Prayer Request 1/30 -- 2/5

Tuesday
Up until 2005, people who have Hepatitis B are not eligible to apply as government employees at any level. According to data 10 years ago, more than 120-150 millions Chinese are infected with the Hepatitis B virus. Social stigma and the lack of cure make Hepatitis B an effective walking death-sentence. Let us pray for all the believers who suffer from this disease. May the Lord comfort and sustain them, so they may live for Him with faith, hope and love .

Wednesday
Few would ever think coffee drinking would have caught on so well among Chinese. Foreign-chain specialty cafés are extremely popular, especially among the young professionals and college students, who happily pay for their Western price tag. Chinese churches basically have not changed much since the last century and few churches even target the “younger crowd”. Let us pray for vision to reach the younger generation, through music, worship style, and “connecting ”.

Thursday
Since 2001, Taiwan started to have a full 2-day weekend (prior to this was only half-day on Saturday). Such implementation led to a boom in the weekend tourism and sprouting up of resorts all over the islands.Two-day weekends are double-edged swords for churches as more people are traveling and on also, churches can host more weekend events. We need to pray for the nearly 4,000 churches in Taiwan, for renewal, awakening from material abundance, and disunity resulting from political issues .

Friday
Government restricts pregnant Mainland women to give birth in Hong Kong which now accounts for half of all births on the island. Such popularity are caused by the generous medical benefits, children are born as HK citizenship and to escape the one-child limits. Hong Kong continues to play an important role in providing resources for the children’s Sunday School in China, both in resources and training. Let us pray for all the HK churches that are supporting Mainland churches and those who receive them .

Saturday
Being the only child does not mean a happy kid! A survey of high school kids from China, Japan, South Korea and the US reveals Chinese kids are least happy with their parents around. In China, kids quickly stop attending church with their parents when they attend elementary school, especially when there are no programs for them. Let us pray for all believer parents who are in such a predicament and churches are willing to do everything to keep the young ones in church .

Sunday
For millions of Chinese high school kids, having parental attention does not translate to happiness. “Chinese parents care too much about their school performance, their future and to get a college education,” educational experts say. Most Christian parents are out-of-their-wits when their only darling child refuses to go to church once they grow up. We remember all the parents who will not stop praying for their wayward children, those who lost interest in faith and are going through rebellion .

Monday
68% of Chinese high school kids enjoy their mother around them and only 59% say the same about their father. While in the same survey, 91% of Korean enjoys having their mother around them. “Stern father and affable mother” seems to be Chinese parental stereotype. Let us pray for all the believing Chinese fathers who must assert their spiritual leadership at home, without angering their child, provide godly example, be considerate and serve in church .

星期二
中國在2005年之前，所有乙肝病毒（B型肝炎）攜帶者都不能擔任公務員。而根據十年前的統計，中國的「乙肝病毒攜帶者」已有1.2億到1.5億人。來自社會的歧視和無葯可愈，使患上「乙肝」的人猶如被判了死刑。讓我們為有此疾病的信徒禱告，求神安慰扶持他們，爲主的緣故，活出滿有信、望、愛的豐盛生命。

星期三
中國這個喝茶的民族，竟漸漸轉而喝咖啡了。外國咖啡連鎖店在中國掀起熱潮，尤其受年輕白領階級及學生歡迎。他們樂於支付等同西方的昂貴價格來喝一杯咖啡。相對於社會的轉變，今天的中國教會基本上跟上世紀沒什麽兩樣，很少教會肯爲吸引年輕一代而做出改變。讓我們為教會能看到年輕一代的需要來禱告，願意透過調整敬拜讚美等方式，拉近與年輕人的距離，把他們帶到神的真理當中。

星期四
臺灣自2001年始全面實施週休二日（過去周六只有半日休。）大大興旺了假日觀光旅遊事業，連帶的也刺激風景區的旅館民宿、餐飲和交通業的發展。長週末對教會來説是一把兩刃的劍：教會能夠藉此舉辦更多節目，但很多人也可能去渡假旅遊。讓我們為臺灣近4千家教會的復興禱告。求神喚醒人們從物質的豐裕裏保持屬靈的渴慕。同時也求主讓教會不因政治立場而對立，因著耶穌而得合一的心。

星期五
赴港生産的內地孕婦從去年開始劇增，現已佔香港新生兒數量的一半。最近香港政府開始立法限制。中國孕婦赴港生産的原因，有的爲讓孩子獲得香港身份證，有的為圖香港低廉的緊急醫療福利，有的則是到港超額生育。香港一直扮演著提供國內基督教育資訊和訓練，及主日學教材的重要角色。讓我們在禱告中記念這些港教會和受支助的教會，求神讓施與受者皆蒙祝福和造就。

星期六
中國的孩子大部分是都獨子，獨子或許是天之驕子卻未必是快樂的孩子。從一項對7000名中、日、韓及美國中學生所作的調查中發現：中國孩子比起其他國家的，對於父母在身邊感到最不開心。中國的孩子入小學之後，很快地就不再跟父母到教會敬拜了，尤其當教會沒有適合他們的節目。讓我們為這些信徒家長和孩子來禱告，求神讓教會有能力與智慧而且願意設法吸引和留住這些孩子。

星期日
對於父母親的關切，中國數百萬中學生並不感覺到高興。專家解釋這是由於面對獨生子女，家長們特別關注他們的學業成績，要他們上大學有好前途。當唯一的寶貝孩子長大後不願再到教會，基督徒父母多數都會感到不知所措。讓我們記念這些父母，能不斷地為孩子禱告，當孩子任性或對信仰失去興趣，抑或處於叛逆期，求神賜下智慧與耐心，陪伴的子女人生最重要的階段。

星期一
中國的中學生當中，68%喜歡母親陪在他們身邊，只有59%喜歡父親相伴。根據同一調查，喜歡母親陪伴的韓國學生高達91%。「父嚴母慈」似乎是中國父母不變的模式。讓我們特別記念到基督徒父親，求神教導他們知道如何成爲家中的屬靈領袖，體貼家人、不惹兒女的氣且有敬虔的榜樣，並在教會裡熱心服事。

Prayer Request 1/23 -- 1/28

Tuesday
An American magazine declared that this is the "China Century." Chinese now play a pivotal role in peace in the Korean peninsula and East Asia. In terms of energy consumption, China is only second to the USA. What will China churches be like in this China Century? Will Chinese believers carry the torch of mission? Will they be of any influence in China at all? Let us redouble our efforts in praying for China and her churches .

