Posts
Tuesday
The "May 4th Movement" celebrated its 90th anniversary recently. Although it was considered as mostly a student demonstration movement against the unfair treaty after WWI, it also ushered in the modern Chinese age. The young intellectuals protested against the old traditions, feudalism, and the Confucian ideology. They demanded modern science and democracy for China. Young intellectuals have historically led China in reform and social enlightenment. We pray for young educated believers to be powerful vessels God can use to serve His purpose and His church.
Wednesday
Tourists from Mainland China are flocking to Taiwan in large numbers, overwhelming the local hotels and tour buses. The unexpected surge of visitors is a welcoming boon after the leader of China said, "I want to visit Taiwan even if I need to crawl to get there." The influx of tourists from China presents a great opportunity for Taiwan churches to witness to them and to reach out to believers from Mainland China. We pray for many opportunities for believers on both sides to learn and share from each other.
Thursday
Christianity in China has taken on Chinese distinctive and flavor. While the rural house churches experienced a great revival during the 1970, much of the gain have been lost as people move to the cities, and churches are now mostly elderly and women. Another crisis rural churches face is the "old style" leadership style. Rural churches are in decline especially in Henan and Anhui provinces where the revival took place. We pray earnestly for God's mercy on the believers there. They need the revival fire of the Holy Spirit and fresh blood in church leadership.
Friday
Government is putting great emphasis on intensive training the leadership in the county level. One major reason is many of the so-called recent mass incidences, confrontations with police and riots took place in county level. Officials are told to maintain stability and manage grass root frustration well locally. In the county level, most of churches are Three-Self and ministry are under much closer scrutiny than cities or villages. We uplift all the open churches in the county seats, for the faithful labor of their pastors and their passion in sharing the Gospel into their communities.
Saturday
In a study done of residents of Hong Kong, seventy percent of those interviewed admitted to having gambled in the past year. Buying lottery tickets was the most common form and it was followed by card games, horse racing, casino, and sports. One third of those interviewed said they started gambling before they were eighteen years old. Gambling has destroyed many Chinese families. We pray that churches can have a positive influence on this social ill. We remember specifically those families whose a husband, father, or son gambles. May the Lord give them comfort and answer their prayer for healing from this evil addiction.
Sunday
The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai is being built on the old shipbuilding site on the Huangpu River. Massive construction is now underway and despite the economic downturn, officials expect seventy million guests, far more than those at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Authorities in Shanghai have begun to clear out those residents who do not have the proper documentation living there. This will inevitably interfere with evangelistic efforts and outreach to migrant workers in the churches. Let us pray for the believers in Shanghai that they will understand the Lord's purposes in placing this event in their city and what they should do during the event.
Monday
Most of the members of President Obama's cabinet are lawyers. In contrast President Hu is an hydraulic engineer. His predecessor, Jiang Zemin, was an electrical engineer. The Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, is a geological engineer. The vast majority of the senior members of China's Communist Party are engineers as well. All parents want their child to be outstanding and make a contribution to society. We pray for all Christian parents as they pray and plan for the education of their children. May the Lord give them wisdom and also the reminder that they should be willing to let God use their children in His kingdom.
星期二
今年是五四運動九十週年。五四運動是一次世界大戰後，反對封建舊傳統，對抗列强不平等待遇的學生運動，推動了近代中國的思想啟蒙；年輕一代的學子們誠然為中國社會文明的進展和改革寫下重要的歷史篇章。主內的識分子禱告，求主使他們能成為神手中大有能力的器皿，無論在教會或在社會，都能盡心盡力，為主所用。
星期三
近來大陸遊客蜂擁至臺灣，大大刺激旅館和遊覽車的需求量。突如其來的遊客激增或可歸功於中國總理溫家寶特別指著日月潭所說，爬也要爬去的一席話。大陸旅客的來訪，給臺灣教會一個向大陸同胞分享福音的絕佳機會。我們為兩地信徒能有更多來往交流以及彼此學習分享的機會來禱告。
星期四
當前中國基督教會應體認的危機感是：教會本色化要小心變質。1970年代的教會大復興主要是在農村，如今隨著年輕人往城市遷流，農村教會只剩老弱婦孺，復興的果效早已式微。加上許多教會的領導方式太過「古老」，與年輕人脫節，農村教會日漸沒落，曾經歷大復興的河南和安徽省的教會尤其如此。我們迫切地求神憐憫這些地區的信徒，求神賜下復興的靈火使信徒再次火熱起來，同時興起後起之秀來承接牧養教會的棒子。
星期五
由於近來各地群體性事件頻發，多縣發生警民衝突，政府特別積極安排縣委書記接受輪訓。縣政當局受促妥善處理矛盾，以維持地方社會的穩定。中國各縣的教會多屬三自教會，監管比城市和鄉村的更為嚴密。我們為各縣的公開教會禱告，求主賜給他們忠心服事的牧者，並且使信徒和牧者都同樣充滿傳揚福音的熱忱。
星期六
據調查顯示：七成受訪的香港人在過去一年曾參與賭博，其中最普遍的是六合彩賭博，其他依序為社交牌局，賽馬，賭場，及足球博彩。當中三分之一受訪者表示，首次賭博時未滿18歲。賭博摧毀了無數的中國家庭。讓我們特別在禱告中記念有嗜賭者的家庭，作用求主賜下安慰，把他們的家人從這邪惡的賭癮中解救出來。並盼望神興起教會能在社會中起正面的影響。
星期日
上海主辦的2010年世界博覽會園區建於城市邊緣，橫跨黃浦江兩岸。工程不受經濟低靡影響，大規模展開。當局預料，賓客人數將超過08年北京奧。另外，當局已展開行動驅逐上海地區的非法居民。上海教會對外來民工的福音工作，多少會因此受到影響。我們為上海的基督徒禱告，求主開他們的眼睛，看到神允許這樣的大會在上海舉行，有其特殊的目的和計劃；並讓他們看到自己在當中能夠如何與神同工。
星期一
美國總統奧巴馬的內閣以律師為主。國家主席胡景濤是水利工程師，前任主席江澤民是電機工程師，而溫家寶總理是地質工程師而，中國的幹部大多數為工程師。所有為人父母者都希望孩子出人頭地能夠貢獻社會。求主引領和教導所有基督徒父母，在為兒女禱告和做教育計劃時，能夠尋求神的心意，以神的國度為念；賜他們教育孩子的智慧，願意完全的把孩子交在神手中，讓神使用。
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Prayer Request 5/19 - 5/25
Tuesday
"City of Life and Death" a movie about the Japanese massacre of Nanjing in 1937 has become a blockbuster in China. This Chinese-produced movie was filmed from the viewpoint of a Japanese officer. Although it was shot in black and white and does not shy away from scenes of violence and rape it has drawn both acclaim and criticism in Japan as well as China. For Chinese people, the anti-Japanese sentiment is barely hidden below the surface. The painful shame and national wounds seem to resist healing even after seventy years. May the Lord have mercy on all Chinese. We remember especially the believers who struggle to put their painful past behind and try to allow God's love and forgiveness to heal their personal emotional wounds.
