Posts
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。
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
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。
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Prayer Request 9/1 - 9/7
Tuesday
In a delicately orchestrated political maneuver, Dali Lama will visit Taiwan, to pray and bless the recent typhoon's victims. In Taiwan, it is very common for political leaders to pay visit to prominent temples or secure "blessing" of Buddhist leaders. Such gestures are political necessities, and failure to do so means alienating the Buddhist-majority constituency. There are at least three thousand churches in Taiwan, but believers are less than 3-4 % of the island population. The impact of the Christian churches on the island and society is difficult to measure. Let us pray for Taiwan believers and for their effort to make an impact on their neighbors, showing the love of God.
Wednesday
From 1968 to 1980 Mao sent 17 million students to the countryside to be reformed and only a small fraction of this "Lost Generation" was able to get a college education later. Without higher education, many of them are now in their late fifties and are unemployed and bitter about their lost opportunities. People in this age group were disappointed with communism but still not able to accept Jesus because Christianity was a foreign religion that they once denounced. Let us pray specifically for the salvation of this age group of Chinese.
Thursday
For Chinese Muslims, going to Mecca can be difficult and financially expensive since the government-sponsored trip has very limited space and costs 4100 Euro which is beyond what common people can afford. The government doesn't allow any private Hajj trips because they fear the people will have contact with extremist groups. There are more than twenty million Muslims in China and Christian work among them is considered to be very difficult or nearly impossible. It is much easier to share the good news of Jesus with younger Muslim students who are away from home. Let us remember them in our prayers.
Friday
In the Chinese world, relationship (guanxi) is the key to getting anything done and it also requires a lot of dining and drinking. All official business and even private meals include drinking as a mater of "face" which means one is properly respected and an integral part of the interpersonal relationship. A recent article about ten secrets of building guanxi includes three that involve drinking. Let us pray for Christians as they face the dilemma of whether to drink or not in social settings. May the Lord give them wisdom to treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit but still gain the favor of men.
Saturday
According to a French professor, "Chinese do not really separate business and private affairs. It is why having a meal and drinking a lot is a big deal". Westerners share a meal as friends, but not Chinese. For them, having a meal is a must, a tool in getting business done and building a relationship as part of the process. Having good food together and fellowship is also part of Chinese church life but many times we can sit down and eat and still bear grudges and refuse to forgive our brothers and sisters. We pray for a spirit of unity and harmony for all Chinese churches, not just merely having a good time.
Sunday
Female consumers in China are changing their pattern of purchasing things and becoming more bold and impulsive. They have an equal say with men in buying a house or a television and a great majority of Chinese men will get the approval of their spouses when they buy expensive items. Couples often fight over family finances so let us pray especially for Christian couples as they decide how much to give to God. Many believers have unbelieving spouses who "forbid" them to give to the church. Let us pray for those who must struggle with the way they use money since their spouses do not share their faith and commitment.
Monday
Women under 35 years old are doing most of the buying in China. Chinese women decide on not only their own household purchases but also on how their parents who live near them spend their money. While women in China today earn nearly as much money as their counterparts, in the 1950's they earned only twenty percent of the household income. Women make up seventy-five percent of the membership of the churches in China and they also are the ones who give the offerings. Let us pray for them since many of them not only serve in their churches but also contribute financially to the ministry. May the Lord bless these cheerful givers.
