Posts
Tuesday
Two giant pandas arrived in Taipei. Tuan Tuan and Yuan Yuan were offered as a goodwill gift from Beijing. Although this was announced 3 years ago, their arrival symbolized another major step forward in building relations. The names of the pandas together mean "reunion" in Chinese. Let us praise the Lord for the improved relationship. We are committed to pray for the future of all the churches and believers.
Wednesday
Beijing plans to send its navy to the Somalian coast to counter the problem of rampant piracy. Several Chinese vessels have been attacked. The Chinese are enthusiastic and proud of China’s involvement and new leading role in providing a solution for this international crisis. Chinese Christians also feel that God has a special purpose for the Chinese church in taking the Gospel “back to Jerusalem.” While vision and goals are important, let us pray for a revival of believers and passion to share the Gospel with their neighbors and Muslims in the cities, dedicating themselves to God and giving of themselves and money.
Thursday
According to a business group in Taiwan, to be competitive in the China market, companies must be able to offer "lower quality products, lower cost/price, and a lower level of service". It is also vitally important to be able to get around taxation rules. Many want to be a part of China's huge domestic market but find the lack of transparency and the complex regulations disheartening. We pray for all the believers as they conduct business transactions that the Lord will give them and all of us integrity like Joseph who faced temptation but would not sin against his God.
Friday
In China, the center of gravity in the church world is shifting from rural to urban churches. Churches made up of students in the universities have mushroomed. Many of the members came from the background of rural house churches or Three-self churches. Student-based churches are vibrant and forming their own culture, meeting in homes with a very contemporary style of worship and a dynamic ministry. Let us remember these young churches that they will present solid teaching, know their mission, and have a strong desire to be involved in their communities.
Saturday
Abortion is very common among young Chinese women. While premarital sex is universally accepted and demanded in relationships, the boyfriend/partner will invariably want them to terminate pregnancy. We pray for believers who have had abortion in the past, many had it done before they came to know Jesus. May the Lord give them close relationship with Him, renewed commitment to their family and opportunity to counsel other young women.
Sunday
The"Second generation" of minggong (rural laborers) are in their twenties. They look no different than their city counterparts - dyed hair, wearing jeans, using mobile phones and Internet. They refuse to return to the village even after being laid off from the factories. Chinese churches tend to be older and are not receptive to young people and their culture. Let us pray for churches willing to outreach and minister to the vast number of unreached young people, especially those who are "waidiren" – literally, strangers.
Monday
Being a Chinese mogul can be tough, like a crab in a boiling pot. Recent downfall of several tycoons show their wealth and fame cannot endure media attention and legal scrutiny. Fame, power and money are huge temptations for young Chinese church workers too. Let us pray especially for many who are rising up to be leaders of their flocks and churches. May the Lord keep all of us humble and trusting not in our own strength and talents.
星期二
贈送貓熊給台灣雖在三年前已經宣布，但贈台的兩隻大熊貓團團，圓圓終於抵達台北。熊貓的到訪正標誌著海峽兩岸關係的進一步改善。這一對熊貓的名字，合起來是團圓的意思，讓我們為兩岸實質關係的增進感謝神，也讓我們繼續以禱告記念未來兩岸關係的進展，求主親手引領兩岸教會和信徒間的相互扶持與建造。
星期三
基於索馬里海域的海盜十分猖獗，中國船隻屢遭襲擊，北京派出軍艦護航。近來中國在國際危機中，開始扮演主導角色，激起國民民族熱情與自豪。許多中國基督徒擁有一個異象，認為上帝賦予華人教會特殊的使命，要把福音傳回耶路撒冷。有此心志固然可貴，但讓我們求主先賜我們真正的復興，抱持傳揚福音的熱忱，看到社區民眾及城市裡的回教徒福音的需要，同時也更願意將全人委身並將金錢奉獻於拓展神的國度。
星期四
臺灣有商業團體表示，要與大中國本地廠商競爭，必須面對三低問題：低質量、低價格、低服務。另外，避稅也是其降低成本之要素。許多人都想在中國巨大的市場上分一杯羹，卻因其不透明而繁雜的制度而卻步。讓我們為所有在中國經商的主內肢體禱告，求神讓他們面對試探時，有約瑟的誠信及對正直、純全的堅持，不以罪污干犯我們的神。
星期五
中國教會的重心正逐漸從農村轉移向城市。由城市大學的學生組成的教會像雨後春筍般興起，其中許多成員來自農村家庭教會或三自教會。以學生為基礎的教會朝氣蓬勃並不斷形成自己的文化。他們一般在家裡聚會，以非常現代，充滿活力的方式來崇拜和牧會。讓我們在禱告中記念這批年輕的教會，求神使它們能獲得從神而來正確且堅實的教導，清楚自己的使命，並積極投入所屬社區中作鹽發光。
星期六
中國年輕女性墮胎已屬稀鬆平常。婚前性行為普遍被接受並視為理所當然，男方通常會要求意外懷孕的女友墮胎。我們要特別為曾經墮過胎的信徒禱告，許多是在認識基督之前的抉擇，求主幫助她們與神建立親密的關係，更新對家庭的委身，並有機會協助和輔導其他年輕的姊妹。
星期日
民工的第二代大多是出生于90年代初期的年輕人，看上去和城裏同齡的人沒有任何區別，也穿牛仔褲、染髮、玩手機、泡網吧。雖然目前隨著各企業倒閉，無工可打，不過他們堅决不肯回鄉。 中國教會一向以年長的居多，與年輕人的文化格格不入，也不太重視青少年事工的發展。讓我們為教會的屬靈承傳禱告，求神幫助教會領袖們願意走入廣大的青年群眾，關心下一代的靈性需要，尤其是所謂的「外地的年輕人」。
星期一
中國的企業巨頭們有如螃蟹一般「一紅就死」, 可能前不久才是一號風雲人物，幾個月後卻消聲匿跡，甚至淪為階下囚。 對年輕一代的中國牧者而言，名譽、權力和金錢亦是極大的的誘惑。讓我們為所有的教牧同工禱告，尤其是那些傑出有恩賜、崛起有潛力成為領導角色的。愿主賜給他們更多的謙卑與順服，不依靠自己的力量和才能服事，學習天天尊主為大，與主同行。
Monday, December 29, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 12/23-12/29
Tuesday
From junior high on, Chinese pupils are taught about Christianity: "In the first century, the Romans occupied and ruled Palestine ruthlessly; so people dreamed of a savior to deliver them. Jesus was born and gave hope to people in desperation" This is how each student in China is taught. Let us pray that more people will come to the true knowledge of this Savior of the world and that more believers will be willing to share with others, especially during this Christmas season.
Wednesday
Through the opening of franchised restaurants, genuine Peking duck will soon be available in Taiwan and fresh ducks from Beijing will be flown in. Direct fights between Taiwan and some cities in China have already started. We look forward to this new two-way flow of pastors and believers as they visit each other and worship together. May the Lord use this opportunity to stir up more churches as they exchange stories of His grace and blessings.
Thursday
One problem in urban churches is the disparity and tension between the rich and the poor. Some are the "newly rich" or very well-off from their businesses or real estate while others live on a limited income or pension. This tension makes shepherding difficult because the poor feel they are neglected or slighted. We pray for true love, consideration and unity between believers in all of the urban churches.
Friday
Prosperity has brought many professionals and "lao ban" (business owners) to the churches. They are very different from the older majority of believers who are retired blue-collared workers or even the less-educated people. They are also more likely to give to church building projects and general offerings. We praise God that the churches in China are shedding the image of "a church for the poor and uneducated" but many pastors are intimidated by the wealth and education of this new group of Christians. We pray for all the pastors and believers in the church that they will know how to Biblically minister to their wealthy and better educated brothers and sisters.
Saturday
Direct commerce, shipping, and postal delivery have started between China and Taiwan. This is both historic and convenient. It will save much time and expense, especially for merchants from Taiwan who have factories and business in China. We thank God for bringing this moment which many thought was impossible in their lifetime. May the Lord bring both sides closer to each other, not only sharing experience and resources but becoming one in Christ.
Sunday
Although we rarely hear reports of them, incidents of rioting often ignited by the perceived injustice of local officials have steadily increased in China. When they think they have been robbed of their rights, people are now more daring to protest en masse than they were in the past. We pray for those churches who are negotiating with the authorities regarding their church property rights and restrictions of worship. May the Lord give them wisdom, favor before men and the liberty of worship they seek.
Monday
The rising price of food, the prohibitive cost of health care, the disparity between the rich and the poor and unemployment are top concerns for people in China. Believers share the same concerns but we are called to seek His kingdom first and all these will be provided for us. We pray for assurance of His promise and peace for all who trust and believe in Jesus, especially those who are unemployed and are hurting financially.
星期二
中國的教科書上從初中到大學，這樣描述基督教：第一世紀的巴勒斯坦人受羅馬統治，處境悲慘，幻想有救世主來拯救他們，於是就有了耶穌的降生，給絕境中的人們以精神的 寄託。」在這聖誕佳期，求主在神州賜給我們更多的靈魂能認識祂，真心接受耶穌為他們個人的救主，也興起基督徒願意與人分享耶穌基督寶貴的救恩。
星期三
海峽兩岸關係逐步改善。隨著數個城市開始直航，北京烤鴨店將以連鎖經營模式在台開業，屆時正宗北京烤鴨將能在臺灣市面出售，鮮鴨也會陸續從北京空運到台。我們期待直航能促進兩岸牧者及信徒進一步展開更多的互訪交流。願主祝福這些機會，能帶動彼此有更多的分享及砥礪，復興兩岸更多的教會。
星期四
中國城市教會的一大問題是貧富懸殊及其產生的張力。有些會友因從事生意或房地產投資而坐擁龐大財富，晉身「新富」行列，有些卻一貧如洗，僅靠微薄的薪金和退休金過活。這些現象對教會牧養造成很大壓力，貧窮的會友往往感到遭受冷待或輕視。讓我們祈求城市教會的信徒都能以愛心相待，真誠關心他人，在主裡合一。
星期五
經濟繁榮把很多專業人士和商人（老闆）帶進教會。他們與很多退休藍領工人或大多數學歷較低的教會老信徒明顯存在巨大差異。新一批信徒也較多支持教會建堂或一般奉獻。我們為中國教會可以擺脫一貫「貧窮及教育程度低」的形象感恩；祈求主幫助這批新貴們學習以謙卑感恩的態度服事眾人。同時也為教會內所有教牧及信徒都能懂得如何善用財富，及運用合神心意的原則來牧養學歷較高，富裕的弟兄姐妹代禱。
星期六
海峽兩岸直接通商、通航、通信的「大三通時代」正式拉開序幕。這個歷史性時刻給兩岸帶來不少便利,尤其是為在大陸設廠或從事貿易的台商節省不少時間和成本.讓我們為這難以置信卻成為事實的歷史性時刻獻上感謝,願上帝使兩地信徒不單能保持更緊密連繫,相亙間且能有更多交流的機會，有智慧互享資源,更操練在主裡合而為一.
星期日
近日在內地司法判決結果而激發的暴力事件與日俱增。雖然類似事件少有公開報導，當一些人認為自己的應有權利受剝奪時，相對於過去的沈默啞忍，他們會更敢於提出抗議。讓我們為那些特別需要與當地政府在教會業權及聚會限制等進行磋商的教會禱告，願上帝賜他們智慧，能在執政者面前蒙恩，獲得自由敬拜的權利。
星期一
食物價格飆升、醫療等相關開支節節上調、貧富懸殊、失業等是中國人目前需急切面對的頭號問題。信徒們也必須面對相同的生活挑戰。我們相信神應許：先求祂的國，其餘的一切都會加添給我們。讓我們仰望神的恩典，求祂堅定自己的應許，賜平安與所有信靠祂的人，尤其是正處失業及受累於金融危機的人士.
From junior high on, Chinese pupils are taught about Christianity: "In the first century, the Romans occupied and ruled Palestine ruthlessly; so people dreamed of a savior to deliver them. Jesus was born and gave hope to people in desperation" This is how each student in China is taught. Let us pray that more people will come to the true knowledge of this Savior of the world and that more believers will be willing to share with others, especially during this Christmas season.
Wednesday
Through the opening of franchised restaurants, genuine Peking duck will soon be available in Taiwan and fresh ducks from Beijing will be flown in. Direct fights between Taiwan and some cities in China have already started. We look forward to this new two-way flow of pastors and believers as they visit each other and worship together. May the Lord use this opportunity to stir up more churches as they exchange stories of His grace and blessings.
Thursday
One problem in urban churches is the disparity and tension between the rich and the poor. Some are the "newly rich" or very well-off from their businesses or real estate while others live on a limited income or pension. This tension makes shepherding difficult because the poor feel they are neglected or slighted. We pray for true love, consideration and unity between believers in all of the urban churches.
Friday
Prosperity has brought many professionals and "lao ban" (business owners) to the churches. They are very different from the older majority of believers who are retired blue-collared workers or even the less-educated people. They are also more likely to give to church building projects and general offerings. We praise God that the churches in China are shedding the image of "a church for the poor and uneducated" but many pastors are intimidated by the wealth and education of this new group of Christians. We pray for all the pastors and believers in the church that they will know how to Biblically minister to their wealthy and better educated brothers and sisters.
Saturday
Direct commerce, shipping, and postal delivery have started between China and Taiwan. This is both historic and convenient. It will save much time and expense, especially for merchants from Taiwan who have factories and business in China. We thank God for bringing this moment which many thought was impossible in their lifetime. May the Lord bring both sides closer to each other, not only sharing experience and resources but becoming one in Christ.
Sunday
Although we rarely hear reports of them, incidents of rioting often ignited by the perceived injustice of local officials have steadily increased in China. When they think they have been robbed of their rights, people are now more daring to protest en masse than they were in the past. We pray for those churches who are negotiating with the authorities regarding their church property rights and restrictions of worship. May the Lord give them wisdom, favor before men and the liberty of worship they seek.
Monday
The rising price of food, the prohibitive cost of health care, the disparity between the rich and the poor and unemployment are top concerns for people in China. Believers share the same concerns but we are called to seek His kingdom first and all these will be provided for us. We pray for assurance of His promise and peace for all who trust and believe in Jesus, especially those who are unemployed and are hurting financially.
星期二
中國的教科書上從初中到大學，這樣描述基督教：第一世紀的巴勒斯坦人受羅馬統治，處境悲慘，幻想有救世主來拯救他們，於是就有了耶穌的降生，給絕境中的人們以精神的 寄託。」在這聖誕佳期，求主在神州賜給我們更多的靈魂能認識祂，真心接受耶穌為他們個人的救主，也興起基督徒願意與人分享耶穌基督寶貴的救恩。
星期三
海峽兩岸關係逐步改善。隨著數個城市開始直航，北京烤鴨店將以連鎖經營模式在台開業，屆時正宗北京烤鴨將能在臺灣市面出售，鮮鴨也會陸續從北京空運到台。我們期待直航能促進兩岸牧者及信徒進一步展開更多的互訪交流。願主祝福這些機會，能帶動彼此有更多的分享及砥礪，復興兩岸更多的教會。
星期四
中國城市教會的一大問題是貧富懸殊及其產生的張力。有些會友因從事生意或房地產投資而坐擁龐大財富，晉身「新富」行列，有些卻一貧如洗，僅靠微薄的薪金和退休金過活。這些現象對教會牧養造成很大壓力，貧窮的會友往往感到遭受冷待或輕視。讓我們祈求城市教會的信徒都能以愛心相待，真誠關心他人，在主裡合一。
星期五
經濟繁榮把很多專業人士和商人（老闆）帶進教會。他們與很多退休藍領工人或大多數學歷較低的教會老信徒明顯存在巨大差異。新一批信徒也較多支持教會建堂或一般奉獻。我們為中國教會可以擺脫一貫「貧窮及教育程度低」的形象感恩；祈求主幫助這批新貴們學習以謙卑感恩的態度服事眾人。同時也為教會內所有教牧及信徒都能懂得如何善用財富，及運用合神心意的原則來牧養學歷較高，富裕的弟兄姐妹代禱。
星期六
海峽兩岸直接通商、通航、通信的「大三通時代」正式拉開序幕。這個歷史性時刻給兩岸帶來不少便利,尤其是為在大陸設廠或從事貿易的台商節省不少時間和成本.讓我們為這難以置信卻成為事實的歷史性時刻獻上感謝,願上帝使兩地信徒不單能保持更緊密連繫,相亙間且能有更多交流的機會，有智慧互享資源,更操練在主裡合而為一.
星期日
近日在內地司法判決結果而激發的暴力事件與日俱增。雖然類似事件少有公開報導，當一些人認為自己的應有權利受剝奪時，相對於過去的沈默啞忍，他們會更敢於提出抗議。讓我們為那些特別需要與當地政府在教會業權及聚會限制等進行磋商的教會禱告，願上帝賜他們智慧，能在執政者面前蒙恩，獲得自由敬拜的權利。
星期一
食物價格飆升、醫療等相關開支節節上調、貧富懸殊、失業等是中國人目前需急切面對的頭號問題。信徒們也必須面對相同的生活挑戰。我們相信神應許：先求祂的國，其餘的一切都會加添給我們。讓我們仰望神的恩典，求祂堅定自己的應許，賜平安與所有信靠祂的人，尤其是正處失業及受累於金融危機的人士.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 12/16-12/22
Tuesday
An express passenger train which operates at 200 km/hr connecting Wenzhou to Fuzhou (literally connecting the Yangtze and Pearl River Deltas) is nearly completed. Taking this train will be faster than taking a plane and will connect some of the spiritually most vibrant cities which will have an enormous impact on church development. Let us pray specifically for churches in the prosperous cities of Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen that they will become a greater blessing to many of the weak and poor churches in China.
Wednesday
As the economy roars into a chilling winter, job prospects for college graduates turn bleak. It is even a desirable option to become a civil servant now. With only a mere 13,500 positions available, 700,000 people recently took the official examination for a government job. As the number of college graduates has increased, starting salaries have steadily decreased. Let us pray for the Christian college students that their faith in God will sustain them as they study and direct their lives after their graduation.
Thursday
According to survey, 60% of rural Chinese teenagers consider extramarital affair is normal part of family lives. Among the migrant workers, those who left the families in the villages to work in the cities, 3/4 of them watch pornography. Extra-marital affairs and marrying unbelievers are huge issues facing rural believers' families. Marital discord as a result of finance is another one. Rural churches lack the resource to help and train their believers. Let us pray for comfort and help for all these hurting and wounded families.
Friday
The government promised it will make possible 100 "handicapped friendly" cities across China by 2010. China has only legally allowed seeing-eye dogs for the blind in April 2008. China has only recently improved the civil rights of handicapped citizens. The vast majority of Chinese churches are not handicapped-accessible. Let us pray for the health, physical and spiritual alike, of all the handicapped, those who are stroke victims and those who are blind. We also remember the labor of their family members.
Saturday
As tens of millions of laborers return to their village homes after being laid off in the factories, many have no land to cultivate at all. It will be a long winter as they literally sit at home and have little do. Invariably, family tension and marital problems will skyrocket. Many rural believers' families are strained because adults have been working in the city so much and their children are literally neglected. Let us pray that this will be a window of opportunity for families to rebuild relationships and experience personal spiritual revival.
Sunday
A blockbuster Taiwanese movie "Cape, No 7" has received approval and will be released in China. Although it has no political content the question is whether the Mainland audience will appreciate the movie which is in the Taiwanese dialect and full of Taiwanese flavor and humor . There are many differences in mentality, taste and culture depending on which side of the Strait one is visiting. Let us pray for churches on both sides for the removal of a sense of superiority and a spirit of humility that they may learn from each other.
Monday
To stimulate the island's economy, the government of Taiwan will issue a $120.US voucher to every citizen. In Beijing, the government of the city has announced that it will subsidize any employer who hires an unemployed individual. The global economic downturn is hitting the region hard because it is very dependent on exports. Let us pray for the financial need of churches and the work of the Kingdom, as well as for those believers who are struggling financially.
星期二
溫福鐵路（溫州－福州）是大陸即將完工的快速鐵路，是第一條鏈接長珠兩三角的客運專線。每小時200公里的行駛速度，搭乘列車將比乘飛機更快捷。這條鐵路也將沿海幾個非常有活力的城市連接，對教會事工的發展將產生重大的影響。 讓我們為上海、寧波、溫州、福州及廈門等繁榮城巿的教會禱告，求主幫助他們有效運用這種便利，成為神施恩的管道，為資源困匱、缺乏牧人的內地教會帶來祝福。
星期三
中國就業市場已進入寒冬，然而愈來愈多的大學生將要畢業，公務員的職位就成為大家追捧的金飯碗。最近國家公務員考試有77萬多考生，爭取僅僅1.35萬個名額，錄取率連2%都不到。近年隨著大學畢業生的數量大增，起薪點也節節下調。讓我們為基督徒大學生禱告，求主保守他們對神的信心，順服神在自己人生的引領。又求主幫助他們在畢業後繼續聚會，參與服侍，持守對神的忠誠。
星期四
一份調查指出6成農村青年認為婚外情是正常的，獨自離家到城市謀生的農民工，四分之三看黃片。婚外情及與非信徒結婚是目前農村信徒家庭面對的重要挑戰。此外，家庭經濟的壓力也容易令信徒夫婦關係緊張。很多教會雖意識到教導有關婚姻的真理的重要性，無奈資源缺乏。讓我們求主醫治並安慰眾多受傷害的信徒家庭，同時也為矯正和修復他們破裂的關係來禱告。
星期五
中國政府承諾2010年前建成一百個「無障礙城市」方便殘障人士. 直到2008年四月，盲人攜帶導盲犬出入公共場所，才獲得法律保障。殘疾人事業是中國人權事業的亮點。 絕大多數的中國教會設施對殘疾人士極不方便。我們為所有殘疾的信徒禱告，求主給他們身心靈的健康， 不論是中風的，失明的，殘缺的都有足夠的恩典。讓我們也紀念照顧他們的家人的辛勞。
星期六
因著珠、長三角及沿海一些企業紛紛倒閉，導致大批農民工被裁，年關未至就提前返鄉。許多農民工家中已無地可耕種，又遇寒冬比較閑空，就增加許多夫妻不合的機會。許多農村信徒的家庭，因著過去家長分頭出外打工，忽略了家人關系的培養，尤其是親子之間如同陌生人一般。我們求神藉這段大人返家共處的時光成為家庭的祝福，全家重新修補彼此間的感情，信徒也享有靈命復興的寶貴經歷。
星期日
臺灣賣座電影《海角七號》已通過大陸電影局審核，將在大陸上映。這部影片沒有政治色彩，但「臺味濃厚」，片中充滿地方俚語及臺式幽默，能否為大陸觀眾接受仍屬未知。海峽兩岸人民的思維、口味和文化都大有不同。讓我們也為海峽兩岸的教會禱告，求神除卻雙方彼此的優越感，賜下謙卑合一的靈，能夠互相學習，互相補足。
星期一
為刺激低靡的經濟，臺灣政府將發放給每位人民約120美元的消費券，北京市政府則將補貼招用失業者的企業。全球經濟蕭條對這些依賴外貿的區域造成極大的打擊。讓我們為眾教會以及天國事工的需要禱告，同時也為面對經濟困難的信徒，能有力量渡過難關來禱告。
An express passenger train which operates at 200 km/hr connecting Wenzhou to Fuzhou (literally connecting the Yangtze and Pearl River Deltas) is nearly completed. Taking this train will be faster than taking a plane and will connect some of the spiritually most vibrant cities which will have an enormous impact on church development. Let us pray specifically for churches in the prosperous cities of Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, and Xiamen that they will become a greater blessing to many of the weak and poor churches in China.
Wednesday
As the economy roars into a chilling winter, job prospects for college graduates turn bleak. It is even a desirable option to become a civil servant now. With only a mere 13,500 positions available, 700,000 people recently took the official examination for a government job. As the number of college graduates has increased, starting salaries have steadily decreased. Let us pray for the Christian college students that their faith in God will sustain them as they study and direct their lives after their graduation.
Thursday
According to survey, 60% of rural Chinese teenagers consider extramarital affair is normal part of family lives. Among the migrant workers, those who left the families in the villages to work in the cities, 3/4 of them watch pornography. Extra-marital affairs and marrying unbelievers are huge issues facing rural believers' families. Marital discord as a result of finance is another one. Rural churches lack the resource to help and train their believers. Let us pray for comfort and help for all these hurting and wounded families.
Friday
The government promised it will make possible 100 "handicapped friendly" cities across China by 2010. China has only legally allowed seeing-eye dogs for the blind in April 2008. China has only recently improved the civil rights of handicapped citizens. The vast majority of Chinese churches are not handicapped-accessible. Let us pray for the health, physical and spiritual alike, of all the handicapped, those who are stroke victims and those who are blind. We also remember the labor of their family members.
Saturday
As tens of millions of laborers return to their village homes after being laid off in the factories, many have no land to cultivate at all. It will be a long winter as they literally sit at home and have little do. Invariably, family tension and marital problems will skyrocket. Many rural believers' families are strained because adults have been working in the city so much and their children are literally neglected. Let us pray that this will be a window of opportunity for families to rebuild relationships and experience personal spiritual revival.
Sunday
A blockbuster Taiwanese movie "Cape, No 7" has received approval and will be released in China. Although it has no political content the question is whether the Mainland audience will appreciate the movie which is in the Taiwanese dialect and full of Taiwanese flavor and humor . There are many differences in mentality, taste and culture depending on which side of the Strait one is visiting. Let us pray for churches on both sides for the removal of a sense of superiority and a spirit of humility that they may learn from each other.
Monday
To stimulate the island's economy, the government of Taiwan will issue a $120.US voucher to every citizen. In Beijing, the government of the city has announced that it will subsidize any employer who hires an unemployed individual. The global economic downturn is hitting the region hard because it is very dependent on exports. Let us pray for the financial need of churches and the work of the Kingdom, as well as for those believers who are struggling financially.
