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。