Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Prayer Request 12/25 -- 12/31

Tuesday
Being a "human rights lawyer" means a saint-like status in China. Human rights lawyers have defended many high-profile cases, based on the rights and religious freedoms offered by China's Constitution. Such tactics have endeared them to the people but not to the local officials. By nature Chinese do not like to stir up trouble and are quite likely to overlook injustice. We pray for a sense of justice, compassion such as what Jesus had, and a willingness to defend the persecuted in the hearts of all believers.

Wednesday
Television came to China in 1958 and currently about 95% of households there have TV. Chinese audiences are particularly fond of dramas so each year there are nearly 500 series or 10,000 episodes shown over 363 stations. Many believers are literally addicted to TV drama and spend all evening every day watching it. Let us pray for the many believers who are unable to break their habit of watching TV even to the extent of disrupting family lives and neglecting their children and church attendance.

Thursday
China’s Defense University recently celebrated its 80th anniversary. Since the Sino-Japanese war, this elite school has produced high-ranking, well-educated leadership for the People Liberation Army. Government-approved seminaries and Bible schools provide all the pastors in the Three-Self churches. Let us pray for all the teachers and ask the Lord to give them not only wisdom in imparting Bible knowledge but also passion for churches and close personal walks with Christ.

Friday
One expert has said that “the gap of wealth in China is at an unacceptable level.” While absolute poverty may still exist, relative poverty is the overwhelming social concern. Rising costs of living, education costs and medical expenses are outpacing incomes.Many believers feel despondent and wonder why God has not blessed them with more material goods. We pray for all those who have financial burdens and struggle to believe that God is faithful. May we all find Him to be sufficient in all ways.

Saturday
Confucianism is enjoying resurgence in China as more and more people seek ways to adapt to a culture in which corruption is rampant and materialism has become a driving value. For many Chinese a system of ethical teaching that stresses the importance of avoiding conflict and respect for hierarchy makes perfect sense. Many Chinese feel that Christianity is a Western religion and Confucianism appeals to their nationalistic pride. Let us pray for intellectual believers who will live out their faith and be a powerful testimony to the rest of the nation that Christ is indeed the answer to China's ills and problems.

Sunday
According to some people the rift between the Three-Self and house churches is narrowing. Some pastors have left the Three-Self Churches and are now serving house churches. In other cities believers in the house churches attend selective programs offered by the Three-Self churches. Let us pray for these “cross-over” believers. May the glory of God be magnified and their spiritual gifts used to edify more believers wherever they are.

Monday
It has been a boom year in the Chinese stock and real estate market. It seems that everyone believes that the government will not pop the present bubble of euphoria before the 2008 Olympic Games. Churches in China have endured persecution and survived attacks by occult forces but they are doing poorly combating the present torrent of materialism. May the Lord's mercy protect all of us against materialism and the Chinese churches from becoming merely lukewarm groups of people.

星期二
中國的維權律師猶如聖人。他們根據憲法所予的權益和宗教自由,打勝了多起著名官司。此舉雖得不到地方官員的認同,卻令他們贏得百姓的愛戴。中國人向來明哲保身,怕惹麻煩,對於社會上諸多不公不義的現象常常視若無睹。我們為信徒能夠胸懷基督的憐憫和公義之心、願為受屈者打抱不平來禱告。

星期三
1958年誕生了中國第一家電視臺,至今95%的家庭擁有電視。觀衆特愛看電視劇,因此,全國363座電視臺每年播放將近500部、總數超過1萬集的電視劇。很多弟兄姐妹看電視成癮,每天晚上都守在電視機旁,欲罷不能。有的甚至為看電視影響家庭生活,忽略了孩子,也不上教會。讓我們為他們能操練節制來禱告,求神使他們能夠有智慧安排生活優先次序。

星期四
國防大學80周年校慶。自抗日戰爭迄今,國防大學為人民解放軍注入了高教育水平的指揮員和中堅分子。三自教會所有的牧師傳道都來自受政府批准的聖經學院。讓我們為聖經學院所有的教師禱告,求主不但賜他們傳授聖經知識的智慧,也對主的教會充滿熱忱、並且個人樂於與基督親密同行。

星期五
有專家警告:「中國的貧富懸殊已經大到多數人無法接受的地步」。現在「絕對貧窮」的情況雖有改善,但「相對貧困」的社會現象更受到關注。老百姓的收入難追節節上升的生活費、教育費和醫療費。一些信徒在經濟的重壓下無法感受神在物質生活上的信實供應,求神讓祂的兒女們無論在任何境遇,都能以信心的眼睛看到祂預備的豐足。

星期六
社會上貪腐行爲猖獗、物質主義操控了價值觀,人們開始尋找因應之道,因而近來儒學在中國復興起來。這個強調以和為貴,尊重等級權次的道德制度對多數中國人而言是最佳選擇。許多中國人認爲基督教是西方宗教,儒學才能夠滿足他們的民族自尊。我們祈禱信主的知識分子能夠把信心活出來,成為強而有力的見證,讓國人看到基督纔是解決中國通病的唯一藥引。

星期日
據觀察目前的三自教會和家庭教會之間的嫌隙正逐漸縮減。有些離開三自的牧者服事於家庭教會,某些城市裡家庭教會的信徒也選擇性地參加三自教會舉辦的節目。讓我們為這些「跨教會」的牧者及信徒禱告,求神引導他們無論置身何在,都使神的名被彰顯,又用他們的恩賜造就更多信徒。

星期一
過去一年,中國房地產及股市大漲。每個人似乎都瘋迷炒地產、股票,百姓們都相信政府在2008奧運之前不會讓經濟下降。過去經歷過風雨、異端和逼迫仍堅立不倒的中國教會,目前卻面臨更大的挑戰和衝擊,那就是追求富足和物質享受的誘惑。求主憐憫保守每個信徒都能勝過這一關,不讓教會陷入不冷不熱的景況。

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

PRayer Request 12/18 -- 12/24

Tuesday
33,000 people made decisions to follow Christ after a series of large evangelistic meetings held in Hong Kong. Since the island returned to China's administration in 1997, there have been large gatherings by people of all faiths, including Buddhism and Taoism. Let us pray for churches in Hong Kong as they continue to be a powerful witness in their communities and to the neighboring Guangdong province. Hong Kong is a vital link for church work in China and we pray for their missionary efforts.

Wednesday
Foreign-born Chinese whose mother tongue is English face discrimination in China. Parents in China prefer and even demand Caucasians to teach English to their children, even though some of them are not native English speakers. Many foreign-born Chinese have returned to their native land to work. We pray for those who are there with a goal of winning other young Chinese to Christ as they actively work among college students who wish to learn English.

Thursday
Insisting on the truth and speaking out against abuse is not something for the faint-hearted, especially in China where money and power converge. A few influential lawyers and writers have spoken out and defended those who were wrongly treated. Many of these people are Christians or are sympathetic to the plight of Chinese churches. Let us remember all who can not enjoy freedom and normalcy of life because of their faith for God and conviction that the Bible is true.

Friday
Without a doubt, television is the number one medium in China. What keeps the Chinese glued to their tubes? News and a whopping 489 new soap operas per year, with an average of 21 episodes per soap opera. Perhaps this is one big reason churches are discontinuing, formerly full-attended, evening services. Let us remember all the churches that still have mid-week services and, especially, prayer meetings. May the Lord use these faithful to be powerful watchmen for their flocks.

Saturday
Working for the government is an attractive and appealing option. Last year half a million people took the "hottest examination in China" to become a government employee hoping to get a plump position with job security and good pay. Very few seminary students know where they will serve after graduation--in government or house churches. Let us remember their studying and involvement in churches as well as their spiritual walk with God, that they will not lose their passion to do God's work.

Sunday
China will soon become the country with the world's third highest economy. As recently as 1999 she ranked only seventh. Now she has passed Italy, France, and England. We look with great anticipation to see what God will do to use China's churches in His kingdom purposes. As Chinese gain in national pride, we pray that the believers will also see their role in world evangelism and no longer be just receivers but become generous givers.

Monday
Amid the huge tide of Chinese workers moving from country to city, as many as a million children have become separated from their parents. The state looks after perhaps 150,000 and the rest are presumable fending for themselves. Rural churches find themselves in the midst of this problem but are totally unable to help because of their limited recourses and dwindling membership. We lift up all the rural believers whose own families are separated because of their work situation. May the Lord give them wisdom in parenting and showing love to their children.

星期二
最近在香港舉行的六場基督教佈道大會,據統計共有三萬三千多人決志信主。香港自九七回歸後,多了許多公開性的佛教誦經會、道教弘道會等大型宗教聚會。讓我們為香港眾教會在社區和鄰近的廣東省繼續為主作強而有力的見證來禱告。目前香港已成為中國教會事工的重要樞紐,我們更為他們在宣教上的努力獻上感恩與代禱。

星期三
母語為英語的外籍華人在中國教授英語經常遭遇歧視。中國父母寧選「白人」教孩子英語,即使他們的主要母語並非英語。近年來,許多海外出生的華人回到故鄉找工作。當中有一些透過教導英語積極地接觸大學生,目的是爲主得人,讓我們特別為他們的工作和使命禱告,求主大大使用他們,將福音的種籽更深、更廣植入人心。

星期四
「堅持真理、維護正義、為受辱者出頭」這並非等閒軟弱之人膽敢為之,尤其在權與利掛帥的中國更是如此。近來一些有影響力的律師和作家不畏迫害,依法維權。當中有許多是基督徒,也有一些是基於同情中國教會的苦境,仗義挺身。讓我們也以禱告記念所有因著對基督的信仰以及堅信聖經是真理而失去自由和不能正常生活的信徒們。求神親自以厚恩和能力覆庇他們。

星期五
中國電視無疑是當今國內的「第一媒體」。是什麽能把人們牢牢的抓在螢光幕前?答案是新聞以及年產489部,平均每部21集的電視連續劇。這或許是導致國內教會紛紛取消一些過去晚間常滿的聚會的一大因素。讓我們為仍然繼續的週日聚會,特別是禱告會守望代求,願神幫助教會領袖成爲忠心又有能力的管家,有智慧和謀略來看守好神的羊群。

星期六
公務員的職位在中國炙手可熱,是最吸引畢業生的就業選擇。去年有多達50萬人報考全國公務員考試,盼能得著一隻金飯碗,使該項考試成了「中國第一考」。國內神學生很少知道自己畢業後的服事去向:是要在政府認可的教會服事還是其他類型的教會事奉。讓我們為他們的學習和教會生活禱告,求神保守他們常與神同行,服事神、做主工的熱忱和心志歷久常新。

星期日
1999年中國只是世界第7大經濟國,現已經超越了意大利,法國和英國。很快便能晉級為第三大。在慶幸領受神在經濟發展上的豐富賜福之際,深信神會大大使用中國人參與祂的國度計劃。當國人自信、自尊獲得急驟提昇時,我們祈禱中國信徒也能同時看到自己在世界宣教和佈道上應扮演的角色,學習敏銳神心意,操練施比受蒙福的慷慨付出。

星期一
中國民工從鄉下蜂擁至省市謀生,造成數以百萬的兒童與父母分開。政府能照顧到的兒童約15萬,其餘的只能靠自己自求多福了。農村教會置身這些問題之中卻苦無對策,畢竟他們資源有限,而且會友不斷流失。讓我們以禱告來托住所有因工作必須與家人分開的信徒和家庭。求神憐憫他們的景況,加添他們養育孩子的智慧,懂得如何向孩子表達他們的愛。

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Prayer Request 12/11--12/17

Tuesday
China bans exporting any cultural relics predating 1911; the prior regulation set the limits at 1795. 1911 saw the end of the Qing Dynasty, which serves as a convenient social marker for Chinese archeologists. Few Chinese believers know of the church’s heritage before 1949. We take this time to thank the Lord for all the missionaries who came to China and serve. May the Lord bless the descendants of all of China’s missionaries. We, too, pray that more will be inspired to serve because of their legacies.

Wednesday
Chinese ships and seamen make port calls around the world. In Vancouver, Canada, several churches minister to these lonely seamen and have led many, and even the entire ship’s crew, to Christ over the years. We thank the Lord and remember the many who are ministering to Chinese seamen. Their ministry involves giving out Christian literature, Bibles, music and DVDs, gaining the trust of the captain, and then sharing the Gospel with the crew.

Thursday
Durban is a typical South African city where Chinese are engaged in retail business of all kinds. Their stores are located in the worst areas of the city with mainly Black customers. Chinese work hard seven days a week, hoping to make it rich and return to their homeland. Such a hardworking ethic under great pressure and danger is typical of many Chinese in Africa and South America. Let us pray for the preparation of weary bodies and souls as local churches reach out to them.