星期二
溫福鐵路（溫州－福州）是大陸即將完工的快速鐵路，是第一條鏈接長珠兩三角的客運專線。每小時200公里的行駛速度，搭乘列車將比乘飛機更快捷。這條鐵路也將沿海幾個非常有活力的城市連接，對教會事工的發展將產生重大的影響。 讓我們為上海、寧波、溫州、福州及廈門等繁榮城巿的教會禱告，求主幫助他們有效運用這種便利，成為神施恩的管道，為資源困匱、缺乏牧人的內地教會帶來祝福。
星期三
中國就業市場已進入寒冬，然而愈來愈多的大學生將要畢業，公務員的職位就成為大家追捧的金飯碗。最近國家公務員考試有77萬多考生，爭取僅僅1.35萬個名額，錄取率連2%都不到。近年隨著大學畢業生的數量大增，起薪點也節節下調。讓我們為基督徒大學生禱告，求主保守他們對神的信心，順服神在自己人生的引領。又求主幫助他們在畢業後繼續聚會，參與服侍，持守對神的忠誠。
星期四
一份調查指出6成農村青年認為婚外情是正常的，獨自離家到城市謀生的農民工，四分之三看黃片。婚外情及與非信徒結婚是目前農村信徒家庭面對的重要挑戰。此外，家庭經濟的壓力也容易令信徒夫婦關係緊張。很多教會雖意識到教導有關婚姻的真理的重要性，無奈資源缺乏。讓我們求主醫治並安慰眾多受傷害的信徒家庭，同時也為矯正和修復他們破裂的關係來禱告。
星期五
中國政府承諾2010年前建成一百個「無障礙城市」方便殘障人士. 直到2008年四月，盲人攜帶導盲犬出入公共場所，才獲得法律保障。殘疾人事業是中國人權事業的亮點。 絕大多數的中國教會設施對殘疾人士極不方便。我們為所有殘疾的信徒禱告，求主給他們身心靈的健康， 不論是中風的，失明的，殘缺的都有足夠的恩典。讓我們也紀念照顧他們的家人的辛勞。
星期六
因著珠、長三角及沿海一些企業紛紛倒閉，導致大批農民工被裁，年關未至就提前返鄉。許多農民工家中已無地可耕種，又遇寒冬比較閑空，就增加許多夫妻不合的機會。許多農村信徒的家庭，因著過去家長分頭出外打工，忽略了家人關系的培養，尤其是親子之間如同陌生人一般。我們求神藉這段大人返家共處的時光成為家庭的祝福，全家重新修補彼此間的感情，信徒也享有靈命復興的寶貴經歷。
星期日
臺灣賣座電影《海角七號》已通過大陸電影局審核，將在大陸上映。這部影片沒有政治色彩，但「臺味濃厚」，片中充滿地方俚語及臺式幽默，能否為大陸觀眾接受仍屬未知。海峽兩岸人民的思維、口味和文化都大有不同。讓我們也為海峽兩岸的教會禱告，求神除卻雙方彼此的優越感，賜下謙卑合一的靈，能夠互相學習，互相補足。
星期一
為刺激低靡的經濟，臺灣政府將發放給每位人民約120美元的消費券，北京市政府則將補貼招用失業者的企業。全球經濟蕭條對這些依賴外貿的區域造成極大的打擊。讓我們為眾教會以及天國事工的需要禱告，同時也為面對經濟困難的信徒，能有力量渡過難關來禱告。
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 12/9-12/15
Tuesday
There are now 70 million people of the "only child" generation in colleges or working in society in China. When they were surveyed, nearly half of the college students reported a lack of close friendships in spite of having a large social circle. Many feel the "only child" generation struggles with forming healthy relationships. We pray for all of the young and newly-converted believers, especially those in the urban churches. May the Holy Spirit transform their lives teaching them to be humble and not self-centered in their fellowship with other believers.
Wednesday
Shanxi province provides nearly 70% of the coal for China and nearly 40% of the electricity. About 3 million people work in coal mines and related industries there. The recent economic downturn has hit Shanxi hard and 100,000 miners have been laid off. Let us pray for the churches in Shanxi where many of their family members are miners. Some churches are vibrant but many do not have shepherds and have been badly hurt from attacks by cults in the past.
Thursday
In 2008 a total of 200 million Chinese people went online and of these, nearly ninety percent were under thirty-five years of age. About forty percent are 18-24 years old. The government has attempted to clean up online pornography but with little success. Nearly all parents complain that their children spend too much time playing online games. Let us pray for Christian parents who are concerned about their children' s internet and online pornography addiction.
Friday
The government has always kept the food prices artificially low with subsidies. The "Low Grain Price" policy has hurt the income of farmers but the government is now abandoning these subsidies and allowing regular market pricing for grains, thus increasing the farmers' income. Rural churches in China are known for their love for God in spite of their poverty. We pray for a more abundant growth and joy in the harvest.
Saturday
The population of China has jumped from less than one billion to 1.23 billion since the economic reform thirty years ago. In the meantime disposable income has shot up forty times to 13,786 yuan ($1970. US). Both of these situations contribute to the rapid rise of food prices there. For many churches, the giving of believers for ministry has not kept up with church growth. Let us pray for a generous and cheerful heart for all believers, even in the economic downturn.
Sunday
Yunnan. Guangxi, Henan, Xingjian and Guangdong are the Chinese provinces with the highest number of HIV patients. In Xingjian, one in a thousand people is infected and eighty-eight percent of the counties in China have reported cases of HIV. We put the churches of Xingjian into God's hand. There are many restrictions there particularly among the Muslims. We beseech the Lord for believers willing to share the Good News with those who are affected with HIV/AIDS.
Monday
There are four common causes for the spread of HIV in China: drug abuse, the constant movement of the population, unsafe sex, and a lack of knowledge about HIV. There is a tremendous amount of discrimination toward those affected with HIV and their families. There are churches formed by the HIV patients because they are not welcomed in regular churches. We pray for comfort and God's grace for all the sufferers.
星期二
目前中國已有7000萬獨生子女，進入社會工作或大專院校就讀。調查發現，在校大學生中，接近一半的獨生子女交友雖廣，可推心致腹的朋友卻寥寥可數。大部份人認為，獨生子女往往不曉得如何與人建立正常關係。讓我們為年輕新信徒，尤其城市教會內的年輕人禱告。願聖靈更新他們的生命，教導他們如何摒除自我中心，謙卑地與其他信徒相交。
星期三
山西省供應全國七成以上的煤焦炭和四成電力。從事煤礦廠業及相關工業約有三百萬人。近期國際金融風暴直擊山西，十萬煤礦工人頓時失業。 山西教會信徒家庭中有許多是礦工。雖然一些教會活力處處，但一般都缺少牧人照顧。過去異端襲擊教會，很多教會嚴重受創，讓我們為山西的信徒禱告，求主保守堅固他們的信心，也在經濟上供應充足。
星期四
2008年，中國網民總數已突破2億。其中接近九成為35歲以下的用戶，尤以18-24歲的用戶比例最高，達到總網民人數四成左右。政府雖嘗試打擊網上色情活動，可惜成效不大。大多數父母都抱怨子女過份沉迷網上遊戲。讓我們在禱告中記念這班為子女沉溺上網及網上色情活動而日夜操心的基督徒父母，能以有益身心靈健康的活動轉移子女的注意力。
星期五
中國一直奉行低糧價政策，為了穩定物價，政府實際補貼著消費者。然而，糧食價格持續偏低必然導致出現「穀賤傷農」現象，今年中國將告別「低糧價時代」，讓糧價自由反應實际的市埸機制，目的在增加農民的收入。過去中國農村教會信徒愛主的心志堅定，貧困不能移，是眾教會的最佳榜樣。我們向神祈求，讓他們加倍穫得增長和豐盛收割的喜悅。
星期六
中國改革開放30年，人口從9.6億升至13.2億。城鎮居民收入也從343人民幣上升到13,786人民幣($1970美元)，增加逾40倍。收入的提高使其糧食購買力增加，也是糧價上漲趨勢的動因。 在很多教會裏，信徒人數的增長往往與奉獻的數量不成正比。讓我們為所有信徒，即使在經濟衰退的大環境下，仍能懷著感恩之心，慷慨和樂意地奉獻來禱告。
星期日
中國感染艾滋病人數，名列前五位的省份是雲南、廣西、河南、新疆、廣東。其中感染率最高的是新疆，接近千分之一。新疆88%的縣區都有艾滋病患者。我們將新疆的教會和信徒們，仰望在神的手中。雖然他們面臨種種的限制，尤其是在穆斯林區域的事工，求神親自保守引領；也懇求神感動信徒願意向那些艾滋病毒感染群體，分享祂的好消息。
星期一
艾滋病在中國流行的因素主要有四個：吸毒，人口頻繁流動，不安全性行為及大眾缺乏艾滋病知識。對艾滋病知識的缺乏，造成一般民眾對艾滋病感染者和其家庭存有極大的歧視，艾滋病患是不受一般教會所歡迎和接納的。但是目前神也興起了由艾滋病患者組成的教會，讓我們為所有患者得蒙神的恩典及安慰來祈求，也求主装備衆信徒能在愛心、恩慈上更有智慧回應艾滋病患及其家庭的需要。
There are now 70 million people of the "only child" generation in colleges or working in society in China. When they were surveyed, nearly half of the college students reported a lack of close friendships in spite of having a large social circle. Many feel the "only child" generation struggles with forming healthy relationships. We pray for all of the young and newly-converted believers, especially those in the urban churches. May the Holy Spirit transform their lives teaching them to be humble and not self-centered in their fellowship with other believers.
Wednesday
Shanxi province provides nearly 70% of the coal for China and nearly 40% of the electricity. About 3 million people work in coal mines and related industries there. The recent economic downturn has hit Shanxi hard and 100,000 miners have been laid off. Let us pray for the churches in Shanxi where many of their family members are miners. Some churches are vibrant but many do not have shepherds and have been badly hurt from attacks by cults in the past.
Thursday
In 2008 a total of 200 million Chinese people went online and of these, nearly ninety percent were under thirty-five years of age. About forty percent are 18-24 years old. The government has attempted to clean up online pornography but with little success. Nearly all parents complain that their children spend too much time playing online games. Let us pray for Christian parents who are concerned about their children' s internet and online pornography addiction.
Friday
The government has always kept the food prices artificially low with subsidies. The "Low Grain Price" policy has hurt the income of farmers but the government is now abandoning these subsidies and allowing regular market pricing for grains, thus increasing the farmers' income. Rural churches in China are known for their love for God in spite of their poverty. We pray for a more abundant growth and joy in the harvest.
Saturday
The population of China has jumped from less than one billion to 1.23 billion since the economic reform thirty years ago. In the meantime disposable income has shot up forty times to 13,786 yuan ($1970. US). Both of these situations contribute to the rapid rise of food prices there. For many churches, the giving of believers for ministry has not kept up with church growth. Let us pray for a generous and cheerful heart for all believers, even in the economic downturn.
Sunday
Yunnan. Guangxi, Henan, Xingjian and Guangdong are the Chinese provinces with the highest number of HIV patients. In Xingjian, one in a thousand people is infected and eighty-eight percent of the counties in China have reported cases of HIV. We put the churches of Xingjian into God's hand. There are many restrictions there particularly among the Muslims. We beseech the Lord for believers willing to share the Good News with those who are affected with HIV/AIDS.
Monday
There are four common causes for the spread of HIV in China: drug abuse, the constant movement of the population, unsafe sex, and a lack of knowledge about HIV. There is a tremendous amount of discrimination toward those affected with HIV and their families. There are churches formed by the HIV patients because they are not welcomed in regular churches. We pray for comfort and God's grace for all the sufferers.
星期二
目前中國已有7000萬獨生子女，進入社會工作或大專院校就讀。調查發現，在校大學生中，接近一半的獨生子女交友雖廣，可推心致腹的朋友卻寥寥可數。大部份人認為，獨生子女往往不曉得如何與人建立正常關係。讓我們為年輕新信徒，尤其城市教會內的年輕人禱告。願聖靈更新他們的生命，教導他們如何摒除自我中心，謙卑地與其他信徒相交。
星期三
山西省供應全國七成以上的煤焦炭和四成電力。從事煤礦廠業及相關工業約有三百萬人。近期國際金融風暴直擊山西，十萬煤礦工人頓時失業。 山西教會信徒家庭中有許多是礦工。雖然一些教會活力處處，但一般都缺少牧人照顧。過去異端襲擊教會，很多教會嚴重受創，讓我們為山西的信徒禱告，求主保守堅固他們的信心，也在經濟上供應充足。
星期四
2008年，中國網民總數已突破2億。其中接近九成為35歲以下的用戶，尤以18-24歲的用戶比例最高，達到總網民人數四成左右。政府雖嘗試打擊網上色情活動，可惜成效不大。大多數父母都抱怨子女過份沉迷網上遊戲。讓我們在禱告中記念這班為子女沉溺上網及網上色情活動而日夜操心的基督徒父母，能以有益身心靈健康的活動轉移子女的注意力。
星期五
中國一直奉行低糧價政策，為了穩定物價，政府實際補貼著消費者。然而，糧食價格持續偏低必然導致出現「穀賤傷農」現象，今年中國將告別「低糧價時代」，讓糧價自由反應實际的市埸機制，目的在增加農民的收入。過去中國農村教會信徒愛主的心志堅定，貧困不能移，是眾教會的最佳榜樣。我們向神祈求，讓他們加倍穫得增長和豐盛收割的喜悅。
星期六
中國改革開放30年，人口從9.6億升至13.2億。城鎮居民收入也從343人民幣上升到13,786人民幣($1970美元)，增加逾40倍。收入的提高使其糧食購買力增加，也是糧價上漲趨勢的動因。 在很多教會裏，信徒人數的增長往往與奉獻的數量不成正比。讓我們為所有信徒，即使在經濟衰退的大環境下，仍能懷著感恩之心，慷慨和樂意地奉獻來禱告。
星期日
中國感染艾滋病人數，名列前五位的省份是雲南、廣西、河南、新疆、廣東。其中感染率最高的是新疆，接近千分之一。新疆88%的縣區都有艾滋病患者。我們將新疆的教會和信徒們，仰望在神的手中。雖然他們面臨種種的限制，尤其是在穆斯林區域的事工，求神親自保守引領；也懇求神感動信徒願意向那些艾滋病毒感染群體，分享祂的好消息。
星期一
艾滋病在中國流行的因素主要有四個：吸毒，人口頻繁流動，不安全性行為及大眾缺乏艾滋病知識。對艾滋病知識的缺乏，造成一般民眾對艾滋病感染者和其家庭存有極大的歧視，艾滋病患是不受一般教會所歡迎和接納的。但是目前神也興起了由艾滋病患者組成的教會，讓我們為所有患者得蒙神的恩典及安慰來祈求，也求主装備衆信徒能在愛心、恩慈上更有智慧回應艾滋病患及其家庭的需要。
Monday, December 01, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 12/2-12/8
Tuesday
This essay by of Mao has been memorized by millions of students since 1949: "Leighton Stuart has departed and the White Paper has arrived. Very good. Very good. Both events are worth celebrating." Stuart was the American ambassador to China, a missionary and the son of a missionary as well as the first president of Yenching University. The Chinese government finally allowed his remains to be buried in China fulfilling his wish. We thank the Lord for all the missionaries who loved China so much and gave sacrificially.
Wednesday
Leadership training is of paramount importance in churches in China. Generally the older leaders are a "one-man-show" with tight control and no plan to train a successor. Older pastors often feel the younger ones lack spiritual depth and know nothing of the sufferings they have passed through. Many of the promising young leaders get restless and want to implement changes. Let us pray for all of these emerging and God-appointed leaders--for their godliness, humility, equipping, and theological foundation.
Thursday
Many of the former house churches are now able to worship openly. They have very good pulpit teaching and leadership. However, because they still lack an official status, there are obvious technical difficulties when it comes to managing the offerings. One reason church members are hesitant to give is the lack of transparent accountability of church finances. Let us pray for the ministries of all of these open churches, especially for their finances. May the Lord use their wealth to further His Kingdom and bless their communities with their good works.
Friday
The huge gap and inequality between the rich and poor affect the young people deeply. Many feel they are helpless and worthless because their parents are poor and not able to afford the education they wanted. We pray for Christian teens who feel this way and even murmur against God, for understanding the will of God in their precious lives, willingness to honor God in their lives.
Saturday
A governmental agency reported that 80% of the "redwood furniture" sold is not truly redwood. It is also reported that 80% of the red wine sold in China is reprocessed from an inferior imported red wine. There is little consumer confidence and many buy with great suspicions. Regaining confidence is a long and difficult process. We pray for those sheep who were led astray by false teachers or badly hurt in the church because of "wolves in sheep's clothing". May the Lord have mercy on them and help them to return to faith in Jesus Christ.
Sunday
Millions of migrant workers are returning home early as waves of factory closures surge through Pearl and the Yangtze River Delta. Hunan, Henan, Jiangxi, and Sichuan are the provinces most affected by this problem. Rural churches have the unusual opportunity to minister to these believers who have returned home but are not busy with farming. We pray for the people in ministries concerned with this sudden shift in population and what it might mean for churches in these areas.
Monday
A few years ago Chinese were enamored with anything Korean, such as their soap operas, pop stars, music, and movies. Recently however, several unfortunate incidents have stirred up an anti-Korean sentiment in the public and there is a lot of strain between Chinese and Korean people. We acknowledge this upsurge of Chinese nationalistic pride but realize it can also dangerously affect the attitude of Christians toward foreign missionaries and churches including the Koreans. May the Lord give each of us a heart to serve others in humility along with a spirit of oneness in Jesus Christ.
星期二
「司徒雷登走了，白皮書來了，很好，很好。這兩件事都是值得慶祝的。」毛澤東的文章《别了，司徒雷登》是學生都背誦過。他自稱「是中國人更甚於是美國人」。曾任美國駐華大使，金陵神學院希臘文教授，第一任燕京大學校長。 他的遺骸終於被允許埋葬在出生地杭州，實現一生願望。 讓我們為所有熱愛中國及為神擺上的宣教士及傳道人感恩。
星期三
領袖訓練與栽培關乎中國教會未來發展的興衰。一般而言，年長領袖很多是「一腳踢」權力極度集中於一身，少有培育接班人的打算。年長牧者總認為年輕一代的同工屬靈程度較低，沒有他們那樣多的苦難經歷及體會。很多年輕有為的教會領袖不滿於這種現象，銳意推行改革。讓我們為正預備或已蒙召的新生代領袖禱告，求主使他們敬虔，謙卑，並獲得足夠的屬靈裝備及堅實的神學根基。
星期四
目前許多家庭教會可以公開聚會，也有很好的領導團隊及講壇教導。然而，由於得不到政府認可，教會在財政管理方面碰到很多技術上的問題。教會財務管理透明度低，也導致會友對奉獻持保留態度。讓我們為開放教會轄管的事工，特別是財務管理來祈求，願主使用地上的財富擴展天國事工，並讓教會大力投入社區服事，造福鄉里。
星期五
貧富間存在的巨大差距，深深影響著今天的年輕人。許多人因自己家貧、沒有能力獲得想要的教育，而自覺無助和卑微。我們為有同樣想法而向神抱怨的青少年信徒禱告，求主讓他們知道神在他們寶貴的生命中有美好的旨意及引領，願意以自己的生命來榮神益人。
星期六一
所政府機構的報告指出八成在市面出售的紅木傢俬並非真正紅木制造.另一報告指出,八成在中國出售的紅酒乃外國進口的劣等紅酒再組裝而成.這些事件導致消費者信心大跌,購買時對貨品真假存疑. 信心重建是個艱難又漫長的過程.讓我們為所有受假師傅迷惑遠離真道或遭教會「披羊皮的狼」嚴重傷害過的羊群祈求.願主憐憫他們,幫助他們重新信靠主耶穌基督.
星期日
隨著珠三角及長三角地區的工廠相繼倒閉,上百萬民工不得不提早返鄉過冬。嚴重受影響地區包括湖南,河南,江西和四川各省.理所當然，農村教會可以抓住這個機會,牧養這批返鄉後不需忙於務農的失業工人.讓我們為所有特別關心農村教會民工狀況的同工禱告,也祈求教會能對這個轉變作出適切的策劃與因應.
星期一
數年前「韓流」一度席捲中國，韓 劇、韓星、韓樂、韓影，國人無不為之瘋狂．近年數件不幸事件引發國人反韓情緒，造成中韓人民關係緊張。我們一方面樂見日漸高昂的愛國情緒，一方面擔憂這種情緒可能影響國內信徒對國外宣教士甚至教會的態度。求神賜我們在耶穌基督裡同有合一的靈，使我們心存謙卑彼此服侍。
This essay by of Mao has been memorized by millions of students since 1949: "Leighton Stuart has departed and the White Paper has arrived. Very good. Very good. Both events are worth celebrating." Stuart was the American ambassador to China, a missionary and the son of a missionary as well as the first president of Yenching University. The Chinese government finally allowed his remains to be buried in China fulfilling his wish. We thank the Lord for all the missionaries who loved China so much and gave sacrificially.
Wednesday
Leadership training is of paramount importance in churches in China. Generally the older leaders are a "one-man-show" with tight control and no plan to train a successor. Older pastors often feel the younger ones lack spiritual depth and know nothing of the sufferings they have passed through. Many of the promising young leaders get restless and want to implement changes. Let us pray for all of these emerging and God-appointed leaders--for their godliness, humility, equipping, and theological foundation.
Thursday
Many of the former house churches are now able to worship openly. They have very good pulpit teaching and leadership. However, because they still lack an official status, there are obvious technical difficulties when it comes to managing the offerings. One reason church members are hesitant to give is the lack of transparent accountability of church finances. Let us pray for the ministries of all of these open churches, especially for their finances. May the Lord use their wealth to further His Kingdom and bless their communities with their good works.
Friday
The huge gap and inequality between the rich and poor affect the young people deeply. Many feel they are helpless and worthless because their parents are poor and not able to afford the education they wanted. We pray for Christian teens who feel this way and even murmur against God, for understanding the will of God in their precious lives, willingness to honor God in their lives.
Saturday
A governmental agency reported that 80% of the "redwood furniture" sold is not truly redwood. It is also reported that 80% of the red wine sold in China is reprocessed from an inferior imported red wine. There is little consumer confidence and many buy with great suspicions. Regaining confidence is a long and difficult process. We pray for those sheep who were led astray by false teachers or badly hurt in the church because of "wolves in sheep's clothing". May the Lord have mercy on them and help them to return to faith in Jesus Christ.
Sunday
Millions of migrant workers are returning home early as waves of factory closures surge through Pearl and the Yangtze River Delta. Hunan, Henan, Jiangxi, and Sichuan are the provinces most affected by this problem. Rural churches have the unusual opportunity to minister to these believers who have returned home but are not busy with farming. We pray for the people in ministries concerned with this sudden shift in population and what it might mean for churches in these areas.
Monday
A few years ago Chinese were enamored with anything Korean, such as their soap operas, pop stars, music, and movies. Recently however, several unfortunate incidents have stirred up an anti-Korean sentiment in the public and there is a lot of strain between Chinese and Korean people. We acknowledge this upsurge of Chinese nationalistic pride but realize it can also dangerously affect the attitude of Christians toward foreign missionaries and churches including the Koreans. May the Lord give each of us a heart to serve others in humility along with a spirit of oneness in Jesus Christ.
星期二
「司徒雷登走了，白皮書來了，很好，很好。這兩件事都是值得慶祝的。」毛澤東的文章《别了，司徒雷登》是學生都背誦過。他自稱「是中國人更甚於是美國人」。曾任美國駐華大使，金陵神學院希臘文教授，第一任燕京大學校長。 他的遺骸終於被允許埋葬在出生地杭州，實現一生願望。 讓我們為所有熱愛中國及為神擺上的宣教士及傳道人感恩。
星期三
領袖訓練與栽培關乎中國教會未來發展的興衰。一般而言，年長領袖很多是「一腳踢」權力極度集中於一身，少有培育接班人的打算。年長牧者總認為年輕一代的同工屬靈程度較低，沒有他們那樣多的苦難經歷及體會。很多年輕有為的教會領袖不滿於這種現象，銳意推行改革。讓我們為正預備或已蒙召的新生代領袖禱告，求主使他們敬虔，謙卑，並獲得足夠的屬靈裝備及堅實的神學根基。
星期四
目前許多家庭教會可以公開聚會，也有很好的領導團隊及講壇教導。然而，由於得不到政府認可，教會在財政管理方面碰到很多技術上的問題。教會財務管理透明度低，也導致會友對奉獻持保留態度。讓我們為開放教會轄管的事工，特別是財務管理來祈求，願主使用地上的財富擴展天國事工，並讓教會大力投入社區服事，造福鄉里。
星期五
貧富間存在的巨大差距，深深影響著今天的年輕人。許多人因自己家貧、沒有能力獲得想要的教育，而自覺無助和卑微。我們為有同樣想法而向神抱怨的青少年信徒禱告，求主讓他們知道神在他們寶貴的生命中有美好的旨意及引領，願意以自己的生命來榮神益人。
星期六一
所政府機構的報告指出八成在市面出售的紅木傢俬並非真正紅木制造.另一報告指出,八成在中國出售的紅酒乃外國進口的劣等紅酒再組裝而成.這些事件導致消費者信心大跌,購買時對貨品真假存疑. 信心重建是個艱難又漫長的過程.讓我們為所有受假師傅迷惑遠離真道或遭教會「披羊皮的狼」嚴重傷害過的羊群祈求.願主憐憫他們,幫助他們重新信靠主耶穌基督.
星期日
隨著珠三角及長三角地區的工廠相繼倒閉,上百萬民工不得不提早返鄉過冬。嚴重受影響地區包括湖南,河南,江西和四川各省.理所當然，農村教會可以抓住這個機會,牧養這批返鄉後不需忙於務農的失業工人.讓我們為所有特別關心農村教會民工狀況的同工禱告,也祈求教會能對這個轉變作出適切的策劃與因應.
星期一
數年前「韓流」一度席捲中國，韓 劇、韓星、韓樂、韓影，國人無不為之瘋狂．近年數件不幸事件引發國人反韓情緒，造成中韓人民關係緊張。我們一方面樂見日漸高昂的愛國情緒，一方面擔憂這種情緒可能影響國內信徒對國外宣教士甚至教會的態度。求神賜我們在耶穌基督裡同有合一的靈，使我們心存謙卑彼此服侍。
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 11/25-12/1
Tuesday
China has implemented the new "Labor Contract Laws", to keep the employers from paying unfairly low wages or dismissing workers. Workers often had no choices in working overtime, but now they will be paid. Church workers are still expected to "live by faith" and churches often neglect to care for their shepherds. More and more pastors have a job on the side. Let us pray for strength and spiritual well-being of all the bi-vocational workers.
Wednesday
An internationally famous Chinese actress was quickly vilified as a "traitor" and a "slut" after becoming a Singapore citizen. She recently served as a parliament delegate; the move requires her to forsake her Chinese citizenship. Her husband is Singaporean. Resurgence of such nationalistic sentiment is worrisome. Such a flame, when unchecked, has often preceded larger anti-foreigner movements historically. Let us pray for all the ministries and churches supported by Western and Korean missionaries in China.
Thursday
In both the Three-self and the house churches, there are large church, small churches and meeting points. There is no one-formula to ministering these vastly different congregations. Meeting points often rely on someone who only has very little Bible training. Let us pray specifically for spiritual growth of all the believers in all the meeting points, they often lack the training to study the Bible for themselves and totally rely on the feeding of their part time "preacher".
