Posts
Tuesday
In a rather surprising admission, the government newspaper published an estimate of 50 million in attendance among house churches. "They're saying the [official] Three-Self Church is not the only game in town. In fact, there are more people outside of it than in it. To make that admission in print is remarkable," said one observer. We praise the Lord for His own miraculous work in China. Still, there are billions of lost Chinese who will not depart this world without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. We pray that both open and house churches will redouble their effort in evangelism, reaching outside of churches, into their communities with great fervor.
Wednesday
Many of the government-owned corporations in China are hiring only males this fall. Numerous female college students are complaining of job discrimination based on sex. Many young women have few prospects of landing a job despite their good qualifications. We remember all the young female Christians who are looking for work and ask the Lord to give them peace and trust in Him and favor with their prospective employers. We pray, too for the many collegians who have accepted Jesus on campus but have been lost to follow-up once they graduated and returned home.
Thursday
Sixty percent of Chinese males who are more than fifteen years old smoke. There are fifteen million teenagers in China who smoke and the age for smokers is getting younger. Sixty percent of the smokers in China do not know that it is unhealthy or can cause cancer. Children grow up in homes where there is smoking and begin themselves in junior high school. It is impossible to forbid the children to smoke if the father does it all of the time. Let us pray for the modeling of good behavior such as being kind to others and generous in giving by all Christian parents.
Friday
A survey done in four major cities of China (Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Xian) shows that 90% of female college students feel they are discriminated against because they are girls. It was Mao's stunning legacy that under his rule Chinese women achieved a near-equal status with men. Today's bosses, however, think of female employees only as marriage partners for male workers. Women make up a majority of the attenders, members, and workers in the churches of China. Female clergy are allowed to perform all the duties that male clergy are and are even in prominent leadership places but in many of the house churches leadership is restricted to men. Let us pray for all the sisters who serve in churches whether they are laity or clergy.
Saturday
Since the founding of the Republic of China sixty years ago, higher education there has reached a remarkable milestone with 2.9 million students having advanced training from university. However, experts in education say that China is lagging behind in producing truly outstanding academically-oriented students. In the past many young men and women in China have had Bible training and served in churches. We praise the Lord for all those who serve and pray for more workers who can be equipped. We pray, too, for the raising up of a new crop of pastors who can effectively speak to those who have advanced education.
Sunday
Many Chinese children are addicted to internet games because of a lack of other ways to use their time and also the freedom that is accorded to the use of recreational time. There really is no better substitute for using free time than playing games for the vast majority of Chinese families. Playing internet games is a very cheap way to occupy the free time that children have. Many believing parents purposely let their children play computer games at home so they can freely go to church. It is a heartache for believers when they hear their children say, "It is boring to go to church." Let us pray for all those whose child is losing interest spiritually and refusing to go to church.
Monday
"Courtesy sex" is the new social term and justification for casual sex between a man and a woman who happen to be in the same house at the same time. It is called courtesy because one should not reject the advance of another for fear of hurting the pride of the other. Such an idea seriously challenges the traditional practice of Chinese chastity of women and family ethics. Today, casual sex or the one-nigh stand is widely accepted as a norm. We pray for all believers,young and old for the safeguarding of their hearts. May the Holy Spirit always convict us and keep us from temptation.
星期二
官方報紙很不尋常地公開中國約有五千萬人參加家庭教會；實際上，在三自教會以外的基督徒人數更多。官方的三自教會並非基督徒的唯一去處。我們讚美主在中國行的神蹟奇事，但仍有十數億中國人因不認識耶穌基督及其救恩而失喪永生。我們禱告神感動所有在中國的公開教會和家庭教會，都能加倍努力傳福音，走出教會，以極大的熱情來關懷所在的社區。
星期三
許多國有企業和公司今年秋天幾乎只招收男性。大學女生們抱怨勞動市場「對女性的歧視日益嚴重」。許多中國女性發覺，盡管她們上了大學且成績優異，謀職仍就不易。我們在禱告中記念求職的主內姐妹，能平靜安穩，全心信靠主，在徵聘者眼前蒙恩，獲得賞識。也不忘為在校園信主，離校返家後，在信仰上得不到跟進的大專學子們禱告。
星期四
中國15歲以上男性中，60%有抽煙習慣。目前約有1,500萬名青少年是煙民，煙民年輕化現象明顯。60%的煙民不知道抽煙對身體有害，也能致癌。孩子們在抽煙的家庭長大，到了中學時期也開始抽煙。父母親的榜樣對孩子尤其重要，若父親成天吞雲吐霧，禁止孩子抽煙就成了難事。求主?助信徒父母們有好行為、好見証，為孩子樹立善良樂施的好榜樣。
星期五
一項調查顯示：北京、上海、天津和西安，有90%的女大學生求職時感受到性別歧視。婦女獲更多平等機會原是毛澤東最傲人的成就之一，然現今老板越來越視女職工只是男職工的「結婚對象」。中國教會的成員及教會同工，多數皆為女性。女傳道擔當男傳道的所有職務，甚至任重要的領導職位。但許多家庭教會仍只限男性當領袖。求主記念、祝福所有教會裡，無論是會友或傳道的姐妹們忠心的服事。
星期六
新中國成立60周年，教育發展已有令人矚目的成就。中國受高等教育人數有2,907萬，規模已達世界水平，但在傑出人才的培養上仍有嚴重不足。我們感謝主，中國這些年來已有許多年輕男女接受過聖經神學訓練，並在教會服事。求主讓更多服事同工能接受裝備，也求主興起大批新一代的優秀牧者，能有效地向高教育水平的菁英們傳講神的話。
星期日
中國家庭的孩子們娛樂空間及樣式太少，即網絡遊戲的「同質替代物」太少，加上相對而言網遊門檻不高、消費低且容易上手，以至許多孩子都沉溺其中。許多基督徒父母甚至刻意讓孩子在家玩網遊，好方便自己上教堂聚會，免得應付孩子埋怨「上教堂好悶！」。我們要為失去屬靈胃口的孩子們禱告，願主自己吸引他們。也賜下智慧給父母們重視培育敬虔的後裔。
星期一
「禮貌性上床」是一個新的社會名詞，指孤男寡女同處一室，因考慮對方尊嚴而出於禮貌性地上床做愛。稱之為「禮貌性」是因一方出於害怕傷害另一方尊嚴而不拒絕另一方的性要求。這種理論正嚴重挑戰中國傳統的女性貞操觀，也易導致家庭倫理的混亂。今天「禮貌性上床」或「一夜情」漸成為正常現象而被社會廣泛接受。願聖靈常提醒、保守所有基督徒們的心，使我們遠離試探，全然聖潔。
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Prayer Request 12/22 - 12/28
Tuesday
The hottest TV series in China right now is "Dwelling Narrowness" which speaks about life in the big city. It is not Prada shoes and gossip with girlfriends but it depicts working young people who are trying to make ends meet while living in extremely tiny quarters that make them feel like a snail in its shell. Working in cities means paying exorbitant rent. In the Chinese church it is difficult to find young couples and we ask the Lord to raise up more of them to serve in the churches. May He make them a revitalizing force through their friendship and fellowship in small groups as they become co-workers in their churches and may He protect their marriages. We take this time to pray for all the young urban believers.
Wednesday
People think that the consumers in large Chinese cities are more likely to spend money but people in the "second tiered" cities are even bigger buyers collectively. As the government shifts the investment program into the central six provinces, businessmen are directing their focus to meeting the appetite of the vast ?previously untapped consumer market. Churches in central China have not received so much attention recently as they did in the past. We remember particularly the Christians and churches in Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. They all share a similar problem--they lack shepherds for the churches and have believers who have not really been discipled in depth. We pray, too, for the seminaries in these provinces that graduate a total of 2000 to 3000 students a year which is not enough to replace those who retire from ministry.
Thursday
A recent survey shows that seven out of ten men in China would not marry a female secretary. Back in 2003 the Sichuan governments forbid male leaders to have female secretaries. Unfortunately, the term "female secretary" has been understood to be the boss's mistress who caters to his every need. This is merely the tip of the iceberg concerning moral corruption in modern China, especially in the workplace. Let us pray for the guarding of the hearts of believers whether employer or employee. We also pray for divine wisdom for all Christians who face ethical dilemmas in their business and work.
Friday
In the past the favorite TV series in China were historical dramas but now shows? portraying problems in social and family relationships are grabbing huge audiences. Shows like "Dwelling Narrowness", "House", "Wedding Dress", "Living for a Face" probe deeply into facets of family ties in today's urban lives. They resonate and cause viewers to identify with them. ?Preaching? in church must be Biblical and applicable to real life. We pray for the powerful delivery of God's Word in all of the churches in China. We pray, too, that the pastors make applications that encourage believers to live out God's principles in a crooked world and show God's love even in times of very difficult family conflicts.
Saturday
Churches in China have generally taken one of two different paths in terms of evangelism. Churches that fervently preach the gospel have seen much fruit. Other churches are overly conscious about security, cautious in their ministry and will share Jesus with only the people they know well. It is clear that the latter group of churches is in decline. Many temples and folk religions have sprung up in China which is a testimony to the emptiness the men' s hearts and the great window of opportunity which the Christian churches have missed. May the Lord open our eyes to the hugely vast harvest field and the cry of lost souls.
Sunday
It is humorously said that an average Chinese needs to apply for eighty permits (cards) in his/her lifetime before the final death certificate. In comparison, an American need to apply for only one social security number for his/her whole life. It is hard to prove that one is a Christian other than by one's lifestyle and testimony. There are many who quietly care for the homeless, the poor, the orphans and show by their kind deeds the proof of their Christian identity. We praise God for them and may the Lord raise up even more people like them who become "a little Jesus" in this totally money-crazed society.
Monday
Domestic violence occurs in both urban and rural setting, but because of traditional mindset, spouse abuse is much more prevalent among the 800 million residents in the countryside. Violence causing severe injuries and even death are quite common. Churches are not deaf or blind to the plight and suffering of domestic violence, but churches often turn their back on the victims because the lack of training and resources. Let us pray that more believers will extend their hands to help those who badly need love of Jesus Christ.
星期二
當前中國最多人收看的電視連續劇是《蝸居》。故事圍繞著市井小民、都市白領因為入不敷支，被迫蝸居於窄小出租屋的社會現象。突顯出老百姓拼命賺錢卻仍難解決住屋的問題。年輕夫婦因工作關係，難以參與教會聚會。讓我們為城市年輕的信徒守望，求主呼召更多青年夫婦回到教會，也看顧他們的婚姻家庭，透過團契小組相交的凝聚力，能成為教會服事的主力。
星期三
一般認為中國大城市的消費者願意花錢，但事實上按比例，二線城市的消費潛力更高。當政府把投資計劃移向中部六省之際，商家亦把矛頭指向這群未被滿足的消費市場。中部教會近來受到的關注不如往昔。我們在此特別記念湖南湖北和江西的教會和信徒。他們共同面對的困難包括：信徒因缺乏牧者和弟兄姊妹在信仰上扎根不深的難處。當地神學院每年雖有兩三千名畢業生，仍不足以替代退休的牧人。讓我們迫切為他們的需要禱告。
星期四
據調查，10個男人7個不願娶女秘書。2003年，四川省甚至規定男性領導幹部不得配備女秘書。人們心照不宣地將「女秘書」一詞，賦予桃色蘊意，反映出一個很嚴重的社會問題。發生在職場上的傷風敗俗之事甚多，「女秘書」不過是冰山一角。讓我們為中國的弟兄姊妹代禱，求主保守他們的心懷意念，不偏離神的道路，無論是雇員或雇主，有屬神的智慧來應對在工作或商場上所面的挑戰。
星期五
繼歷史劇後，《蝸居》、《房子》、《嫁衣》、《人活一張臉》等一系列反映社會問題的電視劇成為當紅題材。他們呈現有血有肉普羅家庭生活，也深入到社會各個層面，很多劇情都讓觀?「感同身受」。讓我們求神教會能夠真實有力地傳授上帝的話語，講壇訊息既合乎聖經又能應用於實際生活；我們也為牧者禱告，透過他們的教導，能鼓勵信徒在彎曲悖謬的遵守神的戒命，並在家庭中各樣難處中彰顯神的愛。
星期六
中國教會對傳福音的方針，可籠統分為兩種。一直以來積極熱烈傳揚福音的，已經果實累累可見；而在安全少謹慎的教會，福音事工往往對外隱藏，只在熟悉的人中間進行，他們的人數明顯遞減。人們心靈饑渴找不到真光，在教會缺席的情況下，但見民間信仰和廟宇大大興起。求主打開我們的眼耳，攪動我們的熱情，看到廣大待收割的禾田，聽到靈魂失喪的哀聲，能心裏悸動，付諸行動。
星期日
有人說中國是世界第一「辦證大國」，中國人一生至少需要辦80個證件，可能還沒辦完就要辦「死亡證」了。相對之下，美國人一生只需辦一個社保號，即可解決大部分問題，堪稱「一號通」。?信徒沒有「基督徒證」，要證實是否真是個基督徒，只需查看他的生活方式和見證。在「向錢看」的功利社會裡，有不少基督徒默默的照顧流離失所，孤兒及弱勢群體等。求主興起更多活出基督生命的信徒，使用他們歸向基督。
星期一
家庭暴力在城市或鄉村都會出現，受傳統觀念影響，家庭暴力現象在擁有8億人口的鄉村較為普遍。因家庭暴力造成傷殘、甚至死亡的情況甚為平常。教會雖不漠視家庭暴力潛藏的危險及痛苦，由於培訓及資源不足，受害者往往也得不到教會具體的幫助。讓我們禱告有更多信徒能夠伸出援手，把耶穌基督的愛和醫治帶給這些在家暴傷害中迫切需要的人。
The hottest TV series in China right now is "Dwelling Narrowness" which speaks about life in the big city. It is not Prada shoes and gossip with girlfriends but it depicts working young people who are trying to make ends meet while living in extremely tiny quarters that make them feel like a snail in its shell. Working in cities means paying exorbitant rent. In the Chinese church it is difficult to find young couples and we ask the Lord to raise up more of them to serve in the churches. May He make them a revitalizing force through their friendship and fellowship in small groups as they become co-workers in their churches and may He protect their marriages. We take this time to pray for all the young urban believers.
Wednesday
People think that the consumers in large Chinese cities are more likely to spend money but people in the "second tiered" cities are even bigger buyers collectively. As the government shifts the investment program into the central six provinces, businessmen are directing their focus to meeting the appetite of the vast ?previously untapped consumer market. Churches in central China have not received so much attention recently as they did in the past. We remember particularly the Christians and churches in Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. They all share a similar problem--they lack shepherds for the churches and have believers who have not really been discipled in depth. We pray, too, for the seminaries in these provinces that graduate a total of 2000 to 3000 students a year which is not enough to replace those who retire from ministry.
Thursday
A recent survey shows that seven out of ten men in China would not marry a female secretary. Back in 2003 the Sichuan governments forbid male leaders to have female secretaries. Unfortunately, the term "female secretary" has been understood to be the boss's mistress who caters to his every need. This is merely the tip of the iceberg concerning moral corruption in modern China, especially in the workplace. Let us pray for the guarding of the hearts of believers whether employer or employee. We also pray for divine wisdom for all Christians who face ethical dilemmas in their business and work.
Friday
In the past the favorite TV series in China were historical dramas but now shows? portraying problems in social and family relationships are grabbing huge audiences. Shows like "Dwelling Narrowness", "House", "Wedding Dress", "Living for a Face" probe deeply into facets of family ties in today's urban lives. They resonate and cause viewers to identify with them. ?Preaching? in church must be Biblical and applicable to real life. We pray for the powerful delivery of God's Word in all of the churches in China. We pray, too, that the pastors make applications that encourage believers to live out God's principles in a crooked world and show God's love even in times of very difficult family conflicts.
Saturday
Churches in China have generally taken one of two different paths in terms of evangelism. Churches that fervently preach the gospel have seen much fruit. Other churches are overly conscious about security, cautious in their ministry and will share Jesus with only the people they know well. It is clear that the latter group of churches is in decline. Many temples and folk religions have sprung up in China which is a testimony to the emptiness the men' s hearts and the great window of opportunity which the Christian churches have missed. May the Lord open our eyes to the hugely vast harvest field and the cry of lost souls.
Sunday
It is humorously said that an average Chinese needs to apply for eighty permits (cards) in his/her lifetime before the final death certificate. In comparison, an American need to apply for only one social security number for his/her whole life. It is hard to prove that one is a Christian other than by one's lifestyle and testimony. There are many who quietly care for the homeless, the poor, the orphans and show by their kind deeds the proof of their Christian identity. We praise God for them and may the Lord raise up even more people like them who become "a little Jesus" in this totally money-crazed society.
Monday
Domestic violence occurs in both urban and rural setting, but because of traditional mindset, spouse abuse is much more prevalent among the 800 million residents in the countryside. Violence causing severe injuries and even death are quite common. Churches are not deaf or blind to the plight and suffering of domestic violence, but churches often turn their back on the victims because the lack of training and resources. Let us pray that more believers will extend their hands to help those who badly need love of Jesus Christ.
星期二
當前中國最多人收看的電視連續劇是《蝸居》。故事圍繞著市井小民、都市白領因為入不敷支，被迫蝸居於窄小出租屋的社會現象。突顯出老百姓拼命賺錢卻仍難解決住屋的問題。年輕夫婦因工作關係，難以參與教會聚會。讓我們為城市年輕的信徒守望，求主呼召更多青年夫婦回到教會，也看顧他們的婚姻家庭，透過團契小組相交的凝聚力，能成為教會服事的主力。
星期三
一般認為中國大城市的消費者願意花錢，但事實上按比例，二線城市的消費潛力更高。當政府把投資計劃移向中部六省之際，商家亦把矛頭指向這群未被滿足的消費市場。中部教會近來受到的關注不如往昔。我們在此特別記念湖南湖北和江西的教會和信徒。他們共同面對的困難包括：信徒因缺乏牧者和弟兄姊妹在信仰上扎根不深的難處。當地神學院每年雖有兩三千名畢業生，仍不足以替代退休的牧人。讓我們迫切為他們的需要禱告。
星期四
據調查，10個男人7個不願娶女秘書。2003年，四川省甚至規定男性領導幹部不得配備女秘書。人們心照不宣地將「女秘書」一詞，賦予桃色蘊意，反映出一個很嚴重的社會問題。發生在職場上的傷風敗俗之事甚多，「女秘書」不過是冰山一角。讓我們為中國的弟兄姊妹代禱，求主保守他們的心懷意念，不偏離神的道路，無論是雇員或雇主，有屬神的智慧來應對在工作或商場上所面的挑戰。
星期五
繼歷史劇後，《蝸居》、《房子》、《嫁衣》、《人活一張臉》等一系列反映社會問題的電視劇成為當紅題材。他們呈現有血有肉普羅家庭生活，也深入到社會各個層面，很多劇情都讓觀?「感同身受」。讓我們求神教會能夠真實有力地傳授上帝的話語，講壇訊息既合乎聖經又能應用於實際生活；我們也為牧者禱告，透過他們的教導，能鼓勵信徒在彎曲悖謬的遵守神的戒命，並在家庭中各樣難處中彰顯神的愛。
星期六
中國教會對傳福音的方針，可籠統分為兩種。一直以來積極熱烈傳揚福音的，已經果實累累可見；而在安全少謹慎的教會，福音事工往往對外隱藏，只在熟悉的人中間進行，他們的人數明顯遞減。人們心靈饑渴找不到真光，在教會缺席的情況下，但見民間信仰和廟宇大大興起。求主打開我們的眼耳，攪動我們的熱情，看到廣大待收割的禾田，聽到靈魂失喪的哀聲，能心裏悸動，付諸行動。
星期日
有人說中國是世界第一「辦證大國」，中國人一生至少需要辦80個證件，可能還沒辦完就要辦「死亡證」了。相對之下，美國人一生只需辦一個社保號，即可解決大部分問題，堪稱「一號通」。?信徒沒有「基督徒證」，要證實是否真是個基督徒，只需查看他的生活方式和見證。在「向錢看」的功利社會裡，有不少基督徒默默的照顧流離失所，孤兒及弱勢群體等。求主興起更多活出基督生命的信徒，使用他們歸向基督。
星期一
家庭暴力在城市或鄉村都會出現，受傳統觀念影響，家庭暴力現象在擁有8億人口的鄉村較為普遍。因家庭暴力造成傷殘、甚至死亡的情況甚為平常。教會雖不漠視家庭暴力潛藏的危險及痛苦，由於培訓及資源不足，受害者往往也得不到教會具體的幫助。讓我們禱告有更多信徒能夠伸出援手，把耶穌基督的愛和醫治帶給這些在家暴傷害中迫切需要的人。
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Prayer Request 12/15 - 12/21
Tuesday
The government reported that the major mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS is sexual. Homosexuality accounts for thirty-two percent of new cases and the reasons for this increase are a lack of the knowledge of how to prevent AIDS, no self-protection capabilities, and "rebellious and risky behavior" because of social discrimination. There is still much discrimination in the churches, too, so Chinese Christians generally consider AIDS a just punishment of God for "sinners". Lord, we pray that we will be more compassionate like our Savior and less judgmental. We also pray for those who suffer from AIDS and have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.
Wednesday
In the churches in China there is often feuding among the leadership and even splits in the individual churches. In recent years people are fighting over denominational or theological differences and call each other unspiritual or heretics. They attack each other viciously, not unlike the "class clashes" of the Cultural Revolution. We praise the Lord that Chinese churches are re-discovering their denominational roots and identity, but we pray that believers will have the spirit of acceptance of others and a Kingdom perspective of "seeing others better than ourselves". We pray for genuine humility and true approval in Christ.
Thursday
Every Chinese parent desires to give their only child a unique Chinese name; such a task will be "easier" soon. The government plans to release a 8,000-plus character dictionary, so all the surnames and given names must come from it. One problem is that many characters are consider obscure or are seldom used. Christian parents often find it difficult to raise children Biblically. Children quickly find church boring or stop attending. Relatively few churches have knowledgeable teachers to have an effective children's Sunday School. Let us pray for churches who have children's programs and that they would be effective. We remember all the parents who tell Bible stories themselves to their kids.
Friday
In every Chinese city, there are numerous roadside stands or hawkers. Historically, these mobile merchants are part of the society and tolerated by the officials. Today, many city officials are trying to clamp down on such business practices, but it has proven a difficult task. Farmers seeking work in cities and the urban unemployed resort to selling on roadside to make a living. We are told to remember the poor and dispossessed among us. Most churches intentionally welcome those middle-income or educated; let us pray for the believers who do not have a fixed income, are salaried or even unemployed.
Saturday
In recent years, the number of homeless youth or children has steadily increased in all the larger cities. These children come from all provinces. Officials claim there are 1 to 1.5 million homeless children, and more than half of them are handicapped with a learning disability and have been abandoned by their parents. It is not uncommon for parents in interior China to ignore or even abandon their handicapped child. Let us pray especially for believers who have children with disabilities. May the Lord give them strength and the presence of the Lord to care for their "gift from God" and have the faith that God's blessing and grace is sufficient.
Sunday
"McDull tribe" is the new term depicting the urban working young people who come from poor families and must earn every yuan themselves to buy a car or an apartment. Though they are poor, they are rich in spirit, just like the poor little piglet "McDull," a character in a popular Hong Kong cartoon series. We uplift every McDull believer in China. We pray that as they work hard to build their future, many of them will walk closely with their Master, growing daily through prayer and His Word. We also pray that churches will reach out to this group, born after 1980, who are known not only for being the "one-child generation" but also for being "self-centered."
Monday
Many of the "McDull Tribe" - young Chinese urban working people - find these lyrics of "Song of Mortal" comforting: "Working in big cities, it is frustrating to be helpless, but complaining only adds misery. The world isn’t going to change for you, I got to strive to achieve my own happiness." We pray especially for many who grew up in Christian homes or attended church when they were small, but now are working in cities and no longer attend church. May the Lord move them to rediscover their faith in Jesus and reconnect with believers and find a spiritual home.
星期二
官方資料顯示，中國艾滋病主要是經由性傳播的，新病例中有32％是同性間傳染。對艾滋病缺乏知識、自我保護能力不足及進行危險的同性性行為都是艾滋病上升的主因。社會對病者存有嚴重歧視，教會內亦同。很多肢體以為得病者皆因犯罪得罪神。主啊，請教導我們更像袮，滿有恩慈憐憫而少些自義去論斷人。更求袮記念那些悔改歸向袮的病者。
星期三
一些中國的教會領袖時常爭鬥，神學上的些微差異爭論，往往演變成教會分裂。互相攻訐對方為異端，彷彿回到文化大革命時批鬥的埸景。我們感謝天父，信徒有心追求清晰純正的真理，但也禱告眾信徒之間能操練愛心，互相寬容、和平聯絡，竭力追求合一， 使教會真正做到連於元首基督; 與蒙召的恩相稱。
星期四
每位對家長都希望為其唯一孩子取個獨特的中文名字，很快此任務將變得「容易」些。中國政府計劃推出一部有8,000多字的字典，以後所有的姓和名都必須從這部字典中取得。字典仍有許多生僻字或罕用字，是一個潛在的問題。教會往往因缺乏有經驗的師資開辦兒童主日學，孩子們覺得教會活動無趣而停止參加。我們為中國教會的兒童事工禱告。也記念為孩子講聖經故事的家長們。
星期五
流動攤販及叫賣商販已經是中國社會經濟的一部分，是被默許的商業行為。現今許多中國城市開始禁止流動攤販，但往往成果不佳。大量農民湧入城市以「小買賣」謀生，城市人失業也成為流動攤販業者。一般教會自然很歡迎中等收入或高學歷者，但聖經教導我們要記念貧困的人。我們特別為那些沒有固定收入或失業下崗的信徒肢體祈求，神親自來帶領他們。
星期六
近年來，中國各大城市無家可歸的未成年人數目每年遞增，受到社會廣泛關注。官方估計大約有100萬至150萬的流浪兒童，這些孩子來自不同的省份。其中有一大半為智障兒，被親生父母遺棄。在中國內地棄養智障兒並不乏見。求主帮助每位父母以愛陪伴兒女成長，有勇氣面對兒女生理上的缺憾。也特別為家有殘障孩子的信徒禱告，願主賜他們力量與耐心照顧「神所賜的產業」，經歷神充足的恩典。
星期日
「麥兜族」是大陸時下流行語，指沒有顯赫家世，在城市辛苦工作，購房、買車，都得靠自己的草根階層年輕人。「麥兜族」是奮鬥的代名詞，生活雖艱辛，但精神很富有，「就如同香港卡通的「麥兜」只是一只平凡的小豬。讓我們祷告「麥兜」信徒不僅埋首工作經營未來，更能緊緊依靠主，以禱告和神的話語使靈命不斷成長。也為教會能將褔音帶給80年代後誕生的「獨生」和「自我中心」年輕一代祈求。
星期一
不少「麥兜族」認為《凡人歌》的歌詞最能反映他們的心境。「在大城市中無依無靠，的確有些無奈，但抱怨只能徒添煩惱。世界不會為了個人而改變，只有自己不斷努力才能爭取到幸福。」我們特別為那些在基督徒家裡成長，年幼時曾參加教會聚會，現在卻忙於在城市做工而不再上教會的禱告。願主打動他們的心，重新歸回基督的信仰，並能找到他們屬靈的家，與信徒有交通團契。
The government reported that the major mode of transmission of HIV/AIDS is sexual. Homosexuality accounts for thirty-two percent of new cases and the reasons for this increase are a lack of the knowledge of how to prevent AIDS, no self-protection capabilities, and "rebellious and risky behavior" because of social discrimination. There is still much discrimination in the churches, too, so Chinese Christians generally consider AIDS a just punishment of God for "sinners". Lord, we pray that we will be more compassionate like our Savior and less judgmental. We also pray for those who suffer from AIDS and have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior.
Wednesday
In the churches in China there is often feuding among the leadership and even splits in the individual churches. In recent years people are fighting over denominational or theological differences and call each other unspiritual or heretics. They attack each other viciously, not unlike the "class clashes" of the Cultural Revolution. We praise the Lord that Chinese churches are re-discovering their denominational roots and identity, but we pray that believers will have the spirit of acceptance of others and a Kingdom perspective of "seeing others better than ourselves". We pray for genuine humility and true approval in Christ.