Friday
Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi was ranked as the second most powerful woman in the world. She is credited as a tough negotiator and an effective international diplomat. In the Chinese church leadership, there are many women pastors who often lead delegations abroad. We pray for all the women church workers in China. In many regions, more than half of the leaders are women. We remember their service, their love for the Lord, their sheep, and their own family needs.

Saturday
The average Chinese newlywed couple spends about four years’ worth of their combined salaries on their wedding. An average wedding banquet has 20 tables with about 250 guests. A honeymoon is also now a must and costs almost half as much as the banquet. In Chinese churches, young couples who are both believers are rare, since many Christians marry non-believers. Let us pray for all the newlywed couples. May the Lord prepare and soften the hearts of the unbelieving spouses and may the believing spouse be a strong Christian witness.

Sunday
Young Chinese couples today are spending eight times more on their weddings than they spent twenty years ago. An average couple will spend nearly a year preparing for their big day. In eighty percent of the cases, parents will pay for the wedding. Most Christian parents find themselves unable to say much when their children decide to marry an unbeliever. Let us pray that they will have a good relationship with the new addition to the family and have a very positive influence in sharing Jesus with the new daughter- or son-in-law.

Monday
In many churches in China, it is nearly impossible to speak about giving an offering because many believers have the false notion that church workers should live totally by faith. They feel that getting a salary from a church is unspiritual. It is common that a pastor of a large church will receive only a small offering. Let us pray that all believers will dedicate not only their hearts but also their wealth to the Lord.

星期二
中國政府將文物出口的禁令從1795年改至1911年。1911年清朝正式覆亡,這正好給考古學者一個方便的標記。很少信徒會知道1949年之前的教會遺產。我們此時要為到中國服事的宣教士來向主感恩。願主祝福他們的後代,我們盼望他們所遺留下來的榜樣感動更多人出來服事。

星期三
中國的航運遍佈世界。加拿大的溫哥華有好些教會特設了「海員事工」向常年離鄉背井的中國船員傳福音。這些年來幫助了不少人,甚至整船的人員都歸向主。他們的事工包括贈送基督教書刊、聖經、和影音光碟等等,藉著取得船長的信任,進而有機會向全體船員傳講福音。讓我們為這個事工感恩,求主繼續大大使用和祝福他們,並供應一切所需。

星期四
德班是南非一個典型的城市,許多中國商人在該城治安最差,犯罪率高的地區從事各類商品批發和零售。在高度壓力和危險的環境下,一周辛勤工作7日無休,只盼儘快致富回鄉,是許多非洲和南美洲華裔的典型寫照。我們為這些身心靈皆疲憊的同胞禱告,求主預備他們的心,藉著當地的教會來得著他們,使他們獲得永恆的生命和盼望。

星期五
中國副總理吳儀名列世界最強的女人之地二位。她素以強勁的協商能力及有效的外交手腕見稱。中國教會有許多女傳道常負責帶領教會代表團隊出國。在國內一些地區,半數以上教會領袖是女性。我們特別為所有的中國女傳道禱告,求神保守她們的服事,還有自己家庭的需要,增添對神及所牧養的羊群的愛心。

星期六
一般中國新婚夫婦結婚的費用相當於兩人四年薪金總和。普通一場婚宴就要20席,宴請大約250賓客。蜜月也少不了,這費用又將近婚宴開銷的一半。中國教會的年輕人很少是夫妻雙方都信主的,因爲很多基督徒與非信徒結婚。讓我們為所有新婚夫婦禱告。求神在未信的配偶心中鬆土,並使信主的一方能有強而有力的基督徒見證。

星期日
現在的年輕中國夫婦花在結婚的費用是20年前結婚花費的8倍。平均每對夫妻會用上一年來爲此大日子做足籌備。而其中8成,其結婚費用和買房是靠父母幫補支付。多數基督徒父母當孩子決定跟非信徒結婚時,都無法多說什麽。我們祈禱他們與新的家庭成員有美好的關係,同時在分享基督救恩的事上,能以美好的生命見證和溫柔良善的品格產生正面的影響力。

星期一
許多教會都不能接受牧者主動提及奉獻,因爲信徒們誤認爲傳道人應該完全憑信心生活,向教會領取薪金便是不屬靈。大型的教會其牧者只領取很少的薪俸,是極爲普遍的現象。讓我們為此禱告,求神感動衆信徒不單向主獻上自己的心,同時也願意獻上自己的“金”(財富),使神的工人日用無缺。

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Prayer Request 12/4 --12/10

Tuesday
In 1978, America gave China a small lunar rock as a presidential gift. This year, China officially declared its circumlunar satellite Chang'e-1 a success after it transmitted photos of the surface of the moon. Such an accomplishment is a tremendous boost of national pride. Chinese churches are making strides in foreign missions too, sending workers to Africa, although mainly reaching Chinese there. Let us pray as more Chinese missionaries are equipped and supported to do cross-cultural missions.

Wednesday
Recently, several Chinese blockbuster films have grabbed worldwide attention. In the past, it was the martial art films that attracted Western curiosity. Now, ironically, it is the romance theme with plenty of love-making scenes that is grabbing attention. As China gets more exposure under the Olympic media attention, let us pray for all those who are preparing and finding opportunities to share and witness during the event. We pray specifically for those churches and Christians who will be interviewed by the foreign news media.

Thursday
Rural Chinese children are increasingly at risk of being sold or forced to become beggars, petty thieves or sex workers as their farmer parents flock to cities looking for work. Babies are abducted or bought from poor families and sold to childless couples. Some rural churches are finally seeing the need to have training for children’s Sunday School programs and teaching on Jesus at a young age. Let us pray for the need of 500,000 copies of such training materials.

Friday
Since the economic reform, China has created 150 million "New Social Class" people; they are private business owners and intellectuals like lawyers, doctors, accountants and managers. They are now the most influential segment of population and make a great social impact. Many believe Christians of this "New Social Class" will be the key to future Chinese churches. Let us pray for them, their love for Jesus, and their service in their churches.

Saturday
There are about 60,000 Chinese in Argentina and they are famous for running midsize supermarkets, 3,900 of them in all. The Chinese stores tend to have lower prices, stay open much longer and do not close on weekends. Working long hours make church ministry and discipleship effort very difficult as meeting times tend to be very late at night. The same thing can be said throughout Latin America. Let us pray for the evangelism effort and the spiritual growth of believers.

Sunday
Bribery and tax evasion are part of doing business in China. To reap profit one must use "connections" and make shady dealings. Bribery is accepted as part of the cost of business. Many Christian businessmen stay mum about it because they feel they must do it in order to survive. Let us pray for all believers as they struggle with these ethical issues. May we each have faith in God that He will not fail us as we are often swayed to compromise in these circumstances.

Monday
Urban Chinese churches have more resources than rural churches. Yet, in general, the quality of preachers could use more improvement, especially in preaching and pastoral care of those who are more educated and fervent believers. As a rule, pastors have little contact with believers and do not visit newcomers at all. Believers have little to do with pastors and do not understand the need of their shepherds. We pray for the improvement of shepherding and their skills.

星期二
探月衞星「嫦娥一號」傳送囘月球表面的照片後,中國正式宣佈人造衞星發射成功。美國曾在1978送給中國人民一塊只有一克重的月球岩石作爲禮物,此項成就對國家尊榮的提升,義意重大。中國教會在海外事工的參與也有大躍進,差遣工人到非洲,雖然主要對象是那裏的華人。讓我們為中國的宣教士能受到充足的裝備和支持從事跨文化宣教來禱告。

星期三
近來華人導演的電影都成功地取得國際間極大的關注。過去只有武術工夫片能引起西方人好奇,而今很諷刺的是:能夠捕捉世人眼光的,竟是充滿情色鏡頭的愛情片。當國際焦點轉向明年的北京奧運,讓我們為正為傳福音作準備以及尋找機會的弟兄姐妹們禱告。更要特別為可能接觸外國新聞媒體的教會和基督徒禱告,讓他們能有屬神的智慧對答合宜。

星期四
由於農村父母紛紛湧到城裏工作,鄉下兒童被賣、淪為娼妓、被迫從事行乞或苦役的人數急驟上升。拐賣或販賣嬰兒的事跡亦層出不窮。有些農村教會終於意識到兒童主日學從小教導孩童認識耶穌和聖經真理的重要。讓我們為目前急需五十萬份相關的訓練教材和有關資源來禱告。

星期五
自從經濟改革開放之後,中國創造了一億五千萬的「新社會階層」。他們大多是私人企業的老闆或律師、醫生、會計員和經理等的知識分子。他們現在儼然是中國社會中最有影響力的一群,能造成社會巨大的衝擊。「新社會階層」中的基督徒,更是牽引中國教會未來發展的關鍵。讓我們禱告他們能有顆愛主的心,承接主的異象和大使命,在所屬教會裡火熱服事主。

星期六
阿根廷現有大約6萬華裔,他們以經營中、小型超市為主,共達3,900家。一般而言,中國人經營的超市物品價格較低,營業時間較長,且週末無休。華人工作時間長,為當地教會的事工以及實行栽培訓練計畫增添很多困難。會議的時間必須訂在夜晚。同樣的情況也常見於拉丁美洲的華人教會。讓我們為這些地方的華裔福音工作,以及信徒的靈命成長來禱告。

星期日
在中國做生意,若不靠走私、不行賄的話,不單貨品的競爭力受影響,業務拓展更是寸步難行,常常要靠打通關係或賄賂才能順利過關。商人通常也會將賄款當為貨物成本的一部份,以逃避取締,甚至有些基督徒也是這樣做。求神保守基督徒商人能堅定遵照神的教導,持守公義正直不偏左右,並相信神 是不會讓他們羞愧的。

星期一
中國城市教會比鄉村教會資源豐富,然而牧者的屬靈素質仍需主的雕琢。尤其在講道、牧會、和關懷會眾中那些曾受高等教育和熱心追求的信徒上,都需要謙卑在主面前求恩典。他們普遍少與信徒連絡,甚至不探訪初信者,無法瞭解他們真正的需要。讓我們為城市教會的牧者禱告,求主賜恩,使他們在教會的管理、牧養、尤其在靈命上都能積極提升,成為忠心的好牧人。

Friday, November 30, 2007

Prayer Request 11/27 --12/3

Tuesday
The cost of living in China jumped nearly six and a half percent in October and the price of pork increased by fifty percent so the impression that everything is more expensive in everywhere. One thing is for sure and that is that salaries have not kept up with the cost of living and as a result many believers feel less generous in their giving. Let us pray for all who are living on a fixed income, especially the families of church workers, as we look to the Lord for peace in these economically troubled times.

Wednesday
Most house churches are small and in some regions several congregations fellowship together under a "small", "medium" or "large" umbrella. Then, at each level leaders are elected to be in charge of administration, teaching, fellowship, finances, or youth ministry. Let us pray for the leadership at each of these levels that they will be faithful stewards of their spiritual gifts, will have humble hearts and be protected from temptation to greed or sexual sin.

Thursday
According to media reporters, it is very difficult to tell whether the beggars in Chinese cities are "professionals" or truly needy. There are many stories of gangs of beggars from the villages and of their abusing handicapped people. Even Christians can become numb to the presence of the poor and needy so there are few churches reaching out to the homeless and poor with food and clothing. We thank the Lord for those who live out the compassion of Christ and mobilize their churches to reach out to the poverty-stricken.

Friday
Lei Fong is a legendary hero every school student is taught to imitate. “To learn from comrade Lei Fong” has been the most popular slogan for 44 years. Yet, in a survey, 30% of school kids failed to identify who Lei Fong was. Unfortunately, much of the children's ministry in Chinese churches is still in the stage of telling Bible stories. Teachers often fail to make a connection with Jesus and practical living. Let us pray that more children will come to know and accept Jesus in a very real way.

Saturday
There are about 40 million Muslims in China and the work of evangelism is very difficult. Workers must first build friendships and show love and care. Converts always face great pressure from their families and communities.The government strongly discourages any evangelistic work among Muslims. This ministry needs more workers as well as our fervent prayer support, especially for the converts.

Sunday
Churches in China's Northeast region have become a new force in the missionary effort. They have sent teams of workers to China's "Great Northwest" where few have heard of the gospel. These workers must make huge cultural adjustments and overcome difficulties. We uplift this missionary effort by the Chinese churches who are reaching out to ethnic minorities and to the far corners of China. They need our prayers to overcome hardship and loneliness in serving in these remote regions.

Monday
China is fast becoming a nation of cities. Within ten years population in cities will surpass that in the rural regions. The consequences of this urbanization are pollution, skyrocketing real estate prices, and a rise in the cost of education and living. Rural churches face a severe drop in membership and urban churches encounter huge hurdles in building up their congregations. Let us pray especially for churches in the so-called small and medium-sized cities where churches are few and weak.