Friday
"Bei piao" which literally means "floating to the north" refers to the population of the young university educated professionals who come to Beijing to look for career opportunities. Beijing offers them the sense of being in the political, scientific, and cultural capital.After once rejecting Christianity as a Western religion or civilization, more and more intellectuals are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. We pray especially for humility, a sincere desire to follow Jesus, and vibrant spiritual growth in the lives of highly-educated believers.
Saturday
According to predictions, within ten years half of China's population will be in the cities and by then there will be eighty-three city centers with a population of at least 750,000 each. However, only six cities will have adequate housing for those moving in. As China becomes so quickly urbanized, the churches must find a way to be relevant to the "have nots" of society. How to reach out and minister to these "outsiders" is a huge challenge and will take much work. Let us pray for a sense of urgency and compassion in all of the churches in these cities.
Sunday
Macau easily overtook Las Vegas as the world's gambling capital two years ago. Yet as China tightened visa requirements for entering Macau, gambling revenues have dried up. Recently 11,000 construction workers were laid off because of the financial crisis. Gambling is a bad addiction of many Chinese. We pray about this social ill and the family members of all gamblers who suffer from it. We pray, too, for those Christian families that have a son or a father who is a gambler.
Monday
The Chinese Peasant Olympics that finished recently in Quanzhou drew 3,500 contestants. Contests included dragon boat racing and lion dancing and many of the events required co-operation rather than competition to emphasize the goal of harmony. In the rural churches in China most are independent and there is little co-operation between them. Let us pray for the spirit of unity in Christ and helping one another, rather than criticism of each other in all of the churches in China.
星期二
中國實行新《勞動合同法》，填補企業低價使用勞力的法律漏洞，企業也不能隨意解僱勞工。過去，勞工一直沒有權利選擇不加班，現在，要加班就得給工人付費。相反，教會往往不注重牧者的需要，期望同工靠信心過日子。越來越多牧者為了生活不得不帶職事奉.讓我們為這些帶職事奉的同工祈求，求神使他們力上加力，靈命壯健。
星期三
近來一國際級的中國女影星因加入新加坡國籍而被貫以「叛徒」及「賤人」等劣稱。她因丈夫是新加坡公民，按規定她得放棄中國籍，同時也喪失了人大代表資格。近來愛國主義重新抬頭，從近代歷史看，這種情緒發展過頭，極易觸發反外運動.讓我們記念所有在華服事的西方或韓國宣教士，以及他們所參與的教會事工，求神祝福保守他們在中國的忠心擺上。
星期四
無論是三自或家庭教會，都找得到規模為大型教會，小教會，或者聚會點的各種形式。牧養教會並沒有放諸四海皆準的單一法則， 然而目前的聚會點一般都是倚靠聖經裝備不多的傳道同工來餵養信徒。他們往往沒獲得足夠的裝備，缺乏獨立查考聖經的能力，只能完全倚賴"兼職"傳道人的餵養。讓我們為聚會點所有信徒的靈命在質量上的增長禱告。
星期五
“北漂”的字面意思是“向北流動”，專指受過大學教育的年輕專業人士，到北京尋找職業發展機會的群體。置身于北京讓他們感到自己正處於政治，科學和文化的中心。知識分子在一度將基督教作為西方宗教或文明而拒之門外之後，越來越多的人正逐漸認識耶穌基督並接受他為個人的救主。讓我們為“北漂”們禱告，尤其為這些高學歷信徒祈求一顆謙卑的心，靈命得以活潑成長，願意真誠跟隨耶穌。
星期六
據預測，十年內中國一半人口將生活在城市，那時有83個中心城市人口將會超過75萬。然而，僅有6個城市能為新遷入的人口提供足夠的住房。隨著中國迅速地城市化，教會必須找到一個途徑來讓社會中的“無產者”覺得教會與己相關。如何關懷和牧養這些“外來人”是教會必須正視的巨大挑戰，並需要更積極投入的事工。讓我們禱告神，幫助這些城市教會都能有緊迫感和同情心，敏感於神的心意。
星期日
兩年前澳門輕易擊敗了拉斯維加斯，成為世界最大的賭城。而今澳門的賭業因中國加緊對澳門簽證的控制而見萎縮。日前有11,000人受金融危機影響，面臨資遣的命運。許多中國人都染有賭博惡習，讓我們為這個社會通病禱告，特別為深受其害的賭徒家人禱告，求主記念這些有嗜賭的父親或孩子的信徒家庭，堅信唯有主能夠改變人心。
星期一
最近在泉州剛舉辦過的中國農民奧運會，吸引了3500名來自中國各地的農民參賽。競賽項目包括了龍舟，舞獅舞蹈;許多比賽項目強調合作和諧，不純以競爭為目標。中國農村教會的事工普遍而言非常獨立，很少彼此往來相互合作。讓我們祈求中國教會在基督裡都能有合一的心志，停止互相指責批評，同心在主裡團結互助，共同興旺福音。
China has implemented the new "Labor Contract Laws", to keep the employers from paying unfairly low wages or dismissing workers. Workers often had no choices in working overtime, but now they will be paid. Church workers are still expected to "live by faith" and churches often neglect to care for their shepherds. More and more pastors have a job on the side. Let us pray for strength and spiritual well-being of all the bi-vocational workers.
Wednesday
An internationally famous Chinese actress was quickly vilified as a "traitor" and a "slut" after becoming a Singapore citizen. She recently served as a parliament delegate; the move requires her to forsake her Chinese citizenship. Her husband is Singaporean. Resurgence of such nationalistic sentiment is worrisome. Such a flame, when unchecked, has often preceded larger anti-foreigner movements historically. Let us pray for all the ministries and churches supported by Western and Korean missionaries in China.
Thursday
In both the Three-self and the house churches, there are large church, small churches and meeting points. There is no one-formula to ministering these vastly different congregations. Meeting points often rely on someone who only has very little Bible training. Let us pray specifically for spiritual growth of all the believers in all the meeting points, they often lack the training to study the Bible for themselves and totally rely on the feeding of their part time "preacher".
Friday
"Bei piao" which literally means "floating to the north" refers to the population of the young university educated professionals who come to Beijing to look for career opportunities. Beijing offers them the sense of being in the political, scientific, and cultural capital.After once rejecting Christianity as a Western religion or civilization, more and more intellectuals are coming to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. We pray especially for humility, a sincere desire to follow Jesus, and vibrant spiritual growth in the lives of highly-educated believers.
Saturday
According to predictions, within ten years half of China's population will be in the cities and by then there will be eighty-three city centers with a population of at least 750,000 each. However, only six cities will have adequate housing for those moving in. As China becomes so quickly urbanized, the churches must find a way to be relevant to the "have nots" of society. How to reach out and minister to these "outsiders" is a huge challenge and will take much work. Let us pray for a sense of urgency and compassion in all of the churches in these cities.
Sunday
Macau easily overtook Las Vegas as the world's gambling capital two years ago. Yet as China tightened visa requirements for entering Macau, gambling revenues have dried up. Recently 11,000 construction workers were laid off because of the financial crisis. Gambling is a bad addiction of many Chinese. We pray about this social ill and the family members of all gamblers who suffer from it. We pray, too, for those Christian families that have a son or a father who is a gambler.
Monday
The Chinese Peasant Olympics that finished recently in Quanzhou drew 3,500 contestants. Contests included dragon boat racing and lion dancing and many of the events required co-operation rather than competition to emphasize the goal of harmony. In the rural churches in China most are independent and there is little co-operation between them. Let us pray for the spirit of unity in Christ and helping one another, rather than criticism of each other in all of the churches in China.
星期二
中國實行新《勞動合同法》，填補企業低價使用勞力的法律漏洞，企業也不能隨意解僱勞工。過去，勞工一直沒有權利選擇不加班，現在，要加班就得給工人付費。相反，教會往往不注重牧者的需要，期望同工靠信心過日子。越來越多牧者為了生活不得不帶職事奉.讓我們為這些帶職事奉的同工祈求，求神使他們力上加力，靈命壯健。
星期三
近來一國際級的中國女影星因加入新加坡國籍而被貫以「叛徒」及「賤人」等劣稱。她因丈夫是新加坡公民，按規定她得放棄中國籍，同時也喪失了人大代表資格。近來愛國主義重新抬頭，從近代歷史看，這種情緒發展過頭，極易觸發反外運動.讓我們記念所有在華服事的西方或韓國宣教士，以及他們所參與的教會事工，求神祝福保守他們在中國的忠心擺上。
星期四
無論是三自或家庭教會，都找得到規模為大型教會，小教會，或者聚會點的各種形式。牧養教會並沒有放諸四海皆準的單一法則， 然而目前的聚會點一般都是倚靠聖經裝備不多的傳道同工來餵養信徒。他們往往沒獲得足夠的裝備，缺乏獨立查考聖經的能力，只能完全倚賴"兼職"傳道人的餵養。讓我們為聚會點所有信徒的靈命在質量上的增長禱告。
星期五
“北漂”的字面意思是“向北流動”，專指受過大學教育的年輕專業人士，到北京尋找職業發展機會的群體。置身于北京讓他們感到自己正處於政治，科學和文化的中心。知識分子在一度將基督教作為西方宗教或文明而拒之門外之後，越來越多的人正逐漸認識耶穌基督並接受他為個人的救主。讓我們為“北漂”們禱告，尤其為這些高學歷信徒祈求一顆謙卑的心，靈命得以活潑成長，願意真誠跟隨耶穌。
星期六
據預測，十年內中國一半人口將生活在城市，那時有83個中心城市人口將會超過75萬。然而，僅有6個城市能為新遷入的人口提供足夠的住房。隨著中國迅速地城市化，教會必須找到一個途徑來讓社會中的“無產者”覺得教會與己相關。如何關懷和牧養這些“外來人”是教會必須正視的巨大挑戰，並需要更積極投入的事工。讓我們禱告神，幫助這些城市教會都能有緊迫感和同情心，敏感於神的心意。
星期日
兩年前澳門輕易擊敗了拉斯維加斯，成為世界最大的賭城。而今澳門的賭業因中國加緊對澳門簽證的控制而見萎縮。日前有11,000人受金融危機影響，面臨資遣的命運。許多中國人都染有賭博惡習，讓我們為這個社會通病禱告，特別為深受其害的賭徒家人禱告，求主記念這些有嗜賭的父親或孩子的信徒家庭，堅信唯有主能夠改變人心。
星期一
最近在泉州剛舉辦過的中國農民奧運會，吸引了3500名來自中國各地的農民參賽。競賽項目包括了龍舟，舞獅舞蹈;許多比賽項目強調合作和諧，不純以競爭為目標。中國農村教會的事工普遍而言非常獨立，很少彼此往來相互合作。讓我們祈求中國教會在基督裡都能有合一的心志，停止互相指責批評，同心在主裡團結互助，共同興旺福音。
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 11/18-11/24
Tuesday
China said it planned to spend $586. billion in a bid to spur economic growth and that the government would also lower the forecast for next year's GDP. In the meantime the cost of living continues to climb with rural consumers paying more than those in the cities. Rural believers face the rising cost of living and many have lost their jobs in the cities and returned home. We commit them into God's hand that they will trust Him in this time of crisis and shaken confidence as we all must do.
Wednesday
Lin biao was once Chairman Mao's closest comrade, but in 1971 his plane crashed in Mongolia fleeing from China. His status and label as the "counter-revolutionary" and reviled traitor has quietly been removed recently.Cultural Revolution was indeed a tumultuous time for China, but the deep scars on the China churches still healing slowly. We pray for the continuing healing of these wounds, forgiveness and grace of God for all of us.
Thursday
"Do anything to make money" mentality permeates the whole society. There is a serious lacking of morality which is seen in the rampant corruption of officials and greedy unethical merchants. Such myopic and tunneled vision also affects the churches. Let us pray for purity of hearts, protection from greed and integrity for all the leaders and shepherds, and that include all of us.
Friday
The once old factory district has transformed into China's most vibrant enclave of artists. It is nicked named "798" because it was once a Russian, East Germany supported factories back in 1950. There are some old church buildings that are preserved, but most face demolitions. Many congregations whose buildings are old and inadequate for their needs and need rebuilding, let us pray for their financial need and renewed sense of purpose.
Saturday
Many well-meaning pastors from abroad go to China to train pastors and leaders. Overall, majority of content must be contextualized and adapted. Many China pastors are interested to learn about the church growth methods of megachurches abroad. There are plenty of churches who are frustrated by lack of growth despite of different methods and techniques. We thank God for their desire to grow, and pray for health of their church, their leadership style and unity of believers.
Sunday
At any given week, the list of "top 10 most popular songs" as reported by the local radio station will be totally different in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. It goes to say that what is consider popular in one region may not be true in other parts of China. A person is always cautious not to generalize about China churches. But, we pray for the near-universal need for youth ministries for all churches, for vision and burden of church leaders of its importance and people who are willing to work with teenagers.
Monday
"Watch Television with Me" is a huge Broadway-style production which shows how television has been a vital part in all areas of Chinese society from the rich to the poor, from city to village, and from great dreams to shattered dreams. What made it special is that the casts are from the China mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Believers in Taiwan and Hong Kong usually do not have much in common because of the difference in their spoken language but in China both groups work together well. We thank the Lord for what believers from these two islands have done for the churches in China helping them to grow and supporting them and their pastors.
星期二
中國政府表示它計劃花費五千八百六十億美元來刺激經濟增長，並且還降低了對明年國內生產總值總值（ GDP ）的預期。與此同時，民眾生活費用持續不斷攀升，農村消費者所支付的生活費用相對地多於城市消費者。 農村基督徒面臨著不斷上升的生活費用，許多民工失去城市的工作而需要回到農村。讓我們以禱告將他們交托在神手中，在這一經濟危機和信心容易動搖的時刻，我們都需要更加地信靠神。
星期三
林彪曾是毛主席的親密戰友，但在1971年逃離中國的過程中他的座機墜毀於蒙古。最近他的「反革命」和被唾罵的叛徒標籤已悄悄地被挪去。中國的文革確實是一段悲慘動盪的時期，其帶給中國教會深深的傷痕仍在緩慢癒合中。讓我們求神繼續醫治這些創傷，賜給所有人都有從神而來的寬恕和恩典。
星期四
「不擇手段賺錢」的思想已經滲透到整個社會。中國從官員的腐敗猖獗和商人貪婪不道德的行為中，反映了一種嚴重的良知泯滅與道德淪喪。短視、走捷徑的不良風氣也帶進了教會。讓我們一起為所有的教會領袖和牧者禱告，求神幫助他們也保守所有的人包括我們自己在內，能持守心靈的純潔，堅持誠信，免受貪婪的影響。
星期五
原是人去樓空的北京老廠區，如今已變為全國最具活力的藝術家聚集區。這一暱稱「798 」的老廠區，因為早在1950年它曾是俄羅斯和東德所支持工廠的所在地。現在該區仍有一些老教堂建築物被保存下來，但大多數將面臨被拆毀的命運。許多教會的建築物目前已老舊不堪需用，需要重建。讓我們為這些教會在財政上的需要和在使命感上的更新向神祈求禱告。
星期六
目前許多牧師從國外到中國去協助訓練牧師和教會領袖。總體而言，大部分培訓教材的內容必須針對中國背景作出調整。許多中國的牧師很有興趣去學習、了解國外大型教會促使教會增長的良方。但不少教會使用了各種方法和技巧後，對仍然看不到教會增長的狀況深感挫折。我們為這些教會有增長的意願而感謝神，也為這些教會的靈命健康成長，教會領導風格和信徒合一的心志禱告。
星期日
中國「十大最受歡迎歌曲」排行榜上的流行曲目，北京、上海、廣州和成都等地廣播電台所公佈的，在任何一周都完全不一樣。這說明流行在一個地區的，在中國其他地區可能並不盡然。我們總是小心地不一概而論中國各地的教會。但我們要為幾乎所有教會對青少年事工的普遍性需求來禱告，求神使教會領袖們對這一事工的重要性有異象和負擔，並感動更多弟兄姊妹願意為青少年事工擺上。
星期一
「陪我看電視」是一部百老匯式的舞台劇鉅作，它充分顯示出電視已成為從富人到窮人，從城市到農村，從具有偉大理想者到希望破滅者的中國社會所有領域中不可缺少的重要一環。讓這部劇作與眾不同的是其導演和演員來自中國大陸，台灣和香港三地。台灣和香港的信徒通常不會有多少共通之處，因其所講的方言各異。但在大陸這兩個群體一起合作得很好。讓我們為這兩個島少的信徒在幫助中國教會成長，支持中國教會及其牧師的事工上所作的一切感謝神。
China said it planned to spend $586. billion in a bid to spur economic growth and that the government would also lower the forecast for next year's GDP. In the meantime the cost of living continues to climb with rural consumers paying more than those in the cities. Rural believers face the rising cost of living and many have lost their jobs in the cities and returned home. We commit them into God's hand that they will trust Him in this time of crisis and shaken confidence as we all must do.
Wednesday
Lin biao was once Chairman Mao's closest comrade, but in 1971 his plane crashed in Mongolia fleeing from China. His status and label as the "counter-revolutionary" and reviled traitor has quietly been removed recently.Cultural Revolution was indeed a tumultuous time for China, but the deep scars on the China churches still healing slowly. We pray for the continuing healing of these wounds, forgiveness and grace of God for all of us.
Thursday
"Do anything to make money" mentality permeates the whole society. There is a serious lacking of morality which is seen in the rampant corruption of officials and greedy unethical merchants. Such myopic and tunneled vision also affects the churches. Let us pray for purity of hearts, protection from greed and integrity for all the leaders and shepherds, and that include all of us.
Friday
The once old factory district has transformed into China's most vibrant enclave of artists. It is nicked named "798" because it was once a Russian, East Germany supported factories back in 1950. There are some old church buildings that are preserved, but most face demolitions. Many congregations whose buildings are old and inadequate for their needs and need rebuilding, let us pray for their financial need and renewed sense of purpose.
Saturday
Many well-meaning pastors from abroad go to China to train pastors and leaders. Overall, majority of content must be contextualized and adapted. Many China pastors are interested to learn about the church growth methods of megachurches abroad. There are plenty of churches who are frustrated by lack of growth despite of different methods and techniques. We thank God for their desire to grow, and pray for health of their church, their leadership style and unity of believers.
Sunday
At any given week, the list of "top 10 most popular songs" as reported by the local radio station will be totally different in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. It goes to say that what is consider popular in one region may not be true in other parts of China. A person is always cautious not to generalize about China churches. But, we pray for the near-universal need for youth ministries for all churches, for vision and burden of church leaders of its importance and people who are willing to work with teenagers.
Monday
"Watch Television with Me" is a huge Broadway-style production which shows how television has been a vital part in all areas of Chinese society from the rich to the poor, from city to village, and from great dreams to shattered dreams. What made it special is that the casts are from the China mainland, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. Believers in Taiwan and Hong Kong usually do not have much in common because of the difference in their spoken language but in China both groups work together well. We thank the Lord for what believers from these two islands have done for the churches in China helping them to grow and supporting them and their pastors.
星期二
中國政府表示它計劃花費五千八百六十億美元來刺激經濟增長，並且還降低了對明年國內生產總值總值（ GDP ）的預期。與此同時，民眾生活費用持續不斷攀升，農村消費者所支付的生活費用相對地多於城市消費者。 農村基督徒面臨著不斷上升的生活費用，許多民工失去城市的工作而需要回到農村。讓我們以禱告將他們交托在神手中，在這一經濟危機和信心容易動搖的時刻，我們都需要更加地信靠神。
星期三
林彪曾是毛主席的親密戰友，但在1971年逃離中國的過程中他的座機墜毀於蒙古。最近他的「反革命」和被唾罵的叛徒標籤已悄悄地被挪去。中國的文革確實是一段悲慘動盪的時期，其帶給中國教會深深的傷痕仍在緩慢癒合中。讓我們求神繼續醫治這些創傷，賜給所有人都有從神而來的寬恕和恩典。
星期四
「不擇手段賺錢」的思想已經滲透到整個社會。中國從官員的腐敗猖獗和商人貪婪不道德的行為中，反映了一種嚴重的良知泯滅與道德淪喪。短視、走捷徑的不良風氣也帶進了教會。讓我們一起為所有的教會領袖和牧者禱告，求神幫助他們也保守所有的人包括我們自己在內，能持守心靈的純潔，堅持誠信，免受貪婪的影響。
星期五
原是人去樓空的北京老廠區，如今已變為全國最具活力的藝術家聚集區。這一暱稱「798 」的老廠區，因為早在1950年它曾是俄羅斯和東德所支持工廠的所在地。現在該區仍有一些老教堂建築物被保存下來，但大多數將面臨被拆毀的命運。許多教會的建築物目前已老舊不堪需用，需要重建。讓我們為這些教會在財政上的需要和在使命感上的更新向神祈求禱告。
星期六
目前許多牧師從國外到中國去協助訓練牧師和教會領袖。總體而言，大部分培訓教材的內容必須針對中國背景作出調整。許多中國的牧師很有興趣去學習、了解國外大型教會促使教會增長的良方。但不少教會使用了各種方法和技巧後，對仍然看不到教會增長的狀況深感挫折。我們為這些教會有增長的意願而感謝神，也為這些教會的靈命健康成長，教會領導風格和信徒合一的心志禱告。
星期日
中國「十大最受歡迎歌曲」排行榜上的流行曲目，北京、上海、廣州和成都等地廣播電台所公佈的，在任何一周都完全不一樣。這說明流行在一個地區的，在中國其他地區可能並不盡然。我們總是小心地不一概而論中國各地的教會。但我們要為幾乎所有教會對青少年事工的普遍性需求來禱告，求神使教會領袖們對這一事工的重要性有異象和負擔，並感動更多弟兄姊妹願意為青少年事工擺上。
星期一
「陪我看電視」是一部百老匯式的舞台劇鉅作，它充分顯示出電視已成為從富人到窮人，從城市到農村，從具有偉大理想者到希望破滅者的中國社會所有領域中不可缺少的重要一環。讓這部劇作與眾不同的是其導演和演員來自中國大陸，台灣和香港三地。台灣和香港的信徒通常不會有多少共通之處，因其所講的方言各異。但在大陸這兩個群體一起合作得很好。讓我們為這兩個島少的信徒在幫助中國教會成長，支持中國教會及其牧師的事工上所作的一切感謝神。
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 11/11-11/17
Tuesday
The Guangzhou Expo, a barometer of Chinese exports, recently concluded with dismal results. Many factories face a tough time ahead as orders drop sharply. A new wave of factory closures and massive layoffs is happening in the Pearl River Delta. This will have a ripple effect on the rural churches in China since much of their offerings come from those who work in the cities. Let us pray for the "coming cold winter" of the rural churches both spiritually and financially.
Wednesday
After sixty years of animosity the chilly relationship between Beijing and Taipei is warming quickly. Both sides exchanged pleasantries and valuable gifts--pandas from China and a rare deer and a goat from Taiwan. Direct transportation and exchange of mail are coming soon. Many of us would not have even dreamed of this thirty years ago. Let us pray that churches on both sides will learn from each other and share the blessings God has given them to encourage one another.
Thursday
There are at least six types of churches in Beijing and they are distinguished by the type of members they have, such as: local residents, migrant workers, out-of-town businessmen, overseas returnees, student groups, or young professionals.Each of these churches has unique needs and the members find it difficult to mix with each other. We praise God for His mighty work in Beijing and pray that the Lord may especially use the shepherds, the leaders of these churches, to feed and care for His sheep.
Friday
China is the nation with the highest percentage of women active in church ministry, both in Three-self and house churches. Among those being trained to be church workers, females always outnumber males. Once called into ministry, women often encounter unequal treatment in benefit and respect. Many Chinese women pastors experience loneliness and frustration because of the high expectation placed on them and a lack of meaningful support. Let us pray for strength, comfort of the Spirit, and people who will encourage and appreciate them.
Saturday
A survey of college students on "What would make you consider committing suicide?" revealed the following: Failure of an interpersonal relationship, 59%, stress from school work, 55%, breaking up with a close friend, 51%, and unable to find work after graduation, 35%. We are seeing more and more college students attempting suicide. Let us pray for the emptiness and disappointment found among many of these intellectuals. Again, we lift up those who are especially reaching out to college students.
Sunday
Many Christians and their ministries have responded to the great need of reconstruction in Sichuan where the earthquake struck. Some have literally moved their work to Chengdu and made it a new center of Christian activities where they have started new ministries such as counseling for the victims and assisting communities with education. We pray that this area will be fertile ground for the gospel and that these ministries will be able to change the lives as well as the hearts of people. May the churches there be revived and strengthened mightily by God.
Monday
Walmart which offers international brands as well as local goods, opened thirty new stores in China during this past year but only three of them are in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Since the major cities have already become saturated, they are opening stores in the so-called "second- or third-tier cities" which are small by the Chinese standard but actually have populations of two to three million people. There are many churches in these smaller cities that often have fewer restrictions in their worship but also lack the resources bigger cities have. Let us remember them in our prayers, especially those who have not had a shepherd for a long time and those needing revival.
星期二
作為中國外貿「晴雨表」的廣交會剛落幕，受到歐美經濟衰退的影響，今年的訂單大幅縮水，打擊了出口企業對明年的信心。同時近期珠三角企業欠薪倒閉事件越來越多。這股經濟衰退寒流已經波及到中國的農村教會，因為許多奉獻是來自那些在城市打工的會友。我們為「將來到的寒冬」 對這些教會的影響來禱告，求主在靈命和經濟上的信實的供應。
星期三
北京與臺北當局雙方互贈大熊貓、梅花鹿、長鬃山羊。兩岸冰封了六＋年的政治連繫正在迅速解凍中，簽署了空海運直航、郵政合作、食品安全等協議。這跨越台灣海峽的歷史性一步，是30年前很難想像的。求主幫助兩岸的弟兄姐妹能彼此謙卑學習、鼓勵。分享神的賜福，同心攜手興旺福音。
星期四
目前北京的教會，以不同類型的會員來區別，至少有六種型態：本地居民，民工，出門在外的商人，海歸人員，學生團體及年輕的專業人士。每種教會都有其獨特的需要和運作方式，其成員很難與其他類型的教會相融合。我們除了讚美神大能的作為外，也禱告主特別使用這些教會的牧者和領袖，有從神來的智能餵養和照顧群羊。
星期五
中國的姊妹參予教會事工的比例為全球之冠，無論在三自教會或家庭教會皆然。在所有教會事奉人員中，接受培訓裝備的女性數目遠超過男性。然而，女性回應呼召參與服事，往往要面對種種不平等待遇，也得不到應有的尊重。國內很多女牧者在得不到有效支援及背負外界過度期望的壓力下，都感到孤單失落、徬惶無助。讓我們祈求聖靈親自安慰並添加她們力量，也希望信徒們能欣賞和鼓勵她們同為神僕，默默忠心的擺上。
星期六
一項有關大學生「你為何會考慮自殺？」的調查顯示，促成自殺的原因包括：失敗的人際關係（百分之五十九） ;學校的學業壓力（百分之五十五） ，與密友關係破裂（百分之三十五） ，畢業後找不到工作（百分之三十五） 。越來越多的大學生企圖自殺的趨勢，令人憂心。讓我們一起為那一大群對生命感到空虛毫無意義的知識分子禱告，也讓我們特別記念那些肩負重任，關懷、服事校園學生的同工們。
星期日
很多基督徒及所屬機構都紛紛回應四川震央的重建需求。有些索性把工作重心搬到成都，成立基督教機構及創辦新事工，為災民提供心理輔導及協助社區的教育工作。讓我們祈求災區能變成廣傳福音的沃土，以及這些事工能真正有效改變人的心和生命。願教會能得著復興，成為神大大重用的器皿。
星期一
從賣舶來品到當地土產商品，全球最大的零售商的沃爾瑪去年在中國新開設的30家分店中，只有3家設在北京、上海和深圳等大城市。由於大城市需求幾近飽和，他們開始在中國的二、三線，按中國標準屬小規模，但人口則達到二百至三百萬人的城市設立新據點。 相對於中國大城市的教會，座落於小城市的在信仰上有較大的自由度，但資源卻相對匱乏。讓我們以禱告記念他們的需要，尤其是那些長期得不到牧者牧養，等候復興的教會。
The Guangzhou Expo, a barometer of Chinese exports, recently concluded with dismal results. Many factories face a tough time ahead as orders drop sharply. A new wave of factory closures and massive layoffs is happening in the Pearl River Delta. This will have a ripple effect on the rural churches in China since much of their offerings come from those who work in the cities. Let us pray for the "coming cold winter" of the rural churches both spiritually and financially.
