Posts
Tuesday
President Obama met privately with his Kenyan half brother who lives and works in Shenzhen, China. Both men have written books about their father who was an alcoholic, did not treat his family well, and even abandoned his children. Many Christians do not have a good memory of their fathers and struggle hard to have a good relationship with their parents. Let us pray for forgiveness and healing by the Holy Spirit. We pray, too, for Christian men in China that the Lord will give them the conviction that they are the head of their family and they need to be like Christ who gave His all to His church.
Wednesday
In a speech on the US-China economic relationship, President Obama quoted the ancient Chinese philosopher Meng-tze, "A trail becomes a path in a short time." What he implied was that both sides should be removing mutual distrust and find a workable solution to their economic situation using a pragmatic approach. Many churches in China are exploring ways to have their churches "legalized" without the actual step of registering with the government. May the Lord continue to give these churches growth and boldness in sharing their faith in their communities.
Thursday
In the past China seemed to have an endless supply of cheap labor. Today, however, many blue-collared workers are no longer willing to go to Guangdong province to work for low wages and be able to return home only once a year. There are more opportunities for jobs with the same pay in their own provinces. Rural churches have suffered greatly as their young people have gone away to the cities to work. Now more young people are working closer to home and can return there more often. We pray for the rural churches again, their vitality, their sense that God is still with them, and their feeling that they are "poor and cannot do anything".
Friday
Starting this year, China's elderly population is increasing by eight million yearly and it is estimated the total population of elderly will reach 200,000,000 by 2014. Currently 12.79% of the population of China (169,000,000) are sixty years or older. People are aging and they are facing the ever greater problem of having no "live-in-helper" to aid them. Many elderly believers are unable to attend church and their pastors do not visit them. Let us remember these older saints that they will continue in their faith and joy in the Lord. We pray, too, for all the churches as they work hard to find volunteers to do home visitation and encourage these home-bound believers.
Saturday
Leaving their child with grandparents or relatives so both parents can go to the city to work is very common in China. The problem comes when years later the family re-unites and there is little or no bonding of parents with child. The parents are at a total loss in knowing how to deal with this strange child and vice versa, the child does not know his parents. There are many grandparents who bear the responsibility of raising their grandchild. Let us pray for them, for strength and wisdom. We pray, too, for those parents who are unable to connect with their child and build a bond to instill Christian beliefs and values even though they are apart.
Sunday
In the past, working for a multinational company would be a dream for any talented young Chinese professional but in China these workers have a low retention rate since they switch jobs to go to a different company for even slightly higher pay. Now, they leave if they feel their company is not advancing in the market. Retaining church workers continues to be a tough problem for most churches, especially when their income is low or there is no good school nearby. Let us pray for all the churches who are looking for pastors, full-time or part-time. We pray, too, for those pastors who are thinking about leaving their churches because of these issues.
Monday
In China, highway 312 begins in Shanghai and runs though Zhengzhou (Henan), Xian, and Lanzhou all the way to Urumqi and to the Kazakhstan border. The last part was the famous ancient Silk Road so it represents both China's past and her future with the Han culture dominating the super-wealthy coastal metropolis and on over to the developing Muslim Xinjiang. Let us pray as the church in China continues to send workers to their Muslim neighbors in the West. This missionary journey has been a difficult one for them. We pray for all the Chinese believers who are working among the Islamic countries. May the Lord use them mightily as His light.
星期二
美國總統奧巴馬在中國訪問時，私下會見了來自肯尼亞現於深圳定居工作同父異母的兄弟。他們兩人都出過書描述關於父親酗酒的問題，甚至丟棄了自己的孩子，破壞了家庭幸福。許多中國基督徒也有和父親相處不愉快的經歷，至今仍無法與父母有良好的溝通。我們求聖靈醫治他們的傷痕並能夠彼此寬恕，修復關係。同時讓我們也為做丈夫的肢體來禱告，願神給他們決心，學基督一為教會捨己的樣式，成為家裡屬靈的領袖。
星期三
美國總統奧巴馬，引用孟子「山徑之蹊間，介然用之而成路，為間不用，則茅塞之矣」來解說兩國未來經濟關係。期盼中、美不要因分歧而搪塞了溝通之路。許多中國教會仍在探索如何在不經過政府宗教局的登記程序下，能使教會「合法化」。求主記念他們的策略，保守他們質與量的增長，在社區內更有勇氣分享信仰。
星期四
過去中國的廉價勞工似乎源源不絕，然而隨著內地經濟的急速起飛，許多藍領工人已不用出遠門就有許多工作機會，故此也不再願意到廣東省等「外地」，從事工資低、一年只能回家一次的工作。農村教會一直因年輕人到外省打工，而事工難以發展。近來已有更多年輕人能在鄰近城市工作，也能更常回到家。我們再次記念農村的教會，為他們有活潑的靈命，脫袪自憐心態，堅信神永遠信實地與他們同在。
星期五
今年起中國老年人口預計將每年增加800萬人，至2014年時將逼近2億。2008年底老年人口已達1.69億，佔總人口的12.79％。隨著老齡人口急速增長，「空巢化」問題亦日益嚴重。 許多年長信徒無法參加聚會，牧者也無暇探訪。讓我們為這些長者祈求，願神將平安、喜樂和信心賜給他們。也求神興起教會弟兄姊妹多關心鼓勵和幫助這些身體軟弱、不方便常出門的年長肢體。
星期六
將孩子交給祖父母照顧而外出工作，是一般中國民工的寫照。等到幾年後回家，與孩子的關係已產生許多鴻溝和疏離，對於從未養育過子女的年輕父母而言，無論是與子女互動或管教都備感艱辛。求主憐憫這些家庭，讓教會有能力回應此挑戰。裝備基督徒父母有屬神的智慧和愛心，處理好親子間的問題。也賜給年長祖父母健康、體力並屬靈的能力照顧留家的孩子。
星期日
就職於跨國公司曾是中國年輕白領階層夢寐所求，但也為稍高的薪金而跳槽。今年輕白領離職主因已不全是薪水，而是覺得沒有發展前景。許多中國教會也同樣為留住傳道人而傷腦筋。若薪資低，附近又無好的學校讓孩子就讀，就很難留住傳道人。求主為尋覓傳道人的教會差派合適的牧者，同時也為面對類似問題的傳道人禱代告。
星期一
橫跨三千英哩的312國道,從上海途經河南鄭州、西安、蘭州、烏魯木齊一直到哈薩克斯坦。接連了漢族富裕的沿海大城市和發展中的新疆穆斯林，最後一段更是歷史有名的絲綢之路。 讓我們為中國教會能繼續差派工人到穆斯林國家來禱告。記念他們傳福音的艱苦;宣教旅程的孤單。更記念在伊斯蘭教國家中服侍神的華人，求主大大使用他們為主做見證。
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Prayer Request 11/17 - 11/23
Tuesday
In this historic 60th year of the Republic of China weekend chartered flights, tour groups, and the opening of direct crossings through ships and scheduled commercial flights from China have taken more than 880,000 mainland Chinese to visit Taiwan. We praise the Lord that the possibility of Christians from Mainland China getting to attend meetings or training sessions hosted by churches in Taiwan has become a reality. We pray that more believers from both sides can learn from, enjoy fellowship with, and have a burden for the needs of each other.
