Prayer Request 7/29 -- 8/4

Tuesday
The government of China will pass out 10,000 copies of the Chinese-English Bible in the Athletes Village and another 30,000 copies of the New Testament to tourists during the Olympics. Beijing house churches have been under tight surveillance recently as part of the tightening security throughout the capital. Let us pray earnestly for all the believers in Beijing, for their passion to share the Gospel, good opportunities to present their faith and the relationship of churches with the government during this exciting time.

Wednesday
China is rapidly graying. It is estimated that by 2025 nearly twenty percent of the population will be sixty years old or older (twice as much as today). The one-child policy has slowed the population growth, but increased longevity means there are a lot more older people than before. China lacks a nationwide retirement plan and a majority of retirees there live with their children. Chinese churches need to redouble their efforts to minister to the elderly. We pray especially for those who are no longer able to attend church because of physical limitations as well as those older believers who try to share their faith with their families.

Thursday
About 8% of the population of Guangzhou is sixty-five years old or older. Many of them come from other provinces to stay with their children who are working in the city. They are called "snowbirds" because they usually come for the mild winter season to care for their grandchildren and to get better medical care themselves. Ministry to the elderly focuses on visitation and is usually done by retired believers. Let us pray for all the churches, especially those in the costal provinces that spend a great deal of effort on reaching out and ministering to the elderly in their neighborhoods.

Friday
Chinese parents in the cities invariably push their children into as many extracurricular activities as possible. A survey shows that the mothers are usually the ones who decide what kind of class or musical instrument the child will study. Many children do not have even a half a day free a week for themselves. This is true for Christian families, too, so many of their children simply skip Sunday worship. Let us pray for all parents who are believers that they will teach their children to honor God above all else.

Saturday
Chinese parents have a fear their children are not doing well enough academically to get into a good high school or a well-known university so they enroll them in all kinds of remedial classes which they feel is necessary for them to get ahead. Some Christian parents even advise their children not to go to church so they can have more time to study. Let us pray they will have an unwavering faith in God and be steadfast as Joshua was when he said, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Sunday
Many house churches have debated for years whether to register with the government or not. They insist that churches must not be under the regulation of the government because they have suffered persecution and are still apprehensive. Many of these churches are fundamental and charismatic and find it hard to interact with the community. We thank the Lord for their dedication to the Word of God and fervent prayer and pray especially for them to have unified hearts[j6] .

Monday
Hai gui (Chinese student who studied abroad and have now returned to China) have started more than 5000 companies which means two in a hundred have become their own bosses. They are popular because they have connections with Western companies but they often lack the connections they need to do business in China. There are also pastors and believers who have been trained and served in churches abroad but have returned home. We pray for the ministries of all who have been abroad. May the Lord use their experience to help the Chinese churches.

星期二
中國政府將在奧運村發放一萬本中英版聖經，另三萬本新約聖經將在奧運期間發給旅客。近日來北京全面加強保安，家庭教會也受到嚴密的監督。讓我們為北京的信徒禱告：在這特別的時期，使信徒們都燃起傳福音的熱心，把握良機與人分享基督，也讓教會和政府的關係得到改善。

星期三
中國人口迅速老化。估計到了2025年，六十歲以上的人將佔總人口的20%，為現在的兩倍。一胎化政策舒緩了人口膨脹，人們壽命得到延長卻也使得年老人口要比過去多了許多。而中國至今仍未有全國性的退休計劃，多數退休老人得與兒女同住，靠他們養老。中國教會需要加強其年長者事工，我們特別為所有因爲行動不便而停止上教會的信徒禱告，求主用自己的話托住他們的信心，讓他們在禱告中也經歷神，另外，也求主記念嘗試帶領家人歸主的年長信徒，求聖靈做鬆土灌溉的工作，讓這些信徒和他們一家都能得救。