Thursday
Every Chinese parent desires to give their only child a unique Chinese name; such a task will be "easier" soon. The government plans to release a 8,000-plus character dictionary, so all the surnames and given names must come from it. One problem is that many characters are consider obscure or are seldom used. Christian parents often find it difficult to raise children Biblically. Children quickly find church boring or stop attending. Relatively few churches have knowledgeable teachers to have an effective children's Sunday School. Let us pray for churches who have children's programs and that they would be effective. We remember all the parents who tell Bible stories themselves to their kids.
Friday
In every Chinese city, there are numerous roadside stands or hawkers. Historically, these mobile merchants are part of the society and tolerated by the officials. Today, many city officials are trying to clamp down on such business practices, but it has proven a difficult task. Farmers seeking work in cities and the urban unemployed resort to selling on roadside to make a living. We are told to remember the poor and dispossessed among us. Most churches intentionally welcome those middle-income or educated; let us pray for the believers who do not have a fixed income, are salaried or even unemployed.
Saturday
In recent years, the number of homeless youth or children has steadily increased in all the larger cities. These children come from all provinces. Officials claim there are 1 to 1.5 million homeless children, and more than half of them are handicapped with a learning disability and have been abandoned by their parents. It is not uncommon for parents in interior China to ignore or even abandon their handicapped child. Let us pray especially for believers who have children with disabilities. May the Lord give them strength and the presence of the Lord to care for their "gift from God" and have the faith that God's blessing and grace is sufficient.
Sunday
"McDull tribe" is the new term depicting the urban working young people who come from poor families and must earn every yuan themselves to buy a car or an apartment. Though they are poor, they are rich in spirit, just like the poor little piglet "McDull," a character in a popular Hong Kong cartoon series. We uplift every McDull believer in China. We pray that as they work hard to build their future, many of them will walk closely with their Master, growing daily through prayer and His Word. We also pray that churches will reach out to this group, born after 1980, who are known not only for being the "one-child generation" but also for being "self-centered."
Monday
Many of the "McDull Tribe" - young Chinese urban working people - find these lyrics of "Song of Mortal" comforting: "Working in big cities, it is frustrating to be helpless, but complaining only adds misery. The world isn’t going to change for you, I got to strive to achieve my own happiness." We pray especially for many who grew up in Christian homes or attended church when they were small, but now are working in cities and no longer attend church. May the Lord move them to rediscover their faith in Jesus and reconnect with believers and find a spiritual home.
星期二
官方資料顯示，中國艾滋病主要是經由性傳播的，新病例中有32％是同性間傳染。對艾滋病缺乏知識、自我保護能力不足及進行危險的同性性行為都是艾滋病上升的主因。社會對病者存有嚴重歧視，教會內亦同。很多肢體以為得病者皆因犯罪得罪神。主啊，請教導我們更像袮，滿有恩慈憐憫而少些自義去論斷人。更求袮記念那些悔改歸向袮的病者。
星期三
一些中國的教會領袖時常爭鬥，神學上的些微差異爭論，往往演變成教會分裂。互相攻訐對方為異端，彷彿回到文化大革命時批鬥的埸景。我們感謝天父，信徒有心追求清晰純正的真理，但也禱告眾信徒之間能操練愛心，互相寬容、和平聯絡，竭力追求合一， 使教會真正做到連於元首基督; 與蒙召的恩相稱。
星期四
每位對家長都希望為其唯一孩子取個獨特的中文名字，很快此任務將變得「容易」些。中國政府計劃推出一部有8,000多字的字典，以後所有的姓和名都必須從這部字典中取得。字典仍有許多生僻字或罕用字，是一個潛在的問題。教會往往因缺乏有經驗的師資開辦兒童主日學，孩子們覺得教會活動無趣而停止參加。我們為中國教會的兒童事工禱告。也記念為孩子講聖經故事的家長們。
星期五
流動攤販及叫賣商販已經是中國社會經濟的一部分，是被默許的商業行為。現今許多中國城市開始禁止流動攤販，但往往成果不佳。大量農民湧入城市以「小買賣」謀生，城市人失業也成為流動攤販業者。一般教會自然很歡迎中等收入或高學歷者，但聖經教導我們要記念貧困的人。我們特別為那些沒有固定收入或失業下崗的信徒肢體祈求，神親自來帶領他們。
星期六
近年來，中國各大城市無家可歸的未成年人數目每年遞增，受到社會廣泛關注。官方估計大約有100萬至150萬的流浪兒童，這些孩子來自不同的省份。其中有一大半為智障兒，被親生父母遺棄。在中國內地棄養智障兒並不乏見。求主帮助每位父母以愛陪伴兒女成長，有勇氣面對兒女生理上的缺憾。也特別為家有殘障孩子的信徒禱告，願主賜他們力量與耐心照顧「神所賜的產業」，經歷神充足的恩典。
星期日
「麥兜族」是大陸時下流行語，指沒有顯赫家世，在城市辛苦工作，購房、買車，都得靠自己的草根階層年輕人。「麥兜族」是奮鬥的代名詞，生活雖艱辛，但精神很富有，「就如同香港卡通的「麥兜」只是一只平凡的小豬。讓我們祷告「麥兜」信徒不僅埋首工作經營未來，更能緊緊依靠主，以禱告和神的話語使靈命不斷成長。也為教會能將褔音帶給80年代後誕生的「獨生」和「自我中心」年輕一代祈求。
星期一
不少「麥兜族」認為《凡人歌》的歌詞最能反映他們的心境。「在大城市中無依無靠，的確有些無奈，但抱怨只能徒添煩惱。世界不會為了個人而改變，只有自己不斷努力才能爭取到幸福。」我們特別為那些在基督徒家裡成長，年幼時曾參加教會聚會，現在卻忙於在城市做工而不再上教會的禱告。願主打動他們的心，重新歸回基督的信仰，並能找到他們屬靈的家，與信徒有交通團契。
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Prayer Request 12/08 - 12/14
Tuesday
The movie 2010 was the top one in the box office in China. They liked the movie because in it Hollywood portrayed Chinese people positively. All the arks used to save humanity in this film were "Made in China". Each year only twenty foreign films are allowed to be shown in China and this movie was shown without any editing. We thank the Lord for the increase in national pride and the popular sentiment of "Chinese can save the world" that we see right now in China. We pray Chinese believers will be more confident in their role of sharing Jesus with their neighbors rather than just the idealistic vision of "we have a mission to the world". We pray, too, that believers will humbly accept one another rather than attacking each other due to petty differences.
Wednesday
Garlic from Shangdong province has become a hot item on the market and the price has shot up nearly ten-fold because of the rumored benefit it gives of preventing the common flu in the winter. Even young ladies are joining the ranks of those chewing raw garlic. In the past Chinese believers were ridiculed and badly victimized when they fell prey to cults that promised instant financial and health benefits. Let us pray that growth in all churches is built on God's Word instead of just false promises and that they will grow through the moving of the Spirit rather than through the charisma of some person.
Thursday
These are some of the top cliches in China now: "I can deal with hoodlums, it is the civilized hoodlums that I can't stand." "Don't bother me when things are fine, don't ask for my help when things go wrong." "Don't try to decide who is lazier. I am too lazy too be compared with you." Many people feel that young people today have a bad attitude, are irresponsible and not willing to help. In churches, this is a common complaint of older believers as well. Let us pray for the more mature believers to be willing to model sacrificial serving and may the Holy Spirit work mightily among new believers to want to serve and give of themselves.
Friday
Traditionally Chinese morality considers that revenge is a virtue. A very common cliche goes like this: "It is un-gentlemanly not to seek revenge." A debt must be reciprocated or returned whether it is through kindness or meanness. One who does not take revenge on another is considered a fool, unethical, and not fit to be called a man. Thus, we can see why Chinese believers struggle a great deal with forgiveness and letting go. May the Lord help us to see and understand the grace and mercy He has for all of us. Unresolved hatred is a big reason many believers cannot fully appreciate God's love and kindness to us and why they are so legalistic.
Saturday
China is trying hard to reverse her brain drain by luring accomplished professors to return home.They are offering a salary of one million yuan hoping to recruit one thousand professors. But there is a catch--these people must give up their foreign citizenship to let China have full credit for their research. Salary is always a factor in retaining pastors in rural churches. Those who have children want to live in cities where the schools are better. Let us pray especially for those churches that are without shepherds and are not likely to attract one because of small financial remuneration. We also remember to pray for strength and God's provision for pastors who have stayed on to serve in rural churches.
Sunday
Despite the global economic downturn, the personal wealth of the rich in China has continued to expand . By the end of 2009 China will have 450,000 millionaires (in USD, excluding their homes) and that number will double in four years.Millionaires represent only 0.1 percent of all Chinese households but they hold nearly half of the total wealth in China. Most Christians expect those who are rich to give offerings and use that as an excuse not to be a faithful steward themselves. People simply expect others to give but they themselves will not give. Thus, the offerings in churches are generally low and given by only a few. Let us pray that God will change this mentality for believers and open their eyes to see that God is waiting to pour His abundant riches on those who are willing to trust Him.
Monday
Half of the students in China feel their parents care only about their school grades and nearly ninety percent of the parents admit that the academic performance of their children is their top concern. Students say that their number one worry is that they will disappoint their parents. Even Christian parents often feel that their children' good grades are more important than a close relationship with God. We pray along with all the Christians parents who are worried that their children will drift away from the faith but also naturally are concerned about the future of their only child.
星期二
電影《2012》在中國拿下票房冠軍。因為首次有好萊塢大片正面描寫中國人，因此國人對該電影大有好感。片中在世界末日中拯救人類的巨型方舟是“中國製造”。中國每年只准20部外片上映，可貴的是這部影片放映時是毫無删減。感謝主讓中國人民族自信不斷提升，常抱著“中國人可以拯救世界”的期許。我們祈求神讓中國信徒不僅停留在談論“我們對世界的使命”，能更有自信跨出向鄰舍傳福音。也求神讓信徒謙卑地互相接納，不互相攻擊。
星期三
山東大蒜原先七、八毛(人民幣)一斤，近來因傳有預防流感妙不可言的食效，讓人們趨之若鶩，成了市埸上流行熱賣的新寵，價格飆漲十倍，連素不喜歡吃的女士也加入吃生蒜的行列。過去中國信徒往往受害於種種異端，承諾所謂能使人迅速發財、病得痊癒，困難消除云云，我們禱告中國教會的增長，能植根於上帝的話語，而非種種迷惑人的謊言，靠著聖靈的大能而非個別領袖的魅力。
星期四
中國時髦口頭禪排行榜是：「流氓不可怕，就怕流氓有文化。」；「沒什麼事不要找我，有事更不用找我。」；「錢不是問題，問題是沒錢！」「不要和我比懶，我懶得和你比。」常聞「現在的年輕人靠不住，沒有敬業、持守的態度」之類的感嘆，教會中也是如此。求主興起更多「成熟」的信徒，願意順從聖靈的感動，在教會中學習捨己事奉，在金錢上也更多參與，成為初信者服事的好榜樣。
星期五
中國傳統裡有恩報恩，有仇報仇，「此仇不報非君子也」成了人們的口頭禪。不報仇雪恨是愚不可及、不道德，更不是君子。因此信徒很難實踐寬恕和既往不咎。許多信徒不能完全理解神的愛和善良的一大原因是無法解決仇恨，也令靈命上始終墨守成規、裹足不前。求主幫助我們體認：是神滿有恩典來憐憫我們這些蒙恩的罪人，信徒只有在饒恕的愛中得釋放與自由。
星期六
政府提供100萬元人民幣的厚薪和一大筆實驗室資金等優厚條件，吸引海外的頂尖華人科學家歸國。其中條件之一是他們必須放棄外國國籍，將研究成果歸國家掌控中。農村教會難以留住牧師，薪酬是一個主要因素。一些年青信徒為了較豐富的生活質素，寧願離鄉別井到城市求學、求職。我們來為沒有牧者、連基本資源也缺乏的教會禱告。求主厚賜力量和信心給這些農村教會與牧者。
星期日
儘管全球經濟衰退，今年底中國仍有45萬名資產達百萬美元以上的「百萬富翁」，未來四年人數且會加倍。他們雖僅占千分之一，卻擁有全中國一半的資產。很多信認為奉獻是有錢人(別人)的事，而不願意照著聖經的教導將自己該盡的份擺上。長遠來說，這些人對教會的投入只會更少。我們求神打開弟兄姊妹的眼睛，能做財富的好管家，也能更因在金錢上有更多的擺上得著更豐盛的生命和平安。
星期一
據調查顯示：半數的中國學生認為父母只關心他們的學習成績；近九成的父母承認自己最關心的也是孩子的學習成績。很多學生最擔心的是成績不好令父母失望。基督徒父母也常認為孩子有好成績比跟神的關係更重要。很多信徒面對家中唯一的孩子，既擔心他們偏離了信仰，卻也不免掛慮他們未來的前途。讓我們禱告，身為父母親的肢體能以神為中心來教育兒女，願意將一切憂慮全交在全能神手裏。
The movie 2010 was the top one in the box office in China. They liked the movie because in it Hollywood portrayed Chinese people positively. All the arks used to save humanity in this film were "Made in China". Each year only twenty foreign films are allowed to be shown in China and this movie was shown without any editing. We thank the Lord for the increase in national pride and the popular sentiment of "Chinese can save the world" that we see right now in China. We pray Chinese believers will be more confident in their role of sharing Jesus with their neighbors rather than just the idealistic vision of "we have a mission to the world". We pray, too, that believers will humbly accept one another rather than attacking each other due to petty differences.
Wednesday
Garlic from Shangdong province has become a hot item on the market and the price has shot up nearly ten-fold because of the rumored benefit it gives of preventing the common flu in the winter. Even young ladies are joining the ranks of those chewing raw garlic. In the past Chinese believers were ridiculed and badly victimized when they fell prey to cults that promised instant financial and health benefits. Let us pray that growth in all churches is built on God's Word instead of just false promises and that they will grow through the moving of the Spirit rather than through the charisma of some person.
Thursday
These are some of the top cliches in China now: "I can deal with hoodlums, it is the civilized hoodlums that I can't stand." "Don't bother me when things are fine, don't ask for my help when things go wrong." "Don't try to decide who is lazier. I am too lazy too be compared with you." Many people feel that young people today have a bad attitude, are irresponsible and not willing to help. In churches, this is a common complaint of older believers as well. Let us pray for the more mature believers to be willing to model sacrificial serving and may the Holy Spirit work mightily among new believers to want to serve and give of themselves.
Friday
Traditionally Chinese morality considers that revenge is a virtue. A very common cliche goes like this: "It is un-gentlemanly not to seek revenge." A debt must be reciprocated or returned whether it is through kindness or meanness. One who does not take revenge on another is considered a fool, unethical, and not fit to be called a man. Thus, we can see why Chinese believers struggle a great deal with forgiveness and letting go. May the Lord help us to see and understand the grace and mercy He has for all of us. Unresolved hatred is a big reason many believers cannot fully appreciate God's love and kindness to us and why they are so legalistic.
Saturday
China is trying hard to reverse her brain drain by luring accomplished professors to return home.They are offering a salary of one million yuan hoping to recruit one thousand professors. But there is a catch--these people must give up their foreign citizenship to let China have full credit for their research. Salary is always a factor in retaining pastors in rural churches. Those who have children want to live in cities where the schools are better. Let us pray especially for those churches that are without shepherds and are not likely to attract one because of small financial remuneration. We also remember to pray for strength and God's provision for pastors who have stayed on to serve in rural churches.
Sunday
Despite the global economic downturn, the personal wealth of the rich in China has continued to expand . By the end of 2009 China will have 450,000 millionaires (in USD, excluding their homes) and that number will double in four years.Millionaires represent only 0.1 percent of all Chinese households but they hold nearly half of the total wealth in China. Most Christians expect those who are rich to give offerings and use that as an excuse not to be a faithful steward themselves. People simply expect others to give but they themselves will not give. Thus, the offerings in churches are generally low and given by only a few. Let us pray that God will change this mentality for believers and open their eyes to see that God is waiting to pour His abundant riches on those who are willing to trust Him.
Monday
Half of the students in China feel their parents care only about their school grades and nearly ninety percent of the parents admit that the academic performance of their children is their top concern. Students say that their number one worry is that they will disappoint their parents. Even Christian parents often feel that their children' good grades are more important than a close relationship with God. We pray along with all the Christians parents who are worried that their children will drift away from the faith but also naturally are concerned about the future of their only child.
星期二
電影《2012》在中國拿下票房冠軍。因為首次有好萊塢大片正面描寫中國人，因此國人對該電影大有好感。片中在世界末日中拯救人類的巨型方舟是“中國製造”。中國每年只准20部外片上映，可貴的是這部影片放映時是毫無删減。感謝主讓中國人民族自信不斷提升，常抱著“中國人可以拯救世界”的期許。我們祈求神讓中國信徒不僅停留在談論“我們對世界的使命”，能更有自信跨出向鄰舍傳福音。也求神讓信徒謙卑地互相接納，不互相攻擊。
星期三
山東大蒜原先七、八毛(人民幣)一斤，近來因傳有預防流感妙不可言的食效，讓人們趨之若鶩，成了市埸上流行熱賣的新寵，價格飆漲十倍，連素不喜歡吃的女士也加入吃生蒜的行列。過去中國信徒往往受害於種種異端，承諾所謂能使人迅速發財、病得痊癒，困難消除云云，我們禱告中國教會的增長，能植根於上帝的話語，而非種種迷惑人的謊言，靠著聖靈的大能而非個別領袖的魅力。
星期四
中國時髦口頭禪排行榜是：「流氓不可怕，就怕流氓有文化。」；「沒什麼事不要找我，有事更不用找我。」；「錢不是問題，問題是沒錢！」「不要和我比懶，我懶得和你比。」常聞「現在的年輕人靠不住，沒有敬業、持守的態度」之類的感嘆，教會中也是如此。求主興起更多「成熟」的信徒，願意順從聖靈的感動，在教會中學習捨己事奉，在金錢上也更多參與，成為初信者服事的好榜樣。
星期五
中國傳統裡有恩報恩，有仇報仇，「此仇不報非君子也」成了人們的口頭禪。不報仇雪恨是愚不可及、不道德，更不是君子。因此信徒很難實踐寬恕和既往不咎。許多信徒不能完全理解神的愛和善良的一大原因是無法解決仇恨，也令靈命上始終墨守成規、裹足不前。求主幫助我們體認：是神滿有恩典來憐憫我們這些蒙恩的罪人，信徒只有在饒恕的愛中得釋放與自由。
星期六
政府提供100萬元人民幣的厚薪和一大筆實驗室資金等優厚條件，吸引海外的頂尖華人科學家歸國。其中條件之一是他們必須放棄外國國籍，將研究成果歸國家掌控中。農村教會難以留住牧師，薪酬是一個主要因素。一些年青信徒為了較豐富的生活質素，寧願離鄉別井到城市求學、求職。我們來為沒有牧者、連基本資源也缺乏的教會禱告。求主厚賜力量和信心給這些農村教會與牧者。
星期日
儘管全球經濟衰退，今年底中國仍有45萬名資產達百萬美元以上的「百萬富翁」，未來四年人數且會加倍。他們雖僅占千分之一，卻擁有全中國一半的資產。很多信認為奉獻是有錢人(別人)的事，而不願意照著聖經的教導將自己該盡的份擺上。長遠來說，這些人對教會的投入只會更少。我們求神打開弟兄姊妹的眼睛，能做財富的好管家，也能更因在金錢上有更多的擺上得著更豐盛的生命和平安。
星期一
據調查顯示：半數的中國學生認為父母只關心他們的學習成績；近九成的父母承認自己最關心的也是孩子的學習成績。很多學生最擔心的是成績不好令父母失望。基督徒父母也常認為孩子有好成績比跟神的關係更重要。很多信徒面對家中唯一的孩子，既擔心他們偏離了信仰，卻也不免掛慮他們未來的前途。讓我們禱告，身為父母親的肢體能以神為中心來教育兒女，願意將一切憂慮全交在全能神手裏。
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Prayer Request 12/01 - 12/07
Tuesday
In China households with sons accumulate assets, especially houses in order to compete in the marriage market and thus cause the housing market to fluctuate greatly. This provides a constant demand and bids up the prices which in turn causes people to have to save more. Let us pray specifically for believing families who have sons, not only for Biblical parenting but also for a desire to see their (only) son walk closely with the Lord and even willingly encourage or allow him to serve Him.
Wednesday
If they were asked the question, "After sixty years why do Chinese people still hate the Japanese so much?" most Chinese would answer, "The reason is that the Japanese military did so much damage and hurt us so much. They are still unrepentant and building up their military forces." While the Chinese like to use Japanese electronic products, they do not have a love for the people of Japan. Likewise churches cannot really love the the unsaved or the Muslims if we fail to stop our deep hatred for the country and people who live next door to us. Let us pray for true forgiveness in our churches starting with our own hearts because God has first forgiven us. We need to care about the biggest mission field, not that one far away, but the one next door, Japan.
Thursday
In a recent publication the head of China's Bureau of Religious Affairs defended the government's religious policy as "based on separation of state and religion and seeking a harmonious relation between the government and faith." He rejected the claim that China oppresses religion and allows no religious freedom. The decision to stay unregistered as a church is a tough one for all house churches. We pray for wisdom and God's guidance for them. We pray especially those who are facing the difficulty of finding places to hold worship because they cannot obtain the approval from authority.
Friday
Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its very first restaurant in Beijing in 1987 and it is now the largest restaurant franchise in China, far ahead of even McDonald's. KFC has stores in more than six hundred cities and in four hundred of them, it faces no Western competition. China is indeed a huge country but in terms of churches and training centers for Christian workers, only about twenty to thirty cities get most of the attention and resources. Let us pray for the churches and believers in those cities in which there is a KFC but the church has never appeared on our prayer "radar". May the Lord strengthen their work for Him and their faith.
Saturday
According to a government estimate there are still fourteen million Chinese in the villages who are considered to be in absolute poverty, having nothing. The government has attempted to close the ever-widening disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots" but still schools in poor areas are horribly inadequate in both the quality of their teachers and their facilities. The gap between the rich and poor is very evident within church and between churches. We pray for humility and a heart of thanksgiving for those who are wealthy and a desire to trust God for those who are unemployed or poor. Once again we uplift all the churches in the poor regions and remember our brothers and sisters who have little but are rich in God.
Sunday
China has launched an ambitious "1000-scholars project" to jump-start her place in the world of science. She is offering salaries that are ten times regular salaries to lure the most talented Chinese researchers who live abroad to return home. However, this effort has alienated those professors who have not studied abroad. There has also been a huge gap in compensation between rural and urban pastors. Giving in the rural churches tends to be low which forces the pastors to take on a side job to support their families. Let us remember these leaders that they will have strength to do their ministry, wisdom as they shepherd the flock, and a close walk with Jesus themselves.
Monday
A FIFA soccer agent said, "Asian players generally lack confidence. Chinese players are the worst. European players are tougher, more resilient and they have the advantage in bigger size." Asian players get hurt more easily and are not accustomed to playing in bitter cold weather. Many Chinese believers feel inadequate in sharing the gospel because they are new believers and still weak. They fear they will bring shame to God's name or are not qualified to share. We pray for divine confidence and the enabling of the Holy Spirit that will give us all the willingness to be able to share our testimonies for Jesus Christ.
星期二
有男孩子的家庭為了使他能在婚姻上有更多籌碼，父母通常會為他累積一些財產，房屋通常是第一選擇。這種對房屋的不斷需求，使房地產價格飆升，市場動盪。一般人需更多儲蓄才有可能購屋。讓我們為有兒子的信徒家庭禱告，願神幫助他們不單以聖經原則教養孩子，更願意帶領兒子一起與神同行，鼓勵他們服事主。
星期三
「六十多年了，中國人為什麼還是那麼恨日本？」(卻愛日本電器產品）多數中國人會回答：「日本軍人以前對我國及人民傷害太深，至今還不知徹底悔改，且還在發展軍事力量，這是最主要的！」同樣的，教會不能真心愛「未得之民」，除非先除掉我們對鄰國及其人民的恨意。讓我們禱告求上帝讓中國教會能打從心底真正饒恕他們，如同上帝饒恕了我們一樣。讓我們能把宣教眼光聚焦在離我們不遠的鄰國－日本－這片廣大的福音禾場！
星期四
近來宗教事務局表示，中國的新型政教關係，以政教分離原則為基礎，以政教和諧為價值取向，同時拒絕西方國家攻擊中國政府「壓制宗教信仰自由」。對所有家庭教會而言，「是否堅持不註冊入案」是個很難的決定。祈求上帝賜智慧，引導他們作出合神心意的抉擇。我們也特別為未獲發有關證件，仍在尋找合適崇拜地點的教會禱告。
星期五
自1987年第一間肯德基餐廳(KFC)於北京開業迄今，已發展成連鎖餐廳之冠，遙遙領先對手「麥當勞」。肯德基餐廳進註中國600多個城市，其中400個是完全沒有其他西式餐廳與其競爭的。論到中國教會成長及同工培訓方面，當中只有20至30個大城市是倍受關注和資源充沛的。許多城市中的教會，並沒有足夠的屬靈上和物力上資源供應的。這些鮮為人知的教會亦不常在祈禱中被提及。願主親自堅定他們的信心，加添他們的能力；也幫助我們學習在禱告中時常記念他們。
星期六
官方估計，農村中完全一無所有的「絕對貧困」人口還有1,437萬。政府一直嘗試拉近貧富間「有」與「無」的差異，可是貧困地區，學校就連基本的設施和教師都嚴重缺乏。在教會裏或不同教會之間，貧富差距也非常明顯，我們禱告富裕的信徒能常存感恩、謙卑的心來榮耀神；也為物質上貧窮和待業者能堅定不移地信靠神。我們再次在禱告中記念居於貧困地區但在主裡富足的弟兄姊妹。
星期日
中國發起了「千人計劃」，要以十倍的薪酬，吸引海外最傑出的人才回國做研究工作。歸國人才享有的優厚待遇，成了一些沒出國的學者們的隱痛，往往與海歸產生很多嫌隙。農村教會和城市教會也存在這種結構性分歧，很多農村教會的牧者雖有牧者身份，但微小的薪酬，實在不能應付家庭開支。他們必須一邊牧養信徒，一邊打工賺錢。讓我們以禱告記念他們，願神賜他們智慧，懂得平衡生活與牧養；每天與神同心同行。
星期一
一位國際足聯(FIFA)經紀人說：亞洲球員普遍自信心不夠，中國球員尤其差。歐美球員身材高大，柔韌性好，因此在對抗性較強的足球賽中往往能占到便宜。相比之下，亞洲球員的在比賽中容易受傷，尤其是在天氣比較寒冷的比賽。許多中國信徒對分享福音毫無自信，認為個人生命未臻完全，不夠資格傳福音。恐怕謙卑承認自己的軟弱，會羞辱了主耶穌。求主賜給信徒信心，聖靈的能力，讓我們能夠剛強壯膽地為主耶穌做見證，和別人分享得永生的好消息。
In China households with sons accumulate assets, especially houses in order to compete in the marriage market and thus cause the housing market to fluctuate greatly. This provides a constant demand and bids up the prices which in turn causes people to have to save more. Let us pray specifically for believing families who have sons, not only for Biblical parenting but also for a desire to see their (only) son walk closely with the Lord and even willingly encourage or allow him to serve Him.
Wednesday
If they were asked the question, "After sixty years why do Chinese people still hate the Japanese so much?" most Chinese would answer, "The reason is that the Japanese military did so much damage and hurt us so much. They are still unrepentant and building up their military forces." While the Chinese like to use Japanese electronic products, they do not have a love for the people of Japan. Likewise churches cannot really love the the unsaved or the Muslims if we fail to stop our deep hatred for the country and people who live next door to us. Let us pray for true forgiveness in our churches starting with our own hearts because God has first forgiven us. We need to care about the biggest mission field, not that one far away, but the one next door, Japan.
Thursday
In a recent publication the head of China's Bureau of Religious Affairs defended the government's religious policy as "based on separation of state and religion and seeking a harmonious relation between the government and faith." He rejected the claim that China oppresses religion and allows no religious freedom. The decision to stay unregistered as a church is a tough one for all house churches. We pray for wisdom and God's guidance for them. We pray especially those who are facing the difficulty of finding places to hold worship because they cannot obtain the approval from authority.
