英雄」，「十面埋伏」，在日本的票房收入是其他亞洲地區的５倍。相對於日本人對中國文藝和電影的喜好，中國人卻因日本人在二戰時的暴行而厭惡日本。不過現在仍有許多中國人在日本求學或工作。我們禱告神醫治、釋放中國人的戰爭傷害，並且興起基督徒向這些僑居日本的中國人傳福音。

Prayer Request 9/19 -- 9/25

Tuesday
The Chinese language is ever evolving. Every few months new terminologies or abbreviated phrases become instant buzz words. Some are political terms while others are popular and memorable phrases and yet others are packed with emotion. The term "Super Girls" describes the near-frenzy in China about the yearly televised nationwide talent competition. Churches in China are changing just as quickly. Let us remember the many new churches that consist mostly of college students springing up in numerous cities .

Wednesday
Right now the number one prime time TV show in China, a drama with full ancient Chinese costumes, is "The Qiao's Mansion" which is the story of a business man who valued moral uprightness and trust above personal gain. Many would say that it is difficult to find a business man in China with good ethics. We pray for all believers who own businesses. May the Lord use them as great witnesses who even lead their clients and customers to Christ .

Thursday
Yung Wing was the first Chinese student to study abroad. After he studied English for three years, he then graduated from Yale in four years before going home and becoming a well-known educator there. Foreign-trained Chinese intellectuals have a profound effect on the direction of the course that China takes. Let us pray for all who have studied and accepted Jesus abroad. May the Lord continue to strengthen their faith as they live it out in an often hostile environment .

Friday
Thirty years after the founding of the People's Republic of China and 130 years after the first Chinese student studied in Yale, the first group of students (50) arrived in the United States in 1978. In the past thirty years more than 700,000 students from the PRC have studied abroad but only 140,000 have returned to their native country. This trend of studying abroad will continue. Let us pray for all the churches that are caring for new groups of students through various ministries and special meetings as they arrive in the US. We give thanks for all the new students who will become believers this Fall .

Saturday
The average pay for foreign-trained Chinese professionals who return to China has dropped steadily as more returnees (hai gui) compete for the available jobs. The pay was once highly lucrative but the amount has steadily decreased by 10,000 yuan a year. In 2003, it was 43,000 yuan a year ($5,200 US).Many returnees have started Bible study groups, Sunday schools, and worship services in their homes. Many have returned only for the purpose of sharing their faith and planting churches. We pray for all the churches under their unique leadership .

Sunday
Working and living in China as a "hai gui" (foreign-trained professional returnee) is not necessarily cheap. Food is cheap but housing and owning a car in Beijing and Shanghai is very expensive. Education of their children in private schools can take a third of their salaries. The main obstacle for all who desire to serve in China is to find a good school and then pay for that education. We pray for all the international schools that cater to foreigners and returnees who are there with the sole purpose of serving God in China .

Monday
In China, to have a housekeeper costs about 600-800 yuan (less than $100.US) a month. Many foreigners and Chinese expatriates (hai gui) employ them and treat these "A Yi" (aunties) just like members of their own families. Many of these aunties who work for families of believers have come to faith in the Lord because of the love and kindness shown them by their employers. Let us pray for the powerful witness these believing families can have in their homes and to their neighbors .

星期二
中國的語言和文字變化日新月異，每隔數月就有新詞彙、流行語或簡稱名詞產生。它們衍生於廣泛流行的政治術語、附帶情緒的語辭、紀念詞句，及大量新聞傳媒內容。如去年全國最瘋狂的歌唱比賽就產生了「超女」一詞。國內教會也同樣隨著社會形態和需要迅速變化。尤其興起了很多以大學生爲主的新生教會。求神幫助他們在屬靈上茁壯成長，在社會中作鹽發光，使更多大學生和知識分子得到救恩的福樂。