星期二
10月份中國居民消費價格指數上漲6.5%,豬肉價格再次上漲54.9% ,予人到處都有通膨的印象。無論如何,人民的收入趕不上節節攀升的生活費,許多信徒因此在奉獻顯得軟弱。在經濟不景氣的時節,讓我們為所有依賴一份定薪生活的信徒禱告,特別是傳道人的家庭能仰望主賜下的平靜安穩。

星期三
傳統家庭教會大多數屬於小型教會,有些地區的教會開始彼此有連絡聚集,組成小、中、或大的管理層次,並按層次推選同工領袖分別負責治理、教導、聯絡、財務、青少年聚會等事工。我們為每一個部門的同工來禱告,願他們都能善用 神所託付的恩賜,建造神的家。也求主保守他們勝過驕傲、貪財和性引誘等試探。

星期四
根據媒體記者實地瞭解,中國城市裏大小乞丐真假難分。有的確實貧苦有需要,另一些卻是所謂「專業」乞討人。記者也記下許多從農村來的人成群結黨,利用殘疾者乞討的劣行。今天願意為窮困無家者供應衣食、向他們伸展福音觸角的教會少之又少。我們為一些信徒能夠活出基督慈愛和憐憫,又推動他們的教會去關懷貧病者感恩,求神激動更多信徒有同樣的心懷。

星期五
毛澤東「向雷鋒同志學習」題詞發表44週年,記者在「學雷鋒日」前夕,隨機調查發現三成的學童不知雷鋒是何人。中國教會的兒童事工目前大多仍滯留在講聖經故事的階段,缺乏把聖經生活化,或把耶穌與實際生活作出聯繫的教導。讓我們為教會裏所有的孩童們禱告,讓他們能透過紮實的主日學教導,認識並且接受耶穌基督。

星期六
向中國約四千萬的回教徒傳福音是件非常困難的事。建立友誼、表達關懷及愛心是傳福音的第一步。回教徒歸主者往往因家人及族群的敵視而面對龐大的壓力。此外,政府極不鼓勵任何向回教徒傳福音的工作。因此回族福音事工確實需要更多的工人投入,及恆切的代禱與支持。讓我們特別記念那些回族慕道者,願神親自向他們顯現真理明光。

星期日
東北地區的教會近年成為差傳的新力軍,他們差派宣教隊伍前往有如福音沙漠的「大西北」傳揚主道。這些神的工人需要克服路途偏遙及適應文化及民族習性、信仰上的差異,讓我們時時以禱告托住他們,求主保守他們在偏遠的工場服事時,憑信心靠主賜下的智慧克服文化、生活及靈性上種種的艱難和挑戰。

星期一
中國是快速都市化的國家,預計在未來十年之內,城市的人口將超越農村的。都市化帶來生活環境的污染,房地產、教育費和生活費等的飆漲。在城市教會面對會眾大幅增加的同時,農村教會也要面對會友人數嚴重下降的現實景象。讓我們特別為在中小型城市中的弱小教會來禱告,求主保守他們突破都市化的影響,能在主裡依舊興旺。

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Tuesday
Nearly 90% of the households in Hangzhou have broadband Internet, the highest in China. In the nearby townships, almost every household have access to digital television. Many cities now enjoy the convenience and benefits of the information age. The availability of Christian websites and bookstores make up much of what was lacking in the past. Let us pray for all these resources and how they may benefit both believers and seekers.

Wednesday
Nearly 2.8 millions college freshmen enrolled this fall. The enrollment in private colleges was 1.34 millions and public colleges/universities was 1.47 millions. Getting into college is no longer considered difficult in China. More college students mean more opportunities and urgency for campus ministries. Let us pray for all the campus ministries, more churches catching the vision and more workers joining this great harvest.

Thursday
Many expecting parents will be giving birth to the so-called “golden piglet” babies this fall, because Chinese consider babies born in the year of the pig are auspicious. With such high expectation, the little ones will certainly be spoiled by their parents and grandparents. Let us pray particularly for all the babies born into Christian families this year, may the parents have the desire to raise their child to fear God.

Friday
Nearly 76.5% of Chinese grandparents live with their grandchildren and 88.9% of grandparents are involved in raising their grandchildren. Overall, almost half of the elderly Chinese are helping raising their grandchildren. Grandparents are an important part of early childhood education in China. There are many older believers in Chinese churches. We pray as they use their natural advantage to share their faith with their grandchildren and serving with younger generation in church.

Saturday
Traditional house churches are usually smaller in size than the Three-self churches. They meet in homes and few of them have full-time pastors. So they lack the formal instruction and organizational management we are accustomed to having in our churches. Let us pray for solid and abundant teaching of God’s Word among all the house churches. We remember, too, all the lay leaders in them. May the Lord grant them wisdom and integrity in leading and serving their churches.

Sunday
In the past 2 years, there have been more reported cases of mass confrontation with police. Angry residents have taken to the streets to protest injustices, illegal confiscation of private land or corruptions. Government has pressured the local officials to clean up their act and appealed for calm. We pray for all the congregations who are entangled in the process of saving their church property from demolition by developers and colluding officials.

Monday
Churches in China are leery of new comers because many have experienced the attack of cults. These false sheep appear to be pious, eager to serve in church but quickly steal sheep. They compromise church leaders with money and sexual temptation. We continue to pray for these fallen and wounded shepherds, may they find forgiveness and rediscover their callings. We pray for God’s protection on all the weak and susceptible flocks.

星期二
目前,杭州市的家庭寬頻普及率接近90%,為全國之冠。杭州市及周邊主要城鎮的數位電視普及率也達到100%。都市化的影響,讓中國許多城市得享資訊時代的便利,基督教網站和書局也空前的普及。我們求主使信徒都能善用資源,建立基督教資源網站、開辦基督教書室等,來幫助慕道友和信徒們學習真道、裝備生命,也樂於將福音傳給人。

星期三
中國今年註冊的大學新生超過280萬名。根據統計,私立大學約佔134萬名,公立大學佔147萬名,在中國上大學已不再是難事。愈來愈多的青年人進入大學,因此全力支援大學裡的福音事工,刻不容緩。讓我們為校園的福音事工禱告,求主使更多的教會、同工領受此異象,同心投入興旺校園的事工。

星期四
中國去年入秋以來,不少夫婦為抱「金豬寶寶」而懷孕,因為他們堅信「屬豬的寶寶最有福氣」。在這種期待下出生的孩子,難免會受到父母、祖父母的溺愛。讓我們特別為今年信徒家庭所生子女的屬靈前途來禱告,求神讓父母們立志教導孩子敬畏神。

星期五
調查顯示,中國祖父母與孫子同住者佔76.5%,參與撫育孫子者則高達88.9%。超過半數的中國老人負責帶養他們的孫子,隔代撫育成為孩童們早期教養的一大特點。目前老齡信徒是教會中非常重要的成員。求主使用所有年長的信徒,保守他們有健壯的身體和靈命,能與年輕信徒彼此配搭服侍,讓神家的事工更完備。

星期六
傳統家庭教會大多數屬於小型的教會,聚會地點與內容多半由弟兄姐妹安排與帶領,少數有全職傳道人牧養,內部更缺乏完善的組織架構和管理。讓我們來為所有的傳統家庭教會禱告,讓他們在神 的話語上都能得著供應,也為所有的教會領袖禱告,使他們心靈正直並且都有從天而來的智慧帶領教會。

星期日
近兩年來警民衝突事件不斷增加。公義得不到伸張,罪犯被包庇,民眾利益或私有財產被剝奪,個別執法機關濫用權力或貪腐等等,導致民衆憤起抗議。政府當局已向地方官員施壓,重申去貪除黑決心,以安撫民心。許多教會產業因官商合謀而遭摧毀,讓我們為所有捲入挽救教會產業行動的信徒們代禱。

星期一
許多中國教會因曾遭異端入侵,對新來者格外戒備。這些「假羊」外表敬虔、熱心事奉,爾後卻迅速奪走羊群,又以金錢及色誘令教會領袖妥協。讓我們持續為跌倒受傷的牧者禱告,願他們尋求主的赦免,重拾神對他們的呼召,勇於堵住破口。我們也求主親自保護所有軟弱容易落入迷惑的羊群,有分辨真道的智慧。

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Prayer Request 11/13 -- 11/19

Tuesday
Parents in the cities are enrolling their children in all kinds of extracurricular activities. It is common that a child is learning more than one kind of musical instruments. Many parents wishfully think their only child is a child prodigy. Education experts say 90% of these children are merely normal kids. Many churches in the interior China are seeing the importance of children Sunday School but lack the know how, space and materials. Let us pray for those who see the need of children ministry but unable to offer such programs.

Wednesday
“Forcing” a child to learn at least one musical instrument has become the norm of many city parents. Buying a piano for the baby (the only child) is very common. Experts say that such excess leads to neglect of exploring the interest of individual children. On the contrary, there are still many church leaders who feel children program is unnecessary, unimportant or not high priority. Let us pray for the families of those churches that still do not have “formal” children Sunday School.

Thursday
Most house churches lack leaders who can teach and preach well because they have not had the opportunity to get formal education. Many preachers preach well but are not deeply rooted in Bible teaching. Others focus only on the spiritual gifts without preaching a balanced theology. We pray God will raises up more workers who are not only deeply rooted in His Word but are also able to teach others.

Friday
Eighty percent of Chinese parents consider their children “ungrateful”. Majority of these parents believe their kids are “spoiled rotten”. Many believer parents “spoiled” their children, letting them rest on Sunday because they believe the kids had a busy week and need rest at home. We pray for all these families who parents knowingly doing so, may they realize that this is actually leading to “spiritual ruin”.

Saturday
“Spend all you got for the kid” is a commercial which captures the mentality of Chinese parents. They would buy whatever the best food, clothing and education for their only child. Average parents spend up to 2 months salary for children’s art and music class yearly. Many churches are still not willing to invest in their children ministry, considering the unnecessary or too expensive. We pray for the changing of such near-sight and ignorance.We too pray for persistence for those who are trying to get children ministry started but meeting resistance in their church.

Sunday
One in four Chinese smokes and 3000 die daily of smoking-related illness. In the city of Shanghai, 60% of male adults and 3% of female adults smokes. Ironically, 70% of male smoker will not let their wives or girlfriend smokes. There is a stereotype that “Bad women smoke” Many believers smoke before and after entering church building. While preaching against smoking seen “useless and hopeless”, we pray for all those who need divine strength in kicking the bad habit.

Monday
Majority of married women would delay the pregnancy till after age 29. The most common reason for delaying are: lack the financial ability of raising a child, not mentally ready to be parent and also not ready materially. Balancing career demand or getting pregnant is a decision most Chinese women believers struggle with. We pray for wisdom and assurance for all who are planning start a family and desire to raise a godly child.

星期二
國內城市裏的父母多盼望自家的孩子成爲神童,不惜重金讓孩子又學各樣才藝又補習,一個孩子學上好幾種樂器是常見的事。專家指出,事實上90%的孩子都是普通的孩子,學再多的特長也成不了「神童」。許多教會都意識到兒童主日學的重要性,卻因缺乏方法、場所和教材等而無法施展。讓我們為他們的這些需要禱告。

星期三
中國許多城裏的家長都會「強迫」孩子至少學習一種樂器,一般家長也會為自己的家裏的寶貝獨子購買一台鋼琴。教育專家卻指出,這樣做不但忽略了孩子們的興趣發展,也抹殺了他們的主動性。另一方面,許多教會領袖仍忽略兒童事工的重要和必要性,正規的兒童主日學並不普及。讓我們為這些教會裏的家庭,特別是他們的孩子在屬靈上的需要來禱告。

星期四
傳統家庭教會多數缺乏善於講道、解經和教導的領袖。由於缺少接受正式神學教育的機會,即便有講道好的傳道,他們多數在基要真理上劄根不深,又有些只重視靈恩,在神學的教導上不平衡也不全面,使得教會處於危險邊緣。我們以禱告求主興起更多健全的傳道人,能在神的話語上深耕,也能忠實用神的話語餵飽群羊。

星期五
八成的家長認為孩子不懂感恩,溺愛被認爲是「禍首」。很多基督徒家長也「溺愛」他們的孩子,心疼孩子們忙了一個星期,讓他們星期天在家裏休息,不必上教會。不少主日學老師表示,當孩子升到初中後,很快便在主日學中絕跡。求主讓這些家長們及早覺醒,重新安排生活的優先順序,拯救下一代靈命的成長。

星期六
「一切爲了孩子」這句廣告詞緊扣著許多中國家長的心。他們會給孩子買最好食物、最貴的衣服、受最好的教育。平均每年花在各種特長班的費用是家長2個月的薪金。內地教會資源有限,許多教會認爲兒童事工耗費巨大而且次要,因而拒絕在經濟上支援。我們求神開拓他們的視野,改變他們的想法。同時也保守在推動兒童事工上受到阻撓的信徒們,能夠堅持異象,讓神親自開路。

星期日
中國四分一的人是煙客,每天近3,000人死於煙草相關的疾病。在上海,60%成年男性和3%成年女性吸煙,而諷刺的是,七成的男性煙客不接受女友或妻子吸煙,很多人仍持有「吸煙的女人不是好女人」的觀念。戒煙和禁煙的資訊對很多信徒起不了作用,他們在進入教堂前和踏出教堂後吸煙。讓我們為煙癮難戒的信徒禱告,讓他們能夠依靠聖靈的力量戒除這惡習。

星期一
多數已婚婦女打算29歲以後才考慮生育。最普遍的原因是:沒有足夠的經濟能力、沒做好思想準備,以及沒做好物質上的準備。事業和生育之間的抉擇,也是許多基督徒婦女的難題。我們求神賜下智慧和信心給計劃建立家庭的信徒,讓他們願意尊主為大,教育孩子敬虔愛主。

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Prayer Request 11/6 -- 11/12

Tuesday
Within the past year, most restaurants have started charging additional fees for providing “sterilized chopsticks and utensils.” Many consumers welcome such upgraded services but many see it as a basic amenity and attack it as sheer profit-making. Few churches in China use disposable cups for communion. We pray that each time they observe the Lord's death; they will be reminded of His command to remember Him in unity and humility.

