6/30-7/6

Tuesday
Recently China has had a resurgence of nostalgia for the Mao era. It is the fashion for young people to wear hats such as the Red Guards wore. There are some restaurants that feature Cultural Revolution style dishes that are simple and coarse. They also include revolutionary songs and dances in their entertainment. Many older Christians remember those days with nostalgia because then believers were zealous for God. We praise God for His goodness to the church in China in the past forty years. May she grow in these good times as she did in those difficult times.

中國最近出現了一股對毛澤東時代的懷舊潮。年輕人戴紅衛兵帽蔚爲一種潮流。還有一些文革主題的餐館也出現了，它們刻意標榜簡單粗糙的菜肴，館内還有革命歌曲和革命舞蹈表演。教會界也有很多老信徒仍「緬懷」文革時期被逼迫的日子，念記往昔信衆對神的熱心。我們要讚美神的美善，在過去四十年保守著中國教會。求神祝福教會處在當今順境時，也能像昔日般不斷成長。

Wednesday
During the Cultural Revolution the only sanctioned entertainment was watching the eight government approved renditions of "Revolutionary Opera". Mao used it very effectively as patriotic propaganda and today these classic operas are enjoying resurgance in popularity even among young people. The way the number of Christians increased during the severe prosecution of that period from 1950 to 1970 was truly God's work. The new generation of believers has little memory or knowledge of the past. We pray that God will stir up in them a passion for Himself that will rival that of the old days.

文化大革命期間，人們惟一容許的娛樂就是觀賞被認可的八部「樣板戲」。毛澤東把這些樣板戲變成有效的愛國宣傳工具。這些經典戲劇現今再一次流行起來，甚至在年輕人的圈子裡亦如是。1950至1970期間，基督教受到極度逼迫，但信徒數目仍能增長，這確實是神的工作。新一代信徒對過去的歷史和認識已變得相當糢糊。我們求神挑旺他們對神的熱心，尤勝過去。

Thursday
Watching movie has become the leading entertainment in China. China produced 406 movies in 2008, nationwide box office receipts have steadily increased by at least 25-30 % every year. Although DVD piracy is still rampant, more people are willing and can afford the movie theater experience. New church buildings are popping up in many cities, with air-conditioning and modern facilities and offering worshippers lot more comfort. Small or old churches face "competition" in church growth because their facilities and programs are inadequate. We pray for vision and bold decisions for the smaller congregations seeking to grow and expand.

看電影已成爲中國最受歡迎的娛樂。2008年，中國製作了406部電影，票房收入持續保持25-30%以上的增長。雖然盜版DVD情況仍然猖獗，但有越來越多人願意且有能力負擔得起進電影院。新教會在許多城市紛紛蓋起來。這些教會都安裝了空調和各項設備，讓會眾有一個舒適的聚會環境。相對之下，較小或較舊的教會受限於設備和活動空間，要增長時就面對其它教會的「競爭」」壓力。讓我們爲這些小教會禱告，求神使他們持守異象，有智慧合適安排設施來建立、牧養教會。

Friday
A recent survey confirm that Chinese are "hesitant and reserve" in expressing their emotion. A perfect example is, Chinese mother play hugely important role culturally, but majority of people feel extremely awkward expressing their appreciation or love for their mothers. Many churches have problem with unity because Chinese believers may not express their opposition openly, but they will refuse to cooperate or follow. In terms of ministry, Chinese are non-confrontational but are too proud to follow. May the Lord give us humility and willingness to express our appreciation and love for our spiritual leaders.

最近一項調查顯示，中國人對情感表達顯得「靦腆害羞」。最好的例子就是，雖然母親的形象在中國文化中占據重要地位，但多數人覺得要向母親表達感謝和敬愛時都會感到「很彆扭」。很多教會都有合一的問題。國內的肢體或許不會公開地對抗，但他們會拒絕合作或服從。從事工的角度看，易流於各自為政不願意順服、同心。 求主使我們謙卑下來，願意多表達我們對屬靈領袖的感激和關愛。

Saturday
China is the third largest movie-producing country, behind India and America. Chinese-made movies have achieved international acclaim and global appeal; a few of these movies have reached the international market. Yet, the gross international revenue of Chinese movies is less than one American blockbuster movie. In terms of books written by or about Chinese believers, the titles are few and mostly limited to a few older biographies. We pray that in the future, Chinese believers will be able to share their spiritual experience and theological insights through out God's Kingdom.