Friday
Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its very first restaurant in Beijing in 1987 and it is now the largest restaurant franchise in China, far ahead of even McDonald's. KFC has stores in more than six hundred cities and in four hundred of them, it faces no Western competition. China is indeed a huge country but in terms of churches and training centers for Christian workers, only about twenty to thirty cities get most of the attention and resources. Let us pray for the churches and believers in those cities in which there is a KFC but the church has never appeared on our prayer "radar". May the Lord strengthen their work for Him and their faith.
Saturday
According to a government estimate there are still fourteen million Chinese in the villages who are considered to be in absolute poverty, having nothing. The government has attempted to close the ever-widening disparity between the "haves" and "have-nots" but still schools in poor areas are horribly inadequate in both the quality of their teachers and their facilities. The gap between the rich and poor is very evident within church and between churches. We pray for humility and a heart of thanksgiving for those who are wealthy and a desire to trust God for those who are unemployed or poor. Once again we uplift all the churches in the poor regions and remember our brothers and sisters who have little but are rich in God.
Sunday
China has launched an ambitious "1000-scholars project" to jump-start her place in the world of science. She is offering salaries that are ten times regular salaries to lure the most talented Chinese researchers who live abroad to return home. However, this effort has alienated those professors who have not studied abroad. There has also been a huge gap in compensation between rural and urban pastors. Giving in the rural churches tends to be low which forces the pastors to take on a side job to support their families. Let us remember these leaders that they will have strength to do their ministry, wisdom as they shepherd the flock, and a close walk with Jesus themselves.
Monday
A FIFA soccer agent said, "Asian players generally lack confidence. Chinese players are the worst. European players are tougher, more resilient and they have the advantage in bigger size." Asian players get hurt more easily and are not accustomed to playing in bitter cold weather. Many Chinese believers feel inadequate in sharing the gospel because they are new believers and still weak. They fear they will bring shame to God's name or are not qualified to share. We pray for divine confidence and the enabling of the Holy Spirit that will give us all the willingness to be able to share our testimonies for Jesus Christ.
星期二
有男孩子的家庭為了使他能在婚姻上有更多籌碼，父母通常會為他累積一些財產，房屋通常是第一選擇。這種對房屋的不斷需求，使房地產價格飆升，市場動盪。一般人需更多儲蓄才有可能購屋。讓我們為有兒子的信徒家庭禱告，願神幫助他們不單以聖經原則教養孩子，更願意帶領兒子一起與神同行，鼓勵他們服事主。
星期三
「六十多年了，中國人為什麼還是那麼恨日本？」(卻愛日本電器產品）多數中國人會回答：「日本軍人以前對我國及人民傷害太深，至今還不知徹底悔改，且還在發展軍事力量，這是最主要的！」同樣的，教會不能真心愛「未得之民」，除非先除掉我們對鄰國及其人民的恨意。讓我們禱告求上帝讓中國教會能打從心底真正饒恕他們，如同上帝饒恕了我們一樣。讓我們能把宣教眼光聚焦在離我們不遠的鄰國－日本－這片廣大的福音禾場！
星期四
近來宗教事務局表示，中國的新型政教關係，以政教分離原則為基礎，以政教和諧為價值取向，同時拒絕西方國家攻擊中國政府「壓制宗教信仰自由」。對所有家庭教會而言，「是否堅持不註冊入案」是個很難的決定。祈求上帝賜智慧，引導他們作出合神心意的抉擇。我們也特別為未獲發有關證件，仍在尋找合適崇拜地點的教會禱告。
星期五
自1987年第一間肯德基餐廳(KFC)於北京開業迄今，已發展成連鎖餐廳之冠，遙遙領先對手「麥當勞」。肯德基餐廳進註中國600多個城市，其中400個是完全沒有其他西式餐廳與其競爭的。論到中國教會成長及同工培訓方面，當中只有20至30個大城市是倍受關注和資源充沛的。許多城市中的教會，並沒有足夠的屬靈上和物力上資源供應的。這些鮮為人知的教會亦不常在祈禱中被提及。願主親自堅定他們的信心，加添他們的能力；也幫助我們學習在禱告中時常記念他們。
星期六
官方估計，農村中完全一無所有的「絕對貧困」人口還有1,437萬。政府一直嘗試拉近貧富間「有」與「無」的差異，可是貧困地區，學校就連基本的設施和教師都嚴重缺乏。在教會裏或不同教會之間，貧富差距也非常明顯，我們禱告富裕的信徒能常存感恩、謙卑的心來榮耀神；也為物質上貧窮和待業者能堅定不移地信靠神。我們再次在禱告中記念居於貧困地區但在主裡富足的弟兄姊妹。
星期日
中國發起了「千人計劃」，要以十倍的薪酬，吸引海外最傑出的人才回國做研究工作。歸國人才享有的優厚待遇，成了一些沒出國的學者們的隱痛，往往與海歸產生很多嫌隙。農村教會和城市教會也存在這種結構性分歧，很多農村教會的牧者雖有牧者身份，但微小的薪酬，實在不能應付家庭開支。他們必須一邊牧養信徒，一邊打工賺錢。讓我們以禱告記念他們，願神賜他們智慧，懂得平衡生活與牧養；每天與神同心同行。
星期一
一位國際足聯(FIFA)經紀人說：亞洲球員普遍自信心不夠，中國球員尤其差。歐美球員身材高大，柔韌性好，因此在對抗性較強的足球賽中往往能占到便宜。相比之下，亞洲球員的在比賽中容易受傷，尤其是在天氣比較寒冷的比賽。許多中國信徒對分享福音毫無自信，認為個人生命未臻完全，不夠資格傳福音。恐怕謙卑承認自己的軟弱，會羞辱了主耶穌。求主賜給信徒信心，聖靈的能力，讓我們能夠剛強壯膽地為主耶穌做見證，和別人分享得永生的好消息。
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Prayer Request 11/24 - 11/30
Tuesday
President Obama met privately with his Kenyan half brother who lives and works in Shenzhen, China. Both men have written books about their father who was an alcoholic, did not treat his family well, and even abandoned his children. Many Christians do not have a good memory of their fathers and struggle hard to have a good relationship with their parents. Let us pray for forgiveness and healing by the Holy Spirit. We pray, too, for Christian men in China that the Lord will give them the conviction that they are the head of their family and they need to be like Christ who gave His all to His church.
Wednesday
In a speech on the US-China economic relationship, President Obama quoted the ancient Chinese philosopher Meng-tze, "A trail becomes a path in a short time." What he implied was that both sides should be removing mutual distrust and find a workable solution to their economic situation using a pragmatic approach. Many churches in China are exploring ways to have their churches "legalized" without the actual step of registering with the government. May the Lord continue to give these churches growth and boldness in sharing their faith in their communities.
Thursday
In the past China seemed to have an endless supply of cheap labor. Today, however, many blue-collared workers are no longer willing to go to Guangdong province to work for low wages and be able to return home only once a year. There are more opportunities for jobs with the same pay in their own provinces. Rural churches have suffered greatly as their young people have gone away to the cities to work. Now more young people are working closer to home and can return there more often. We pray for the rural churches again, their vitality, their sense that God is still with them, and their feeling that they are "poor and cannot do anything".
Friday
Starting this year, China's elderly population is increasing by eight million yearly and it is estimated the total population of elderly will reach 200,000,000 by 2014. Currently 12.79% of the population of China (169,000,000) are sixty years or older. People are aging and they are facing the ever greater problem of having no "live-in-helper" to aid them. Many elderly believers are unable to attend church and their pastors do not visit them. Let us remember these older saints that they will continue in their faith and joy in the Lord. We pray, too, for all the churches as they work hard to find volunteers to do home visitation and encourage these home-bound believers.
Saturday
Leaving their child with grandparents or relatives so both parents can go to the city to work is very common in China. The problem comes when years later the family re-unites and there is little or no bonding of parents with child. The parents are at a total loss in knowing how to deal with this strange child and vice versa, the child does not know his parents. There are many grandparents who bear the responsibility of raising their grandchild. Let us pray for them, for strength and wisdom. We pray, too, for those parents who are unable to connect with their child and build a bond to instill Christian beliefs and values even though they are apart.
Sunday
In the past, working for a multinational company would be a dream for any talented young Chinese professional but in China these workers have a low retention rate since they switch jobs to go to a different company for even slightly higher pay. Now, they leave if they feel their company is not advancing in the market. Retaining church workers continues to be a tough problem for most churches, especially when their income is low or there is no good school nearby. Let us pray for all the churches who are looking for pastors, full-time or part-time. We pray, too, for those pastors who are thinking about leaving their churches because of these issues.
Monday
In China, highway 312 begins in Shanghai and runs though Zhengzhou (Henan), Xian, and Lanzhou all the way to Urumqi and to the Kazakhstan border. The last part was the famous ancient Silk Road so it represents both China's past and her future with the Han culture dominating the super-wealthy coastal metropolis and on over to the developing Muslim Xinjiang. Let us pray as the church in China continues to send workers to their Muslim neighbors in the West. This missionary journey has been a difficult one for them. We pray for all the Chinese believers who are working among the Islamic countries. May the Lord use them mightily as His light.
星期二
美國總統奧巴馬在中國訪問時，私下會見了來自肯尼亞現於深圳定居工作同父異母的兄弟。他們兩人都出過書描述關於父親酗酒的問題，甚至丟棄了自己的孩子，破壞了家庭幸福。許多中國基督徒也有和父親相處不愉快的經歷，至今仍無法與父母有良好的溝通。我們求聖靈醫治他們的傷痕並能夠彼此寬恕，修復關係。同時讓我們也為做丈夫的肢體來禱告，願神給他們決心，學基督一為教會捨己的樣式，成為家裡屬靈的領袖。
星期三
美國總統奧巴馬，引用孟子「山徑之蹊間，介然用之而成路，為間不用，則茅塞之矣」來解說兩國未來經濟關係。期盼中、美不要因分歧而搪塞了溝通之路。許多中國教會仍在探索如何在不經過政府宗教局的登記程序下，能使教會「合法化」。求主記念他們的策略，保守他們質與量的增長，在社區內更有勇氣分享信仰。
星期四
過去中國的廉價勞工似乎源源不絕，然而隨著內地經濟的急速起飛，許多藍領工人已不用出遠門就有許多工作機會，故此也不再願意到廣東省等「外地」，從事工資低、一年只能回家一次的工作。農村教會一直因年輕人到外省打工，而事工難以發展。近來已有更多年輕人能在鄰近城市工作，也能更常回到家。我們再次記念農村的教會，為他們有活潑的靈命，脫袪自憐心態，堅信神永遠信實地與他們同在。
星期五
今年起中國老年人口預計將每年增加800萬人，至2014年時將逼近2億。2008年底老年人口已達1.69億，佔總人口的12.79％。隨著老齡人口急速增長，「空巢化」問題亦日益嚴重。 許多年長信徒無法參加聚會，牧者也無暇探訪。讓我們為這些長者祈求，願神將平安、喜樂和信心賜給他們。也求神興起教會弟兄姊妹多關心鼓勵和幫助這些身體軟弱、不方便常出門的年長肢體。
星期六
將孩子交給祖父母照顧而外出工作，是一般中國民工的寫照。等到幾年後回家，與孩子的關係已產生許多鴻溝和疏離，對於從未養育過子女的年輕父母而言，無論是與子女互動或管教都備感艱辛。求主憐憫這些家庭，讓教會有能力回應此挑戰。裝備基督徒父母有屬神的智慧和愛心，處理好親子間的問題。也賜給年長祖父母健康、體力並屬靈的能力照顧留家的孩子。
星期日
就職於跨國公司曾是中國年輕白領階層夢寐所求，但也為稍高的薪金而跳槽。今年輕白領離職主因已不全是薪水，而是覺得沒有發展前景。許多中國教會也同樣為留住傳道人而傷腦筋。若薪資低，附近又無好的學校讓孩子就讀，就很難留住傳道人。求主為尋覓傳道人的教會差派合適的牧者，同時也為面對類似問題的傳道人禱代告。
星期一
橫跨三千英哩的312國道,從上海途經河南鄭州、西安、蘭州、烏魯木齊一直到哈薩克斯坦。接連了漢族富裕的沿海大城市和發展中的新疆穆斯林，最後一段更是歷史有名的絲綢之路。 讓我們為中國教會能繼續差派工人到穆斯林國家來禱告。記念他們傳福音的艱苦;宣教旅程的孤單。更記念在伊斯蘭教國家中服侍神的華人，求主大大使用他們為主做見證。
President Obama met privately with his Kenyan half brother who lives and works in Shenzhen, China. Both men have written books about their father who was an alcoholic, did not treat his family well, and even abandoned his children. Many Christians do not have a good memory of their fathers and struggle hard to have a good relationship with their parents. Let us pray for forgiveness and healing by the Holy Spirit. We pray, too, for Christian men in China that the Lord will give them the conviction that they are the head of their family and they need to be like Christ who gave His all to His church.
Wednesday
In a speech on the US-China economic relationship, President Obama quoted the ancient Chinese philosopher Meng-tze, "A trail becomes a path in a short time." What he implied was that both sides should be removing mutual distrust and find a workable solution to their economic situation using a pragmatic approach. Many churches in China are exploring ways to have their churches "legalized" without the actual step of registering with the government. May the Lord continue to give these churches growth and boldness in sharing their faith in their communities.
Thursday
In the past China seemed to have an endless supply of cheap labor. Today, however, many blue-collared workers are no longer willing to go to Guangdong province to work for low wages and be able to return home only once a year. There are more opportunities for jobs with the same pay in their own provinces. Rural churches have suffered greatly as their young people have gone away to the cities to work. Now more young people are working closer to home and can return there more often. We pray for the rural churches again, their vitality, their sense that God is still with them, and their feeling that they are "poor and cannot do anything".
Friday
Starting this year, China's elderly population is increasing by eight million yearly and it is estimated the total population of elderly will reach 200,000,000 by 2014. Currently 12.79% of the population of China (169,000,000) are sixty years or older. People are aging and they are facing the ever greater problem of having no "live-in-helper" to aid them. Many elderly believers are unable to attend church and their pastors do not visit them. Let us remember these older saints that they will continue in their faith and joy in the Lord. We pray, too, for all the churches as they work hard to find volunteers to do home visitation and encourage these home-bound believers.
Saturday
Leaving their child with grandparents or relatives so both parents can go to the city to work is very common in China. The problem comes when years later the family re-unites and there is little or no bonding of parents with child. The parents are at a total loss in knowing how to deal with this strange child and vice versa, the child does not know his parents. There are many grandparents who bear the responsibility of raising their grandchild. Let us pray for them, for strength and wisdom. We pray, too, for those parents who are unable to connect with their child and build a bond to instill Christian beliefs and values even though they are apart.
Sunday
In the past, working for a multinational company would be a dream for any talented young Chinese professional but in China these workers have a low retention rate since they switch jobs to go to a different company for even slightly higher pay. Now, they leave if they feel their company is not advancing in the market. Retaining church workers continues to be a tough problem for most churches, especially when their income is low or there is no good school nearby. Let us pray for all the churches who are looking for pastors, full-time or part-time. We pray, too, for those pastors who are thinking about leaving their churches because of these issues.
Monday
In China, highway 312 begins in Shanghai and runs though Zhengzhou (Henan), Xian, and Lanzhou all the way to Urumqi and to the Kazakhstan border. The last part was the famous ancient Silk Road so it represents both China's past and her future with the Han culture dominating the super-wealthy coastal metropolis and on over to the developing Muslim Xinjiang. Let us pray as the church in China continues to send workers to their Muslim neighbors in the West. This missionary journey has been a difficult one for them. We pray for all the Chinese believers who are working among the Islamic countries. May the Lord use them mightily as His light.
星期二
美國總統奧巴馬在中國訪問時，私下會見了來自肯尼亞現於深圳定居工作同父異母的兄弟。他們兩人都出過書描述關於父親酗酒的問題，甚至丟棄了自己的孩子，破壞了家庭幸福。許多中國基督徒也有和父親相處不愉快的經歷，至今仍無法與父母有良好的溝通。我們求聖靈醫治他們的傷痕並能夠彼此寬恕，修復關係。同時讓我們也為做丈夫的肢體來禱告，願神給他們決心，學基督一為教會捨己的樣式，成為家裡屬靈的領袖。
星期三
美國總統奧巴馬，引用孟子「山徑之蹊間，介然用之而成路，為間不用，則茅塞之矣」來解說兩國未來經濟關係。期盼中、美不要因分歧而搪塞了溝通之路。許多中國教會仍在探索如何在不經過政府宗教局的登記程序下，能使教會「合法化」。求主記念他們的策略，保守他們質與量的增長，在社區內更有勇氣分享信仰。
星期四
過去中國的廉價勞工似乎源源不絕，然而隨著內地經濟的急速起飛，許多藍領工人已不用出遠門就有許多工作機會，故此也不再願意到廣東省等「外地」，從事工資低、一年只能回家一次的工作。農村教會一直因年輕人到外省打工，而事工難以發展。近來已有更多年輕人能在鄰近城市工作，也能更常回到家。我們再次記念農村的教會，為他們有活潑的靈命，脫袪自憐心態，堅信神永遠信實地與他們同在。
星期五
今年起中國老年人口預計將每年增加800萬人，至2014年時將逼近2億。2008年底老年人口已達1.69億，佔總人口的12.79％。隨著老齡人口急速增長，「空巢化」問題亦日益嚴重。 許多年長信徒無法參加聚會，牧者也無暇探訪。讓我們為這些長者祈求，願神將平安、喜樂和信心賜給他們。也求神興起教會弟兄姊妹多關心鼓勵和幫助這些身體軟弱、不方便常出門的年長肢體。
星期六
將孩子交給祖父母照顧而外出工作，是一般中國民工的寫照。等到幾年後回家，與孩子的關係已產生許多鴻溝和疏離，對於從未養育過子女的年輕父母而言，無論是與子女互動或管教都備感艱辛。求主憐憫這些家庭，讓教會有能力回應此挑戰。裝備基督徒父母有屬神的智慧和愛心，處理好親子間的問題。也賜給年長祖父母健康、體力並屬靈的能力照顧留家的孩子。
星期日
就職於跨國公司曾是中國年輕白領階層夢寐所求，但也為稍高的薪金而跳槽。今年輕白領離職主因已不全是薪水，而是覺得沒有發展前景。許多中國教會也同樣為留住傳道人而傷腦筋。若薪資低，附近又無好的學校讓孩子就讀，就很難留住傳道人。求主為尋覓傳道人的教會差派合適的牧者，同時也為面對類似問題的傳道人禱代告。
星期一
橫跨三千英哩的312國道,從上海途經河南鄭州、西安、蘭州、烏魯木齊一直到哈薩克斯坦。接連了漢族富裕的沿海大城市和發展中的新疆穆斯林，最後一段更是歷史有名的絲綢之路。 讓我們為中國教會能繼續差派工人到穆斯林國家來禱告。記念他們傳福音的艱苦;宣教旅程的孤單。更記念在伊斯蘭教國家中服侍神的華人，求主大大使用他們為主做見證。
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Prayer Request 11/17 - 11/23
Tuesday
In this historic 60th year of the Republic of China weekend chartered flights, tour groups, and the opening of direct crossings through ships and scheduled commercial flights from China have taken more than 880,000 mainland Chinese to visit Taiwan. We praise the Lord that the possibility of Christians from Mainland China getting to attend meetings or training sessions hosted by churches in Taiwan has become a reality. We pray that more believers from both sides can learn from, enjoy fellowship with, and have a burden for the needs of each other.
Wednesday
Many became wealthy entrepreneurs after the Chinese economic reform. Their children, the so-called, "wealthy second generation" who were born in the 1980's are now replacing them at the helm. They received elite education abroad and came back to run the family business. They are now getting much attention and creating a buzz in China. A whole new generation of leaders is emerging in both Three-self and house churches. They too will chart course of Chinese churches in the future. We uplift all the leaders who are in their forties and fifties. May the Lord continue to mold their character, empower them mightily with the Spirit and instill in them the humility of Christ.
Thursday
With over six million unemployed college grads this year, China faces a major social problem. Although the government claims that 74% of them find work soon after graduation, in reality nearly half of them do not have work. A recent book calls these people "ants", people who live together to save money but are too embarrassed to tell their parents about their plight or return home to live. We pray especially for those who became Christians in college but are still searching for work. We also include those who have become Christians but are afraid to tell their families about their new-found faith for fear of rejection. May the Lord strengthen their faith and help them to continue to trust Him to provide all they need.
Friday
A survey of college students shows that sixty percent of them agree that pre-marital sex is fine. This is twenty-five percent higher than the results of a survey done ten years ago. Students in China have no problem with living together while they are in college. Some of the churches in China have seen the need to prepare their young people before they leave for college not only to be able to defend their faith but have also shown them the benefits of living a life of purity. Let us pray for the spiritual vitality of all the Christian youth who are still attending church while they are in high school.
Saturday
It is a fact that joining the Communist Party will open doors and provide better opportunities to people. It is the dream of every college student to be recommended to join the party and no one ever turns it down. So it is a dilemma every college student faces, especially when their families do not know they are going to church and plan to be baptized. We pray along with every young person who struggles with these decisions about whether to be baptized or stay a "silent Christian", whether to join the party or not, and whether to stop going to church in order to get into the party. We cannot really understand the struggles they face but we can empathize with them.
Sunday
In the past 2 decades, many "seminaries" have sprung up and many of the students are actually from pastors' families. Unfortunately, many of them enrolled and received the training but did not really have the calling nor the willingness to serve like their parents. Let us pray for all the students in the training process now. May the Lord give them a clear vision and heart of a shepherd with the burden for saving souls. We pray for their spiritual formation and for the learning process of all those receiving Bible training now.
Monday
Nearly forty percent of parents in Taiwan spend less than three hours a day with their 6-12 year old children. Parent-child interaction often becomes merely a routine thing with no mutual understanding. Parents are so busy working that they take little time to help their children and there is hardly any communication between parents and children in many families. Many of the churches in Taiwan are likewise losing their second generation youth because of the heavy emphasis that is placed on academics there. Poor parent-child relationships make it difficult to encourage children to go to church as well. Let us pray for all Christian parents that they will know how to raise up godly children and have a healthy relationship with them.
星期二
過去一年周末包機、陸客來台觀光、兩岸三通、定期航班等開放，已經有88萬，為兩岸關係開啟新時代，是60年來首見。感謝神，中國的信徒能到臺灣參加會議或培訓已成為事實。我們更渴望兩岸的信徒，彼此能更多的交流學習，享受在主內的交通，也能為彼此的需要，因了解更深而更有負擔。
星期三
「富一代」是中國經濟改革開放之後首先富起來的一批民營企業家。他們的子女大多在80 年代出生，在海外接受過良好的教育。隨著 「富一代」逐漸老去，這批「富二代」海歸們如何承繼家業和財富等問題隨之出現，這個特殊的群體已逐漸引起人們的關注。中國的家庭教會和三自教會也在迎接新一代的領袖，他們將要參與繪出教會的未來。讓我們為所有年屆四旬和五旬之間的牧者和領袖們禱告，求主繼續陶造他們，滿有聖靈賜的能力，同時常懷基督耶穌的柔和謙卑。
星期四
大學畢業生沒工作已成為社會大問題。今年畢業生超過六百萬人，雖然官方說有74％在畢業後兩個月有工作，真實情況是接近一半學生畢業後即失業。最近一本書把失業的大學生形容成“螞蟻族” -他們為省錢而聚居一起，卻羞於告訴家人潦倒的境況，也沒臉回家。讓我們為一些在大學校園信主，仍在待業的基督徒，包括那些怕遭家人反對而不敢表白個人信仰的信徒獻上禱告，願神堅固他們信心，相信神會信實供應一切需要。
星期五
在全國高校進行的一項調查顯示，超過60％的大學生贊成婚前性行為，贊成的人數比例比十年前提高了25％。大部分大學生根本不反對婚前同居行為。已有許多教會意識到校園事工，不僅應著重青年人的信仰根基，更應讓他們看到聖潔生活的重要性。讓我們為在高中時代就上教會的年輕基督徒學生的靈性禱告。
星期六
入黨幾乎是中國大學生的夢想，因有助於開創事業前途，很少被薦者會自動放棄機會。很多信主的學生，尤其是隱瞞家人參加聚會或計劃受洗者，正面對入黨與否的兩難局面。讓我們為每個正為是否「受洗」還是繼續充當「隱形基督徒」而掙扎的年輕人禱告。雖然奔走天路時這類的掙扎未必能免，我們仍以同情、安慰及代求托住他們。
星期日
過去幾十年裡，中國各地的「神學院」如雨後春筍般出現，當中不少學生是牧師、傳道的子女，可惜許多並沒有意願「克紹箕裘」，雖被送到神學院，卻沒有事 奉的負擔和呼召。讓我們為所有正在接受造就的神學生禱告，求主賜下清楚的異象和呼召，把牧者的心懷和救人靈魂的負擔放在他們心上。除了賜他們學習的悟 性，更重要的是能經歷靈命上的更新，樂意全心服事主。
星期一
台灣近四成的的父母每天與六到十二歲的子女相處不到三小時。親子間並不清楚彼此生活的細節，常剩下行禮如儀的問候。小孩生活和學習對象是父母，但雙親工作壓力大，早出晚歸忙碌著，親子間交談甚少。不少信徒的第二代都因過於著重學業逐漸離開教會。由於親子關係疏離，父母很難鼓動子女上教會。我們禱告，求神幫助基督徒父母有智慧和兒女建立良好的親子關係，教養出愛神的兒女。
In this historic 60th year of the Republic of China weekend chartered flights, tour groups, and the opening of direct crossings through ships and scheduled commercial flights from China have taken more than 880,000 mainland Chinese to visit Taiwan. We praise the Lord that the possibility of Christians from Mainland China getting to attend meetings or training sessions hosted by churches in Taiwan has become a reality. We pray that more believers from both sides can learn from, enjoy fellowship with, and have a burden for the needs of each other.
Wednesday
Many became wealthy entrepreneurs after the Chinese economic reform. Their children, the so-called, "wealthy second generation" who were born in the 1980's are now replacing them at the helm. They received elite education abroad and came back to run the family business. They are now getting much attention and creating a buzz in China. A whole new generation of leaders is emerging in both Three-self and house churches. They too will chart course of Chinese churches in the future. We uplift all the leaders who are in their forties and fifties. May the Lord continue to mold their character, empower them mightily with the Spirit and instill in them the humility of Christ.
Thursday
With over six million unemployed college grads this year, China faces a major social problem. Although the government claims that 74% of them find work soon after graduation, in reality nearly half of them do not have work. A recent book calls these people "ants", people who live together to save money but are too embarrassed to tell their parents about their plight or return home to live. We pray especially for those who became Christians in college but are still searching for work. We also include those who have become Christians but are afraid to tell their families about their new-found faith for fear of rejection. May the Lord strengthen their faith and help them to continue to trust Him to provide all they need.
Friday
A survey of college students shows that sixty percent of them agree that pre-marital sex is fine. This is twenty-five percent higher than the results of a survey done ten years ago. Students in China have no problem with living together while they are in college. Some of the churches in China have seen the need to prepare their young people before they leave for college not only to be able to defend their faith but have also shown them the benefits of living a life of purity. Let us pray for the spiritual vitality of all the Christian youth who are still attending church while they are in high school.
Saturday
It is a fact that joining the Communist Party will open doors and provide better opportunities to people. It is the dream of every college student to be recommended to join the party and no one ever turns it down. So it is a dilemma every college student faces, especially when their families do not know they are going to church and plan to be baptized. We pray along with every young person who struggles with these decisions about whether to be baptized or stay a "silent Christian", whether to join the party or not, and whether to stop going to church in order to get into the party. We cannot really understand the struggles they face but we can empathize with them.
Sunday
In the past 2 decades, many "seminaries" have sprung up and many of the students are actually from pastors' families. Unfortunately, many of them enrolled and received the training but did not really have the calling nor the willingness to serve like their parents. Let us pray for all the students in the training process now. May the Lord give them a clear vision and heart of a shepherd with the burden for saving souls. We pray for their spiritual formation and for the learning process of all those receiving Bible training now.