Wednesday
In China, both picking out and getting married on a “lucky day” is considered important. Recently, because at these times there is a long vacation period and guests are better able to attend, the favored times have been October 1st (National Day), May 1st , Teachers’ Day, and Chinese New Year’s Day. This year, Chinese New Year’s Day will fall on February 18. We pray especially for those who are getting married and whose parents and future in-laws are not yet believers. May the Lord give them a burden to share their faith and use them as powerful witnesses to their parents .

Thursday
Two-thirds of Chinese are farmers and great numbers of them have abandoned farming to seek an easier life and better pay in the cities. They leave their children with relatives or grandparents, many for years on end, thus creating an unprecedented serious problem as far as family and society go. Many rural believers have done the same and have left their children without parental presence and spiritual guidance. Their children grow up without experiencing parental love and thus have difficulty connecting with the Heavenly Father. Let us pray for this crisis.

Friday
According to a survey, 82% of those who work more than 15 hours a day say they are do so for “bonuses.” Such an attitude is most common among the 20 to 40 year olds. Lacking young people is a common phenomenon among China churches. Many young people do not have jobs that give them Sundays as days off. Many young believers simply stop attend churches once they start working. Let us pray for all the young believers who have drifted away from churches and what churches could do to attract them .

Saturday
The familiar sight of conductors who sell tickets in Beijing buses is giving way to electronic cards. Nearly 70% of Beijing bus riders or about 2 million people use these rechargeable cards now. The majority of Beijing residents still depend on buses and subways to get around the city. Many churches are relocating away from the city center which means more commuting. Let us pray again for the revival of every church and several seminaries (unofficial) here in the capital .

Sunday
It has become illegal to sell alcohol to minors since December in Beijing. Although the fine is steep at 2000 yuan (250 USD), reporters found stores continue to sell to children who claim they are getting liquor for their parents. Drinking hard liquor is so pervasive and even children start drinking at very young age. Most young people drink excessively. Let us remember in prayer those believers whose spouse are alcoholic and are often abusive when drunk .

Monday
Church meetings specifically for foreigners can be found in many cities. Often, they meet at hotels and even provide programs for children. All nationalities are represented and the families often form deep friendships and support groups.Let us pray for all these churches for foreigners as they outreach to other foreigners in China through family gatherings. We too pray for the children programs conducted in these churches. May the Lord use these children in ministries in China where they grew up .

星期二
最近美國一份著名雜誌把本世紀稱爲“中國世紀”。中國目前在維繫朝鮮半島以及東亞的和平問題上扮演者極關鍵性的角色。中國也是能源消耗大國。如今她的能源消耗量僅次於美國。中國教會在這個「中國世紀」的風潮裏將會如何呢？中國信徒會接過宣教的火炬嗎？在國內各階層能掀起多大的影響力？讓我們加倍為中國和中國教會的未來禱告。

星期三
在中國，要結婚向來需擇良辰吉日，近年來年輕一代卻選擇「節日結婚」，既得長假，賓客也較易出席慶賀。其中最受歡迎的是十.一（國慶），五.一(勞工節)，教師節以及農曆新年。今年農曆年是二月十八日，讓我們為所有準備結婚的信徒們禱告。求主預備他們心志，建立一個榮耀神的家庭。特別是有仍未信主家長和姻親的，求主讓他們有向家人分享福音的負擔，並且在家人面前有美好的見證。

星期四
中國有三分之二的人口是農民，農村勞動人口大量流入城市時，往往將年幼子女留給祖父母撫養。這些「留守孩子」長期遠離父母，缺少完整的親子關係，情感需求得不到滿足，容易造成偏差的性格。許多信徒也缺乏基於聖經原則的育兒方法和技巧，以致這一代年輕人很難回應 「天父的愛」，與神建立親密的關係。讓我們為中國社會及福音普及的大隱憂守望代禱。

星期五
根據一項社會調查顯示：有82%的中國人會為「獎金夠高」而選擇每天工作超過15個小時。尤其在介於20到40歲的人之中，情況最為普遍。中國教會目前面對的一大挑戰也是年輕會友人人忙於工作。很多年輕人主日仍需開工，一旦開始這種作息形態，就自然而然停止了教會聚會。讓我們爲這群畢了業忙碌於職場的年輕信徒禱告，也為教會有相應策略突破此困難，吸引他們來代求。

星期六
北京公車開始採用電子刷卡制，漸漸取代人們熟悉的售票制。在北京乘搭公車或地鐵的人非常多，2006年下半年，重復使用加錢式的刷卡乘客，已突破總客運量的7成，估計大約200萬人。北京許多教會已經從市中心搬遷到路程更遠的3、4環，甚至6環之外的郊區（一環即一條公路）。讓我們為北京的眾教會及當地好幾所神學院的復興禱告。

星期日
自去年12月起，北京立法不得向未成年人售酒，並規定在經營場所，設置顯著中英文雙語標示，違者最高罰款2000元人民幣（250美元）。但許多商家仍以各式藉口繼續賣酒給未成年人。在中國喝烈酒的風氣很盛，很多人年紀很小就開始喝酒。年輕人多半酒量很大，一些甚至酗酒成癖。讓我們為有家人或配偶有酗酒問題，以及遭受酒後暴力的信徒來禱告。

星期一
有些中國城市裏有國際教會的查經聚會，有時是在酒店裏面崇拜，他們也設有兒童節目。來自世界各國的信徒和家庭在這裡建立了深厚的友誼，彼此扶持、建造，當中也不乏有傳福音負擔的信徒。我們特別為在中國的外國信徒和教會禱告。求神帶領他們的聚會和福音工作能得着其他的外國人；也求神祝福和使用他們的兒童聚會，使這些在中國長大的孩子們，將來對中國福音事工會有強烈的負擔。

Prayer Request 1/16 --1/22

Tuesday
In the old days, people worried about having enough "firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea" to get by. Now, people worry about whether stocks will do well, whether train and airlines tickets and cell phone bills will be lower, whether utilities bills will go higher and whether houses will be affordable again. Wages are not catching up with the rising costs of living, especially for the church workers and most of people. Let us remember all who continue to trust the Lord to provide and continue to serve wherever they have been called by God .