星期三
中國中央電視的黃金檔大劇「喬傢大院」自開播以來即迅速躥紅。此劇描述一名傳奇晉商結合義、信、利且把利排在最後，實現了救民富國的抱負。因有很正面的價值觀和處世態度，而大受歡迎。人說在中國難找到有道德良心的正直商人。讓我們為所有基督徒商人禱告，求神保守他們有正直的心，能在生意往來的客戶或主顧中爲主作見證，領人歸主。

星期四
中國首位海外留學生容閎于1847年抵美。他先念了三年英語，四年後畢業於耶魯大學，繼而歸國成了知名的教育家。歷來從海外回來的「海歸」能對中國發展的整個方向產生極大的影響力。讓我們為留學生禱告，求神讓他們有機會接受主，也求主在艱難的環境中堅固學生信徒的信心，透過聚會團契彼此扶持成長。

星期五
中共建國30年後，於1978年首次官派留學人員（50位）赴美，與首位留學先驅赴美相距130年。在過去這三十年來出國留學的中國學員總數約70萬，學成回國的只有14萬人。未來出國留學的趨勢仍會繼續。讓我們為海外的教會能為這些留學生準備各樣福音事工和聚會來禱告，使他們能聽到福音信主並且得到靈命上的造就，將來回國能繼續傳播、栽種、收割福音的禾場。

星期六
隨著中國職業市場競爭日劇。海外歸國者的年薪已從90年代幾十萬人民幣高薪，逐年降低至2003年的4萬三（5千美元）。很多城市裏都有「海歸」基督徒開辦的查經班、主日學、甚至有家庭聚會和崇拜，帶領了很多人信主。也有很多人回國並不是爲了賺錢，而是要向國人傳福音、建立教會。求神保守帶領這些海歸信徒，祝福他們手中一切的善工。

星期日
海歸在國內要維持與國外相當的生活水平並不容易。因爲除了食物外，其餘開銷包括房子和車子都非常昂貴。單單教育費就佔了許多人1/3的薪水，因爲回國的孩子需要上私立學校。這都是令有心返國者卻步的難題。感謝神，目前國內有十多間專為外國人或海歸子女設立的國際學校，其宗旨是提供在中國服事者的孩子適當的教育。求神繼續為有志服事主的人開路，能進一步解決他們孩子的教育及生活適應問題。

星期一
國內雇一個管家（阿姨）的費用約600-800元人民幣，很多外國人和海歸都會請管家。很多在基督徒家庭工作的阿姨也成了信徒，因為神透過這些僱主對她們流露出主耶穌的愛和恩慈。讓我們記念所有國外歸國的人，尤其是基督徒家庭，無論在家或在外，求神透過他們向周遭的人及鄰居、朋友都有美好的信仰見証帶出神的慈愛恩典，領人歸主。

Prayer Request 9/12 -- 9/18

Tuesday
Officials in Taiyuan, Shanxi recently prosecuted the biggest Chinese porn website. It had more than ten million hits daily with 619,000 registered users--mostly middle school students. The government has crack down on Internet porn but with only limited success. Christian youth and adults face the same temptations as others but churches have been slow to address this problem. Let us pray for the guarding of hearts for all of us and especially for Christian Chinese youth .

Wednesday
In the new casinos in Macau, Chinese are the biggest gamblers. In spite of the fact that the Communist Party has warned that any party members caught gambling will lose their membership, thirty to forty year-old young men from Guangdong, Shanghai, and Beijing donned in polo shirts and slacks wager staggering amounts of money. Chinese people love to gamble. Let us pray for this age-old sin of our people and that of the ten million Chinese visitors to Macau every year, that some will come to know the Lord through the churches in Macau .

Thursday
Talents wasted? A recent report claims 25 million college graduates are not working at the level of their education. The government has expanded the number of those who are allowed to enroll in college so a college diploma does not guarantee a job at all. Many, if not all Chinese believers, still consider serving God full time is a waste of their talents. The prevailing attitude is often that it is all right to give God one's second best. Let us pray that God will correct this mentality in the Chinese churches in general and in those who will be serving the Lord full-time after college this Fall .