星期四
廣州市65歲及以上老年人口達占常住人口的8%，其中一個老年群體：來自別省，往返于自己的原居住地和城市兒女家中，他們多是來探望子女，照顧孫子的，也有的是特在冬天來比寒，或爲了醫療費，因此被稱爲“候鳥式老人”。一般教會的老人事工注重探訪，而且一般上都由退休信徒負責。讓我們為中國教會，尤其是在邊界地帶、致力向鄰里的老年人傳福音的教會禱告，求主記念祝福他們的年長者事工。

星期五
中國的城市父母，都會積極鼓勵孩子多多參加課外活動。調查顯示，孩子課外活動或樂器的選擇，一般都由母親決定。有的孩子課外活動排得滿滿的，甚至一個星期連半天休息的時間都沒有。許多基督徒也是如此，孩子們得“翹”主日崇拜。求主教導所有信徒父母懂得教孩子把敬畏神擺在第一位。

星期六
中國父母都深恐孩子學業成績不好，考不上好的中學或大學，因此竭盡所能地讓他們參加各種課程作爲補助。有些基督徒父母甚至叫孩子別上教會，好多讀點書。求主讓他們建立對神堅定不移的信心，如約書亞：“至於我和我家，我們必定事奉耶和華。”

星期日
家庭教會針對是否註冊登記辯論了許多年。有些因爲曾經受過的逼迫而心有餘悸，而且認爲教會不應該受政府的條例管制。這些教會大多屬於基要/敬虔派或靈恩派，常常很難與社會社區互動交流。但我們也為他們對神話語的熱心和貢獻，以及積極熱切的禱告而讚美神，同時祈求所有家庭教會能夠有合一的心。

星期一
由海歸（出國留學畢業後回國的中國學生）創立的公司超過五千家，這表示百分之二的海歸自己當老闆。他們因爲與西方公司有很好的聯係而具優勢，但是缺少在中國經商少不了的聯絡。也有傳道人和信徒曾經在外國受訓服事，今已回國。我們為海歸事工禱告，也求主使用海歸信徒，以他們在國外的經歷和經驗，來幫助中國教會。

Prayer Request 7/15 -7/21

Tuesday
Seventeen thousand Olympic athletes will be staying in the brand new energy-saving Olympic Village. Right now the village is one of the three hottest spots for the Beijing real estate market. Many Christians would like to have an opportunity to share their faith with the Olympic visitors, both foreign and nationals. Let us pray for them as they must plan cautiously in their outreach and sharing activities as security permits.

Wednesday
McDonald's new slogan for the Olympics is "I love it when China wins". Many of the well-known multinational companies have devised Chinese-themed catch phrases to hitch on to the feverish nationalistic sentiments of the Olympics. Many people in China boldly proclaim that this is the age of the Chinese church taking on a major role in world evangelism. We praise the Lord for such an awakening but we also pray for a heart of humility to accept each other and work together as spiritual leaders in the church.

Thursday
In Dongguan, Guangdong, three thousand companies are closing this year. This recent flurry of closure in the companies run by foreign investors is attributed to the implementation of the "Labor Contract Law", the appreciation of the Chinese Yuan, and increased taxation. Many are reaching out to those who work in these factories. Their closing means that there will be certain interruptions in the ministries carried out in them. We remember the diligent work of those who have led workers to faith in Christ and equipped them to lead other workers to Him.

Friday
In Chinese urban churches there are always many singles, mostly women, who often struggle with questions like, "Should I wait for the person God has prepared for me?" or "Do I have the gift of celibacy?" and need counseling and comfort from church leaders. Let us pray that God will raise up more Christians who have some formal or even informal training in counseling. We remember, too, all the singles as they try to discern the plan of God in their lives and true fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

Saturday
Recruiting college graduates, paying them salaries equivalent to those given in cities, and sending them to be officials in the villages is a way to revamp and inject new blood into the rural governmental system. The usual contract is for a three-year term and many see this as a way to secure a job for life later. This is the time some college students are deciding whether they should go for Bible training and answer God's call to serve Him full time. Let us pray along with them for their families and their churches. May the Lord have plenty of workers for the harvest field.