Wednesday
Street vendors, licensed and unlicensed, seem to be part of Chinese cities. Major cities including Guangzhou are clamping down on unlicensed vendors with high fees and fines to improve the appearances of the city. Selling on streets is often the easiest way to earn a living for those who enter cities for work. Let us pray for hundreds of thousands of rural believers who have left their homes, seeking better lives in cities. We pray for their spiritual lives, continuing their walk with the Lord and finding a place of fellowship and worship .

Thursday
"Get Rid of the Landlord" is a hot new poker game. A simple card game for three persons, its only objective is to get rid of the "landlord"- one of the three players. Such recreation allows venting of anger against real-life villains encountered during the day. Believers encounter injustices every days and we are commanded to love those who persecute us. Let us pray for all who are being persecuted for being good. May the Lord comfort them with His own Word .

Friday
In Shanghai, in the 5000 legally registered foot-massage parlors, there are about 300,000 employees. All are young people from other provinces who have learned on the job and 95% of them are not properly trained or licensed. For countless rural young people with no marketable skills an attractive option for work is to become a foot masseuse. The rural churches in China have suffered as they have left to go to work in the cities. We continue to pray for revival and diligence for all who work in the village churches .

Saturday
It is the dream and duty of every Muslim to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. In 2006, 9600 Chinese Muslims went to Mecca in thirty-one charter planes. The government now allows only group pilgrimages because many do not have enough money to return home.Islam has enjoyed resurgence in China and especially in western China it is attracting faithful adherents. Let us pray for the low-key ministries which are discouraged by the government and often resisted by their communities themselves .

Sunday
Shanghai leads the rapidly graying population of China with one in five residents a senior. In the same time, the men in Shanghai also have the dubious honor of being overweight and out rightly obese (37%). There is a great need for ministry to the elderly, not only older believers but an outreach to seniors in the communities. Such work is best done by older believers who work one on one with the seniors. We pray for a vision and burden for such a ministry by churches as well as the needed training and resources .

Monday
According to a recent survey in Hunan, half of those who have graduated from college are getting only 1000 yuan a month--not much better than migrant laborers earn. Graduates of the more famous schools earn about 1200 yuan. Many have begun to question the economic benefit of attending college. Most church workers make far less than migrant workers but Chinese believers rarely talk about how much they should compensate their church workers. We pray that all of the churches in China will treat their shepherds fairly .

星期二
過去人們生活關心的民生問題是「開門七件事：柴、米、油、鹽、醬、醋、茶」。現代人的民生話題還包括：買的股票賺錢嗎？坐火車和公交車是否更便宜？手機費降不降？水電氣價格還要漲？房價能降到自己買得起嗎？現在大多數人的薪資漲幅都遠不及通貨膨脹來得高，尤其是教會同工。讓我們為單一仰望神，憑著信心回應神呼召，在各地服事神的教會工人來禱告，求神常常記念並供應他們的需要。

星期三
中國各個城市都有許多有牌照和無牌照的流動商販。最近，廣州提高流動商販門檻、提高稅費、整飭無照流動商販，以減少流動商販數量。其實，對初來城市的人而言，在街上擺攤賣東西是最簡單的掙錢途徑，但卻賺得並不容易。讓我們記念上百萬名離開農村到城裏討生活的信徒們。為他們的靈命能繼續在主裏成長，並能找到團契和敬拜的地方來禱告。

星期四
「斗地主」是最近在流行於中國湖北一帶的3人撲克牌遊戲，玩法簡單，娛樂性強，而且老少咸宜。據說昔日在地主橫行的鄉里，人們為了發泄對地主的痛恨，在一天的勞作之後，一家人關起門來「斗地主」。 信徒也常在生活中遇到很多不公平的事，但神卻教導我們要愛仇敵，為逼迫我們的人禱告。讓我們為所有因信仰而遭受迫害的信徒禱告。求神保守並用祂自己的話語來安慰他們。

星期五
目前上海登記在冊的專業洗腳店只有5000家，而全上海的腳按摩師卻有30萬名。他們大部分來自外省或農村，95%並未受過正式訓練也沒有執照。許多來自農村的青年無一技之長，當個足部按摩師是最好的選擇之一。農村教會因流失年輕人面臨一大斷層，而且事工沒人做。讓我們為留在農村教會服事的人禱告，求神託住他們不至灰心，也為農村教會的復興禱告。

星期六
到麥加朝聖是每一個回教徒的心願。2006年有9600名中國回教徒包了31架飛機，集體前去麥加。目前政府規定：信仰伊斯蘭教的中國公民前往國外朝覲，由伊斯蘭教全國性宗教團體負責組織，禁止零散朝觐以免因經費不足而逗留他國。回教在中國，尤其在西部發展很蓬勃。政府也反對帶領回教徒改教，因此拓展福音工作困難重重，且須十分低調進行。讓我們為中國西部的福音事工恆切禱告。

星期日
上海市是中國人口老化最迅速的地方，五分之一人口是老年人；此外成年男性超重者佔37%。現今中國非常需要針對銀髮族的福音事工。不只是服事教會內的年老信徒，還包括向社區裡的老人群體傳福音。其實最適合有老年信徒一對一的接觸非信徒老人，扶持跟進並建造靈命的成長。讓我們禱告神給教會有這樣的異象，提供傳福音事工所需的資源和訓練。

星期一
最近在湖南的調查，半數大學畢業生的薪水平均每月僅有1,000元人民幣，還不及民工所得。名校畢業的也只賺大約1,200元。許多人開始質疑讀大學的高投資低報償是否值得。大部分教會同工人的薪水，遠比民工更少，而中國信徒很少會關心他們的牧者究竟是否夠錢用。讓我們為教會能更加關心他們牧者的現實需要來禱告。

Prayer Request 1/9 -- 1/15

Tuesday
For those who have returned to China looking for a lucky break in their career, most are still struggling to get their business venture off the ground. Children’s education is one factor they must consider: attend the local school in Chinese, home-school in English or attend an expensive international school? Many “hai gui” mothers have their support groups and use them for Bible study and leading other women to Christ. Let us remember the large numbers of such cell groups in all the large cities .

