Monday, June 15, 2009

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。

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