Wednesday
Many became wealthy entrepreneurs after the Chinese economic reform. Their children, the so-called, "wealthy second generation" who were born in the 1980's are now replacing them at the helm. They received elite education abroad and came back to run the family business. They are now getting much attention and creating a buzz in China. A whole new generation of leaders is emerging in both Three-self and house churches. They too will chart course of Chinese churches in the future. We uplift all the leaders who are in their forties and fifties. May the Lord continue to mold their character, empower them mightily with the Spirit and instill in them the humility of Christ.
Thursday
With over six million unemployed college grads this year, China faces a major social problem. Although the government claims that 74% of them find work soon after graduation, in reality nearly half of them do not have work. A recent book calls these people "ants", people who live together to save money but are too embarrassed to tell their parents about their plight or return home to live. We pray especially for those who became Christians in college but are still searching for work. We also include those who have become Christians but are afraid to tell their families about their new-found faith for fear of rejection. May the Lord strengthen their faith and help them to continue to trust Him to provide all they need.
Friday
A survey of college students shows that sixty percent of them agree that pre-marital sex is fine. This is twenty-five percent higher than the results of a survey done ten years ago. Students in China have no problem with living together while they are in college. Some of the churches in China have seen the need to prepare their young people before they leave for college not only to be able to defend their faith but have also shown them the benefits of living a life of purity. Let us pray for the spiritual vitality of all the Christian youth who are still attending church while they are in high school.
Saturday
It is a fact that joining the Communist Party will open doors and provide better opportunities to people. It is the dream of every college student to be recommended to join the party and no one ever turns it down. So it is a dilemma every college student faces, especially when their families do not know they are going to church and plan to be baptized. We pray along with every young person who struggles with these decisions about whether to be baptized or stay a "silent Christian", whether to join the party or not, and whether to stop going to church in order to get into the party. We cannot really understand the struggles they face but we can empathize with them.
Sunday
In the past 2 decades, many "seminaries" have sprung up and many of the students are actually from pastors' families. Unfortunately, many of them enrolled and received the training but did not really have the calling nor the willingness to serve like their parents. Let us pray for all the students in the training process now. May the Lord give them a clear vision and heart of a shepherd with the burden for saving souls. We pray for their spiritual formation and for the learning process of all those receiving Bible training now.
Monday
Nearly forty percent of parents in Taiwan spend less than three hours a day with their 6-12 year old children. Parent-child interaction often becomes merely a routine thing with no mutual understanding. Parents are so busy working that they take little time to help their children and there is hardly any communication between parents and children in many families. Many of the churches in Taiwan are likewise losing their second generation youth because of the heavy emphasis that is placed on academics there. Poor parent-child relationships make it difficult to encourage children to go to church as well. Let us pray for all Christian parents that they will know how to raise up godly children and have a healthy relationship with them.