中國目前是僅次于印度和美國的世界第三大電影生産國。最近國產電影在國際屢獲好評，不少電影更打入了國際市場。可是中國電影海外銷售總收入仍不及一部美國的賣座巨片。有關中國基督徒的書籍文獻或由中國基督徒寫的著作更是少之又少。有的話亦大都是一些早年的傳記。我們祈求神興起更多有文藝恩賜的弟兄姊妹，能在神的國度裡分享屬靈經驗和心得，將這些寶貴的屬靈資產傳遞下去。

Sunday
Karaoke parlors are extremely popular in China because it is an form of entertainment, where people unwind or young lover meet in private and sing. Chinese are generally reserve people, but in the privacy of these enclosed rooms, they can belch out songs for hours. Younger generation of believers are looking for the more contemporary worship style. Many churches face the "clash" between the old and the young. Majority of Chinese churches are very traditional and conservative in worship. We pray that church leadership will be sensitive to the changing culture and the need of young believers.

卡拉OK歌廳不僅是娛樂場所，也是人們緩解工作壓力或年輕人以歌傳情示愛的地方，在中國非常的紅火。由於中國人大多在表達感情方面比較含蓄保守，因此人們選擇在卡拉OK歌廳的單獨包間內放聲高歌，藉以傳情。年輕一代信徒時尚現代形式的崇拜，常導致教會新舊兩代出現裂痕。讓我們祈求教會領袖能敏銳察覺年輕人文化上的轉變，能顧及新一代的需要。

Monday
Chinese young people follow the Western trend but music wise, they are die-hard fans of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korean and Japanese pop stars. The top favorites songs in the karaoke parlors are Chinese pop songs; Western songs are limited to a few oldies of 1970 or 1980's. It is unfortunate that few leaders pay attention to the liking and the need of young Chinese believers. Chinese churches and young people are much like strangers. We pray that more churches will specifically appeal to the young people and young believers, with messages that is relevant to today's culture and social needs.

雖然中國年青人喜愛跟隨西方潮流，但在音樂方面，他們仍是港、台、韓、日流行音樂的忠實「粉絲」」。卡拉OK歌廳内最熱門的歌曲都是中文流行曲；雖也有少數的西方歌曲，卻只限於70和80年代的舊曲．很少中國教會領袖會關注到年輕信徒的喜好或需要，教會和年輕一代常常好像陌路人．讓我們求神感動更多教會能敏感於年輕一代包括信徒的需要，特別是講壇訊息能切中這個時代的文化特質和社會脈絡。

6/23-29

Tuesday
The city of Wuhan will literally be the new geographic center of China. With the completion of high speed train lines in 2012, Wuhan is only 5 hours from Beijing, Guangzhou, and all the seaports, reducing the time of travel by half. Churches in central China, which are few, are historically weak in comparison with the coastal provinces. Let us pray for the revival of churches near and in Wuhan. We pray especially for the seminary and Bible schools there; may the Lord grant us more workers for harvest in this region.

星期二

武漢市將成為中國的新地理樞紐中心，新京廣高速鐵路二0一二年竣工後，武漢到北京及廣州等其他口岸城市將縮短至五小時，交通往返時間縮短一半。相對於各口岸城市的發展，歷年來位於中國中部的教會不僅為數不 多，也較為虛弱。讓我們為武漢和鄰近教會的復興禱告，特別是為神學院和聖經學校代求，願莊稼的主差遣更多工人到這個發白的禾場收割。

Wednesday
The key piece of the Chinese economic stimulus plan is revitalizing central China with a new transportation network. "If Central China is connected, the whole country is connected; if it is revitalized, the entire nation is revitalized," said the Chinese Premier. Central China includes these 6 provinces: Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Henan, Anhui and Shangxi. Nine cities are considered key development points, Wuhan, which is in Hubei, is the most prominent. Henan and Anhui are the bastion of Chinese rural churches. Churches have suffered a decline as the young people leave for work in the cities. We pray, as the prosperity comes with the improved trasportation system, that rural churches will be prepared and not be swept away by materialism, but instead be a great source of encouragement and inspiration to other provinces.