Friday
A book was recently published in which a high-ranking Party official who claimed he had read the Bible three times and an American evangelist each gave his own view on creation, spiritual beliefs in China, and the relation between religion and science. We praise the Lord that in many concrete ways China is opening to a public discussion of faith. Chinese intellectuals have always been willing to talk about Christianity but let us pray for true acceptance of Christendom on a wider scale .

Saturday
Only a few zoos in the world have pandas. The exclusive, if not prestigious status, comes with a high price tag. Each host zoo must pay China $1,000.000 US per panda as the loan fee. The Chinese government also collects a $600,000 one-time fee for each baby panda born. Given her recent prosperity, many would question whether churches in China still need foreign assistance. Let us pray for more Chinese churches in the cities and overseas willing to give and assist the poorer rural churches.

Sunday
“The Dream of the Red Chamber” is a Chinese literary classic being re-released in film recently. The producer has great anxiety in staying true to the original story, managing a high- quality cast of 448 characters and meeting the expectation of critical viewers. Making a change in China churches just as difficult as the younger generation looks to invigorate worship and preaching. Let us pray for vitality of China churches and those who wish to breathe air of freshness in worship and outreach .

Monday
Experts say that 40% of Chinese divorces involve domestic violence. There is a long-standing history of violent beating of Chinese wives. These women, however, are generally too ashamed to reveal or report abuse at home. The divorce rate has been reaching new highs each year which shows us the underlying brokenness of the family structure in modern China. We need to uplift Chinese families with our prayers and pray for churches and believers who will speak not merely against violence but give a Biblical solution to it .

星期二
中國最大的色情網站起訴案，在山西太原開庭。該網站累計會員近62萬人，每天點擊率高達一千多萬次，會員絕大多數是未成年的中學生和青少年。雖然政府不斷在網路肅黃，總是道高一尺魔高一丈。其實成年或青少年基督徒們也同樣會面對這些誘惑，但很多教會對這類問題回應遲緩。讓我們求神保守弟兄姊妹的心，特別是年輕的信徒們，能靠著神勝過少年人的私慾。

星期三
澳門各類新穎賭場中，揮金如土的中國富豪已成為最大宗的顧客。雖然當局去年已對全國黨員和公務員發布了賭博禁令，「中國錢」仍源源不斷地湧入澳門。其中尤以上著馬球衫，下穿休閒褲30到40歲的年輕賭客最爲惹眼。中國人特別好賭，每年跨界赴澳的內地游客高達1千萬人次。讓我們爲同胞這長久以來的罪性禱告，求神憐憫這些遊客，興起澳門的教會在當地的福音事工，使他們有機會接觸福音，悔改接受基督而脫離罪的捆綁。

星期四
報告顯示中國大學畢業生低就者多達2千5百萬人，嚴重人才浪費歸因於高校的開放，畢業人數增加，卻造成了「讓猴子去游泳、讓鴨子去爬樹」的失調的情況。信徒中仍普遍有全職間事奉神是浪費的偏差觀念，「把次好的獻給神」來應付或搪塞便可。我們懇求神的憐憫來改變信徒種種不正確的心態。也爲秋季即將進入神學院裝備的神學生們代禱。求神在知識、品格、靈命上陶塑他們，立志以耶穌基督的服事為榜樣。

星期五
新書《一個無神論者和基督徒之間的友好對話》是由美國名佈道家，與宣稱曾讀過三遍聖經的政府官員合著的。感謝神，現在中國對宗教的態度已開放到能通過公開管道討論信仰。中國知識份子一向對基督教很感興趣，但往往僅當作一種知識而不願將耶穌與自己的生命相連。讓我們祈求神的憐憫與聖靈的工作，讓他們能看見除了神以外生命是別無出口，願意放下自我來相信和接受耶穌基督的救恩，認識獨一的真神。