Wednesday
For tens of thousand “hai gui” (returning Chinese professionals), they live alone in big cities in China, while their families are not able to relocate to China. This separation of family is also very common for businessmen from Taiwan, Singapore and North America. Sexual temptation is very great for this group of men, especially those in business. We pray for all believers who must live and work alone in China for extended period, for their guarding of heart and close walk with the Lord.

Thursday
The Honghe (Red River) runs through the southern Yunnan province of China. The Honghe brand of wine is quite famous and that brand of cigarettes, also well-known as the cheapest kind (5 yuan or 60 cents), is enjoyed by many older people and laborers. The Honghe region is also where nearly 1.2 million of the Hani minority people live. There is still no Bible in their language and there is only fewer than a hundred believers. Let us pray for this unreached people group in the Honghe region .

Friday
The question of whether Genghis Khan was Chinese is still debated by many historians. In the thirteenth century the Mongols established the Yuan Dynasty which lasted for about 200 years in China. Today, the Han, Manchurians, Mongols, Hui, and Tibetan are the five major ethnic groups that make up the people known as Chinese. Outer Mongolia where the work of the gospel is vibrant and churches are thriving today, became independent in the early twentieth century. Let us pray for church work and the training of believers in both Inner Mongolia (China) and Outer Mongolia .

Saturday
“My old acquaintance left on a yellow crane; little is left at the Yellow-crane Pavilion. The yellow crane will return no more…” This is a famous sad Chinese poem because it is commonly recited in obituary and eulogy. Believers are received into God’s presence. We take this time to pray for all believers who have lost their loved one this year. May the Lord comfort those whose loved ones have not known Jesus before their death .

Sunday
Shanghai where ten million people reside within the outer ring road is the most densely populated city in China. In one neighborhood, 51,000 people live within one square kilometer (0.4 square miles) making it 2.5 times denser than New York City. Shanghai is also the heart of the official churches of China with several large churches strategically located in the business district. We know that prosperity is the greatest enemy of spiritual revival so let us pray for all of the churches in this city of 30 million people .

Monday
One of the bad comments people from Henan must endure is "Watch out for fire, thieves, and people from Henan." Millions of people have left their homes there to work in other places and have become known as the "Gypsies" of China. Henan is the cradle of Chinese civilization and Chinese Christianity as well but churches are weak due to poor education, poverty, attacks of cults, and division. Let us pray for a spirit of unity among the different church groups and believers in Henan .

星期二
許多回到中國尋求事業上突破的海歸，除了要面對創業的難題，還需傷腦筋孩子的教育：究竟要讓孩子接受國內制式的教育，還是在家用英文學習，抑或上昂貴的國際學校？很多基督徒海歸藉著家庭小組聚會，彼此扶持，查經，也幫助其他夫婦和婦女並帶領他們信主。讓我們記念散佈在中國各大城市的海歸家庭，求主賜下夠用的恩典讓他們調適順利，並使用他們成爲福音的使者。

星期三
有上萬的海歸是離開海外的家人，隻身回到中國的大城市裏工作。特別是從臺灣，新加坡，和北美回國發展的專業人士。由於種種因素家人未能一道回國，而必須獨居，他們面對的性試探特別大。讓我們為長時間單身在國內工作的基督徒禱告。求主常常保守他們的心懷意念，無論在工作、服事或生活上，都能緊密地與神同行。

星期四
在中國，紅河牌的酒頗有名氣；還有紅河牌的香煙，因爲便宜(5元人民幣or 美金60 cents)，很受老年人和基層的工人的歡迎。雲南省南部也有條有名的河叫紅河。在紅河一帶，世居人口接近120萬的少數民族——哈尼族。他們當中信主的不到一百人，而且至今仍然沒有自己語言的聖經。讓我們為紅河兩岸許許多多未得之民來禱告，求主憐憫、施恩這片土地和人民。

星期五
關於成吉思汗是不是中國人目前存在不同的説法。13世紀時，蒙古人征服南宋，統一中國，建立了將近200年的元朝。到今天，蒙古族仍是中國的漢、滿、蒙、回、藏五大民族之一。外蒙古於20世紀初獨立，近年來當地的教會和福音事工發展得非常蓬勃。讓我們為蒙古地區，包括外蒙和中國內蒙的教會事工和信徒培訓工作禱告，求主親自帶領和祝福。

星期六
崔灝有首著名的詩「黃鶴樓」內容感傷，特別是「昔人已乘黃鶴去，黃鶴一去不復返。」這兩句，常在喪禮上引用。但我們知道信徒離開世界時，是被接到主那裏去。讓我們記念在過去一年裏，失去家人的信徒。特別是那些家人在有生之年沒有機會認識神的信徒，求主安慰扶持他們，賜給他們力量。更爲其他存留卻還未信主的家人禱告，把握時機努力向他們傳福音。

星期日
據調查，中國人口密度最高的上海市，外環線以內已達1000萬人。而在最密集的黃浦區，每平方公里的人口密度更高達5.1萬人，相當於美國紐約市的2.5倍。上海也是中國官方教會的行政中心，有好些大教會都坐落於著名的商業區。物質的富足往往是屬靈復興的敵人，讓我們為在這三千多萬人口的繁華都市中的所有教會和信徒禱告，求神讓他們在一切的豐裕中仍保有一顆飢渴慕義的心。

星期一
很多人用「防火、防盜、防河南人」來諷刺河南人。數百萬河南人外出闖蕩都是圖生活過好一點，但到了外地，河南人就像是中國的「吉普賽人」，成了人們敵視和防範的對象。河南是中國文化的發源地，也是中國基督教發展最早的地方。但教會人數雖多卻貧窮。而且教育水平低，加上異端的攻擊及教會分裂，使得當地的教會都很虛弱。求神賜給河南信徒們合一的靈，並賜屬靈的智慧能辨別真理。

Prayer Request 1/9 -- 1/15

Tuesday
For those who have returned to China looking for a lucky break in their career, most are still struggling to get their business venture off the ground. Children’s education is one factor they must consider: attend the local school in Chinese, home-school in English or attend an expensive international school? Many “hai gui” mothers have their support groups and use them for Bible study and leading other women to Christ. Let us remember the large numbers of such cell groups in all the large cities .