星期三

中國主要刺激經濟方案是利用新交通網絡活化中部經濟。總理溫家寶曾說：「中部通，則全國通；中部活，則滿盤活。」中部重點六省是湖南、湖北、江西、河南、安徽與山西。六省中的九城又以湖北省武漢最為矚目。河南和安徽是中國農村教會的根據地，由於年輕人到城市工作，農村教會漸趨沒落。在面對交通網絡系統改善及隨之而來的繁榮的同時，我們禱告農村教會不至隨物質主義漂流， 反能以敬虔、信德鼓舞並為其他省份樹立典範。

Thursday

The recent economic downturn has caused many factories on the coastal provinces to close. But, factories are also relocating to inland China en mass because of generous government incentives and much lower labor costs. This, in turn, creates a wave of factory laborers returning home and finding work much closer to home. We do not know how this will shape the rural churches, who have lost many of their young ones as they left for better-paying factory jobs. This will also open new opportunities for ministries in the so-called "second tier" cities in the inland provinces. We pray that churches in these inland cities and rural churches will benefit from the economic boom and, most importantly, experience spiritual revival.

星期四

近期經濟衰退導致很多沿岸省份的工廠相繼倒閉，政府種種優惠政策及更低廉勞動力使大量工廠往內陸遷移，形成新一輪勞工遷徙潮，促使他們更靠近家鄉或返鄉勞動。對於曾流失大量轉往城市打拼年輕信徒的農村教會而言，將有何轉變目前尚難預測。或許新局面會為內陸地區所謂「二線城市」的教會事工帶來新契機。讓我們禱告這些內陸地區及農村教會不僅能獲益於經濟增長，更重要的是再次經歷靈性的大復興。

Friday
In 2006, almost 2 million people in China filed for divorce. The ages are mostly between 30 and 50, according to a goverment report. Shanghai alone had 47,000 people who filed for divorce. The grounds for divorce are mostly poor communication, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, infidelity, economic problems, bad personal habits, in-law problems, and childlessness. When it comes to helping believers with marital problems, most churches in China offer little substantive assistance. Sunday sermons usually do not address family or marriage. Let us remember all the Christian couples who are struggling in their marriage now. We pray that they will know the will of God, and learn to love and accept, as well as love one another as Christ loves the church.

星期五

2006年中國有接近兩百萬人申辦離婚。 據官方報導, 這些離婚人士多介乎30-50歲。 單單上海,便有47,000人申辦離婚。構成離婚的主因包括性格不合，感情破裂，第三者，家庭暴力，經濟問題，不良生活習慣，婆媳糾紛，無子女等。對於婚姻出現裂縫的信徒,教會鮮有提供實質援助。主日講道很少提及家庭婚姻問題,讓我們記念婚姻關係處於緊張狀態的基督徒夫婦。祈求他們能明白上帝的旨意，彼此相愛，彼此接納，正如基督愛教會一樣。

Saturday

One in six cities in China have a fresh water supply issue. There are 400 cities that lack an adequate amount of fresh water. 110 cities have a serious chronic shortage of water supply. Pollution of water sources and rivers with industrial waste is another issue the government is trying to tackle with mixed results. Jesus said, "I am the living water. Whoever comes to me will not thirst." Many churches preach the Word of God but fail to connect the Scripture with daily life applications. Sermons are often the same and similar. Let us pray for powerful teaching of the Bible in every church.  We must pray for those who preach and teach first. May the Lord give them a thirst to study and apply God's Word first, not just think that they are fulfilling an obligation.

星期六

在中國，每六個城市就有一個出現食水短缺。 全國有400多個城市供水不足，110個嚴重缺水。另一危機是工業廢物嚴重污染河道及水源的問題，政府正嘗試處理，但牽涉面複雜而成效果不彰。耶穌說：「 人若喝我所賜的活水就永遠不渴。」很多教會精於傳講神的話，卻少有能真正連結日常生活，講道流於形式化。讓我們特為負責講臺教導的同工禱告，願神賜下自己的話語，帶著屬靈的能力權柄供應新鮮、豐盛的靈糧，推動落實生活實踐，以美好見証榮耀神。

Sunday

One reason many churches are unable to grow is because their members are mostly old people.  Church facilities are appalling and spartan, having simple stools on a bare floor without air conditionin g.  Newcomers find it both difficult to fit in and be accepted.  The preaching also does not target those with higher education; the sermons are not socioculturally relevant.  Many church workers are frustrated because they are not able to attract and retain newcomers.  Revitalizing old churches is not a simple task and there is no quick solution. We pray that God will answer the prayer of those who are seeking church growth. For those who feel frustrated, we pray along with them, for church unity and vision for growth, as they serve faithfully and wait upon the Lord to do great things.