Wednesday
Lang Lang was named by Time Magazine as one of the "100 most influential people in the world". At the age of two or three he started to play the piano, he has received numerous awards and now he has begun his own foundation to support young pianists around the world. In the majority of churches in China to have a musical accompanist for the worship service would be like a dream come true. We pray for this need and their desire to worship God using a musical instrument. We remember, too, all those who play the musical instruments or lead worship for church services. May the Lord use them mightily and inspire the congregations to sing joyfully giving God the glory.
Thursday
Last year，Chinese Christians quickly responded to the Sichuan earthquake, not only helping out the victims but also actively inviting the victims to believe in Jesus. Such open evangelism in the time of crisis had created some backlashes because nonbelievers resented their over-zealous acts of "religious opportunism". This has also stirred up debate among Chinese believers as well. Christians share the Gospel out of love and concern for the lost souls. We want to avoid being labeled as "insensitive fanatics" or doing community caring casually as some sort of "mission tourism". May the Lord remind all of us to have more love as we care genuinely about our community and the society.
Friday
Divorce is the most important problem facing mainland families today. Some people are even prepared to get a divorce even before marriage. Often, we see Christian couples splurge and devote so much on their children but fail to cultivate their marital relationships. Unfortunately, many church leaders feel impotent or unimportant to talk about family issues. Let us pray for a revival of Christian families in China.
Saturday
Among the key issues facing believers’ families in China are extra-marital affair and believers’ marriage to a non-believer. Quarrels over finance also strain many families. Many churches know the importance of marriages with Biblical foundation, but unable to provide anything substantive. We pray for guarding of heart of all believers against extra-marital affair. We too pray for families wreck by such sin. May the Lord grant mercy, grace and patience for those whose spouses are unbelievers.
Sunday
Many Chinese feel utterly important to pass on their family lineage. Under the one-child only policy, women from wealthy families look for men who are willing to marry into their families so that their children could take up the mother’s surname. Christian families feel ambivalent about why God has not given them a son. Let us pray for those with daughters, may the Lord give the parents with assurance of their daughter is truly the gift of God, a great blessing to their family, now and the future.
Monday
China government is literally sitting on a mountain pile of foreign reserve to buy as many foreign companies as she wishes. Recently, China has purchased foreign natural resources companies and some businessmen are considering buying foreign automobiles manufacturers. Chinese are flushed with a sense of accomplishment and pride. We thank the Lord for such new found confidence. May the Lord keep China churches humble, His servants and believers alike. Lord, teach us all to seek Your Kingdom first!
星期二
中國製電影《南京！南京！》最近在大陸公映，是以日本軍官的角度拍攝發生在1937年的南京大屠殺，全片以黑白影像拍攝，對暴力與強姦毫不避諱。該影片在大陸，被指過分美化日本人；在日本，媒體稱此電影難得客觀，但網民卻狠批日本演員是「日本人的恥辱」。雖然南京大屠殺已逾70年，但那國恥與仇恨卻仍深埋在中國人心底，無法癒合。願主施恩憐憫所有華人，尤其記念屬神的人，能靠主放下傷痛，讓神的愛與寬恕解開那心靈上的鬰結。
星期三
最近美國《時代》周刊公佈2009年全球百大最有影響力名人榜，年僅26歲的中國鋼琴巨星郎朗首度上榜。郎朗自三歲開始學習鋼琴，至今獲獎無數，藝術造詣備受國際推崇。郎朗亦成立國際音樂基金會，致力幫助及培育世界各地愛好古典音樂的年輕一代。期盼大多數中國教會的聚會崇拜能有音樂伴奏的夢想，至今仍有待成真。讓我們為教會的音樂事工禱告，尤其為那些用音樂服侍神及帶領崇拜的弟兄姊妹禱告。願主大大使用他們，喚起神的兒女一同獻上頌讚，為神的榮耀而歡呼。
星期四
去年四川地震，中國各地的基督徒迅速參與救災，除了提供物資幫助外，也積極向災民傳播福音，勸人信主。此物質與心靈兼顧的傳福音行為，往往被誤解的非基督徒批評成沒有向災區人民提供實質幫助，不顧災區人民感受而強行“傳教”云云。因此也影響部份基督徒對救災作法的異議。求主提醒教會，在關切社會需要時，能出於真誠的愛心，更多長期深耕我們所處社區鄰里在物質與靈魂上的需求，尤其要避免「過度傳教 」和不能持續的一陣風式「福音旅遊」。
星期五
「離婚」成為現今中國家庭最大的困擾，一些人婚前就開始為離婚做打算。很多時候，基督徒夫婦花在子女身上的精力，往往比投資經營本身的夫婦關係更多。而很多教會領袖也不太重視家庭問題或對要講論這類題目感到力不從心。讓我們為中國家庭禱告，求主提醒並賜下能力給祂的教會，重視建造良好的家人關係，使中國基督徒的家庭能大得復興，承繼神要賜的福樂，也成為匡正社會時弊的清流。
星期六
婚外情及與不信者結婚是中國信徒面對的兩大主要家庭問題，而金錢糾紛也使家庭關係常常出現張力。很多教會雖深諳美滿婚姻植根於聖經原則的重要，卻無法提供實質培訓。讓我們為所有信徒祈求，願神保守他們免陷入婚外情的試探，保守家庭不涉入罪惡。 願神賜智慧和愛心給有未信主的丈夫或妻子的信徒，在與家人相處時有更多從神而來的憐憫，恩典和忍耐。
星期日