Wednesday
For tens of thousand “hai gui” (returning Chinese professionals), they live alone in big cities in China, while their families are not able to relocate to China. This separation of family is also very common for businessmen from Taiwan, Singapore and North America. Sexual temptation is very great for this group of men, especially those in business. We pray for all believers who must live and work alone in China for extended period, for their guarding of heart and close walk with the Lord.

Thursday
The Honghe (Red River) runs through the southern Yunnan province of China. The Honghe brand of wine is quite famous and that brand of cigarettes, also well-known as the cheapest kind (5 yuan or 60 cents), is enjoyed by many older people and laborers. The Honghe region is also where nearly 1.2 million of the Hani minority people live. There is still no Bible in their language and there is only fewer than a hundred believers. Let us pray for this unreached people group in the Honghe region .

Friday
The question of whether Genghis Khan was Chinese is still debated by many historians. In the thirteenth century the Mongols established the Yuan Dynasty which lasted for about 200 years in China. Today, the Han, Manchurians, Mongols, Hui, and Tibetan are the five major ethnic groups that make up the people known as Chinese. Outer Mongolia where the work of the gospel is vibrant and churches are thriving today, became independent in the early twentieth century. Let us pray for church work and the training of believers in both Inner Mongolia (China) and Outer Mongolia .

Saturday
“My old acquaintance left on a yellow crane; little is left at the Yellow-crane Pavilion. The yellow crane will return no more…” This is a famous sad Chinese poem because it is commonly recited in obituary and eulogy. Believers are received into God’s presence. We take this time to pray for all believers who have lost their loved one this year. May the Lord comfort those whose loved ones have not known Jesus before their death .

Sunday
Shanghai where ten million people reside within the outer ring road is the most densely populated city in China. In one neighborhood, 51,000 people live within one square kilometer (0.4 square miles) making it 2.5 times denser than New York City. Shanghai is also the heart of the official churches of China with several large churches strategically located in the business district. We know that prosperity is the greatest enemy of spiritual revival so let us pray for all of the churches in this city of 30 million people .

Monday
One of the bad comments people from Henan must endure is "Watch out for fire, thieves, and people from Henan." Millions of people have left their homes there to work in other places and have become known as the "Gypsies" of China. Henan is the cradle of Chinese civilization and Chinese Christianity as well but churches are weak due to poor education, poverty, attacks of cults, and division. Let us pray for a spirit of unity among the different church groups and believers in Henan .

星期二
許多回到中國尋求事業上突破的海歸，除了要面對創業的難題，還需傷腦筋孩子的教育：究竟要讓孩子接受國內制式的教育，還是在家用英文學習，抑或上昂貴的國際學校？很多基督徒海歸藉著家庭小組聚會，彼此扶持，查經，也幫助其他夫婦和婦女並帶領他們信主。讓我們記念散佈在中國各大城市的海歸家庭，求主賜下夠用的恩典讓他們調適順利，並使用他們成爲福音的使者。

星期三
有上萬的海歸是離開海外的家人，隻身回到中國的大城市裏工作。特別是從臺灣，新加坡，和北美回國發展的專業人士。由於種種因素家人未能一道回國，而必須獨居，他們面對的性試探特別大。讓我們為長時間單身在國內工作的基督徒禱告。求主常常保守他們的心懷意念，無論在工作、服事或生活上，都能緊密地與神同行。

星期四
在中國，紅河牌的酒頗有名氣；還有紅河牌的香煙，因爲便宜(5元人民幣or 美金60 cents)，很受老年人和基層的工人的歡迎。雲南省南部也有條有名的河叫紅河。在紅河一帶，世居人口接近120萬的少數民族——哈尼族。他們當中信主的不到一百人，而且至今仍然沒有自己語言的聖經。讓我們為紅河兩岸許許多多未得之民來禱告，求主憐憫、施恩這片土地和人民。

星期五
關於成吉思汗是不是中國人？目前存在不同的説法。13世紀時，蒙古人征服南宋，統一中國，建立了將近200年的元朝。到今天，蒙古族仍是中國的漢、滿、蒙、回、藏五大民族之一。外蒙古於20世紀初獨立，近年來當地的教會和福音事工發展得非常蓬勃。讓我們為蒙古地區，包括外蒙和中國內蒙的教會事工和信徒培訓工作禱告，求主親自帶領和祝福。

星期六
崔灝有首著名的詩「黃鶴樓」內容感傷，特別是「昔人已乘黃鶴去，黃鶴一去不復返。」這兩句，常在喪禮上引用。但我們知道信徒離開世界時，是被接到主那裏去。讓我們記念在過去一年裏，失去家人的信徒。特別是那些家人在有生之年沒有機會認識神的信徒，求主安慰扶持他們，賜給他們力量。更爲其他存留卻還未信主的家人禱告，把握時機努力向他們傳福音。

星期日
據調查，中國人口密度最高的上海市，外環線以內已達1000萬人。而在最密集的黃浦區，每平方公里的人口密度更高達5.1萬人，相當於美國紐約市的2.5倍。上海也是中國官方教會的行政中心，有好些大教會都坐落於著名的商業區。物質的富足往往是屬靈復興的敵人，讓我們為在這三千多萬人口的繁華都市中的所有教會和信徒禱告，求神讓他們在一切的豐裕中仍保有一顆飢渴慕義的心。

星期一
很多人用「防火、防盜、防河南人」來諷刺河南人。數百萬河南人外出闖蕩都是圖生活過好一點，但到了外地，河南人就像是中國的「吉普賽人」，成了人們敵視和防範的對象。河南是中國文化的發源地，也是中國基督教發展最早的地方。但教會人數雖多卻貧窮。而且教育水平低，加上異端的攻擊及教會分裂，使得當地的教會都很虛弱。求神賜給河南信徒們合一的靈，並賜屬靈的智慧能辨別真理。

Prayer Request 1/9 -- 1/15

Tuesday
For those who have returned to China looking for a lucky break in their career, most are still struggling to get their business venture off the ground. Children’s education is one factor they must consider: attend the local school in Chinese, home-school in English or attend an expensive international school? Many “hai gui” mothers have their support groups and use them for Bible study and leading other women to Christ. Let us remember the large numbers of such cell groups in all the large cities .