星期日

中國教會不見增長有許多原因，有人歸咎於會眾老齡化，或教會設備簡陋–只擺幾張凳子，沒有空調設備；新朋友難獲接納，不易融入群體。也有人認為：講壇不能針對知識份子的需求，也不能回應時代的需要。很多教會的同工對於不能吸引留住新朋友也感到沮喪。更新教會非一朝一夕可蹴，沒有靈丹妙藥。讓我們祈求上帝能按祂心意幫助教會在質和量上都增長。也與灰心的人一同仰望，願教會能同感一靈，有同一異象，繼續忠心事奉、等候神行奇妙大事。

Monday

Every year, many existing church buildings need to be rebuilt because they are too old or the neighborhoods they belong to are being revitalized. As the local economy improves, congregations are able to give generously.  Donations for a new building is usually not a problem. A great majority of these churches are registered churches who own their properties outright. Yet, it is often noted that after the new church is built, members lose focus and become less committed in serving the Lord.  Division also happens whenever there is a major project, like a church relocation or rebuilding. Let us pray for all the churches who have moved into newer buildings.  Pray for their ministries, unity of spirit and not being prideful to other churches.

星期一

每年有許多教會建築物因老化或所屬社區進行活化而需重建。由於當地經濟復甦，為教會興建新建築籌款並不難，教會也擁有建築物的業權。然而，教會一旦有了新堂，會眾往往轉移焦點，較難全心事奉，也較易在商議過程中，如教會重建或遷址等產生分歧。讓我們為所有需要喬遷新居的教會禱告，求主保守會衆有合一的心志，不因擁有新建築物而矜誇，並善用新設備，藉各項事工繼續為主發光。

6/16-22

Tuesday
  The success of the epic movie "Red Cliff" both in critical acclaim and in box office was a milestone for a Chinese movie. It is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date and movie producers can stop worrying so much about not being profitable because of the illegal pirated DVD's. It also proved that Mainland Chinese are changing, more affluent and willing to pay for movie tickets. The idea of churches in China still needing foreign support whether financial or teachers is being challenged, too. Many projects, mission and training programs are now paid for and conducted by Chinese nationals themselves. We praise God for the maturing of the growing churches in China. Still many churches remain small and weak. Let us pray that more Chinese-initiated projects will benefit these small churches.

星期二

電影「赤壁」在票房和影評上皆取得佳績，開創了中國電影的新里程碑。該片是亞洲電影史上耗資最鉅的影片，票房告捷，顯示大陸觀眾態度已在轉變，更多人願意付費錢買門票上電影院。 教會中「經濟和師資靠外援」的觀念也該改變了，現在中國教會許多計劃、事工和培訓課程，已由教會和信徒親自承擔和包辦。我們為中國教會的成長和日趨成熟讚美神，也繼續為體質仍虛弱的教會禱告。求主興起更多本土的事工和計劃來建造這些教會。

Wednesday
  It is true that many have received Bible training in the past, as there was a massive effort to equip as many workers possible. There is still a vast need for church workers with adequate training. Many have observed that the new crop of students are not as dedicated as those of the past and the burn-out rate of the newly graduated are high.  We are committed to continue to pray for the training of workers especially among the urban churches. We pray for more qualified, high caliber young people who will answer the call to be shepherd and are willing to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

星期三

中國各地的「神學院」確實訓練出不少工人，但神學裝備扎實，靈命成熟的教牧同工卻仍廣泛缺乏。許多人雖讀了神學，卻不明暸真正委身的意義，以至在事奉能力與心志上無法承繼長輩先賢。真正能進入教會服侍、持久不離去的卻是不多。讓我們繼續為教牧同工的培訓大計禱告，尤其城市教會，需要高資歷又有動力的傳道人。求主興起更多忠心且優質的年輕人，來回應呼召承接牧養的棒子。

Thursday
Singapore has become the training ground for China Party officials. These management programs, offered jointly by local universities, are rigorous and such a "Singaporean experience" is essential for a future promotion.  Singapore is also the training ground for many young Chinese pastors who will return to serve in their churches, both Three-Self and house churches. We pray for their learning and how the Lord will use them as they return to bless their congregations.