星期六
全世界只有幾個特別的動物園有熊猫。其實這些熊猫每年每頭需付給中國政府1百萬美元爲「租借」費。而且每頭熊猫寶寶誕生，中國政府就可獲得60萬美元。近年中國經濟的蓬勃發展，開始有檢討中國教會是否仍需國外的資助的聲音。我們求神讓國內城市教會及海外教會能看貧窮農村教會在各方面的匱乏，願意繼續提供支援和急需的幫助。

星期日
曾拍成經典電視劇的中國古典名著《紅樓夢》，最近因重拍而引發各界疑慮：一怕演員不够水準，需要遴選要角多達108人；二怕「改編」變成「胡編」難於兼顧創新和忠於原著，更怕難以超逾前部。同樣的，在中國教會要求更新或改變也非常困難。年輕一代想帶動事工更活潑，保守者守著一些傳統不放。讓我們爲中國教會禱告，求神在敬拜和講台注入屬靈的活力和氣息，也賜有心突破的年輕人耐心，等候神的時間和作為。

星期一
在中國的離婚案中，40%涉及家庭暴力，男人打老婆的事件非常普遍，受害婦女基於「家醜不可外揚」，也多半默默忍受而不報警。現代中國的離婚率正逐年提高，家庭破裂情况加劇。我們禱告神托住中國的家庭，使教會和信徒不但願意關注家暴問題，也能提供符合聖經原則的教導，來防止家暴及協助解决家庭糾紛。

Prayer Request 9/5 --9/11

Tuesday
In 2005 the Chinese Communist Party which says it will continue to improve the education of its members expelled 44,738 members for corruption. The total party membership is about 70.8 million and they add about 2.3 million new members each year. Unfortunately there are Christian workers who fall and even abuse the sheep God has entrusted to them. We take this time to remember the congregations who suffer such hurt and those who need the deep love of Jesus and His forgiveness to recover .

Wednesday
In the name of promoting the local economy, Fujian Province allows the children of "big taxpayers" to get 20 points more in their senior high school entrance exam than other students. A "big taxpayer" is a businessman who turns over more than 3,000,000 yuan (US$375,000) to the local government annually. It is getting harder to find equality as the wealth gap widens. Let us pray for contentment among believers and their continuing trust in God since many Christians have become greedy and lost their fervent love for the Lord.

Thursday
In the USA, 68% of the people own their own homes, in England, 67% but in China 81% of the people own their homes. Beneath this seemingly rosy picture experts warn that 40% of people on high incomes own two or more houses and 60% of those on low incomes can barely afford their houses. Unregistered churches have chosen to buy apartments for meeting purposes but ownership is still a difficult issue because their churches are not recognized. Let us pray for the congregations who are looking for and buying their own meeting places. May the Lord add to the number of saved souls .

Friday
Two groups who are at risk of HIV infections are drug users and sex workers and often these two groups overlap. Xinjiang (30%), Yunnan (22.5%), and Guangxi (20%) lead the nation of China in terms of drug addicts who are HIV infected. Some Christian agencies are involved in the treatment of drug addiction and AIDS in Yunnan but not in other areas. We pray for more of these kinds of co-operative ventures as well as the eternal salvation of those who are freed from their addiction .

Saturday
Millions of young women work in factories that power the economy of China through exports. They work for fewer than 400 yuan ($50.US) a month. A new law guarantees fifteen days off before the birth of a child but has no provision for nursing the child longer than a month.It is very difficult for a working woman to be a mother. We pray for strength and joy for all believers who juggle the roles of motherhood and work, even those who shepherd a congregation .

Sunday
China has implemented a new ticketing system for her railways which allows online purchase of tickets and group discounts. Many people still prefer traveling by train since it avoids traffic congestion, is affordable, and there are many overnight sleeper trains. Church workers often travel by train for either business or ministry. We ask the Lord to protect them from the ever-present temptation to sexual sin on these trips .