Monday
Nearly forty percent of parents in Taiwan spend less than three hours a day with their 6-12 year old children. Parent-child interaction often becomes merely a routine thing with no mutual understanding. Parents are so busy working that they take little time to help their children and there is hardly any communication between parents and children in many families. Many of the churches in Taiwan are likewise losing their second generation youth because of the heavy emphasis that is placed on academics there. Poor parent-child relationships make it difficult to encourage children to go to church as well. Let us pray for all Christian parents that they will know how to raise up godly children and have a healthy relationship with them.
星期二
過去一年周末包機、陸客來台觀光、兩岸三通、定期航班等開放，已經有88萬，為兩岸關係開啟新時代，是60年來首見。感謝神，中國的信徒能到臺灣參加會議或培訓已成為事實。我們更渴望兩岸的信徒，彼此能更多的交流學習，享受在主內的交通，也能為彼此的需要，因了解更深而更有負擔。
星期三
「富一代」是中國經濟改革開放之後首先富起來的一批民營企業家。他們的子女大多在80 年代出生，在海外接受過良好的教育。隨著 「富一代」逐漸老去，這批「富二代」海歸們如何承繼家業和財富等問題隨之出現，這個特殊的群體已逐漸引起人們的關注。中國的家庭教會和三自教會也在迎接新一代的領袖，他們將要參與繪出教會的未來。讓我們為所有年屆四旬和五旬之間的牧者和領袖們禱告，求主繼續陶造他們，滿有聖靈賜的能力，同時常懷基督耶穌的柔和謙卑。
星期四
大學畢業生沒工作已成為社會大問題。今年畢業生超過六百萬人，雖然官方說有74％在畢業後兩個月有工作，真實情況是接近一半學生畢業後即失業。最近一本書把失業的大學生形容成“螞蟻族” -他們為省錢而聚居一起，卻羞於告訴家人潦倒的境況，也沒臉回家。讓我們為一些在大學校園信主，仍在待業的基督徒，包括那些怕遭家人反對而不敢表白個人信仰的信徒獻上禱告，願神堅固他們信心，相信神會信實供應一切需要。
星期五
在全國高校進行的一項調查顯示，超過60％的大學生贊成婚前性行為，贊成的人數比例比十年前提高了25％。大部分大學生根本不反對婚前同居行為。已有許多教會意識到校園事工，不僅應著重青年人的信仰根基，更應讓他們看到聖潔生活的重要性。讓我們為在高中時代就上教會的年輕基督徒學生的靈性禱告。
星期六
入黨幾乎是中國大學生的夢想，因有助於開創事業前途，很少被薦者會自動放棄機會。很多信主的學生，尤其是隱瞞家人參加聚會或計劃受洗者，正面對入黨與否的兩難局面。讓我們為每個正為是否「受洗」還是繼續充當「隱形基督徒」而掙扎的年輕人禱告。雖然奔走天路時這類的掙扎未必能免，我們仍以同情、安慰及代求托住他們。
星期日
過去幾十年裡，中國各地的「神學院」如雨後春筍般出現，當中不少學生是牧師、傳道的子女，可惜許多並沒有意願「克紹箕裘」，雖被送到神學院，卻沒有事 奉的負擔和呼召。讓我們為所有正在接受造就的神學生禱告，求主賜下清楚的異象和呼召，把牧者的心懷和救人靈魂的負擔放在他們心上。除了賜他們學習的悟 性，更重要的是能經歷靈命上的更新，樂意全心服事主。
星期一
台灣近四成的的父母每天與六到十二歲的子女相處不到三小時。親子間並不清楚彼此生活的細節，常剩下行禮如儀的問候。小孩生活和學習對象是父母，但雙親工作壓力大，早出晚歸忙碌著，親子間交談甚少。不少信徒的第二代都因過於著重學業逐漸離開教會。由於親子關係疏離，父母很難鼓動子女上教會。我們禱告，求神幫助基督徒父母有智慧和兒女建立良好的親子關係，教養出愛神的兒女。
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Prayer Request 11/10 - 11/16
Tuesday
In 2008 the Chinese language officially gained 359 new phrases. The most popular ones were bandits, a Chinese copycat version of melamine, the toxic contaminant in milk and landslide blocked lake which means anything that causes a blockage of flow. Many new phrases are coined online. The most commonly used Chinese Bible is the Union version which is nearly one hundred years old but is loved dearly by believers. We pray that the eternal word of God can be better understood by today's youth. We also remember those who are involved in the contemporary translation of the Chinese Bible.
Wednesday
A "mistake" of the church in China is that of focusing much effort and resources on evangelism which cares for new believers and trains co-workers. In doing this, they spend much less time giving spiritual help to those pastors, Sunday school teachers, and co-workers who are who are already serving and have both personal and family needs. The devil attacks the shepherd and the workers and weakens their marriages and their spiritual roles in their homes. Husbands and wives put on a fake front in church but at home, they are bitterly angry with each other. Lord, we pray especially for those who minister in church but are having rocky marriages, poor family relationships, and are even bound by sexual sins.
Thursday
As a whole, the churches in China have not been affected by the current economic downturn although churches that have people who came to work in factories in them have seen a drop in finances, particularly in the Shanghai (Yangtze River) and Guangdong (Pearl River) delta regions. Frankly speaking, churches in China have not been helping each other for various reasons but this attitude is improving and we praise God! Let us pray that these churches will be willing to openly talk about how they can cross all kinds of boundaries and be willing to accept and support each other and their ministries.
Friday
Behind the facade of new city apartment buildings, there are many homeless people. Millions of rural people enter cities to look for work. Many of them end up destitute, without jobs, with no family support and are unable to return home. These people are literally on the edge of the society, overlooked and considered, by the neighbors, a "nuisance" and are "unwanted". It is true that every nation has homeless and poor people. But, we pray that Chinese believers would extend their compassion to those we regard as "lazy," "who will not look for opportunities to better themselves." May the Lord help us to see that we are so blessed and He is gracious to us.
Saturday
The mentality of many Chinese emperors, leaders, and even church leaders has been, "Those who are for me get promoted and those who are against me perish." The inability to accept a differing opinion or even a dissenting view is a common phenomenon in Chinese churches. The attitude of "I am the only one who is Biblical and everyone else is wrong" often plagues the leadership teams in the churches. Let us pray sincerely for humility and the willingness to accept others, and as the Bible says seeing others as better than we are. May the Lord grant us true obedience and not merely paying lip service to being God's servant or a ruler over other believers.
Sunday
Guangdong Province as a port of entry to China claims up to a third of all the foreigners who enter the country. There are more than a million aliens living there whether short term or long term. However, Guangdong also has the most foreigners who have illegally entered, overstayed their visas, or are working illegally in the country. Many of these are people from the continent of Africa. Guangdong has many unique social phenomena and also provides many unusual ministry challenges and opportunities. Let us pray for the many churches that are reaching out to factory workers and training them to share the gospel in the work place and even sending them home as church workers. We also remember the many people who enter China through this area to help train pastors and church workers.
Monday
Why do Chinese believers so easily fall prey to the occult? The teachings of these cults and extremists are ludicrous but many people are willing to follow and it seems that a place like China is just the perfect fertile ground for them. There are many believers whose faith is shallow and who will follow any teaching blindly. Certain occult teachers target churches and intentionally attack leaders through cheating, kidnapping, and seduction. Once the leaders become victims they hijack the entire church. Lord, we pray for protection for all the weak churches, especially those without strong leaders. We pray, too, for deliverance for all who have fallen into the trap of the cults.
星期二
在2008年度正式納入中文的359條新詞語中，「山寨」位居使用頻次之首，「三聚氰胺」（毒奶的原料）、「堰塞湖」 (地震山崩造成的湖)分列第二、三名。許多新詞語都是來自網絡媒體，成為流行詞語。最常用的中文聖經譯本要算是「和合本」。雖然刋行至今已有近一百年歷史，但基督徒對它總是情有獨鍾。我們禱告今天的年輕人能更多認識神永恆的話語，並記念參與當代中文聖經翻譯的同工。
星期三
很多中國教會往往把精力和資源放在發展福音工作、關心照顧初信者以及培訓同工上。而服事的牧者和同工個人及其家庭的屬靈需要都倍受忽略。撒旦常會攻擊牧者，和神的工人，破壞他們的婚姻，削弱他們在家中的屬靈角色。以致夫妻在教會戴上相親相愛的面具，掩飾內心的苦毒。我們特別求主幫助那些身在教會事工崗位，家庭關係困難，婚姻瀕臨破裂，或陷入情欲罪中的教會同工們，使他們能夠靠主回轉。
星期四
中國教會大體來說，受金融海嘯影響並不那麼顯著。但如珠江、長江三角洲地區內那些以外來信徒為主體的教會影響比較明顯。談到幫助其他的教會，一般的中國教會總是自掃門前雪，找出種種藉口規避。感謝主！近來有不少教會願意更多的參與幫助貧窮的教會。求主幫助我們不迴避討論如何拓展國度觀念，能真正跨出狹隘心態，以謙卑來彼此接納，實踐肢體間愛心的關顧與合一。
星期五
中國城市裡簇新建築樓宇背後，隱藏著無數無家可歸的人。數以百萬計的農村居民湧到城市找工作，許多人到頭來窮困潦倒，或無工可作，或失卻援助，或無法安抵家園。這些社會邊緣者，既被人忽視，又被鄰居標籤為「討厭的傢伙」，「問題人物」等。讓我們祈求中國的信徒能明白自己蒙福，全賴神豐盛的恩典與保守。樂意伸出同情之手，去關懷這群也是神所鍾愛的人。
星期六
領袖容易產生「順我者昌，逆我者亡」的念頭，中國歷來許多帝王和領導如此，教會領袖亦然。華人教會常見的問題之一就是容不下相異的見解。領導者或領導層容易唯我獨尊，認為別人都不如自己合乎聖經真理。求主幫助我們，使我們凡事存心謙卑、各人看別人比自己強，能用愛心彼此接納。尤其神的僕人們，能真心順服神的教訓，彼此服事，不持「神僕」的身份「管轄」其他信徒。
星期日
經廣東出入境的外國人，占全中國的30%；在粵常住的外國人已達到5.7萬人，而臨住的更是超過114萬人。然而，廣東省非法入境、居留、就業的「三非」外國人也越來越多，衍生出許多社會問題，尤以非洲裔最多。在廣東有許多中國社會中獨特的現象，也是福音事工獨特的挑戰和機會。有許多教會積極接觸工廠工人，裝備他們在工廠里分享福音，甚至讓他們回到農村去服事教會。我們也紀念許多經由廣東省，進入中國做培訓和牧養工作的每一位同工。
星期一
中國是信仰上的肥土，再荒誕可笑的異端都能滋長壯大。中國信徒為何容易輕信異端，成為他們囊中之物呢？由於信仰根基粗淺，無數的基督徒因盲從而輕易流失。有些異端專與教會作對，用坑蒙拐騙等手段對付教會的同工、領袖。一旦領袖被擄，他們便占據整個教會。我們求主保護所有信仰根基軟弱的教會，尤其那些缺乏良牧領導的教會，也求主拯救困陷異端魔爪的信徒。
In 2008 the Chinese language officially gained 359 new phrases. The most popular ones were bandits, a Chinese copycat version of melamine, the toxic contaminant in milk and landslide blocked lake which means anything that causes a blockage of flow. Many new phrases are coined online. The most commonly used Chinese Bible is the Union version which is nearly one hundred years old but is loved dearly by believers. We pray that the eternal word of God can be better understood by today's youth. We also remember those who are involved in the contemporary translation of the Chinese Bible.
Wednesday
A "mistake" of the church in China is that of focusing much effort and resources on evangelism which cares for new believers and trains co-workers. In doing this, they spend much less time giving spiritual help to those pastors, Sunday school teachers, and co-workers who are who are already serving and have both personal and family needs. The devil attacks the shepherd and the workers and weakens their marriages and their spiritual roles in their homes. Husbands and wives put on a fake front in church but at home, they are bitterly angry with each other. Lord, we pray especially for those who minister in church but are having rocky marriages, poor family relationships, and are even bound by sexual sins.
Thursday
As a whole, the churches in China have not been affected by the current economic downturn although churches that have people who came to work in factories in them have seen a drop in finances, particularly in the Shanghai (Yangtze River) and Guangdong (Pearl River) delta regions. Frankly speaking, churches in China have not been helping each other for various reasons but this attitude is improving and we praise God! Let us pray that these churches will be willing to openly talk about how they can cross all kinds of boundaries and be willing to accept and support each other and their ministries.
Friday
Behind the facade of new city apartment buildings, there are many homeless people. Millions of rural people enter cities to look for work. Many of them end up destitute, without jobs, with no family support and are unable to return home. These people are literally on the edge of the society, overlooked and considered, by the neighbors, a "nuisance" and are "unwanted". It is true that every nation has homeless and poor people. But, we pray that Chinese believers would extend their compassion to those we regard as "lazy," "who will not look for opportunities to better themselves." May the Lord help us to see that we are so blessed and He is gracious to us.
Saturday
The mentality of many Chinese emperors, leaders, and even church leaders has been, "Those who are for me get promoted and those who are against me perish." The inability to accept a differing opinion or even a dissenting view is a common phenomenon in Chinese churches. The attitude of "I am the only one who is Biblical and everyone else is wrong" often plagues the leadership teams in the churches. Let us pray sincerely for humility and the willingness to accept others, and as the Bible says seeing others as better than we are. May the Lord grant us true obedience and not merely paying lip service to being God's servant or a ruler over other believers.
Sunday
Guangdong Province as a port of entry to China claims up to a third of all the foreigners who enter the country. There are more than a million aliens living there whether short term or long term. However, Guangdong also has the most foreigners who have illegally entered, overstayed their visas, or are working illegally in the country. Many of these are people from the continent of Africa. Guangdong has many unique social phenomena and also provides many unusual ministry challenges and opportunities. Let us pray for the many churches that are reaching out to factory workers and training them to share the gospel in the work place and even sending them home as church workers. We also remember the many people who enter China through this area to help train pastors and church workers.
Monday
Why do Chinese believers so easily fall prey to the occult? The teachings of these cults and extremists are ludicrous but many people are willing to follow and it seems that a place like China is just the perfect fertile ground for them. There are many believers whose faith is shallow and who will follow any teaching blindly. Certain occult teachers target churches and intentionally attack leaders through cheating, kidnapping, and seduction. Once the leaders become victims they hijack the entire church. Lord, we pray for protection for all the weak churches, especially those without strong leaders. We pray, too, for deliverance for all who have fallen into the trap of the cults.
星期二
在2008年度正式納入中文的359條新詞語中，「山寨」位居使用頻次之首，「三聚氰胺」（毒奶的原料）、「堰塞湖」 (地震山崩造成的湖)分列第二、三名。許多新詞語都是來自網絡媒體，成為流行詞語。最常用的中文聖經譯本要算是「和合本」。雖然刋行至今已有近一百年歷史，但基督徒對它總是情有獨鍾。我們禱告今天的年輕人能更多認識神永恆的話語，並記念參與當代中文聖經翻譯的同工。
星期三
很多中國教會往往把精力和資源放在發展福音工作、關心照顧初信者以及培訓同工上。而服事的牧者和同工個人及其家庭的屬靈需要都倍受忽略。撒旦常會攻擊牧者，和神的工人，破壞他們的婚姻，削弱他們在家中的屬靈角色。以致夫妻在教會戴上相親相愛的面具，掩飾內心的苦毒。我們特別求主幫助那些身在教會事工崗位，家庭關係困難，婚姻瀕臨破裂，或陷入情欲罪中的教會同工們，使他們能夠靠主回轉。
星期四
中國教會大體來說，受金融海嘯影響並不那麼顯著。但如珠江、長江三角洲地區內那些以外來信徒為主體的教會影響比較明顯。談到幫助其他的教會，一般的中國教會總是自掃門前雪，找出種種藉口規避。感謝主！近來有不少教會願意更多的參與幫助貧窮的教會。求主幫助我們不迴避討論如何拓展國度觀念，能真正跨出狹隘心態，以謙卑來彼此接納，實踐肢體間愛心的關顧與合一。
星期五
中國城市裡簇新建築樓宇背後，隱藏著無數無家可歸的人。數以百萬計的農村居民湧到城市找工作，許多人到頭來窮困潦倒，或無工可作，或失卻援助，或無法安抵家園。這些社會邊緣者，既被人忽視，又被鄰居標籤為「討厭的傢伙」，「問題人物」等。讓我們祈求中國的信徒能明白自己蒙福，全賴神豐盛的恩典與保守。樂意伸出同情之手，去關懷這群也是神所鍾愛的人。
星期六
領袖容易產生「順我者昌，逆我者亡」的念頭，中國歷來許多帝王和領導如此，教會領袖亦然。華人教會常見的問題之一就是容不下相異的見解。領導者或領導層容易唯我獨尊，認為別人都不如自己合乎聖經真理。求主幫助我們，使我們凡事存心謙卑、各人看別人比自己強，能用愛心彼此接納。尤其神的僕人們，能真心順服神的教訓，彼此服事，不持「神僕」的身份「管轄」其他信徒。
星期日
經廣東出入境的外國人，占全中國的30%；在粵常住的外國人已達到5.7萬人，而臨住的更是超過114萬人。然而，廣東省非法入境、居留、就業的「三非」外國人也越來越多，衍生出許多社會問題，尤以非洲裔最多。在廣東有許多中國社會中獨特的現象，也是福音事工獨特的挑戰和機會。有許多教會積極接觸工廠工人，裝備他們在工廠里分享福音，甚至讓他們回到農村去服事教會。我們也紀念許多經由廣東省，進入中國做培訓和牧養工作的每一位同工。
星期一
中國是信仰上的肥土，再荒誕可笑的異端都能滋長壯大。中國信徒為何容易輕信異端，成為他們囊中之物呢？由於信仰根基粗淺，無數的基督徒因盲從而輕易流失。有些異端專與教會作對，用坑蒙拐騙等手段對付教會的同工、領袖。一旦領袖被擄，他們便占據整個教會。我們求主保護所有信仰根基軟弱的教會，尤其那些缺乏良牧領導的教會，也求主拯救困陷異端魔爪的信徒。
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Prayer Request 11/03 - 11/09
Tuesday
In Shanghai, the first question people ask about a suitor often is, "How many square meters are in his apartment?" In a country where young men outnumber young women by a large majority, a bachelor needs to have a car and an apartment before a woman will even look at him. We can see why church workers, whether male or female have difficulty finding mates to serve with them. Often even then their families do not approve of the marriage. We pray for all unmarried believers that the Lord will give them the conviction that God's choice and timing is the best.
Wednesday
One reason Chinese people are able to save money so well is that they have to pay for things such as education and health care which the government provides in other countries. Parents must save for their children' education and medical expenses as well as their own retirement. Perhaps it is fair to say that Chinese believers have a very hard time trusting God to provide for their needs. Let us pray for real faith in God's provision and His faithfulness in taking care of us. The more we give, the more God will bless us.
Thursday
Quite a number of church workers in China have had to take up a secular job on the side in order to make ends meet and support their families. Many have even left the ministry because their churches did not give them sufficient money to live on and some suspect there is a loss of pastors every year because of this. We want to pray for the issue of finances for believers in China. We pray for faith in God to provide them everything they need and for the churches to be generous to their shepherds. Above all we ask that their hearts will be guarded against greed.
Friday
One reason why the churches in China are considered poor is that believers are reluctant to give and this reflects their spiritual immaturity as well as their ignorance of the truth that "giving is the key to receiving God's blessing." Many feel that one doesn't need to tithe and tithing is not commonly taught in the churches. With the economy on the downturn, many believers have held off in giving to churches. We pray for spiritual maturity and great faith in the lives of all believers in China to believe the great things God can do for them and their churches as they obey Him.
Saturday
There are always leaders who claim that they have apocalyptic vision or know when Jesus will return. Their followers will abandon their normal lifestyle and gather to worship daily. Such groups often receive pressure from the local police which they interpret as persecution. This then reinforces their belief that these are the last days. Churches in China are seeing more than their share of these kinds of false prophets. Many people are badly hurt and even stop attending church services. Let us pray for the churches that are in this kind of spiritual turmoil and pray, too, that the Lord will help the sheep who have strayed away to return to the fold.
Sunday
Corruption is rampant and the government is trying hard to discipline members of the Communist Party who have been caught in bribery and graft. Corruption happens not only among prominent people but also in those who have power or regulate functions at mid-or lower-level positions. All people are sinners and unfortunately even churches are not exempt from financial misconduct since there is little financial accountability or transparency. Money can corrupt even the best of us. Let us pray for the integrity of all believers including those who handle money for the churches.
Monday
China has one of the highest rates of saving money in the world. But this then reduces consumer spending which in turn gives banks too much money which they have to invest and also raises the specter of high inflation in the country. Believers also worry about their finances, their savings, their investments, and whether or not to buy another house as an investment or for their child. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of these worries and lose one's faith in God. Let us pray for both good stewardship and a simple faith that God will provide for our every need and that churches will preach about this more often.
星期二
在上海，人們問追求者的第一個問題往往是「他的房子有多少平方米？」。 中國年輕男性數目遠比年輕女性數目多得多，要女士看得上眼，未婚男性要有車子和房子。我們可以瞭解爲何教會的同工，無論是男或女，都很難找到可以一起事奉的伴侶。即使是有，對方家長大都不贊成他們的婚事。我們要爲所有未婚的基督徒禱告，求主給他們信心，相信神的揀選和時間是最好的。
星期三
中國人很懂得儲蓄的原因之一，是他們要自行支付教育和醫療等開銷，而這些支出在很多國家是由政府承擔的。父母必須好好儲蓄，預備子女教育和醫療開支並爲自己退休作打算。要華人信徒依靠神供應他們的需要，確實是十分困難。讓我們禱告真心相信神會供應，並信實地看顧我們。我們樂於多付出，神會賜下更多祝福。
星期四
中國許多傳道人仍須兼職以養家糊口。每年因教會的供應不足而離開事工崗位者亦為數不少。我們要為中國信徒能改變對錢財的觀念來禱告，求神幫助他們對神的供應有信心，不要一味為己積攢地上暫時的財富，而要思念天上永恆的積業，慷慨供應他們的牧者。我們更求主保守信徒們能勝過貪婪的試探。
星期五
教會資金缺乏原因之一是信徒在金錢奉獻上踟躕不前，反映出他們屬靈生命仍是稚嫩，不明白「奉獻」實是蒙福之道。加上教會一般都少對「什一奉獻」教導，奉獻十分之一對許多信徒而言，更是難行的大挑戰。而今經濟持續衰退，許多信徒對教會的奉獻更是銳減。求主在這非常時期，操練中國信徒有非常的信心，使他們靈命成長成熟，能夠信靠神的帶領和供應。
星期六
總有一些領袖自稱擁有「特殊啟示」，能預知耶穌何時再來。他們的門徒常因此變賣一切，恆常聚集敬拜。當受到當地警察的壓力時，常會說成是受到逼迫，進一步強化他們所謂的「末日」信仰。這類「假先知」在中國教會中屢見不鮮，很多教友深受其害，甚至完全停止教會聚會。讓我們為面對屬靈爭戰的教會祈求，願神引導那些迷途羔羊返回祂的羊圈。
星期日
貪污腐敗在中國肆虐，政府已大力肅貪，處分有行賄及貪污等罪證的共產黨員。貪腐的痕跡，不單在某些赫赫有名的大人物身上找到，也沾染了許多可以動用職務上權勢的中、低職位人員的衣襟。世人都有罪性，教會亦然。在缺乏財務監管和透明度的情況下，教會也很難避免財務違規。金錢使人腐敗，甚至連最有誠信的人也難倖免。讓我們為所有信徒，包括教會裡掌管財務者的誠信禱告。
星期一
中國的儲蓄率高居世界之冠。居高不下的儲蓄率削弱了國民消費力，連帶影響到銀行貨幣過多，須得加大投資和信貸力度；政府為達到經濟增長目標，也必須增加公共開支，國家將面臨高通脹風險等等。中國信徒也憂心經濟、儲蓄、投資狀況，以及是否再購買房子作投資還是留給孩子？求神幫助我們成為祂的好管家，以單純的信心仰望祂信實的供應。我們也為教會能提供更多這方面的教導信息來禱告。
In Shanghai, the first question people ask about a suitor often is, "How many square meters are in his apartment?" In a country where young men outnumber young women by a large majority, a bachelor needs to have a car and an apartment before a woman will even look at him. We can see why church workers, whether male or female have difficulty finding mates to serve with them. Often even then their families do not approve of the marriage. We pray for all unmarried believers that the Lord will give them the conviction that God's choice and timing is the best.
Wednesday
One reason Chinese people are able to save money so well is that they have to pay for things such as education and health care which the government provides in other countries. Parents must save for their children' education and medical expenses as well as their own retirement. Perhaps it is fair to say that Chinese believers have a very hard time trusting God to provide for their needs. Let us pray for real faith in God's provision and His faithfulness in taking care of us. The more we give, the more God will bless us.
Thursday
Quite a number of church workers in China have had to take up a secular job on the side in order to make ends meet and support their families. Many have even left the ministry because their churches did not give them sufficient money to live on and some suspect there is a loss of pastors every year because of this. We want to pray for the issue of finances for believers in China. We pray for faith in God to provide them everything they need and for the churches to be generous to their shepherds. Above all we ask that their hearts will be guarded against greed.
Friday
One reason why the churches in China are considered poor is that believers are reluctant to give and this reflects their spiritual immaturity as well as their ignorance of the truth that "giving is the key to receiving God's blessing." Many feel that one doesn't need to tithe and tithing is not commonly taught in the churches. With the economy on the downturn, many believers have held off in giving to churches. We pray for spiritual maturity and great faith in the lives of all believers in China to believe the great things God can do for them and their churches as they obey Him.
Saturday
There are always leaders who claim that they have apocalyptic vision or know when Jesus will return. Their followers will abandon their normal lifestyle and gather to worship daily. Such groups often receive pressure from the local police which they interpret as persecution. This then reinforces their belief that these are the last days. Churches in China are seeing more than their share of these kinds of false prophets. Many people are badly hurt and even stop attending church services. Let us pray for the churches that are in this kind of spiritual turmoil and pray, too, that the Lord will help the sheep who have strayed away to return to the fold.
Sunday
Corruption is rampant and the government is trying hard to discipline members of the Communist Party who have been caught in bribery and graft. Corruption happens not only among prominent people but also in those who have power or regulate functions at mid-or lower-level positions. All people are sinners and unfortunately even churches are not exempt from financial misconduct since there is little financial accountability or transparency. Money can corrupt even the best of us. Let us pray for the integrity of all believers including those who handle money for the churches.
Monday
China has one of the highest rates of saving money in the world. But this then reduces consumer spending which in turn gives banks too much money which they have to invest and also raises the specter of high inflation in the country. Believers also worry about their finances, their savings, their investments, and whether or not to buy another house as an investment or for their child. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of these worries and lose one's faith in God. Let us pray for both good stewardship and a simple faith that God will provide for our every need and that churches will preach about this more often.