Wednesday
For tens of thousand “hai gui” (returning Chinese professionals), they live alone in big cities in China, while their families are not able to relocate to China. This separation of family is also very common for businessmen from Taiwan, Singapore and North America. Sexual temptation is very great for this group of men, especially those in business. We pray for all believers who must live and work alone in China for extended period, for their guarding of heart and close walk with the Lord.

Thursday
The Honghe (Red River) runs through the southern Yunnan province of China. The Honghe brand of wine is quite famous and that brand of cigarettes, also well-known as the cheapest kind (5 yuan or 60 cents), is enjoyed by many older people and laborers. The Honghe region is also where nearly 1.2 million of the Hani minority people live. There is still no Bible in their language and there is only fewer than a hundred believers. Let us pray for this unreached people group in the Honghe region .

Friday
The question of whether Genghis Khan was Chinese is still debated by many historians. In the thirteenth century the Mongols established the Yuan Dynasty which lasted for about 200 years in China. Today, the Han, Manchurians, Mongols, Hui, and Tibetan are the five major ethnic groups that make up the people known as Chinese. Outer Mongolia where the work of the gospel is vibrant and churches are thriving today, became independent in the early twentieth century. Let us pray for church work and the training of believers in both Inner Mongolia (China) and Outer Mongolia .

Saturday
“My old acquaintance left on a yellow crane; little is left at the Yellow-crane Pavilion. The yellow crane will return no more…” This is a famous sad Chinese poem because it is commonly recited in obituary and eulogy. Believers are received into God’s presence. We take this time to pray for all believers who have lost their loved one this year. May the Lord comfort those whose loved ones have not known Jesus before their death .

Sunday
Shanghai where ten million people reside within the outer ring road is the most densely populated city in China. In one neighborhood, 51,000 people live within one square kilometer (0.4 square miles) making it 2.5 times denser than New York City. Shanghai is also the heart of the official churches of China with several large churches strategically located in the business district. We know that prosperity is the greatest enemy of spiritual revival so let us pray for all of the churches in this city of 30 million people .

Monday
One of the bad comments people from Henan must endure is "Watch out for fire, thieves, and people from Henan." Millions of people have left their homes there to work in other places and have become known as the "Gypsies" of China. Henan is the cradle of Chinese civilization and Chinese Christianity as well but churches are weak due to poor education, poverty, attacks of cults, and division. Let us pray for a spirit of unity among the different church groups and believers in Henan .

星期二
許多回到中國尋求事業上突破的海歸，除了要面對創業的難題，還需傷腦筋孩子的教育：究竟要讓孩子接受國內制式的教育，還是在家用英文學習，抑或上昂貴的國際學校？很多基督徒海歸藉著家庭小組聚會，彼此扶持，查經，也幫助其他夫婦和婦女並帶領他們信主。讓我們記念散佈在中國各大城市的海歸家庭，求主賜下夠用的恩典讓他們調適順利，並使用他們成爲福音的使者。

星期三
有上萬的海歸是離開海外的家人，隻身回到中國的大城市裏工作。特別是從臺灣，新加坡，和北美回國發展的專業人士。由於種種因素家人未能一道回國而必須獨居，他們面對的性試探特別大。讓我們為長時間單身在國內工作的基督徒禱告。求主常常保守他們的心懷意念，無論在工作、服事或生活上，都能緊密地與神同行。

星期四
在中國，紅河牌的酒頗有名氣；還有紅河牌的香煙，因爲便宜(5元人民幣or 美金60 cents)，很受老年人和基層的工人的歡迎。雲南省南部也有條有名的河叫紅河。在紅河一帶，世居人口接近120萬的少數民族——哈尼族。他們當中信主的不到一百人，而且至今仍然沒有自己語言的聖經。讓我們為紅河兩岸許許多多未得之民來禱告，求主憐憫、施恩這片土地和人民。

星期五
關於成吉思汗是不是中國人目前存在不同的説法。13世紀時，蒙古人征服南宋，統一中國，建立了將近200年的元朝。到今天，蒙古族仍是中國的漢、滿、蒙、回、藏五大民族之一。外蒙古於20世紀初獨立，近年來當地的教會和福音事工發展得非常蓬勃。讓我們為蒙古地區，包括外蒙和中國內蒙的教會事工和信徒培訓工作禱告，求主親自帶領和祝福。

星期六
崔灝有首著名的詩「黃鶴樓」內容感傷，特別是「昔人已乘黃鶴去，黃鶴一去不復返。」這兩句，常在喪禮上引用。但我們知道信徒離開世界時，是被接到主那裏去。讓我們記念在過去一年裏，失去家人的信徒。特別是那些家人在有生之年沒有機會認識神的信徒，求主安慰扶持他們，賜給他們力量。更爲其他存留卻還未信主的家人禱告，把握時機努力向他們傳福音。

星期日
據調查，中國人口密度最高的上海市，外環線以內已達1000萬人。而在最密集的黃浦區，每平方公里的人口密度更高達5.1萬人，相當於美國紐約市的2.5倍。上海也是中國官方教會的行政中心，有好些大教會都坐落於著名的商業區。物質的富足往往是屬靈復興的敵人，讓我們為在這三千多萬人口的繁華都市中的所有教會和信徒禱告，求神讓他們在一切的豐裕中仍保有一顆飢渴慕義的心。

星期一
很多人用「防火、防盜、防河南人」來諷刺河南人。數百萬河南人外出闖蕩都是圖生活過好一點，但到了外地，河南人就像是中國的「吉普賽人」，成了人們敵視和防範的對象。河南是中國文化的發源地，也是中國基督教發展最早的地方。但教會人數雖多卻貧窮。而且教育水平低，加上異端的攻擊及教會分裂，使得當地的教會都很虛弱。求神賜給河南信徒們合一的靈，並賜屬靈的智慧能辨別真理。

Prayer Request 1/9 -- 1/15

Tuesday
For those who have returned to China looking for a lucky break in their career, most are still struggling to get their business venture off the ground. Children’s education is one factor they must consider: attend the local school in Chinese, home-school in English or attend an expensive international school? Many “hai gui” mothers have their support groups and use them for Bible study and leading other women to Christ. Let us remember the large numbers of such cell groups in all the large cities .