很多中國人認為傳宗接代是件大事。一子政策下，來自富裕家庭的女孩常有招贅的現象，為的是讓兒子能以母姓命名。許多誕生女兒的基督徒家庭，對上帝沒有賜予兒子也是憂喜參半。讓我們為這些家庭禱告，願上帝幫助父母肯定女兒是上帝所賜的珍貴禮物，無論現在或將來，都是家庭上好的祝福。
星期一
中國政府己坐擁山高般的巨額外匯儲備，可以輕易的購買外資公司。最近中國購下多間外國自然資源公司,有些商人亦開始採購外國汽車廠。這些突如其來的名成利就，為中國人增添不少自豪。我們為這份新崛起的自信感恩，也求上帝教導我們随時随處都先尋求祂的國和義，無論是教會領袖同工或信徒們都能存心謙卑，以行公義好憐憫的心態與神同行。
"City of Life and Death" a movie about the Japanese massacre of Nanjing in 1937 has become a blockbuster in China. This Chinese-produced movie was filmed from the viewpoint of a Japanese officer. Although it was shot in black and white and does not shy away from scenes of violence and rape it has drawn both acclaim and criticism in Japan as well as China. For Chinese people, the anti-Japanese sentiment is barely hidden below the surface. The painful shame and national wounds seem to resist healing even after seventy years. May the Lord have mercy on all Chinese. We remember especially the believers who struggle to put their painful past behind and try to allow God's love and forgiveness to heal their personal emotional wounds.
Wednesday
Lang Lang was named by Time Magazine as one of the "100 most influential people in the world". At the age of two or three he started to play the piano, he has received numerous awards and now he has begun his own foundation to support young pianists around the world. In the majority of churches in China to have a musical accompanist for the worship service would be like a dream come true. We pray for this need and their desire to worship God using a musical instrument. We remember, too, all those who play the musical instruments or lead worship for church services. May the Lord use them mightily and inspire the congregations to sing joyfully giving God the glory.
Thursday
Last year，Chinese Christians quickly responded to the Sichuan earthquake, not only helping out the victims but also actively inviting the victims to believe in Jesus. Such open evangelism in the time of crisis had created some backlashes because nonbelievers resented their over-zealous acts of "religious opportunism". This has also stirred up debate among Chinese believers as well. Christians share the Gospel out of love and concern for the lost souls. We want to avoid being labeled as "insensitive fanatics" or doing community caring casually as some sort of "mission tourism". May the Lord remind all of us to have more love as we care genuinely about our community and the society.
Friday
Divorce is the most important problem facing mainland families today. Some people are even prepared to get a divorce even before marriage. Often, we see Christian couples splurge and devote so much on their children but fail to cultivate their marital relationships. Unfortunately, many church leaders feel impotent or unimportant to talk about family issues. Let us pray for a revival of Christian families in China.
Saturday
Among the key issues facing believers’ families in China are extra-marital affair and believers’ marriage to a non-believer. Quarrels over finance also strain many families. Many churches know the importance of marriages with Biblical foundation, but unable to provide anything substantive. We pray for guarding of heart of all believers against extra-marital affair. We too pray for families wreck by such sin. May the Lord grant mercy, grace and patience for those whose spouses are unbelievers.
Sunday
Many Chinese feel utterly important to pass on their family lineage. Under the one-child only policy, women from wealthy families look for men who are willing to marry into their families so that their children could take up the mother’s surname. Christian families feel ambivalent about why God has not given them a son. Let us pray for those with daughters, may the Lord give the parents with assurance of their daughter is truly the gift of God, a great blessing to their family, now and the future.
Monday
China government is literally sitting on a mountain pile of foreign reserve to buy as many foreign companies as she wishes. Recently, China has purchased foreign natural resources companies and some businessmen are considering buying foreign automobiles manufacturers. Chinese are flushed with a sense of accomplishment and pride. We thank the Lord for such new found confidence. May the Lord keep China churches humble, His servants and believers alike. Lord, teach us all to seek Your Kingdom first!