Wednesday
After sixty years of animosity the chilly relationship between Beijing and Taipei is warming quickly. Both sides exchanged pleasantries and valuable gifts--pandas from China and a rare deer and a goat from Taiwan. Direct transportation and exchange of mail are coming soon. Many of us would not have even dreamed of this thirty years ago. Let us pray that churches on both sides will learn from each other and share the blessings God has given them to encourage one another.
Thursday
There are at least six types of churches in Beijing and they are distinguished by the type of members they have, such as: local residents, migrant workers, out-of-town businessmen, overseas returnees, student groups, or young professionals.Each of these churches has unique needs and the members find it difficult to mix with each other. We praise God for His mighty work in Beijing and pray that the Lord may especially use the shepherds, the leaders of these churches, to feed and care for His sheep.
Friday
China is the nation with the highest percentage of women active in church ministry, both in Three-self and house churches. Among those being trained to be church workers, females always outnumber males. Once called into ministry, women often encounter unequal treatment in benefit and respect. Many Chinese women pastors experience loneliness and frustration because of the high expectation placed on them and a lack of meaningful support. Let us pray for strength, comfort of the Spirit, and people who will encourage and appreciate them.
Saturday
A survey of college students on "What would make you consider committing suicide?" revealed the following: Failure of an interpersonal relationship, 59%, stress from school work, 55%, breaking up with a close friend, 51%, and unable to find work after graduation, 35%. We are seeing more and more college students attempting suicide. Let us pray for the emptiness and disappointment found among many of these intellectuals. Again, we lift up those who are especially reaching out to college students.
Sunday
Many Christians and their ministries have responded to the great need of reconstruction in Sichuan where the earthquake struck. Some have literally moved their work to Chengdu and made it a new center of Christian activities where they have started new ministries such as counseling for the victims and assisting communities with education. We pray that this area will be fertile ground for the gospel and that these ministries will be able to change the lives as well as the hearts of people. May the churches there be revived and strengthened mightily by God.
Monday
Walmart which offers international brands as well as local goods, opened thirty new stores in China during this past year but only three of them are in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Since the major cities have already become saturated, they are opening stores in the so-called "second- or third-tier cities" which are small by the Chinese standard but actually have populations of two to three million people. There are many churches in these smaller cities that often have fewer restrictions in their worship but also lack the resources bigger cities have. Let us remember them in our prayers, especially those who have not had a shepherd for a long time and those needing revival.
星期二
作為中國外貿「晴雨表」的廣交會剛落幕，受到歐美經濟衰退的影響，今年的訂單大幅縮水，打擊了出口企業對明年的信心。同時近期珠三角企業欠薪倒閉事件越來越多。這股經濟衰退寒流已經波及到中國的農村教會，因為許多奉獻是來自那些在城市打工的會友。我們為「將來到的寒冬」 對這些教會的影響來禱告，求主在靈命和經濟上的信實的供應。
星期三
北京與臺北當局雙方互贈大熊貓、梅花鹿、長鬃山羊。兩岸冰封了六＋年的政治連繫正在迅速解凍中，簽署了空海運直航、郵政合作、食品安全等協議。這跨越台灣海峽的歷史性一步，是30年前很難想像的。求主幫助兩岸的弟兄姐妹能彼此謙卑學習、鼓勵。分享神的賜福，同心攜手興旺福音。
星期四
目前北京的教會，以不同類型的會員來區別，至少有六種型態：本地居民，民工，出門在外的商人，海歸人員，學生團體及年輕的專業人士。每種教會都有其獨特的需要和運作方式，其成員很難與其他類型的教會相融合。我們除了讚美神大能的作為外，也禱告主特別使用這些教會的牧者和領袖，有從神來的智能餵養和照顧群羊。
星期五
中國的姊妹參予教會事工的比例為全球之冠，無論在三自教會或家庭教會皆然。在所有教會事奉人員中，接受培訓裝備的女性數目遠超過男性。然而，女性回應呼召參與服事，往往要面對種種不平等待遇，也得不到應有的尊重。國內很多女牧者在得不到有效支援及背負外界過度期望的壓力下，都感到孤單失落、徬惶無助。讓我們祈求聖靈親自安慰並添加她們力量，也希望信徒們能欣賞和鼓勵她們同為神僕，默默忠心的擺上。
星期六
一項有關大學生「你為何會考慮自殺？」的調查顯示，促成自殺的原因包括：失敗的人際關係（百分之五十九） ;學校的學業壓力（百分之五十五） ，與密友關係破裂（百分之三十五） ，畢業後找不到工作（百分之三十五） 。越來越多的大學生企圖自殺的趨勢，令人憂心。讓我們一起為那一大群對生命感到空虛毫無意義的知識分子禱告，也讓我們特別記念那些肩負重任，關懷、服事校園學生的同工們。
星期日
很多基督徒及所屬機構都紛紛回應四川震央的重建需求。有些索性把工作重心搬到成都，成立基督教機構及創辦新事工，為災民提供心理輔導及協助社區的教育工作。讓我們祈求災區能變成廣傳福音的沃土，以及這些事工能真正有效改變人的心和生命。願教會能得著復興，成為神大大重用的器皿。
星期一
從賣舶來品到當地土產商品，全球最大的零售商的沃爾瑪去年在中國新開設的30家分店中，只有3家設在北京、上海和深圳等大城市。由於大城市需求幾近飽和，他們開始在中國的二、三線，按中國標準屬小規模，但人口則達到二百至三百萬人的城市設立新據點。 相對於中國大城市的教會，座落於小城市的在信仰上有較大的自由度，但資源卻相對匱乏。讓我們以禱告記念他們的需要，尤其是那些長期得不到牧者牧養，等候復興的教會。
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Prayer Request 11/4-11/10
Tuesday
In the aftermath of the poisoned milk scandal, hundreds of volunteer lawyers have formed a nationwide network to assist victims and provide free legal assistance and restitution. This is unprecedented in China since in the past only a small group of lawyers has defended jailed Christians. There is an awakening of social consciousness in China and more people are speaking out boldly against civic wrongs. The church in China has traditionally isolated herself from society and even the needs of the community. Let us pray for a renewal of her call to be light and salt.
Wednesday
Many companies employ college graduates on a trial basis, pay no salaries and/or extend the trial without explanation, to cut costs. The new labor laws limit such "trial period" to 30 days. Graduating from college means unemployment for many because there are too many graduates and many are desperate and are willing to take the "trial period". We pray for strong faith and trust in God for many who have accepted Jesus in college but are out of school and unable to find work.
Thursday
China is the only country in the world that has more female than male suicides. Women in the villages are particularly at risk for low self-esteem and depression. Often all it takes is an argument with a spouse or an in-law to trigger the path to suicide. While rural churches are often the site of this kind of tragedy, usually a lack of resources and counseling skills to help, make them powerless bystanders. We pray for all rural believers who have opportunities to show compassion and share Jesus with those who are in dire hopelessness.
Friday
Today 85% of the Christmas trees and decorations used in the world (as well as 80% of the toys and 70% of the shoes and umbrellas) are made in China. Giving and receiving Christmas gifts have become very popular among young people in China. Churches in China will be planning Christmas activities soon and sometimes this is the only time non-believers show an interest in Christianity. Let us pray for a strong passion to share Jesus Christ among Christians, and especially during the Christmas season.
Saturday
Foreign banks have approved China's request for reconstruction loans to build roads, bridges, and hospitals in the areas where the earthquake struck in Sichuan and Gansu. Chinese Christians have been actively engaged in the efforts to rebuild communities and schools as well as to provide counseling to those who have lost everything there. This has been a unique opportunity for them and the first time Christians have been visibly involved in community work. Let us pray for their efforts, their resources, and the fruit that comes from this demonstration of God's love.
Sunday
China herself has changed dramatically since 1980 but according to many observers her churches have not changed significantly during this time. Although some churches have grown, many have dwindled and weakened and mistrust and a lack of harmony still prevail, especially in the rural churches where 80%of the believers are found. The greatest need in the churches in China is for new workers who are better trained. Let us pray again for both the spirit of unity in the churches and for new workers to be raised up.
Monday
A study of adolescent sexual behavior shows nearly half of the women under twenty-five have already had sex and an even more alarming fact is that half of them have tried abortion. Since the temptations they face are great and they often do not have Christian friends for support, let us pray that all Christian teens and young adults will have the courage to follow God's design for them.
星期二
毒奶風波後，上百名律師自發性地組成一個全國性志願協助網絡，為受害者提供法律援助及索償服務，可算在中國開創先河。過去也有為受監禁的基督徒提出訴訟的自發性律師組織，但人數不多。社會覺醒意識在中國逐漸形成，越來越多的人毫不避忌，大膽指出社會各種弊端。傳統中國教會的一貫作風是與社會甚至社區隔離。讓我們求神喚醒祂自己的教會並回應在這世代作鹽作光的使命。
星期三
許多公司頻繁「試用」大學生，又無故增減聘期，變相節約公司用人的成本。新《勞動合同法》對此有明確規定： 試用期不得超過一個月。中國的畢業生太多了，對許多大學生而言畢業就是失業，他們也別無選擇的接受被「試用」。不少學生在求學時期相信了耶穌，但畢業之後也加入了這群失業的大軍的行列。讓我們特別為他們代禱，願神堅立的他們信心，把一生的道路繼續仰望神。
星期四
中國是世界上唯一女性自殺率高於男性的國家。由於農村婦女自尊心低落並容易抑鬱，自殺情況尤為嚴重，夫妻或婆媳間往往因一件爭執而觸動自殺念頭。農村教會經常目睹這些悲劇發生，但由於資源匱乏又欠缺輔導技巧，教會往往只能袖手旁觀，無能為力。讓我們在禱告中記念農村信徒，願他們能有更多裝備，積極地向在絕望邊緣的人伸出援手，並將基督救恩及盼望帶給周遭的人。
星期五
世界上85 ％的聖誕樹及裝飾（以及80％的玩具和70 ％的鞋和雨傘）都是中國製造的。中國年輕人互相授受聖誕禮物已经非常普遍。中國各教會即將籌備聖誕節活動，這是一年中唯一能引起非信徒對基督教產生興趣的節日。我們特別求神在聖誕節期間，預備人心，並讓信徒們充滿與人分享耶穌基督救恩的熱忱。
星期六
外國銀行通過有關災後貸款的申請，將進行四川以及甘肅受震地區的道路，橋樑和醫院等各項重建工程。災難發生以來，基督徒一直活躍投入各個學校社區重建項目，並為頓失家園財產的倖存者提供心理輔導。讓我們為弟兄姊妹能名正言順大規模投入社區工作來感恩，這可算是千載難逢的特殊機遇。讓我們求神記念信徒們憑愛心提供給災區的種種資源，並悅納、祝福他們所結的果子。
星期日
自1980年起,中國環境正在急速變化，然而這段時期的中國教會實質上沒有太大的改變。雖然部份教會人數的確有增長，但教會間卻因互不信任、缺乏和睦而耗損精力，這種情況在佔全國八成基督徒人口的農村教會相當普遍。目前中國教會急切的需求是一班受過良好神學裝備的後起之秀。讓我們禱告，求主幫助教會彼此在靈裡合一，並興起新一批忠心的同工。
星期一
一項對中國青少年性行為的研究顯示，近50%在25歲以下的年輕婦女已經有性行爲，更令人震驚的是一半曾經墮過胎。教會內的年輕人同樣面臨巨大的誘惑，身邊也沒有基督徒朋友的支持和提醒。讓我們禱告, 求神保守年輕信徒們謹守真道，有勇氣來抗拒潮流，順服上帝對他們人生的帶領和安排，更能成爲彼此勸戒和提醒的屬靈夥伴。
In the aftermath of the poisoned milk scandal, hundreds of volunteer lawyers have formed a nationwide network to assist victims and provide free legal assistance and restitution. This is unprecedented in China since in the past only a small group of lawyers has defended jailed Christians. There is an awakening of social consciousness in China and more people are speaking out boldly against civic wrongs. The church in China has traditionally isolated herself from society and even the needs of the community. Let us pray for a renewal of her call to be light and salt.
Wednesday
Many companies employ college graduates on a trial basis, pay no salaries and/or extend the trial without explanation, to cut costs. The new labor laws limit such "trial period" to 30 days. Graduating from college means unemployment for many because there are too many graduates and many are desperate and are willing to take the "trial period". We pray for strong faith and trust in God for many who have accepted Jesus in college but are out of school and unable to find work.
Thursday
China is the only country in the world that has more female than male suicides. Women in the villages are particularly at risk for low self-esteem and depression. Often all it takes is an argument with a spouse or an in-law to trigger the path to suicide. While rural churches are often the site of this kind of tragedy, usually a lack of resources and counseling skills to help, make them powerless bystanders. We pray for all rural believers who have opportunities to show compassion and share Jesus with those who are in dire hopelessness.
Friday
Today 85% of the Christmas trees and decorations used in the world (as well as 80% of the toys and 70% of the shoes and umbrellas) are made in China. Giving and receiving Christmas gifts have become very popular among young people in China. Churches in China will be planning Christmas activities soon and sometimes this is the only time non-believers show an interest in Christianity. Let us pray for a strong passion to share Jesus Christ among Christians, and especially during the Christmas season.
Saturday
Foreign banks have approved China's request for reconstruction loans to build roads, bridges, and hospitals in the areas where the earthquake struck in Sichuan and Gansu. Chinese Christians have been actively engaged in the efforts to rebuild communities and schools as well as to provide counseling to those who have lost everything there. This has been a unique opportunity for them and the first time Christians have been visibly involved in community work. Let us pray for their efforts, their resources, and the fruit that comes from this demonstration of God's love.
Sunday
China herself has changed dramatically since 1980 but according to many observers her churches have not changed significantly during this time. Although some churches have grown, many have dwindled and weakened and mistrust and a lack of harmony still prevail, especially in the rural churches where 80%of the believers are found. The greatest need in the churches in China is for new workers who are better trained. Let us pray again for both the spirit of unity in the churches and for new workers to be raised up.
Monday
A study of adolescent sexual behavior shows nearly half of the women under twenty-five have already had sex and an even more alarming fact is that half of them have tried abortion. Since the temptations they face are great and they often do not have Christian friends for support, let us pray that all Christian teens and young adults will have the courage to follow God's design for them.
星期二
毒奶風波後，上百名律師自發性地組成一個全國性志願協助網絡，為受害者提供法律援助及索償服務，可算在中國開創先河。過去也有為受監禁的基督徒提出訴訟的自發性律師組織，但人數不多。社會覺醒意識在中國逐漸形成，越來越多的人毫不避忌，大膽指出社會各種弊端。傳統中國教會的一貫作風是與社會甚至社區隔離。讓我們求神喚醒祂自己的教會並回應在這世代作鹽作光的使命。
星期三
許多公司頻繁「試用」大學生，又無故增減聘期，變相節約公司用人的成本。新《勞動合同法》對此有明確規定： 試用期不得超過一個月。中國的畢業生太多了，對許多大學生而言畢業就是失業，他們也別無選擇的接受被「試用」。不少學生在求學時期相信了耶穌，但畢業之後也加入了這群失業的大軍的行列。讓我們特別為他們代禱，願神堅立的他們信心，把一生的道路繼續仰望神。
星期四
中國是世界上唯一女性自殺率高於男性的國家。由於農村婦女自尊心低落並容易抑鬱，自殺情況尤為嚴重，夫妻或婆媳間往往因一件爭執而觸動自殺念頭。農村教會經常目睹這些悲劇發生，但由於資源匱乏又欠缺輔導技巧，教會往往只能袖手旁觀，無能為力。讓我們在禱告中記念農村信徒，願他們能有更多裝備，積極地向在絕望邊緣的人伸出援手，並將基督救恩及盼望帶給周遭的人。
星期五
世界上85 ％的聖誕樹及裝飾（以及80％的玩具和70 ％的鞋和雨傘）都是中國製造的。中國年輕人互相授受聖誕禮物已经非常普遍。中國各教會即將籌備聖誕節活動，這是一年中唯一能引起非信徒對基督教產生興趣的節日。我們特別求神在聖誕節期間，預備人心，並讓信徒們充滿與人分享耶穌基督救恩的熱忱。
星期六
外國銀行通過有關災後貸款的申請，將進行四川以及甘肅受震地區的道路，橋樑和醫院等各項重建工程。災難發生以來，基督徒一直活躍投入各個學校社區重建項目，並為頓失家園財產的倖存者提供心理輔導。讓我們為弟兄姊妹能名正言順大規模投入社區工作來感恩，這可算是千載難逢的特殊機遇。讓我們求神記念信徒們憑愛心提供給災區的種種資源，並悅納、祝福他們所結的果子。
星期日
自1980年起,中國環境正在急速變化，然而這段時期的中國教會實質上沒有太大的改變。雖然部份教會人數的確有增長，但教會間卻因互不信任、缺乏和睦而耗損精力，這種情況在佔全國八成基督徒人口的農村教會相當普遍。目前中國教會急切的需求是一班受過良好神學裝備的後起之秀。讓我們禱告，求主幫助教會彼此在靈裡合一，並興起新一批忠心的同工。
星期一
一項對中國青少年性行為的研究顯示，近50%在25歲以下的年輕婦女已經有性行爲，更令人震驚的是一半曾經墮過胎。教會內的年輕人同樣面臨巨大的誘惑，身邊也沒有基督徒朋友的支持和提醒。讓我們禱告, 求神保守年輕信徒們謹守真道，有勇氣來抗拒潮流，順服上帝對他們人生的帶領和安排，更能成爲彼此勸戒和提醒的屬靈夥伴。
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 10/28-11/3
Tuesday
Many of the smaller restaurants in Hong Kong are expected to close soon because people have cut back on eating out. During the SARS scare three thousand restaurants there closed. The recent financial turmoil is hurting the city known for its Cantonese cuisine and restaurants. Many Chinese mission agencies are based in Hong Kong and giving for missions is expected to be lower this year than in the past. Let us pray for the many projects that will be postponed or even cannot be carried out now as the giving decreases.
Wednesday
There are 70,000 Hong Kong based factories in the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province. It is estimated that because of the recent financial meltdown a quarter of these factories will close before the Chinese New Year in 2009. Many of them are no longer profitable. Massive layoff will have rippling impact socially and the churches in the region along with the ministries targeting factory workers will be affected. Let us lift up all those who are trying so hard to evangelize factory workers and equip them with Bible training before they return home.
Thursday
Taiwan has always been a hotbed for Chinese popular music and artists. Artistic freedom, a matured media industry, and access to a global Chinese-speaking audience make Taiwan a favorite launching pad for budding performing artists. In terms of contemporary praise and worship music, groups from the United States are very popular inside China. Many Chinese believers sing praise songs from memory. We thank God for all the hymns whether traditional or contemporary written by Chinese people.
Friday
The number of so-called "Olympic babies" (babies born this year) will reach eighteen million. The sex-imbalance is getting severe since Chinese couples prefer boys over girls. In Guangdong Province alone there will be 4.6 million men unable to find wives by 2020. We pray for all the children born into Christian families this year, may the parents have wisdom and commitment to raise this new generation to know Him and serve him faithfully. We continue to lift up all those who serve the young ones in Sunday School ministries in China.
Saturday
If we take a close look at who got the fifty-one medals China earned in the Olympics, we see that a large majority of them were earned in individual events. In fact, the larger the team the more poorly the team performed. Historically, Christianity in China is well-known for individual pastors but very little collective effort of a church or a group. Individualism still dominates the church landscape till this day. Let us boldly ask the Lord to raise up groups of believers and churches for His Name sake.
Sunday
Traditional Chinese music is usually performed by an individual showing that person's own private interpretation and years of practice. Rarely is excellence measured as a group effort like in the West it is found in symphonies or quartet music. Chinese Christians tend to admire a few well-known deceased preachers and consider them as saints. However, all of these individuals had a very short ministry and were mostly one-man ministries. Let us pray for humility for all believers and a willingness to submit to others so there will be a true fellowship of the saints.
Monday
Chinese are hardworking individuals but it is difficult for them to work together. It can usually be described as "one-man show", "no second act", and "three is a crowd". This mentality is often seen in churches also. Let us pray together for the revival of all churches, not just a few urban churches, not in just a few provinces or a few outstanding churches, but for the whole church in China.
星期二
經濟不景氣，人們減少出外用餐，預料香港許多小型酒樓將陸續停業。回顧「非典病毒」流傳的幾個月内，就有3,000家酒樓餐舘倒閉。此次金融海嘯將大大打擊這個以廣東美食和酒樓聞名的城市。許多宣教機構建基於香港，而今年宣教機構預測所得的資財認獻將會不樂觀。奉獻減少，宣教計劃將無法如期進行，事工方向也不明朗。我們要特別為宣教機構禱告，願主親自引領、充份供應保守各項事工的運作。
星期三
廣東珠江三角一代有七萬家港資企業。許多在最近的金融海嘯下持續虧蝕，估計其中四分一將在農曆新年之前關閉。大規模的裁員將對社會造成深遠的打擊，地區教會及以工人為對象的事工也將受到波及。我們為致力向工厰勞工傳福音的教會和同工們禱告，求主賜下智慧、能力，藉他們使工人們在回家之前能獲得足夠的裝備。
星期四
台灣一直是培育中文流行音樂和演藝者的天地。由於藝術創作自由，成熟的媒體產業，並接觸全球華語聽眾的平台,台灣成了具潛質年輕演藝者一展所長的理想平台. 在中國，當代敬拜讚美的音樂，以美國團體的作品備受歡迎。也有很多中國信徒唱詩讚美仍是光靠記憶。讓我們為由華人基督徒所創作的作品，無論傳統或當代的詩歌，都獻上感謝。
星期五
在中國，今年誕生的「奧運寶寶」預料達到1,800萬名。由於中國夫婦重男輕女，性別失衡越來越嚴重，估計到了2020年，單是廣東省，找不到妻子的男人將達到460萬。讓我們為今年所有誕生在基督教家庭的孩子禱告，盼望父母有智慧和決心，培育這新的一代能認識神並忠心服事祂，也讓我們繼續為負責國內青少年主日學的同工們代禱。
星期六
中國在奧運會獲取的五十一面金牌，細看之下，絕大部份是個人項目。人數越多的團隊，表現越是不佳。一直以來，中國基督教會多以享負盛名的個別牧者事工見稱，很少出現由教會或組織帶動的團隊事工。奉行個人主義在今天中國教會仍相當普遍。讓我們放膽懇求上帝，為祂自己的名，興起更多參與集體事工的教會和信徒。
星期日
傳統中國音樂一般由個人獨奏，著重突出個人風格及造詣。罕如西方國家，以交響樂隊或音樂四重奏等團隊音樂的卓越表現來衡量成就。中國的基督徒往往對少數享負盛名的已故牧者推崇備至。然而這些名牧多是個人事工，事奉工期較短。讓我們祈求眾信徒願意謙卑、順服其他主的牧人，聖徒間也能擁有真正的契合。
星期一
中國人非常勤勞克苦，然而卻很難彼此互助合作。古語有云：「一鼓作氣，再而衰，三而竭」。中國人薄弱的團體意識在教會可見一斑。讓我們求神復興教會，不僅是幾個城市教會，幾個地區或是幾個出眾的教會，乃是使全中國教會都普遍復興。
Many of the smaller restaurants in Hong Kong are expected to close soon because people have cut back on eating out. During the SARS scare three thousand restaurants there closed. The recent financial turmoil is hurting the city known for its Cantonese cuisine and restaurants. Many Chinese mission agencies are based in Hong Kong and giving for missions is expected to be lower this year than in the past. Let us pray for the many projects that will be postponed or even cannot be carried out now as the giving decreases.
Wednesday
There are 70,000 Hong Kong based factories in the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong Province. It is estimated that because of the recent financial meltdown a quarter of these factories will close before the Chinese New Year in 2009. Many of them are no longer profitable. Massive layoff will have rippling impact socially and the churches in the region along with the ministries targeting factory workers will be affected. Let us lift up all those who are trying so hard to evangelize factory workers and equip them with Bible training before they return home.
Thursday
Taiwan has always been a hotbed for Chinese popular music and artists. Artistic freedom, a matured media industry, and access to a global Chinese-speaking audience make Taiwan a favorite launching pad for budding performing artists. In terms of contemporary praise and worship music, groups from the United States are very popular inside China. Many Chinese believers sing praise songs from memory. We thank God for all the hymns whether traditional or contemporary written by Chinese people.
Friday
The number of so-called "Olympic babies" (babies born this year) will reach eighteen million. The sex-imbalance is getting severe since Chinese couples prefer boys over girls. In Guangdong Province alone there will be 4.6 million men unable to find wives by 2020. We pray for all the children born into Christian families this year, may the parents have wisdom and commitment to raise this new generation to know Him and serve him faithfully. We continue to lift up all those who serve the young ones in Sunday School ministries in China.
Saturday
If we take a close look at who got the fifty-one medals China earned in the Olympics, we see that a large majority of them were earned in individual events. In fact, the larger the team the more poorly the team performed. Historically, Christianity in China is well-known for individual pastors but very little collective effort of a church or a group. Individualism still dominates the church landscape till this day. Let us boldly ask the Lord to raise up groups of believers and churches for His Name sake.