Wednesday
Why are parents deeply involved in the proceedings and settlement of the divorces of their children? In China young couples get hefty down payments for their apartments from their parents, and parents hate to see their investment lost. Divorce in China deeply involves the parents of the couple because their traditional ideal "harmonious retirement" hinges on the children's marriage. Let us pray for all believers whose children are facing a marital crisis--for their faith in God and for wisdom in counseling their children.

Thursday
Many of the leaders and members of house churches started in the 90's have little memory of the painful past Christian churches faced in the period from 1950-1960. These newer churches are mostly urban, are comprised of younger intellectuals, and many favor registering with the government and becoming public churches. We pray for all of these churches as they debate what to do. May the Lord honor their desire to reach out to their communities without fear. We pray, too, for their need to be more highly committed in giving as they wish to purchase property in the rising real estate market.

Friday
In Shenyang, couples younger than thirty years old make up about thirty percent of those filing for divorce. Their parents accompany them to court in an attempt to protect the financial interest and custody rights of their one and only child. “Children are always bone and flesh.” Many believer parents carry the heartache of seeing their children away from the Lord and having marital problem. Let us pray for comfort and wisdom as they help their adult children.

Saturday
House churches in China struggle with the issue of whether to register and become open churches or not. The benefits include the elimination of harassment and protection of property rights. Yet many vehemently oppose such a move. Whether to register or not is deeply dividing the house churches. Let us pray for those who have registered or are planning to register that the churches will have unity and with the new status will be able to share even more boldly for God.

Sunday
While most Tibetans are in Tibet, there is also a large group of them in the neighboring Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. Tibet is a spiritually dark region so much evangelistic effort is being focused on reaching Tibetans who live outside of their mother country. Let us remember the people engaged in child evangelism in the Tibetan villages in Sichuan and Qinghai. This is very difficult work and deserves our prayer support.

Monday
The number of students studying in Chinese universities has reached 25 million, a whopping five-fold increase in only nine years. 5.4 millions new students enter college every year. Some urban churches have targeted the intellectuals and college students, and even sending staff to work on campus fulltime with great results. Let us pray for their work and guarding of the heart of these new convert from temptations and secularism.

星期二
中國許多飯店從去年開始採用一次性消毒餐具,而且向消費者收取所謂「茶位」費用。飯店重視衛生,許多消費者都樂於配合,但提供消毒合格的餐具原是飯店的基本義務,消毒餐具一元一位的收費方式,無疑是牟取暴利的招數。中國教會在守聖餐時,使用一次性聖餐杯的不多。我們禱告每當守聖餐時,信徒都能謹記主的命令,潔淨自己,以謙卑合一的心,等候祂再來。

星期三
子女辦理離婚手續,何以父母也都來陪同參與?中國年輕人購買婚房多由雙方父母付全部或部分房款,離婚時,父母難免擔心自己吃虧、損失慘重。再者傳統上理想的退休生活是含飴弄孫與子女的婚姻息息相關,兒女離婚,父母也必然深受影響。讓我們為所有基督徒父母有子女面臨婚姻危機的來禱告,求神堅定他們對神的信心,並賜下智慧來面對。

星期四
在90年代興起的家庭教會領袖以及成員,對於50-60年代教會的慘痛經歷印象不深。多數新興的城市教會,由年輕知識分子構成,許多都贊同向政府註冊成爲公開教會。讓我們在禱告中記念弟兄姐妹在面對註冊與否的情況,無論在討論或辯論中能看到神的旨意,並使他們能向社區鄰裏傳揚神的救恩。也為信徒在樓價高漲的時代有更大的信心在建堂的擺上。

星期五
瀋陽今年離婚的夫妻,有三成左右年齡在30歲以下。雙方父母們為保護自己獨生子女的財產和利益,都陪孩子前往辦理離婚手續。孩子是自己的骨肉。許多信徒因爲孩子遠離神,以及婚姻出了狀況而傷神。我們求神安慰他們,並給與他們智慧妥當的幫助已經成年的孩子,渡過人生重大的危機。

星期六
許多弟兄姐妹正為是否登記為註冊的教會而進退兩難。登記的好處在於免常受執法者的干擾,且會堂可獲得產業權,然而許多人仍強烈反對此擧。這問題為家庭教會帶來很大的分歧。我們求神保守已經登記或準備登記的教會在主內同心合一,無論在哪一種的身份下都能夠更勇敢無懼的為神做見證,將真光傳揚出去。

星期日
多數藏族人都住在西藏,但也有部分居住在鄰近的青海和四川。西藏地區被屬靈的黑暗勢力包圍著,許多事工都轉而專注於住在西藏地區以外的藏族人的福音工作。在四川和青海縣的藏族村從事兒童事工非常艱難,需要我們的禱告支持,我們為那裏的同工們禱告,求神預備人心,並賜下大能予祂的僕人,為主行奇妙的大事。

星期一
中國在籍大學生人數在僅僅9年內躍升了5倍,達2千5百萬。每年入學新生就有540萬人。城市教會以知識分子和大學生為主要傳福音對象,甚至派專職人員進入校園發展事工,並取得良好成果。但初信主的青年難免於世俗主義的衝擊,讓我們為這項事工禱告,亦求主保守所有初信者的心,能夠勝過種種試探,建造根基穩固的靈命。

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Prayer Request 10/30 -- 11/05

Tuesday
The diary (1918-1931) of Chang Kai-Sheik was published formally. It is deeply personal, in which he repents daily for his own personality flaws, sexual temptations, and sins. When he was younger, Chang was a womanizer and later converted to Christianity. Such a document has tremendous historical impact. We pray that it would also be a rare opportunity for many to see the life of a struggling Christian with his flaws and shortcomings.

Wednesday
It is an open secret that Christian fellowships - a new kind of "house church" run by Chinese professionals and students - are active in most Chinese universities. Many are hosted and led by teachers themselves. We praise the Lord for this new revival. However, many have noted that many believers are "cultural Christians," interested in Christianity as a solution to China's social woes, rather than in a personal relationship with Christ. Let us pray for the true commitment of these "Cultural Christians”.

Thursday
There are so many private colleges in China with varying degrees in terms of quality and facilities. Many unsuspecting students pay handsomely for the so-called "education", only to find out that the diplomas they received are not accepted and worthless. Rural churches in China come in all different spiritual shapes, too. Many are weakened by the exodus of young people and, worse, many have fallen to become extreme or cultish. Let us pray for divine protection and intervention in this heartbreaking trend.

Friday
The average Chinese watches 3 hours of television a day. TV programming must cater to the education of the audience because 60% of the audience has only the education level of junior high and below. Only 12% of the audience has a college degree. China's churches desperate lack ready-made teaching materials. What is adequate for urban churches would be almost incomprehensible for rural believers. Let us pray for those involved in writing such materials and the distribution of all teaching materials.

Saturday
By 2015, China will be the world's 2nd largest market. At present, China consumes 32% of rice, 1/2 of cement, and 1/3 of the cigarettes produced in the world. At the same time, low-cost Chinese products and machineries are flooding the world. Bible and Christian books in Simplified and Traditional fonts are now exported from China because they are low-cost. We pray for the early arrival of the day when the Mainland will produce not only the Christian books she needs but also the supply for many other countries.

Sunday
Among the 114,000 Chinese lawyers, there are a handful of "human rights" lawyers. They are greatly respected for their daring effort to defend the Constitutional right of those who suffered persecution, politically or religiously, and forced abortion. Chinese parents want their children to be lawyers and doctors, to make a lot of money. We pray that many young believers will be inspired to be become an advocate for the poor, sick, and oppressed.

Monday
For the 37,600 Chinese in Brunei, they must live under a combination of a Malay, Islamic, and monarchic system. Chinese are the most educated there and enjoy a good deal of freedom in religious practice and social respect. Let us pray for the Chinese churches there. Churches play an important role in teaching Chinese language, culture and care for the poor and elderly. Again, we remember all the believers in Islamic countries, uplifting every one of them.

星期二
蔣介石1918年至1931年的日記正式對外公開。日記中能讀出他個人的思想性格,同時也看到他每日生活的掙扎與自我反省。蔣介石年輕時浮誇,好色,爾後信仰基督教。這類歷史文件對世人有極大震撼,讓許多人看到基督徒不斷對抗自己弱點的一面。求主以此幫助更多掙扎在人性軟弱中的信徒,能夠有信心靠主得勝。

星期三
由專業人士及學生組成的團契—新型的「家庭教會」活躍於中國各大學校園裡,當中也有許多老師參與。我們為這新的復興讚美神。然而很多人留意到許多信徒其實是所謂「文化基督徒」,其對基督教信仰的興趣,僅止於以它作爲解決中國社會弊端的方法,而非與基督建立個人的關係。讓我們為這類的同胞禱告,求主光照他們真正成爲蒙恩得救的基督徒。

星期四
在中國有許多素質和設施參差不齊的民辦高校(私立學院)。許多學生為「受教育」付出一大筆錢後,才發現所獲文憑不受承認,一文不值。農村教會屬靈狀況同樣參差不齊,許多因年輕人的流失而教會日趨沒落,更堪憂的是,一些教會已偏離正道,演變成極端甚至異端。讓我們在禱告中記念,求神保護祂的教會和子民。

星期五
中國觀衆每天平均收看電視的時間為3個小時。節目的製作必須迎合大眾的知識水準和口味。因爲60%觀衆在初中文化以下,大學以上學歷觀衆僅佔12%。中國教會的主日學教材仍然缺乏,若有適合城市教會的教材,對農村信徒而言則深奧難解。求神賜智慧和能力給參與這項文字事工者,也為教材的發行來禱告。

星期六
預計中國將在2015年成為世界第二大消費市場。目前中國消耗全世界32%的大米、47%的水泥和1/3的香煙。同時廉價的中國產品和機械也銷至世界各地。由於印刷成本低廉,現在中國也輸出簡體和繁體字的聖經和屬靈書籍。我們祈求中國早日脫離只供應自己需要的屬靈書籍,同時也提供給其他有需要的國家。

星期日
雖然中國的執業律師逾11.4萬人,但「維權律師」卻寥寥可數。他們為受政治或宗教壓迫,以及被迫墮胎的百姓爭取權益、討公道,因而在社會中極受尊敬。中國父母望子成龍,都鼓勵孩子成爲律師、醫生,爲的是這些職業的「錢」景。我們求神興起更多年輕信徒將自己的專業為神所用,立志服事那些貧、病、和其他社會的邊緣份子。

星期一
在文萊的37,600華裔必須生活在馬來,伊斯蘭教,和君主制度的夾縫中。當地華人的公民權仍受限制,但因為教育程度較高,享有較高的社會地位以及宗教信仰自由。當地華人教會扮演著教導華文、華語,以及照顧貧病和老弱者的重要角色。讓我們為這些教會禱告,同時也以禱告記念所有回教國家裏的教會和信徒,求神親手扶持、引領他們。

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Prayer Request 10/23 -- 10/29

Tuesday
2000 delegates representing the 73 million-strong Communist Party attended the 17th Party Congress which is held every 5 years. Party members are supposed to be stronger in these three areas (The 3 More): more sensitive, more capable, and more productive than the common people. Since the church is rapidly expanding in many regions, leaders must work in teams to be truly effective and productive. Let us pray specifically for team building in the churches in China so the gifts of each worker may be used well and each will complement the other.

Wednesday
The youngest attendee of the 17th Party Congress was a 25 year-old female table tennis star, Zhang Yining. She is favored to win another gold medal in the 2008 Olympics. Her selection and presence carry much implication for the Party as a whole. Young intellectuals will play an ever increasing and important role in China's urban churches. We pray for many, many young and godly believers who will be faithful like Daniel.