星期二
中國製電影《南京！南京！》最近在大陸公映，是以日本軍官的角度拍攝發生在1937年的南京大屠殺，全片以黑白影像拍攝，對暴力與強姦毫不避諱。該影片在大陸，被指過分美化日本人；在日本，媒體稱此電影難得客觀，但網民卻狠批日本演員是「日本人的恥辱」。雖然南京大屠殺已逾70年，但那國恥與仇恨卻仍深埋在中國人心底，無法癒合。願主施恩憐憫所有華人，尤其記念屬神的人，能靠主放下傷痛，讓神的愛與寬恕解開那心靈上的鬰結。
星期三
最近美國《時代》周刊公佈2009年全球百大最有影響力名人榜，年僅26歲的中國鋼琴巨星郎朗首度上榜。郎朗自三歲開始學習鋼琴，至今獲獎無數，藝術造詣備受國際推崇。郎朗亦成立國際音樂基金會，致力幫助及培育世界各地愛好古典音樂的年輕一代。期盼大多數中國教會的聚會崇拜能有音樂伴奏的夢想，至今仍有待成真。讓我們為教會的音樂事工禱告，尤其為那些用音樂服侍神及帶領崇拜的弟兄姊妹禱告。願主大大使用他們，喚起神的兒女一同獻上頌讚，為神的榮耀而歡呼。
星期四
去年四川地震，中國各地的基督徒迅速參與救災，除了提供物資幫助外，也積極向災民傳播福音，勸人信主。此物質與心靈兼顧的傳福音行為，往往被誤解的非基督徒批評成沒有向災區人民提供實質幫助，不顧災區人民感受而強行“傳教”云云。因此也影響部份基督徒對救災作法的異議。求主提醒教會，在關切社會需要時，能出於真誠的愛心，更多長期深耕我們所處社區鄰里在物質與靈魂上的需求，尤其要避免「過度傳教 」和不能持續的一陣風式「福音旅遊」。
星期五
「離婚」成為現今中國家庭最大的困擾，一些人婚前就開始為離婚做打算。很多時候，基督徒夫婦花在子女身上的精力，往往比投資經營本身的夫婦關係更多。而很多教會領袖也不太重視家庭問題或對要講論這類題目感到力不從心。讓我們為中國家庭禱告，求主提醒並賜下能力給祂的教會，重視建造良好的家人關係，使中國基督徒的家庭能大得復興，承繼神要賜的福樂，也成為匡正社會時弊的清流。
星期六
婚外情及與不信者結婚是中國信徒面對的兩大主要家庭問題，而金錢糾紛也使家庭關係常常出現張力。很多教會雖深諳美滿婚姻植根於聖經原則的重要，卻無法提供實質培訓。讓我們為所有信徒祈求，願神保守他們免陷入婚外情的試探，保守家庭不涉入罪惡。 願神賜智慧和愛心給有未信主的丈夫或妻子的信徒，在與家人相處時有更多從神而來的憐憫，恩典和忍耐。
星期日
很多中國人認為傳宗接代是件大事。一子政策下，來自富裕家庭的女孩常有招贅的現象，為的是讓兒子能以母姓命名。許多誕生女兒的基督徒家庭，對上帝沒有賜予兒子也是憂喜參半。讓我們為這些家庭禱告，願上帝幫助父母肯定女兒是上帝所賜的珍貴禮物，無論現在或將來，都是家庭上好的祝福。
星期一
中國政府己坐擁山高般的巨額外匯儲備，可以輕易的購買外資公司。最近中國購下多間外國自然資源公司,有些商人亦開始採購外國汽車廠。這些突如其來的名成利就，為中國人增添不少自豪。我們為這份新崛起的自信感恩，也求上帝教導我們随時随處都先尋求祂的國和義，無論是教會領袖同工或信徒們都能存心謙卑，以行公義好憐憫的心態與神同行。
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Prayer Request 5/12 - 5/18
Tuesday
The earthquake in Sichuan did something to the churches in China because we saw Christians from both Three-Self and house church going to the disaster area and serving together publicly. We are so thankful for this watershed event and we believe that Christians will one day step outside of their churches and become the light and salt of their communities, living out the teachings of Jesus Christ and serving those who are needy.
Wednesday
As the world looks at the rise of China both financially and militarily, many Christian leaders speak of her becoming a worldwide "army of missionaries". Such a grand vision can be misleading since the churches in China are still weak and Christians account for only a small fraction of the total population. We need to pray for the alarming tendency in the churches of China of thinking of themselves too highly. Let us continue to ask the Lord to grant them a life that is deeper, wider, more fruitful, and of greater impact.
Thursday
College graduates are having difficulty finding a white-collared job. In the wealthiest region of Guangdong, college grads are fighting over even such positions as nannies. This year 6.1 million young people are expected to graduate from colleges but a third of last year's grads still have not found a job. Many young people accepted Jesus in Bible study groups in college. We pray their faith will sustain them and they will be able to connect with a local church quickly so they will not be like the seeds sown in shallow ground that Jesus spoke about.
Friday
One apt description of the churches in China is that they are "big in appearance but weak inside". They are big in the sense of the large number attending in both rural house churches and Three-Self churches, but the number of committed and Biblically-sound believers is much smaller than the number of those who attend. Again, we lift these Chinese believers up into God's hand. May the Lord stir each of us out of our complacency so that we will crave the spiritual milk of the Word of God. May we see a revival and awakening again.
Saturday
Among foreign observers and Christian leaders there is a lot of anticipation for the future of churches in China. These people easily assume that China will be picking up the baton of world missions and rise up to be another Korea. Such expectation overlooks the true state of these churches. We beseech the Lord for His will to be done in the churches in China and that the gospel will be preached mightily there. We pray that believers will have the passion and vision to take the gospel to the world and not just dream about it and write slogans.
Sunday
Today the church in China is in a time of transition, especially in those provinces like Henan where a majority of the people are farmers.The quality of leadership must be improved and the churches must have new strategies for stable and sustainable church growth. Rural churches must somehow find a way to appeal to and connect with the quickly-urbanized and the younger generation or face a rapidly graying church. We pray that the church in China will learn to connect with the present day young people. May the Lord raise up leaders who are sensitive to cultural changes and have a willingness to adapt their methods to attract the youth.
Monday
The church in China is weak in that it has few professionals, even generally educated people, and the financial level of the believers is low. In many provinces the Christian churches are still considered marginal and insignificant. As the society moves forward, churches are at risk of having graying congregations and being known as a place for only poor farmers. We thank the Lord for pockets of strong growth in China and we pray urgently for the vast number of churches that have in the recent past become stagnant and are dying.