Sunday
Traditional Chinese music is usually performed by an individual showing that person's own private interpretation and years of practice. Rarely is excellence measured as a group effort like in the West it is found in symphonies or quartet music. Chinese Christians tend to admire a few well-known deceased preachers and consider them as saints. However, all of these individuals had a very short ministry and were mostly one-man ministries. Let us pray for humility for all believers and a willingness to submit to others so there will be a true fellowship of the saints.
Monday
Chinese are hardworking individuals but it is difficult for them to work together. It can usually be described as "one-man show", "no second act", and "three is a crowd". This mentality is often seen in churches also. Let us pray together for the revival of all churches, not just a few urban churches, not in just a few provinces or a few outstanding churches, but for the whole church in China.
星期二
經濟不景氣，人們減少出外用餐，預料香港許多小型酒樓將陸續停業。回顧「非典病毒」流傳的幾個月内，就有3,000家酒樓餐舘倒閉。此次金融海嘯將大大打擊這個以廣東美食和酒樓聞名的城市。許多宣教機構建基於香港，而今年宣教機構預測所得的資財認獻將會不樂觀。奉獻減少，宣教計劃將無法如期進行，事工方向也不明朗。我們要特別為宣教機構禱告，願主親自引領、充份供應保守各項事工的運作。
星期三
廣東珠江三角一代有七萬家港資企業。許多在最近的金融海嘯下持續虧蝕，估計其中四分一將在農曆新年之前關閉。大規模的裁員將對社會造成深遠的打擊，地區教會及以工人為對象的事工也將受到波及。我們為致力向工厰勞工傳福音的教會和同工們禱告，求主賜下智慧、能力，藉他們使工人們在回家之前能獲得足夠的裝備。
星期四
台灣一直是培育中文流行音樂和演藝者的天地。由於藝術創作自由，成熟的媒體產業，並接觸全球華語聽眾的平台,台灣成了具潛質年輕演藝者一展所長的理想平台. 在中國，當代敬拜讚美的音樂，以美國團體的作品備受歡迎。也有很多中國信徒唱詩讚美仍是光靠記憶。讓我們為由華人基督徒所創作的作品，無論傳統或當代的詩歌，都獻上感謝。
星期五
在中國，今年誕生的「奧運寶寶」預料達到1,800萬名。由於中國夫婦重男輕女，性別失衡越來越嚴重，估計到了2020年，單是廣東省，找不到妻子的男人將達到460萬。讓我們為今年所有誕生在基督教家庭的孩子禱告，盼望父母有智慧和決心，培育這新的一代能認識神並忠心服事祂，也讓我們繼續為負責國內青少年主日學的同工們代禱。
星期六
中國在奧運會獲取的五十一面金牌，細看之下，絕大部份是個人項目。人數越多的團隊，表現越是不佳。一直以來，中國基督教會多以享負盛名的個別牧者事工見稱，很少出現由教會或組織帶動的團隊事工。奉行個人主義在今天中國教會仍相當普遍。讓我們放膽懇求上帝，為祂自己的名，興起更多參與集體事工的教會和信徒。
星期日
傳統中國音樂一般由個人獨奏，著重突出個人風格及造詣。罕如西方國家，以交響樂隊或音樂四重奏等團隊音樂的卓越表現來衡量成就。中國的基督徒往往對少數享負盛名的已故牧者推崇備至。然而這些名牧多是個人事工，事奉工期較短。讓我們祈求眾信徒願意謙卑、順服其他主的牧人，聖徒間也能擁有真正的契合。
星期一
中國人非常勤勞克苦，然而卻很難彼此互助合作。古語有云：「一鼓作氣，再而衰，三而竭」。中國人薄弱的團體意識在教會可見一斑。讓我們求神復興教會，不僅是幾個城市教會，幾個地區或是幾個出眾的教會，乃是使全中國教會都普遍復興。
Monday, October 20, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 10/21-10/27
Tuesday
The global financial crisis will make this year a hard year for those who are graduating from college in China. The number of people from this group who are looking for jobs and entering the market next spring is expected to exceed six million nationwide which is an increase of seven percent over 2008. Let us pray especially for graduates who came to know Jesus in college fellowships. A large number of Christian collegians stop going to church after they graduate and are then lost to follow-up. May they learn to trust the Lord and continue to grow in their faith.
Wednesday
There are at least seventy million of the "one-child-only" generation and they have now started working or are studying in colleges. A survey revealed that nearly half of this group have no close friends and have difficulty building friendships.Even though young people are familiar with certain Christian practices from the movies, Christianity is still considered a "foreign religion" by them. We pray especially for those who are reaching out to college students and sharing their faith with young professionals.
Thursday
Not only is divorce common in China these days but it has lost the stigma it had fifteen years ago. However, sixty percent of the young people believe that children from broken families are likely to commit crimes and twenty-five percent of the student population believes divorce brings great shame on the child. Divorce is also common in today's Chinese churches. Let us remember the struggle and challenges single parents face, especially as they try to bring their children to church.
Friday
While Korea is China's third largest trading partner, China herself is Korea's largest and this bilateral trade is growing at a rate of about twenty-five percent yearly. Every week there are eight hundred thirty flights between the two countries.There are more missionaries in China from Korea than from any other country. We praise the Lord for the Korean churches and their great effort in helping the Chinese churches as well as in community outreach and student ministries.
Saturday
There are 700,000 Koreans working or living in China. Every year nearly 5,000,000 tourists from Korea visit there so the sheer number of Korean Christians plus the believers from the Chinese-Korean minority who are fluent in both Chinese and Korean constitute a large pool of laborers for Christ. There are many churches in China that have Korean connections and we pray for their ministry. May the Lord use what they do to bless more believers.
Sunday
Government has set a goal of doubling income of rural residents by 2020 from the 2008 level. In 2007 the average farmer's income was 4,140 yuan ($605,US). Due to their absolute poverty, the rural population was reduced from 250 million to 15 million people last year. Again we lift up all the rural churches and thank God for their love for the Lord and their hunger for His Word despite their poverty and constant loss of young people who leave to work in the cities.
Monday
The majority of Chinese believers are women and most of them have spouses who are not believers. Tension in their marriages is common and it is a great struggle for many of them to raise their child in a Christian family with Biblical teaching. We need to pray earnestly for the families of believers that these sisters in Christ will know the grace and mercy of our Lord as their constant source of help. We ask, too, along with millions of the mothers who pray daily that their children will turn to God.
星期二
金融危機使今年畢業生找工作雪上加霜。預計明年全國求職人士將突破六百萬人，比今年上升百分之七。許多透過校園團契而信主的大專基督徒，常常畢業後便停止聚會而不得到更進一步的跟進，我們特別為他們禱告，盼望他們能學會倚靠上帝，靈命繼續成長。
星期三
目前中國約有7,000萬獨生子女，就讀於大專院校或剛剛踏進社會工作。有調查顯示，在校大學生中，接近一半獨生子女有交友問题,難以與人建立深厚友谊。雖然年輕人不難從西方電影裡看到一些教會中的生活，然而，對他們而言,基督教仍是個"洋人的宗教".讓我們為校園褔音工作禱告, 願神大大使用這批接觸校內大學生並与年輕專業人士分享褔音的同工.
星期四
相較十五年前，今天離婚在中國已成了家常便飯，不再是個忌諱．然而，在破碎家庭成長的孩子往往容易出錯犯案；兩成五的學生認為，父母離婚會使孩子抬不起頭做人。離婚在當今中國教會也見怪莫怪．讓我們在禱告中懇切記念單親父母所面對的挑戰與掙扎，尤其是嘗試把子女帶到教會時面對的問題．
星期五
韓國是中國第三大貿易夥伴國、中韓雙邊貿易額以年均百分之二十五的速度增長；中韓每週有八百三十多航班穿梭兩國四十座城市．現時所有到訪中國的韓國宣教士，已超越任何一个其他国家．我們為韓國教會在中國教會的服事，以及社區外展和學生褔音事工，向神獻上感謝，求主賜福記念他們在福音上的擺上．
星期六
在中國長期定居或工作的韓國人達七十萬．每年，訪中的韓國旅客大約有五十萬；這批為數不少的韓國基督徒，加上在中國定居並精通中韓雙語的韓國裔中國信徒，成為中國褔音事工的得力帮助．很多中國教會與韓國的教會保持著緊密聯繫．讓我們為他們的事工代禱；願主藉著他們手所作的工祝褔更多的信徒．
星期日
2007年，農民年均收入為4140元人民幣（相等於605美元）。政府已釐定目標，要在2020年之前，使農民收入按2008年年水平計算增加一倍。農村絕對貧窮人口由1978年的兩億五千萬，降至去年的一千五百萬。讓我們為農村教會代禱，求神幫助他們即使面對貧困，及年輕人口因離鄉出城打工而不斷流失的現實，愛主之心仍不冷卻，能渴慕上帝的話語。
星期一
中國的信徒以女性居多,配偶大多是非信徒;信仰給婚姻帶來不少張力.這種家庭環境下, 要讓自己的子女獲得好像一般基督徒家庭所給予的良好聖經教育,實在困難重重.讓我們為這些信徒家庭禱告,讓這班基督徒姊妹能信靠神的恩典和慈愛,作她們隨時的幫助.我們也求神記念百萬的信徒母親每天兒女能歸向神的忠心祈禱。
The global financial crisis will make this year a hard year for those who are graduating from college in China. The number of people from this group who are looking for jobs and entering the market next spring is expected to exceed six million nationwide which is an increase of seven percent over 2008. Let us pray especially for graduates who came to know Jesus in college fellowships. A large number of Christian collegians stop going to church after they graduate and are then lost to follow-up. May they learn to trust the Lord and continue to grow in their faith.
Wednesday
There are at least seventy million of the "one-child-only" generation and they have now started working or are studying in colleges. A survey revealed that nearly half of this group have no close friends and have difficulty building friendships.Even though young people are familiar with certain Christian practices from the movies, Christianity is still considered a "foreign religion" by them. We pray especially for those who are reaching out to college students and sharing their faith with young professionals.
Thursday
Not only is divorce common in China these days but it has lost the stigma it had fifteen years ago. However, sixty percent of the young people believe that children from broken families are likely to commit crimes and twenty-five percent of the student population believes divorce brings great shame on the child. Divorce is also common in today's Chinese churches. Let us remember the struggle and challenges single parents face, especially as they try to bring their children to church.
Friday
While Korea is China's third largest trading partner, China herself is Korea's largest and this bilateral trade is growing at a rate of about twenty-five percent yearly. Every week there are eight hundred thirty flights between the two countries.There are more missionaries in China from Korea than from any other country. We praise the Lord for the Korean churches and their great effort in helping the Chinese churches as well as in community outreach and student ministries.
Saturday
There are 700,000 Koreans working or living in China. Every year nearly 5,000,000 tourists from Korea visit there so the sheer number of Korean Christians plus the believers from the Chinese-Korean minority who are fluent in both Chinese and Korean constitute a large pool of laborers for Christ. There are many churches in China that have Korean connections and we pray for their ministry. May the Lord use what they do to bless more believers.
Sunday
Government has set a goal of doubling income of rural residents by 2020 from the 2008 level. In 2007 the average farmer's income was 4,140 yuan ($605,US). Due to their absolute poverty, the rural population was reduced from 250 million to 15 million people last year. Again we lift up all the rural churches and thank God for their love for the Lord and their hunger for His Word despite their poverty and constant loss of young people who leave to work in the cities.
Monday
The majority of Chinese believers are women and most of them have spouses who are not believers. Tension in their marriages is common and it is a great struggle for many of them to raise their child in a Christian family with Biblical teaching. We need to pray earnestly for the families of believers that these sisters in Christ will know the grace and mercy of our Lord as their constant source of help. We ask, too, along with millions of the mothers who pray daily that their children will turn to God.
星期二
金融危機使今年畢業生找工作雪上加霜。預計明年全國求職人士將突破六百萬人，比今年上升百分之七。許多透過校園團契而信主的大專基督徒，常常畢業後便停止聚會而不得到更進一步的跟進，我們特別為他們禱告，盼望他們能學會倚靠上帝，靈命繼續成長。
星期三
目前中國約有7,000萬獨生子女，就讀於大專院校或剛剛踏進社會工作。有調查顯示，在校大學生中，接近一半獨生子女有交友問题,難以與人建立深厚友谊。雖然年輕人不難從西方電影裡看到一些教會中的生活，然而，對他們而言,基督教仍是個"洋人的宗教".讓我們為校園褔音工作禱告, 願神大大使用這批接觸校內大學生並与年輕專業人士分享褔音的同工.
星期四
相較十五年前，今天離婚在中國已成了家常便飯，不再是個忌諱．然而，在破碎家庭成長的孩子往往容易出錯犯案；兩成五的學生認為，父母離婚會使孩子抬不起頭做人。離婚在當今中國教會也見怪莫怪．讓我們在禱告中懇切記念單親父母所面對的挑戰與掙扎，尤其是嘗試把子女帶到教會時面對的問題．
星期五
韓國是中國第三大貿易夥伴國、中韓雙邊貿易額以年均百分之二十五的速度增長；中韓每週有八百三十多航班穿梭兩國四十座城市．現時所有到訪中國的韓國宣教士，已超越任何一个其他国家．我們為韓國教會在中國教會的服事，以及社區外展和學生褔音事工，向神獻上感謝，求主賜福記念他們在福音上的擺上．
星期六
在中國長期定居或工作的韓國人達七十萬．每年，訪中的韓國旅客大約有五十萬；這批為數不少的韓國基督徒，加上在中國定居並精通中韓雙語的韓國裔中國信徒，成為中國褔音事工的得力帮助．很多中國教會與韓國的教會保持著緊密聯繫．讓我們為他們的事工代禱；願主藉著他們手所作的工祝褔更多的信徒．
星期日
2007年，農民年均收入為4140元人民幣（相等於605美元）。政府已釐定目標，要在2020年之前，使農民收入按2008年年水平計算增加一倍。農村絕對貧窮人口由1978年的兩億五千萬，降至去年的一千五百萬。讓我們為農村教會代禱，求神幫助他們即使面對貧困，及年輕人口因離鄉出城打工而不斷流失的現實，愛主之心仍不冷卻，能渴慕上帝的話語。
星期一
中國的信徒以女性居多,配偶大多是非信徒;信仰給婚姻帶來不少張力.這種家庭環境下, 要讓自己的子女獲得好像一般基督徒家庭所給予的良好聖經教育,實在困難重重.讓我們為這些信徒家庭禱告,讓這班基督徒姊妹能信靠神的恩典和慈愛,作她們隨時的幫助.我們也求神記念百萬的信徒母親每天兒女能歸向神的忠心祈禱。
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Prayer Ruquest 10/7-10/13
Tuesday
A study during the Olympics shows that only 1% of the people of Taiwan supported China's team compared with nearly 20% of the residents of Hong Kong and Macao that supported them. A separate survey found that only 7% of Taiwanese people identify themselves as Chinese while 30-40% of the residents of Hong Kong and Macao do so. his may explain why in Taiwan it is difficult to raise awareness and funds to support churches in China. We pray for the spiritual health of Taiwanese-speaking churches and for a strong desire among them to share the gospel in their communities and abroad.
Wednesday
The chilly relationship between Taiwan and China has warmed since a new president took office in Taiwan and there has been an influx of tourists from the mainland. Merchants also see the Reminbi (China's currency) as a welcome lift to the island's sagging economy. The general attitude of Christians in Taiwan toward the churches in China is still ambivalent. We pray for new opportunities for closer ties between the churches on both sides of the Strait, and especially for the training of pastors by churches in Taiwan and branch seminaries in China.
Thursday
There is a big gap in the quality of high-end products and low-end products, which are usually used by farmers who have less money, less information, and less access to medical care. In terms of resource and quality of teaching, there is always a gap and probably will always be a gap between the rural and urban churches in China. We uplift all the faithful shepherds in supplying spiritual food. We, too, pray for more mature Christians having the desire to read the Word of God for themselves.
Friday
Mainland mothers used to breast-feed before the 1990s, but since then have been bombarded by glossy advertisements, which promise that infant formula gives better nutrition and gives their babies a head start in intellect and development. "God wants you to be rich" and "Name it and claim it" types of theology has swept through many churches. Let us pray for such an alarming trend and lack of true commitment among growing number of believers.
Saturday
Many Chinese students feel stressed because they feel they must get good grades to have a good relationship with their parents. They feel they will disappoint their parents, be worthless, or bring shame on their families if they do not do well in school. Let us pray for the young people who have grown up in Christian homes that they may find complete acceptance and love in God as well as in the eyes of their parents.
Sunday
Parents and national policy makers are at a loss as to what to do with the youth in China today. The one-child policy has greatly amplified the psychological problems of this younger generation. Along with non-Christians, Christian parents are desperately at a loss in knowing how to cope with the problems of teenagers in China. Let us pray for divine intervention and healing for a generation at great risk.
Monday
Many products and services have jumped in price as a result of the new labor laws. Many are shocked by the cost of beer. And, travel agencies must now pay base salary and retirement/unemployment/medical insurances premiums for tour guides, instead of making them live on tips. We pray especially for all believers who live on fixed income, for their faith in God, and that they will be free of anxiety and to be cheerful in giving to God continually.
星期二
在奧運期間的一份調查顯示：在奧運賽事中支持中國隊的香港人和澳門人近20%，臺灣人則僅有1%。另一項研究也顯出自稱中國人的臺灣人有7%，港澳人卻高達30-40%。這或能解釋爲何在臺灣不容易籌集援助中國教會的資金。讓我們特別為以閩南語為主的教會禱告，為他們靈命的健壯及有強烈火熱傳福音的心來禱告。
星期三
台海兩岸的緊張關係隨著臺灣新政府上台而放緩，使得更多大陸客湧到臺灣旅遊。商人更認爲人民幣能帶動寶島經濟。臺灣信徒對中國教會的態度矛盾。我們為兩岸教會之間能有更緊密接觸的機會來禱告，也特別為臺灣教會和神學院在中國大陸的培訓課程禱告。
星期四
中國產品品質高低差距甚巨。低品質產品通常都售予農人，因其貧窮，難獲得醫療照顧和資訊。一直以來中國的城市教會和農村教會在教導的資源和品質上，都存有很大的差距。我們為忠心為羊群供應靈糧的牧者們禱告，求主也讓更多信徒成長、成熟，有屬靈胃口渴慕研讀神的話。
星期五
在90年代以前，媽媽們大多授母乳，但之後卻被琳琅滿目的奶粉廣告洗腦，相信嬰兒奶粉有更多營養，能讓寶寶更聰明更健壯。目前「神要你富裕」，「說出來，向神支取」這類神學觀亦橫掃許許多多教會。讓我們為這危險的趨勢禱告，尤其為教會能注重真實的委身，致力於信徒質和量的增長來代求。
星期六
很多中國學生常靠爭取好成績討父母歡心。有學生在這方面承受了不少壓力，擔心如果自己成績不好，就等於在父母眼裡失去了價值，使家族蒙羞。讓我們祈求在基督教家庭成長的青少年可以在父母和上帝裡獲得真正完全的愛和接納。
星期日
從最高的國家領導，到平民父母，事實上都對今日中國青少年問題感到束手無策。「一胎化」的政策擴大了年輕一代所面對的種種心理問題。基督徒家長跟非基督徒一樣，也對如何針對現今青少年的教養問題苦無良策，讓我們祈求神親自來作工，醫治挽救這一新世代的危機。
星期一
過去的一年，一路飆升的物價令公眾心神不寧, 啤酒價格漲幅不小。 新《勞動合同法》的實施 ，也增加了服務業的成本。旅行社必須嚴格按合同支付導遊薪資，並繳納「三金」（養老保險金、失業保險金、醫療保險金）。許多信徒是靠固定但入不敷出的收入過日子，我們為他們有堅定不移的信心，有主同在的平安與喜樂，仍能繼續為教會奉獻來祈求。
A study during the Olympics shows that only 1% of the people of Taiwan supported China's team compared with nearly 20% of the residents of Hong Kong and Macao that supported them. A separate survey found that only 7% of Taiwanese people identify themselves as Chinese while 30-40% of the residents of Hong Kong and Macao do so. his may explain why in Taiwan it is difficult to raise awareness and funds to support churches in China. We pray for the spiritual health of Taiwanese-speaking churches and for a strong desire among them to share the gospel in their communities and abroad.
Wednesday
The chilly relationship between Taiwan and China has warmed since a new president took office in Taiwan and there has been an influx of tourists from the mainland. Merchants also see the Reminbi (China's currency) as a welcome lift to the island's sagging economy. The general attitude of Christians in Taiwan toward the churches in China is still ambivalent. We pray for new opportunities for closer ties between the churches on both sides of the Strait, and especially for the training of pastors by churches in Taiwan and branch seminaries in China.
Thursday
There is a big gap in the quality of high-end products and low-end products, which are usually used by farmers who have less money, less information, and less access to medical care. In terms of resource and quality of teaching, there is always a gap and probably will always be a gap between the rural and urban churches in China. We uplift all the faithful shepherds in supplying spiritual food. We, too, pray for more mature Christians having the desire to read the Word of God for themselves.
Friday
Mainland mothers used to breast-feed before the 1990s, but since then have been bombarded by glossy advertisements, which promise that infant formula gives better nutrition and gives their babies a head start in intellect and development. "God wants you to be rich" and "Name it and claim it" types of theology has swept through many churches. Let us pray for such an alarming trend and lack of true commitment among growing number of believers.
Saturday
Many Chinese students feel stressed because they feel they must get good grades to have a good relationship with their parents. They feel they will disappoint their parents, be worthless, or bring shame on their families if they do not do well in school. Let us pray for the young people who have grown up in Christian homes that they may find complete acceptance and love in God as well as in the eyes of their parents.
Sunday
Parents and national policy makers are at a loss as to what to do with the youth in China today. The one-child policy has greatly amplified the psychological problems of this younger generation. Along with non-Christians, Christian parents are desperately at a loss in knowing how to cope with the problems of teenagers in China. Let us pray for divine intervention and healing for a generation at great risk.
Monday
Many products and services have jumped in price as a result of the new labor laws. Many are shocked by the cost of beer. And, travel agencies must now pay base salary and retirement/unemployment/medical insurances premiums for tour guides, instead of making them live on tips. We pray especially for all believers who live on fixed income, for their faith in God, and that they will be free of anxiety and to be cheerful in giving to God continually.
星期二
在奧運期間的一份調查顯示：在奧運賽事中支持中國隊的香港人和澳門人近20%，臺灣人則僅有1%。另一項研究也顯出自稱中國人的臺灣人有7%，港澳人卻高達30-40%。這或能解釋爲何在臺灣不容易籌集援助中國教會的資金。讓我們特別為以閩南語為主的教會禱告，為他們靈命的健壯及有強烈火熱傳福音的心來禱告。
星期三
台海兩岸的緊張關係隨著臺灣新政府上台而放緩，使得更多大陸客湧到臺灣旅遊。商人更認爲人民幣能帶動寶島經濟。臺灣信徒對中國教會的態度矛盾。我們為兩岸教會之間能有更緊密接觸的機會來禱告，也特別為臺灣教會和神學院在中國大陸的培訓課程禱告。
星期四
中國產品品質高低差距甚巨。低品質產品通常都售予農人，因其貧窮，難獲得醫療照顧和資訊。一直以來中國的城市教會和農村教會在教導的資源和品質上，都存有很大的差距。我們為忠心為羊群供應靈糧的牧者們禱告，求主也讓更多信徒成長、成熟，有屬靈胃口渴慕研讀神的話。
星期五
在90年代以前，媽媽們大多授母乳，但之後卻被琳琅滿目的奶粉廣告洗腦，相信嬰兒奶粉有更多營養，能讓寶寶更聰明更健壯。目前「神要你富裕」，「說出來，向神支取」這類神學觀亦橫掃許許多多教會。讓我們為這危險的趨勢禱告，尤其為教會能注重真實的委身，致力於信徒質和量的增長來代求。
星期六
很多中國學生常靠爭取好成績討父母歡心。有學生在這方面承受了不少壓力，擔心如果自己成績不好，就等於在父母眼裡失去了價值，使家族蒙羞。讓我們祈求在基督教家庭成長的青少年可以在父母和上帝裡獲得真正完全的愛和接納。
星期日
從最高的國家領導，到平民父母，事實上都對今日中國青少年問題感到束手無策。「一胎化」的政策擴大了年輕一代所面對的種種心理問題。基督徒家長跟非基督徒一樣，也對如何針對現今青少年的教養問題苦無良策，讓我們祈求神親自來作工，醫治挽救這一新世代的危機。
星期一
過去的一年，一路飆升的物價令公眾心神不寧, 啤酒價格漲幅不小。 新《勞動合同法》的實施 ，也增加了服務業的成本。旅行社必須嚴格按合同支付導遊薪資，並繳納「三金」（養老保險金、失業保險金、醫療保險金）。許多信徒是靠固定但入不敷出的收入過日子，我們為他們有堅定不移的信心，有主同在的平安與喜樂，仍能繼續為教會奉獻來祈求。
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Prayer Request 9/30-10/6
Tuesday
Attention on the growing scandal of the toxic milk and concern over food safety were at least temporarily overshadowed by the successful space walk of the Shenzhou-7 mission. We praise God for what China as a nation has accomplished and pray that even more hearts of Chinese will be reached by the Gospel, and more believers will crave the Word of God like babes craving for the true milk.
Wednesday
Almost 30% of newly enrolled college students joined the Communist Party and attended all the requisite Party indoctrination courses. Although young people dislike political ideology, having the Party membership is the ticket to good jobs and a must for future advancement. Recent high-profile corruption cases involved several officials with masters degrees or higher. We pray for genuine spiritual growth of all the theology students in the training centers and seminaries. May the Holy Spirit transform all of us, changing our thoughts and minds.
Thursday
The new Labor Contract Law implemented this year has increased the cost of labor by half. Now, every employer must deposit 5000 yuan (US$770.) into a government account to ensure the fair treatment of workers. The new law affects all foreign-owned factories (including those run by Taiwanese) that sanction fellowships and meetings for their workers. We pray for all the ministries that equip workers in the factories. May all workers who have received training be effective in reaching other workers for Jesus.
Friday
Teachers are much more than just instructors in the Confucius tradition; they are also models of morality. Today, many Chinese teachers in higher education are reluctant to live up to such a high expectation. Many are accused of unethical conduct, including receiving gifts from students in exchange for favors or better grades. Students learn much more than knowledge from their teachers. Many say that Chinese Bible students are wonderful in Bible knowledge, but are badly in need of character formation. Let us pray for a real transformation of the Holy Spirit in all believers, so our knowledge and character grow fully together.
Saturday
Believer parents are at a loss on how to cope with their teenagers; they are frustrated in inability to discipline the only child and teen's "addiction" to Internet and online games. There are more resources available for Chinese parents now but Christian helps are hard to find. Raising godly children is a "impossible dream" for many Christian parents. Let us pray for all the parents who are struggling with communicating with their teenage children, for a personal relationship with Jesus and protecting them from temptation.