Thursday
A well-known foreign media pointed out that the root problem of rampant corruption in China is the "triangle" of corrupt officials, scholars without conscience, and businessmen taking bribes. We see a new trend of young professionals and office workers forming "office fellowships", where they hold Bible study and Sunday worship services. We pray that they will be a positive influence in the polluted society that is often devoid of business ethics.

Friday
Shanxi province is known as the "coal country" and also the infamous "polluter of China". In its new "Blue sky, green water" project, Shanxi will build 108 new urban garbage disposal facilities to help clean up urban pollution. Urban intellectual believers are prone to materialistic excess. There is a need for new ways of shepherding and teaching Bible knowledge to them. Let us pray for the new practical teaching methods of teaching and discipleship that will connect with urban believers.

Saturday
Han Chinese comprises the majority of Chinese, but China is multi-cultural with many ethnic groups. Some churches have started to see the importance of reaching ethnic minorities. Many ethnic groups still worship spirits, idols or various deities and are spiritually blinded by the dark forces. They are very resistant to the gospel. Let us pray for all these challenges and difficulties of cross-cultural ministry and those who serve among the ethnic minorities.

Sunday
Ever since the economic reform, churches in the coastal provinces have played an important role in training and supporting Christian leaders from the inland provinces (including the Northwest). Many have attended the two-year training courses offered by the coastal churches and returned to serve. We pray for more training by the Chinese churches themselves and that more churches will see the need of helping other churches, both financially and in leadership training.

Monday
In a unique approach to business with missions, some Christian businessmen from coastal provinces have opened shops in ethnic minority regions as a base of evangelism. Many have reported good fruits with such approach. Let us pray for all these business ventures, shops and factories of all sizes, where part of the business is sharing the Gospel with the locals. We uplift these businessmen and their employees.

星期二
二千多名黨員,代表全國七千三百多萬黨員出席每五年一次的「中國共產黨第十七次全國代表大會」。黨員有“三個一點”的自我要求,即:覺悟比普通群眾高一點,能力比普通群眾強一點,工作比普通群眾好一點。因著中國教會在內地各省迅速增長,教會領袖需要以團隊合作運作,好使事工發展得更有效率、更見成效。我們特別為同工隊伍禱告,求主幫助他們發揮恩賜,各盡其職,一同建造基督的身體。

星期三
在十七大會議中,最年輕的黨代表是只有廿五歲的張怡寧,她目前是最受矚目的女子乒乓球選手,在2008年奧運會,她可望為中國再摘取另一面金牌。她被選作黨代表及出席「十七大」,為外間對黨的政策帶來很大的聯想空間。展望中國教會的未來,年輕知識分子將在城巿教會擔任很重要的角色。求主興起更多像但以理一樣年輕又敬虔的信徒,忠心事主。

星期四
著名外國媒體指出:貪腐「鐵三角」乃是由中國的腐敗官員、無良學者和行賄商人共同組成。在職場上,一些青年專業人員開始組成「辦公室團契」,他們一同查考聖經,並在主日舉行崇拜聚會。這群城市知識分子信徒的興起,成為主內的新群體,讓我們為這些青年專業人員禱告,求主幫助他們能對貪污風氣、缺少商德的社會帶來更多正面的影響。

星期五
號稱「煤老大」的山西省被戴上全國污染最嚴重的「黑帽」。在「藍天碧水工程」計劃裏,山西將建設108個廢物處理設施,期盼藉以解決城巿污染的問題。生活在城市中的知識分子信徒也容易被世俗同化和物質所試探。教會需要以適切他們實際情況的形式,去牧養及教導他們聖經的原則。求主賜智慧給牧者,更新他們靈命及教導栽培信徒的模式,幫助信徒將真理活用於生活中。

星期六
中國除了包含漢人這一大族外,還兼有許多不同文化背景的族裔。有好些少數民族現今仍敬拜邪靈,並參與各種鬼神的祭祀與膜拜,黑暗勢力綑綁著他們,使他們對福音非常抗拒。近年中國教會開始注重向少數民族傳福音。讓我們為那些在少數民族中服侍的同工禱告,求主賜他們智慧、溫柔與忍耐的心去克服跨文化宣教的挑戰與困難。

星期日
自經濟改革後,沿海省份的教會在訓練內陸省份教會(包括西北部)的基督徒領袖上,扮演非常重要的角色。許多信徒在沿海省份教會參與為期兩年的培訓課程後,便回到自己的家鄉開始服侍。讓我們為中國教會有更多的領袖訓練事工禱告,也求神興起更多的教會,能對有缺乏的教會給予經濟及工人訓練上更多的幫助。

星期一
因著神賦予獨特的使命,一些沿海省份的基督徒商人,特意在少數民族中間開設商店作為傳福音的管道。他們所做的善工,目前已產生良好的果效。讓我們舉起禱告的手,特別為這些向少數民族傳福音的商人、員工來禱告,求神幫助他們作美好的生活見證,並能與工人和鄰舍分享福音真理。

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Prayer request 10/16--10/22

Tuesday
Drinking freshly squeezed juice is fashionable. In Wuhan, a reporter found that canned juices are sold as fresh and fresh juices are diluted with concentrate. Such practices occur even in high-end establishments. Cheating on labor or materials is considered normal or even expected. It is very difficult as Chinese believers struggle with Biblical ethics and profit-making daily. Let us pray for the courage of not compromising and honoring God in everything we do.

Wednesday
“Pay back the debt on the New Year” is a story in Mao’s memoir. Chairman Mao paid back a debt of 20,000 silver dollars he borrowed in 1920 for the revolution nearly 50 years later (in 10 yearly installments on every Chinese New Year.) Many Chinese believers speak of “Paying back the debt of Gospel” to Western missionaries. Let us pray for true fervor and missionary efforts among Chinese churches. We too remember all those who are serving abroad and are supported by churches in China.

Thursday
37 million Chinese will travel and spend more abroad this year. China will become the fourth largest source of outbound tourists in the world by the mid-2010s according to the United Nation. Many Chinese church leaders and pastors have visited churches abroad. We pray that what they have visited and learn will give them new vision and direction for their churches and ministries.

Friday
A bright spot in ministry work in China is on college campus. There are many student fellowships, large and small, and new students are always attending. Many students accept Jesus, but then graduate without real discipleship and follow-up. The universal problem is a lack of mature leadership. Let us pray for equipping and training leaders who are willing to help train new believers.

Saturday
Traffic congestion in Beijing is expected to get worse before the Olympics, with 90% of roads operating at full capacity and little room for expansion. There are now 3 million automobiles in the capital. Traffic delay and congestion play a role in discouraging many believers attending weekday services and meetings. Weekday meeting attendances are down among urban churches. Let us pray as churches make adjustments and seek ways to care and strengthen their sheep.

Sunday
More than 10 million Chinese are regular users of drinking water machines or bottled water. Yet, more than half of the bottled water in Beijing is “counterfeit.” Such practice is said to be widespread because the authentic bottled water costs twice as much. Cults and Mormonism presenting themselves as Christian are making significant advance in China recently, even drawing away unsuspecting believers. Let us pray for this alarming trend and for believers’ discernment.

Monday
It has been a boom year in the Chinese stock and real estate market. It seems that everyone believes that the government will not pop the present bubble of euphoria before the 2008 Olympic Games. Churches in China have endured persecution and survived attacks by occult forces but they are doing poorly combating the present torrent of materialism. May the Lord's mercy protect all of us against materialism and the Chinese churches from becoming merely lukewarm groups of people.

星期二
近幾年,鮮榨果汁成為武漢市民去酒樓就餐的首選飲料。但有記者目睹大酒樓製作果汁是果葡糖漿和水,非以鮮果來榨果汁。偷工減料在中國被視爲平常,更有人甚至自詡精明。基督徒在商場上常會在提高盈利及謹守聖經道德原則之間掙扎。求神幫助我們在聖經的教導上不妥協,在一切事上都能有好見證來榮耀神。

星期三
毛澤東「春節還債」的事蹟見於一篇紀念他的回憶文章中。1920年,毛澤東為革命運動而借了兩萬銀元,將近50年後,他每年春節還債,共用十年還清。許多華裔信徒都在談論要償還西教士福音的債。讓我們為中國教會宣教的熱忱和努力來禱告。我們也用禱告紀念許多中國教會所支持的在海外服事的宣教士們。

星期四
今年估計有3千7百萬中國人會在海外旅遊消費。聯合國預測:中國在2010年將成爲世界第四大旅客來源。許多中國教會的領袖和牧者都曾有造訪外國教會的經驗。我們禱告,海外的訪問和學習之旅能為他們帶來嶄新的異象和方向,能帶領教會及事工有新的突破。

星期五
大學校園是中國一個非常耀眼的福音聚點,有許多學生參與當中的小組聚會,也有在當中接受了耶穌。然而當他們畢業後,屬靈生命缺乏跟進與栽培,乃因缺乏成熟的屬靈領袖有策略地帶領。求主在校園裡興起更多忠心的同工,為裝備和訓練新一代的信徒來努力。

星期六
北京的交通擁塞情形,預計在奧運來臨前將會更惡化。目前首都的汽車數目高達3百萬,公路的使用率已達到90%,而且已沒有太多可供開發的空間。交通阻塞是許多信徒不願意在週間參加聚會的主要原因,教會的週間聚會人數不斷下降。讓我們禱告教會能夠尋得更好的方式,做出調整,以便能更好的照顧和牧養他們的羊群。

星期日
超過千萬的中國人經常飲用瓶裝水,或使用飲水機。而在北京,超過半數的瓶裝水是「冒牌」貨,據其原因是正牌瓶裝水價格較貴一倍。摩門教和其他異端以基督徒的身份在中國傳教,虜走了許多根基未深的信徒。讓我們爲此趨勢儆醒禱告,求神讓他自己的兒女能辨識真理,遠離歪曲的異端邪說。

星期一
過去一年房地產及股市大漲,每個中國人似乎都瘋迷炒地產、股票。百姓們都相信政府在2008奧運之前不會讓經濟下降。經歷過風雨、異端和逼迫仍堅立不倒的中國教會,目前面臨的更大挑戰和衝擊是富足和物質的誘惑。求主憐憫,保守每位信徒有正確的屬靈價值觀,抗拒世俗的潮流,能依靠主通過這一關,不讓教會陷入不冷不熱的景況。

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Prayer Request

Tuesday
Internet is making it tougher for China to block bad news. The recent scandal of child slavery in the kilns in Shanxi province was revealed after the parents of the missing children appealed for help online. There are a huge amount of Chinese Christian contents, Bible study material, sermons and praise and worship music online. The majority of them are not censored. We thank the Lord for its availability and remember those ministries who provide them.

Wednesday
A political career in these four major cities, Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin and Chongqing is a stepping stone to national leadership. Understandably, officials in these cities tend to interpret and enforce the religious regulations more strictly because their career is at risk. Let us pray specially for churches, pastors and believers, as well as the foreign workers in these 4 important cities, where crackdown on unregistered churches and illegal meeting take place more often.

Thursday
In China, the production of fake good is so rampant, but not limited to manufactured goods. In recent years, even couples are faking divorces, for various reasons or excuses- but they all boil down to m-o-n-e-y. Some fake divorces and fake marriage to foreign citizen to go abroad to work. Divorce is accepted easily as a way out of any struggling marriage and that is also not uncommon for believers. We remember all whose marriages are “failing”, may they find clear direction of God’s will and the strength to follow through.

Friday
The Communist Party of China claims that one in three of its members have received higher education. It continues to enjoy great appeal among intellectuals because the Party membership is a requirement to most, if not all government job. Retaining one’s membership is a dilemma for many believers who are thinking about baptism. Many have chosen the path of being a secret believer. We take this time to remember them, pray for close personal walk with the Lord and growing faith and boldness.

Saturday
Myanmar (Burma) has close ties with China historically. Today, China plays an important role in Myanmar; it has lots of investment and supplies much of its military too. China's money, remminbi, is commonly accepted there. Let us pray for all of the churches and believers in this deeply Buddhist nation. May the Lord have mercy on this country. The Chinese churches there need lots of our prayer, for the training of workers, especially for missionary work near the China borders.

Sunday
The Communist Party added 2.6 million members last year, making it the world's biggest political party with a total membership to 72.39 million. More than 19 million people applied to join the CPC in 2006, a highly selective and prestigious process. Being a Christian does little to enhance one’s ability to join the Party. We pray for many college students who struggle with the decision of believing in Jesus or joining the Party which could open doors to better job and advancement.

Monday
Uighurs, who are ethnically Turkic Muslims have fought the Chinese over the land they call Eastern Turkistan, but on the map it is called Xinjiang. Uighurs is the largest minority in Xinjiang and Beijing consider their separatism effort as terrorists. While evangelistic effort to the Muslim minorities continues at slow pace, Gospel is thriving in Xinjiang, particularly among the college students. We uplift the work of the Holy Spirit and pray for the safety of worker there.