星期二
四川地震後，我們看見許多海內外華人及海外基督徒的熱心，也看見許多三自或家庭教會的基督徒公開地、積極、急速和熱心的付出。為這些，我們向神感恩！ 我們也禱告有一天中國的信徒都能夠走出教堂或聚會點，服事我們的同胞，活出主耶穌的教導，成為光和鹽。
星期三
隨著中國的躍昇，軍力和財力的騰飛，不少海外基督徒領袖期望中國教會很快就成為全球宣教大軍。面對此目標，我們需要努力，但更需要謹慎。 「外盛中虛」的中國教會需要著重「深耕廣種、立德立義」，絕不能輕浮，也絕不能忘記，相對於整個國家的整體力量和人數來說，中國基督教的實力仍屬薄弱，中國仍是「少數派」。 讓我們為中國教會能更實際的自我評估來禱告，求主繼續幫助教會建造更有深度與內涵，能多結果子、發光發亮的生命。
星期四
在經濟不景下，今年大學畢業生的就業前景極不樂觀。如在最富裕的廣東省，大學生甚至要爲爭奪保姆這類工作擠破頭。估計今年有610萬大學畢業生湧入就業市場，然而去年畢業生中仍有三分之一的人尚未找到工作。很多年輕人都是在大學時期的查經班接受主耶穌，願他們在畢業後仍持守信仰，並能儘快在居住地找到教會，能不停止聚會，讓神的道在心裡生根建造，茁壯成長，而不像主耶穌所說的，落在淺土石頭地上。也使他們在艱難的現實中，因靠著對神的信心，而不至於頹喪。
星期五
「外盛中虛」正可形容目前的中國教會。「外」指外表數字。很多中國教會，無論是「三自」或農村的家庭教會，表面聚會人數不少，但實際委身又能在真理紮根的基督徒有多少呢？讓我們再次把中國信徒交托在主手中，求主除去我們心中的自滿，能真正渴慕主的話語，成為靈糧。我們求神再次甦醒人心、復興眾教會。
星期六
中國教會的「外盛中虛」也能形容「外」是「海外的猜想」。海外教會常不經過審慎分析，就簡單地接受了中國教會有極龐大的信徒群的看法，並有揠苗助長的危機。過急地期盼中國教會能急速地成為宣教的中國,繼韓國教會，成為宣教最後一棒。以目前而言，這些都還是過高而不實的期望。我們懇切禱告，求主的旨意行在中國教會，使福音在此地迅速廣傳。我們也禱告中國信徒都能有普世宣教的異象和熱情，使這個異象不致留於空泛的夢想和口號。
星期日
中國教會正面對著轉型的挑戰，對傳統的以農民信徒居多的省份如河南省等教會而言，轉型挑戰更為嚴峻。如何提升同工的質素，建立一個穩固又能持續增長的牧養體系，並發展出一套能吸引現代城市化下年輕人的傳福音模式，都是極大的挑戰，是需要整整一代人的努力。我們禱告主，幫助教會知道如何與時下青年銜接，興起對文化思潮變化有敏銳洞悉力的教會領袖，知道如何在不犧牲真理原則的情況下，采納能吸引年親人的新方法。
星期一
中國教會的「中虛」，特別指在專業才能、知識水準、經濟實力方面。教會在很多省份中仍是薄弱的邊緣組織。當國家社會急速進步前進，這些教會卻面臨老化和停滯，給人依然是「農民多，老人多」的印象。我們為中國教會在局部領域的持續發展上，呈強勁的增長來謝恩。同時，更迫切為許多停滯不前，甚至就快病入膏肓的教會禱告求恩。
The earthquake in Sichuan did something to the churches in China because we saw Christians from both Three-Self and house church going to the disaster area and serving together publicly. We are so thankful for this watershed event and we believe that Christians will one day step outside of their churches and become the light and salt of their communities, living out the teachings of Jesus Christ and serving those who are needy.
Wednesday
As the world looks at the rise of China both financially and militarily, many Christian leaders speak of her becoming a worldwide "army of missionaries". Such a grand vision can be misleading since the churches in China are still weak and Christians account for only a small fraction of the total population. We need to pray for the alarming tendency in the churches of China of thinking of themselves too highly. Let us continue to ask the Lord to grant them a life that is deeper, wider, more fruitful, and of greater impact.
Thursday
College graduates are having difficulty finding a white-collared job. In the wealthiest region of Guangdong, college grads are fighting over even such positions as nannies. This year 6.1 million young people are expected to graduate from colleges but a third of last year's grads still have not found a job. Many young people accepted Jesus in Bible study groups in college. We pray their faith will sustain them and they will be able to connect with a local church quickly so they will not be like the seeds sown in shallow ground that Jesus spoke about.
Friday
One apt description of the churches in China is that they are "big in appearance but weak inside". They are big in the sense of the large number attending in both rural house churches and Three-Self churches, but the number of committed and Biblically-sound believers is much smaller than the number of those who attend. Again, we lift these Chinese believers up into God's hand. May the Lord stir each of us out of our complacency so that we will crave the spiritual milk of the Word of God. May we see a revival and awakening again.
Saturday
Among foreign observers and Christian leaders there is a lot of anticipation for the future of churches in China. These people easily assume that China will be picking up the baton of world missions and rise up to be another Korea. Such expectation overlooks the true state of these churches. We beseech the Lord for His will to be done in the churches in China and that the gospel will be preached mightily there. We pray that believers will have the passion and vision to take the gospel to the world and not just dream about it and write slogans.
Sunday
Today the church in China is in a time of transition, especially in those provinces like Henan where a majority of the people are farmers.The quality of leadership must be improved and the churches must have new strategies for stable and sustainable church growth. Rural churches must somehow find a way to appeal to and connect with the quickly-urbanized and the younger generation or face a rapidly graying church. We pray that the church in China will learn to connect with the present day young people. May the Lord raise up leaders who are sensitive to cultural changes and have a willingness to adapt their methods to attract the youth.
Monday
The church in China is weak in that it has few professionals, even generally educated people, and the financial level of the believers is low. In many provinces the Christian churches are still considered marginal and insignificant. As the society moves forward, churches are at risk of having graying congregations and being known as a place for only poor farmers. We thank the Lord for pockets of strong growth in China and we pray urgently for the vast number of churches that have in the recent past become stagnant and are dying.