星期二
在「兩面為難」的政治困局下，達賴喇嘛將訪問台灣，為最近颱風受災者祈福。台灣政治人物經常進出香火鼎盛的寺廟，或祈求佛教領袖的支援，在佛教占大多數的選民地區，擺上這種宗教友好的姿態在政治上有絕對的需要。 台灣現時至少有3千家教會，但信徒却不到百分之3至4，難以真正衡量基督教在台灣社會及政治上的影響力。讓我們再次為台灣的信徒代禱，求神使用他們，在社區有美好廣泛的影響力，處處彰顯神的大愛。
星期三
1968年至1980年間，毛澤東將大約1700萬學生（知識青年）送到農村去，接受貧下中農的再教育，提前結束了求學生涯。雖然有部分知青後來考上了大學，但畢竟屬于極少數。學歷的劣勢使這批當年知青成為最先下崗的一群。這批人雖對共產黨感到無奈，但也因曾批判基督教為洋鬼子宗教，至今仍拒絕接受耶穌。讓我們為中國這年齡群的人獻上禱告，願他們能不再錯失救恩，得著永生。
星期四
北京開始限制國內穆斯林前往聖城麥加朝聖的人數，要由國家統一組織，民政官員陪同。朝聖者還要支付4100歐元的天價旅費。由官方舉辦之朝聖團團費遠超自由行。維吾爾人認為，政府限制他們自由前往麥加朝聖，是提防他們與國外的「恐怖分子」聯繫。中國回民總人數超過二千萬，向此族群推動穆宣或其他基督教事工難度極高，而向遠離家鄉的回族學生分享基督反較容易，讓我們為這些回民能蒙恩得救來禱告。
星期五
中國是個注重「關係」的社會，辦事要成功，就得先搞好關係，一旦求人做事，請客喝酒在所難免。中國的官宴、私宴、喝酒請客，乃關係到面子、禮數，是建立人際關係不可或缺的一環。一篇外國文章提出在中國建立「關係」的10個秘訣中，與喝酒有關的就有3項。讓我們為基督徒在職場交際時，面對應否喝酒這個難題來禱告，求主賜下聰明智慧，讓信徒持守聖潔的同時，在人前也能得人賞識。
星期六
一名法國教授指出，「酒桌社交」在中國地位如此特殊，是因為中國人不像西方人那般把公、私分得一清二楚。西方人在辦事過程中相互欣賞，會如朋友般相約吃飯；在中國，請客吃飯是辦事的前提及必要的工具，而私交則是辦事的基礎。在教會生活裏，弟兄姊妹也會邊吃飯邊團契。可是，很多時候雖然同桌用飯，彼此却心懷怨恨、拒絕寬恕對方。讓我們爲所有中國教會禱告，祈求神保守信徒們彼此合一、和諧共處。
星期日
中國女性消費習慣變得較輕率和衝動。女性在房產、電視機等家庭大宗消費的决策中， 已擁有平等的發言權。絕大多數中國男性表示，涉及房子戶型或超過一定價格的採購須要得到妻子的批准。很多夫妻常為家庭的財務安排吵鬧，讓我們為基督徒夫婦在對神奉獻的事上特別禱告。由于很多信徒的未信主配偶往往會「禁止」另一方奉獻給教會，讓我們為此禱告神，記念他們在奉獻上經歷的種種挑戰。
星期一
中國現今消費生力軍是不到35歲的女性。中國女性不僅在自己家裏擁有决定權，而且當她們與父母同住或住在同一個小區時，也替父母做購物决定。如今中國女性的收入占家庭總收入約一半，而在上世紀50年代僅占20%。中國教會的成員，女性幾乎佔75%，她們也是奉獻的主要來源；她們不僅肩擔教會許多的事工，也以金錢大力支持推動聖工。讓我們求主保守祝福她們甘心樂意的擺上。
In a delicately orchestrated political maneuver, Dali Lama will visit Taiwan, to pray and bless the recent typhoon's victims. In Taiwan, it is very common for political leaders to pay visit to prominent temples or secure "blessing" of Buddhist leaders. Such gestures are political necessities, and failure to do so means alienating the Buddhist-majority constituency. There are at least three thousand churches in Taiwan, but believers are less than 3-4 % of the island population. The impact of the Christian churches on the island and society is difficult to measure. Let us pray for Taiwan believers and for their effort to make an impact on their neighbors, showing the love of God.
Wednesday
From 1968 to 1980 Mao sent 17 million students to the countryside to be reformed and only a small fraction of this "Lost Generation" was able to get a college education later. Without higher education, many of them are now in their late fifties and are unemployed and bitter about their lost opportunities. People in this age group were disappointed with communism but still not able to accept Jesus because Christianity was a foreign religion that they once denounced. Let us pray specifically for the salvation of this age group of Chinese.
Thursday
For Chinese Muslims, going to Mecca can be difficult and financially expensive since the government-sponsored trip has very limited space and costs 4100 Euro which is beyond what common people can afford. The government doesn't allow any private Hajj trips because they fear the people will have contact with extremist groups. There are more than twenty million Muslims in China and Christian work among them is considered to be very difficult or nearly impossible. It is much easier to share the good news of Jesus with younger Muslim students who are away from home. Let us remember them in our prayers.
Friday
In the Chinese world, relationship (guanxi) is the key to getting anything done and it also requires a lot of dining and drinking. All official business and even private meals include drinking as a mater of "face" which means one is properly respected and an integral part of the interpersonal relationship. A recent article about ten secrets of building guanxi includes three that involve drinking. Let us pray for Christians as they face the dilemma of whether to drink or not in social settings. May the Lord give them wisdom to treat their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit but still gain the favor of men.
Saturday
According to a French professor, "Chinese do not really separate business and private affairs. It is why having a meal and drinking a lot is a big deal". Westerners share a meal as friends, but not Chinese. For them, having a meal is a must, a tool in getting business done and building a relationship as part of the process. Having good food together and fellowship is also part of Chinese church life but many times we can sit down and eat and still bear grudges and refuse to forgive our brothers and sisters. We pray for a spirit of unity and harmony for all Chinese churches, not just merely having a good time.