星期四

新加坡成為中國官員培訓基地。當地大學為這些中國官員提供嚴格的課程；對他們而言，學習「新加坡經驗」對「個人仕途」很重要。 新加坡也是許多三自和家庭教會傳道人的訓練基地。他們在神學院畢業後，多會回到自己的教會服事。讓我們為他們在異鄉的學習禱告，求主讓他們在靈性和知識上都得到造就，把祝福透過他們帶回各教會的會衆當中。

Friday
There are millions of factory girls in China; they came from villages to work in the factories in cities, big or small. Away from home, with little education and low self-esteem and with no social support, most think that life is summed up by the idea of "to die poor is a sin." We thank the Lord for ministries reaching out to factory girls.  For some, lives have been changed completely and others have even received training to share Jesus with others. We remember all the factory girls who have come to know Jesus and we pray for their spiritual growth.

星期五

中國有數以百萬從鄉下到城市大小工廠打工的女工。她們離鄉背井，沒受過甚麼教育，自我形象低落，缺乏社會支援，多數認為「窮死就是罪」。感謝主，各地已有向工廠女工展開的福音事工。一些人的生命已經完全改變，有些甚至接受訓練，走去傳福音。讓我們以禱告記念所有已認識主、接受耶穌基督的女工，求聖靈繼續在她們心中動工，保守她們的靈命成長茁壯。

Saturday
  Although churches in China do not have denominations officially; in fact, denominations exist and those of different theological grounds would not accept each other. Some are even outright "hostile" toward one another. China's churches are now divided into camps: the Charismatic, Fundamentalist, Reformed and the Baptist.  We sincerely pray for the ministries and work of all the different denominational backgrounds. May the Lord grant us all a heart to see that others are stronger than us; a heart of humility for all believers, rather than an expanding of their own turf.

星期六

中國教會雖沒有如西方教會宗派之分，其實各教會自成一派，不相往來，甚至彼此敵視。現在的中國教會有幾個主要的派別：靈恩派、基要派、改革宗、浸信會等。我們懇求主，不分宗派背景，祝福所有的事工。更求主賜給弟兄姊妹謙卑的心，令各人看別人比自己強，避免驕傲、自我膨脹。

Sunday
   China has expressed concern if the U.S. plans to skip the 2010 Shanghai World Expo because of the financial crisis. American participation cannot count on government funding and is solely dependent on private and corporate sponsors. With the economy in the downturn, many believers are holding off in giving to church. We pray for spiritual maturation and great faith of all Chinese believers, in what God can do for them and for their church.

星期天

因陷金融危機美國上海世博會參展者無法獲得政府津貼，只能向私營企業贊助商籌措資金，而考慮不參加2010年的上海世博會，中國政府對此表示關注。經濟不景氣使許多信徒在奉獻上也畏縮了。求主使中國信徒有成熟的靈命和信心，知道神有豐富預備，能夠超乎想象地信實供應個人與教會所需。

Monday
   The economic gap between urban and rural China continues to widen. City dwellers now make 3.36 times more than farmers (about 10,000 yuan a year). The government suggests that raising the food price can increase farmers' income. Among the rural churches, believers' giving continues to be low and lack of faith in giving seriously affects the growth of rural church. Believers constantly think that only outside help can help them. Let us pray that this self-pitying attitude will cease and that believers will be willing to step up boldly in serving God with what they have. 
星期一

中國城鄉居民收入差距持續擴大至3.36比1（相當于年收入差距超過1萬人民幣）。政府擬提高糧食價格以增加農民收入。 農村教會由於信徒收入低，加上信心不足，使得奉獻的數量和心態相當保守，對於教會的發展有不利的影響。農村信徒一直認為他們必須依賴外來的接濟。我們求主除去他們自憐的態度，幫助信徒們願意勇敢地邁開腳步，按神所賜的信心，盡心奉獻和服事主。

Prayer Request 6/9 - 6/15

Tuesday
More than half of the provinces in China report a decrease in the number of students taking the college entrance examination this year. One big reason for this is that many college graduates have not been able to find jobs and this was made even worse with the recent financial crisis. Most Chinese parents still believe one must have a college degree in order to be successful. We pray specifically for all the Christian families whose children are not getting a college education. May the Lord give them assurance that God has a good plan and they can glorify and serve Him in whatever course they pursue in life?