星期二
在上海，人們問追求者的第一個問題往往是「他的房子有多少平方米？」。 中國年輕男性數目遠比年輕女性數目多得多，要女士看得上眼，未婚男性要有車子和房子。我們可以瞭解爲何教會的同工，無論是男或女，都很難找到可以一起事奉的伴侶。即使是有，對方家長大都不贊成他們的婚事。我們要爲所有未婚的基督徒禱告，求主給他們信心，相信神的揀選和時間是最好的。
星期三
中國人很懂得儲蓄的原因之一，是他們要自行支付教育和醫療等開銷，而這些支出在很多國家是由政府承擔的。父母必須好好儲蓄，預備子女教育和醫療開支並爲自己退休作打算。要華人信徒依靠神供應他們的需要，確實是十分困難。讓我們禱告真心相信神會供應，並信實地看顧我們。我們樂於多付出，神會賜下更多祝福。
星期四
中國許多傳道人仍須兼職以養家糊口。每年因教會的供應不足而離開事工崗位者亦為數不少。我們要為中國信徒能改變對錢財的觀念來禱告，求神幫助他們對神的供應有信心，不要一味為己積攢地上暫時的財富，而要思念天上永恆的積業，慷慨供應他們的牧者。我們更求主保守信徒們能勝過貪婪的試探。
星期五
教會資金缺乏原因之一是信徒在金錢奉獻上踟躕不前，反映出他們屬靈生命仍是稚嫩，不明白「奉獻」實是蒙福之道。加上教會一般都少對「什一奉獻」教導，奉獻十分之一對許多信徒而言，更是難行的大挑戰。而今經濟持續衰退，許多信徒對教會的奉獻更是銳減。求主在這非常時期，操練中國信徒有非常的信心，使他們靈命成長成熟，能夠信靠神的帶領和供應。
星期六
總有一些領袖自稱擁有「特殊啟示」，能預知耶穌何時再來。他們的門徒常因此變賣一切，恆常聚集敬拜。當受到當地警察的壓力時，常會說成是受到逼迫，進一步強化他們所謂的「末日」信仰。這類「假先知」在中國教會中屢見不鮮，很多教友深受其害，甚至完全停止教會聚會。讓我們為面對屬靈爭戰的教會祈求，願神引導那些迷途羔羊返回祂的羊圈。
星期日
貪污腐敗在中國肆虐，政府已大力肅貪，處分有行賄及貪污等罪證的共產黨員。貪腐的痕跡，不單在某些赫赫有名的大人物身上找到，也沾染了許多可以動用職務上權勢的中、低職位人員的衣襟。世人都有罪性，教會亦然。在缺乏財務監管和透明度的情況下，教會也很難避免財務違規。金錢使人腐敗，甚至連最有誠信的人也難倖免。讓我們為所有信徒，包括教會裡掌管財務者的誠信禱告。
星期一
中國的儲蓄率高居世界之冠。居高不下的儲蓄率削弱了國民消費力，連帶影響到銀行貨幣過多，須得加大投資和信貸力度；政府為達到經濟增長目標，也必須增加公共開支，國家將面臨高通脹風險等等。中國信徒也憂心經濟、儲蓄、投資狀況，以及是否再購買房子作投資還是留給孩子？求神幫助我們成為祂的好管家，以單純的信心仰望祂信實的供應。我們也為教會能提供更多這方面的教導信息來禱告。
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Prayer Request 10/27 - 11/02
Tuesday
After the founding of the Republic of China, the so-called "black society" criminal enterprises were eradicated but a recent string of high-profile crackdowns and the sentencing of organized crime bosses shows that criminal activities have come back in full swing. It is apparent that criminals today are not only much more sophisticated but also well-connected with corrupted officials in high places. Prosperity without God leads only to moral depravity and decline. China today needs Jesus more than ever before. Let us pray for the softening of the hearts of people in China, the advancement of the gospel and for believers to be bold to share Jesus with their neighbors.
Wednesday
During 2008 and 2009 direct sales marketing has enjoyed two wonderful years of growth in China, expanding about 60% annually. Cosmetics, health and cleaning products, home-health care equipment, and small appliances are the most popular items. Direct marketing came to China in 1990 and grew phenomenally but was shut down by the government and did not regain approval until recently. Many Christians, including church workers, are also caught up in the fever of direct sales and the promise of making good money selling to friends. Marketing to church members brings uneasiness and complicates that relationship. Let us pray that all believers will have this same excitement about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with their friends and relatives.
Thursday
In recent years the "Greater Suzhou Area" has become a magnet for foreign investors with nearly two thousand Taiwanese-owned high-tech factories there. Their being close to metropolitan Shanghai, having an efficient local government, the availability of a high-quality pool of laborers, and the famous Suzhou hospitality have all been contributing factors to the success of these efforts. There are many opportunities for ministry in this area, such as churches started by Taiwanese businessmen, student ministries, outreach programs to factory workers, house churches made up of expats, and Bible study groups for engineers. Let us pray for these unusual opportunities in several areas in China where there are many foreign-owned factories.
Friday
It is not quite fair to blame the lack of quality leadership in the churches of China on the leaders themselves. The people in the churches must also share the blame because they falsely believe the shepherds are servants who are to work with a reward given only when they get to heaven. They assume their leaders can serve 24/7 without caring for their own families. We must pray fervently for God's protection for our leaders when their marriages crumble and their children do not have parents to spend quality them with them. Satan also attacks them with visions of money and fame and temptations to illicit sex. When the shepherds fall, the sheep scatter, the churches suffer and the name of Jesus is shamed.
Saturday
Getting affordable medical care in the cities in China is not easy and in the villages it is even harder. People often avoid going to a doctor and decide to self-medicate by spending a fortune for medicines that are unsafe, low quality, and expensive. A serious illness will easily wipe out savings for most families. Let us pray for believers who have family members who need medical care that it will not be either a psychological nor a medical burden. May the Lord give them wisdom, peace, and His comfort.
Sunday
Chinese government is cracking down on illegal financial entities--those companies or individuals who promise high return or rapid gain for investments. Many put their life savings into these so-called "safe investments" because banks offer very low returns and stocks have been beaten down. Believers are not immune to greed and often fall prey to get-rich-quick schemes. Let us pray for contentment and guarding against greed for all of us.
Monday
China has the busiest railways in the world. She carries 1/4 of the world's traffic on 6% of its tracks. China is building a whole new network of high-speed trains, not only faster but connecting all the key cities from the inland west to the eastern coast. The Beijing-to-Shanghai line will cut the journey time between the two cities from ten hours to four. Church workers can move about much easier and become more efficient in ministry which require traveling. There are lots of temptations especially when believers leave home in China. We pray for God's strength in resisting sexual temptation for all of us. May we all walk closely with Jesus and the Holy Spirit remind us that our body is His temple.
星期二
解放之後，黑社會曾在新中國銷聲匿跡，但是近來全國各處一連串打黑除惡的行動，正顯示中國黑社會勢力與高官貪污已經成為當前極其嚴重的問題。社會繁榮富裕卻沒有神，只會導致道德敗落。我們深知現今中國比任何時期都更需要主耶穌！求主軟化並打開中國人民的心門，拯救他們脫離罪惡的捆綁，又賜信徒有勇氣與鄰舍分享福音。
星期三
過去兩年，中國的直銷巿場迅速發展，每年的增長率更達60%之多。最受歡迎的五類商品為化妝品、保健食品、保健器材、清潔用品及小型家電。其實，直銷的概念早已在九十年代初從外國引入並開始漸露頭角，但後來遭政府禁止，直至近年才恢復開放。許多信徒(抱括牧者) 也捲入直銷熱潮，熱衷向親戚朋友推銷，以取得不錯的回報。然而這卻使原本單純的主內弟兄姐妹關係變成複雜，隨之衍生許多誤會和難處。求主幫助信徒常存清潔的良心，不要成為別人的絆腳石。也祈求信徒對分享福音有更大的熱忱，願意與親友共享主耶穌的好消息。
星期四
「大蘇州」近年成為全國外商投資增長率最高的地區，區內有近二千家台資高科技製造廠。「大蘇州」地區鄰近上海，地方政府有效率，人民素質高，且民風淳厚，均是其優勝之處。在蘇州內有不少傳福音的機會，例如台商教會、學生福音事工、工人福音事工等；此外，還有「海歸」的家庭教會和工程師組成的查經班。讓我們繼續為當地的福音擴展禱告，也為其他有外資的地區祈求，願福音也得著如同「大蘇州」地區般的發展機會。
星期五
教會傳道人和領袖的素質下降或變質，教會也難辭其咎。教會常常認為傳道人是神呼召來服事教會的僕人，會有天上的賞賜為代價，所以傳道就是要「隨傳隨到」，至於他們的家人：「神會照顧」。我們要切切祈求主保守教會的領袖、傳道們。當他們的婚姻瀕臨破裂，孩子缺少父母的陪伴和教導，又或面對撒旦用名利才色攻擊誘惑時，求主保全他們的婚姻家庭和品格健全。免得跌倒，羊群四散，教會受害，使主名受羞辱。
星期六
在中國的城市中負擔得起醫療保健已屬不易，在農村則更難。人們有病常不去找醫生而是自行服藥，結果在不安全，低質量且昂貴的藥物上花費了大量的錢財。對大部分的中國家庭而言，一場重病就能輕易地耗光所有的積蓄。讓我們一起為家中有成員生病需就醫的基督徒們禱告，求神挪去弟兄姐妹的心理負擔和醫療負擔，並賜他們智慧，平安，和從主而來的安慰。
星期日
中國政府正着手打擊非法金融實體-就是那些公司或個人通過向投資者許諾高額或快捷的報酬來騙取投資。因為銀行的儲蓄回報率很低，而股票市場也一路下跌，許多人把畢生的積蓄都投注在這些所謂的「安全投資」上，不幸結果是蕩然無存。人性中的貪婪即便基督徒也不能免疫，成為這些快速致富騙局的犧牲品。讓我們為所有的基督徒禱告，求神讓我們能常常知足並對貪婪的誘惑時時保持警覺。
星期一
中國的鐵路系統是世界最繁忙的，載客量佔世界的1 / 4，但卻只有世界6％的行車路軌。近年，中國積極建造一個全新的高速鐵路網，不但速度更快，而且從內陸西部到東面海岸，連接更多主要城市。不久的將來，北京至上海線的行車時間，將從10小時減至4小時。交通便捷也有助教會同工更方便、有效地在多個城市服侍。但出門在外形孤影單，也格外容易受到試探誘惑。求主的靈常常提醒屬祂的人，身體是神的殿，總要保持與主親密的關係，才有力量抵擋仇敵的攻擊(尤其性的誘惑)。
After the founding of the Republic of China, the so-called "black society" criminal enterprises were eradicated but a recent string of high-profile crackdowns and the sentencing of organized crime bosses shows that criminal activities have come back in full swing. It is apparent that criminals today are not only much more sophisticated but also well-connected with corrupted officials in high places. Prosperity without God leads only to moral depravity and decline. China today needs Jesus more than ever before. Let us pray for the softening of the hearts of people in China, the advancement of the gospel and for believers to be bold to share Jesus with their neighbors.
Wednesday
During 2008 and 2009 direct sales marketing has enjoyed two wonderful years of growth in China, expanding about 60% annually. Cosmetics, health and cleaning products, home-health care equipment, and small appliances are the most popular items. Direct marketing came to China in 1990 and grew phenomenally but was shut down by the government and did not regain approval until recently. Many Christians, including church workers, are also caught up in the fever of direct sales and the promise of making good money selling to friends. Marketing to church members brings uneasiness and complicates that relationship. Let us pray that all believers will have this same excitement about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with their friends and relatives.
Thursday
In recent years the "Greater Suzhou Area" has become a magnet for foreign investors with nearly two thousand Taiwanese-owned high-tech factories there. Their being close to metropolitan Shanghai, having an efficient local government, the availability of a high-quality pool of laborers, and the famous Suzhou hospitality have all been contributing factors to the success of these efforts. There are many opportunities for ministry in this area, such as churches started by Taiwanese businessmen, student ministries, outreach programs to factory workers, house churches made up of expats, and Bible study groups for engineers. Let us pray for these unusual opportunities in several areas in China where there are many foreign-owned factories.
Friday
It is not quite fair to blame the lack of quality leadership in the churches of China on the leaders themselves. The people in the churches must also share the blame because they falsely believe the shepherds are servants who are to work with a reward given only when they get to heaven. They assume their leaders can serve 24/7 without caring for their own families. We must pray fervently for God's protection for our leaders when their marriages crumble and their children do not have parents to spend quality them with them. Satan also attacks them with visions of money and fame and temptations to illicit sex. When the shepherds fall, the sheep scatter, the churches suffer and the name of Jesus is shamed.
Saturday
Getting affordable medical care in the cities in China is not easy and in the villages it is even harder. People often avoid going to a doctor and decide to self-medicate by spending a fortune for medicines that are unsafe, low quality, and expensive. A serious illness will easily wipe out savings for most families. Let us pray for believers who have family members who need medical care that it will not be either a psychological nor a medical burden. May the Lord give them wisdom, peace, and His comfort.
Sunday
Chinese government is cracking down on illegal financial entities--those companies or individuals who promise high return or rapid gain for investments. Many put their life savings into these so-called "safe investments" because banks offer very low returns and stocks have been beaten down. Believers are not immune to greed and often fall prey to get-rich-quick schemes. Let us pray for contentment and guarding against greed for all of us.
Monday
China has the busiest railways in the world. She carries 1/4 of the world's traffic on 6% of its tracks. China is building a whole new network of high-speed trains, not only faster but connecting all the key cities from the inland west to the eastern coast. The Beijing-to-Shanghai line will cut the journey time between the two cities from ten hours to four. Church workers can move about much easier and become more efficient in ministry which require traveling. There are lots of temptations especially when believers leave home in China. We pray for God's strength in resisting sexual temptation for all of us. May we all walk closely with Jesus and the Holy Spirit remind us that our body is His temple.
星期二
解放之後，黑社會曾在新中國銷聲匿跡，但是近來全國各處一連串打黑除惡的行動，正顯示中國黑社會勢力與高官貪污已經成為當前極其嚴重的問題。社會繁榮富裕卻沒有神，只會導致道德敗落。我們深知現今中國比任何時期都更需要主耶穌！求主軟化並打開中國人民的心門，拯救他們脫離罪惡的捆綁，又賜信徒有勇氣與鄰舍分享福音。
星期三
過去兩年，中國的直銷巿場迅速發展，每年的增長率更達60%之多。最受歡迎的五類商品為化妝品、保健食品、保健器材、清潔用品及小型家電。其實，直銷的概念早已在九十年代初從外國引入並開始漸露頭角，但後來遭政府禁止，直至近年才恢復開放。許多信徒(抱括牧者) 也捲入直銷熱潮，熱衷向親戚朋友推銷，以取得不錯的回報。然而這卻使原本單純的主內弟兄姐妹關係變成複雜，隨之衍生許多誤會和難處。求主幫助信徒常存清潔的良心，不要成為別人的絆腳石。也祈求信徒對分享福音有更大的熱忱，願意與親友共享主耶穌的好消息。
星期四
「大蘇州」近年成為全國外商投資增長率最高的地區，區內有近二千家台資高科技製造廠。「大蘇州」地區鄰近上海，地方政府有效率，人民素質高，且民風淳厚，均是其優勝之處。在蘇州內有不少傳福音的機會，例如台商教會、學生福音事工、工人福音事工等；此外，還有「海歸」的家庭教會和工程師組成的查經班。讓我們繼續為當地的福音擴展禱告，也為其他有外資的地區祈求，願福音也得著如同「大蘇州」地區般的發展機會。
星期五
教會傳道人和領袖的素質下降或變質，教會也難辭其咎。教會常常認為傳道人是神呼召來服事教會的僕人，會有天上的賞賜為代價，所以傳道就是要「隨傳隨到」，至於他們的家人：「神會照顧」。我們要切切祈求主保守教會的領袖、傳道們。當他們的婚姻瀕臨破裂，孩子缺少父母的陪伴和教導，又或面對撒旦用名利才色攻擊誘惑時，求主保全他們的婚姻家庭和品格健全。免得跌倒，羊群四散，教會受害，使主名受羞辱。
星期六
在中國的城市中負擔得起醫療保健已屬不易，在農村則更難。人們有病常不去找醫生而是自行服藥，結果在不安全，低質量且昂貴的藥物上花費了大量的錢財。對大部分的中國家庭而言，一場重病就能輕易地耗光所有的積蓄。讓我們一起為家中有成員生病需就醫的基督徒們禱告，求神挪去弟兄姐妹的心理負擔和醫療負擔，並賜他們智慧，平安，和從主而來的安慰。
星期日
中國政府正着手打擊非法金融實體-就是那些公司或個人通過向投資者許諾高額或快捷的報酬來騙取投資。因為銀行的儲蓄回報率很低，而股票市場也一路下跌，許多人把畢生的積蓄都投注在這些所謂的「安全投資」上，不幸結果是蕩然無存。人性中的貪婪即便基督徒也不能免疫，成為這些快速致富騙局的犧牲品。讓我們為所有的基督徒禱告，求神讓我們能常常知足並對貪婪的誘惑時時保持警覺。
星期一
中國的鐵路系統是世界最繁忙的，載客量佔世界的1 / 4，但卻只有世界6％的行車路軌。近年，中國積極建造一個全新的高速鐵路網，不但速度更快，而且從內陸西部到東面海岸，連接更多主要城市。不久的將來，北京至上海線的行車時間，將從10小時減至4小時。交通便捷也有助教會同工更方便、有效地在多個城市服侍。但出門在外形孤影單，也格外容易受到試探誘惑。求主的靈常常提醒屬祂的人，身體是神的殿，總要保持與主親密的關係，才有力量抵擋仇敵的攻擊(尤其性的誘惑)。
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Prayer Request 10/20 - 10/26
Tuesday
A famous technology CEO said Chinese students "must return to China before it is to late!" if they want to start their own businesses. It is still beneficial for Chinese students to get an American education but the advantages are getting fewer every day. The new crop of successful Chinese entrepreneurs is by and large not foreign-educated. Let us pray for those who have accepted Jesus while they were studying abroad and are deciding whether to return to China or stay abroad. The choice is difficult to make. We pray especially for those who want to return to be able to use their profession as a way of sharing Jesus or helping churches in China.
Wednesday
This year another Chinese received the Nobel Prize. The education and training of a Nobel Prize winner is always closely scrutinized and technically none of the Chinese laureates so far has been granted to a person who took his/her higher education or did research in China. Historically, most of the Chinese theologians and seminary teachers are also educated abroad. Chinese seminaries are totally occupied in the training of students and faculties have little time for anything else. Let us pray for all those who are involved in teaching and training those preparing to serve the churches. May the Lord give each of them the heart of both a scholar and a shepherd.
Thursday
After the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970's millions of high school students and young intellectuals were sent to the countryside to be reformed. Those young people from the cities who were of a marriageable age were told to marry the farmers and settle on the farms where they were serving. A great majority of those marriages ended in divorce. Couples cite irreconcilable differences as the most common reason for divorce and we know that many Christian couples struggle with this problem also. It is never easy to practice the love we find in 1 Corinthians 13 but let us remember to pray for the marriages of all believers, especially those that are on the verge of divorce.
Friday
How do students from Mainland China measure up against students from Taiwan? According to an expert, Taiwan still has an advantage in the educational process with more experience in training talented students. However, he also says that students from Taiwan do not work so hard and have less drive than their Mainland counterparts. A similar comparison can be made between Bible school students in the two places. Let us pray for all those who are in various stages of training for church ministry. People are always amazed at how well the Mainland students can recite Bible passages. May the Lord mold their characters, shape their personalities, and conform them to be more like Christ Himself.
Saturday
In China it is not uncommon to see one pastor shepherd multiple congregations. Such disparity in the pastor/member ratio creates a situation where pastors are unable to meaningfully care for the needs of belivers. Pastors are extremely busy because they have the responsibility of administration (paying utilities, rent, and other expenses) for multiple meeting sites. A common problem for many churches is the lack of a team of co-workers since many churches are run in a very centralized and closed fashion. Let us pray for all the churches as they seek to find people who are willing to commit to and build up the leadership team.
Sunday
To impove both the quantity and quality of pastors is one of the biggest challenges of churches in China. Many have answered the call but lack systematic theological training. Many also lack the concept of how to properly minister to the congregation so these are sent out to do a task that is very demanding and for which they are inadequately equipped. We must continue to beseech the Lord to strengthen the shepherds and send out more workers. In the mean time we are committed to pray for those who badly need encouragement refreshing and equipping. We pray, too, that their sheep will empathize with them and be appreciative of their pastors instead of being critical and demanding.
Monday
Frankly speaking, house church pastors in China get most of their training in Biblical knowledge so they are able to preach effectively and Biblically but we know that ministry is far more than preaching on Sunday. It also includes prayer, visitation, counseling, and discipleship to help the believers hone their spiritual gifts. The fact is, however, that pastors in China can focus only on preaching because many of them have to have another job to support themselves. We take this time to pray for all the workers who must balance their income-producing jobswith their service in the church along with family life. May the Lord give them insight and wisdom as they prepare to feed the hungry sheep.
星期二
「再不回去（中國），就來不及了！」針對留學生回國創業，一位著名的企業家有此感言。今天大中國學生在美國受教育，對回國創業，是有一定的優勢，但這種優勢，每天都在削弱。今天在中國最紅的網路名人，多都是 「非海歸」。讓我們為在留學期間信了主，正舉棋不定要回或要留的學生禱告。這不是容易的決定，求主引導他們的方向。我們特別求主保守決定回國的，讓他們能以各自的專才，宣揚基服事教會。
星期三
今年諾貝爾獎主，華裔榜上有名。獲獎者的學經歷，一直是分析家關注的重點。但至今華人獲獎者的高等教育或研究經歷都是在海外，真正與在原生地受的教育其實都沒有直接的關係。近代大多數的中國神學院的老師們也多是國外訓練的。華人神學院多是忙於培養服事的工人，根本沒有時間來從事研究。讓我們為所有在神學院及各階層的培訓班教導的老師們來祈求，願主賜給他們每個人的都有一個學者和牧者的心腸。
星期四
70年代文革後期，知識青年從城市被送到農村接受改造，適婚年齡的知青受促與農民結婚，並在所服務的農村定居。這些婚姻大多以離婚收場。申辦離婚最常見的理由是“存在不可調和的分歧”。許多基督徒夫婦也面對同樣的難題。哥林多前書13章所描述的愛，實在知易行難，讓我們為所有信徒的婚姻禱告交托，尤其是已經臨近離婚邊緣的，更是求主親自介入調和、挽回。
星期五
談到台灣與大陸人才的優勢時，一位著名的企業家分析，整體來說，台灣人才的培養時間比中國還長，有經驗的還是比較多。但問題是，台灣的學生沒大陸人那麼努力，對成功的渴望和企圖心也沒那麼強。同樣的差異也可見於兩地的神學生。我們為所有正在各個階段接受裝備以從事教會事工的信徒來禱告。大陸學生背聖經的能力總叫人讚嘆不已。求主在品格和個性上塑造他們，好叫基督的僕人個個都更有基督自己的樣式。
星期六
在中國一個傳道人牧養多個教會的情況到處可見。牧養人員與信徒的比例失衡，有限的牧者很難顧及眾多信徒的全部需要。有些教會的牧者甚至兼任管理教會的行政事務，包括繳交水電、雜費，租金等，以致總是忙得不可開交。許多教會有一個共同的問題，就是缺乏能真正同工的隊伍，原因是他們的管理方式過於中央集權和封閉。我們為眾教會在尋求願意獻身服事的人，以及建立領導團隊上的需要禱告。
星期日
中國教會當前最大的挑戰莫過於傳道人質與量的改進。許多人回應了神的呼召，卻得不到有系統和全面的神學訓練，很多踏進牧場仍缺乏牧養的概念；當中有很多對所委於他們職責感到吃力。我們務必要繼續懇求主多賜力量給所有的牧人，以及感動和差派更多的工人。與此同時，我們也要為那些急需要扶持、更新、和裝備的牧者獻上禱告，也求主讓他們的羊群能夠顧念他們，看到牧者們的勞苦，而給予他們嘉許而非諸多挑剔和要求。
星期一
大多數給予中國家庭教會傳道人的培訓，都屬聖經知識方面-好教他們的講臺信息。然而，教會的牧養工作除了主日講道和聖經教導，還包括代禱、探訪與關懷、輔導和門徒訓練、協助信徒發掘屬靈恩賜等等。其實，中國有許多傳道人之所以只能專講信息，是因為他們需要另外兼職來補貼家用。他們需要在工作掙錢，服事教會，和照顧家庭之間取得平衡，需要我們的代禱。我們求主常常在他們為羊群準備靈糧之時，賜給他們智慧和亮光，使得饑渴的羊都能得到飽足。
A famous technology CEO said Chinese students "must return to China before it is to late!" if they want to start their own businesses. It is still beneficial for Chinese students to get an American education but the advantages are getting fewer every day. The new crop of successful Chinese entrepreneurs is by and large not foreign-educated. Let us pray for those who have accepted Jesus while they were studying abroad and are deciding whether to return to China or stay abroad. The choice is difficult to make. We pray especially for those who want to return to be able to use their profession as a way of sharing Jesus or helping churches in China.
Wednesday
This year another Chinese received the Nobel Prize. The education and training of a Nobel Prize winner is always closely scrutinized and technically none of the Chinese laureates so far has been granted to a person who took his/her higher education or did research in China. Historically, most of the Chinese theologians and seminary teachers are also educated abroad. Chinese seminaries are totally occupied in the training of students and faculties have little time for anything else. Let us pray for all those who are involved in teaching and training those preparing to serve the churches. May the Lord give each of them the heart of both a scholar and a shepherd.
Thursday
After the Cultural Revolution in the late 1970's millions of high school students and young intellectuals were sent to the countryside to be reformed. Those young people from the cities who were of a marriageable age were told to marry the farmers and settle on the farms where they were serving. A great majority of those marriages ended in divorce. Couples cite irreconcilable differences as the most common reason for divorce and we know that many Christian couples struggle with this problem also. It is never easy to practice the love we find in 1 Corinthians 13 but let us remember to pray for the marriages of all believers, especially those that are on the verge of divorce.
Friday
How do students from Mainland China measure up against students from Taiwan? According to an expert, Taiwan still has an advantage in the educational process with more experience in training talented students. However, he also says that students from Taiwan do not work so hard and have less drive than their Mainland counterparts. A similar comparison can be made between Bible school students in the two places. Let us pray for all those who are in various stages of training for church ministry. People are always amazed at how well the Mainland students can recite Bible passages. May the Lord mold their characters, shape their personalities, and conform them to be more like Christ Himself.
Saturday
In China it is not uncommon to see one pastor shepherd multiple congregations. Such disparity in the pastor/member ratio creates a situation where pastors are unable to meaningfully care for the needs of belivers. Pastors are extremely busy because they have the responsibility of administration (paying utilities, rent, and other expenses) for multiple meeting sites. A common problem for many churches is the lack of a team of co-workers since many churches are run in a very centralized and closed fashion. Let us pray for all the churches as they seek to find people who are willing to commit to and build up the leadership team.
Sunday
To impove both the quantity and quality of pastors is one of the biggest challenges of churches in China. Many have answered the call but lack systematic theological training. Many also lack the concept of how to properly minister to the congregation so these are sent out to do a task that is very demanding and for which they are inadequately equipped. We must continue to beseech the Lord to strengthen the shepherds and send out more workers. In the mean time we are committed to pray for those who badly need encouragement refreshing and equipping. We pray, too, that their sheep will empathize with them and be appreciative of their pastors instead of being critical and demanding.
Monday
Frankly speaking, house church pastors in China get most of their training in Biblical knowledge so they are able to preach effectively and Biblically but we know that ministry is far more than preaching on Sunday. It also includes prayer, visitation, counseling, and discipleship to help the believers hone their spiritual gifts. The fact is, however, that pastors in China can focus only on preaching because many of them have to have another job to support themselves. We take this time to pray for all the workers who must balance their income-producing jobswith their service in the church along with family life. May the Lord give them insight and wisdom as they prepare to feed the hungry sheep.
