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。