星期二
過去一年周末包機、陸客來台觀光、兩岸三通、定期航班等開放，已經有88萬，為兩岸關係開啟新時代，是60年來首見。感謝神，中國的信徒能到臺灣參加會議或培訓已成為事實。我們更渴望兩岸的信徒，彼此能更多的交流學習，享受在主內的交通，也能為彼此的需要，因了解更深而更有負擔。
星期三
「富一代」是中國經濟改革開放之後首先富起來的一批民營企業家。他們的子女大多在80 年代出生，在海外接受過良好的教育。隨著 「富一代」逐漸老去，這批「富二代」海歸們如何承繼家業和財富等問題隨之出現，這個特殊的群體已逐漸引起人們的關注。中國的家庭教會和三自教會也在迎接新一代的領袖，他們將要參與繪出教會的未來。讓我們為所有年屆四旬和五旬之間的牧者和領袖們禱告，求主繼續陶造他們，滿有聖靈賜的能力，同時常懷基督耶穌的柔和謙卑。
星期四
大學畢業生沒工作已成為社會大問題。今年畢業生超過六百萬人，雖然官方說有74％在畢業後兩個月有工作，真實情況是接近一半學生畢業後即失業。最近一本書把失業的大學生形容成“螞蟻族” -他們為省錢而聚居一起，卻羞於告訴家人潦倒的境況，也沒臉回家。讓我們為一些在大學校園信主，仍在待業的基督徒，包括那些怕遭家人反對而不敢表白個人信仰的信徒獻上禱告，願神堅固他們信心，相信神會信實供應一切需要。
星期五
在全國高校進行的一項調查顯示，超過60％的大學生贊成婚前性行為，贊成的人數比例比十年前提高了25％。大部分大學生根本不反對婚前同居行為。已有許多教會意識到校園事工，不僅應著重青年人的信仰根基，更應讓他們看到聖潔生活的重要性。讓我們為在高中時代就上教會的年輕基督徒學生的靈性禱告。
星期六
入黨幾乎是中國大學生的夢想，因有助於開創事業前途，很少被薦者會自動放棄機會。很多信主的學生，尤其是隱瞞家人參加聚會或計劃受洗者，正面對入黨與否的兩難局面。讓我們為每個正為是否「受洗」還是繼續充當「隱形基督徒」而掙扎的年輕人禱告。雖然奔走天路時這類的掙扎未必能免，我們仍以同情、安慰及代求托住他們。
星期日
過去幾十年裡，中國各地的「神學院」如雨後春筍般出現，當中不少學生是牧師、傳道的子女，可惜許多並沒有意願「克紹箕裘」，雖被送到神學院，卻沒有事 奉的負擔和呼召。讓我們為所有正在接受造就的神學生禱告，求主賜下清楚的異象和呼召，把牧者的心懷和救人靈魂的負擔放在他們心上。除了賜他們學習的悟 性，更重要的是能經歷靈命上的更新，樂意全心服事主。
星期一
台灣近四成的的父母每天與六到十二歲的子女相處不到三小時。親子間並不清楚彼此生活的細節，常剩下行禮如儀的問候。小孩生活和學習對象是父母，但雙親工作壓力大，早出晚歸忙碌著，親子間交談甚少。不少信徒的第二代都因過於著重學業逐漸離開教會。由於親子關係疏離，父母很難鼓動子女上教會。我們禱告，求神幫助基督徒父母有智慧和兒女建立良好的親子關係，教養出愛神的兒女。
In this historic 60th year of the Republic of China weekend chartered flights, tour groups, and the opening of direct crossings through ships and scheduled commercial flights from China have taken more than 880,000 mainland Chinese to visit Taiwan. We praise the Lord that the possibility of Christians from Mainland China getting to attend meetings or training sessions hosted by churches in Taiwan has become a reality. We pray that more believers from both sides can learn from, enjoy fellowship with, and have a burden for the needs of each other.
Wednesday
Many became wealthy entrepreneurs after the Chinese economic reform. Their children, the so-called, "wealthy second generation" who were born in the 1980's are now replacing them at the helm. They received elite education abroad and came back to run the family business. They are now getting much attention and creating a buzz in China. A whole new generation of leaders is emerging in both Three-self and house churches. They too will chart course of Chinese churches in the future. We uplift all the leaders who are in their forties and fifties. May the Lord continue to mold their character, empower them mightily with the Spirit and instill in them the humility of Christ.
Thursday
With over six million unemployed college grads this year, China faces a major social problem. Although the government claims that 74% of them find work soon after graduation, in reality nearly half of them do not have work. A recent book calls these people "ants", people who live together to save money but are too embarrassed to tell their parents about their plight or return home to live. We pray especially for those who became Christians in college but are still searching for work. We also include those who have become Christians but are afraid to tell their families about their new-found faith for fear of rejection. May the Lord strengthen their faith and help them to continue to trust Him to provide all they need.
Friday
A survey of college students shows that sixty percent of them agree that pre-marital sex is fine. This is twenty-five percent higher than the results of a survey done ten years ago. Students in China have no problem with living together while they are in college. Some of the churches in China have seen the need to prepare their young people before they leave for college not only to be able to defend their faith but have also shown them the benefits of living a life of purity. Let us pray for the spiritual vitality of all the Christian youth who are still attending church while they are in high school.
Saturday
It is a fact that joining the Communist Party will open doors and provide better opportunities to people. It is the dream of every college student to be recommended to join the party and no one ever turns it down. So it is a dilemma every college student faces, especially when their families do not know they are going to church and plan to be baptized. We pray along with every young person who struggles with these decisions about whether to be baptized or stay a "silent Christian", whether to join the party or not, and whether to stop going to church in order to get into the party. We cannot really understand the struggles they face but we can empathize with them.
Sunday
In the past 2 decades, many "seminaries" have sprung up and many of the students are actually from pastors' families. Unfortunately, many of them enrolled and received the training but did not really have the calling nor the willingness to serve like their parents. Let us pray for all the students in the training process now. May the Lord give them a clear vision and heart of a shepherd with the burden for saving souls. We pray for their spiritual formation and for the learning process of all those receiving Bible training now.
Monday
Nearly forty percent of parents in Taiwan spend less than three hours a day with their 6-12 year old children. Parent-child interaction often becomes merely a routine thing with no mutual understanding. Parents are so busy working that they take little time to help their children and there is hardly any communication between parents and children in many families. Many of the churches in Taiwan are likewise losing their second generation youth because of the heavy emphasis that is placed on academics there. Poor parent-child relationships make it difficult to encourage children to go to church as well. Let us pray for all Christian parents that they will know how to raise up godly children and have a healthy relationship with them.