Sunday
Single Christian women in China face much pressure. It is not uncommon that fellow workers will try to match them up with others who work there or they will face sexual harassment. In churches, they are expected to serve because "they have nothing else to do." Their parents also put pressure on them to get married while "there is still someone who wants you." Let us pray for the often unspoken pain and loneliness these sisters face. We pray for their careers, their service in the church, a time to relax, and their personal walk with the Lord.

Monday
In the past caring for aging parents could be shared by several children or done by a child who didn't work. With the one-child policy the question of whether to send one's parent to a nursing home or not has become a highly debated topic for young people. Honoring our parents is a Biblical command. Chinese people value filial piety highly. Let us pray for all the believers who have older parents to have patience, tenderness, and joy in serving their parents and most importantly to be able to share Jesus with them.

星期二
約1.7萬名奧運選手將同住在一個全新、節能的奧運村裏。奧運村是目前北京房地產市場中三大熱賣地點之一。許多基督徒期待著向國内外的奧運遊客傳福音的機會。讓我們為教會禱告，特別為他們需要小心謹慎的計劃，讓福音及佈道活動能順的神的帶領來展開。

星期三
麥當勞在中國的 新口號是"我就喜歡中國贏"。許多知名的跨國公司都趁北京奧運熱之時，推出中國式的宣傳口號。中國有許多人大膽宣告，21世紀是中國教會挑起世界宣教擔子 的時代。我們為著主內肢體有此醒覺感恩，但也求主賜下謙卑的心，並讓屬靈領袖們能夠彼此接納，同心合意興旺福音。

星期四
迄今年底在廣東 省的東莞市，約有3000工廠關閉。最近外企業紛紛關閉，與實施的"勞工法"、人民幣升值及加稅等因素有關連。一直以來都有同工在工廠區服事工人們。工廠 關閉，意味著這些事工會受一定程度的影響。讓我們在禱告中記念這群殷勤在工人當中事奉的肢體，他們帶領了許多工人歸主，又裝備他們向其他工人傳福音，雖然 工廠的數量減少，求主讓福音工作和對拯救靈魂的火繼續在他們當中不斷的燃燒。

星期五
中國城市教會中有許多單身信徒，多數是姐妹。他們常常問：我該等候神的預備呢，還是神給我獨身恩賜？他們格外需要教會領袖給予輔導或安慰。我們求神興起更多受過輔導培訓的肢體來福是這樣的需要。也禱告記念在尋求神旨意的單身信徒，好讓他們在基督裏成就神的心意。

星期六
爲了給鄉鎮政府 注入新軍，政府將招聘大學生村官，予以城市官員相同的新酬，爲期三年的合同，一般被視爲終身工作的保障。畢業季節在即，一些年輕大學生正考慮回應神的乎 召，為全職服事而接受培訓。讓我們與他們一起同心為他們以及他們的家人和教會禱告。也求神也不斷呼召他自己的工人來收割片片已熟的莊稼。

星期日
在中國，單身姐 妹都會面對許多壓力。在工作場所，或會有同事常為她們配對，也可能遭遇性騷擾。在教會，則因爲“她們有空”而期望她們事奉。在家，父母也不時嘮叨“乘還有 人要，趕快嫁掉吧！”讓我們為這些姊妹們不爲人知的心痛和孤單禱告。記念她們的工作，事奉，休閒，以及她們自己與神的關係。

星期一
在過去的大家庭 裏，年老的父母有數個子女分擔照顧。在現今一胎化政策之下，是否把父母送交養老院照顧，就成了年輕人熱烈討論的課題。聖經命令作兒女的要孝敬父母。同樣 的，華人向來亦看重孝道。讓我們禱告求神加添家中有父母的基督徒有愛心和耐心，有溫柔和喜樂來服侍父母，更能與他們分享基督的福音。

Prayer Request 7/08 – 7/14

Tuesday
1.2 million Chinese students have gone abroad to study, making China the country with the most students abroad. About one quarter of them have returned to China to work or start their own businesses. Many accepted Jesus while studying abroad and a good number have returned with the intention to share their faith. We pray for them and their families because they need lots of psychological and spiritual preparation for their return and in order to continue to serve faithfully.