Sunday
Without a college education, it is very difficult to be successful in China. 81% of poor families are not able to afford the college education which is averaging 6780 (nearly $1000) yuans yearly. The gap between the rich and poor is so wide and huge now, and is even more acute in interior China. We are seeing more church workers leaving their ministries because of they want their only child to have at least a college education. Let us pray for the worry about finance and children' education for all believers. May the Lord provide and answer their prayer of faith.
Monday
Korean universities are attracting students from China. Many young Chinese are admirer of anything Korean because they have been watching Korean movies and crazy about Korean celebrities. We thank the Lord for many Korean churches having both ministries for both Chinese laborers and college students. We are excited about many conversions among the Chinese in Korea.
星期二
「神舟七號」中國航天飛船發射成功，除了實現中國人千年以來欲在太空漫步的夢想外，也暫且轉移了人們的焦點，關注於大眾傳媒不斷傳來毒奶粉醜聞，並人民對食品安全的焦慮。讓我們在為中國的多項卓越成就向神感恩之同時，也不忘繼續為福音能進入更多中國人心中來代禱。更盼望信徒們對神話語有更深的渴慕，如同嬰兒愛慕純正的奶水一樣。
星期三
有近三成中國大學生加入共產黨，且每週出席黨員「必修」的黨課練習。縱然多數年輕人都對現行政治感到厭惡，卻為五斗米二折腰，投靠共產黨以作為將來事業和前途的保障。近期涉入貪凟案件的官員裡，不乏受過高等教育的碩士、博士。我們為神學院以及訓練中心的神學生禱告，求主引領使他們的屬靈生命得以落實成長，求聖靈保守我們的心懷意念，使全人能更新變化，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
中國今年開始實施的勞動合同法，使勞工成本增加五成，雇主每聘一名勞工，就要繳人民幣五千元到政府的專戶裡，預防雇主「落跑」。新勞動合同法致力於保障勞工，卻影響到外資企業包括臺商企業在内的工廠。許多成立有員工的團契和聚會活動。我們特別為這些在工廠裡領人歸主、訓練們徒的事工禱告，願主祝福他們能為主在基層訓練更多合主用的器皿。
星期五
古時候爲人師表不僅只教授知識，更要成為學生的道德楷模；當今高校的教授、老師似乎並不願背負這麽高的期許，收受考試「 通關費」等失節行爲層出不窮。許多聖經學院的學生，在知識上的學習常能夠青出於藍，聖經知識非凡，但品格與靈性卻有待陶造。求主讓每個信徒都能真正被重新建造，知識和品格七一齊整全的成長。
星期六
信徒父母不太懂得與青春期的子女相處，更不懂得如何幫助沈溺於網絡世界的子女。社會上形形色色有關教養子女的課程、講座和書籍應運而生，然而基督教資源卻如鳳毛麟角。許多信徒父母認爲要在這年代養育敬虔愛主的兒女，幾乎不可能。讓我們為所有信徒父母禱告，求神給他們與兒女溝通的智慧，幫助他們帶領兒女與基督建立親密的個人關係，好在人生旅途上依靠主過得勝的生活。
星期日
沒受過大學教育，在今天的中國難以出人頭地。而高達81％的家庭，總收入尚不足以支付子女每年6780（近1000美元）的教育費用。社會貧富懸殊現象日益擴大，在内陸尤甚。愈來愈多傳道人爲了獨生子女的教育費，相繼離開服事工場，另謀他就。我們在此為所有信徒及傳道人的經濟負擔，以及他們兒女的教育問題禱告，求神看顧並回應他們在信心中的求告。
星期一
近幾年，韓國留學市場不斷升溫，韓國大學十分吸引中國學生。這與「韓流」在中國的影響也有密切關係，年輕人風靡韓劇、推崇任何韓國時尚。感謝神讓許多韓國教會都同時有為中國勞工和大學生而設的事工。讓我們繼續為更多中國人能在韓國歸主來禱告。
Attention on the growing scandal of the toxic milk and concern over food safety were at least temporarily overshadowed by the successful space walk of the Shenzhou-7 mission. We praise God for what China as a nation has accomplished and pray that even more hearts of Chinese will be reached by the Gospel, and more believers will crave the Word of God like babes craving for the true milk.
Wednesday
Almost 30% of newly enrolled college students joined the Communist Party and attended all the requisite Party indoctrination courses. Although young people dislike political ideology, having the Party membership is the ticket to good jobs and a must for future advancement. Recent high-profile corruption cases involved several officials with masters degrees or higher. We pray for genuine spiritual growth of all the theology students in the training centers and seminaries. May the Holy Spirit transform all of us, changing our thoughts and minds.
Thursday
The new Labor Contract Law implemented this year has increased the cost of labor by half. Now, every employer must deposit 5000 yuan (US$770.) into a government account to ensure the fair treatment of workers. The new law affects all foreign-owned factories (including those run by Taiwanese) that sanction fellowships and meetings for their workers. We pray for all the ministries that equip workers in the factories. May all workers who have received training be effective in reaching other workers for Jesus.
Friday
Teachers are much more than just instructors in the Confucius tradition; they are also models of morality. Today, many Chinese teachers in higher education are reluctant to live up to such a high expectation. Many are accused of unethical conduct, including receiving gifts from students in exchange for favors or better grades. Students learn much more than knowledge from their teachers. Many say that Chinese Bible students are wonderful in Bible knowledge, but are badly in need of character formation. Let us pray for a real transformation of the Holy Spirit in all believers, so our knowledge and character grow fully together.
Saturday
Believer parents are at a loss on how to cope with their teenagers; they are frustrated in inability to discipline the only child and teen's "addiction" to Internet and online games. There are more resources available for Chinese parents now but Christian helps are hard to find. Raising godly children is a "impossible dream" for many Christian parents. Let us pray for all the parents who are struggling with communicating with their teenage children, for a personal relationship with Jesus and protecting them from temptation.
Sunday
Without a college education, it is very difficult to be successful in China. 81% of poor families are not able to afford the college education which is averaging 6780 (nearly $1000) yuans yearly. The gap between the rich and poor is so wide and huge now, and is even more acute in interior China. We are seeing more church workers leaving their ministries because of they want their only child to have at least a college education. Let us pray for the worry about finance and children' education for all believers. May the Lord provide and answer their prayer of faith.
Monday
Korean universities are attracting students from China. Many young Chinese are admirer of anything Korean because they have been watching Korean movies and crazy about Korean celebrities. We thank the Lord for many Korean churches having both ministries for both Chinese laborers and college students. We are excited about many conversions among the Chinese in Korea.
星期二
「神舟七號」中國航天飛船發射成功，除了實現中國人千年以來欲在太空漫步的夢想外，也暫且轉移了人們的焦點，關注於大眾傳媒不斷傳來毒奶粉醜聞，並人民對食品安全的焦慮。讓我們在為中國的多項卓越成就向神感恩之同時，也不忘繼續為福音能進入更多中國人心中來代禱。更盼望信徒們對神話語有更深的渴慕，如同嬰兒愛慕純正的奶水一樣。
星期三
有近三成中國大學生加入共產黨，且每週出席黨員「必修」的黨課練習。縱然多數年輕人都對現行政治感到厭惡，卻為五斗米二折腰，投靠共產黨以作為將來事業和前途的保障。近期涉入貪凟案件的官員裡，不乏受過高等教育的碩士、博士。我們為神學院以及訓練中心的神學生禱告，求主引領使他們的屬靈生命得以落實成長，求聖靈保守我們的心懷意念，使全人能更新變化，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
中國今年開始實施的勞動合同法，使勞工成本增加五成，雇主每聘一名勞工，就要繳人民幣五千元到政府的專戶裡，預防雇主「落跑」。新勞動合同法致力於保障勞工，卻影響到外資企業包括臺商企業在内的工廠。許多成立有員工的團契和聚會活動。我們特別為這些在工廠裡領人歸主、訓練們徒的事工禱告，願主祝福他們能為主在基層訓練更多合主用的器皿。
星期五
古時候爲人師表不僅只教授知識，更要成為學生的道德楷模；當今高校的教授、老師似乎並不願背負這麽高的期許，收受考試「 通關費」等失節行爲層出不窮。許多聖經學院的學生，在知識上的學習常能夠青出於藍，聖經知識非凡，但品格與靈性卻有待陶造。求主讓每個信徒都能真正被重新建造，知識和品格七一齊整全的成長。
星期六
信徒父母不太懂得與青春期的子女相處，更不懂得如何幫助沈溺於網絡世界的子女。社會上形形色色有關教養子女的課程、講座和書籍應運而生，然而基督教資源卻如鳳毛麟角。許多信徒父母認爲要在這年代養育敬虔愛主的兒女，幾乎不可能。讓我們為所有信徒父母禱告，求神給他們與兒女溝通的智慧，幫助他們帶領兒女與基督建立親密的個人關係，好在人生旅途上依靠主過得勝的生活。
星期日
沒受過大學教育，在今天的中國難以出人頭地。而高達81％的家庭，總收入尚不足以支付子女每年6780（近1000美元）的教育費用。社會貧富懸殊現象日益擴大，在内陸尤甚。愈來愈多傳道人爲了獨生子女的教育費，相繼離開服事工場，另謀他就。我們在此為所有信徒及傳道人的經濟負擔，以及他們兒女的教育問題禱告，求神看顧並回應他們在信心中的求告。
星期一
近幾年，韓國留學市場不斷升溫，韓國大學十分吸引中國學生。這與「韓流」在中國的影響也有密切關係，年輕人風靡韓劇、推崇任何韓國時尚。感謝神讓許多韓國教會都同時有為中國勞工和大學生而設的事工。讓我們繼續為更多中國人能在韓國歸主來禱告。
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Prayer Request 9/23-9/29
TuesdayT
ainted baby formula raises new questions about China's food standards. Many parents worry about the safety of domestic food products, but are unable to afford the higher-priced, better-quality imported products. The question "How solid is the Biblical teaching among the majority of Chinese churches?" can be a tough question to answer. Preachers often have little time or resources to prepare adequately. Let us pray for the quality of preaching and supply of spiritual food to all the sheep.
Wednesday
Imported baby formula is expensive and beyond the affordability of the vast majority of consumers, especially in rural regions. Generally, Chinese consumers have the perception: the more expensive a product, the better the quality. Many mainland believers with Internet access are able to listen to sermons in Chinese abroad, especially from the North American Chinese churches. We thank the Lord for such resources. May the Lord use all the DVDs, VCDs of sermons and theology curriculum to equip even more believers.
Thursday
One reason tainted products cause harm mostly in rural regions is because of the lack of supervision. People are poor and merchants prey on unsophisticated peasants with cheap counterfeit and dangerous food and drugs. Unfortunately, many rural churches are still being attacked by cults and there is plenty of false and unsound teaching, too. We pray especially for the sheep ravaged by wolves and false teachers; may the Lord have great mercy on them and restore them.
Friday
In the Olympics, China garnered fifty-one gold medals but she is certainly still far away from a nation of sports. In fact, only very small minority of Chinese even take part in sports and freely accessible facilities of good quality to do so are just impossible to find for the general public. All parents discourage their children from participating in sports and urge them to concentrate on studying. Some people say that the churches in China are not growing much at all but are really losing in attendance. Let us pray even more earnestly for revival of those remaining believers and the guarding of their hearts from materialism.
Saturday
Many would agree that the morality of college students has dropped precipitously. The term "college girls" carries an awful sexual connotation in China nowadays. College students are no longer idealistic and pure; they "would do anything for money." Most people come to know Jesus in college for the first time. Let us pray for all the student ministries among all the campuses and the life-transforming discipleship of new believers.
Sunday
There are 300 million Muslims in Africa who are resistant to Caucasian missionaries. However, Africans, including the Muslims, are much more receptive and friendlier toward Chinese. Many of them want to learn the Chinese language and culture. We praise the Lord for opening this door for the Gospel. Let us pray that many Chinese will care about the spiritual needs of Muslims and are willing to get involved in mission work in Africa.MondaySome say that the college students of China today lack the ability of telling what is true from false, morally discerning the good from the bad. They are afraid of authority, especially questioning the validity of the news with their official stances and statements. We worry about the lack of a moral compass and standard of the young people. Let us pray for China churches as they struggle to retain the young ones, to keep them from leaving church, and to foster deep-rooted spiritual growth of those who remain.
星期二
中國有毒嬰兒奶粉引發針對國內食物品質的新一輪質疑. 很多家長對本地食物產品的安全均表示擔心，但無法負擔較昂貴而質素較好的同類型產品。關於大部份的中國教會在聖經教導方面的根基如何，是個很難回答的問題．讓我們為講壇訊息禱告，同時祈求神親自保守信徒能在操練中獲得更深廣的屬靈成長。
星期三
由於國外進口嬰兒奶粉價格高昂，中國大部份消費者，尤其是在農村的居民，根本無力負擔。中國的大眾消費者普遍認為價格越高，產品質素越好。現時，很多國內信徒可透過互聯網收聽國外中文講道訊息，尤其是來自北美華語教會的講道。我們一方面為能這些資源感恩，一方面也祈求上帝使用已輯錄成講道及神學課程的光碟，造就更多肢體。
星期四
有毒奶粉對農村地區造成較大的禍害，原因之一是因為缺乏有效的監管系统。由於當地居民生活貧困，不肖商人往往利用這個弱點，售賣假貨及有害食藥品欺騙無知的老百姓。目前，很多農村教會正遭受邪教異端、虛假及不純正道理等教導的侵襲。讓我們為那些因假師傅被蒙騙及侵吞的羊群禱告，願主施恩憐憫，從歧路上挽回他們。
星期五
奧運期間，中國共奪取了五十一面金牌。然而，中國距離世界體育強國的地位還有相當的距離。事實上，中國的全民體育普及度仍不高，供群眾使用的免費，或收費較低廉體育設施仍是鳳毛麟角。大部份家長都希望子女專注學業，不贊成他們投身體育事業。對中國教會的發展，有些人認為不但沒有增長，參加聚會人數正在逐步下降。讓我們懇切為所有恆常參與聚會的信眾禱告，求神復興他們，堅定信心並保守他們勝過在物質下的引誘。
星期六
目前大學生的道德素質迅速下降。當今的「高校女生」一詞甚至有色情義涵。大學生不再清高，他們相信有錢能使鬼推磨，有人為錢什麽都肯幹。許多大學生於學校初識耶穌。讓我們為校園事工及初信者能夠真正獲得重生、成爲主的門徒來禱告。
星期日
現今的白人宣教士已難進入非洲三億回民之中。但包括回教徒在内的非洲人，卻能夠接受華人，也尊重華人。他們甚至嚮往學習中國語言與中國文化，因而為華人宣教士帶來不少方便。 這是神開啟的福音大門，我們在感謝讚美之餘，也求主興起更多華人關心回民的需要、參與拓展非洲的福音事工。 星期一當今中國大學生普遍缺乏三大基本能力：辨別是非真假的判斷能力，辨別善惡好壞的道德能力，以及辨別美醜的審美能力。許多大學生無條件相信發佈的新聞和文告，缺乏獨立思考的判斷。而年輕人的道德標準亦令人担憂。中國教會往往很難留得住年輕人，讓我們為教會的青年事工禱告，求主在教會中的年輕人心中動工，使他們的靈命結結實實地扎根並向上開花結果，成為照亮時代的火炬。
ainted baby formula raises new questions about China's food standards. Many parents worry about the safety of domestic food products, but are unable to afford the higher-priced, better-quality imported products. The question "How solid is the Biblical teaching among the majority of Chinese churches?" can be a tough question to answer. Preachers often have little time or resources to prepare adequately. Let us pray for the quality of preaching and supply of spiritual food to all the sheep.
Wednesday
Imported baby formula is expensive and beyond the affordability of the vast majority of consumers, especially in rural regions. Generally, Chinese consumers have the perception: the more expensive a product, the better the quality. Many mainland believers with Internet access are able to listen to sermons in Chinese abroad, especially from the North American Chinese churches. We thank the Lord for such resources. May the Lord use all the DVDs, VCDs of sermons and theology curriculum to equip even more believers.
Thursday
One reason tainted products cause harm mostly in rural regions is because of the lack of supervision. People are poor and merchants prey on unsophisticated peasants with cheap counterfeit and dangerous food and drugs. Unfortunately, many rural churches are still being attacked by cults and there is plenty of false and unsound teaching, too. We pray especially for the sheep ravaged by wolves and false teachers; may the Lord have great mercy on them and restore them.
Friday
In the Olympics, China garnered fifty-one gold medals but she is certainly still far away from a nation of sports. In fact, only very small minority of Chinese even take part in sports and freely accessible facilities of good quality to do so are just impossible to find for the general public. All parents discourage their children from participating in sports and urge them to concentrate on studying. Some people say that the churches in China are not growing much at all but are really losing in attendance. Let us pray even more earnestly for revival of those remaining believers and the guarding of their hearts from materialism.
Saturday
Many would agree that the morality of college students has dropped precipitously. The term "college girls" carries an awful sexual connotation in China nowadays. College students are no longer idealistic and pure; they "would do anything for money." Most people come to know Jesus in college for the first time. Let us pray for all the student ministries among all the campuses and the life-transforming discipleship of new believers.
Sunday
There are 300 million Muslims in Africa who are resistant to Caucasian missionaries. However, Africans, including the Muslims, are much more receptive and friendlier toward Chinese. Many of them want to learn the Chinese language and culture. We praise the Lord for opening this door for the Gospel. Let us pray that many Chinese will care about the spiritual needs of Muslims and are willing to get involved in mission work in Africa.MondaySome say that the college students of China today lack the ability of telling what is true from false, morally discerning the good from the bad. They are afraid of authority, especially questioning the validity of the news with their official stances and statements. We worry about the lack of a moral compass and standard of the young people. Let us pray for China churches as they struggle to retain the young ones, to keep them from leaving church, and to foster deep-rooted spiritual growth of those who remain.
星期二
中國有毒嬰兒奶粉引發針對國內食物品質的新一輪質疑. 很多家長對本地食物產品的安全均表示擔心，但無法負擔較昂貴而質素較好的同類型產品。關於大部份的中國教會在聖經教導方面的根基如何，是個很難回答的問題．讓我們為講壇訊息禱告，同時祈求神親自保守信徒能在操練中獲得更深廣的屬靈成長。
星期三
由於國外進口嬰兒奶粉價格高昂，中國大部份消費者，尤其是在農村的居民，根本無力負擔。中國的大眾消費者普遍認為價格越高，產品質素越好。現時，很多國內信徒可透過互聯網收聽國外中文講道訊息，尤其是來自北美華語教會的講道。我們一方面為能這些資源感恩，一方面也祈求上帝使用已輯錄成講道及神學課程的光碟，造就更多肢體。
星期四
有毒奶粉對農村地區造成較大的禍害，原因之一是因為缺乏有效的監管系统。由於當地居民生活貧困，不肖商人往往利用這個弱點，售賣假貨及有害食藥品欺騙無知的老百姓。目前，很多農村教會正遭受邪教異端、虛假及不純正道理等教導的侵襲。讓我們為那些因假師傅被蒙騙及侵吞的羊群禱告，願主施恩憐憫，從歧路上挽回他們。
星期五
奧運期間，中國共奪取了五十一面金牌。然而，中國距離世界體育強國的地位還有相當的距離。事實上，中國的全民體育普及度仍不高，供群眾使用的免費，或收費較低廉體育設施仍是鳳毛麟角。大部份家長都希望子女專注學業，不贊成他們投身體育事業。對中國教會的發展，有些人認為不但沒有增長，參加聚會人數正在逐步下降。讓我們懇切為所有恆常參與聚會的信眾禱告，求神復興他們，堅定信心並保守他們勝過在物質下的引誘。
星期六
目前大學生的道德素質迅速下降。當今的「高校女生」一詞甚至有色情義涵。大學生不再清高，他們相信有錢能使鬼推磨，有人為錢什麽都肯幹。許多大學生於學校初識耶穌。讓我們為校園事工及初信者能夠真正獲得重生、成爲主的門徒來禱告。
星期日
現今的白人宣教士已難進入非洲三億回民之中。但包括回教徒在内的非洲人，卻能夠接受華人，也尊重華人。他們甚至嚮往學習中國語言與中國文化，因而為華人宣教士帶來不少方便。 這是神開啟的福音大門，我們在感謝讚美之餘，也求主興起更多華人關心回民的需要、參與拓展非洲的福音事工。 星期一當今中國大學生普遍缺乏三大基本能力：辨別是非真假的判斷能力，辨別善惡好壞的道德能力，以及辨別美醜的審美能力。許多大學生無條件相信發佈的新聞和文告，缺乏獨立思考的判斷。而年輕人的道德標準亦令人担憂。中國教會往往很難留得住年輕人，讓我們為教會的青年事工禱告，求主在教會中的年輕人心中動工，使他們的靈命結結實實地扎根並向上開花結果，成為照亮時代的火炬。
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
9/16 - 9/22
Tuesday
Millions of newly affluent Chinese are moving to vast "satellite cities" rising on the fringes of the country's megalopolises. These new suburbia are a trend that reshape China and rocking the global economy. A big problem confronting believers in China is how to build churches in these newly-formed communities. Let us pray for these growing harvest fields and for the fresh fellowships forming among the new homes.
Wednesday
Some 300 million to 400 million people from dirt-poor farming regions made their way to relative prosperity in cities. Today, there are 49 cities in China with one million population or more. House churches in these large cities play a greater role in evangelism and training than they did in the rural churches in the past. In many ways urban believers are harder to minister to since their work is farther from where they live and they must commute. We uplift those who are shepherding urban churches, especially those who are involved in the caring and visitation aspects.
Thursday
Currently there are ten satellite cities going up around Shanghai and it is estimated that by the year 2010 there will be some 2600 miles of new highway around the city that wasn't there in 2000. Millions of new cars will be coursing up and down those highways. Since Shanghai is the official seat of the Three-self Churches, it is still the "capital" of Christian churches. In terms of vitality and church growth, however, Shanghai has lagged behind other cities. Let us humbly seek God's blessing on the churches in the Greater Shanghai area, especially those churches led by foreigners, expats, and hai gui (people returned from overseas).
Friday
In China, among the newly-minted middle class, a car is almost as much of a badge of honor as a new apartment or house. In Shanghai it costs almost $6,000 to get a license plate for one's car. We are seeing more and more affluent believers these days due to the teaching of "prosperity theology"--God wants you to be rich--which has become very popular and has been embraced by many. Let us pray for hearts of contentment and thanksgiving among Christians. We pray, too, for humility for all wealthy believers that they will not discriminate against their less fortunate brothers and sisters.
Saturday
Experts predict that during the next decade five million people will move from Shanghai proper to the suburbs where the affluent middle class people chose to live and raise their families, but still commute into the city to work. Many of the urban churches face the dilemma of their more affluent members leaving for the suburbs with the "poorer" members left behind. Let us pray for some new strategies for church planting in satellite cities and a new approach in reaching out to the communities where the present church is located.
Sunday
Koreans make up the largest foreign community in China with as many as 700,000 who reside there long-term. Each week 830 flights connect Korea and China directly and link some thirty Chinese cities with six Korean cities--a figure higher than the number of flights between China and the USA each month. Many churches in China are supported either directly or indirectly by Korean churches. We thank the Lord for this godly neighbor and all the Korean pastors serving in China. May the Lord bless and strengthen the Chinese churches not only to be a receiver but to be a giver also.
Monday
Korean students make up the largest foreign student body in China with one in every three foreign students being Korean. However, according to a Korean official, "Despite all this, there are very few Koreans who understand China deeply." Many foreign students come to China with a desire to serve the Chinese people and are involved in teaching English or working in the community. We uplift all these foreign students for their mastering of the Chinese language, their influence on young believers, and challenging young people to follow God.
星期二
數以百萬計的中國新富紛紛遷進大都會周邊的衛星城市．新區的筍立形成了一股潮流，不單為中國帶來新的城市面貌，更撼動了全球經濟的走向．目前中國信徒的一大挑戰是如何於新形成的社區裡建立教會．讓我們為這不斷擴展的福音禾場和在新家庭成立的團契禱告．
星期三
中國目前約有3-4億人口為了謀求更好生活，從貧瘠的農村湧到城市居住,已有49個城市，人口達一百萬以上。相對於農村，在城市的家庭教會在傳福音和裝備方面可發揮更重要角色，但在牧養上則比較困難，因城市信徒往往要花許多時間在工作的往返上。讓我們記念所有在城市教會事奉的同工，尤其是負責關顧和探訪的，主的恩典與供應充沛。
星期四
目前上海周邊新崛起的衛星城市達到十個．據估計在2000年至2010年間，市區高速公路總長增加了2600英哩，車輛數目也以數以百萬計的速度快速增長著．上海一直是三自教會的中心和基督教會的大本營。然而其活力並增長速度已遜於其他城市。讓我們謙卑地祈求上帝賜福大上海地區教會，尤其是由外國、外籍中國人及「海歸」等成員為主幹的教會。
星期五
對中國新崛起的中產階級而言，一輛轎車所賦予的身分價值與尊貴,幾乎等同一所別墅。在上海，車主要付出高達6,000元的價錢以換取一個車牌．「富裕神學」的教導–"上帝想讓你富裕"之類的思想，非常受人歡迎及擁戴，教會也增加了越來越多「富裕」的信徒。讓我們祈求所有基督徒都能常知足感恩；也保守富裕的信徒，能存謙卑的心，不歧視不及他們富裕的弟兄姊妹，善用主在經濟上的祝福及託負。
星期六
專家估計未來十年間，會有五百萬人從上海市區遷移到郊區，雖然這些富裕家庭搬到郊區，但每天仍要返回市區工作。很多城市教會所面對的難題是如何同時兼顧遷離到郊區生活的較富裕會友，以及留守在舊區收入較低的一群。讓我們祈求教會能利用新策略推動衛星城市的植堂工作，同時亦能釐定新方案使教會更有效接觸及牧養舊社區的居民。
星期日
在中國長期居住的外國人口中，韓國人佔大多數，高達七十萬。每星期便有高達八百三十班航班直接往來中國及韓國，把三十個中國城市及六個韓國城市聯繫起來。這個數字遠比一個月內往返中國及美國所有航機班次的總和還要高。很多中國教會都直接或間接受助於韓國教會。我們為上帝預備這個敬虔的鄰舍感恩，也感謝服侍中國人的韓國牧師。祈求上帝賜福及堅固中國教會，不單只接受幫助亦能對外樂意施予，回應神的心意。
星期一
在中國的留學生中，以韓國學生的比例最高，佔全數的三分一。據一名韓國官員透露，真正能深入了解中國的韓國人卻寥寥無幾。 很多外國學生懷著滿腔熱誠來到中國，一心要服侍中國人，參與英語教學或其他社區服務工作。讓我們為這班留學生禱告，求主幫助他們能更有效掌握漢語文及文化，成為年輕一代的屬靈榜樣，激勵他們快跑跟隨主的腳蹤。
Millions of newly affluent Chinese are moving to vast "satellite cities" rising on the fringes of the country's megalopolises. These new suburbia are a trend that reshape China and rocking the global economy. A big problem confronting believers in China is how to build churches in these newly-formed communities. Let us pray for these growing harvest fields and for the fresh fellowships forming among the new homes.
