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。

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。

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。

Prayer Request 8/5--8/11

Tuesday
"Beijing Welcomes You" has become a hugely popular music video. Created for the Olympics, it includes many of the celebrities from Mainland, Taiwan and Hong Kong. “Everyone who has a dream is great, miracle comes with courage, let us strive and surpass ourselves," is part of its lyrics. We ask for God's blessings as the world's attention turn to China during the Olympics. May the Name of God alone be glorified and believers of China catch a renewed sense of mission for the century.

Wednesday
Catching the Olympic fever, Pepsi Cola which has traditionally used blue packaging, has changed to red, the color China uses to promote enthusiasm for their team. As the government tightens security ahead of the Games, Beijing house churches are under pressure to be low-profile and are facing increased limitations. Let us pray for them as they desire to share the gospel publicly now and during the time of the Olympics as well.

Thursday
Understanding a Chinese menu can be tricky for both Chinese and foreigners. Finally there is an "official" menu with English names. "Husband and wife's lungs" is "Beef and Ox Tripe in Chili Sauce" and "Lion's head" is "Braised Pork Balls in Soy Sauce". Finding out exactly what many Chinese churches believe can be difficult because it often depends on the leadership and teachers there. Many have false and extreme interpretations of the Bible. We pray for strong and solid doctrinal teaching and humility in all of the churches.

Friday
The east side of Shanghai, Pudong district, has boomed since 1990 and boasts some impressive symbols of modern China. However, the western side, Old Shanghai, is still the heart and soul of the city for both residents and tourists. Prosperity and pride are commonly regarded as the hallmark traits of the people of Shanghai. Among Chinese churches, Shanghai plays a key role, especially in those that are registered. We pray for revival and passion for God in all of the churches in Shanghai.

Saturday
Having an expensive and elaborate meal and putting it on the company tab as "official" business is very much a normal part of lives in China. This is a practice grossly abused but seemingly it can't be curbed. Being ethical means going against the norm which is the acceptable practice. Let us pray for integrity and the fear of God for all believers, especially those in business.

Sunday
The government does not release numbers on how many people are executed each year, but a foreign organization estimates it to be about 8,000 people. While the Chinese courts wish to lower the number, surveys consistently show that the people on the streets want these death sentences to deter crimes and corruption. Hatred for criminals and corrupt officials affects believers deeply and their demand for punishment diminishes their compassion for these people, making them all less compassionate. Let us pray for compassion and concern for the lost in all Chinese churches.

Monday
There are more than a hundred cities in China with a population of more than 1,000,000 people each. All of them are experiencing a building boom so they will be known as modern cities. Existing churches tend to be in the old city centers and many of them are dilapidated and being town down for the new projects. We remember all the churches facing relocation or rebuilding issues. Pray that their congregations will benefit from their new facilities and find enthusiasm to go out and evangelize their new neighborhood.

星期二
“北京歡迎你”錄製成大受歡迎的音樂影片。這是為北京奧運而特別製作的，參與演唱者包括許多中港台巨星。唱道：“有夢想誰都了不起、有勇氣就會有奇蹟. 讓我們加油去超越自己！” 奧運會期間，當世界皆定睛注目中國的同時，求神賜福，願他自己的名被高舉，中國眾信徒對這個世紀有個全新的使命感。

星期三
百事可樂搶搭中國奧運的順風車，把原本藍色為主的包裝改成象徵中國國家代表隊的紅色。近來北京的教會，也因著奧運期間受到更多的限制，聚會、運作及傳福音的工作受到影響，讓我們在主裡記念他們，也使他們在奧 運期間，能為主做那美好的見証。

星期四
中國的菜單的許多菜名不但外國人難懂，中國人自己有時候也很難明白。備受海內外關注的《中文菜單英文譯法》終于將正式出臺。如“夫妻肺片”新版譯法爲“Beef and Ox Tripe in Chili Sauce”(辣椒醬牛肉和黃牛肚)，“紅燒獅子頭”譯爲“Braised Pork Balls in Soy Sauce”(醬油燉豬肉丸)。許多中國牧者對聖經的錯誤理解和詮釋，造成教導上的偏差，甚至偏向極端。教會的信仰深受領袖和教師左右，因此要準確了解每個教會對神學的信仰並非易事，求主讓中國的衆教會能夠謙卑渴慕追求真理，並且能獲得正確而扎實的教導。

星期五
上海的東區 - 浦東，自1990年便興旺了起來, 其發展和建設成了現代中國的標誌。然而，對於來說, 西部的老上海依舊是居民和遊客眼中的上海市的心臟和靈魂。富裕和自傲幾乎是上海人的標記特徵。上海在中國教會之中，是個要角，特別是有正式登記的那些。我們為上海所有教會的復興以及對上帝的渴慕之心來禱告。

星期六
在中國, 欲全面杜絕官員貪污並不容易，其中，“超標接待”和“假公濟私”便是公務接待中存在的兩大突出問題。即使是基督徒也很難逃離這些惡習的誘惑。求神保守他自己的兒女無論是在教會內外都能成為一個忠心的好管家.

星期日
中國當局並未公布每年的執行死刑的人數，但國外觀察組織估計至少有8000宗。 北京當局已經有意減低死刑的數量，但民意調查顯示老百姓強烈支援以死刑杜絕罪犯和舞弊。 對罪惡和貪污的厭惡也深深的影響著信徒，以至於他們懲治罪犯的意念，遮蓋了惻隱之心。讓我們為他們禱告，讓中國信徒有基督憐憫罪人的胸懷，能去關心失喪的人。

星期一
在中國, 人口密度多過一百萬人的城市為數過百。這些城市陸續地被大事興建，以成為所謂的現代城市。而教會多數是建在舊的城市中心，許多老舊的教會將被翻新或重建。我們為所有面對拆遷或重建問題的教會禱告，求神讓會眾能夠在重建後的新設施下受益，并且更充滿熱忱的向他們的新鄰里傳福音。