Wednesday
People and freight have been able to cross the Taiwan Strait directly through 3 ports for a while now. But far more Taiwanese have entered China than Mainland Chinese have gone to Taiwan. This trend is supposed to continue as direct commercial flights and tourism will take place soon. We pray that churches on both sides will benefit from this historic opening of travel. Taiwan churches have been helping Mainland churches, but we hope to see God use the Mainland believers be of great encouragement to the Taiwan churches as well.

Thursday
Textile, shoes, clothing and toys make up the majority of Made in China exports. However, these industries are facing severe setbacks because of WTO-imposed tariffs, anti-dumping, appreciation of yuan and the rise of material costs. The sense of economic boom may be leveling off as the economy cools. Let us pray for renewed trust in the Lord and a heart of thanksgiving and cheerful giving for all believers.

Friday
There has been a substantial improvement in the Sino-Japanese relationship in the past year. Both sides have managed to resolve the long-standing dispute of the territorial water and future below-sea oil-fields exploration. Anti-Japanese sentiment has decreased significantly. Very few Chinese churches ever consider Japan as a mission field, despite Japan's proximity and it being the least evangelized nation. Let us pray for true forgiveness to overcome deep-seated hatred from WWII and true love for the people of Japan.

Saturday
Many of the churches in China have the anti-intellectual tendency, even considering any formal theological training as a waste. These same churches tend to avoid interacting with the community and culture in general and regard themselves as far more spiritual than others. Distrust and even outright pride exist among many Chinese churches. It is unfortunate that traditions and petty differences in theology divide believers. Let us pray for true humility and acceptance of each others.

Sunday
With the recent improvement of relationship with Japan and Taiwan, Beijing is riding high in its role of leadership in the Asian countries. The upcoming Games have also propelled China to her long-coveted position as the center stage of East Asia. Not surprisingly, Chinese believers also feel extremely proud of their country, and are also praying that restrictions on church meeting will cease. We praise the Lord as believers are able to pray for leaders in all levels and gaining favors of the officials.

Monday
The total of dead and missing is over 80,000 in the recent earthquake, and students probably account for over 10,000 of that number. Many "tent schools" are providing education on a temporary basis. Permanent reconstruction will take several years. Parental frustration and accusation of high casualties of students have led to growing protest.There are probably more Christian workers now in this area than ever before in history.We pray Sichuan will become a fertile soil for the Gospel and churches there will be healthier and stronger.

星期二
中國出國留學人 數，已達121萬人，全球最多。約四分之一留學人員(31.97萬人)己歸國工作或創業。不少留學生在海外信主後，意欲回國與家人和同胞分享福音，他們在 回國服事前，需要先做好心理準備和屬靈上的裝備。我們為他們的心志感恩，也禱告主預備他們事奉的道路，堅定他們和家人的心志，能得穩也走得遠。

星期三
兩岸小三通迄今，臺灣人經小三通到大陸的人數，遠遠超過入臺的大陸人數。隨著兩岸商務班機和旅遊即將開放直通，上述現象料將持續。兩地的旅遊開放深具歷史意義，我們祈盼兩地的教會皆能夠雙雙受惠。臺灣教會一向盡心支援大陸教會，願神也使用大陸信徒來激勵臺灣的衆教會。
星期四
中國製造的出口 商品主要包括布料，鞋子，衣物和玩具。但在世貿強制稅收、反傾銷、人民幣升值、原料漲價等重重影響下，這類工業正面臨嚴峻的市場萎縮。經濟放緩，把人們剛 嘗到經濟高飛滋味的興頭扯了下來。讓我們為基督徒在主裏的更新禱告，求神讓所有信徒重新有一顆感恩、喜樂的心，以及對主堅定不動搖的信心。