星期二
網際網絡的普及化使不良新聞更難封鎖。如最近山西土窯童工的醜聞,就是在失蹤孩童的父母上網求助後被揭露。網上也能很容易的找到大量基督教中文書籍,讀經資料,講章以及敬拜和讚美樂曲。其中大部分內容都未被刪剪。讓我們為這些材料來感恩,並求神記念這些供應及支持事工的單位和個人。

星期三
在北京、上海、天津和重慶四大城市從政,是晉升國家級幹部的跳板。因此不難理解何以當地的官員對宗教條律的詮釋和實行都格外嚴緊。這四大城市裏,未經註冊的教會和聚會常常受到取締或制裁,讓我們為在這些地區服事的教會、牧者和信徒,以及來自外國的同工們的平安禱告。

星期四
中國的贋品汎濫,而僞造品並不局限於貨物。近年來連結婚、離婚也能作假,説穿了都是爲了錢。還有爲了出國掙錢而與外國人假結婚的。在中國離婚為婚姻困境的一條出路的觀念已被廣泛接受,即便是信徒,離婚也並不稀奇。讓我們為所有瀕臨「失敗」的婚姻禱告,求神幫助這些夫婦能清楚看見在神裡的盼望,依靠主重新得力來實踐神的旨意。

星期五
共產黨宣稱三分一的黨員接受過高等教育。由於大部分在政府的工作以有黨籍的為優先考慮,知識分子為謀好的職位而加入共產黨的情況仍然普遍。許多考慮受洗的信徒往往掙扎於是否繼續保留黨籍。有很多寧可選擇把自己信徒身份保密。我們以禱告記念他們時時能與神親密同行,信心和勇氣都能持續在主裏不斷增長。

星期六
緬甸在歷史上曾是中國的「藩屬」,但近年中國在緬甸大量經濟投資,又提供軍火來源及設施,甚至人民幣都能在當地通行,可見今天中國在緬甸的影響力仍然十分重要。緬甸是個篤信佛教的國家,讓我們為該國的教會和信徒禱告,求主賜他們力量面對異教之風,並為主作光與鹽。當地華人教會的工人培訓及中緬邊界貧窮山區的福音事工,更需要我們以禱告的手托著。


星期日
去年中國共產黨增加了二百六十萬新成員,使其黨員共達七千二百萬三十九萬人,成爲世界最大的政黨。2006年申請入黨的篩選過程更為爲嚴謹,但入黨人數仍超過一千九百萬人,增長了6.8%。成爲基督徒對入黨沒什麽幫助,但入黨卻有助於打開事業前景。許多大學生正面對信主或入黨的抉擇,讓我們為他們的掙扎禱告,求神打開他們屬靈的眼睛,能看到永恆生命的價值。


星期一
維吾爾族是新疆最大的少數民族,維吾爾族在種族上屬突厥人,為伊斯蘭教的信奉者,他們不間斷地向中國爭取這塊稱之爲「東突厥斯坦」的獨立。(東突厥獨立運動人士對新疆維吾爾自治區的稱呼)。北京將這股分離運動定位為恐怖主義。在穆斯林少數民族中,雖然福音工作一直進展緩慢,但神奇妙的作為卻正在新疆-尤其在大學生當中蔓延開來。感謝讚美神,我們要高舉聖靈的工作,同時也為當地同工出入的平安代禱。

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Prayer Request 10/2 --10/8

Tuesday
Last year Chinese intellectuals and business leaders debated a bestseller called Wolf Totem. One of its central points was that Confucianism had taught China's Han Chinese majority to behave like obedient sheep, accepting any leadership, as opposed to the more independent, predatory and successful Mongolian wolves in the book. Many rural believers lack spiritual discernment and follow leaders who have gone astray from Biblical teachings--particularly those who teach Success Theology and that God heals all diseases. Again, we remember those lost sheep and pray they will be quickly restored.

Wednesday
The government of China is behind the promotion of Confucianism because it encourages order and legitimacy by its emphasis on respect for authority. Party leaders have promoted this return to traditional values as an alternative to the present preoccupation with financial gain. Confucianism appeals to Chinese people but poses difficulty for Christian evangelistic efforts. We need to pray about this shift in thinking and for leaders to have wisdom to know how to present the gospel and Christian ethics to Chinese who long for morality but are excessively greedy.

Thursday
The Ministry of Education has approved adding more courses in traditional Confucian culture. The government also supports 145 non-profit Confucius Institutes aimed at promoting the Chinese language and culture in more than fifty-two countries. Some want to make Confucianism China's national religion but other scholars insist it is impossible to turn a philosophy into a religion. Unbelievers often say filial piety taught by Confucianism is superior to the Biblical teaching of honoring one's parents. We pray that all believers are able to honor and love their parents as Christ commanded us to do and to support them financially.

Friday
While in many places in the world both the infrastructure and demographics of Chinatown appeal only to older people, Chicago's Chinatown is drawing both new immigrants as well as American-born Chinese. Many shops and restaurants cater to these younger English-speaking Chinese who go there to meet friends. Overseas Chinese churches nowadays must offer services in English in order to retain and attract younger believers. Let us pray for the great need for English-speaking pastors in Chinese churches as well as the challenging work for all those who serve in the English ministry of Chinese churches.

Saturday
There was no college education at all during the 10 years of the Cultural Revolution. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the reinstitution of the college entrance examination, a bold move by Deng Xiao Ping. Today, college student ministry is the bright spot of Christianity in China, with Bible study groups and many conversions on every campus. As they gear up for the new school year, we pray for all the new students who will be invited to these groups this fall.

Sunday
Many fear that the government has lost control of the gender imbalance in China so that it now exceeds the 105:100 male to female ration considered proper. Even various promotional campaigns to give girls free tuition and health care have failed to reverse people's favouritism toward having boys.In Chinese churches women outnumber the men by three to one. We take this time to remember all the young believers who struggle under pressure from both of their families to have an ultrasound to find out if the child was male or female and then decide about abortion.

Monday
The Foreign Ministry published guidelines for Chinese citizens travelling abroad teaching them to behave in a civilized manner. Don't talk too loudly. Don't throw trash around, etc. Many are now calling for teaching younger Chinese about civility and ethics.It takes a decade to grow a tree and a century to change people. We have faith that God will do great things as He transforms China's churches from being full of pride and inward-focused to being those that care for their communities and even neighbouring countries.

星期二
去年的暢銷書「狼圖騰」引起了中國知識分子和商界領袖的廣泛討論。原因是書中蒙古狼的成功、獨立、以及掠食者的強勢形象與漢族歷來儒家文化的教導要馴良若綿羊、服從領袖恰恰相反。許多在鄉村的信徒缺乏屬靈的辨識能力,容易隨一些問題的教導而偏離真理,尤其是成功神學和相信神醫的情況。讓我們特別為走偏和迷失的羊禱告,求神話語光照他們引他們早日回頭。

星期三
中國政府是推廣儒教背後的助力,爲的是它推崇立法和命令,強調對當權者的敬重和服從。黨領袖推動恢復傳統價值觀,以替代全面佔據了中國人思想的經濟利益。克已復禮的儒家思想對國人有一定的魅力,卻易成福音的阻力。我們為信徒在思想上與世俗潮流抗衡的屬靈爭戰禱告,求神幫助信徒在人群中,傳揚天國的福音,活出基督徒的道德,價值觀和生活方式。

星期四
北京市教育局已批准更多傳統的儒學課程。有關當局也支持超過52個國家共145個非營利儒家學院,旨在推廣中華文化和語言。有人提議把儒教作爲國教;但學者則否定把哲學變爲宗教的可行性。非信徒一般認爲儒家所教的孝道遠勝聖經所教的「孝敬父母」。讓我們禱告每個信徒都做到神所命令的:真正的孝順和敬愛父母,在生活、精神和經濟上照顧他們的需要。

星期五
世界各地多處唐人街的人口和設施都漸漸老化。芝加哥華埠卻繼續興旺,不但吸引新舊華裔移民來居住,商店和餐館也高度迎合新一代年輕人的口味,連講英語的華裔青年也喜歡在此聚集。海外華人教會也必須設立英語崇拜聚會以吸引和留住年輕信徒。同時也迫切需要更多能操流利英語的傳道人,我們爲此禱告、記念在充滿挑戰的英文部服事的同工,求主加添他們的智慧和能力。

星期六
文革十年間,國內全無大專高校。鄧小平大膽恢復高考,至今已30周年。隨著查經班和各類聚會的設立,學生事工已成了所有事工中最耀眼的一環。當大家預備迎接新學年的來臨時,讓我們為所有新生能被邀參加這些聚會,有機會聽聞福音、得到救恩來禱告。

星期日
許多人擔心中國政府無法控制國內的男女比例失調(原超過105:100的國際平均水準)。各種鼓勵「關愛女孩」的措施和政策,比如免稅,免學費和保健費用等,都改變不了中國人對生男孩的偏愛。在中國教會,婦女的人數是男性的3倍。我們除了求神帶領更多男士成為信徒並激勵弟兄參與服事和傳福音外,在此特別為在家人壓力下,要以超聲波查驗胎兒的性別,以及考慮人工流產的年輕信徒禱告。

星期一
中國外交部近日發佈中國領事保護和協助最新指南,提醒國民出國前後應注意的事項。比如提醒國民出國在外勿大聲説話,不隨意拋擲垃圾,亂撿東西等等。許多人已開始呼籲,教育年輕人公共道德。十年樹木,百年樹人,我們深信神會按祂的時間行大事,把中國教會漸漸從向內專注自我的情況,轉變成爲能關心社區鄰舍,甚至周遭國家的宣教教會。

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Prayer request 9/25 -- 10/1

Tuesday
"What is on the mind of Chinese people now?" you may ask. The answer is "stock speculation". When one reads the newspaper, it is almost all about stocks and the Olympics. The mentality of striking it rich by speculating seems to permeate all of China. Recently a large Christian-owned company declared bankruptcy after it lost a large amount on highly speculative ventures. Christians are not immune to greed and we pray that all believers will be reminded to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Wednesday
It is said that there are two to three thousands meeting place for worship on Sunday in Beijing. Most of them are about 20-30 people in size. Only those who are “connected” or affiliated with the Three-Self are permitted to have open services. In the past year, there is a strong growth as believers are excited about the coming Olympic. Many of these churches are attended by professionals and college educated. Let us remember all the churches, open and house churches in the capital.

Thursday
"To rule scientifically, democratically and lawfully" is the slogan the government has been promoting. To arrest people in the house church movement, police must now have a reasonable cause and follow rules to make an arrest legally and without illegal detaining. Recent cases of people being arrested in church meetings involve mostly those in foreigner-led meetings and that is illegal by the book. We pray for safety and good fruit for all the teachers and students in these training sessions.

Friday
“Chineseness” –having Chinese own characteristics is the hottest buzz word. The government has been promoting the idea of a "harmonious society" as the Chinese answer to Western style election-based democracy. Does this mean the Communist government will give more room and fewer restrictions on religious practice? We do not know for sure. But, we know the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord and we will not stop praying for those who are in power for believers and the advancement of God's work.

Saturday
The Chinese government says it aims to "rule scientifically" and the constitution allows the freedom of religion but still those in charge insist they must crack down on erroneous religious practices which they consider to be evil and backward. Unfortunately, some charismatic house churches have been included in this category by the government. Fringe Christian groups and those extremely charismatic continue to present a dilemma for churches in China. Let us pray for both a heart of unity and a discerning spirit for all the church leaders.

Sunday
Gangzhou in the Jiangxi Province is situated where Fujian, Guangdong, and Hunan come together. It is the home of the Hakka people (about 8 million people or 95% of the local population). However, there are few young men in the area since most of them go to work in cities in nearby provinces.One in five of the children in Gangzhou lives with grandparents and this lack of young adults presents great difficulty for church workers there. We pray for the churches in Jiangxi, that the believers will not become discouraged and the pastors will remain faithful to their calling.

Monday
Are Chinese foods healthy because they are rich in oil, salt and sugar? From time to time, news reports complains about the health values of the varieties of dishes Chinese restaurants offer. Chinese restaurants are where Chinese gather and is a natural place for outreach. Let us pray for the spiritual health of all the believers who work in restaurant. They work long hours and often are marginalized in church.