星期二
過去一年周末包機、陸客來台觀光、兩岸三通、定期航班等開放，已經有88萬，為兩岸關係開啟新時代，是60年來首見。感謝神，中國的信徒能到臺灣參加會議或培訓已成為事實。我們更渴望兩岸的信徒，彼此能更多的交流學習，享受在主內的交通，也能為彼此的需要，因了解更深而更有負擔。
星期三
「富一代」是中國經濟改革開放之後首先富起來的一批民營企業家。他們的子女大多在80 年代出生，在海外接受過良好的教育。隨著 「富一代」逐漸老去，這批「富二代」海歸們如何承繼家業和財富等問題隨之出現，這個特殊的群體已逐漸引起人們的關注。中國的家庭教會和三自教會也在迎接新一代的領袖，他們將要參與繪出教會的未來。讓我們為所有年屆四旬和五旬之間的牧者和領袖們禱告，求主繼續陶造他們，滿有聖靈賜的能力，同時常懷基督耶穌的柔和謙卑。
星期四
大學畢業生沒工作已成為社會大問題。今年畢業生超過六百萬人，雖然官方說有74％在畢業後兩個月有工作，真實情況是接近一半學生畢業後即失業。最近一本書把失業的大學生形容成“螞蟻族” -他們為省錢而聚居一起，卻羞於告訴家人潦倒的境況，也沒臉回家。讓我們為一些在大學校園信主，仍在待業的基督徒，包括那些怕遭家人反對而不敢表白個人信仰的信徒獻上禱告，願神堅固他們信心，相信神會信實供應一切需要。
星期五
在全國高校進行的一項調查顯示，超過60％的大學生贊成婚前性行為，贊成的人數比例比十年前提高了25％。大部分大學生根本不反對婚前同居行為。已有許多教會意識到校園事工，不僅應著重青年人的信仰根基，更應讓他們看到聖潔生活的重要性。讓我們為在高中時代就上教會的年輕基督徒學生的靈性禱告。
星期六
入黨幾乎是中國大學生的夢想，因有助於開創事業前途，很少被薦者會自動放棄機會。很多信主的學生，尤其是隱瞞家人參加聚會或計劃受洗者，正面對入黨與否的兩難局面。讓我們為每個正為是否「受洗」還是繼續充當「隱形基督徒」而掙扎的年輕人禱告。雖然奔走天路時這類的掙扎未必能免，我們仍以同情、安慰及代求托住他們。
星期日
過去幾十年裡，中國各地的「神學院」如雨後春筍般出現，當中不少學生是牧師、傳道的子女，可惜許多並沒有意願「克紹箕裘」，雖被送到神學院，卻沒有事 奉的負擔和呼召。讓我們為所有正在接受造就的神學生禱告，求主賜下清楚的異象和呼召，把牧者的心懷和救人靈魂的負擔放在他們心上。除了賜他們學習的悟 性，更重要的是能經歷靈命上的更新，樂意全心服事主。
星期一
台灣近四成的的父母每天與六到十二歲的子女相處不到三小時。親子間並不清楚彼此生活的細節，常剩下行禮如儀的問候。小孩生活和學習對象是父母，但雙親工作壓力大，早出晚歸忙碌著，親子間交談甚少。不少信徒的第二代都因過於著重學業逐漸離開教會。由於親子關係疏離，父母很難鼓動子女上教會。我們禱告，求神幫助基督徒父母有智慧和兒女建立良好的親子關係，教養出愛神的兒女。
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Prayer Request 11/10 - 11/16
Tuesday
In 2008 the Chinese language officially gained 359 new phrases. The most popular ones were bandits, a Chinese copycat version of melamine, the toxic contaminant in milk and landslide blocked lake which means anything that causes a blockage of flow. Many new phrases are coined online. The most commonly used Chinese Bible is the Union version which is nearly one hundred years old but is loved dearly by believers. We pray that the eternal word of God can be better understood by today's youth. We also remember those who are involved in the contemporary translation of the Chinese Bible.
Wednesday
A "mistake" of the church in China is that of focusing much effort and resources on evangelism which cares for new believers and trains co-workers. In doing this, they spend much less time giving spiritual help to those pastors, Sunday school teachers, and co-workers who are who are already serving and have both personal and family needs. The devil attacks the shepherd and the workers and weakens their marriages and their spiritual roles in their homes. Husbands and wives put on a fake front in church but at home, they are bitterly angry with each other. Lord, we pray especially for those who minister in church but are having rocky marriages, poor family relationships, and are even bound by sexual sins.
Thursday
As a whole, the churches in China have not been affected by the current economic downturn although churches that have people who came to work in factories in them have seen a drop in finances, particularly in the Shanghai (Yangtze River) and Guangdong (Pearl River) delta regions. Frankly speaking, churches in China have not been helping each other for various reasons but this attitude is improving and we praise God! Let us pray that these churches will be willing to openly talk about how they can cross all kinds of boundaries and be willing to accept and support each other and their ministries.
Friday
Behind the facade of new city apartment buildings, there are many homeless people. Millions of rural people enter cities to look for work. Many of them end up destitute, without jobs, with no family support and are unable to return home. These people are literally on the edge of the society, overlooked and considered, by the neighbors, a "nuisance" and are "unwanted". It is true that every nation has homeless and poor people. But, we pray that Chinese believers would extend their compassion to those we regard as "lazy," "who will not look for opportunities to better themselves." May the Lord help us to see that we are so blessed and He is gracious to us.
Saturday
The mentality of many Chinese emperors, leaders, and even church leaders has been, "Those who are for me get promoted and those who are against me perish." The inability to accept a differing opinion or even a dissenting view is a common phenomenon in Chinese churches. The attitude of "I am the only one who is Biblical and everyone else is wrong" often plagues the leadership teams in the churches. Let us pray sincerely for humility and the willingness to accept others, and as the Bible says seeing others as better than we are. May the Lord grant us true obedience and not merely paying lip service to being God's servant or a ruler over other believers.
Sunday
Guangdong Province as a port of entry to China claims up to a third of all the foreigners who enter the country. There are more than a million aliens living there whether short term or long term. However, Guangdong also has the most foreigners who have illegally entered, overstayed their visas, or are working illegally in the country. Many of these are people from the continent of Africa. Guangdong has many unique social phenomena and also provides many unusual ministry challenges and opportunities. Let us pray for the many churches that are reaching out to factory workers and training them to share the gospel in the work place and even sending them home as church workers. We also remember the many people who enter China through this area to help train pastors and church workers.
Monday
Why do Chinese believers so easily fall prey to the occult? The teachings of these cults and extremists are ludicrous but many people are willing to follow and it seems that a place like China is just the perfect fertile ground for them. There are many believers whose faith is shallow and who will follow any teaching blindly. Certain occult teachers target churches and intentionally attack leaders through cheating, kidnapping, and seduction. Once the leaders become victims they hijack the entire church. Lord, we pray for protection for all the weak churches, especially those without strong leaders. We pray, too, for deliverance for all who have fallen into the trap of the cults.