Wednesday
For tens of thousand “hai gui” (returning Chinese professionals), they live alone in big cities in China, while their families are not able to relocate to China. This separation of family is also very common for businessmen from Taiwan, Singapore and North America. Sexual temptation is very great for this group of men, especially those in business. We pray for all believers who must live and work alone in China for extended period, for their guarding of heart and close walk with the Lord.

Thursday
The Honghe (Red River) runs through the southern Yunnan province of China. The Honghe brand of wine is quite famous and that brand of cigarettes, also well-known as the cheapest kind (5 yuan or 60 cents), is enjoyed by many older people and laborers. The Honghe region is also where nearly 1.2 million of the Hani minority people live. There is still no Bible in their language and there is only fewer than a hundred believers. Let us pray for this unreached people group in the Honghe region .

Friday
The question of whether Genghis Khan was Chinese is still debated by many historians. In the thirteenth century the Mongols established the Yuan Dynasty which lasted for about 200 years in China. Today, the Han, Manchurians, Mongols, Hui, and Tibetan are the five major ethnic groups that make up the people known as Chinese. Outer Mongolia where the work of the gospel is vibrant and churches are thriving today, became independent in the early twentieth century. Let us pray for church work and the training of believers in both Inner Mongolia (China) and Outer Mongolia .

Saturday
“My old acquaintance left on a yellow crane; little is left at the Yellow-crane Pavilion. The yellow crane will return no more…” This is a famous sad Chinese poem because it is commonly recited in obituary and eulogy. Believers are received into God’s presence. We take this time to pray for all believers who have lost their loved one this year. May the Lord comfort those whose loved ones have not known Jesus before their death .

Sunday
Shanghai where ten million people reside within the outer ring road is the most densely populated city in China. In one neighborhood, 51,000 people live within one square kilometer (0.4 square miles) making it 2.5 times denser than New York City. Shanghai is also the heart of the official churches of China with several large churches strategically located in the business district. We know that prosperity is the greatest enemy of spiritual revival so let us pray for all of the churches in this city of 30 million people .

Monday
One of the bad comments people from Henan must endure is "Watch out for fire, thieves, and people from Henan." Millions of people have left their homes there to work in other places and have become known as the "Gypsies" of China. Henan is the cradle of Chinese civilization and Chinese Christianity as well but churches are weak due to poor education, poverty, attacks of cults, and division. Let us pray for a spirit of unity among the different church groups and believers in Henan .

星期二
許多回到中國尋求事業上突破的海歸，除了要面對創業的難題，還需傷腦筋孩子的教育：究竟要讓孩子接受國內制式的教育，還是在家用英文學習，抑或上昂貴的國際學校？很多基督徒海歸藉著家庭小組聚會，彼此扶持，查經，也幫助其他夫婦和婦女並帶領他們信主。讓我們記念散佈在中國各大城市的海歸家庭，求主賜下夠用的恩典讓他們調適順利，並使用他們成爲福音的使者。

星期三
有上萬的海歸是離開海外的家人，隻身回到中國的大城市裏工作。特別是從臺灣，新加坡，和北美回國發展的專業人士。由於種種因素家人未能一道回國而必須獨居，他們面對的性試探特別大。讓我們為長時間單身在國內工作的基督徒禱告。求主常常保守他們的心懷意念，無論在工作、服事或生活上，都能緊密地與神同行。

星期四
在中國，紅河牌的酒頗有名氣；還有紅河牌的香煙，因爲便宜(5元人民幣or 美金60 cents)，很受老年人和基層的工人的歡迎。雲南省南部也有條有名的河叫紅河。在紅河一帶，世居人口接近120萬的少數民族——哈尼族。他們當中信主的不到一百人，而且至今仍然沒有自己語言的聖經。讓我們為紅河兩岸許許多多未得之民來禱告，求主憐憫、施恩這片土地和人民。

星期五
關於成吉思汗是不是中國人目前存在不同的説法。13世紀時，蒙古人征服南宋，統一中國，建立了將近200年的元朝。到今天，蒙古族仍是中國的漢、滿、蒙、回、藏五大民族之一。外蒙古於20世紀初獨立，近年來當地的教會和福音事工發展得非常蓬勃。讓我們為蒙古地區，包括外蒙和中國內蒙的教會事工和信徒培訓工作禱告，求主親自帶領和祝福。

星期六
崔灝有首著名的詩「黃鶴樓」內容感傷，特別是「昔人已乘黃鶴去，黃鶴一去不復返。」這兩句，常在喪禮上引用。但我們知道信徒離開世界時，是被接到主那裏去。讓我們記念在過去一年裏，失去家人的信徒。特別是那些家人在有生之年沒有機會認識神的信徒，求主安慰扶持他們，賜給他們力量。更爲其他存留卻還未信主的家人禱告，把握時機努力向他們傳福音。

星期日
據調查，中國人口密度最高的上海市，外環線以內已達1000萬人。而在最密集的黃浦區，每平方公里的人口密度更高達5.1萬人，相當於美國紐約市的2.5倍。上海也是中國官方教會的行政中心，有好些大教會都坐落於著名的商業區。物質的富足往往是屬靈復興的敵人，讓我們為在這三千多萬人口的繁華都市中的所有教會和信徒禱告，求神讓他們在一切的豐裕中仍保有一顆飢渴慕義的心。

星期一
很多人用「防火、防盜、防河南人」來諷刺河南人。數百萬河南人外出闖蕩都是圖生活過好一點，但到了外地，河南人就像是中國的「吉普賽人」，成了人們敵視和防範的對象。河南是中國文化的發源地，也是中國基督教發展最早的地方。但教會人數雖多卻貧窮。而且教育水平低，加上異端的攻擊及教會分裂，使得當地的教會都很虛弱。求神賜給河南信徒們合一的靈，並賜屬靈的智慧能辨別真理。

Prayer Request 1/2 -- 1/8

Tuesday
According to a government-sponsored study the number of young intellectuals who are Christians has steadily increased in the past twenty years. The new breed of believers mainly worship in house churches and shun Three-Self churches. We praise the Lord for how those who are highly educated are accepting the gospel. Let us pray for a revival in the Beijing area, that many more will dedicate themselves to serve the Lord with their training, and that they even be willing to shepherd the growing flocks .

