Monday, December 29, 2008

Prayer Ruquest 12/30-1/5

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。

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.

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。

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。

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。