Wednesday
Some 300 million to 400 million people from dirt-poor farming regions made their way to relative prosperity in cities. Today, there are 49 cities in China with one million population or more. House churches in these large cities play a greater role in evangelism and training than they did in the rural churches in the past. In many ways urban believers are harder to minister to since their work is farther from where they live and they must commute. We uplift those who are shepherding urban churches, especially those who are involved in the caring and visitation aspects.
Thursday
Currently there are ten satellite cities going up around Shanghai and it is estimated that by the year 2010 there will be some 2600 miles of new highway around the city that wasn't there in 2000. Millions of new cars will be coursing up and down those highways. Since Shanghai is the official seat of the Three-self Churches, it is still the "capital" of Christian churches. In terms of vitality and church growth, however, Shanghai has lagged behind other cities. Let us humbly seek God's blessing on the churches in the Greater Shanghai area, especially those churches led by foreigners, expats, and hai gui (people returned from overseas).
Friday
In China, among the newly-minted middle class, a car is almost as much of a badge of honor as a new apartment or house. In Shanghai it costs almost $6,000 to get a license plate for one's car. We are seeing more and more affluent believers these days due to the teaching of "prosperity theology"--God wants you to be rich--which has become very popular and has been embraced by many. Let us pray for hearts of contentment and thanksgiving among Christians. We pray, too, for humility for all wealthy believers that they will not discriminate against their less fortunate brothers and sisters.
Saturday
Experts predict that during the next decade five million people will move from Shanghai proper to the suburbs where the affluent middle class people chose to live and raise their families, but still commute into the city to work. Many of the urban churches face the dilemma of their more affluent members leaving for the suburbs with the "poorer" members left behind. Let us pray for some new strategies for church planting in satellite cities and a new approach in reaching out to the communities where the present church is located.
Sunday
Koreans make up the largest foreign community in China with as many as 700,000 who reside there long-term. Each week 830 flights connect Korea and China directly and link some thirty Chinese cities with six Korean cities--a figure higher than the number of flights between China and the USA each month. Many churches in China are supported either directly or indirectly by Korean churches. We thank the Lord for this godly neighbor and all the Korean pastors serving in China. May the Lord bless and strengthen the Chinese churches not only to be a receiver but to be a giver also.
Monday
Korean students make up the largest foreign student body in China with one in every three foreign students being Korean. However, according to a Korean official, "Despite all this, there are very few Koreans who understand China deeply." Many foreign students come to China with a desire to serve the Chinese people and are involved in teaching English or working in the community. We uplift all these foreign students for their mastering of the Chinese language, their influence on young believers, and challenging young people to follow God.
星期二
數以百萬計的中國新富紛紛遷進大都會周邊的衛星城市．新區的筍立形成了一股潮流，不單為中國帶來新的城市面貌，更撼動了全球經濟的走向．目前中國信徒的一大挑戰是如何於新形成的社區裡建立教會．讓我們為這不斷擴展的福音禾場和在新家庭成立的團契禱告．
星期三
中國目前約有3-4億人口為了謀求更好生活，從貧瘠的農村湧到城市居住,已有49個城市，人口達一百萬以上。相對於農村，在城市的家庭教會在傳福音和裝備方面可發揮更重要角色，但在牧養上則比較困難，因城市信徒往往要花許多時間在工作的往返上。讓我們記念所有在城市教會事奉的同工，尤其是負責關顧和探訪的，主的恩典與供應充沛。
星期四
目前上海周邊新崛起的衛星城市達到十個．據估計在2000年至2010年間，市區高速公路總長增加了2600英哩，車輛數目也以數以百萬計的速度快速增長著．上海一直是三自教會的中心和基督教會的大本營。然而其活力並增長速度已遜於其他城市。讓我們謙卑地祈求上帝賜福大上海地區教會，尤其是由外國、外籍中國人及「海歸」等成員為主幹的教會。
星期五
對中國新崛起的中產階級而言，一輛轎車所賦予的身分價值與尊貴,幾乎等同一所別墅。在上海，車主要付出高達6,000元的價錢以換取一個車牌．「富裕神學」的教導–"上帝想讓你富裕"之類的思想，非常受人歡迎及擁戴，教會也增加了越來越多「富裕」的信徒。讓我們祈求所有基督徒都能常知足感恩；也保守富裕的信徒，能存謙卑的心，不歧視不及他們富裕的弟兄姊妹，善用主在經濟上的祝福及託負。
星期六
專家估計未來十年間，會有五百萬人從上海市區遷移到郊區，雖然這些富裕家庭搬到郊區，但每天仍要返回市區工作。很多城市教會所面對的難題是如何同時兼顧遷離到郊區生活的較富裕會友，以及留守在舊區收入較低的一群。讓我們祈求教會能利用新策略推動衛星城市的植堂工作，同時亦能釐定新方案使教會更有效接觸及牧養舊社區的居民。
星期日
在中國長期居住的外國人口中，韓國人佔大多數，高達七十萬。每星期便有高達八百三十班航班直接往來中國及韓國，把三十個中國城市及六個韓國城市聯繫起來。這個數字遠比一個月內往返中國及美國所有航機班次的總和還要高。很多中國教會都直接或間接受助於韓國教會。我們為上帝預備這個敬虔的鄰舍感恩，也感謝服侍中國人的韓國牧師。祈求上帝賜福及堅固中國教會，不單只接受幫助亦能對外樂意施予，回應神的心意。
星期一
在中國的留學生中，以韓國學生的比例最高，佔全數的三分一。據一名韓國官員透露，真正能深入了解中國的韓國人卻寥寥無幾。 很多外國學生懷著滿腔熱誠來到中國，一心要服侍中國人，參與英語教學或其他社區服務工作。讓我們為這班留學生禱告，求主幫助他們能更有效掌握漢語文及文化，成為年輕一代的屬靈榜樣，激勵他們快跑跟隨主的腳蹤。
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Prayer Request 9/9-9/15
Tuesday
The Henan Sports Bureau for the Henan Province was not garnished with a gold metal in the Olympics this time. When the Olympics were in Athens, Henan, China's most populous province, got three gold medals. Henan has the most Christians and churches of all the provinces in China. However, in the last decade the Church has been weakened by the loss of young people leaving to work in cities as well as divisions and attacks by cults. Let us pray for divine protection and a revival in the Henan churches. May they again be a model to all churches in China.
Wednesday
Many Chinese are asking, "What was the reward for our hosting the Olympics in Beijing?" The obvious ones are a surging national pride and a cultural self-confidence. A recent survey revealed a record number of youth in Hong Kong who are taking great pride in "being Chinese". Overseas Chinese youth have a growing interest in China and are showing identification with the people there, We pray that God will stir the hearts of many foreign-born Chinese to learn the language and share the gospel in China.
Thursday
"The Together-eating Tribe" or literally "People who eat together and split the cost" is an official term for three to five young people who find each other randomly online and then go out to eat and divide the cost of their meals (about 100 yuan or US $15. each time). Chinese young people meet each other in a much different way today than they did in the past and it is considered highly acceptable for them to meet complete strangers online and then share more than a meal. Let us pray for all the young Christians who are striving to live a life for Christ and desire to honor God in all they do.
Friday
The hot American TV show, "Sex and the City," is even hotter in China, but it is demurely named "City of Desire." One conservative estimate puts the number of extramarital affairs among Chinese couples at 16%. Chinese couples seem to devote their time, energy, and money on their only child and often neglect their own marriage. Let us pray for all Christian couples, for solid teaching on safeguarding their marriage, so that they will not be influenced by secular values and practices that defile their marriage. We, too, pray that more churches will emphasize and provide marriage seminars and training for their flocks.
Saturday
A respected magazine reported that 83% of women from six large cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, identified themselves as being single. Among those with college degrees and higher, nearly 90% consider being single as inevitable. A few years back, the Chinese word for "bachelor" was strictly a masculine term. Chinese women are expected to get married and bear children. There are many single sisters among the urban churches, many are under pressure from their families to marry anyone available, whether they are Christians or not. We remember them in our prayers and their desire to serve the Lord.
Sunday
Twenty years ago, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was in the top five ports for clothing export, but the city now suffers a high unemployment rate. Many expect a similar fate for the Guangdong province, which is heavily dependent on cheap labor and low-end manufacturing. Facilitating this economic transition is part of the Central government long term plan. The Guangdong province is the gateway to inland for many ministries. Let us pray for many Christians who go to China for work but face closure of factories. We too remember those ministries reaching out to factory workers and churches designed to attract laborers.
Monday
It is easy to divide up properties when couples file for divorce. Among 90% of divorced couples, visitation arrangements of the only child invariably is the most contentious issue, especially when grandparents on both sides try to court favor with the only grandchild and are even more emotionally involved. Divorce is the leading family issue in China. Many are so pessimistic about it and couples speak of it as an imminent possibility. We pray for all the believers who are divorced, for their spiritual growth, and for those Christian grandparents who will demonstrate the love of God to their grandchildren growing up in divorced homes.
星期二
河南乃是中國人口第一大省，2004 雅典奧運會，河南選手抱走了3枚金牌；北京奧運會，河南選手的金牌數卻顆粒無收。河南體育局宣稱他們承擔失敗的責任。河南省的基督信徒和教會最多，但在過去十年中，因為年輕人去了城市打工，加上教會遭遇許多分裂和邪教的打擊，那曾有的興旺已被削弱。讓我們切切祈求神保護河南眾教會能再次復興，成為中國其他教會的榜樣。
星期三
不少國人思索："京奧給中國留下了甚麼？" 其中很明顯的，奧運會給中國人民帶來了一種民族與文化自信和自豪。一項調查顯示，北京奧運使香港青年對"身為「中國人」感到驕傲的百分比創下新高。許多海外華裔青年，對於中國，以及身為華人也越來越感到光榮。我們求主感動愛主的年輕一代，讓他們不但願意學習中文也有心回到中國宣教。
星期四
合吃族，“合起來吃，分擔開支”，指的是三五個透過網路找到的人，因爲愛好美食，相聚一起追捧美食，分擔費用。一餐一般每人不超過人民幣100元（15美金）。現在的中國年輕人聚會的方式有別于過去。他們對素未謀面的網路陌生人的接受度高，分享的程度也深，不僅止于用餐而已。讓我們為在新新社會裏求存的年輕信徒禱告，保守他們凡事都能榮神益人。
星期五
美國當紅電視劇“性與城市”在中國被含蓄地翻譯為“慾望都市”，其風靡程度並不遜於美國。保守估計，中國夫妻當中，16%有婚外情。近年來，他們往往花錢、花心思在孩子身上，卻沒有好好經營自己的婚姻。信徒中的婚姻也難逃若入這樣的光景。我們禱告讓已婚弟兄姊妹能夠獲得真理的指導和扶持，以免跟隨世俗的觀念而玷污聖潔的婚姻，也求主使教會能夠加強在婚姻和家庭方面的教導。
星期六
全球頂級財經雜誌報導：在北京和上海等六大城市中，認同獨身主義的女性達83％，在高學歷女性群體中，更達到90％。幾年之前，詞典裏形容單身未婚者的詞彙只有“單身漢”，因爲在中國的價值體系裏，是不存在單身女人的。中國城市教會有許多單身姐妹，大都面對家人催婚的壓力，甚至不計較對象是否基督徒。讓我們以禱告記念她們的需要以及在主裏的服事。
星期日
廿年前，台灣的高雄巿曾是世界五大出口時裝的港口，但現今她的失業率居高不下。廣東省也面臨相同的命運，廣東的轉變是北京的宏調計劃的一部份，政府要在廣東省進行高質量的投資，並減低廉價勞工的比率。廣東省也是許多福音機構作為開發內地事工的跳板，我們特別為當中許多面臨失業的基督徒禱告，也為民工的福音事工的發展向主求恩典和能カ。
星期一
離婚的夫妻財產一般都可以分得清清楚楚，但惟獨孩子除外，因探視孩子引發的糾紛往往使離異怨偶舊恨添「新仇」。近年來，探視孩子的問題已成為離異夫妻矛盾的焦點，90 ％以上的離異夫妻都涉及這個問題。目前，離婚是全國最嚴重的家庭問題，甚至有人在結婚前已預備好隨時離婚。我們為所有離婚的信徒的靈命禱告，也為基督徒祖父母們能讓離婚家庭中的孫子們從他們身上嘗到主愛來禱告。
The Henan Sports Bureau for the Henan Province was not garnished with a gold metal in the Olympics this time. When the Olympics were in Athens, Henan, China's most populous province, got three gold medals. Henan has the most Christians and churches of all the provinces in China. However, in the last decade the Church has been weakened by the loss of young people leaving to work in cities as well as divisions and attacks by cults. Let us pray for divine protection and a revival in the Henan churches. May they again be a model to all churches in China.
Wednesday
Many Chinese are asking, "What was the reward for our hosting the Olympics in Beijing?" The obvious ones are a surging national pride and a cultural self-confidence. A recent survey revealed a record number of youth in Hong Kong who are taking great pride in "being Chinese". Overseas Chinese youth have a growing interest in China and are showing identification with the people there, We pray that God will stir the hearts of many foreign-born Chinese to learn the language and share the gospel in China.
Thursday
"The Together-eating Tribe" or literally "People who eat together and split the cost" is an official term for three to five young people who find each other randomly online and then go out to eat and divide the cost of their meals (about 100 yuan or US $15. each time). Chinese young people meet each other in a much different way today than they did in the past and it is considered highly acceptable for them to meet complete strangers online and then share more than a meal. Let us pray for all the young Christians who are striving to live a life for Christ and desire to honor God in all they do.
Friday
The hot American TV show, "Sex and the City," is even hotter in China, but it is demurely named "City of Desire." One conservative estimate puts the number of extramarital affairs among Chinese couples at 16%. Chinese couples seem to devote their time, energy, and money on their only child and often neglect their own marriage. Let us pray for all Christian couples, for solid teaching on safeguarding their marriage, so that they will not be influenced by secular values and practices that defile their marriage. We, too, pray that more churches will emphasize and provide marriage seminars and training for their flocks.
Saturday
A respected magazine reported that 83% of women from six large cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, identified themselves as being single. Among those with college degrees and higher, nearly 90% consider being single as inevitable. A few years back, the Chinese word for "bachelor" was strictly a masculine term. Chinese women are expected to get married and bear children. There are many single sisters among the urban churches, many are under pressure from their families to marry anyone available, whether they are Christians or not. We remember them in our prayers and their desire to serve the Lord.
Sunday
Twenty years ago, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, was in the top five ports for clothing export, but the city now suffers a high unemployment rate. Many expect a similar fate for the Guangdong province, which is heavily dependent on cheap labor and low-end manufacturing. Facilitating this economic transition is part of the Central government long term plan. The Guangdong province is the gateway to inland for many ministries. Let us pray for many Christians who go to China for work but face closure of factories. We too remember those ministries reaching out to factory workers and churches designed to attract laborers.
Monday
It is easy to divide up properties when couples file for divorce. Among 90% of divorced couples, visitation arrangements of the only child invariably is the most contentious issue, especially when grandparents on both sides try to court favor with the only grandchild and are even more emotionally involved. Divorce is the leading family issue in China. Many are so pessimistic about it and couples speak of it as an imminent possibility. We pray for all the believers who are divorced, for their spiritual growth, and for those Christian grandparents who will demonstrate the love of God to their grandchildren growing up in divorced homes.
星期二
河南乃是中國人口第一大省，2004 雅典奧運會，河南選手抱走了3枚金牌；北京奧運會，河南選手的金牌數卻顆粒無收。河南體育局宣稱他們承擔失敗的責任。河南省的基督信徒和教會最多，但在過去十年中，因為年輕人去了城市打工，加上教會遭遇許多分裂和邪教的打擊，那曾有的興旺已被削弱。讓我們切切祈求神保護河南眾教會能再次復興，成為中國其他教會的榜樣。
星期三
不少國人思索："京奧給中國留下了甚麼？" 其中很明顯的，奧運會給中國人民帶來了一種民族與文化自信和自豪。一項調查顯示，北京奧運使香港青年對"身為「中國人」感到驕傲的百分比創下新高。許多海外華裔青年，對於中國，以及身為華人也越來越感到光榮。我們求主感動愛主的年輕一代，讓他們不但願意學習中文也有心回到中國宣教。
星期四
合吃族，“合起來吃，分擔開支”，指的是三五個透過網路找到的人，因爲愛好美食，相聚一起追捧美食，分擔費用。一餐一般每人不超過人民幣100元（15美金）。現在的中國年輕人聚會的方式有別于過去。他們對素未謀面的網路陌生人的接受度高，分享的程度也深，不僅止于用餐而已。讓我們為在新新社會裏求存的年輕信徒禱告，保守他們凡事都能榮神益人。
星期五
美國當紅電視劇“性與城市”在中國被含蓄地翻譯為“慾望都市”，其風靡程度並不遜於美國。保守估計，中國夫妻當中，16%有婚外情。近年來，他們往往花錢、花心思在孩子身上，卻沒有好好經營自己的婚姻。信徒中的婚姻也難逃若入這樣的光景。我們禱告讓已婚弟兄姊妹能夠獲得真理的指導和扶持，以免跟隨世俗的觀念而玷污聖潔的婚姻，也求主使教會能夠加強在婚姻和家庭方面的教導。
星期六
全球頂級財經雜誌報導：在北京和上海等六大城市中，認同獨身主義的女性達83％，在高學歷女性群體中，更達到90％。幾年之前，詞典裏形容單身未婚者的詞彙只有“單身漢”，因爲在中國的價值體系裏，是不存在單身女人的。中國城市教會有許多單身姐妹，大都面對家人催婚的壓力，甚至不計較對象是否基督徒。讓我們以禱告記念她們的需要以及在主裏的服事。
星期日
廿年前，台灣的高雄巿曾是世界五大出口時裝的港口，但現今她的失業率居高不下。廣東省也面臨相同的命運，廣東的轉變是北京的宏調計劃的一部份，政府要在廣東省進行高質量的投資，並減低廉價勞工的比率。廣東省也是許多福音機構作為開發內地事工的跳板，我們特別為當中許多面臨失業的基督徒禱告，也為民工的福音事工的發展向主求恩典和能カ。
星期一
離婚的夫妻財產一般都可以分得清清楚楚，但惟獨孩子除外，因探視孩子引發的糾紛往往使離異怨偶舊恨添「新仇」。近年來，探視孩子的問題已成為離異夫妻矛盾的焦點，90 ％以上的離異夫妻都涉及這個問題。目前，離婚是全國最嚴重的家庭問題，甚至有人在結婚前已預備好隨時離婚。我們為所有離婚的信徒的靈命禱告，也為基督徒祖父母們能讓離婚家庭中的孫子們從他們身上嘗到主愛來禱告。
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Prayer Request 9/2-9/8
Tuesday
China achieved her goal of receiving unprecedented number of Olympic gold medals. Parents see sports now as a potentially lucrative career and many are encouraging and investing money for their children to train in sports. Very few Chinese parents will ever encourage their own child to serve the Lord because being a church worker is considered "dead end" and "poor for the rest of life". Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to change this attitude which greatly hurts the growth of the China churches。
Wednesday
In the past twenty years the province of Guangdong has had a phenomenal growth in population. It also boasts the highest urbanization rate (nearly 60%) in China which means farmers have moved into cities. Church work and growth are generally harder in Guangdong than in other places. Many Christians arriving from other provinces are lost to follow-up because local churches conduct services in Cantonese. Let us pray for spiritual revival and solid growth of churches there.
Thursday
According to a report, the number of millionaires (in USD) has increased rapidly. India leads in terms of the rate of increase, China is a close second. There are many wealthy believers in China as well. They have been active in supporting local church work and helping other ministries. We give thanks to God for their generosity and pray that all believers will be equally charitable in giving to God.
Friday
Millions of Chinese have jumped naively into the stock market only to realize that they could lose everything. The government is now trying to educate people that such an investment has risks. The stock market is the hot conversation topic among urban churches and many believers are deeply involved in this speculation. It creates a sense of comparison and jealousy among believers. Let us pray for true contentment and godliness for all believers.
Saturday
An estimate of one in six factories is closing in the Pearl River Delta and 10,000 companies are relocating to Southeast Asian countries with cheaper labor. Although this conforms to the official economic planning, it still has a great impact locally. Churches in Guangdong have always been affluent and suffered less restrictions, but church work is relatively weak and sparse because of the prosperity. We commit the church work and spiritual health of believers in Guangdong into His hands.
Sunday
Experts say, "Chinese universities are not uniformly up-to-par; the leading universities are very good, but lesser universities suffer deficient resources." For students, a matter of few points in the entrance exam means a giant difference in the quality of their college education. We pray for all the Christian students entering into universities this year; may the Lord prepare what is best for them. We, too, pray for the college ministries as they reach out to the new class of students and ready them to harvest.
Monday
China, which produces 70% of the world's sex toys, is ranked as the fourth "sex-crazed" nation behind Greece, Brazil, and Russia. The Chinese view of sex has been dramatically "opened." In Beijing alone, 5000 "sexual health" stores have opened in the past eight years. Sexual temptations are extremely prevalent in China. Compromising sexual purity is the leading problem believers, and even church leaders, face. We humbly beseech God for protection and guarding the hearts of all of us.
星期二
在2008北京奧運中國隊得到破紀錄數目的金牌。已有很多家庭看到從事職業體育的「錢景」，願意投入資金來幫助孩子走體育這條路。相對於全職服事神，極少數華人父母會鼓勵自己的孩子，以全職事奉神為榮。因為一般人眼中，成為教會工人，往往意味著「前途無亮」和「錢途無亮」。 如此心態大大妨礙了中國教會的增長，求主醫治我們這種俗世短淺的視野，以投資永恒的國度觀為念。
星期三
近二十年間，廣東省的城市人口急劇增加，城市化水平不斷提高（已近乎60%），這意味著省内農業人口不斷迅速向城市聚集。在廣東省的教會事工與增長要比其他地方來的困難，因為教會聚會都用粵語，來自別省的信徒由於語言的隔閡，很難在此地獲得適切的跟進。讓我們為廣東省教會及所有的信徒們禱告，為他們靈命的復興，以及教會得以穩健成長來向神求恩。
星期四
據報導，全球百萬富翁的人數激增，其中以印度的增長率最高，緊隨的是中國。中國的教會裏也有許多富裕的信徒，他們也一直積極地參與並支持各項聖工，我們除了為此向神感恩外，也求主讓弟兄姊妹有智慧管理神賜予的金錢、恩賜和才幹，忠心盡上自己奉獻的本份。
星期五
在中國股票巿場中，有許多不成熟的投資者，不諳其風險重重，盲目爭相加入股巿。中國政府也開始教育國民，有關投資股票的風險。股票投資也在各大城市教會裏掀起話題，不但使許多信徒深陷其中，也在信徒之間醖釀出爭競和妒嫉。我們求主幫助所有信祂的人，都能敬虔知足，以神的心為心，不為屬世的價值觀所迷惑。
星期六
最近在珠江三角洲，約每六家工廠就有一家關閉。有約一萬家工廠已撤離此地，轉往勞工更低廉的越南、柬甫寨、孟加拉和印尼等地。雖然這些撤資情況都在中國政府預計之內，但仍在地方上造成相當大的衝激。我們在此要特別記念廣東省的教會，在富裕繁華、紙醉金迷的大環境之下，省內的許多信徒容易迷失生活的方向。縱使教會有較大的自由度，福音工作卻相對的較爲疲弱，求神復興信徒的靈命、挑旺教會火熱追求成長的心。
星期日
許多專家認為中國大學的程度參差不齊，頂尖大學確實優秀，但一些次一級的大學卻仍是資源不足。而考生常常因幾分之差，就進不了首屈一指的大學。我們特別為今年入學的基督徒準大學生禱告，求神為他們預備道路，讓他們看到神美好的計劃。在各地的大學事工積極預備迎接新生的時刻，我們求主賜給同工們充足的智慧，同時也在學生心中做鬆土、澆灌的エ作。
星期一
中國生産全球七成的「情趣玩具」, 擠身全球四大”最好色”國家之列，居希臘, 巴西和俄國之後。中國人的性觀念越來越開放，過去8年內，單單在北京一個城市裡就開了5,000家的「性商店」。情色的誘惑在中國非常普遍，性的解放和道德混亂已成為教會領袖和信徒首要面對的挑戰之一，求神保守信徒的心思意念，能竭力追求聖潔，躲避試探、引誘，謙卑靠主得勝。
China achieved her goal of receiving unprecedented number of Olympic gold medals. Parents see sports now as a potentially lucrative career and many are encouraging and investing money for their children to train in sports. Very few Chinese parents will ever encourage their own child to serve the Lord because being a church worker is considered "dead end" and "poor for the rest of life". Let us pray for the Holy Spirit to change this attitude which greatly hurts the growth of the China churches。
Wednesday
In the past twenty years the province of Guangdong has had a phenomenal growth in population. It also boasts the highest urbanization rate (nearly 60%) in China which means farmers have moved into cities. Church work and growth are generally harder in Guangdong than in other places. Many Christians arriving from other provinces are lost to follow-up because local churches conduct services in Cantonese. Let us pray for spiritual revival and solid growth of churches there.
Thursday
According to a report, the number of millionaires (in USD) has increased rapidly. India leads in terms of the rate of increase, China is a close second. There are many wealthy believers in China as well. They have been active in supporting local church work and helping other ministries. We give thanks to God for their generosity and pray that all believers will be equally charitable in giving to God.
Friday
Millions of Chinese have jumped naively into the stock market only to realize that they could lose everything. The government is now trying to educate people that such an investment has risks. The stock market is the hot conversation topic among urban churches and many believers are deeply involved in this speculation. It creates a sense of comparison and jealousy among believers. Let us pray for true contentment and godliness for all believers.
Saturday
An estimate of one in six factories is closing in the Pearl River Delta and 10,000 companies are relocating to Southeast Asian countries with cheaper labor. Although this conforms to the official economic planning, it still has a great impact locally. Churches in Guangdong have always been affluent and suffered less restrictions, but church work is relatively weak and sparse because of the prosperity. We commit the church work and spiritual health of believers in Guangdong into His hands.
Sunday
Experts say, "Chinese universities are not uniformly up-to-par; the leading universities are very good, but lesser universities suffer deficient resources." For students, a matter of few points in the entrance exam means a giant difference in the quality of their college education. We pray for all the Christian students entering into universities this year; may the Lord prepare what is best for them. We, too, pray for the college ministries as they reach out to the new class of students and ready them to harvest.