星期二
「除了股票,人們還關心什麼?」翻開報紙所見的似乎除了奧運就是股市,一夜致富的投機心態充塞著整個中國社會。最近一家為基督徒所擁有的大型公司在高風險投資中失敗,宣告破產倒閉。基督徒亦難免於貪心及投機的誘惑。求主憐憫我們,常常提醒我們全心全意地服事。

星期三
北京市至少有兩三千個家庭聚會點,一般聚會人數是20-30人,其中有數百個跟合法註冊的教會有聯繫的能得到正式活動允許。過去一年裏,在信徒歡欣迎接奧運的來臨的同時,教會人數亦有很大的曾長,很多地方都有很多大學生,教授以及學者參加教會聚會。讓我們繼續為北京教會其信徒的靈命奮興來禱告。

星期四
「科學執政,民主執政,依法執政」是政府近年來的執政綱領。執法部門將按著憲法或法規辦事,包括取締家庭教會的聚會時也是如此。許多教會的聚會迄今尚無法取得合法的承認,尤其是聘請外國講員的聚會。讓我們為所有培訓的安全、學員們的靈命,及研習的好成果來向神祈求。

星期五
擁有「中國特色」是當今最熱的名詞。政府推行所謂的「合諧社會」就是有中國特色的社會主義 – 有別于西方民主多黨自由選舉的寬鬆政策呢?在此氛圍下,教會是否因此就擁有更多的發展空間,少一些限制呢?「王的心,在耶和華手中」,因此我們持續為執政掌權者禱告。

星期六
「以科學執政」是政府執政的綱領。中國憲法承認人民有宗教自由,但也要打擊所謂的民間邪教。一些極端靈恩的教會,也官方歸列為邪教之流。異端和極端的存在一直是中國教會的難題。求神賜教會合一的心,也賜下分辨的靈,能辨識誰是神國的同路人。

星期日
江西省南部的贛州為南北貨運必經的水路樞紐,與福建、廣東、湖南三省接壤。人口中95%是客家人(800萬),以務農為業,但到外地經商或打工者甚多,以致附近農村根本沒有青、壯年人口。其中1/5的孩童是從小起居跟著祖父母長大。由於年輕人大量流失,江西地區教會事工的推展特別困難。讓我們爲當地傳道人和信徒能忠心持久服事來代禱。

星期一
西方媒體常有中餐館的食物對健康危害的負面報導。中式餐點多油、多鹽、多糖,就要被冠上不“健康”的惡名嗎?西方漢堡包、炸薯條、匹薩餅、炸雞塊,這些食品哪一種不是高脂肪、高熱量? 中國餐廳是華人喜歡聚集的地方,也是方便我們向同胞傳福音的好場所。從事餐飲業的信徒由於工作時間長而且週末無休,經常因無法參加聚會而在教會被邊緣化,讓我們特別為他們的屬靈健康禱告。

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Prayer Request 9/18 -- 9/24

Tuesday
After the release of the short term missionaries in Afghanistan, Korean Christians faced criticisms for ignoring the government warning of not going to Afghanistan and proselytizing in Muslim countries.We thank the Lord for the bold witness and missionary zeal of Korean churches who in many ways are the models. We pray for the safety and fruitfulness of thousands of Korean missionaries in China.

Wednesday
According to President Hu Jin-tao, the Communist Party must abide by the law. When it comes to the cracking down on house church meetings, there has been a dramatic change in the way it is carried out and the final outcome. There are now a group of Christian lawyers in Beijing who dialogue with the government and intervene on behalf of churches. We thank the Lord for this and pray that more believers will be knowledgeable of the law and the government policy to help churches cope with matters of registration and compliance with government regulations.

Thursday
In Chongqing eighty percent of the elementary school teachers complain of too much pressure. They state demanding parents, long work hours, being single, and the new system of changing from a permanent position to a contract system based on performance as the reasons. We take this time to pray for all the Sunday school teachers in China. This is often a thankless job so we ask the Lord to grant them wisdom, faithfulness in serving the little ones, and a passion to reach children for Christ.

Friday
At least 3 million professional social workers are needed in China. Chinese social work is in its infancy and is such professionals are unheard of in many parts of the country.. Currently, 10,000 college graduates are going into this field from 200 universities. In general, very few Christians are involved in social works, as the churches tend to be disconnected with community. Let us pray for vision and zeal of more believers engaging in demonstrating the compassion of Christ by serving their communities.

Saturday
Government has approved 86 international schools across the country, including 38 in Beijing and Shanghai. There are no regulations preventing foreign children from entering Chinese schools, but cities want to have international school to attract foreign investment. Let us pray for all the kids from believing families attending these international schools and many of the teachers who are in China with the primary purpose of sharing the Gospel with Chinese.

Sunday
This is the 30th anniversary of the reinstitution of university entrance examination. During the 10 year period of Cultural Revolution, education in all forms came to a halt. Today, college attendance is at all time high, but employment after graduation is still not guaranteed. We take this time praying for all the believers in colleges and those who will come to know Jesus through Bible studies on campus this year. May the Lord bless all these small groups as they welcome and connect with new incoming students.

Monday
The government has severely restricted foreign investment in China's real estate but the feverish tide of foreign investments has not abated at all. In China, foreigners are limited to buying one house or apartment. With the skyrocketing prices for housing and appreciation of the Renminbi, people with a foreign passport must decide whether to buy a house or not. We pray especially for those who are "haigui", the returnees who have come not only for a job but to serve the local churches, too.


星期二
在阿富汗人質危機中,韓國短宣隊終被獲釋。然而韓國的基督徒卻被批評行為草率,無視政府發出禁入阿富汗及向伊斯蘭國家傳福音的警告。我們為韓國教會見證主和熱心參與宣教工作感恩;他們在很多方面都是我們信仰上的楷模。我們也為中國境內成千的韓國宣教士禱告,求主保守他們的平安,並賜他們為主所撒的種子都得著豐碩的收成。

星期三
「共產黨要依法執政」是國家主席胡錦濤所提出的。這一兩年來在處理教會問題上,尤其在禁止聚會時公安的處置方式及態度都有明顯的不同及改進。北京現已有一群基督徒律師,幫助教會與政府依法律交涉,解決一些家庭教會所面臨的難處。讓我們為中國能有更多懂得法律,瞭解政策並愛主的信徒來祈求。

星期四
據重慶的一項調查顯示,近八成的小學教師投訴壓力太大。壓力來源包括:家長要求過高、工作時間過長(導致已婚者婚姻亮紅燈、單身者則沒時間談戀愛)、以及實行招聘制 (教職不再是鐵飯碗,學校以其工作表現來考慮續聘,無形增加工作壓力。)讓我們在禱告中記念內地的主日學老師,他們正承擔一份吃重又少有掌聲的服事。願主賜他們教導的恩賜、一份培育小羊的忠心並有向青年人傳揚信仰的熱忱。

星期五
中國迫切需要至少3百萬名專業社工。社工服務尚在萌芽階段,國內許多地方對此專業仍未有所聞。目前有來自200所大學的1萬名畢業生即將踏入這行業。一般來說,國內基督徒很少涉及社工行列,教會也漸漸與社會脫節。讓我們禱告信徒能更多參與社會以及社區服務,熱心進入人群來服侍,彰顯基督的憐憫和慈愛。

星期六
中國已經批准86所國際學校的申請,其中包括36所在北京和上海市內。政府雖然沒有限制外國小孩入讀公校,但大城市一般都希望以設有國際學校來吸引外資入駐。國際學校裏有許多教師是帶著傳福音的使命前來執教,我們求主保守幫助他們能為學校裏的孩子們紮下信仰的根基。

星期日
高考制度進入了第30個年頭。回顧十年文革時期,各式教育被凍結,人才投閒置散。如今高校教育雖前所未有的復甦了起來。然而大學文憑卻未能成爲就業的保障。讓我們為大學裏的所有信徒禱告,求神使用他們成爲福音的管道。也祝福所有大學的查經班,讓他們能接觸到更多的學生,帶領這些未來的領袖,學者,和知識分子信主,領受屬天的智慧與祝福。

星期一
政府嚴格限制外商投資房地產,但外商入侵的熱潮絲毫未減。外國人在中國現在只能買一棟房子,房價上漲,人民幣升值,都影響在中國持外籍護照的信徒民生問題。我們要特別為回國服事和傳福音的「海歸」們,以及在中國服事的外地人在選擇住處的問題上,能蒙主的供應和保守來禱告。

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Prayer Requesr 9/11 -- 9/17

Tuesday
Robert Morrison led only 10 Chinese to Christ in his entire missionary career 200 years ago. One of them, Liang Fa became the first Chinese pastor and evangelist who went on to lead more people to Jesus. Even today many Chinese believers trace their Christian heritage to foreign missionaries. We remember and pray for God's blessing on all the descendants of those who have served faithfully in China, and especially for those who are still serving the Chinese.

Wednesday
Mrs. Liang Fa was the first female Protestant believer and also the first pastor's wife. Although we know her husband was converted and then ordained by Robert Morrison, we know little about her except that she was from the same village as her husband. We seldom think about the spouses of church workers. We take this time to pray for them and give thanks for their sacrifice, for supporting their spouses, and facilities by holding down a job, and for their own spiritual walk with Jesus.

Thursday
Micro-loan programs are an innovative way of helping residents in impoverished regions. Some mission agencies use the system to help people improve their lives or start small businesses but such programs require close supervision to succeed.We pray for poor believers who are enrolled in these programs, especially those in Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan. May the Lord bless the good work of those who serve them and reward the faith of the believers in spite of their poverty.

Friday
Recently more and more signs saying "No Smoking Allowed" are appearing in public areas in China but as a matter of fact, most smokers simple ignore them. Being a second-hand smoker is a reality in the lives of Chinese believers. Let us pray for all the new believers who need divine strength to kick this habit.

Saturday
Despite the government's best efforts, illiteracy is actually increasing in China, especially in rural and impoverished areas. Many start school only to drop out later and remain functionally illiterate. The Union Version of the Bible is nearly a hundred years old and it is hard for these people to understand. Let us pray for both spiritual literacy and training in Bible reading for the people in rural Chinese churches.

Sunday
China has announced that the Beijing Olympics will be smoke-free. There are an estimated 350 million smokers in the country. It is the world's largest producer of tobacco and also manufactures a third of the world's cigarettes. Although there are smoking bans in public places, not all are enforced. Almost all the believers have some one in their family who smokes. Let us pray for believers as they convey the health hazards of smoking and most importantly as they share gently and graciously the salvation of Jesus with them.

Monday
The biggest resort-casino in Asia opened in Macau. In 2006, the former Portuguese colony overtook Las Vegas as the number one city for gambling. Since the beginning of the casino expansion in 2002, Macau has become the Chinese gambling Mecca, with 90% of their clients from the Mainland. We take this time to remember the churches in Macau, praying for a spiritual revival. And we, too, pray for all the believers whose loved ones gamble. Gambling goes hand-in-hand with many family problems: abuse, alcoholism and shame.


星期二
兩百年前馬禮遜一生的事奉只帶領了十個中國人歸向基督。其中, 梁發成為第一名中國牧師和宣教士, 繼續帶領更多人相信耶穌。即至今天,許多國內的信徒仍可從外國傳教士追溯出他們的基督教根源。 讓我們以記念所有在中國忠誠服事的外國宣教士及其後裔, 尤其目前還在國內工場服事的,求上帝特別保守祝福他們.

星期三
中國第一個新教女信徒並第一位師母是梁發牧師的妻子黎氏。 雖然我們知道馬禮遜按立梁發為中國第一個新教傳教士,但對於這位黎氏的認識卻不多,只知她和丈夫是來自同一個村莊。華人教會一向很少會紀念到教牧同工的配偶。我們特別感謝她們長期支持配偶事奉所做出的犧牲和在牧養上的全力搭配, 求主親自成為她們的力量和安慰,保守她們靈性的健壯。

星期四
中國的「小額貸款」目的在幫助貧窮地區居民可以有資金做小生意改善生活。也有宣教機構及基督徒在貧困地區參與此項目。但該項目成功的關鍵是要有足夠的監管,以防止一些當地人或當事人從中牟利。讓我們特別記念貧困的信徒,尤其是在廣西、貴州、雲南的教會。求主在人所認為不可能的情況下,堅定他們愛主的信心,及保守所有當地服事他們的機構。

星期五
近來「禁煙」的警告標幟在中國開始流行。但絕大多數公共場合如交通工具(火車、汽車)中,「禁止吸煙」似乎有名無實,人們對它視若無睹。基督徒們生活在一個到處及人人抽菸的社會環境中,真是飽嘗了「人間煙火」。我們在此懇切地禱告,求神賜下能力和毅力幫助許多新的信徒能時時以主為滿足喜樂,勝過不良癖好的引誘,戒除煙癮。

星期六
儘管中國政府不斷地盡力改善,文盲的人數仍不斷在增加,尤以農村和貧困地區為甚。許多孩子上學不久就綴學,仍舊不識字。中文和合本聖經是百年前的翻譯,文字語法對這些人而言很深晦難懂。讓我們為中國農村教會裏促進靈命成長的讀經及相關訓練禱告,求主幫助信徒在靈裏更深認識神。

星期日
中國當局已經宣佈2008北京奧運將全面禁煙。中國有大約3.5億煙客,是世界最大的煙草產國,生産全世界三分一的香煙。一般公共場所雖然禁煙,卻沒有強制執行。幾乎每個信徒家中都會有家人抽煙。讓我們為所有信徒禱告,求主賜他們智慧,能溫柔地向家人傳達抽煙的害處,更能真誠地與家人分享耶穌基督的救恩。

星期一
亞洲最大的綜合式賭場酒店及世界第二大建築物,日前在澳門開幕。澳門自2002年開放賭權以來,超大豪華賭場林立。2006年整體博采業收入已超過拉斯維加斯,成爲全球最大賭城。其客源超過9成是中國大陸客,成了國人的賭博聖地。讓我們特別記念澳門的教會,求主保守他們能在當地成為復興的金燈臺。嗜賭是華人的通病,殘害個人和家庭甚钜,讓我們為染上賭癮的信徒及其家人禱告。

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Prayer Request 9/4 -- 9/10

Tuesday
Robert Morrison came to China on September 7th, 1807. He first learned the Chinese language secretly and quickly became an expert. By 1823, he had published an important piece of work, the Chinese-English Dictionary. Being able to share the Gospel in Chinese is difficult for many. We pray for all who are learning the language now and planning to reach Chinese for Christ, not just the English speakers but also Koreans and even Africans.