星期二
「再不回去（中國），就來不及了！」針對留學生回國創業，一位著名的企業家有此感言。今天大中國學生在美國受教育，對回國創業，是有一定的優勢，但這種優勢，每天都在削弱。今天在中國最紅的網路名人，多都是 「非海歸」。讓我們為在留學期間信了主，正舉棋不定要回或要留的學生禱告。這不是容易的決定，求主引導他們的方向。我們特別求主保守決定回國的，讓他們能以各自的專才，宣揚基服事教會。
星期三
今年諾貝爾獎主，華裔榜上有名。獲獎者的學經歷，一直是分析家關注的重點。但至今華人獲獎者的高等教育或研究經歷都是在海外，真正與在原生地受的教育其實都沒有直接的關係。近代大多數的中國神學院的老師們也多是國外訓練的。華人神學院多是忙於培養服事的工人，根本沒有時間來從事研究。讓我們為所有在神學院及各階層的培訓班教導的老師們來祈求，願主賜給他們每個人的都有一個學者和牧者的心腸。
星期四
70年代文革後期，知識青年從城市被送到農村接受改造，適婚年齡的知青受促與農民結婚，並在所服務的農村定居。這些婚姻大多以離婚收場。申辦離婚最常見的理由是“存在不可調和的分歧”。許多基督徒夫婦也面對同樣的難題。哥林多前書13章所描述的愛，實在知易行難，讓我們為所有信徒的婚姻禱告交托，尤其是已經臨近離婚邊緣的，更是求主親自介入調和、挽回。
星期五
談到台灣與大陸人才的優勢時，一位著名的企業家分析，整體來說，台灣人才的培養時間比中國還長，有經驗的還是比較多。但問題是，台灣的學生沒大陸人那麼努力，對成功的渴望和企圖心也沒那麼強。同樣的差異也可見於兩地的神學生。我們為所有正在各個階段接受裝備以從事教會事工的信徒來禱告。大陸學生背聖經的能力總叫人讚嘆不已。求主在品格和個性上塑造他們，好叫基督的僕人個個都更有基督自己的樣式。
星期六
在中國一個傳道人牧養多個教會的情況到處可見。牧養人員與信徒的比例失衡，有限的牧者很難顧及眾多信徒的全部需要。有些教會的牧者甚至兼任管理教會的行政事務，包括繳交水電、雜費，租金等，以致總是忙得不可開交。許多教會有一個共同的問題，就是缺乏能真正同工的隊伍，原因是他們的管理方式過於中央集權和封閉。我們為眾教會在尋求願意獻身服事的人，以及建立領導團隊上的需要禱告。
星期日
中國教會當前最大的挑戰莫過於傳道人質與量的改進。許多人回應了神的呼召，卻得不到有系統和全面的神學訓練，很多踏進牧場仍缺乏牧養的概念；當中有很多對所委於他們職責感到吃力。我們務必要繼續懇求主多賜力量給所有的牧人，以及感動和差派更多的工人。與此同時，我們也要為那些急需要扶持、更新、和裝備的牧者獻上禱告，也求主讓他們的羊群能夠顧念他們，看到牧者們的勞苦，而給予他們嘉許而非諸多挑剔和要求。
星期一
大多數給予中國家庭教會傳道人的培訓，都屬聖經知識方面-好教他們的講臺信息。然而，教會的牧養工作除了主日講道和聖經教導，還包括代禱、探訪與關懷、輔導和門徒訓練、協助信徒發掘屬靈恩賜等等。其實，中國有許多傳道人之所以只能專講信息，是因為他們需要另外兼職來補貼家用。他們需要在工作掙錢，服事教會，和照顧家庭之間取得平衡，需要我們的代禱。我們求主常常在他們為羊群準備靈糧之時，賜給他們智慧和亮光，使得饑渴的羊都能得到飽足。
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Prayer Request 10/13 - 10/19
Tuesday
"The Founding of a Republic" is a film officially released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's rise to power. The film retells the tale of the Party's triumph in coming to power and has a star-studded cast who acted pro bono. The struggle between Mao and Chiang was downplayed and nearly all the characters were portrayed positively. The rift between the Three-self and House churches is narrowing but the old wound heals slowly and mistrust exists everywhere. God forgives us when we forgive others. Let us pray for all of us to be reminded of Christ's example of forgiving those who have wronged and hurt us.
Wednesday
On October 1st, during the grand 60th Anniversary military parade, Chairman Hu uncharacteristically did not wear his military attire but chose to wear the "zong san suit" (often known in the West as the Mao suit) for the historic occasion. This classic 4-pocket men's suit has been worn by all the famous leaders since the founding of the modern Chinese Republic. Wearing so-called "Sunday best" clothing to church does not mean much to Chinese believers since most people simply wear their regular outfits. However, poor and wealthy believers still dress differently. Let us pray that there will be no looking down on people based on their educational, financial, or social status in any Chinese church.
Thursday
China has been discouraging the burial of bodies and making cremation mandatory. This helps to solve the problem of a shortage of cemeteries. Guangzhou, however, is going a step further by promoting the so-called "tree burial"--burying the ashes in a designated forest with a small marker without even taking up any land. Proper burial for one's parents is considered an absolute for filial Chinese families. However, there are many stories of how children neglect their parents when they get old. Let us pray that we will honor our parents and support them while they are alive. God promises that we will be blessed when we honor our parents.
Friday
In China, Shanghai has more out-of-town laborers than any other city. There are six million of them and they comprise about a third of the city's population. This so-called "floating population" adds a great burden to the educational, health care, and housing needs of the city. Shanghai will host the 2010 World Expo and 380,000 people will be relocated to build this site. Many Christians from the villages come to Shanghai to work but are unable to find a place of worship. We need to pray for the spiritual vitality of churches in big cities like Shanghai. We remember, too, the many believers who could not find a church so they stop attending worship services entirely because they have lost interest and contact with the church.
Saturday
Buying and owning a place to live before looking for a mate is very common in China. When people look for their perspective mates, owning an apartment translates into financial security more than having a good job. The same is true for church workers. When they are looking for marriage partners, they face many hurdles. They get small salaries, their work is not considered to be a well-paying and secure job, and they cannot afford to buy houses. Let us pray for those church workers and believers who wish to get married but do not have the financial ability to gain the approval of the family of their desired mate.
Sunday
In China there is a trend for female students who are near graduation to spend their time looking for a good husband rather than trying to find employment. Especially in a tight job market, to marry right is more important than studying well and that is the pressure that all female collegians face. There are more young women attenders than men in the booming college student ministry in China.. Their famlies and their parents want them to have marriage prospects, but often they still have not shared their faith in God with them. Let us pray for all the young college believers who face the pressure of dating, finding God's will for their lives, and still holding on to their faith in God.
Monday
China and North Korea recently celebrated their 60th anniversary of having diplomatic ties. During the 1950's over a span of three years, 130,000 Chinese soldiers, including the oldest son of Chairman Mao, lost their lives fighting the Korean war. Koreans make up a huge majority of missionaries in China and they have the advantage of a similar culture, geographical promimity, and an amazing commitment to and love for Chinese people. We give thanks for the support given by Korean churches to the Chinese people. May the Lord reward them! We also remember all the Korean church workers and many Korean businessmen whose goal is expanding the Kingdom of God and not merely financial gain.
星期二
《建國大業》是紀念中國共產黨建國60周年的獻禮作品，該片由眾多一線明星「零片酬」客串演出。片中將毛澤東的勁敵蔣介石描寫成一位愛國者，片中所有歷史人物皆以正面角度表達。家庭教會與三自間的鴻溝正日漸縮小，但歷史的傷口仍難癒合，彼此之間普遍存在不信任。神教導我們寬恕別人，祂就赦免我們。讓我們以禱告彼此提醒，效法基督的榜樣，饒恕那些傷害我們的人。
星期三
十月一日胡主席首度以「中山裝」代替軍裝主持60週年閱兵大典。這套有4個對稱口袋的服裝常被西方誤稱為「毛裝」，是近代中華人民共和國風雲政治領袖的標準裝束。 中國信徒並沒有西方「星期日穿最好上教會」的傳統，信徒大多習以平素服裝上教會。然而信徒間貧與富在裝扮上仍有明顯差距。神兒女不應因貧富而受不同對待，也讓我們絕對不因人的教育程度，財富，社會地位有別而看不起人。
星期四
近年來中國以火葬取代土葬來緩解死人與活人争地的矛盾。 廣東一直致力於提倡「樹葬」，即在遠離城市建立森林墓園，樹下深埋骨灰，既解决骨灰存放的難處，也適應大多數人對「落葉歸根、入土爲安」的心理定勢。華人的孝道，安葬並為父母守孝是子女應盡的本份。但棄養年邁父母的事跡仍層出不窮。孝敬父母，神必使我們得福，是祂帶應許的誡命。求主讓我們都能在父母有生之年，好好孝敬、奉養他們。
星期五
上海是中國擁有最大民工人口的城市之一。目前約有600萬農民工，佔上海總人口三分之一。大量民工人口面臨教育，健康，住房等諸多障礙。上海將主辦2010年年世博會，將會影響38萬人口遷移。 很多從鄉鎮搬到上海工作的基督徒，要找適合的教會並不容易。讓我們為如上海般大城市教會的靈性復興禱告；也為那些因找不到教會，失去聯絡信心冷淡而停止聚會的肢體禱告。
星期六
先買房才考慮找伴侶，在中國是個極普遍的現象。找伴侶時，擁有房子要比有一份好工作，在經濟上為對方帶來更大的安全感。 教牧人員常因工資微薄，收入不穩，負擔不起昂貴房價，在找對象時，也面對重重障礙。讓我們在禱告中記念有意結婚，卻礙於財力緊拙而無法贏得對方家長批准婚事的教會工作人員和弟兄姊妹，求主親自為他們開路。
星期日
中國的女大學畢業生不急於找工作，卻急著找老公，已成了普遍現象。在當今就業率偏低的情況下，女大學生普遍認為：「學得好不如嫁得好」。中大學校園事工，女生信主比男生多。談婚論嫁時，家人或父母多希望自己女兒能找個好條件的伴侶，然而他們當中多半沒有信主。讓我們為面對拍拖壓力，尋找上帝在他們生命中的旨意，並持守信仰的年輕大學生禱告。
星期一
新中國成立六十週年之際，也與北朝鮮建交六十週年。上世紀50年代初中國「抗美援朝」戰爭，三年內約有13萬多中國人民志願軍，包括毛澤東的長子，喪命朝鮮。當今赴中國宣教的，以韓國人佔絕大多數。除文化和地理上的優勢外，他們驚人的委身和對中國人的熱愛實在令人敬佩。 讓我們為此感恩，求主親自記念韓國教會以及所有的韓國宣教士的付出！包括許多韓國商人，他們服侍神的心志，遠遠超過生意的大小利益。
"The Founding of a Republic" is a film officially released to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party's rise to power. The film retells the tale of the Party's triumph in coming to power and has a star-studded cast who acted pro bono. The struggle between Mao and Chiang was downplayed and nearly all the characters were portrayed positively. The rift between the Three-self and House churches is narrowing but the old wound heals slowly and mistrust exists everywhere. God forgives us when we forgive others. Let us pray for all of us to be reminded of Christ's example of forgiving those who have wronged and hurt us.
Wednesday
On October 1st, during the grand 60th Anniversary military parade, Chairman Hu uncharacteristically did not wear his military attire but chose to wear the "zong san suit" (often known in the West as the Mao suit) for the historic occasion. This classic 4-pocket men's suit has been worn by all the famous leaders since the founding of the modern Chinese Republic. Wearing so-called "Sunday best" clothing to church does not mean much to Chinese believers since most people simply wear their regular outfits. However, poor and wealthy believers still dress differently. Let us pray that there will be no looking down on people based on their educational, financial, or social status in any Chinese church.
Thursday
China has been discouraging the burial of bodies and making cremation mandatory. This helps to solve the problem of a shortage of cemeteries. Guangzhou, however, is going a step further by promoting the so-called "tree burial"--burying the ashes in a designated forest with a small marker without even taking up any land. Proper burial for one's parents is considered an absolute for filial Chinese families. However, there are many stories of how children neglect their parents when they get old. Let us pray that we will honor our parents and support them while they are alive. God promises that we will be blessed when we honor our parents.
Friday
In China, Shanghai has more out-of-town laborers than any other city. There are six million of them and they comprise about a third of the city's population. This so-called "floating population" adds a great burden to the educational, health care, and housing needs of the city. Shanghai will host the 2010 World Expo and 380,000 people will be relocated to build this site. Many Christians from the villages come to Shanghai to work but are unable to find a place of worship. We need to pray for the spiritual vitality of churches in big cities like Shanghai. We remember, too, the many believers who could not find a church so they stop attending worship services entirely because they have lost interest and contact with the church.
Saturday
Buying and owning a place to live before looking for a mate is very common in China. When people look for their perspective mates, owning an apartment translates into financial security more than having a good job. The same is true for church workers. When they are looking for marriage partners, they face many hurdles. They get small salaries, their work is not considered to be a well-paying and secure job, and they cannot afford to buy houses. Let us pray for those church workers and believers who wish to get married but do not have the financial ability to gain the approval of the family of their desired mate.
Sunday
In China there is a trend for female students who are near graduation to spend their time looking for a good husband rather than trying to find employment. Especially in a tight job market, to marry right is more important than studying well and that is the pressure that all female collegians face. There are more young women attenders than men in the booming college student ministry in China.. Their famlies and their parents want them to have marriage prospects, but often they still have not shared their faith in God with them. Let us pray for all the young college believers who face the pressure of dating, finding God's will for their lives, and still holding on to their faith in God.
Monday
China and North Korea recently celebrated their 60th anniversary of having diplomatic ties. During the 1950's over a span of three years, 130,000 Chinese soldiers, including the oldest son of Chairman Mao, lost their lives fighting the Korean war. Koreans make up a huge majority of missionaries in China and they have the advantage of a similar culture, geographical promimity, and an amazing commitment to and love for Chinese people. We give thanks for the support given by Korean churches to the Chinese people. May the Lord reward them! We also remember all the Korean church workers and many Korean businessmen whose goal is expanding the Kingdom of God and not merely financial gain.
星期二
《建國大業》是紀念中國共產黨建國60周年的獻禮作品，該片由眾多一線明星「零片酬」客串演出。片中將毛澤東的勁敵蔣介石描寫成一位愛國者，片中所有歷史人物皆以正面角度表達。家庭教會與三自間的鴻溝正日漸縮小，但歷史的傷口仍難癒合，彼此之間普遍存在不信任。神教導我們寬恕別人，祂就赦免我們。讓我們以禱告彼此提醒，效法基督的榜樣，饒恕那些傷害我們的人。
星期三
十月一日胡主席首度以「中山裝」代替軍裝主持60週年閱兵大典。這套有4個對稱口袋的服裝常被西方誤稱為「毛裝」，是近代中華人民共和國風雲政治領袖的標準裝束。 中國信徒並沒有西方「星期日穿最好上教會」的傳統，信徒大多習以平素服裝上教會。然而信徒間貧與富在裝扮上仍有明顯差距。神兒女不應因貧富而受不同對待，也讓我們絕對不因人的教育程度，財富，社會地位有別而看不起人。
星期四
近年來中國以火葬取代土葬來緩解死人與活人争地的矛盾。 廣東一直致力於提倡「樹葬」，即在遠離城市建立森林墓園，樹下深埋骨灰，既解决骨灰存放的難處，也適應大多數人對「落葉歸根、入土爲安」的心理定勢。華人的孝道，安葬並為父母守孝是子女應盡的本份。但棄養年邁父母的事跡仍層出不窮。孝敬父母，神必使我們得福，是祂帶應許的誡命。求主讓我們都能在父母有生之年，好好孝敬、奉養他們。
星期五
上海是中國擁有最大民工人口的城市之一。目前約有600萬農民工，佔上海總人口三分之一。大量民工人口面臨教育，健康，住房等諸多障礙。上海將主辦2010年年世博會，將會影響38萬人口遷移。 很多從鄉鎮搬到上海工作的基督徒，要找適合的教會並不容易。讓我們為如上海般大城市教會的靈性復興禱告；也為那些因找不到教會，失去聯絡信心冷淡而停止聚會的肢體禱告。
星期六
先買房才考慮找伴侶，在中國是個極普遍的現象。找伴侶時，擁有房子要比有一份好工作，在經濟上為對方帶來更大的安全感。 教牧人員常因工資微薄，收入不穩，負擔不起昂貴房價，在找對象時，也面對重重障礙。讓我們在禱告中記念有意結婚，卻礙於財力緊拙而無法贏得對方家長批准婚事的教會工作人員和弟兄姊妹，求主親自為他們開路。
星期日
中國的女大學畢業生不急於找工作，卻急著找老公，已成了普遍現象。在當今就業率偏低的情況下，女大學生普遍認為：「學得好不如嫁得好」。中大學校園事工，女生信主比男生多。談婚論嫁時，家人或父母多希望自己女兒能找個好條件的伴侶，然而他們當中多半沒有信主。讓我們為面對拍拖壓力，尋找上帝在他們生命中的旨意，並持守信仰的年輕大學生禱告。
星期一
新中國成立六十週年之際，也與北朝鮮建交六十週年。上世紀50年代初中國「抗美援朝」戰爭，三年內約有13萬多中國人民志願軍，包括毛澤東的長子，喪命朝鮮。當今赴中國宣教的，以韓國人佔絕大多數。除文化和地理上的優勢外，他們驚人的委身和對中國人的熱愛實在令人敬佩。 讓我們為此感恩，求主親自記念韓國教會以及所有的韓國宣教士的付出！包括許多韓國商人，他們服侍神的心志，遠遠超過生意的大小利益。
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Prayer Request 10/06 - 10/12
Tuesday
In Shanghai, the cost of raising a child to adulthood, including the college tuition, is about 900,000 yuans, the cost of a middle-class apartment. Every parent has great expectations for his/her only child and the cost of raising the only child is equal to a house. Christian parents have the same worries too. They worry about their children drifting away from God. Vast majority of Chinese churches have little to attract or offer the teenagers. Let us pray that Christian parents will have the wisdom and resolve to teach, communicate and remind their children to love the Lord.
Wednesday
Since the great revival in China in the 1970's, although no one knows exactly the number of Chinese Christians, Chinese have composed the largest Christian groups in the world. Officially there are eighteen million believers in the Christian Three-Self Patriotic Movement and five million in the Catholic Patriotic churches. We know that God knows everyone who belongs to Him so we want to pray for God's sheep and His faithful workers on the field. Many say, "Prosperity is the greatest enemy of the church" so we pray again for the refining fire and a spirit of revival to come to churches in China.
Thursday
The housing market is again sizzling in China. On the average, the price of a starter home in an average Chinese city will cost about as much as one wage-earner would get in twenty-two years. It is expected that parents will help their child buy a house and the only way a young married couple can own their own home is with the help of their parents. Helping their child buy a house and saving money for retirement are two things constantly on the mind of parents in China. Let us pray especially for believers who have children of a marriageable age. While it is difficult to be free of worry about money, let us pray for peace and assurance from God that He will take care of us and our children as we trust Him with all of our hearts.
Friday
In the cities, many of the new believers are young professionals. Although they have only came to know Jesus less than 5 years but they are very active in evangelism and want to make an impact for Jesus. In contrast to the older believers, they are eager to apply their skills and leverage their influence for Kingdom's sake. We praise the Lord for musicians, artists, managers of companies, teachers and lawyers who profess their Christian faith publicly. We pray that their zeal will be matched by their desire to walk closely with God, as well as humility to work with their church members.
Saturday
The Communist party is said to have implemented new rules forbidding party officials implicated in scandals or those who have been reprimanded to be eligible for reappointment or promotion. This is meant as a serious warning to put a stop to "bad apples". Last year there were eight thousand party officials reprimanded or indicted. "Bad" church workers often relocate or else start a new church which causes division and weakening of the existing church. We pray for all the congregations now undergoing divisions or suffering splits because of the moral failure of their leaders. May the Lord graciously restore their faith in the church and give them unity in Christ.
Sunday
Many Chinese have come to hear about Jesus for the first time after they left China to study or work abroad. These new converts have the genuine faith but many have reservation about receiving the baptism as a public profession of their faith. Many feel being a Christian will derail their career advancement, bypassed for promotion and jeopardize their membership standing in the Communist Party which is absolutely essential for public sector works. We uplift these brothers and sisters, in sharing their heavy emotional load with our prayers. May the Lord give us faith in trusting Him to lead us, and courage to profess His Name in our daily walk.
Monday
Golf is nicknamed the "green opium" in China and widely considered as a recreation of the capitalists. It is the fastest growing sport, with nearly 300 plus courses mostly in the southern part of China. Back in the 1980's there were only 20 courses. Not long ago, church buildings in China are antiquated and badly in need of replacement. Today, there are many modern, huge and architecturally distinctive church buildings. Let us remember especially these open churches with nice facilities that they will be used for great good and become great blessings to their communities.
星期二
在上海撫養一個孩子到成年，生活費和學費需要90萬元人民幣。每位父母都把所有的希望寄託在獨生子女身上，培養一個孩子成才所花的費用就相當於購買一套住房。 信徒家長不但有同樣的顧慮，更要為自己的孩子是否會遠離神而憂心。絕大多數的中國教會對青少年吸引力不大。我們要為信徒家長能有智慧和決心教導提醒子女，並在愛主的事上有美好溝通來祈求。
星期三
從上世紀70年代開始，中國教會開始了大規模的復興，成長為世界上最大的基督徒群體。雖然基督徒的實際數字無從得知，官方估計基督教三自愛國運動信徒逾1千8百萬，天主教愛國會信徒則有5百萬。 我們知道神認識每一個屬祂的人。我們要爲神的羊群和在工場上忠心的同工禱告。人曰：物質豐盛是教會最大的敵人。我們唯願煉淨的火焰和復興的靈再臨到中國教會。
星期四
中國房地產市場又再次熾熱起來。一般來說，一套在中等城市的基本住房價錢相等於一個普通工人工作二十年的薪資。事實上，年輕夫婦要買房，就是期望父母的幫助。國內父母常爲兩事憂心：一是要幫助子女買房子，一是爲退休好好儲蓄。我們特別爲有適婚年齡子女的信徒禱告。或許我們不得不爲錢煩惱，但可以仰望神，當全心信靠祂，祂會賜平安與確據，照顧我們和我們的兒女。
星期五
城市裏許多初信徒是學有專精的專業青年。他們信主通常不到五年，卻積極傳福音，要為耶穌成就大事。也渴望為神的國度，以一己之所長，提升並闊大其效率和影響。我們為這些公開承認自己是基督徒的音樂家、藝術家、公司經理、教師、律師等年輕信徒來感謝和讚美主。求主幫助他們對事奉的熱心與追求和神親密同行的渴慕相稱，同時也能謙卑與人同工。
星期六
共產黨制定了新規條，將禁止提拔對重大事故負有責任的黨政官員。這些應該對所有官員產生警示作用。去年有8萬多名官員因錯誤行為而被追究責任。「敗壞」的教會工人也經常會轉到其他教會或設立新聚會點，造成分裂並削弱現時教會的能力。我們為因領導者人格破產而導致內部分裂的教會祈求，願主重新恢復信徒對教會的信心並保守他們在基督里的合一。
星期日
很多中國人到海外留學或工作之後，才初聞耶穌基督、接受救恩。他們的信仰真實，但對接受公開洗禮卻仍有所保留，恐怕有了基督徒身份，會阻礙他們將來在國內的事業發展和升遷機會，也會危及在國家共產黨的黨員地位，繼而失去成為公務員的資格。我們要在禱告中分擔他們情緒和理性上的重擔，求主給他們力量，更加信靠祂的帶領，並且有勇氣在人前承認祂的名，高舉祂的名。
星期一
高爾夫球在中國被冠以「綠色鴉片」名號，普遍人認為它是資本主義上流社會的消遣項目。高球在中國是發展最迅速的體育運動。20世紀80年代，中國只有二十來個高爾夫球場，目前，高球場的數目增至300多個，大部份設於南方。不久以前，中國的教堂建築都是古舊失修。現今，現代化，龐大且具建築特色的教堂在各地比比皆是。讓我們特別記念這些設施齊全、對外開放的教會，求主使它們不但能成為美好事工的場地，更能成為鄰近社區的一大祝福。
In Shanghai, the cost of raising a child to adulthood, including the college tuition, is about 900,000 yuans, the cost of a middle-class apartment. Every parent has great expectations for his/her only child and the cost of raising the only child is equal to a house. Christian parents have the same worries too. They worry about their children drifting away from God. Vast majority of Chinese churches have little to attract or offer the teenagers. Let us pray that Christian parents will have the wisdom and resolve to teach, communicate and remind their children to love the Lord.
Wednesday
Since the great revival in China in the 1970's, although no one knows exactly the number of Chinese Christians, Chinese have composed the largest Christian groups in the world. Officially there are eighteen million believers in the Christian Three-Self Patriotic Movement and five million in the Catholic Patriotic churches. We know that God knows everyone who belongs to Him so we want to pray for God's sheep and His faithful workers on the field. Many say, "Prosperity is the greatest enemy of the church" so we pray again for the refining fire and a spirit of revival to come to churches in China.
Thursday
The housing market is again sizzling in China. On the average, the price of a starter home in an average Chinese city will cost about as much as one wage-earner would get in twenty-two years. It is expected that parents will help their child buy a house and the only way a young married couple can own their own home is with the help of their parents. Helping their child buy a house and saving money for retirement are two things constantly on the mind of parents in China. Let us pray especially for believers who have children of a marriageable age. While it is difficult to be free of worry about money, let us pray for peace and assurance from God that He will take care of us and our children as we trust Him with all of our hearts.
Friday
In the cities, many of the new believers are young professionals. Although they have only came to know Jesus less than 5 years but they are very active in evangelism and want to make an impact for Jesus. In contrast to the older believers, they are eager to apply their skills and leverage their influence for Kingdom's sake. We praise the Lord for musicians, artists, managers of companies, teachers and lawyers who profess their Christian faith publicly. We pray that their zeal will be matched by their desire to walk closely with God, as well as humility to work with their church members.
Saturday
The Communist party is said to have implemented new rules forbidding party officials implicated in scandals or those who have been reprimanded to be eligible for reappointment or promotion. This is meant as a serious warning to put a stop to "bad apples". Last year there were eight thousand party officials reprimanded or indicted. "Bad" church workers often relocate or else start a new church which causes division and weakening of the existing church. We pray for all the congregations now undergoing divisions or suffering splits because of the moral failure of their leaders. May the Lord graciously restore their faith in the church and give them unity in Christ.
Sunday
Many Chinese have come to hear about Jesus for the first time after they left China to study or work abroad. These new converts have the genuine faith but many have reservation about receiving the baptism as a public profession of their faith. Many feel being a Christian will derail their career advancement, bypassed for promotion and jeopardize their membership standing in the Communist Party which is absolutely essential for public sector works. We uplift these brothers and sisters, in sharing their heavy emotional load with our prayers. May the Lord give us faith in trusting Him to lead us, and courage to profess His Name in our daily walk.
Monday
Golf is nicknamed the "green opium" in China and widely considered as a recreation of the capitalists. It is the fastest growing sport, with nearly 300 plus courses mostly in the southern part of China. Back in the 1980's there were only 20 courses. Not long ago, church buildings in China are antiquated and badly in need of replacement. Today, there are many modern, huge and architecturally distinctive church buildings. Let us remember especially these open churches with nice facilities that they will be used for great good and become great blessings to their communities.
星期二
在上海撫養一個孩子到成年，生活費和學費需要90萬元人民幣。每位父母都把所有的希望寄託在獨生子女身上，培養一個孩子成才所花的費用就相當於購買一套住房。 信徒家長不但有同樣的顧慮，更要為自己的孩子是否會遠離神而憂心。絕大多數的中國教會對青少年吸引力不大。我們要為信徒家長能有智慧和決心教導提醒子女，並在愛主的事上有美好溝通來祈求。
星期三
從上世紀70年代開始，中國教會開始了大規模的復興，成長為世界上最大的基督徒群體。雖然基督徒的實際數字無從得知，官方估計基督教三自愛國運動信徒逾1千8百萬，天主教愛國會信徒則有5百萬。 我們知道神認識每一個屬祂的人。我們要爲神的羊群和在工場上忠心的同工禱告。人曰：物質豐盛是教會最大的敵人。我們唯願煉淨的火焰和復興的靈再臨到中國教會。
星期四
中國房地產市場又再次熾熱起來。一般來說，一套在中等城市的基本住房價錢相等於一個普通工人工作二十年的薪資。事實上，年輕夫婦要買房，就是期望父母的幫助。國內父母常爲兩事憂心：一是要幫助子女買房子，一是爲退休好好儲蓄。我們特別爲有適婚年齡子女的信徒禱告。或許我們不得不爲錢煩惱，但可以仰望神，當全心信靠祂，祂會賜平安與確據，照顧我們和我們的兒女。
星期五
城市裏許多初信徒是學有專精的專業青年。他們信主通常不到五年，卻積極傳福音，要為耶穌成就大事。也渴望為神的國度，以一己之所長，提升並闊大其效率和影響。我們為這些公開承認自己是基督徒的音樂家、藝術家、公司經理、教師、律師等年輕信徒來感謝和讚美主。求主幫助他們對事奉的熱心與追求和神親密同行的渴慕相稱，同時也能謙卑與人同工。
星期六
共產黨制定了新規條，將禁止提拔對重大事故負有責任的黨政官員。這些應該對所有官員產生警示作用。去年有8萬多名官員因錯誤行為而被追究責任。「敗壞」的教會工人也經常會轉到其他教會或設立新聚會點，造成分裂並削弱現時教會的能力。我們為因領導者人格破產而導致內部分裂的教會祈求，願主重新恢復信徒對教會的信心並保守他們在基督里的合一。
星期日
很多中國人到海外留學或工作之後，才初聞耶穌基督、接受救恩。他們的信仰真實，但對接受公開洗禮卻仍有所保留，恐怕有了基督徒身份，會阻礙他們將來在國內的事業發展和升遷機會，也會危及在國家共產黨的黨員地位，繼而失去成為公務員的資格。我們要在禱告中分擔他們情緒和理性上的重擔，求主給他們力量，更加信靠祂的帶領，並且有勇氣在人前承認祂的名，高舉祂的名。
星期一
高爾夫球在中國被冠以「綠色鴉片」名號，普遍人認為它是資本主義上流社會的消遣項目。高球在中國是發展最迅速的體育運動。20世紀80年代，中國只有二十來個高爾夫球場，目前，高球場的數目增至300多個，大部份設於南方。不久以前，中國的教堂建築都是古舊失修。現今，現代化，龐大且具建築特色的教堂在各地比比皆是。讓我們特別記念這些設施齊全、對外開放的教會，求主使它們不但能成為美好事工的場地，更能成為鄰近社區的一大祝福。
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Prayer Request 9/29 - 10/05
Tuesday
At present there are 70 million children from "only child" families in college or in the work force in China. When they were surveyed nearly half of these college students reported a lack of close friendship in spite of their having a large social circle. Many observe that people from the "only child" generation have great difficulty forming healthy relationships. The young and newly-converted believers in China now are predominately from the "one child" generation. We pray for these new converts, especially those in urban churches, that the Holy Spirit will transform their lives and teach them to be humble, not self-centered in their fellowship with other believers.