Monday
China, which produces 70% of the world's sex toys, is ranked as the fourth "sex-crazed" nation behind Greece, Brazil, and Russia. The Chinese view of sex has been dramatically "opened." In Beijing alone, 5000 "sexual health" stores have opened in the past eight years. Sexual temptations are extremely prevalent in China. Compromising sexual purity is the leading problem believers, and even church leaders, face. We humbly beseech God for protection and guarding the hearts of all of us.
星期二
在2008北京奧運中國隊得到破紀錄數目的金牌。已有很多家庭看到從事職業體育的「錢景」，願意投入資金來幫助孩子走體育這條路。相對於全職服事神，極少數華人父母會鼓勵自己的孩子，以全職事奉神為榮。因為一般人眼中，成為教會工人，往往意味著「前途無亮」和「錢途無亮」。 如此心態大大妨礙了中國教會的增長，求主醫治我們這種俗世短淺的視野，以投資永恒的國度觀為念。
星期三
近二十年間，廣東省的城市人口急劇增加，城市化水平不斷提高（已近乎60%），這意味著省内農業人口不斷迅速向城市聚集。在廣東省的教會事工與增長要比其他地方來的困難，因為教會聚會都用粵語，來自別省的信徒由於語言的隔閡，很難在此地獲得適切的跟進。讓我們為廣東省教會及所有的信徒們禱告，為他們靈命的復興，以及教會得以穩健成長來向神求恩。
星期四
據報導，全球百萬富翁的人數激增，其中以印度的增長率最高，緊隨的是中國。中國的教會裏也有許多富裕的信徒，他們也一直積極地參與並支持各項聖工，我們除了為此向神感恩外，也求主讓弟兄姊妹有智慧管理神賜予的金錢、恩賜和才幹，忠心盡上自己奉獻的本份。
星期五
在中國股票巿場中，有許多不成熟的投資者，不諳其風險重重，盲目爭相加入股巿。中國政府也開始教育國民，有關投資股票的風險。股票投資也在各大城市教會裏掀起話題，不但使許多信徒深陷其中，也在信徒之間醖釀出爭競和妒嫉。我們求主幫助所有信祂的人，都能敬虔知足，以神的心為心，不為屬世的價值觀所迷惑。
星期六
最近在珠江三角洲，約每六家工廠就有一家關閉。有約一萬家工廠已撤離此地，轉往勞工更低廉的越南、柬甫寨、孟加拉和印尼等地。雖然這些撤資情況都在中國政府預計之內，但仍在地方上造成相當大的衝激。我們在此要特別記念廣東省的教會，在富裕繁華、紙醉金迷的大環境之下，省內的許多信徒容易迷失生活的方向。縱使教會有較大的自由度，福音工作卻相對的較爲疲弱，求神復興信徒的靈命、挑旺教會火熱追求成長的心。
星期日
許多專家認為中國大學的程度參差不齊，頂尖大學確實優秀，但一些次一級的大學卻仍是資源不足。而考生常常因幾分之差，就進不了首屈一指的大學。我們特別為今年入學的基督徒準大學生禱告，求神為他們預備道路，讓他們看到神美好的計劃。在各地的大學事工積極預備迎接新生的時刻，我們求主賜給同工們充足的智慧，同時也在學生心中做鬆土、澆灌的エ作。
星期一
中國生産全球七成的「情趣玩具」, 擠身全球四大”最好色”國家之列，居希臘, 巴西和俄國之後。中國人的性觀念越來越開放，過去8年內，單單在北京一個城市裡就開了5,000家的「性商店」。情色的誘惑在中國非常普遍，性的解放和道德混亂已成為教會領袖和信徒首要面對的挑戰之一，求神保守信徒的心思意念，能竭力追求聖潔，躲避試探、引誘，謙卑靠主得勝。
Monday, August 25, 2008
Prayer Request 8/26-9/2
Tuesday
It is impossible to understand what the Olympic Games mean to the Chinese people without understanding their history of humiliation. In order to promote their nationalistic pride they are constantly stirred up to remember the foreign invasion during the Boxer Revolution and the Rape of Nanking. We pray for the churches in China in the afterglow of the Olympics for not only a long-lasting sense of pride and achievement but also a renewed calling to a spirit of unity and less dependence on support from outside their group.
Wednesday
A famous Chinese track athlete who is synonymous with the "Bird's Nest" bowed out of the competition due to injury. His last-second abandonment shocked the nation and grieved billions. Chinese people tend to put great hope in a few "stars" or even in their own children to achieve the "impossible" for the masses or their family. Let us pray for a very healthy spiritual growth in many churches and as well as in church leadership across China, not merely a few mega-churches or a handful of prominent church leaders.
Thursday
China churches and believers have received much news coverage and many interviews from foreign media during the Olympics. However, the granting of visas for many missionaries were affected, and nearly all of the Bible training in China was suspended as well.Chinese Christians have been greatly encouraged and emboldened by the media's attention. We pray that this newfound pride and excitement translate into long-lasting passion for spiritual growth and evangelism.
Friday
Northeastern China has historically been the center for heavy industry and an area of serious pollution. However, in the past decades, the region has improved and recovered from its economic slump.Churches in Northeast China are well-organized and have been active in planting churches throughout China. We praise God for them and pray the Lord will use their emphasis on training to be a mighty force in spreading the gospel.
Saturday
Agricultural experts warn that eighty percent of the farmers in China are working in cities instead of cultivating the land, leaving mostly old folks and children on the farms. Young people prefer to work in factories because they get better income there. Attendance at rural Chinese churches has declined greatly in the last two decades causing many church workers to be disappointed and leave their ministries. We lift up all the rural believers into God's hand, especially those who have no shepherds and are being ravaged by cults .
Sunday
After the phenomenal success of the movie "Kung Fu Panda" many filmmakers and ordinary Chinese are wondering why this hit movie wasn't made in China. Some blame a lack of imagination on the part of the government in its tight control and its hypersensitivity over how China is portrayed to the world. We praise God for the growth of churches in China but they still have little impact on society as a whole. We pray for a true revival of the believers and a passion for God's Word that they might not pursue only prosperity.
Monday
The most famous foreigner in China is known as "Da Shan (big mountain). This 43 year-old Canadian is well known for his ability to speak Mandarin Chinese better than many Chinese people themselves. To learn enough Chinese for conversation is essential and difficult for many foreigners who wish to share the gospel in China. We remember all those who are engaged in learning Chinese and their evangelistic efforts. We pray, too, for the seeds they are sowing in the hearts of their contacts.
星期二
若不瞭解中國人所曾蒙受的羞辱，便無法瞭解奧運對他們的意義。義和團和南京大屠殺等事件的記憶，激發他們為提升國家尊嚴而努力。我們祈願奧運的餘輝為中國留下的不僅只是成就和自豪感，更是讓中國教會相輔相成，從而減少對外的依靠，同以合一的靈獲得更新。
星期三
一位與“鳥巢”一樣舉世聞名的田徑健將，在賽前突然宣佈因傷不得不退出比賽。此舉震撼了整個中國，也成為億萬人民最大的傷痛。華人常會將極大的希望寄託於某幾個人物抑或自己的孩子身上，寄予揚眉吐氣的厚望。中國教會的發展和福音傳揚不能單靠幾個超大型教會或數個著名的牧者和領袖，而是主耶穌吩咐每個信徒的大使命。讓我們為中國所有教會和教會領袖在屬靈上的健康成長來禱告。
星期四
北京奧運期間，中國教會和信徒獲得外國新聞媒體的大幅度採訪，但由於外籍人士的簽證，宣教士在中國不得常居，國內的培訓也受到極大的影響而停頓。國際媒 體的關注為中國的基督徒注入許多勇氣和鼓勵。我們祈求讓這一時的激勵轉變成信徒們追求靈命成長和傳揚基督，恒久不滅的熱忱。
星期五
東北地區將成為中國第四大經濟圈。在過去東北重工業區被視為「髒、黑、臭」工業所在。近幾年來，東北的經濟也開始回轉，東北的教會團隊，在全國各地，也開始植堂跟宣教。我們特別為東北的教會靈命復興，與他們積極栽培肢體來感恩，也求主讓他們的宣教事工能落實並擴展更寬廣的地界。
星期六
農業專家警告, 現在農村青壯年勞動力百分之八十外出打工, 留下耕作的只是老人和小孩. 由於工廠給的薪金比較高, 青壯年都往外地的工廠打工.過去20年來, 農村教會的出席人數日漸下降, 許多教會傳道人失望的離開。求神保守這一群缺乏牧者帶領的信徒, 特別是那些受異端所影響的教會，求主做潔淨與更新的工作.
星期日
動畫電影「功夫貓熊」的成功，令中國許多電影製作人和老百姓感慨，爲何這部熱門影片不是中國製造。有些人歸咎於政府的管制太嚴苛，對中國展現在國際的形象太過敏，以至於缺乏想像力。我們為中國教會的成長向神獻上讚美。但見教會至今對社會沒有什麽衝擊力。求神讓信徒們真正經歷屬靈的復興，使他們愛慕神的話、熱心為神做見證，追求永恆的榮耀勝於今生的榮華。
星期一
中國最當紅的外國人，藝名叫大山。這位43嵗的加拿大人，操得一口流利普通話，許多中國人本身都望塵莫及。在中國傳福音必須學會一定程度的普通話，這是許多想到中國傳福音的外國人所面對的難事。我們記念所有為福音的緣故，正積極學習華文華語的人，也求主讓他們能夠成功的在所接觸的人心中播下福音的種子。
It is impossible to understand what the Olympic Games mean to the Chinese people without understanding their history of humiliation. In order to promote their nationalistic pride they are constantly stirred up to remember the foreign invasion during the Boxer Revolution and the Rape of Nanking. We pray for the churches in China in the afterglow of the Olympics for not only a long-lasting sense of pride and achievement but also a renewed calling to a spirit of unity and less dependence on support from outside their group.
Wednesday
A famous Chinese track athlete who is synonymous with the "Bird's Nest" bowed out of the competition due to injury. His last-second abandonment shocked the nation and grieved billions. Chinese people tend to put great hope in a few "stars" or even in their own children to achieve the "impossible" for the masses or their family. Let us pray for a very healthy spiritual growth in many churches and as well as in church leadership across China, not merely a few mega-churches or a handful of prominent church leaders.
Thursday
China churches and believers have received much news coverage and many interviews from foreign media during the Olympics. However, the granting of visas for many missionaries were affected, and nearly all of the Bible training in China was suspended as well.Chinese Christians have been greatly encouraged and emboldened by the media's attention. We pray that this newfound pride and excitement translate into long-lasting passion for spiritual growth and evangelism.
Friday
Northeastern China has historically been the center for heavy industry and an area of serious pollution. However, in the past decades, the region has improved and recovered from its economic slump.Churches in Northeast China are well-organized and have been active in planting churches throughout China. We praise God for them and pray the Lord will use their emphasis on training to be a mighty force in spreading the gospel.
Saturday
Agricultural experts warn that eighty percent of the farmers in China are working in cities instead of cultivating the land, leaving mostly old folks and children on the farms. Young people prefer to work in factories because they get better income there. Attendance at rural Chinese churches has declined greatly in the last two decades causing many church workers to be disappointed and leave their ministries. We lift up all the rural believers into God's hand, especially those who have no shepherds and are being ravaged by cults .
Sunday
After the phenomenal success of the movie "Kung Fu Panda" many filmmakers and ordinary Chinese are wondering why this hit movie wasn't made in China. Some blame a lack of imagination on the part of the government in its tight control and its hypersensitivity over how China is portrayed to the world. We praise God for the growth of churches in China but they still have little impact on society as a whole. We pray for a true revival of the believers and a passion for God's Word that they might not pursue only prosperity.
Monday
The most famous foreigner in China is known as "Da Shan (big mountain). This 43 year-old Canadian is well known for his ability to speak Mandarin Chinese better than many Chinese people themselves. To learn enough Chinese for conversation is essential and difficult for many foreigners who wish to share the gospel in China. We remember all those who are engaged in learning Chinese and their evangelistic efforts. We pray, too, for the seeds they are sowing in the hearts of their contacts.
星期二
若不瞭解中國人所曾蒙受的羞辱，便無法瞭解奧運對他們的意義。義和團和南京大屠殺等事件的記憶，激發他們為提升國家尊嚴而努力。我們祈願奧運的餘輝為中國留下的不僅只是成就和自豪感，更是讓中國教會相輔相成，從而減少對外的依靠，同以合一的靈獲得更新。
星期三
一位與“鳥巢”一樣舉世聞名的田徑健將，在賽前突然宣佈因傷不得不退出比賽。此舉震撼了整個中國，也成為億萬人民最大的傷痛。華人常會將極大的希望寄託於某幾個人物抑或自己的孩子身上，寄予揚眉吐氣的厚望。中國教會的發展和福音傳揚不能單靠幾個超大型教會或數個著名的牧者和領袖，而是主耶穌吩咐每個信徒的大使命。讓我們為中國所有教會和教會領袖在屬靈上的健康成長來禱告。
星期四
北京奧運期間，中國教會和信徒獲得外國新聞媒體的大幅度採訪，但由於外籍人士的簽證，宣教士在中國不得常居，國內的培訓也受到極大的影響而停頓。國際媒 體的關注為中國的基督徒注入許多勇氣和鼓勵。我們祈求讓這一時的激勵轉變成信徒們追求靈命成長和傳揚基督，恒久不滅的熱忱。
星期五
東北地區將成為中國第四大經濟圈。在過去東北重工業區被視為「髒、黑、臭」工業所在。近幾年來，東北的經濟也開始回轉，東北的教會團隊，在全國各地，也開始植堂跟宣教。我們特別為東北的教會靈命復興，與他們積極栽培肢體來感恩，也求主讓他們的宣教事工能落實並擴展更寬廣的地界。
星期六
農業專家警告, 現在農村青壯年勞動力百分之八十外出打工, 留下耕作的只是老人和小孩. 由於工廠給的薪金比較高, 青壯年都往外地的工廠打工.過去20年來, 農村教會的出席人數日漸下降, 許多教會傳道人失望的離開。求神保守這一群缺乏牧者帶領的信徒, 特別是那些受異端所影響的教會，求主做潔淨與更新的工作.
星期日
動畫電影「功夫貓熊」的成功，令中國許多電影製作人和老百姓感慨，爲何這部熱門影片不是中國製造。有些人歸咎於政府的管制太嚴苛，對中國展現在國際的形象太過敏，以至於缺乏想像力。我們為中國教會的成長向神獻上讚美。但見教會至今對社會沒有什麽衝擊力。求神讓信徒們真正經歷屬靈的復興，使他們愛慕神的話、熱心為神做見證，追求永恆的榮耀勝於今生的榮華。
星期一
中國最當紅的外國人，藝名叫大山。這位43嵗的加拿大人，操得一口流利普通話，許多中國人本身都望塵莫及。在中國傳福音必須學會一定程度的普通話，這是許多想到中國傳福音的外國人所面對的難事。我們記念所有為福音的緣故，正積極學習華文華語的人，也求主讓他們能夠成功的在所接觸的人心中播下福音的種子。
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Prayer Request 8/19 -- 8/25
Tuesday
In the opening ceremonies of the Olympics a little girl captured the hearts of the world by singing a patriotic song. As it turned out, however, she was only doing a lip sync to the voice of another girl. The real singer said, "I have no regrets. I am just honored to have my voice heard." There are millions of "unsung heroes" in the churches in China. They serve the Lord all their lives seeking only His praise as His good and faithful servants. We give praise and thanksgiving for each one of them.
Wednesday
During the Olympics Beijing has become post card perfect--clean in appearance and in the absence of vices. Included in this "cleanliness", police have strictly enforced the ban on prostitution and insisted that no migrant workers enter the city. Chinese people place great value on "face", appearance or presentation of oneself. As Christians, we know that God examines our hearts. Let us pray for genuine spiritual vitality for all Chinese believers and not merely a bragging about which church they attend or how spiritual they are.
Thursday
The earthquake is no longer in the headlines and the five million displaced survivors are settling into semi-permanent housing. The government predicts it will take up to 5 years for the reconstruction of the region. So many have lost everything they had. Helping these people to cope with reconstruction physically and psychologically will be a long process, too. Let us pray for Christians who are committed to help with long-term counseling, students work, and church-rebuilding work in these regions.
Friday
“Steel Rice Bowl,” a term describing the lifetime job security for the public workers, is finally cracking in cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, to name a few. The central government wants to implement efficiency and reward-driven professionalism in new hiring positions. Job security and good benefits are what people look for. We give thanks for all the church workers who serve faithfully, and we too pray that churches will compensate and respect those who labor in the Name of Christ.
Saturday
Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong and Henan have the most deaths from traffic accidents. But, the death rates are the highest in Tibet, Xinjiang and Qinghai, most likely because there is a lack of possible rescues in these less-densely populated regions. Churches, like hospitals, in these regions are fewer and are lacking well-trained workers. We take this time to pray for all the believers and churches there. May the Lord stir them up to proclaim Jesus in the mostly Buddhist and Muslim communities.
Sunday
This year, one million 18-year-old took the College Entrance Examination, which consists of 4 parts. Only 600,000 will be admitted to a college or university. A college education is considered a requirement for good job in today’s Chinese economy. Parents become distraught and must cope with disappointment when their only child fails to succeed academically. We commit all the Christian parents to the Lord, praying that we will all understand that parents are to help their children discern God’s will in their lives.
Monday
During the Cultural Revolution, possession of a piano was deemed anti-revolutionary and a vestige of Western Imperialism. Learning piano is in feverish pitch, there are 30 millions children learning piano in China. A basic piano costs about 1600 USD in China. Finding someone who can accompany hymn singing used to be hard in China churches, but has improved greatly recently. We praise the Lord as Christians are able to praise the Lord in large selection of songs and music instruments now.
星期二
在北京奧運的開幕儀式上，有位可愛甜美的小女孩以一曲《歌唱祖國》征服全球人心，但她原來只是對嘴唱。原唱者說：「不遺憾，開幕式上有自己的聲音，就已經很滿足。」中國教會有無數無名英雄，一生爲主默默擺上，只求在天被主稱讚為忠心良樸。讓我們為他們感恩讚美，深知他們所作的主必記念。求主讓更多信徒願意不計較名利，全心服事主。
星期三
在奧運期，首都大清洗，降低污染，北京欲以最佳形象示人，宛若明信片裡的風光。北京當局嚴厲掃黃，也限制民工進入市區。華人極其講究「面子」。我們知道，神是鍳察人的內心的。讓我們禱告弟兄姊妹能夠建立真正穩固的靈命，而不只是以所歸屬的教會或個人的屬靈表現來沾沾自豪。
星期四
關於四川地震的新聞已不再成為大眾傳媒的頭條新聞。爲數約五百萬的災民暫時都有臨時住處。 政府估計地區重建還需要五年之久。 許多災民失去了一切所有，要幫助他們治療身心的創傷, 同樣需要一段很長的時間。讓我們為決定投身為災民做長期輔導工作、或在災區從事學生工作和重建教會的信徒們祈禱。求主施恩加力，並使他們成爲流通主愛的管道。
星期五
被視爲有終身保障的公務員，這個「鐵飯碗」終於在深圳和上海等城市被打破。中央政府將在新的徵聘條例中，實施以提升效率和論功行賞的專業制度。人們對工作的要求不外乎穩定和良好的福利。我們為所有不計代價忠心服侍的傳道人感恩，同時也求主讓教會能夠慷慨的，給予這些因主的名而勞苦的人應得的工價和尊敬。
星期六
交通事故死亡人數最多的省份是廣東、江蘇、山東和河南。 然而死亡率最高的是西藏自治區，之後是新疆和青海，這可能與這三個地區醫院分佈較爲稀疏，受傷者不能及時送往醫院治療有關。在這些地區的教會也不多,更缺乏資深的傳道人. 讓我們為這些教會和信徒們來禱告, 求神在這片以佛教與回教為主的土地上, 激起所有基督徒來頌揚主耶穌基督‧
星期日
今年中國有一百多萬名18歲學生參加4門關鍵的高考。 只有60萬名學生被大學錄取，在這日益市場化的中國，大學文憑被視爲獲得良職所必備。家長們也為了獨生子女升學的問題而擔憂, 由於錄取名額有限,他們必須做好「孩子落榜」的心理準備. 讓我們將這些家長交託在上帝手中, 讓他們明白真正的責任是引導孩子們走在神的道上、完成神對他們人生的計劃和心意。
星期一
文革時期，熱愛鋼琴被批判為反革命，形同維護西方帝國主義的證據。今天中國掀起了學鋼琴熱潮，全國有三千萬孩童在學習鋼琴，而一台最基本的鋼琴在中國要價一千六百美元。中國教會一度難得伴奏的司琴，但如今情況也已大大改善。讓我們為今天的信徒有了更多的詩歌和樂器來讚美和敬拜神而感恩。
Monday, August 11, 2008
Prayer Request 8/12 -- 8/18
Tuesday
The sports careers of many Chinese athletes will end at the close of the Beijing Olympics. Prior to 1980，athletes were treated as government employees until their deaths. Now about two to three thousand athletes retire each year but ten percent of them will be left with no financial support during the rest of their lives. Few young Chinese church workers think ahead to retirement. Churches expect their leaders to serve "by faith". Let us pray for Chinese churches to have a vision to effectively provide for the needs of their workers and shepherds.
Wednesday
Since sports are held in a very high position in China, national pride is hinged on whether athletes win or lose. The failure to win a gold medal is regarded as a great disappointment and even loss of face. For the athletes themselves, there is extreme psychological and physical pressure and hurt in losing.Let us pray for the many church workers who are serving faithfully in spite of disillusionment and disappointment. Often they feel they are not appreciated and are blamed for a lack of church growth. May the Lord lift up their spirits，giving them encouragement and spiritual refreshment.
Thursday
A historic state banquet was held for the heads of state of more than 80 countries who attended the Olympic Games. A total of nine round tables were arranged in a square; each table was named after a flower and seated almost 30 guests.Churches in China generally do not have denominational affiliations，but some identify themselves very strongly with specific denominations doctrinally. We thank the Lord for all the support from the denominational bodies and pray for the unity of all believers.
Friday
Today, playing piano is the most common extracurricular activity for the children of the prosperous, one-child young families. Students are told to put in 3-4 hours of serious practice. In many cities, there is shortage of piano teachers.Chinese parents spare no cost in providing the best education for their children. But, let us pray that Christian parents will also do their best helping their children growing up knowing God and serving the Lord.
Saturday
Decades ago, Chinese engineers and laborers build roads in Africa. Now, hundreds of thousands of Chinese arrive in Africa as merchants, shop owners and even doctors of Chinese medicine.We uplift small but growing numbers of fellowships and ministries aiming to share the Gospel with the Chinese in Africa. We too pray for all the Chinese missionaries serving in all parts of Africa.
Sunday
Before the national College Entrance Exam, temples were packed with parents who were praying for their sons and daughters. The one-child policy and lack of retirement benefits cause Chinese parents to equate their children’s academic success as their ticket to a comfortable retirement. Many Christian parents forbid their children to serve or become too involved in church. They worry that their children will not be able to support them later. Let us pray for faith in God, knowing that He will provide for us, for our children and when they grow old.
Monday
Many of the post-1980 couples are able to own their own homes with the help of their parents who make the down payment. However, they struggle with the basic knowledge of how to manage a house and it is not uncommon that parents must still teach them how to do the household chores. Many churches are seeing more young married couples coming and this is a great thing but they, too, need a lot of mentoring and coaching. We pray for older couples who can help them grow, challenge them to put God first, and help them understand the principles of Christian marriage.
星期二
對許多中國運動員而言，北京奧運將是其職業生涯的頂點。在比賽結束後，他們將開始人生的另一頁。每年中國的退役運動員約有兩千到三千人，其中約有三百多人是無法找到工作的。不像八十年代之前的運動員，退役後能以國家幹部身份進入政府部門，無後顧之憂。中國教會的傳道同工，甚少想到退休。教會則認定他們應該憑信心服事，亦不會予以其他福利。求神讓中國教會看到教會同工和牧者的需要，並給予足夠的供應。
星期三
中國的體育是舉國體制，且高度受重視。運動比賽的勝負關乎國家尊容，失掉金牌就等同丟失了國家的顔面，因此國家隊員面對的壓力不言而喻。許多教會的傳道人在失望和壓力中默默地忠心事奉。他們既背負教會成長的責任，付出的努力又不易得到認可，求主親自激勵他們，靈裏常常得到喜樂和更新，靠主所賜的力量勝過所有挑戰。
星期四
來自八十多個國家的元首政要出席北京奧運會，參加了盛大國宴，九張大圓桌排成正方形, 各以鮮花為名，堪稱新中國歷史之最。國內的教會雖然一般不會冠以宗派的名字，然而他們卻在神學觀點上各自堅持立場，儼然教派一般。讓我們衷心為來自各方所給的支援感恩，也為眾教會能同心建立基督的身體恆切祈求。
星期五
“中國正為鋼琴發燒”。新興城市中產階級家庭的獨生兒女最普遍的課外活動，便是彈鋼琴。學生必須每日認真練習三、四個小時。在城市，甚至鬧師（鋼琴老師）荒。現代的中國家長爲了栽培孩子，往往不惜代價。我們求神讓基督徒父母能夠以同等的態度，盡全力教養孩子認識神，敬畏神，以及服事神。
星期六
十幾年前，中國工程師和工人為非洲修路，如今數十萬中國移民在非洲從事工程師、工人、餐館老闆、食品雜貨店主、裁縫甚至是醫生。因中藥比西藥便宜，征服了許多非洲人。非洲已有一些爲中國人而設的團契聚會，目的是向他們傳福音。我們禱告求主祝福和使用他們，也記念所有在非洲各地服侍的華人宣教士。求主與這些屬靈的先鋒同在。
星期日
中國的高考日前夕，寺廟裏擠滿了前來為孩子們祈福的考生家長。一子政策外加缺乏退休利益，令許多家長不免指望子女養老，子女高考等於決定了他們未來的生活和社會地位。很多基督教父母禁止孩子們參與教會的侍奉，因為擔心孩子將來沒有能力奉養他們。讓我們為著信徒們對神的信心來禱告，相信神會豐富的供應自己和兒女們的一切需要。
星期一
出生于80年代以後的年輕夫婦由於得到父母協助，許多都有能力擁有自己的房屋，但是卻苦于不會理家，反而必須勞動父母前去教他們做家務。很多教會開始樂見有更多的年輕夫婦加入教會。但他們也一樣需要很多教導和帶領。我們禱告神藉年長的夫婦，幫助他們靈性的成長與成熟，使他們學習以神爲首，並了解基督徒的婚姻原則。
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