Wednesday
Although more than ten million people took it, the number of students taking the college entrance examination dropped this year for the first time in its history. One reason for the decline is that these examinees were born after 1990 which is the end of the third peak (1985-1990) of population in China. Let us remember all the Christian families whose children are taking the examination this year. Children are an inheritance from God and we pray that these parents, no matter the results of the examination, can trust God knowing that He has a wonderful plan for their children.

Thursday
Finding work is difficult for young people, especially those who are freshly out of school and those without a skill. One in 4 college graduates from 2008 have not found job and most of them are living with their parents. Among the unemployed, 85% are between 18 and 49 years old. Being unemployed usually means returning home to live with parents. Without gainful employment, these young people are experiencing a great psychological toll. Let us pray for all who are without work, especially believers who are experiencing stress, family turmoil, making ends meet and even doubts about the goodness of God.

Friday
This is the eightieth anniversary of the death of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. His palace-like burial grounds have become a "must see" for people who visit Nanjing. There are also memorials (some of them to foreigners) nearby that pay tribute to all the martyrs of the Republic and the Sino-Japanese wars. It is very easy to forget that the church is founded "on the blood of the martyrs". We thank the Lord for the thousands who stood for their faith and looked to God for final deliverance. Let us pray even more fervently for the church in China because "prosperity kills churches", and makes us complacent and lose our focus on God.

Saturday
More women file for divorce than men in Shanghai. One reason is it is easier for women to find work and stay financially independent. Another reason is women in Shanghai have a higher standard for quality of life and for what kind of husband they want to marry. There are many divorced sisters in China's churches. Although it is no longer an issue of shame, they lack support both spiritually and friendship-wise in church. We pray for their special needs, in overcoming loneliness, forgiveness, financial stress. We pray that they will have wisdom to raise their children to know the Lord.

Sunday
Teaching children’s' Sunday School in China is a very different experience. Teachers must be very resourceful and flexible. Often, children of a wide range of ages must share the same classroom and the teacher has very limited training and curriculum. We thank God for the great push to train more Sunday School teachers, but more are needed. The drop out rate for Sunday School children is high. We pray for more churches not to just know the importance of training the young ones but also to have the determination to recruit the best people to teach the young ones, especially the older ones who get bored with the traditional church services.

Monday
China's government is pushing hard to instill ethical values among millions of teenagers with an online pledge. The pledge is "to honor parents at home, respect teachers in school, and be a loving, ethical and sacrificial person in the community."　We know building ethics takes time and requires much more than an online pledge. We pray that young people in China's churches will have godly models whom will inspire them to love God sacrificially and demonstrate humility that is genuine and in a way that connects with the youth culture.


星期二
「高考降溫」，中國今年有超過一半的省份高考人數減少。投考人數下降的主要原因是大學生就業難，去年金融危機爆發後，目前就業更為嚴峻。 不過，絕大多數家長仍相信孩子能進大學才會有前途。 讓我們特別為信徒家庭中那些沒機會升大學的年輕人代禱，願主堅固他們，相信主有祂美好的計劃，無論他們進到那一行業，際遇如何，都能一生服侍、榮耀祂。

星期三
雖然報考全國高考考生將超過1000萬人，但有史以來今年報考人數首呈下跌。下降原因之一是應屆考生大多數是「 90後」。換言之，他們大都出生在中國第三個生育高峰（ 1985-1990）之後。 我們為今年有高考考生的基督徒家庭禱告。兒女是耶和華所賜的產業，不論考試成績如何，求主幫助父母能相信祂要在各人身上成就奇妙的計劃。

星期四
對中國青年人來說，現在找份工作是件很困難的事，特別是剛離開校園的和沒有一技之長的年輕人。去年的大學畢業生中，有四分之一至今仍未找到工作。他們大多數和父母同住，失業通常意味著回家加入「啃老一族」。失業的這些人百分之八十五年齡介於18歲至49歲之間，常因沒有收入承受著巨大的心理壓力。讓我們為所有失業的人禱告，特別是對上帝的良善疑惑，處在壓力、家庭風波，尚未見到柳暗花明的基督徒代求。

星期五
今年6月1日是國父孫中山先生奉安80周年。宮殿般的中山陵已成南京遊客必到之地，兩側有紀念堂紀念塔，還有革命戰士以及為抗日而捐軀的各國烈士的公墓。我們很容易忘了中國教會是用「福音烈士的鮮血」建立起來的。我們感謝神，有千千萬萬的信徒在信仰上堅立，並且以神為他們至終的救贖。而今，有云「富裕是教會的殺手」，讓我們更加迫切為中國教會禱告，願所有信徒都保守己心，定睛於主，不讓花花世界搖動了愛主的心志。