星期二
四川地震後，我們看見許多海內外華人及海外基督徒的熱心，也看見許多三自或家庭教會的基督徒公開地、積極、急速和熱心的付出。為這些，我們向神感恩！ 我們也禱告有一天中國的信徒都能夠走出教堂或聚會點，服事我們的同胞，活出主耶穌的教導，成為光和鹽。
星期三
隨著中國的躍昇，軍力和財力的騰飛，不少海外基督徒領袖期望中國教會很快就成為全球宣教大軍。面對此目標，我們需要努力，但更需要謹慎。 「外盛中虛」的中國教會需要著重「深耕廣種、立德立義」，絕不能輕浮，也絕不能忘記，相對於整個國家的整體力量和人數來說，中國基督教的實力仍屬薄弱，中國仍是「少數派」。 讓我們為中國教會能更實際的自我評估來禱告，求主繼續幫助教會建造更有深度與內涵，能多結果子、發光發亮的生命。
星期四
在經濟不景下，今年大學畢業生的就業前景極不樂觀。如在最富裕的廣東省，大學生甚至要爲爭奪保姆這類工作擠破頭。估計今年有610萬大學畢業生湧入就業市場，然而去年畢業生中仍有三分之一的人尚未找到工作。很多年輕人都是在大學時期的查經班接受主耶穌，願他們在畢業後仍持守信仰，並能儘快在居住地找到教會，能不停止聚會，讓神的道在心裡生根建造，茁壯成長，而不像主耶穌所說的，落在淺土石頭地上。也使他們在艱難的現實中，因靠著對神的信心，而不至於頹喪。
星期五
「外盛中虛」正可形容目前的中國教會。「外」指外表數字。很多中國教會，無論是「三自」或農村的家庭教會，表面聚會人數不少，但實際委身又能在真理紮根的基督徒有多少呢？讓我們再次把中國信徒交托在主手中，求主除去我們心中的自滿，能真正渴慕主的話語，成為靈糧。我們求神再次甦醒人心、復興眾教會。
星期六
中國教會的「外盛中虛」也能形容「外」是「海外的猜想」。海外教會常不經過審慎分析，就簡單地接受了中國教會有極龐大的信徒群的看法，並有揠苗助長的危機。過急地期盼中國教會能急速地成為宣教的中國,繼韓國教會，成為宣教最後一棒。以目前而言，這些都還是過高而不實的期望。我們懇切禱告，求主的旨意行在中國教會，使福音在此地迅速廣傳。我們也禱告中國信徒都能有普世宣教的異象和熱情，使這個異象不致留於空泛的夢想和口號。
星期日
中國教會正面對著轉型的挑戰，對傳統的以農民信徒居多的省份如河南省等教會而言，轉型挑戰更為嚴峻。如何提升同工的質素，建立一個穩固又能持續增長的牧養體系，並發展出一套能吸引現代城市化下年輕人的傳福音模式，都是極大的挑戰，是需要整整一代人的努力。我們禱告主，幫助教會知道如何與時下青年銜接，興起對文化思潮變化有敏銳洞悉力的教會領袖，知道如何在不犧牲真理原則的情況下，采納能吸引年親人的新方法。
星期一
中國教會的「中虛」，特別指在專業才能、知識水準、經濟實力方面。教會在很多省份中仍是薄弱的邊緣組織。當國家社會急速進步前進，這些教會卻面臨老化和停滯，給人依然是「農民多，老人多」的印象。我們為中國教會在局部領域的持續發展上，呈強勁的增長來謝恩。同時，更迫切為許多停滯不前，甚至就快病入膏肓的教會禱告求恩。
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Prayer Request 5/5 - 5/11
Tuesday
The economic downturn has greatly affected the churches in China. The wealthy have cut back on their giving and those who are poor are having difficulty in making ends meet. Giving to churches has dropped significantly and many churches are unable to give their pastors full financial support. We pray especially that believers will trust God to provide in these times of uncertainty. May the Lord bless each of us with the assurance that He will take care of us in either good or in bad times, and that our faith will grown and we will learn to trust in Him instead of money.
Wednesday
The global financial crisis has struck the campuses of China's universities at a bad time. Graduates are having a difficult time getting jobs thanks to a surge in college enrollment. This year 6.11 million students will graduate from college and it is very difficult for young people to land a job. It is projected that there will be seven million college graduates next year. We pray for the college students facing this pressure, especially at this time of the economic slow down. Many young collegians have come to know Jesus and have been baptized during their college days but now they face the uncertainty of finding employment. Let us pray for them so they will hold fast to their faith in God and turst Him to lead and provide for them.
Thursday
During the Cultural Revolution an entire generation of college students was sent to the villages for reform and to learn from the peasants. Now it is the goal of the government to recruit and appoint one "college-graduate village official" in every village. This will increase the quality of rural officials and solve some of the unemployment problem facing college graduates. Very few workers in the rural churches have higher education. Those who do usually do not return to the villages where they once served. We know it is the heart that counts when it comes to serving the Lord and we pray for opportunities for further training and spiritual refreshing for all who serve in the villages.
Friday
Nearly half of the targeted provinces in China have achieved the goal of having a "college-gratuate village official" in every village. The selection criteria is rigorous. The person must be under thirty years old, a recent university graduate, and a full-fledged Communist Party member. It is a highly competitive position.(only 7% of applicants were chosen) and highly desirable. Serving in Chinese rural churches is a lonely task. There is so much to do but with very little resources. We pray for faithfulness, strength, and joy for all who work there. May the Lord supply their needs whether spiritual, physical, or financial. Their families, especially their spouses, need our prayer, too.
Saturday
Many point to China's college students as a generation with low moral standards. College girls practice prostitution to earn spending money. Cohabitation is very common and academic cheating is nearly universal.Ministry to college students is perhaps the one bright spot in Christian work in China and nearly every campus has Bible study groups. We uplift those who are sharing the gospel, serving and discipling students. May the Lord use them mightily to bring forth greater fruit.