Sunday
Female consumers in China are changing their pattern of purchasing things and becoming more bold and impulsive. They have an equal say with men in buying a house or a television and a great majority of Chinese men will get the approval of their spouses when they buy expensive items. Couples often fight over family finances so let us pray especially for Christian couples as they decide how much to give to God. Many believers have unbelieving spouses who "forbid" them to give to the church. Let us pray for those who must struggle with the way they use money since their spouses do not share their faith and commitment.
Monday
Women under 35 years old are doing most of the buying in China. Chinese women decide on not only their own household purchases but also on how their parents who live near them spend their money. While women in China today earn nearly as much money as their counterparts, in the 1950's they earned only twenty percent of the household income. Women make up seventy-five percent of the membership of the churches in China and they also are the ones who give the offerings. Let us pray for them since many of them not only serve in their churches but also contribute financially to the ministry. May the Lord bless these cheerful givers.
星期二
在「兩面為難」的政治困局下，達賴喇嘛將訪問台灣，為最近颱風受災者祈福。台灣政治人物經常進出香火鼎盛的寺廟，或祈求佛教領袖的支援，在佛教占大多數的選民地區，擺上這種宗教友好的姿態在政治上有絕對的需要。 台灣現時至少有3千家教會，但信徒却不到百分之3至4，難以真正衡量基督教在台灣社會及政治上的影響力。讓我們再次為台灣的信徒代禱，求神使用他們，在社區有美好廣泛的影響力，處處彰顯神的大愛。
星期三
1968年至1980年間，毛澤東將大約1700萬學生（知識青年）送到農村去，接受貧下中農的再教育，提前結束了求學生涯。雖然有部分知青後來考上了大學，但畢竟屬于極少數。學歷的劣勢使這批當年知青成為最先下崗的一群。這批人雖對共產黨感到無奈，但也因曾批判基督教為洋鬼子宗教，至今仍拒絕接受耶穌。讓我們為中國這年齡群的人獻上禱告，願他們能不再錯失救恩，得著永生。
星期四
北京開始限制國內穆斯林前往聖城麥加朝聖的人數，要由國家統一組織，民政官員陪同。朝聖者還要支付4100歐元的天價旅費。由官方舉辦之朝聖團團費遠超自由行。維吾爾人認為，政府限制他們自由前往麥加朝聖，是提防他們與國外的「恐怖分子」聯繫。中國回民總人數超過二千萬，向此族群推動穆宣或其他基督教事工難度極高，而向遠離家鄉的回族學生分享基督反較容易，讓我們為這些回民能蒙恩得救來禱告。
星期五
中國是個注重「關係」的社會，辦事要成功，就得先搞好關係，一旦求人做事，請客喝酒在所難免。中國的官宴、私宴、喝酒請客，乃關係到面子、禮數，是建立人際關係不可或缺的一環。一篇外國文章提出在中國建立「關係」的10個秘訣中，與喝酒有關的就有3項。讓我們為基督徒在職場交際時，面對應否喝酒這個難題來禱告，求主賜下聰明智慧，讓信徒持守聖潔的同時，在人前也能得人賞識。
星期六
一名法國教授指出，「酒桌社交」在中國地位如此特殊，是因為中國人不像西方人那般把公、私分得一清二楚。西方人在辦事過程中相互欣賞，會如朋友般相約吃飯；在中國，請客吃飯是辦事的前提及必要的工具，而私交則是辦事的基礎。在教會生活裏，弟兄姊妹也會邊吃飯邊團契。可是，很多時候雖然同桌用飯，彼此却心懷怨恨、拒絕寬恕對方。讓我們爲所有中國教會禱告，祈求神保守信徒們彼此合一、和諧共處。
星期日
中國女性消費習慣變得較輕率和衝動。女性在房產、電視機等家庭大宗消費的决策中， 已擁有平等的發言權。絕大多數中國男性表示，涉及房子戶型或超過一定價格的採購須要得到妻子的批准。很多夫妻常為家庭的財務安排吵鬧，讓我們為基督徒夫婦在對神奉獻的事上特別禱告。由于很多信徒的未信主配偶往往會「禁止」另一方奉獻給教會，讓我們為此禱告神，記念他們在奉獻上經歷的種種挑戰。
星期一
中國現今消費生力軍是不到35歲的女性。中國女性不僅在自己家裏擁有决定權，而且當她們與父母同住或住在同一個小區時，也替父母做購物决定。如今中國女性的收入占家庭總收入約一半，而在上世紀50年代僅占20%。中國教會的成員，女性幾乎佔75%，她們也是奉獻的主要來源；她們不僅肩擔教會許多的事工，也以金錢大力支持推動聖工。讓我們求主保守祝福她們甘心樂意的擺上。
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