Wednesday
Traditional Chinese medicine utilizes various rare herbs and animal parts. Recently, a Beijing newspaper showed that fake medicines are very common, that cattle parts are substituted for those of rare animals, and that many of the medicines are actually unsafe. A common saying in China is, "The easiest way to get rich is to sell fake Chinese medicine." False teachers have ravaged and caused the closing of many rural churches in China. Let us remember those who have been led astray and the communities that need to be revived with new workers .

Thursday
China military will implement a new system promoting enlisted soldiers with college-degree to be officers. This will apply only to units that are stationed on China’s western provinces or remote areas. Great majority of churches workers in rural and remote areas of China have education beyond junior high school. Though their love and commitment far compensate for lack of education, let us pray for the vast need of training and resource for preaching for these church workers .

Friday
Careers which have no worry of losing their job have been called "Steel Rice Bowl". Public officials are included in this category and they have commonly been ridiculed as "Wage does not change much and gets all his cigarettes and liquor free" (a euphemistic reference to bribes). Most of the workers in churches in China have no guaranteed income or benefits since there is no written contract. We take this time to pray for those whose churches have not fulfilled their promises in supporting their workers. We pray for a steadfast trust in the Master and their calling .

Saturday
About ten years ago a massive layoff occurred in many of the government-owned factories in the three provinces of northeast China. Some cities suddenly suffered a nearly thirty per cent rise in unemployment. Those who lost their jobs have faced harsh times as the local economy adapted to the problem. Many of the churches in these regions suffered the impact of the recession with numbers of the believers unemployed. However, churches in this area continued to send out teams of missionaries who started many churches near the Korean border and in the West of China. We thank the Lord for their perseverance and faithfulness .

Sunday
"Justification by faith" has been replaced by "Justification by love" in many of the churches loyal to the Three Self Movement. Politically, "Justification by faith" means that millions of Chinese who do not believe in Jesus will go to hell and thus it is not acceptable to the Party. Most of the open churches in China still faithfully preach the Word of God. Let us pray for every pulpit every Sunday in each Chinese church whether it is an open or house church .

Monday
Before 1949 much of the land in China was in the hand of rich landlords. The Communists won the support of the peasants by distributing the land among all of the people but all the land was nationalized and people lived collectively in communes. When a congregation decides to own their church building, the question of ownership is complicated depending on whether the church is registered or not. Let us come alongside our brothers and sisters to pray with all the congregations looking for a church building this year in order to expand their ministries .

星期二
中國官方調查顯示：二十年來，年輕基督徒知識分子的人數正穩定成長中。這批新的信徒多數在家庭教會和三自教會聚會。我們感謝主，福音能被高知識水平的群體接納。讓我們為北京的知識分子和教會復興來禱告。求神感動他們能避免只做文化信徒，有更多人願意委身參與培訓，把自己擺上爲主使用，甚至爲主照顧群羊。

星期三
傳統中醫利用各種珍貴的草葯和動物來製葯。藥市流傳：「要發財倒藥材」的俚語。北京一家報章近來揭露中藥材普遍製假售假的情況，讓人觸目心驚。如用馬皮代替驢皮，甚至用豬、牛或貓皮煉製阿膠；以明礬假冒穿山甲片等枉顧醫德危害大眾健康的不法行徑。而國內的鄉村教會裏也充斥著假教師、假教導，導致許多教會倒閉。讓我們以禱告記念走失的迷羊和倒閉的教會。求主差派新同工，重建農村教會和信徒。

星期四
中國軍隊從2006年開始，優秀的大學生可以直接提拔為軍官幹部。但選拔範圍只限於屯駐新疆、西藏及大西北邊遠艱苦地區的部隊。教會同工大部分都在偏遠地區服事，而且教育程度只有初中水平。雖然他們的愛心和委身能填補教育水平的缺欠，但預備講道的能力還有待提升。讓我們為裝備他們的宣道能力及取得參考資源的廣大需求來向神禱告。

星期五
中國人稱公務員為「鐵飯碗」，因是長期安穩沒有失業風險的工作。有人更認爲應是「金飯碗」，甚至以「工資基本不動，抽煙喝酒靠送」來反映其中的腐化的實情。很多教會的服事同工，並沒有固定的薪資和福利，教會美其名為「單憑信心」，實際上卻沒有履行承諾發薪金支持同工的生活所需。讓我們特別為教會能向神忠誠，按時供應同工的需要來禱告。也求神堅定祂的僕人們對神和祂的呼召有堅定的信心。

星期六
十多年前國內許多國營企業關門，尤其在東北三省，造成高達30%的失業率。許多人的生活陷入困境，當地教會也因經濟蕭條導致信徒下崗，而發展受阻。現在情況已稍好轉，我們記念東北的教會一直持續差派宣教士出去至各地，特別是在韓國邊界和中國西部建立了很多教會。我們為他們在患難中仍能堅忍的為主擺上，忠心的服事來感謝，也求主繼續祝福、使用他們。

星期日
國內很多服從三自運動的教會以「因愛稱義」來取代「因信稱義」的教導。政治上的考量是，若說「因信稱義」，表示中國除了極少數信徒之外，不信的十幾億人都要下地獄，這種説法會造成社會大亂，因此不能被宣導無神論的當局所接受。其實絕大多數的教會仍然忠心地傳講神的話語。讓我們禱告所有教會在每個主日，在講臺上所傳講的信息，都能討神的喜悅。

星期一
在1949年之前，中國大部分土地都落在富有的地主手裏。中國共産黨以打土豪分田地的土地改革，贏得了廣大農民群眾的支持。但是農民得地沒多久，又得在人民公社運動中將土地權交給集體。現今教會想擁有自己的教堂建築物時，必須面對是否要向當局註冊的難題？讓我們為那些為發展教會事工需要在近期內找到活動場地的弟兄姐妹禱告。求神帶領他們在各種考量中，都能做出正確的決定。