星期二
在2008年度正式納入中文的359條新詞語中，「山寨」位居使用頻次之首，「三聚氰胺」（毒奶的原料）、「堰塞湖」 (地震山崩造成的湖)分列第二、三名。許多新詞語都是來自網絡媒體，成為流行詞語。最常用的中文聖經譯本要算是「和合本」。雖然刋行至今已有近一百年歷史，但基督徒對它總是情有獨鍾。我們禱告今天的年輕人能更多認識神永恆的話語，並記念參與當代中文聖經翻譯的同工。
星期三
很多中國教會往往把精力和資源放在發展福音工作、關心照顧初信者以及培訓同工上。而服事的牧者和同工個人及其家庭的屬靈需要都倍受忽略。撒旦常會攻擊牧者，和神的工人，破壞他們的婚姻，削弱他們在家中的屬靈角色。以致夫妻在教會戴上相親相愛的面具，掩飾內心的苦毒。我們特別求主幫助那些身在教會事工崗位，家庭關係困難，婚姻瀕臨破裂，或陷入情欲罪中的教會同工們，使他們能夠靠主回轉。
星期四
中國教會大體來說，受金融海嘯影響並不那麼顯著。但如珠江、長江三角洲地區內那些以外來信徒為主體的教會影響比較明顯。談到幫助其他的教會，一般的中國教會總是自掃門前雪，找出種種藉口規避。感謝主！近來有不少教會願意更多的參與幫助貧窮的教會。求主幫助我們不迴避討論如何拓展國度觀念，能真正跨出狹隘心態，以謙卑來彼此接納，實踐肢體間愛心的關顧與合一。
星期五
中國城市裡簇新建築樓宇背後，隱藏著無數無家可歸的人。數以百萬計的農村居民湧到城市找工作，許多人到頭來窮困潦倒，或無工可作，或失卻援助，或無法安抵家園。這些社會邊緣者，既被人忽視，又被鄰居標籤為「討厭的傢伙」，「問題人物」等。讓我們祈求中國的信徒能明白自己蒙福，全賴神豐盛的恩典與保守。樂意伸出同情之手，去關懷這群也是神所鍾愛的人。
星期六
領袖容易產生「順我者昌，逆我者亡」的念頭，中國歷來許多帝王和領導如此，教會領袖亦然。華人教會常見的問題之一就是容不下相異的見解。領導者或領導層容易唯我獨尊，認為別人都不如自己合乎聖經真理。求主幫助我們，使我們凡事存心謙卑、各人看別人比自己強，能用愛心彼此接納。尤其神的僕人們，能真心順服神的教訓，彼此服事，不持「神僕」的身份「管轄」其他信徒。
星期日
經廣東出入境的外國人，占全中國的30%；在粵常住的外國人已達到5.7萬人，而臨住的更是超過114萬人。然而，廣東省非法入境、居留、就業的「三非」外國人也越來越多，衍生出許多社會問題，尤以非洲裔最多。在廣東有許多中國社會中獨特的現象，也是福音事工獨特的挑戰和機會。有許多教會積極接觸工廠工人，裝備他們在工廠里分享福音，甚至讓他們回到農村去服事教會。我們也紀念許多經由廣東省，進入中國做培訓和牧養工作的每一位同工。
星期一
中國是信仰上的肥土，再荒誕可笑的異端都能滋長壯大。中國信徒為何容易輕信異端，成為他們囊中之物呢？由於信仰根基粗淺，無數的基督徒因盲從而輕易流失。有些異端專與教會作對，用坑蒙拐騙等手段對付教會的同工、領袖。一旦領袖被擄，他們便占據整個教會。我們求主保護所有信仰根基軟弱的教會，尤其那些缺乏良牧領導的教會，也求主拯救困陷異端魔爪的信徒。
In 2008 the Chinese language officially gained 359 new phrases. The most popular ones were bandits, a Chinese copycat version of melamine, the toxic contaminant in milk and landslide blocked lake which means anything that causes a blockage of flow. Many new phrases are coined online. The most commonly used Chinese Bible is the Union version which is nearly one hundred years old but is loved dearly by believers. We pray that the eternal word of God can be better understood by today's youth. We also remember those who are involved in the contemporary translation of the Chinese Bible.
Wednesday
A "mistake" of the church in China is that of focusing much effort and resources on evangelism which cares for new believers and trains co-workers. In doing this, they spend much less time giving spiritual help to those pastors, Sunday school teachers, and co-workers who are who are already serving and have both personal and family needs. The devil attacks the shepherd and the workers and weakens their marriages and their spiritual roles in their homes. Husbands and wives put on a fake front in church but at home, they are bitterly angry with each other. Lord, we pray especially for those who minister in church but are having rocky marriages, poor family relationships, and are even bound by sexual sins.
Thursday
As a whole, the churches in China have not been affected by the current economic downturn although churches that have people who came to work in factories in them have seen a drop in finances, particularly in the Shanghai (Yangtze River) and Guangdong (Pearl River) delta regions. Frankly speaking, churches in China have not been helping each other for various reasons but this attitude is improving and we praise God! Let us pray that these churches will be willing to openly talk about how they can cross all kinds of boundaries and be willing to accept and support each other and their ministries.
Friday
Behind the facade of new city apartment buildings, there are many homeless people. Millions of rural people enter cities to look for work. Many of them end up destitute, without jobs, with no family support and are unable to return home. These people are literally on the edge of the society, overlooked and considered, by the neighbors, a "nuisance" and are "unwanted". It is true that every nation has homeless and poor people. But, we pray that Chinese believers would extend their compassion to those we regard as "lazy," "who will not look for opportunities to better themselves." May the Lord help us to see that we are so blessed and He is gracious to us.