Wednesday
The government estimates that there are 5.2 million "official" cars in service throughout China. One can imagine the enormous expense and abuses involved. The Communist Party has stated repeatedly that using official cars for private use is very rampant but their attempts to reform the situation have failed again and again. Chinese people tend to equate the misuse and abuse of public property merely as perks. Having integrity and not giving in to corruption is not easy, especially for believers who are in positions of power and influence. Let us pray for them and for ourselves since we all need to live out our faith and be a testimony in the workplace.
Thursday
Several things contributed to the rise of student fellowships in colleges: involvement of urban churches in student ministry, the return of Christian Chinese from overseas who teach in colleges, reach out to students, and are involved in publishing of many literary classics as well as promoting Christianity in the department of religion in many universities. Student ministry in China has been an unprecedented collaborative effort and we praise the Lord for the miracle He has performed. We lift up all those involved in student ministries and pray especially for those who have come to accept Jesus on the campus but are now not a part of any church or have drifted away from their faith.
Friday
It is estimated that there are 173 million adults with mental illness in China--far more than was previously thought. The vast majority of those so afflicted have never sought help because of the Chinese lack of understanding about mental illness and that they can be treated. Any Chinese who is mentally ill is quickly labeled as "strange" or "weak". Even churches can usually offer nothing better than a gentle, "We will pray for you". Pastors have little knowledge of how to handle those who are depressed or suicidal. They have no time to give individual attention to those so afflicted. Let us pray for those pastors whose sheep are suffering from depression and wondering how the church can help them.
Saturday
Health officials in Beijing estimate that 17.5% of adult Chinese suffer from some kind of mental disorder. Rural residents have a high incidence of depression and alcohol-related problems. Unfortunately, China is also the only country in the world in which the rate of suicide for females is higher than that of males. A majority of Chinese Christian churches are located in rural regions (60% of the people in China live in rural areas). Rural churches witness many cases of depression and suicide but are totally at a loss to know how to help. Let us pray for healing for all the depressed individuals churches know about or the members who suffer from it. May the Lord use the churches to preach the powerful message of healing and comfort found in God in their communities.
Sunday
The Communist Party claims that a third of her members have a college education. Since all positions in the government are given to party members by preference, many Christians choose to keep their faith a secret or decide not to be baptized for fear of being associated with churches. We pray for a close personal relationship with God for every Christian who holds party membership. They need much prayer, a strong faith in God, and the courage to live out their beliefs. They are also the seed for change whether subtle or obvious in the Chinese government. We pray for our brothers and sisters who hold membership in the Communist party.
Monday
Although Beijing has repeatedly raised the salary of teachers nationwide, teachers are not getting raises locally because of a lack of funds. China as a nation is rich but at the county level, the salaries of teachers have not caught up with inflation. Teachers in the countryside are the poorest in terms of pay and other compensations. Similarly, many have talked about helping the pastors especially those in the rural churches but there is a lack of financial resources. Let us lift up in our prayers those who serve the Lord and His people faithfully. May the Lord bless them and help the people in the churches to see that they should treat God's shepherds with respect and support them financially.
星期二
目前中國已有7,000萬「獨生子女」族群進入社會工作或在大專院校就讀。調查顯示：在校大學生中，47.42%的獨生子女反應自己交遊面雖廣，但缺少知心朋友。據觀察這獨生子女一代面臨著不善與人建立友誼的困擾。 中國現今的年輕初信徒，尤其在城市教會的，主要來自「獨一代」。讓我們為這些初信徒禱告，求讓他們重生的聖靈帶領他們成為有謙卑，無私的新生命，能與其他信徒互相關愛團契。
星期三
中國政府估計目前全國共有五百二十萬輛公務車在服務，其所涉費用的龐大和對公務車的濫用情形不難想像。共產黨一再指出公務車私用情況非常嚴重，但嘗試改變現狀卻一再失敗。國人常習於誤用和濫用公共財產等同於津貼。想要堅守廉正不屈服於腐敗實非易事，尤其是處在具有一定權力和影響力位份上的基督徒。讓我們為他們，也為自己禱告，求神保守我們活出信仰，在職場上為主作美好的見證。
星期四
中國各地大學團契的建立，要歸功於許多城市教會積極投入校園福音事工；海歸人員在大學任教，努力向學生傳褔音，從事出版基督教文學刊物、並在大學宗教系致力宣揚基督教神學。中國學生團契事工的成功正是大家通力合作的果效，我們衷心感謝上帝所創造的奇蹟。讓我們為所有投入學生事工的人禱告，也特別紀念曾於校園決志信主但卻不再參加聚會或轉離信仰的學生。
星期五
中國患精神病的人數比過去預料的要高得多，約有1億7300萬成年人患有某種精神病。其中絕大多數從未就診，主要是因為民眾對精神病缺乏認識，很多人都不知道精神病是可以醫治的。中國人常把精神病患者標籤爲「古怪」或「軟弱」。 甚至教會一般只會簡單説聲「我們會爲你禱告」而已。牧師既沒有足夠裝備及專業知識也無暇去幫助有抑鬱和自殺傾向的病人。我們要爲這些有抑鬱病纏繞的病羊的牧者禱告，求神親自供應教會，能有效回應這些需要。
星期六
衛生官員估計中國有17.5%的成年人患有某種程度上的精神病。鄉村居民比城市居民更可能患抑鬱症和酗酒。中國是世界上唯一一個女性自殺率高於男性的國家。中國有60%的人口居住在鄉村，大部分教會也是在鄉郊地區。鄉郊教會裏有不少抑鬱症和自殺問題，可是他們對這些問題全然不知所措。我們祈求神醫治那些教會正在跟進的抑鬱病患者和患有這些疾病的信徒。求主使用教會在社區傳揚神大有醫治和安慰能力的信息。
星期日
共產黨宣稱三分之一的黨員接受過高等教育。由於大部分政府工作都以有黨籍者為優先考慮，知識分子為了好的職位而加入共產黨的情況仍然普遍。許多考慮受洗 的信徒往往掙扎於是否繼續保留黨籍；很多人也選擇保密自己信徒的身份。這些隱性在政府機關工作的弟兄姊妹，是未來福音拓展的種籽。讓我們以禱告記念他們時時能與神親密同行，信心和勇氣都能持續在主裏不斷增長。
星期一
政府多次提高全國的教師工資待遇，但地方政府沒有資金，教師漲工資只能是「空調」。按國家經濟指數而言，中國是富裕的，但縣級政府卻不然。教師的工資始終趕不上通貨膨脹。待遇最底的教師群體是農村教師。同樣的，很多人都知道傳道人的需要，尤其農村教會的，但資源不足，「幫助」僅流於「空談」。我們要以禱告記念所有忠心事主和教會的同工，求主將福氣傾倒，也讓會眾能恩待神的牧人，不吝於尊敬和經濟支持。
At present there are 70 million children from "only child" families in college or in the work force in China. When they were surveyed nearly half of these college students reported a lack of close friendship in spite of their having a large social circle. Many observe that people from the "only child" generation have great difficulty forming healthy relationships. The young and newly-converted believers in China now are predominately from the "one child" generation. We pray for these new converts, especially those in urban churches, that the Holy Spirit will transform their lives and teach them to be humble, not self-centered in their fellowship with other believers.
Wednesday
The government estimates that there are 5.2 million "official" cars in service throughout China. One can imagine the enormous expense and abuses involved. The Communist Party has stated repeatedly that using official cars for private use is very rampant but their attempts to reform the situation have failed again and again. Chinese people tend to equate the misuse and abuse of public property merely as perks. Having integrity and not giving in to corruption is not easy, especially for believers who are in positions of power and influence. Let us pray for them and for ourselves since we all need to live out our faith and be a testimony in the workplace.
Thursday
Several things contributed to the rise of student fellowships in colleges: involvement of urban churches in student ministry, the return of Christian Chinese from overseas who teach in colleges, reach out to students, and are involved in publishing of many literary classics as well as promoting Christianity in the department of religion in many universities. Student ministry in China has been an unprecedented collaborative effort and we praise the Lord for the miracle He has performed. We lift up all those involved in student ministries and pray especially for those who have come to accept Jesus on the campus but are now not a part of any church or have drifted away from their faith.
Friday
It is estimated that there are 173 million adults with mental illness in China--far more than was previously thought. The vast majority of those so afflicted have never sought help because of the Chinese lack of understanding about mental illness and that they can be treated. Any Chinese who is mentally ill is quickly labeled as "strange" or "weak". Even churches can usually offer nothing better than a gentle, "We will pray for you". Pastors have little knowledge of how to handle those who are depressed or suicidal. They have no time to give individual attention to those so afflicted. Let us pray for those pastors whose sheep are suffering from depression and wondering how the church can help them.
Saturday
Health officials in Beijing estimate that 17.5% of adult Chinese suffer from some kind of mental disorder. Rural residents have a high incidence of depression and alcohol-related problems. Unfortunately, China is also the only country in the world in which the rate of suicide for females is higher than that of males. A majority of Chinese Christian churches are located in rural regions (60% of the people in China live in rural areas). Rural churches witness many cases of depression and suicide but are totally at a loss to know how to help. Let us pray for healing for all the depressed individuals churches know about or the members who suffer from it. May the Lord use the churches to preach the powerful message of healing and comfort found in God in their communities.
Sunday
The Communist Party claims that a third of her members have a college education. Since all positions in the government are given to party members by preference, many Christians choose to keep their faith a secret or decide not to be baptized for fear of being associated with churches. We pray for a close personal relationship with God for every Christian who holds party membership. They need much prayer, a strong faith in God, and the courage to live out their beliefs. They are also the seed for change whether subtle or obvious in the Chinese government. We pray for our brothers and sisters who hold membership in the Communist party.
Monday
Although Beijing has repeatedly raised the salary of teachers nationwide, teachers are not getting raises locally because of a lack of funds. China as a nation is rich but at the county level, the salaries of teachers have not caught up with inflation. Teachers in the countryside are the poorest in terms of pay and other compensations. Similarly, many have talked about helping the pastors especially those in the rural churches but there is a lack of financial resources. Let us lift up in our prayers those who serve the Lord and His people faithfully. May the Lord bless them and help the people in the churches to see that they should treat God's shepherds with respect and support them financially.
星期二
目前中國已有7,000萬「獨生子女」族群進入社會工作或在大專院校就讀。調查顯示：在校大學生中，47.42%的獨生子女反應自己交遊面雖廣，但缺少知心朋友。據觀察這獨生子女一代面臨著不善與人建立友誼的困擾。 中國現今的年輕初信徒，尤其在城市教會的，主要來自「獨一代」。讓我們為這些初信徒禱告，求讓他們重生的聖靈帶領他們成為有謙卑，無私的新生命，能與其他信徒互相關愛團契。
星期三
中國政府估計目前全國共有五百二十萬輛公務車在服務，其所涉費用的龐大和對公務車的濫用情形不難想像。共產黨一再指出公務車私用情況非常嚴重，但嘗試改變現狀卻一再失敗。國人常習於誤用和濫用公共財產等同於津貼。想要堅守廉正不屈服於腐敗實非易事，尤其是處在具有一定權力和影響力位份上的基督徒。讓我們為他們，也為自己禱告，求神保守我們活出信仰，在職場上為主作美好的見證。
星期四
中國各地大學團契的建立，要歸功於許多城市教會積極投入校園福音事工；海歸人員在大學任教，努力向學生傳褔音，從事出版基督教文學刊物、並在大學宗教系致力宣揚基督教神學。中國學生團契事工的成功正是大家通力合作的果效，我們衷心感謝上帝所創造的奇蹟。讓我們為所有投入學生事工的人禱告，也特別紀念曾於校園決志信主但卻不再參加聚會或轉離信仰的學生。
星期五
中國患精神病的人數比過去預料的要高得多，約有1億7300萬成年人患有某種精神病。其中絕大多數從未就診，主要是因為民眾對精神病缺乏認識，很多人都不知道精神病是可以醫治的。中國人常把精神病患者標籤爲「古怪」或「軟弱」。 甚至教會一般只會簡單説聲「我們會爲你禱告」而已。牧師既沒有足夠裝備及專業知識也無暇去幫助有抑鬱和自殺傾向的病人。我們要爲這些有抑鬱病纏繞的病羊的牧者禱告，求神親自供應教會，能有效回應這些需要。
星期六
衛生官員估計中國有17.5%的成年人患有某種程度上的精神病。鄉村居民比城市居民更可能患抑鬱症和酗酒。中國是世界上唯一一個女性自殺率高於男性的國家。中國有60%的人口居住在鄉村，大部分教會也是在鄉郊地區。鄉郊教會裏有不少抑鬱症和自殺問題，可是他們對這些問題全然不知所措。我們祈求神醫治那些教會正在跟進的抑鬱病患者和患有這些疾病的信徒。求主使用教會在社區傳揚神大有醫治和安慰能力的信息。
星期日
共產黨宣稱三分之一的黨員接受過高等教育。由於大部分政府工作都以有黨籍者為優先考慮，知識分子為了好的職位而加入共產黨的情況仍然普遍。許多考慮受洗 的信徒往往掙扎於是否繼續保留黨籍；很多人也選擇保密自己信徒的身份。這些隱性在政府機關工作的弟兄姊妹，是未來福音拓展的種籽。讓我們以禱告記念他們時時能與神親密同行，信心和勇氣都能持續在主裏不斷增長。
星期一
政府多次提高全國的教師工資待遇，但地方政府沒有資金，教師漲工資只能是「空調」。按國家經濟指數而言，中國是富裕的，但縣級政府卻不然。教師的工資始終趕不上通貨膨脹。待遇最底的教師群體是農村教師。同樣的，很多人都知道傳道人的需要，尤其農村教會的，但資源不足，「幫助」僅流於「空談」。我們要以禱告記念所有忠心事主和教會的同工，求主將福氣傾倒，也讓會眾能恩待神的牧人，不吝於尊敬和經濟支持。
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Prayer Request 9/22 - 9/28
Tuesday
The average life expectancy in China has increased from 35 years before 1949 to 71.4 years in 2000 and soon it will be increased to 75 years. The government also reports that 84.6% of the married women are using various methods of contraception. (One-child policy is strictly enforced in urban areas, but farmers are able to have some exceptions.) The graying the Lord bless them and use them to be a great encouragement to the younger generation. It is not unusual to see older pastors still serving so let us remember them in our prayers. We too want to pray for graying phenomenon in the China churches, especially in rural areas. This is made worse by the young people who leave to work in the cities. We pray for all the elderly believers. May the Lord use them to greatly encourage the younger ones.
Wednesday
It is not easy for Chinese intellectuals to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. They grew up in an atheistic society and in a humanistic educational system. Many of them endured the nightmarish time of purging the country of Western ideas. It is particularly true that they find it difficult to accept each other with love and trust and they often question why Christians want to love each other as well as the motive of love. We remember especially those believers who have baggage from the Cultural Revolution days. May the Lord heal the old wounds and help them to see that Christians can love one another with honesty and without competition. As we model ourselves after Jesus Christ, may the Lord help us to be humble, honest, and open with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thursday
An estimate of 250,000 youth in China commit suicide each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people 15-34 years old. Experts attribute this to a lack in their belief systems. Half of the youth in China say they don't believe in anything and another quarter say they believe in Communism. Sharing one's Christian faith with teenagers in China is very difficult. Most churches find themselves unable to do it and give up on trying to reach teens. Let us pray for the totally unfilled need for youth ministry as well as for the teenagers from Christian homes to retain their faith.
Friday
Churches in China used to be known as places where mostly women, the illiterate, and peasants attended. During the past twenty years many more intellectuals have been going to house churches. Not only are educated young people serving there, the second generation in the rural congregations are better educated and we have witnessed a boom in ministries on campus as well as in the publication of Christian reading materials. Although as a whole, China is still an atheistic country, we praise God for more and more believers who are young and educated. Many pastors are still not accustomed to preaching to well-educated congregations because of their own limited schooling. Let us pray for the difficulties which arise from ministering to congregations that have both the educated and the poorly educated in them.
Saturday
Many young people leave their village homes to work in the cities after they are married. Since couples are thus separated and get together for only a few days a year, this is a set-up for extra-marital affairs and divorces. Other separated couples file divorces because they really aren't interested in caring for other family members or their own children. The divorce problem is equally acute for rural Christians who leave home to work in the cities. There are no resources for marital counseling and the rural churches are facing the loss of young believers as well as an increasingly greater number of divorces. Let us pray for them.
Sunday
The 187.6 kilometer sixth-ring (circumferential) highway around Beijing opened in September. In 1949 the 2nd-ring road was built, in 1994, the 3rd one, the 4th one in 2003, and in 2005 the 5th ring was completed. The capital city is rapidly expanding in all directions swallowing up many villages as she grows in size and population. Many churches are trying to expand as their members move away from the original city centers. Other churches are trying to reach out to the new communities being built up near the new ring road. Beijing churches are literally diverse, with intellectuals in the city centers and more of the laboring class in the outskirts. Let us pray for churches in Beijing as they contemplate church growth and outreach to new parts of this huge metropolis.
Monday
The government says that more than 20 million ming gong, or about 15 percent of China's 130 million migrants, have left the villages in search of work in cities. These rural jobless are a special social concern, especially those migrant workers who have lost their farmland to development. It is hard to pray for millions of unemployed while we also face financial pressure. Let us pray for His Kingdom and His righteousness first as Jesus taught us. May we all grow stronger in our faith and dependence in Him. We pray especially for unwavering faith of the millions of rural believers.
星期二
中國人的平均壽命從1949年的35歲上升到2000年的71.4歲，並將很快增至75歲。政府的報告還說84.6％的已婚婦女正使用各種方法來避孕。（在城市地區一胎化政策是嚴格執行的，但在農村可以有一些例外。）教會信徒老齡化在中國很明顯，特別是在農村地區。這種情形因年輕人離開農村進城打工而顯得更為嚴重，許多年邁牧師們仍在崗位上殷勤服事著。讓我們在禱告中記念年長的弟兄姊妹，求主賜福並使用他們成為年輕基督徒的極大鼓勵。
星期三
中國高等知識份子歸主並非易事。他們在無神論社會長大，深受人文主義教育的薰陶. 要讓他們從往昔的反西方思想鬥爭，轉化成與人和睦相處、相親相愛的倫理思維，實非易事；對於基督徒無論在動機及行動上都要彼此相愛，這種道裡他們根本不知其所以然。讓我們記念所有仍無法缷下文化大革命包袱的肢體禱告，願上帝醫治撫平他們的種種創傷，能夠真正坦誠與主內肢體相交，無需彼此爭鬥，效法耶穌基督對人謙卑、真誠的榜樣。
星期四
在15-34歲年齡段人的各種死因中，自殺占首位。而中國每年約有25萬青少年自殺。專家認爲信仰缺失是這一代年輕人的問題之一。有調查顯示，近半數青少年明確表示沒有信仰，超過1/4的學生信仰共產主義。向中國青少年傳福音相當困難。多數教會自覺無能爲力，最終選擇放棄。讓我們為中國青少年事工的需要禱告，同時也為基督徒家庭的少年孩子禱告，求主引導他們的信仰道路，持守對神的信心。
星期五
過去人稱中國家教會有三多：「婦女多、文盲多和農民多」。然而二十多年來，家庭教會知識份子的數目不停增加；城市中各類知識份子紛紛參與教會事奉，農村教會第二代知識青年也漸漸崛起。目前大學校園事工正興起，學生團契紛紛成立, 出版社也出版了很多相關的基督教書籍。中國整體上雖仍算是無神論國家，然而越來越多知識份子歸主卻是個不爭的事實，我們為此獻上感恩。很多牧師因學歷低而對牧養高學歷會眾感到力不從心，讓我們用禱告記念他們在牧養高低兩種不同學歷的會眾所面對的種種困難。
星期六
許多年輕人結婚後就離開農村的家進城打工。由於夫妻兩地分居，一年中聚在一起的時間只有短短數天，容易發生婚外情並導致離婚。婚姻破裂的另一原因是他們對照顧其他家庭成員或孩子真的不感興趣。離婚問題對離家到城市打工的農村基督徒們同樣是一大挑戰。由於缺乏婚姻諮詢方面的資源，農村教會正面臨著年輕信徒的流失以及越來越多的離婚個案。讓我們為他們向神禱告祈求。
星期日
總里程達187.6公里的北京六環路九月全線貫通。北京二環路建於1949年，1994年三環路全線通車，2003年四環、2005年五環全線通車。由於面積和人口擴大速度驚人，周遭許多農村已被併入北京城。許多人口往新區遷移，許多教會在增長的同時，卻要面對會友外流。另一方面，這些教會仍努力服事新環附近的新社區。北京教會會友知識水平分界明顯。 知識分子多在市中心教會，勞動階級的教會則在郊外。我們為北京教會有智慧思考和計劃增長和發展方向和方法，求主教導和帶領，尤其如何接觸這超級城市中新興的一環。
星期一
中國政府表示有超過2千萬的民工從農村前往城市找工作，佔了中國一億流動人口中的15％。民工失業的問題，成了頗受關注的社會課題，尤其那些已經失去農耕地的農民，他們的處境更加困窘。經融風暴橫掃全球，我們自顧不暇的當兒，實在很難為眾多失業者代禱。讓我們按著主的教導，先尋求祂的國和祂的義。求神我們對神的信心和依靠，在艱難的日子裡更見增長。讓我們在禱告中特別記念數以百萬的農村信徒，求主賜他們對神堅定不移的信心。
The average life expectancy in China has increased from 35 years before 1949 to 71.4 years in 2000 and soon it will be increased to 75 years. The government also reports that 84.6% of the married women are using various methods of contraception. (One-child policy is strictly enforced in urban areas, but farmers are able to have some exceptions.) The graying the Lord bless them and use them to be a great encouragement to the younger generation. It is not unusual to see older pastors still serving so let us remember them in our prayers. We too want to pray for graying phenomenon in the China churches, especially in rural areas. This is made worse by the young people who leave to work in the cities. We pray for all the elderly believers. May the Lord use them to greatly encourage the younger ones.
Wednesday
It is not easy for Chinese intellectuals to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. They grew up in an atheistic society and in a humanistic educational system. Many of them endured the nightmarish time of purging the country of Western ideas. It is particularly true that they find it difficult to accept each other with love and trust and they often question why Christians want to love each other as well as the motive of love. We remember especially those believers who have baggage from the Cultural Revolution days. May the Lord heal the old wounds and help them to see that Christians can love one another with honesty and without competition. As we model ourselves after Jesus Christ, may the Lord help us to be humble, honest, and open with our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Thursday
An estimate of 250,000 youth in China commit suicide each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for people 15-34 years old. Experts attribute this to a lack in their belief systems. Half of the youth in China say they don't believe in anything and another quarter say they believe in Communism. Sharing one's Christian faith with teenagers in China is very difficult. Most churches find themselves unable to do it and give up on trying to reach teens. Let us pray for the totally unfilled need for youth ministry as well as for the teenagers from Christian homes to retain their faith.
Friday
Churches in China used to be known as places where mostly women, the illiterate, and peasants attended. During the past twenty years many more intellectuals have been going to house churches. Not only are educated young people serving there, the second generation in the rural congregations are better educated and we have witnessed a boom in ministries on campus as well as in the publication of Christian reading materials. Although as a whole, China is still an atheistic country, we praise God for more and more believers who are young and educated. Many pastors are still not accustomed to preaching to well-educated congregations because of their own limited schooling. Let us pray for the difficulties which arise from ministering to congregations that have both the educated and the poorly educated in them.
Saturday
Many young people leave their village homes to work in the cities after they are married. Since couples are thus separated and get together for only a few days a year, this is a set-up for extra-marital affairs and divorces. Other separated couples file divorces because they really aren't interested in caring for other family members or their own children. The divorce problem is equally acute for rural Christians who leave home to work in the cities. There are no resources for marital counseling and the rural churches are facing the loss of young believers as well as an increasingly greater number of divorces. Let us pray for them.
Sunday
The 187.6 kilometer sixth-ring (circumferential) highway around Beijing opened in September. In 1949 the 2nd-ring road was built, in 1994, the 3rd one, the 4th one in 2003, and in 2005 the 5th ring was completed. The capital city is rapidly expanding in all directions swallowing up many villages as she grows in size and population. Many churches are trying to expand as their members move away from the original city centers. Other churches are trying to reach out to the new communities being built up near the new ring road. Beijing churches are literally diverse, with intellectuals in the city centers and more of the laboring class in the outskirts. Let us pray for churches in Beijing as they contemplate church growth and outreach to new parts of this huge metropolis.
Monday
The government says that more than 20 million ming gong, or about 15 percent of China's 130 million migrants, have left the villages in search of work in cities. These rural jobless are a special social concern, especially those migrant workers who have lost their farmland to development. It is hard to pray for millions of unemployed while we also face financial pressure. Let us pray for His Kingdom and His righteousness first as Jesus taught us. May we all grow stronger in our faith and dependence in Him. We pray especially for unwavering faith of the millions of rural believers.