星期五
中日關係在過去 一年來，有顯著的進步。雙方都盡力妥善處理領土和領海爭執，以合作方式開發東海油田。中國國內抗日聲浪銳減。儘管日本與中國多有相似，很少中國教會把日本 列爲宣教工場，至今日本仍是傳福音佈道最少的國家。求神賜中國人寬恕的能力，抹去二戰種下的仇恨，好讓我們能對日本人民彰顯出神的真愛。

星期六
許多中國本土教 會有輕神學甚至反智主義的傾向。關起門來自認為屬靈，輕看甚至排斥文化使命、社會使命，逃避作鹽作光的責任。而許多華人教會之間存著互不信任和傲慢的態 度，在傳統和神學觀上的些微差異，不幸竟也成為信徒分裂無法合一的因素之一。讓我們求神賜給每個信徒在主裏真正的謙卑，能夠互為肢體彼此接納，同心興旺福 音。

星期日
中國與日本、臺 灣的關係迅速改善，讓北京高居牽動亞洲各國家的樞紐。來臨的奧運會更進一步讓中國恢復其失落已久作爲東南亞中心的地位，感謝神！弟兄姊願意為執政掌權者來 禱告，為自己的國家感到自豪。現在教會正逐漸博得官員們的認可，讓我們為教會聚會的能受更少限制一起同心來禱告。

星期一
512地震，死 亡和失蹤人數超過八萬，單單學生就超過一萬人。許多地方用帳篷做成臨時學校讓孩子們能恢復上課。整體的重建工程需耗時數年。悲傷的父母譴責當局是人爲因素 造成學生傷亡慘重，抗議群衆有增無減。現在在災區的基督教傳道和志工人數，是前所未有的多。求神使四川從此成爲福音的肥田，讓當地的教會更加健康、壯大。

Prayer Request 7/1 – 7/6

Tuesday
1.2 million Chinese students have gone abroad to study, making China the country with the most students abroad. About one quarter of them have returned to China to work or start their own businesses. Many accepted Jesus while studying abroad and a good number have returned with the intention to share their faith. We pray for them and their families because they need lots of psychological and spiritual preparation for their return and in order to continue to serve faithfully.

Wednesday
People and freight have been able to cross the Taiwan Strait directly through 3 ports for a while now. But far more Taiwanese have entered China than Mainland Chinese have gone to Taiwan. This trend is supposed to continue as direct commercial flights and tourism will take place soon. We pray that churches on both sides will benefit from this historic opening of travel. Taiwan churches have been helping Mainland churches, but we hope to see God use the Mainland believers be of great encouragement to the Taiwan churches as well.

Thursday
Textile, shoes, clothing and toys make up the majority of Made in China exports. However, these industries are facing severe setbacks because of WTO-imposed tariffs, anti-dumping, appreciation of yuan and the rise of material costs. The sense of economic boom may be leveling off as the economy cools. Let us pray for renewed trust in the Lord and a heart of thanksgiving and cheerful giving for all believers.

Friday
There has been a substantial improvement in the Sino-Japanese relationship in the past year. Both sides have managed to resolve the long-standing dispute of the territorial water and future below-sea oil-fields exploration. Anti-Japanese sentiment has decreased significantly. Very few Chinese churches ever consider Japan as a mission field, despite Japan's proximity and it being the least evangelized nation. Let us pray for true forgiveness to overcome deep-seated hatred from WWII and true love for the people of Japan.

Saturday
Many of the churches in China have the anti-intellectual tendency, even considering any formal theological training as a waste. These same churches tend to avoid interacting with the community and culture in general and regard themselves as far more spiritual than others. Distrust and even outright pride exist among many Chinese churches. It is unfortunate that traditions and petty differences in theology divide believers. Let us pray for true humility and acceptance of each others.