Saturday
The mentality of many Chinese emperors, leaders, and even church leaders has been, "Those who are for me get promoted and those who are against me perish." The inability to accept a differing opinion or even a dissenting view is a common phenomenon in Chinese churches. The attitude of "I am the only one who is Biblical and everyone else is wrong" often plagues the leadership teams in the churches. Let us pray sincerely for humility and the willingness to accept others, and as the Bible says seeing others as better than we are. May the Lord grant us true obedience and not merely paying lip service to being God's servant or a ruler over other believers.
Sunday
Guangdong Province as a port of entry to China claims up to a third of all the foreigners who enter the country. There are more than a million aliens living there whether short term or long term. However, Guangdong also has the most foreigners who have illegally entered, overstayed their visas, or are working illegally in the country. Many of these are people from the continent of Africa. Guangdong has many unique social phenomena and also provides many unusual ministry challenges and opportunities. Let us pray for the many churches that are reaching out to factory workers and training them to share the gospel in the work place and even sending them home as church workers. We also remember the many people who enter China through this area to help train pastors and church workers.
Monday
Why do Chinese believers so easily fall prey to the occult? The teachings of these cults and extremists are ludicrous but many people are willing to follow and it seems that a place like China is just the perfect fertile ground for them. There are many believers whose faith is shallow and who will follow any teaching blindly. Certain occult teachers target churches and intentionally attack leaders through cheating, kidnapping, and seduction. Once the leaders become victims they hijack the entire church. Lord, we pray for protection for all the weak churches, especially those without strong leaders. We pray, too, for deliverance for all who have fallen into the trap of the cults.
星期二
在2008年度正式納入中文的359條新詞語中，「山寨」位居使用頻次之首，「三聚氰胺」（毒奶的原料）、「堰塞湖」 (地震山崩造成的湖)分列第二、三名。許多新詞語都是來自網絡媒體，成為流行詞語。最常用的中文聖經譯本要算是「和合本」。雖然刋行至今已有近一百年歷史，但基督徒對它總是情有獨鍾。我們禱告今天的年輕人能更多認識神永恆的話語，並記念參與當代中文聖經翻譯的同工。
星期三
很多中國教會往往把精力和資源放在發展福音工作、關心照顧初信者以及培訓同工上。而服事的牧者和同工個人及其家庭的屬靈需要都倍受忽略。撒旦常會攻擊牧者，和神的工人，破壞他們的婚姻，削弱他們在家中的屬靈角色。以致夫妻在教會戴上相親相愛的面具，掩飾內心的苦毒。我們特別求主幫助那些身在教會事工崗位，家庭關係困難，婚姻瀕臨破裂，或陷入情欲罪中的教會同工們，使他們能夠靠主回轉。
星期四
中國教會大體來說，受金融海嘯影響並不那麼顯著。但如珠江、長江三角洲地區內那些以外來信徒為主體的教會影響比較明顯。談到幫助其他的教會，一般的中國教會總是自掃門前雪，找出種種藉口規避。感謝主！近來有不少教會願意更多的參與幫助貧窮的教會。求主幫助我們不迴避討論如何拓展國度觀念，能真正跨出狹隘心態，以謙卑來彼此接納，實踐肢體間愛心的關顧與合一。
星期五
中國城市裡簇新建築樓宇背後，隱藏著無數無家可歸的人。數以百萬計的農村居民湧到城市找工作，許多人到頭來窮困潦倒，或無工可作，或失卻援助，或無法安抵家園。這些社會邊緣者，既被人忽視，又被鄰居標籤為「討厭的傢伙」，「問題人物」等。讓我們祈求中國的信徒能明白自己蒙福，全賴神豐盛的恩典與保守。樂意伸出同情之手，去關懷這群也是神所鍾愛的人。
星期六
領袖容易產生「順我者昌，逆我者亡」的念頭，中國歷來許多帝王和領導如此，教會領袖亦然。華人教會常見的問題之一就是容不下相異的見解。領導者或領導層容易唯我獨尊，認為別人都不如自己合乎聖經真理。求主幫助我們，使我們凡事存心謙卑、各人看別人比自己強，能用愛心彼此接納。尤其神的僕人們，能真心順服神的教訓，彼此服事，不持「神僕」的身份「管轄」其他信徒。
星期日
經廣東出入境的外國人，占全中國的30%；在粵常住的外國人已達到5.7萬人，而臨住的更是超過114萬人。然而，廣東省非法入境、居留、就業的「三非」外國人也越來越多，衍生出許多社會問題，尤以非洲裔最多。在廣東有許多中國社會中獨特的現象，也是福音事工獨特的挑戰和機會。有許多教會積極接觸工廠工人，裝備他們在工廠里分享福音，甚至讓他們回到農村去服事教會。我們也紀念許多經由廣東省，進入中國做培訓和牧養工作的每一位同工。
星期一
中國是信仰上的肥土，再荒誕可笑的異端都能滋長壯大。中國信徒為何容易輕信異端，成為他們囊中之物呢？由於信仰根基粗淺，無數的基督徒因盲從而輕易流失。有些異端專與教會作對，用坑蒙拐騙等手段對付教會的同工、領袖。一旦領袖被擄，他們便占據整個教會。我們求主保護所有信仰根基軟弱的教會，尤其那些缺乏良牧領導的教會，也求主拯救困陷異端魔爪的信徒。
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Prayer Request 11/03 - 11/09
Tuesday
In Shanghai, the first question people ask about a suitor often is, "How many square meters are in his apartment?" In a country where young men outnumber young women by a large majority, a bachelor needs to have a car and an apartment before a woman will even look at him. We can see why church workers, whether male or female have difficulty finding mates to serve with them. Often even then their families do not approve of the marriage. We pray for all unmarried believers that the Lord will give them the conviction that God's choice and timing is the best.
Wednesday
One reason Chinese people are able to save money so well is that they have to pay for things such as education and health care which the government provides in other countries. Parents must save for their children' education and medical expenses as well as their own retirement. Perhaps it is fair to say that Chinese believers have a very hard time trusting God to provide for their needs. Let us pray for real faith in God's provision and His faithfulness in taking care of us. The more we give, the more God will bless us.