星期六
上海有一現象很突出，就是主動提出離婚的女性比男性多。原因之一是上海的女性就業環境比較好，能夠經濟獨立。再者是上海女性的生活素質較高，對結婚對象的要求相對的也更高一些。中國教會裏有許多失婚的姊妹，雖然離婚在今天的社會裏，不再被視為羞恥的事，但她們在教會裏仍比較得不到屬靈和友誼上的扶持。我們來為她們特別的需要禱告。求神賜她們力量，克服孤單無助感及抗衡經濟壓力，幫助她們饒恕和心靈被醫治，並賜她們智慧在主裏教養好兒女。

星期日
在中國，教兒童主日學有別于在學校授課。主日學教師既要有能力找教材，還要有彈性、能變通。通常不同齡的孩子們同一個主日學班上，教師一般缺乏足夠的訓練，要因應合宜尤其困難。感謝神已在多處推動了主日學師資的訓練工作，但這些培訓工作供不應求，主日學學生的流失率仍非常高。求神使更多教會不僅看到教導栽培幼小信徒很重要，也願意在教師身上下工夫，給孩子們最好的老師，以幫助他們不會因對崇拜方式感到沉悶而離開教會。

星期一
「我承諾：做一個有道德的人」中國政府開展全國百萬青少年網上簽名活動。承諾內容包括：「在家庭，孝敬父母；在學校，尊敬師長；在社會，奉獻愛心，做一個有道德的人。」我們知道，道德建設所需的時間之長和意志之堅，遠遠超過做出承諾時所能預期的。我們禱告，求神在中國教會興起能夠吸引年輕人效法的榜樣，使他們受聖靈激動，願意全心跟從主，恭敬謙卑的將自己擺上、獻出，榮神益人。

Prayer Request 6/2 - 6/8

Tuesday
In Taiwan, those who are entering elementary school this summer will no longer have to look forward to taking an entrance examination to go to high school, thus implementing a free twelve-year education system. However, those who want to go to the popular private schools will still be required to take their exams. Putting studies before the Lord has been a way of life for years in Taiwan. Passing the exams was much more important than going to church. We pray that all parents will know what really pleases the Lord and that it is their responsibility to teach their children to love God.

Wednesday
The vast majority of churches in China and Taiwan have only a few children attending them. In Taiwan, the largest denomination acknowledged that attendees who are forty years old and under constitute only 10% of their total Sunday attendance. Many church congregations are mostly gray-haired people and ladies. Many church leaders do not even see the urgency or need for children' ministries. Let us pray for a revival of winning the children and youth for the Lord and that more pastors will catch a vision for ministry among children.

Thursday
Forty years ago Mao sent millions of young intellectuals to the villages to reform them but they did not get much real benefit from the communes. Now the government wants to really transform the backward villages by staffing them with officials who have graduated from college. Churches in the villages are in serious need of pastors and people who can lead and equip the believers. Let us pray for those who choose to stay and serve in rural churches, especially those who are training the rural leaders to preach God's Word.

Friday
A survey shows that three-fifths of students have viewed internet pornography and that nearly all college students have done so. The Chinese taboo of discussing sex is one reason why young people flock to the net for anything about sex. Let us pray that Christian parents will have wisdom to discuss the subject of sex with their children. We also commit to God all Christian teens that they may desire to keep themselves pure and flee from sexual temptation.

Saturday
A government survey shows that a great gap exists between the rich and the poor. A huge perceived gap exists between party officials and the common people. Despite the official call of having a harmonious society, such disparities bring social tensions. Chinese Christians generally feel they are poor and take a pessimistic view of these social inequalities feeling they are powerless to do anything about them. We pray that all of us will have a passion to share the Good News with the have-nots and compassion for those who are less fortunate than we are.

Sunday
There is an increasingly large gap in the educational levels of those in rural and urban China. Compared with the 13.6 percent of college graduates in the city, only 0.7 percent of those in rural areas have college degrees. Only 26.8 percent of the students in the countryside even continue schooling after they finish junior high school which is part of China's nine-year compulsory education plan with subsidies going to rural students.Many of the pastors and believers in rural areas feel inadequate because of their very limited education. Let us pray for confidence and good self-esteem for millions of Chinese believers who have little education. May the Lord open their eyes and enable them to understand His perfect will in their lives as they read His Word.