星期二
中國人的平均壽命從1949年的35歲上升到2000年的71.4歲，並將很快增至75歲。政府的報告還說84.6％的已婚婦女正使用各種方法來避孕。（在城市地區一胎化政策是嚴格執行的，但在農村可以有一些例外。）教會信徒老齡化在中國很明顯，特別是在農村地區。這種情形因年輕人離開農村進城打工而顯得更為嚴重，許多年邁牧師們仍在崗位上殷勤服事著。讓我們在禱告中記念年長的弟兄姊妹，求主賜福並使用他們成為年輕基督徒的極大鼓勵。
星期三
中國高等知識份子歸主並非易事。他們在無神論社會長大，深受人文主義教育的薰陶. 要讓他們從往昔的反西方思想鬥爭，轉化成與人和睦相處、相親相愛的倫理思維，實非易事；對於基督徒無論在動機及行動上都要彼此相愛，這種道裡他們根本不知其所以然。讓我們記念所有仍無法缷下文化大革命包袱的肢體禱告，願上帝醫治撫平他們的種種創傷，能夠真正坦誠與主內肢體相交，無需彼此爭鬥，效法耶穌基督對人謙卑、真誠的榜樣。
星期四
在15-34歲年齡段人的各種死因中，自殺占首位。而中國每年約有25萬青少年自殺。專家認爲信仰缺失是這一代年輕人的問題之一。有調查顯示，近半數青少年明確表示沒有信仰，超過1/4的學生信仰共產主義。向中國青少年傳福音相當困難。多數教會自覺無能爲力，最終選擇放棄。讓我們為中國青少年事工的需要禱告，同時也為基督徒家庭的少年孩子禱告，求主引導他們的信仰道路，持守對神的信心。
星期五
過去人稱中國家教會有三多：「婦女多、文盲多和農民多」。然而二十多年來，家庭教會知識份子的數目不停增加；城市中各類知識份子紛紛參與教會事奉，農村教會第二代知識青年也漸漸崛起。目前大學校園事工正興起，學生團契紛紛成立, 出版社也出版了很多相關的基督教書籍。中國整體上雖仍算是無神論國家，然而越來越多知識份子歸主卻是個不爭的事實，我們為此獻上感恩。很多牧師因學歷低而對牧養高學歷會眾感到力不從心，讓我們用禱告記念他們在牧養高低兩種不同學歷的會眾所面對的種種困難。
星期六
許多年輕人結婚後就離開農村的家進城打工。由於夫妻兩地分居，一年中聚在一起的時間只有短短數天，容易發生婚外情並導致離婚。婚姻破裂的另一原因是他們對照顧其他家庭成員或孩子真的不感興趣。離婚問題對離家到城市打工的農村基督徒們同樣是一大挑戰。由於缺乏婚姻諮詢方面的資源，農村教會正面臨著年輕信徒的流失以及越來越多的離婚個案。讓我們為他們向神禱告祈求。
星期日
總里程達187.6公里的北京六環路九月全線貫通。北京二環路建於1949年，1994年三環路全線通車，2003年四環、2005年五環全線通車。由於面積和人口擴大速度驚人，周遭許多農村已被併入北京城。許多人口往新區遷移，許多教會在增長的同時，卻要面對會友外流。另一方面，這些教會仍努力服事新環附近的新社區。北京教會會友知識水平分界明顯。 知識分子多在市中心教會，勞動階級的教會則在郊外。我們為北京教會有智慧思考和計劃增長和發展方向和方法，求主教導和帶領，尤其如何接觸這超級城市中新興的一環。
星期一
中國政府表示有超過2千萬的民工從農村前往城市找工作，佔了中國一億流動人口中的15％。民工失業的問題，成了頗受關注的社會課題，尤其那些已經失去農耕地的農民，他們的處境更加困窘。經融風暴橫掃全球，我們自顧不暇的當兒，實在很難為眾多失業者代禱。讓我們按著主的教導，先尋求祂的國和祂的義。求神我們對神的信心和依靠，在艱難的日子裡更見增長。讓我們在禱告中特別記念數以百萬的農村信徒，求主賜他們對神堅定不移的信心。
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Prayer Request 9/15 - 9/21
Tuesday
China will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. The year 1949 means much to the Chinese people. For millions, it meant families broken up and separated for decades to come. No one would imagine how far China would come as a nation and how much China churches would grow over the past six decades. We praise God for His miraculous work and pray for even more blessing for Chinese churches everywhere. May the Lord be gracious to His churches, and may His people be even bolder and more willing to serve. May China churches stand up to be counted in His Kingdom.
Wednesday
The majority of China's rural churches have great difficulty attracting younger, professional newcomers because their church facilities are dilapidated and most of the members are old and mostly women. The kind of preaching usually does not appeal to those with higher education and working families. Many churches struggle with how to attract the younger generation and end up with no consensus or viable plans. People often become disheartened and even divided. Let us pray for unity, vision for church growth and moving of the Spirit among the leaders.
Thursday
In 2008 the number of Chinese able to access the internet reached 200 million and nearly ninety percent of them are under thirty-five years of age with about forty percent in the 18-24 year old bracket. The government has attempted to clean up online pornography but without much success. Parents have a nearly universal problem because most of them complain that their child is spending too much time playing online games. Let us pray for believers who are concerned about the internet and online addiction to pornography of their children.
Friday
A survey shows that three-fourths of students have viewed Internet pornography and that nearly all college students have done so. The Chinese government is rather stringent in clamping down on pornography but the effort seems to be futile. The Chinese taboo of discussing sex is one reason young people flock to the net to learn anything about sex. Let us pray for Christian parents to have the wisdom to discuss this subject with their children. We also pray that all Christian teens will have the desire to keep themselves pure and flee from sexual temptations.
Saturday
The average Chinese loves to curse. There are two things that make this even worse. Chinese often exaggerate by being overly-inclusive as if all Chinese are equally bad. Second, this vulgarity often includes sexual innuendos with endless references to the genitals. Of course believers do not curse like this but it is hard for many new converts to change after their conversion. We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to transform them and us in mind as well as in words and deeds.
Sunday
For a long time China has been a poor country. There was even a time not too long ago when China promoted the ideal of "The more impoverished, the more glorious". Another saying was, "The more impoverished, the more revolutionary one is". Times have changed and today it is literally, "Show me the money" or "Money talks". The Bible says that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom. Let us pray that more Chinese believers will be like the apostle Peter who could proudly stand up and claim, "Silver and gold have I none, but in the name of Jesus..."
Monday
In the days of the Cultural Revolution the buzz phrase was, "Be the grass of socialism, never be a seedling of capitalism". The meaning was that one was to embrace socialism blindly no matter the cost with a total disregard for the well-being of the people and forget about capitalism even it was good or useful. Believers can be extreme in upholding their own interpretation of the Bible to the total exclusion of orthodox and historical church traditions. Let us pray for humility of believers and pastors alike, that they will be able to respect each other, be less self-righteous, and show more of the love of Jesus Christ.
星期二
中國即將慶祝建國60周年。1949年對許多人而言，是幾十年家人的分離失散。當年沒有人能想像今天中國竟然成為世界大國，中國教會也有如此驚人的增長。我們讚美上帝奇妙的作為，也為普世華人教會來祈求。願主施恩給祂的教會，賜膽量給祂的兒女更依靠主站立穩固，更願意參與服事。也求主興起中國教會，大大使用他們拓展祂的國度。
星期三
中國大多數農村教會很難吸引年輕人和專業人士加入，因為這些教會的設施普遍破舊不堪，成員多是老年及婦女，所傳講的信息通常不合那些教育水平較高者和職業家庭的胃口。許多教會為了年輕一代成員而投注多方努力卻徒勞無功，使得人心動搖，意見分歧，甚至教會分裂。求主幫助這些教會的領袖們同感一靈，有聖靈充滿的能力，致力於教會合一和成長。
星期四
2008 年中國網民總數已經突破2億。網民中35歲以下用戶佔八至九成，其中近四成的用戶為18-24歲的青少年。政府一直致力掃除網上色情，但成果不大。現在 家長們的普遍問題就是，孩子耗費太多時間玩線上游戲。讓我們為家長們禱告，尤其為有孩子沉迷網路游戲或色情的基督徒父母們禱告，求主教導他們有智慧地用正確的管道幫助孩子脫離電腦網路的捆綁。
星期五
調查顯示，近四分之三的學生曾通過網路接觸色情，而大學生幾乎都接觸過。盡管中國政府嚴厲管制和清除網路色情，效果卻微乎其微。而中國人對「性」話題的禁忌，更導致年輕人往媒體網路尋求性知識。求主讓基督徒父母有智慧與孩子們談論這方面話題，也幫助所有青少年信徒們都能決心持守聖潔，遠離性的試探與誘惑。
星期六
中國人愛罵人，且具有兩大特色：一是廣泛性--誇大，罵一個中國人，便將所有中國人連帶的罵在一起，好像自己不是中國人。二是經常使用與性有關的字眼，把生殖器掛在嘴邊當口頭禪。 雖然信徒不會如此，也不該如此，但很多初信者很難在信主後一下子改過來。我們向神祈求聖靈的能力，潔淨並改變各人的心思、意念、言語和行爲，長成榮美的新樣式。
星期日
在近代史上，中國有很長一段時間都處於非常貧窮的狀況。曾有一段時間，中國社會大力倡導「越窮越光榮」，「越窮越革命」。時移世易，現今已是一個一切『向「錢」看』的社會了。 聖經説：「神豈不是揀選了世上的貧窮人，叫他們在信上富足，並承受祂所應許給那些愛祂之人的國嗎？」 我們禱告神讓更多中國信徒能像使徒彼得一樣，昂首自信地站起來對世人說：「金銀我都沒有，只把我所有的給你：我奉拿撒勒人耶穌基督的名，…」
星期一
文革期間的名口號：「寧要社會主義的草，不要資本主義的苗」，意思是無論代價多大、對人民福祉有多壞，人們必須盲目接受社會主義；資本主義再好、再美妙也不要。信徒常想要維護自己對聖經的詮釋，有時甚至極端到要把教會歷世歷代的傳統完全摒棄。求神賜信徒和牧師一顆謙卑的心，避免黨伐異己，自以爲義，能夠互相尊重，竭力追求和睦，活出耶穌基督的愛。
China will soon celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic. The year 1949 means much to the Chinese people. For millions, it meant families broken up and separated for decades to come. No one would imagine how far China would come as a nation and how much China churches would grow over the past six decades. We praise God for His miraculous work and pray for even more blessing for Chinese churches everywhere. May the Lord be gracious to His churches, and may His people be even bolder and more willing to serve. May China churches stand up to be counted in His Kingdom.
Wednesday
The majority of China's rural churches have great difficulty attracting younger, professional newcomers because their church facilities are dilapidated and most of the members are old and mostly women. The kind of preaching usually does not appeal to those with higher education and working families. Many churches struggle with how to attract the younger generation and end up with no consensus or viable plans. People often become disheartened and even divided. Let us pray for unity, vision for church growth and moving of the Spirit among the leaders.
Thursday
In 2008 the number of Chinese able to access the internet reached 200 million and nearly ninety percent of them are under thirty-five years of age with about forty percent in the 18-24 year old bracket. The government has attempted to clean up online pornography but without much success. Parents have a nearly universal problem because most of them complain that their child is spending too much time playing online games. Let us pray for believers who are concerned about the internet and online addiction to pornography of their children.
Friday
A survey shows that three-fourths of students have viewed Internet pornography and that nearly all college students have done so. The Chinese government is rather stringent in clamping down on pornography but the effort seems to be futile. The Chinese taboo of discussing sex is one reason young people flock to the net to learn anything about sex. Let us pray for Christian parents to have the wisdom to discuss this subject with their children. We also pray that all Christian teens will have the desire to keep themselves pure and flee from sexual temptations.
Saturday
The average Chinese loves to curse. There are two things that make this even worse. Chinese often exaggerate by being overly-inclusive as if all Chinese are equally bad. Second, this vulgarity often includes sexual innuendos with endless references to the genitals. Of course believers do not curse like this but it is hard for many new converts to change after their conversion. We pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to transform them and us in mind as well as in words and deeds.
Sunday
For a long time China has been a poor country. There was even a time not too long ago when China promoted the ideal of "The more impoverished, the more glorious". Another saying was, "The more impoverished, the more revolutionary one is". Times have changed and today it is literally, "Show me the money" or "Money talks". The Bible says that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom. Let us pray that more Chinese believers will be like the apostle Peter who could proudly stand up and claim, "Silver and gold have I none, but in the name of Jesus..."
Monday
In the days of the Cultural Revolution the buzz phrase was, "Be the grass of socialism, never be a seedling of capitalism". The meaning was that one was to embrace socialism blindly no matter the cost with a total disregard for the well-being of the people and forget about capitalism even it was good or useful. Believers can be extreme in upholding their own interpretation of the Bible to the total exclusion of orthodox and historical church traditions. Let us pray for humility of believers and pastors alike, that they will be able to respect each other, be less self-righteous, and show more of the love of Jesus Christ.
星期二
中國即將慶祝建國60周年。1949年對許多人而言，是幾十年家人的分離失散。當年沒有人能想像今天中國竟然成為世界大國，中國教會也有如此驚人的增長。我們讚美上帝奇妙的作為，也為普世華人教會來祈求。願主施恩給祂的教會，賜膽量給祂的兒女更依靠主站立穩固，更願意參與服事。也求主興起中國教會，大大使用他們拓展祂的國度。
星期三
中國大多數農村教會很難吸引年輕人和專業人士加入，因為這些教會的設施普遍破舊不堪，成員多是老年及婦女，所傳講的信息通常不合那些教育水平較高者和職業家庭的胃口。許多教會為了年輕一代成員而投注多方努力卻徒勞無功，使得人心動搖，意見分歧，甚至教會分裂。求主幫助這些教會的領袖們同感一靈，有聖靈充滿的能力，致力於教會合一和成長。
星期四
2008 年中國網民總數已經突破2億。網民中35歲以下用戶佔八至九成，其中近四成的用戶為18-24歲的青少年。政府一直致力掃除網上色情，但成果不大。現在 家長們的普遍問題就是，孩子耗費太多時間玩線上游戲。讓我們為家長們禱告，尤其為有孩子沉迷網路游戲或色情的基督徒父母們禱告，求主教導他們有智慧地用正確的管道幫助孩子脫離電腦網路的捆綁。
星期五
調查顯示，近四分之三的學生曾通過網路接觸色情，而大學生幾乎都接觸過。盡管中國政府嚴厲管制和清除網路色情，效果卻微乎其微。而中國人對「性」話題的禁忌，更導致年輕人往媒體網路尋求性知識。求主讓基督徒父母有智慧與孩子們談論這方面話題，也幫助所有青少年信徒們都能決心持守聖潔，遠離性的試探與誘惑。
星期六
中國人愛罵人，且具有兩大特色：一是廣泛性--誇大，罵一個中國人，便將所有中國人連帶的罵在一起，好像自己不是中國人。二是經常使用與性有關的字眼，把生殖器掛在嘴邊當口頭禪。 雖然信徒不會如此，也不該如此，但很多初信者很難在信主後一下子改過來。我們向神祈求聖靈的能力，潔淨並改變各人的心思、意念、言語和行爲，長成榮美的新樣式。
星期日
在近代史上，中國有很長一段時間都處於非常貧窮的狀況。曾有一段時間，中國社會大力倡導「越窮越光榮」，「越窮越革命」。時移世易，現今已是一個一切『向「錢」看』的社會了。 聖經説：「神豈不是揀選了世上的貧窮人，叫他們在信上富足，並承受祂所應許給那些愛祂之人的國嗎？」 我們禱告神讓更多中國信徒能像使徒彼得一樣，昂首自信地站起來對世人說：「金銀我都沒有，只把我所有的給你：我奉拿撒勒人耶穌基督的名，…」
星期一
文革期間的名口號：「寧要社會主義的草，不要資本主義的苗」，意思是無論代價多大、對人民福祉有多壞，人們必須盲目接受社會主義；資本主義再好、再美妙也不要。信徒常想要維護自己對聖經的詮釋，有時甚至極端到要把教會歷世歷代的傳統完全摒棄。求神賜信徒和牧師一顆謙卑的心，避免黨伐異己，自以爲義，能夠互相尊重，竭力追求和睦，活出耶穌基督的愛。
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Prayer Request 9/8 - 9/14
Tuesday
Most of the aboriginal villages ravaged by the typhoon in Taiwan have many Protestant and Catholic churches. Major Taiwanese denominations also have ministries among designated aboriginal churches. Despite the seemingly large number of these churches, many of the young people go to the cities for school and work and the villages suffer a high rate of alcoholism and general poverty. Whether in China or Taiwan, missionaries in the past have planted many good seeds among the minority tribes. We praise God and may the Lord send forth even more workers to strengthen the churches among these tribes.
Wednesday
Officials announced that the city of Beijing is considered technically to be in the same league in terms of wealth as cities in other developed countries. On the average, residents of Beijing spend a quarter of their disposable income on food, implying that they not only are wealthy but they also live well. We thank the Lord for the vibrant churches in Beijing, most of which have professionals attending, own their own church building, and many speakers coming in with good training opportunities. May the Lord continue to bless believers there and use them to bless many many poorer churches in other provinces and even those closer to the city.
Thursday
The modern Shanghai Railway is one of the many new train stations springing up in China as part of the latest grid of high-speed trains. Unlike most Chinese railway stations which are overcrowded and regarded as unsanitary and unpleasant by many, South Station is more like an airport and is clean and airy and it serves all the key cities in the Yangtze Delta. The stereotype of Chinese churches as old and run down has also given way to modern and huge church buildings which can be found in every city. In spite of this, although there are some churches that share their resources, there is a need for more fellowship and sharing of assets between the prosperous and poor churches.
Friday
For many Chinese preachers, to be "spiritual" means to love Jesus and literally ignore the needs of his family. Many famous old preachers often do not spend much time at home, considering marriage only as a duty. This unbalanced view of family and ministry still plagues today's church and contributes to many marital failures among church workers. We pray for the marriage and family lives of all believers in China. Unfortunately, Satan does attack our weakest spot: our home. May the Lord have mercy on those who are spending so much time on ministry but are failing at home with their spouse and their children. Lord, turn the heart of the father to the children.For many Chinese preachers, to be "spiritual" means to love Jesus and literally ignore the needs of his family. Many famous old preachers often do not spend much time at home, considering marriage only as a duty. This unbalanced view of family and ministry still plagues today's church and contributes to many marital failures among church workers. We pray for the marriage and family lives of all believers in China. Unfortunately, Satan does attack our weakest spot: our home. May the Lord have mercy on those who are spending so much time on ministry but are failing at home with their spouse and their children. Lord, turn the heart of the father to the children.
Saturday
The Mid-autumn Festival is a big Chinese holiday. Although many people feel they are paying more for the decorative boxes than the little cakes themselves,the tradition of giving and receiving moon cakes is hard to break. Eating moon cakes is not exactly healthy since they are high in sugar, fats, and have a limited time of freshness. Many churches use this holiday for outreach or hosting evangelistic meetings. More house churches are reaching out to their neighbors more boldly and not fearing the possible restrictions. Let us pray for all of the churches as they seek to find innovative ways to reach people for the Lord.
Sunday
Schools in Guangzhou have started again and a young student told a reporter that his goal in life is to be a "corrupt official" because this have such a good life and get away with everything. It is sad that these little ones see nothing wrong with such corruption. Children from Christian homes are equally observant and they badly need adults to model a godly life style and show them what it means to live sacrificially. We pray for the youth in the churches in China--for their minds and souls and for worthy examples to guide them to love Jesus.
Monday
There are many Africans in Guangzhou and a majority of them live in one area. Most of their Chinese neighbors would rather not have black people there and show it. They blame them for the deterioration of law and order in the area. Even among Christians, Chinese people still have a strong feeling of discrimination toward people of the black race which makes it impossible to have a true spirit of mission toward them. Let us pray for sincere humility, love, and compassion for all people.
星期二
臺灣這次的風災，受災慘重的原住民村莊有很多是有天主教或基督教會。 臺灣各個宗派，都有所謂的原住民的特別事工。原住民的教會在數字上似乎不少，但都面臨年輕人外流，住民酗酒及貧窮同樣的問題。不論在中國或是臺灣，少數民族接受福音的比例都比較高，感謝神，這些都是過去宣教士撒下的好種， 求主繼續差派工人到這些地方堅固當地的教會和信徒。
星期三
根據官方報告，北京市的經濟達到已發展國家或地區的富裕水平。北京市民的食品消費佔可動用總收入的25%，意味著北京居民已邁進高收入高生活質素階段。我們感謝神使北京教會能蓬勃發展。參加聚會的人當中不乏專業人士，也有不少教會擁有自己物業，駐堂牧者也擁有良好神學裝備。願上帝繼續祝福這些教會的信徒，使他們能成為鄰近或較偏遠貧窮地區教會的祝福。
星期四
現代化的上海鐵路是中國眾多最新開發的快鐵之一。上海鐵路南站擺脫了中國鐵路站擁擠，不衛生，不舒適的形象。這個聯繫長江、珠江三角洲及中國南方各大城市的交通樞紐，其環境和空氣的干凈及寬敞程度，足可媲美機場。 同樣的，我們對中國教會「老舊破損」的舊印象也該改變了。現在各個城市都能看到高大現代化的禮拜堂。但即便一些教會已經對外分享資源，貧富教會之間還需要更多的團契交流和資源分享。讓我們為中國教會的合一以及能夠更好的互助互惠來禱告。
星期五
中國的傳道人常常視「寧放棄家庭，多為主工作」為屬靈。 不少同工效法老一輩的傳道人，長時間離家在外服事，與妻兒聚少離多。事工和家庭不能協調至今仍是許多同工婚姻破裂的導火線。我們要為中國所有信徒的家庭禱告。因為撒旦喜歡攻擊信徒的弱點，包括我們的家庭。求主憐憫因為服事而忽略家中妻小的同工們，求主以神的愛來凝聚他們家人的心。
星期六
中秋節是中國人的傳統大節，雖然很多人認為他們所花費在月餅盒的要比月餅本身的價值要高，但這個傳統習俗仍難被打破。吃月餅既不利於健康，高糖份，高脂肪，又欠「新意」。很多教會趁著假期向外佈道或舉辦福音大會。很多家庭教會也放膽向鄰舍傳福音無懼可能出現的各種限制。讓我們禱告教會能尋求新方法接觸人群，為主贏回更多靈魂。
星期日
一名廣州市的小學生向採訪的記者表示：長大後要當「貪官」，因為「貪官」不但有「好東西」，而且還有「好下場」。在無知的小孩心裡，竟然把「貪官」當成理想的「職業」，何其悲哀！孩子眼睛是雪亮的，信徒的孩子需要成人為他們竪立聖潔、願意為神擺上的榜樣。我們求主保守教會年輕一代的心思意念，不要效法這個世界的邪風惡俗，要學習將心給神。又求主幫助信徒有美好的見證，引領第二代愛主、效法主。
星期一
廣州有許多非洲人，他們大多聚在一起。然而，許多中國人不喜歡與有色人種為鄰，並歸咎他們乃造成地方治安每況愈下的罪魁禍首。基督徒對有色人種也存有這種強烈偏見，以致很難致力推动福音事工。求神讓我們全然謙卑，能一視同仁，滿有基督的愛与憐憫。
Most of the aboriginal villages ravaged by the typhoon in Taiwan have many Protestant and Catholic churches. Major Taiwanese denominations also have ministries among designated aboriginal churches. Despite the seemingly large number of these churches, many of the young people go to the cities for school and work and the villages suffer a high rate of alcoholism and general poverty. Whether in China or Taiwan, missionaries in the past have planted many good seeds among the minority tribes. We praise God and may the Lord send forth even more workers to strengthen the churches among these tribes.
Wednesday
Officials announced that the city of Beijing is considered technically to be in the same league in terms of wealth as cities in other developed countries. On the average, residents of Beijing spend a quarter of their disposable income on food, implying that they not only are wealthy but they also live well. We thank the Lord for the vibrant churches in Beijing, most of which have professionals attending, own their own church building, and many speakers coming in with good training opportunities. May the Lord continue to bless believers there and use them to bless many many poorer churches in other provinces and even those closer to the city.
Thursday
The modern Shanghai Railway is one of the many new train stations springing up in China as part of the latest grid of high-speed trains. Unlike most Chinese railway stations which are overcrowded and regarded as unsanitary and unpleasant by many, South Station is more like an airport and is clean and airy and it serves all the key cities in the Yangtze Delta. The stereotype of Chinese churches as old and run down has also given way to modern and huge church buildings which can be found in every city. In spite of this, although there are some churches that share their resources, there is a need for more fellowship and sharing of assets between the prosperous and poor churches.
Friday
For many Chinese preachers, to be "spiritual" means to love Jesus and literally ignore the needs of his family. Many famous old preachers often do not spend much time at home, considering marriage only as a duty. This unbalanced view of family and ministry still plagues today's church and contributes to many marital failures among church workers. We pray for the marriage and family lives of all believers in China. Unfortunately, Satan does attack our weakest spot: our home. May the Lord have mercy on those who are spending so much time on ministry but are failing at home with their spouse and their children. Lord, turn the heart of the father to the children.For many Chinese preachers, to be "spiritual" means to love Jesus and literally ignore the needs of his family. Many famous old preachers often do not spend much time at home, considering marriage only as a duty. This unbalanced view of family and ministry still plagues today's church and contributes to many marital failures among church workers. We pray for the marriage and family lives of all believers in China. Unfortunately, Satan does attack our weakest spot: our home. May the Lord have mercy on those who are spending so much time on ministry but are failing at home with their spouse and their children. Lord, turn the heart of the father to the children.
Saturday
The Mid-autumn Festival is a big Chinese holiday. Although many people feel they are paying more for the decorative boxes than the little cakes themselves,the tradition of giving and receiving moon cakes is hard to break. Eating moon cakes is not exactly healthy since they are high in sugar, fats, and have a limited time of freshness. Many churches use this holiday for outreach or hosting evangelistic meetings. More house churches are reaching out to their neighbors more boldly and not fearing the possible restrictions. Let us pray for all of the churches as they seek to find innovative ways to reach people for the Lord.
Sunday
Schools in Guangzhou have started again and a young student told a reporter that his goal in life is to be a "corrupt official" because this have such a good life and get away with everything. It is sad that these little ones see nothing wrong with such corruption. Children from Christian homes are equally observant and they badly need adults to model a godly life style and show them what it means to live sacrificially. We pray for the youth in the churches in China--for their minds and souls and for worthy examples to guide them to love Jesus.
Monday
There are many Africans in Guangzhou and a majority of them live in one area. Most of their Chinese neighbors would rather not have black people there and show it. They blame them for the deterioration of law and order in the area. Even among Christians, Chinese people still have a strong feeling of discrimination toward people of the black race which makes it impossible to have a true spirit of mission toward them. Let us pray for sincere humility, love, and compassion for all people.
星期二
臺灣這次的風災，受災慘重的原住民村莊有很多是有天主教或基督教會。 臺灣各個宗派，都有所謂的原住民的特別事工。原住民的教會在數字上似乎不少，但都面臨年輕人外流，住民酗酒及貧窮同樣的問題。不論在中國或是臺灣，少數民族接受福音的比例都比較高，感謝神，這些都是過去宣教士撒下的好種， 求主繼續差派工人到這些地方堅固當地的教會和信徒。
星期三
根據官方報告，北京市的經濟達到已發展國家或地區的富裕水平。北京市民的食品消費佔可動用總收入的25%，意味著北京居民已邁進高收入高生活質素階段。我們感謝神使北京教會能蓬勃發展。參加聚會的人當中不乏專業人士，也有不少教會擁有自己物業，駐堂牧者也擁有良好神學裝備。願上帝繼續祝福這些教會的信徒，使他們能成為鄰近或較偏遠貧窮地區教會的祝福。
星期四
現代化的上海鐵路是中國眾多最新開發的快鐵之一。上海鐵路南站擺脫了中國鐵路站擁擠，不衛生，不舒適的形象。這個聯繫長江、珠江三角洲及中國南方各大城市的交通樞紐，其環境和空氣的干凈及寬敞程度，足可媲美機場。 同樣的，我們對中國教會「老舊破損」的舊印象也該改變了。現在各個城市都能看到高大現代化的禮拜堂。但即便一些教會已經對外分享資源，貧富教會之間還需要更多的團契交流和資源分享。讓我們為中國教會的合一以及能夠更好的互助互惠來禱告。
星期五
中國的傳道人常常視「寧放棄家庭，多為主工作」為屬靈。 不少同工效法老一輩的傳道人，長時間離家在外服事，與妻兒聚少離多。事工和家庭不能協調至今仍是許多同工婚姻破裂的導火線。我們要為中國所有信徒的家庭禱告。因為撒旦喜歡攻擊信徒的弱點，包括我們的家庭。求主憐憫因為服事而忽略家中妻小的同工們，求主以神的愛來凝聚他們家人的心。
星期六
中秋節是中國人的傳統大節，雖然很多人認為他們所花費在月餅盒的要比月餅本身的價值要高，但這個傳統習俗仍難被打破。吃月餅既不利於健康，高糖份，高脂肪，又欠「新意」。很多教會趁著假期向外佈道或舉辦福音大會。很多家庭教會也放膽向鄰舍傳福音無懼可能出現的各種限制。讓我們禱告教會能尋求新方法接觸人群，為主贏回更多靈魂。
星期日
一名廣州市的小學生向採訪的記者表示：長大後要當「貪官」，因為「貪官」不但有「好東西」，而且還有「好下場」。在無知的小孩心裡，竟然把「貪官」當成理想的「職業」，何其悲哀！孩子眼睛是雪亮的，信徒的孩子需要成人為他們竪立聖潔、願意為神擺上的榜樣。我們求主保守教會年輕一代的心思意念，不要效法這個世界的邪風惡俗，要學習將心給神。又求主幫助信徒有美好的見證，引領第二代愛主、效法主。
星期一
廣州有許多非洲人，他們大多聚在一起。然而，許多中國人不喜歡與有色人種為鄰，並歸咎他們乃造成地方治安每況愈下的罪魁禍首。基督徒對有色人種也存有這種強烈偏見，以致很難致力推动福音事工。求神讓我們全然謙卑，能一視同仁，滿有基督的愛与憐憫。
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