Sunday
The family in China is undergoing tremendous changes. One ominous sign is widespread extra-marital affairs and divorces. The sad fact is that churches have succumbed to this decline in morality. Preaching against sexual sins and family counseling have become the top priority for church workers. Many are getting married with an attitude of "Let us give it a try." without serious commitment. This is also true among young believers. Let us pray for all who are planning to get married this year. May the Lord open their eyes to see what His design is for their marriage and may He help them to desire to submit to Christ above all else.
Monday
Party leaders have admitted that nearly all those corrupt officials who have been convicted have concubines. The lurid news of how they have squandered embezzled funds on scores of concubines continues to shock the public. In China, having extramarital affairs and even having a concubine is no longer a big deal. The Communist Party is now trying to punish those who have concubines. Our private lives should live out our faith.May the Lord remind us all how to safeguard our minds, our eyes, and above all to treasure and protect our families.
星期二
金融海嘯的衝擊使教會不少肢體的生活受到很大的影響。原本富裕的信徒也減少了奉獻；貧窮的肢體更是雪上加霜，生計艱難。教會的奉獻收入驟減，許多教會因此無法全數供應傳道人的生活需要。在這經濟動盪、前景不明朗的當兒，我們同心為所有信徒對神有堅定的信心禱告，求神幫助我們確信：無論日子如何，祂亦必保守看顧，使我們的信心日增，學習不依靠人、不依靠財富，唯獨依靠信實的主。
星期三
「畢業等於失業」正是大學生面臨的困境！由於中國大學畢業生不斷增加，今年會有611萬高校畢業生準備就業，明年的畢業生預計會有7百萬。原已飽和的就業市場，外加國際經濟危機當前，市場就業氣氛尤其緊張。讓我們為背負就業壓力的這群大學畢業生禱告，尤其在大學接受耶穌並受洗的年輕人，面對經濟放緩，前途茫茫，求主賜他們堅定的信心，仰望信賴神的帶領。
星期四
文革時期，共產黨推行知識青年「上山下鄉」運動，以磨練知青，學習體驗基層生活。三、四十年後，共產黨也積極推行另類的「知青上山下鄉」計畫：大學生村官。此舉既可提升村官素質，又可舒緩大學生失業的燃眉之急。農村教會很少有高學歷的同工，即便有也很快會離開。我們知道事奉心志比學歷來得重要，求主賜給農村教會同工靈裏獲得更新，並有進一步接受栽培和裝備的機會。
星期五
在中國政府啟動「大學生村官」計畫的省市區當中，半數以上已經實踐了「村村有大學生村官」的目標。村官選聘條件很嚴格，原則上，應為共產黨黨員，年齡限制在卅歲以下，應屆全日制大學學歷以上的畢業生。對大學生而言，這項「鐵飯碗」計畫，在大環境低迷之際，更有誘因。選聘競爭十分激烈，錄取率只有7%。在農村教會服事，是艱苦而孤獨的。待做的事工多而資源卻不足。我們為農村的同工們禱告，求主賜他們在事奉上有忠心，喜樂，和力量。我們也求主信實供應他們身心靈以及日常生活和經濟上的需要，。我們也在禱告中記念他們的家人，特別施恩、照顧他們的配偶。
星期六
現今的中國大學生被視為道德價值觀沒落的一代。女生賣身為娼、男女同居、抄襲作弊等行為在大學校園非常普遍。大學生事工可說是中國的事工中，成績最為顯著的，近乎每所大學都有查經班。我們為這些積極分享福音、為主服侍及栽培學生的同工們來感恩，求主大大的使用他們，多結福音的果子，為校園增添虔敬之風。
星期日
中國傳統的道德家庭觀正經歷巨大的變革，最顯而易見的是婚外情的普遍和離婚率的飆升。最可悲的是連教會也屈臣於這每況愈下的道德觀。目前教會牧者的首要任務應是傳講與性有關的罪的信息，以及提供婚姻與家庭輔導。現在有很多年輕人，包括基督徒在內，對婚姻抱持著「試試又何妨」的輕率態度。我們為所有正準備結婚的信徒禱告，求主讓他們看重神對他們婚姻的計劃，堅定愛主並遵從主教導的心，更勝於一切。
星期一
官員透露，近乎所有涉貪的領導幹部有包二奶問題。這些有關中國貪官為情婦而貪污、揮霍公款的消息層出不窮，震撼民心。在中國，婚外情和包二奶一直不被當成一回事。如今政府已將「鏟除幹部包養情人」，當作懲治腐敗系統工程中的重要一環。作為信徒，我們的生活行為應該與信心相稱。求主時刻提醒我們，要保守我們的心思，眼目，最重要的是讓我們用全心去珍愛和保護我們的家庭。
The economic downturn has greatly affected the churches in China. The wealthy have cut back on their giving and those who are poor are having difficulty in making ends meet. Giving to churches has dropped significantly and many churches are unable to give their pastors full financial support. We pray especially that believers will trust God to provide in these times of uncertainty. May the Lord bless each of us with the assurance that He will take care of us in either good or in bad times, and that our faith will grown and we will learn to trust in Him instead of money.
Wednesday
The global financial crisis has struck the campuses of China's universities at a bad time. Graduates are having a difficult time getting jobs thanks to a surge in college enrollment. This year 6.11 million students will graduate from college and it is very difficult for young people to land a job. It is projected that there will be seven million college graduates next year. We pray for the college students facing this pressure, especially at this time of the economic slow down. Many young collegians have come to know Jesus and have been baptized during their college days but now they face the uncertainty of finding employment. Let us pray for them so they will hold fast to their faith in God and turst Him to lead and provide for them.