Wednesday
Seven years after Robert Morison arrived in China, William Milne who was 3 years younger arrived from England to assist him. Unable to settle in the Macau, he went to Malacca where they founded the Anglo Chinese College in 1818. Both men were succeeded by their sons who continued serving God in China. We thank the Lord for all the missionaries and pastors who have served and encouraged their children to serve. May the Lord bless abundantly these descendants of the righteous.

Thursday
Many of the early missionaries in China, including Robert Morrison, arrived in Guangdong Province. Despite two hundred years of evangelistic effort there, Guangdong is still "hard soil" in comparison to other regions of China. Some of the contributing factors are secularism, lack of workers, and poor location of the churches (mostly in old towns). Let us pray specifically for Guangdong churches. May the Lord awaken all of His own people to turn from being lukewarm and be passionate for His Word.

Friday
Liang Fa, the first Chinese Protestant evangelist, was ordained by Robert Morrison in 1821. He used simple language in both preaching and writing. One pamphlet titled “Quan Shi Liang Yan” (The Benevolent Words to Advise the World) was most influential. We pray for the powerful impact and deep influence of all who are involved in literature ministry. May the Lord raise up a new generation of powerful writers that will spur Chinese believers to be more fervent for Him.

Saturday
It is remarkable that in recent speeches highly-ranking party officials have used terms such as democracy, lawfulness, liberty, equality, human rights, and kindness. Does this signal a shift in the attitude of the government toward churches? We pray there will be more opportunities for churches to share the gospel publicly and that churches can be free to own their own property.

Sunday
The city of Beijing is nearly full since its population has surged past 17 million. Many (5.1 million) of its residents are considered migrants because they do not have a "hukou" (are not registered) there so their children cannot attend regular schools.Beijing churches tend to have more intellectual and young members than those in other areas. We pray for the many retreats they will be hosting for college students in the coming months that they will be a time of harvest of souls and a hunger for God's Word rather than merely a time of philosophical debates.

Monday
China continues its soul searching on the quality and safety of products made there as more "Made in China" food, toys, and electronic products are being recalled due to safety concerns. The government has imposed stiff penalties and sentences on violators who produce these inferior goods. In China it is common for churches to exaggerate the numbers of people coming to the services to give a false impression of a vibrant ministry. Let us pray that pastors will resist this temptation and go to a focus on the spiritual transformation of believers.

星期二
1807年9月7日,馬禮遜進入廣州,秘密自學中文,預備向中國人傳福音。 开始時雖遇許多艱難,但不久他的中文已學得相當好。1823年馬禮遜出版了一部漢英對照字典:《華英字典》是劃時代的重要貢獻。對很多人來說,用華語分享信仰是一件相當困難的事。讓我們為那些現正學習中文並計劃向華人傳福音的弟兄姊妹禱告,當中不乏英、美籍人士,也有韓國人及非洲人,求主賜給他們語言的恩賜和堅定的信心。

星期三
1807年馬禮遜牧師隻身來華宣教,七年後才有另一位比他小三歲的英國同胞米憐牧師成為他宣教工場的得力助手。由於米憐無法停留在澳門,後來與馬禮遜一起籌辦南亞的馬六甲英華書院(Anglo Chinese College)於1818年成為首任校長。兩位宣教士都有兒子接棒,承繼在華的服事。讓我們為所有祖孫多代曾在中國服事神的宣教士、牧者及信徒感恩,求主更多祝福義人的後裔。

星期四
許多早期傳教士, 包括馬禮遜, 首先踏足中國的是廣東省。 儘管福音事工在廣東省已努力推動了二百年,至今該省仍是塊基督信仰的「硬土」。本地福音無法擴散的因素是:教會世俗化、缺乏傳道人和教會地點不理想(在老城區)。讓我們特別為廣東的教會祈禱。祈求上帝喚醒所有沈睡的子民, 能渴慕神的話, 追求靈命的成長。

星期五
梁發是中國教會史上第一位華人牧師。他是由第一位來華宣教士馬禮遜在1821 年按立。梁發擅長以深入淺出的話語來傳講福音和寫作,最著名的著作是《勸世良言》,影響了整個世代,尤其是來自花縣的秀才,後來成立太平天國的洪秀全。讓我們為文字事工禱告,因能超越時空,對人心發揮廣大深遠的影響力。願主興起更多優秀新生代作家,透過文章吸引中國人熱心歸主。

星期六
中共領導人第一次把「民主、法治、自由、平等、人權、博愛」這六個觀念放在一起,認為是人類共同的文明成果、,具普世性的價值,而非資本主義所獨有。這是否意味著政府對教會的態度會有所轉變?求主為我們打開疏通更多公開傳福音的途徑,也讓教會能合法擁有所屬不動產的產權。

星期日
北京市戶籍人口在今年六月底已高達1,204萬,全市實有總人口數超過1,700萬。其中流動人口為510.7萬,都是所謂沒有「戶口」的人,他們的子弟也無法上一般的學校。感謝主,北京的教會一般而言較年輕化,且以高知識份子為多。求主在將舉辦的各型退修營會裡預備人心,能渴慕更多明白神的話語,不虛耗精力在繁冗的哲理辯論上,使福音禾場收穫更大的豐收。

星期一
近來「中國製造」的食品、玩具,還有機電產品,因為質量和食品安全有問題,在國外被召回。這些事件引起中國政府高度的重視,展開一連串殺雞儆猴式的嚴厲懲罰。國內教會通常在編撰各項事工報告上,也常流於誇大不實並缺乏驗証制度,往往帶給人不切實際的假象及錯誤評估。 求主幫助我們抗拒虛榮的誘惑,專心依靠祂的引領,再次集中精力於建造信徒的靈命工程上。

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Prayer Request 8/28 -- 9/3

Tuesday
Liang Fa (1789-1855) was the second Chinese Protestant believer and was ordained by Robert Morrison as the first Chinese pastor. In 1820, knowing his wife was about to give birth, he went home to lead her to Christ and baptized her. Ten days later, he also baptized his son. We give praise for the 200th anniversary of Robert Morrison’s arrival in China. We too thank Him for all the babies born into believers’ families. May the Lord give these parents wisdom in raising up a godly second generation for Him.

Wednesday
Robert Morrison arrived in the Pearl River Delta 200 years ago. Today, although this region is truly the richest and most developed in all of China, many would agree that churches in Guangzhou and Macau are relatively weak and that most of the Christians there are factory workers from other provinces. We take this time to pray for all of the churches in Guangzhou. Most of the eight open churches there are relatively empty. We pray for the softening of the hard soil and for a revival among believers.

Thursday
In China, it is not only the Christians are doing the proselytizing. Mormons, Bahai, the Unification Church, and even Islam are actively gaining many converts among the Han Chinese. Many unsuspecting believers are lured into other religion and cults. We pray for these lost sheep and pray even more diligently for the great need of follow up and apologetic ministry, because so many believers do not even read the Bible and know little about doctrines.

Friday
The best word to describe the mentality of China today is "speculative." Everyone, whether young or old, wants to strike it rich with little regard for the cost or consequence. It seems that the whole nation has gone mad about making big money. Most believers still demand that their pastor live by faith and are not willing to give to the church. Such an attitude has contributed to a great loss of workers. Let us pray for both the awakening of believers to be faithful stewards and for the workers to be devoted in serving.

Saturday
The official policy of the new leaders in the government is to rebuild public trust in the government and the Communist Party. It is a pity that many believers in the house churches have lost faith in their leaders and even toward God after hearing about the scandals involving their leaders. Churches in China are still very much wrapped around personalities. We pray for these lost sheep that the Lord will bring them back and restore their faith in Him and in the church.

Sunday
Many influential people are promoting a "New Confucianism" (a blend of the teachings of the West and those of Confucius) to replace the void Communism left behind in Chinese society. Some non-Christians are even clamoring that they should apply Christian values in spite of their not even having a faith in Jesus.A number of intellectuals are interested in Christianity only for what it can do for China. Let us pray for a genuine conversion of these well-meaning individuals. May all who come to Jesus know that Christ demands our faith in Him and a personal relationship with Him.

Monday
Many children of Chinese immigrants are not able to carry on a simple conversation in Chinese. Despite the complaints and insistence of their parents, few find motivation to study deeply about Chinese culture. Still, every summer overseas Chinese youth, particularly those from North America, go on short-term mission trips to China and perform community service or teach English. We pray that God will call some of them for missionary work in China.

星期二
梁發牧師(1789-1855)是第二位中國信徒,後來獲馬禮遜按立成為中國教會史上第一位華人牧師。1820年,得悉一年前所娶之妻黎氏即將臨盆,便再回鄉,勸妻子信主成功,以飯碗盛水為妻施洗,十日後又替頭生兒子梁進德施洗。 我們為馬禮遜來華200週年感恩,更為所有今年教會中新一代感謝神,求主賜智慧給信徒父母親來教養愛主的第二代。

星期三
200年前馬禮遜最先抵達的是珠江三角洲。雖然今天這裡是中國最富庶和發達的區域,然而廣州和澳門的教會卻普遍微弱,多數的基督徒也是從其他省份來的工廠勞工。讓我們為廣州市所有教會祈禱。 那裡雖有八間公開的教會, 但聚會時會堂卻不能坐滿。求神軟化福音的硬土, 使教會和信徒的靈命能再度復興來禱告.

星期四
在中國積極活動的不再只是基督徒了。很多宗教包括摩門教、布哈伊教、統一教以及其他新興宗教教派,甚至連伊斯蘭教都正努力向漢人傳教。許多裝備不足、根基不深的基督徒也被誤導而加入了異端。讓們為這些迷羊禱告,許多信徒甚至不研讀聖經,對教義所知不多,懇求神施憐憫在中國教會能加強信徒栽培和門徒訓練工作。

星期五
「投機」最能描述當今中國社會的心態。男女老少見人發財眼紅,不計後果都想狠撈一筆。整個社會都為財瘋狂。至於教會財務,許多信徒卻仍吝於奉獻,卻要求傳道人不計代價的憑信心服事,造成教會同工大量流失。求主使信徒能夠醒悟,爲神做個金錢的好管家,也賜教會同工有信心,能夠忠心的服事。

星期六
「重塑信任」是中國新一代黨領導人的政策,重新建造社會公眾對黨和政府的信任。很可惜一些教會領袖的軟弱和醜聞,造成不少信徒對領袖甚至對神失去信心,失望冷漠之餘不再聚會。至今教會仍常以人或教會領袖爲信仰指標,我們為因著人的軟弱而被絆倒,或對教會迷茫、失去信心的信徒禱告,求主尋回這些迷羊,幫助他們能夠定睛仰望神,也恢復對教會的信任。

星期日
現代許多具影響力的學者正開始推動「新儒學」,即對儒釋道各家哲理做出新譯,融入西方哲學思想,甚至一些非信徒也喧嚷著要推廣基督教的價值觀。一些學者對基督教的興趣僅止於認爲可為中國帶來好處。求神讓他們有機會和基督教學者深入的對話,好讓更多人瞭解,基督教思想必須建基於我們與基督的個人關係以及對祂的信心上。

星期一
在海外,有許多中國移民的第二代連基本的中文句子都不會講。無論家長如何堅持或強迫,都難以推動他們學習中文或中華文化。感謝神,每年暑假,仍有許多海外(特別是北美)華裔基督徒青年,會到中國短宣,為當地提供社區服務或教英語。求神在他們當中興起和呼召全職的中國宣教士。