Monday
In the three provinces in northeast China there was a massive layoff in many factories owned by the government about ten years ago. Some cities suffered unemployment of up to 30% and the lives of those who lost their jobs have been difficult. Many of the churches in these regions have also suffered when the believers lost their jobs. However, teams of missionaries from these regions continued to work and started many churches near the borders of Korea and in the West of China. We thank the Lord for their perseverance and faithfulness.

星期二
中國共產黨員已達到近7千萬，每年還有230萬新黨員加入。中共近年來嚴厲對付黨員腐敗案，黨中央表示，2005年被處理出黨的黨員有將近4萬5千名。很不幸，中國教會也有很多跌到的工人，這些牧者非但沒有盡忠牧養神所託管的羊群，反而還傷害他們。讓我們為牧者能忠心作合神心意的服事禱告，也求神特別醫治受傷的信徒，並賜他們有來自神的饒恕能力。

星期三
在包括福建省在内許多個地方，以提倡地方經濟為名，讓所謂「納稅大戶」的子女在高中入學考試上獲得加分（500分總分中獲加20分）。「納稅大戶」的資格為每年向政府納稅超過300万人民幣(US$375,000)的大亨。中國貧富差距越來越大，人民要得到平等待遇也越來越難。讓我們特別求主保守信徒們都能有知足之心繼續依靠神，別讓金錢分薄了我們對主單一的愛。

星期四
2005年中國的私宅擁有率高達81%，比起美國68%和英國67%，似乎中國人更有能力擁有自己的房子。但是專家提醒，事實上有40%擁有高薪的人擁有2棟以上的房子，另外60%低收入者仍負擔不起私宅。國內一些教會也有欠缺聚會場所的難題，因爲房子的擁有權取決於教會註冊與否。讓我們為正欲尋找購買自己聚會所的肢體禱告，求神帶領他們，並添加他們得救的人數。

星期五
中國感染艾滋病率最高的兩大群體，乃是嗜毒者和性工作者，這兩群人多是重疊的。吸毒者感染艾滋病率最高的地區分別是新疆（30%）雲南（22.5%）廣西（20%），按艾滋病累計報告病例則雲南列第一。有些基督教機構在雲南參與戒毒和協助艾滋病治療。我們禱告能有更多此類與政府合作的福音機構產生，也求神使吸毒者不僅能成功戒毒，更能得到永生福份。

星期六
中國有上百萬名年輕女性在工廠勞動，是中國經濟的原動力。她們的月薪少於400人民幣($50美元)。新的法律規定給予女工15天的產前假，卻沒有給超過一個月的產假。職業女性當上母親後常面對很多困難。有許多基督徒帶職母親，不僅身負母親和工作上的責任，更要負責照顧她們的教會，牧養會衆。讓我們為她們禱告，求主賜她們健康、能力與智慧。

星期日
中國鐵路局開始實施新的鐵路售票系統，提供網上購票和團體優惠票。由於火車既不堵車又實惠，加上有臥鋪車，坐夜車睡一覺就到達目的地，因此在中國仍是很受歡迎的交通工具。許多在中國從事培訓工作的教會同工常需要乘火車四處旅行。讓我們記念這些經常外出公幹遠行的信徒，求神加添他們體力、保護他們平安，更保守他們不會落入無所不在的色情誘惑和試探之中。

星期一
十年前中國東北三省有大量的國營工業工廠倒閉，導致成千上萬的人失業，城市失業率高達30%，許多人的生活陷入困境。這些區域裏，許多信徒“下崗”—失去工作，教會也受到影響。但是這裡許多教會和宣教團隊，卻更加活躍地工作，在韓國邊界和中國西部建立了許多教會。我們為10年來堅韌不拔忠心服事的東北教會和宣教士們來感謝神，求神繼續祝福、借重他們的手來拓展神的國。