Thursday
During the Cultural Revolution an entire generation of college students was sent to the villages for reform and to learn from the peasants. Now it is the goal of the government to recruit and appoint one "college-graduate village official" in every village. This will increase the quality of rural officials and solve some of the unemployment problem facing college graduates. Very few workers in the rural churches have higher education. Those who do usually do not return to the villages where they once served. We know it is the heart that counts when it comes to serving the Lord and we pray for opportunities for further training and spiritual refreshing for all who serve in the villages.
Friday
Nearly half of the targeted provinces in China have achieved the goal of having a "college-gratuate village official" in every village. The selection criteria is rigorous. The person must be under thirty years old, a recent university graduate, and a full-fledged Communist Party member. It is a highly competitive position.(only 7% of applicants were chosen) and highly desirable. Serving in Chinese rural churches is a lonely task. There is so much to do but with very little resources. We pray for faithfulness, strength, and joy for all who work there. May the Lord supply their needs whether spiritual, physical, or financial. Their families, especially their spouses, need our prayer, too.
Saturday
Many point to China's college students as a generation with low moral standards. College girls practice prostitution to earn spending money. Cohabitation is very common and academic cheating is nearly universal.Ministry to college students is perhaps the one bright spot in Christian work in China and nearly every campus has Bible study groups. We uplift those who are sharing the gospel, serving and discipling students. May the Lord use them mightily to bring forth greater fruit.
Sunday
The family in China is undergoing tremendous changes. One ominous sign is widespread extra-marital affairs and divorces. The sad fact is that churches have succumbed to this decline in morality. Preaching against sexual sins and family counseling have become the top priority for church workers. Many are getting married with an attitude of "Let us give it a try." without serious commitment. This is also true among young believers. Let us pray for all who are planning to get married this year. May the Lord open their eyes to see what His design is for their marriage and may He help them to desire to submit to Christ above all else.
Monday
Party leaders have admitted that nearly all those corrupt officials who have been convicted have concubines. The lurid news of how they have squandered embezzled funds on scores of concubines continues to shock the public. In China, having extramarital affairs and even having a concubine is no longer a big deal. The Communist Party is now trying to punish those who have concubines. Our private lives should live out our faith.May the Lord remind us all how to safeguard our minds, our eyes, and above all to treasure and protect our families.
星期二
金融海嘯的衝擊使教會不少肢體的生活受到很大的影響。原本富裕的信徒也減少了奉獻；貧窮的肢體更是雪上加霜，生計艱難。教會的奉獻收入驟減，許多教會因此無法全數供應傳道人的生活需要。在這經濟動盪、前景不明朗的當兒，我們同心為所有信徒對神有堅定的信心禱告，求神幫助我們確信：無論日子如何，祂亦必保守看顧，使我們的信心日增，學習不依靠人、不依靠財富，唯獨依靠信實的主。
星期三
「畢業等於失業」正是大學生面臨的困境！由於中國大學畢業生不斷增加，今年會有611萬高校畢業生準備就業，明年的畢業生預計會有7百萬。原已飽和的就業市場，外加國際經濟危機當前，市場就業氣氛尤其緊張。讓我們為背負就業壓力的這群大學畢業生禱告，尤其在大學接受耶穌並受洗的年輕人，面對經濟放緩，前途茫茫，求主賜他們堅定的信心，仰望信賴神的帶領。
星期四
文革時期，共產黨推行知識青年「上山下鄉」運動，以磨練知青，學習體驗基層生活。三、四十年後，共產黨也積極推行另類的「知青上山下鄉」計畫：大學生村官。此舉既可提升村官素質，又可舒緩大學生失業的燃眉之急。農村教會很少有高學歷的同工，即便有也很快會離開。我們知道事奉心志比學歷來得重要，求主賜給農村教會同工靈裏獲得更新，並有進一步接受栽培和裝備的機會。
星期五
在中國政府啟動「大學生村官」計畫的省市區當中，半數以上已經實踐了「村村有大學生村官」的目標。村官選聘條件很嚴格，原則上，應為共產黨黨員，年齡限制在卅歲以下，應屆全日制大學學歷以上的畢業生。對大學生而言，這項「鐵飯碗」計畫，在大環境低迷之際，更有誘因。選聘競爭十分激烈，錄取率只有7%。在農村教會服事，是艱苦而孤獨的。待做的事工多而資源卻不足。我們為農村的同工們禱告，求主賜他們在事奉上有忠心，喜樂，和力量。我們也求主信實供應他們身心靈以及日常生活和經濟上的需要，。我們也在禱告中記念他們的家人，特別施恩、照顧他們的配偶。
星期六
現今的中國大學生被視為道德價值觀沒落的一代。女生賣身為娼、男女同居、抄襲作弊等行為在大學校園非常普遍。大學生事工可說是中國的事工中，成績最為顯著的，近乎每所大學都有查經班。我們為這些積極分享福音、為主服侍及栽培學生的同工們來感恩，求主大大的使用他們，多結福音的果子，為校園增添虔敬之風。
星期日
中國傳統的道德家庭觀正經歷巨大的變革，最顯而易見的是婚外情的普遍和離婚率的飆升。最可悲的是連教會也屈臣於這每況愈下的道德觀。目前教會牧者的首要任務應是傳講與性有關的罪的信息，以及提供婚姻與家庭輔導。現在有很多年輕人，包括基督徒在內，對婚姻抱持著「試試又何妨」的輕率態度。我們為所有正準備結婚的信徒禱告，求主讓他們看重神對他們婚姻的計劃，堅定愛主並遵從主教導的心，更勝於一切。
星期一
官員透露，近乎所有涉貪的領導幹部有包二奶問題。這些有關中國貪官為情婦而貪污、揮霍公款的消息層出不窮，震撼民心。在中國，婚外情和包二奶一直不被當成一回事。如今政府已將「鏟除幹部包養情人」，當作懲治腐敗系統工程中的重要一環。作為信徒，我們的生活行為應該與信心相稱。求主時刻提醒我們，要保守我們的心思，眼目，最重要的是讓我們用全心去珍愛和保護我們的家庭。
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