Monday
Forty years ago village doctors were called "bare foot doctors" . They were the young city intellectuals who were given rudimentary training to serve in the poor villages. There they provided the medical care which had previously been unavailable. Most of them are now retiring which means villages are losing the only community medical personnel they have had. Rural churches are also facing a shortage of church workers because many are now getting too old to work and few of the young ones are willing to stay and work in the villages. Let us pray for those who have answered the call to serve in the villages despite all the difficulties and the bleak outlook. May the Lord give them strength for each new day.


星期二
臺灣今夏入讀小一的學生，將可直升高中，享受將實施十二年國民義務教育。 然而，想入讀名校的學生則仍需面對考試。許多基督徒父母常常為讓子女有多點時間讀書，而不會鼓勵自己的子女去教會敬拜及參加團契。我們求神感動讓作父母親的能明白肩負起引導子女敬愛上帝的責任是真正討神喜悅的事。

星期三
中國和台灣，大部分教會只有少數兒童參加聚會。台灣最大的宗派也發現四十歲以下參與主日崇拜者，只占聚會人數的10%而已，來教會的，大多為白髮蒼蒼的長者，不然就是姐妹們。很多教會領袖沒有看見這些現象背後潛在的危機，有的甚至完全漠視兒童事工。讓我們為主贏回年輕人的熱情來代禱，求神感動更多傳道人能看到兒童事工的重要性，願意服事在最小的弟兄姊妹身上。

星期四
40年前，毛澤東發起了數百萬知識份子，離開家人和學校到農村過新生活，但「上山下鄉」運動對農村的幫助並不大。現今中國政府也鼓勵大學畢業生下鄉來幫助改造農村，成為「村官」。把學到的知識於農村，帶動內地的發展。目前農村教會迫切需要牧者來帶領和裝備信徒。我們除了求神差派他的工人到農村去服事以外，特別為在農村辛苦服事同工來代禱，願主加添他們信心和力量，剛強他們願意繼續留下來建造教會和信徒。

星期五
調查顯示，五分之三以上的學生曾經上過色情網站，更驚人的是大學生則幾乎無一倖免。傳統中國人對性的禁忌，是導致年輕人利用網路獲取性知識的原因之一。讓我們為基督徒家長禱告，願他們能用智慧與子女談論性的問題。我們也特別在禱告中記念年輕的弟兄姊妹能持守聖潔，遠避性罪的試探。

星期六
政府的一項調查發現中國窮人和富人間存在巨大差異，官員與群眾之間也存在極大差距．雖然中央提倡和諧社會，但種種差異給社會的穩定矇上了陰影．中國基督徒一般覺得自己很貧窮，面對種種社會不公現象，多採悲觀態度，認為自己無能為力。我們都是神重價買贖回來的，我們求神感動更多的弟兄姊妹，無論在世上的物質條件景況是貧或是富都能熱心把好消息帶給那些未得之民，並關愛憐恤生活在困苦之中的人們．

星期日
中國農村和城市的教育水平差距日益擴大。城市裏的大學畢業生占13.6%，而在農村只有0.7%。儘管北京政府定了9年強制學習計劃，並給予農村學生津貼補助，然而農村子弟能在初級中學畢業後繼續升學的僅有26.8%。許許多多的農村信徒和牧者因為教育水平低，而自覺能力不足。求主賜給他們自信心，使他們不因此而膽怯。同時也讓他們從神的話語中體察出神要在他們的生命中成就的美好計劃。

星期一
40年前，鄉村醫生被稱作「赤腳醫生」。那時被派到鄉村服務的“赤腳醫生” ，雖只受過基本醫療訓練，卻是村民眼裡「最可愛的人」，全村唯一的「知識分子」 。「老村醫退了，年輕村醫補充不進來」鄉村醫療後繼乏人。鄉村教會也同樣面臨著「人走網破」的危機：年老的傳道退下了，卻無人接手。年輕的即便來了，也待不住。我們為所有因應神的呼召，而不辭辛勞和代價地在鄉村服事的傳道同工禱告，求主與他們同行，使他們心靈和力量日日被主更新，忠心堅定地為主作工。