Sunday
With the recent improvement of relationship with Japan and Taiwan, Beijing is riding high in its role of leadership in the Asian countries. The upcoming Games have also propelled China to her long-coveted position as the center stage of East Asia. Not surprisingly, Chinese believers also feel extremely proud of their country, and are also praying that restrictions on church meeting will cease. We praise the Lord as believers are able to pray for leaders in all levels and gaining favors of the officials.

Monday
The total of dead and missing is over 80,000 in the recent earthquake, and students probably account for over 10,000 of that number. Many "tent schools" are providing education on a temporary basis. Permanent reconstruction will take several years. Parental frustration and accusation of high casualties of students have led to growing protest.There are probably more Christian workers now in this area than ever before in history.We pray Sichuan will become a fertile soil for the Gospel and churches there will be healthier and stronger.

星期二
中國出國留學人 數，已達121萬人，全球最多。約四分之一留學人員(31.97萬人)己歸國工作或創業。不少留學生在海外信主後，意欲回國與家人和同胞分享福音，他們在 回國服事前，需要先做好心理準備和屬靈上的裝備。我們為他們的心志感恩，也禱告主預備他們事奉的道路，堅定他們和家人的心志，能得穩也走得遠。

星期三
兩岸小三通迄今，臺灣人經小三通到大陸的人數，遠遠超過入臺的大陸人數。隨著兩岸商務班機和旅遊即將開放直通，上述現象料將持續。兩地的旅遊開放深具歷史意義，我們祈盼兩地的教會皆能夠雙雙受惠。臺灣教會一向盡心支援大陸教會，願神也使用大陸信徒來激勵臺灣的衆教會。

星期四
中國製造的出口 商品主要包括布料，鞋子，衣物和玩具。但在世貿強制稅收、反傾銷、人民幣升值、原料漲價等重重影響下，這類工業正面臨嚴峻的市場萎縮。經濟放緩，把人們剛 嘗到經濟高飛滋味的興頭扯了下來。讓我們為基督徒在主裏的更新禱告，求神讓所有信徒重新有一顆感恩、喜樂的心，以及對主堅定不動搖的信心。

星期五
中日關係在過去 一年來，有顯著的進步。雙方都盡力妥善處理領土和領海爭執，以合作方式開發東海油田。中國國內抗日聲浪銳減。儘管日本與中國多有相似，很少中國教會把日本 列爲宣教工場，至今日本仍是傳福音佈道最少的國家。求神賜中國人寬恕的能力，抹去二戰種下的仇恨，好讓我們能對日本人民彰顯出神的真愛。

星期六
許多中國本土教 會有輕神學甚至反智主義的傾向。關起門來自認為屬靈，輕看甚至排斥文化使命、社會使命，逃避作鹽作光的責任。而許多華人教會之間存著互不信任和傲慢的態 度，在傳統和神學觀上的些微差異，不幸竟也成為信徒分裂無法合一的因素之一。讓我們求神賜給每個信徒在主裏真正的謙卑，能夠互為肢體彼此接納，同心興旺福 音。

星期日
中國與日本、臺 灣的關係迅速改善，讓北京高居牽動亞洲各國家的樞紐。來臨的奧運會更進一步讓中國恢復其失落已久作爲東南亞中心的地位，感謝神！弟兄姊願意為執政掌權者來 禱告，為自己的國家感到自豪。現在教會正逐漸博得官員們的認可，讓我們為教會聚會的能受更少限制一起同心來禱告。

星期一
512地震，死 亡和失蹤人數超過八萬，單單學生就超過一萬人。許多地方用帳篷做成臨時學校讓孩子們能恢復上課。整體的重建工程需耗時數年。悲傷的父母譴責當局是人爲因素 造成學生傷亡慘重，抗議群衆有增無減。現在在災區的基督教傳道和志工人數，是前所未有的多。求神使四川從此成爲福音的肥田，讓當地的教會更加健康、壯大。