Thursday
Quite a number of church workers in China have had to take up a secular job on the side in order to make ends meet and support their families. Many have even left the ministry because their churches did not give them sufficient money to live on and some suspect there is a loss of pastors every year because of this. We want to pray for the issue of finances for believers in China. We pray for faith in God to provide them everything they need and for the churches to be generous to their shepherds. Above all we ask that their hearts will be guarded against greed.
Friday
One reason why the churches in China are considered poor is that believers are reluctant to give and this reflects their spiritual immaturity as well as their ignorance of the truth that "giving is the key to receiving God's blessing." Many feel that one doesn't need to tithe and tithing is not commonly taught in the churches. With the economy on the downturn, many believers have held off in giving to churches. We pray for spiritual maturity and great faith in the lives of all believers in China to believe the great things God can do for them and their churches as they obey Him.
Saturday
There are always leaders who claim that they have apocalyptic vision or know when Jesus will return. Their followers will abandon their normal lifestyle and gather to worship daily. Such groups often receive pressure from the local police which they interpret as persecution. This then reinforces their belief that these are the last days. Churches in China are seeing more than their share of these kinds of false prophets. Many people are badly hurt and even stop attending church services. Let us pray for the churches that are in this kind of spiritual turmoil and pray, too, that the Lord will help the sheep who have strayed away to return to the fold.
Sunday
Corruption is rampant and the government is trying hard to discipline members of the Communist Party who have been caught in bribery and graft. Corruption happens not only among prominent people but also in those who have power or regulate functions at mid-or lower-level positions. All people are sinners and unfortunately even churches are not exempt from financial misconduct since there is little financial accountability or transparency. Money can corrupt even the best of us. Let us pray for the integrity of all believers including those who handle money for the churches.
Monday
China has one of the highest rates of saving money in the world. But this then reduces consumer spending which in turn gives banks too much money which they have to invest and also raises the specter of high inflation in the country. Believers also worry about their finances, their savings, their investments, and whether or not to buy another house as an investment or for their child. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of these worries and lose one's faith in God. Let us pray for both good stewardship and a simple faith that God will provide for our every need and that churches will preach about this more often.
星期二
在上海，人們問追求者的第一個問題往往是「他的房子有多少平方米？」。 中國年輕男性數目遠比年輕女性數目多得多，要女士看得上眼，未婚男性要有車子和房子。我們可以瞭解爲何教會的同工，無論是男或女，都很難找到可以一起事奉的伴侶。即使是有，對方家長大都不贊成他們的婚事。我們要爲所有未婚的基督徒禱告，求主給他們信心，相信神的揀選和時間是最好的。
星期三
中國人很懂得儲蓄的原因之一，是他們要自行支付教育和醫療等開銷，而這些支出在很多國家是由政府承擔的。父母必須好好儲蓄，預備子女教育和醫療開支並爲自己退休作打算。要華人信徒依靠神供應他們的需要，確實是十分困難。讓我們禱告真心相信神會供應，並信實地看顧我們。我們樂於多付出，神會賜下更多祝福。
星期四
中國許多傳道人仍須兼職以養家糊口。每年因教會的供應不足而離開事工崗位者亦為數不少。我們要為中國信徒能改變對錢財的觀念來禱告，求神幫助他們對神的供應有信心，不要一味為己積攢地上暫時的財富，而要思念天上永恆的積業，慷慨供應他們的牧者。我們更求主保守信徒們能勝過貪婪的試探。
星期五
教會資金缺乏原因之一是信徒在金錢奉獻上踟躕不前，反映出他們屬靈生命仍是稚嫩，不明白「奉獻」實是蒙福之道。加上教會一般都少對「什一奉獻」教導，奉獻十分之一對許多信徒而言，更是難行的大挑戰。而今經濟持續衰退，許多信徒對教會的奉獻更是銳減。求主在這非常時期，操練中國信徒有非常的信心，使他們靈命成長成熟，能夠信靠神的帶領和供應。
星期六
總有一些領袖自稱擁有「特殊啟示」，能預知耶穌何時再來。他們的門徒常因此變賣一切，恆常聚集敬拜。當受到當地警察的壓力時，常會說成是受到逼迫，進一步強化他們所謂的「末日」信仰。這類「假先知」在中國教會中屢見不鮮，很多教友深受其害，甚至完全停止教會聚會。讓我們為面對屬靈爭戰的教會祈求，願神引導那些迷途羔羊返回祂的羊圈。
星期日
貪污腐敗在中國肆虐，政府已大力肅貪，處分有行賄及貪污等罪證的共產黨員。貪腐的痕跡，不單在某些赫赫有名的大人物身上找到，也沾染了許多可以動用職務上權勢的中、低職位人員的衣襟。世人都有罪性，教會亦然。在缺乏財務監管和透明度的情況下，教會也很難避免財務違規。金錢使人腐敗，甚至連最有誠信的人也難倖免。讓我們為所有信徒，包括教會裡掌管財務者的誠信禱告。
星期一
中國的儲蓄率高居世界之冠。居高不下的儲蓄率削弱了國民消費力，連帶影響到銀行貨幣過多，須得加大投資和信貸力度；政府為達到經濟增長目標，也必須增加公共開支，國家將面臨高通脹風險等等。中國信徒也憂心經濟、儲蓄、投資狀況，以及是否再購買房子作投資還是留給孩子？求神幫助我們成為祂的好管家，以單純的信心仰望祂信實的供應。我們也為教會能提供更多這方面的教導信息來禱告。
In Shanghai, the first question people ask about a suitor often is, "How many square meters are in his apartment?" In a country where young men outnumber young women by a large majority, a bachelor needs to have a car and an apartment before a woman will even look at him. We can see why church workers, whether male or female have difficulty finding mates to serve with them. Often even then their families do not approve of the marriage. We pray for all unmarried believers that the Lord will give them the conviction that God's choice and timing is the best.
Wednesday
One reason Chinese people are able to save money so well is that they have to pay for things such as education and health care which the government provides in other countries. Parents must save for their children' education and medical expenses as well as their own retirement. Perhaps it is fair to say that Chinese believers have a very hard time trusting God to provide for their needs. Let us pray for real faith in God's provision and His faithfulness in taking care of us. The more we give, the more God will bless us.
Thursday
Quite a number of church workers in China have had to take up a secular job on the side in order to make ends meet and support their families. Many have even left the ministry because their churches did not give them sufficient money to live on and some suspect there is a loss of pastors every year because of this. We want to pray for the issue of finances for believers in China. We pray for faith in God to provide them everything they need and for the churches to be generous to their shepherds. Above all we ask that their hearts will be guarded against greed.
Friday
One reason why the churches in China are considered poor is that believers are reluctant to give and this reflects their spiritual immaturity as well as their ignorance of the truth that "giving is the key to receiving God's blessing." Many feel that one doesn't need to tithe and tithing is not commonly taught in the churches. With the economy on the downturn, many believers have held off in giving to churches. We pray for spiritual maturity and great faith in the lives of all believers in China to believe the great things God can do for them and their churches as they obey Him.
Saturday
There are always leaders who claim that they have apocalyptic vision or know when Jesus will return. Their followers will abandon their normal lifestyle and gather to worship daily. Such groups often receive pressure from the local police which they interpret as persecution. This then reinforces their belief that these are the last days. Churches in China are seeing more than their share of these kinds of false prophets. Many people are badly hurt and even stop attending church services. Let us pray for the churches that are in this kind of spiritual turmoil and pray, too, that the Lord will help the sheep who have strayed away to return to the fold.
Sunday
Corruption is rampant and the government is trying hard to discipline members of the Communist Party who have been caught in bribery and graft. Corruption happens not only among prominent people but also in those who have power or regulate functions at mid-or lower-level positions. All people are sinners and unfortunately even churches are not exempt from financial misconduct since there is little financial accountability or transparency. Money can corrupt even the best of us. Let us pray for the integrity of all believers including those who handle money for the churches.
Monday
China has one of the highest rates of saving money in the world. But this then reduces consumer spending which in turn gives banks too much money which they have to invest and also raises the specter of high inflation in the country. Believers also worry about their finances, their savings, their investments, and whether or not to buy another house as an investment or for their child. It is easy to be overwhelmed by all of these worries and lose one's faith in God. Let us pray for both good stewardship and a simple faith that God will provide for our every need and that churches will preach about this more often.
星期二
在上海，人們問追求者的第一個問題往往是「他的房子有多少平方米？」。 中國年輕男性數目遠比年輕女性數目多得多，要女士看得上眼，未婚男性要有車子和房子。我們可以瞭解爲何教會的同工，無論是男或女，都很難找到可以一起事奉的伴侶。即使是有，對方家長大都不贊成他們的婚事。我們要爲所有未婚的基督徒禱告，求主給他們信心，相信神的揀選和時間是最好的。
星期三
中國人很懂得儲蓄的原因之一，是他們要自行支付教育和醫療等開銷，而這些支出在很多國家是由政府承擔的。父母必須好好儲蓄，預備子女教育和醫療開支並爲自己退休作打算。要華人信徒依靠神供應他們的需要，確實是十分困難。讓我們禱告真心相信神會供應，並信實地看顧我們。我們樂於多付出，神會賜下更多祝福。
星期四
中國許多傳道人仍須兼職以養家糊口。每年因教會的供應不足而離開事工崗位者亦為數不少。我們要為中國信徒能改變對錢財的觀念來禱告，求神幫助他們對神的供應有信心，不要一味為己積攢地上暫時的財富，而要思念天上永恆的積業，慷慨供應他們的牧者。我們更求主保守信徒們能勝過貪婪的試探。
星期五
教會資金缺乏原因之一是信徒在金錢奉獻上踟躕不前，反映出他們屬靈生命仍是稚嫩，不明白「奉獻」實是蒙福之道。加上教會一般都少對「什一奉獻」教導，奉獻十分之一對許多信徒而言，更是難行的大挑戰。而今經濟持續衰退，許多信徒對教會的奉獻更是銳減。求主在這非常時期，操練中國信徒有非常的信心，使他們靈命成長成熟，能夠信靠神的帶領和供應。
星期六
總有一些領袖自稱擁有「特殊啟示」，能預知耶穌何時再來。他們的門徒常因此變賣一切，恆常聚集敬拜。當受到當地警察的壓力時，常會說成是受到逼迫，進一步強化他們所謂的「末日」信仰。這類「假先知」在中國教會中屢見不鮮，很多教友深受其害，甚至完全停止教會聚會。讓我們為面對屬靈爭戰的教會祈求，願神引導那些迷途羔羊返回祂的羊圈。
星期日
貪污腐敗在中國肆虐，政府已大力肅貪，處分有行賄及貪污等罪證的共產黨員。貪腐的痕跡，不單在某些赫赫有名的大人物身上找到，也沾染了許多可以動用職務上權勢的中、低職位人員的衣襟。世人都有罪性，教會亦然。在缺乏財務監管和透明度的情況下，教會也很難避免財務違規。金錢使人腐敗，甚至連最有誠信的人也難倖免。讓我們為所有信徒，包括教會裡掌管財務者的誠信禱告。
星期一
中國的儲蓄率高居世界之冠。居高不下的儲蓄率削弱了國民消費力，連帶影響到銀行貨幣過多，須得加大投資和信貸力度；政府為達到經濟增長目標，也必須增加公共開支，國家將面臨高通脹風險等等。中國信徒也憂心經濟、儲蓄、投資狀況，以及是否再購買房子作投資還是留給孩子？求神幫助我們成為祂的好管家，以單純的信心仰望祂信實的供應。我們也為教會能提供更多這方面的教導信息來禱告。
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