Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Prayer Request 5/25 - 5/31

Tuesday
It is estimated that 173 million Chinese are suffering from mental illness and fewer than ten percent of them have seen a mental health professional. When people with this disease are involved in attacks on others, knives are often the weapon of choice because it is nearly impossible to obtain firearms in China. Nearly every church has someone who has some degree of mental illness attending. Other than offering prayer for them, churches can do very little for either them or their families. We realize that churches do not have the resources to solve this problem or even help very much, but let us remember these people and their anguished families in our prayers because we know the Lord hears our prayers and cares about them.
Wednesday
With the expansion of large cities in China comes the problem of increasing piles of garbage. China has overtaken the United States as the world's largest producer of trash. Cities there are producing six percent more garbage each year. Beijing and Shanghai each generate about 20,000 tons of garbage daily while Guangzhou's city center produces 8,000 tons alone each day. Good use of resources has always been a problem for churches in China. Many books and other printed materials are not distributed to the people who need them the most. Much of the material which is donated to them simply becomes trash. Let us pray that all the materials intended to help believers is used properly and effectively.
Thursday
The media in China as well as that overseas has proudly hailed the Shanghai World Expo as "a celebration of nations" attended by the largest number of countries with the most exhibitors and attendance of any so far. Although the officials have deliberately avoided calling the Olympics and the World Expo a symbol of the rise of China, that sentiment is palpable and surging among the people themselves. In the past decade the churches in China have also grown to be confident and more and more believers share the view that Chinese churches will play an important role in the evangelism of Islamic nations. We pray that other believers will not only catch the vision but also be willing to humbly partner in carrying out the Great Commission.
Friday
As a whole Chinese house churches are still searching for a workable model for growth. Many are still struggling to know how to expand or maintain their ministry and also how to stay unregistered with the government since they are in the legal gray zone. We pray for the preaching and outreach done by churches under all kinds of limitations, especially that of a lack of properly equipped leaders and a limited facility. Many want to reach out to the children and young people but are unable to do it.
Saturday
Whether to register with the government and become "legal" or not continues to be a thorny issue for many house churches. Some are negotiating with the officials in order to own property and expand their ministry. We pray along with those churches going through this wrenchingly emotional process which often divides and polarizes churches. May the Lord give them wisdom and a unity of spirit and mind.
Sunday
Churches in China at this time can best be described as fragmented and divided. The biggest reason is theological differences which border on antagonism. Churches will not even meet or work together many times because they accuse each other of theological apostasy. Believers are often taught that only their interpretation of the Bible is correct. But there is only one Christ and one church. We pray for humility and a mutual acceptance of each other in all the churches in China.
Monday
Many well-meaning Western missionaries and churches take their methods of church growth and discipleship to China as well as giving financial support. However, many of these ideas and methodologies need to be contextualized and adapted to the local churches to be effective. We thank the Lord for all the gifts and ideas taken to churches in China and pray that these churches will grow solidly on God's word and not just try to copy and imitate what works elsewhere.

星期二
據估約有1.73億中國人患精神病,能得到專業關注的患者不到百分之十。因在中國幾乎買不到槍支,往往精神病患攻擊人時選擇以刀為武器。每間教會,常有一兩位信徒也患有精神病,但教會沒有資源處立類似的問題,也缺人力做關懷的工作,除了為他們禱告外,不能提供實質的幫助。讓我們常在禱告中記念這些肢體的需要及其家人的處境。我們深信神會聽禱告、施憐憫,關愛這被人忽略的一群。
星期三
中國城市大幅擴張,垃圾增長問題隨之而來。中國已超越美國成為世界頭號垃圾生產國,各大都市的垃圾產量每年以6%的速度增長。北京和上海每天分別產生約2萬噸垃圾,廣州市則每天至少8,000噸。資源充分運用也是中國教會現今須正視的課題。許多捐贈書籍教材,印製後大量囤積,卻無法分發到最迫切需要的人手中,形同垃圾。讓我們禱告所有捐贈教材皆能發揮最大效用,建造信徒靈命。
星期四
中國媒體與海內外華人為上海世博會「萬邦來賀」感到驕傲,創下國家參展數目,及參觀人次最多的先河,儘管官方刻意低調迴避,以舉辦奧運和世博視作中國崛起的標誌,但類似言論仍不斷在民間蔓延升溫。過去十年,中國教會的自信心也明顯增長。許多信徒咸認,對回教國家的宣教事工,中國教會將肩擔重要角色。讓我們禱告,有更多信徒不僅能見此異象,更能彼此謙卑搭配來完成主的大使命。
星期五
對整體中國家庭教會而言,目前還在摸索更好的增長模式。如何銜接城市福音的發展,亦未有理想方式可借鑒參酌。許多教會仍試圖不在政府登記注冊下拓展事工。教會要在各樣的局限中做好講道和傳福音的工作,需要我們大力禱告扶持。尤其教會缺乏受過整全裝備的教會領袖,和軟硬體設備的局限,又無法展開兒童和青少年福音事工,求神一一施恩開路。
星期六
近年來,中國農村教會正面臨政府邀請「登記」的壓力。除信仰逼迫外,家庭教會還須選擇是否順服政府要求,甚至也嘗試與政府溝通,希望家庭教會能浮出水面公開化,可以公開擁有產業及開展事工。是否登記「合法化」成了許多教會內部爭論不休的一根刺。辯論較力的結果通常是分離和情緒傷害,教會因而分裂和兩極化。懇求主以合一的靈聯繫教會眾人,並賜智慧和信心讓此事落定,以繼續靠主前進。
星期日
目前整體家庭教會能以組織凌亂,意見分歧來形容。主因來自神學上的歧見,毗鄰「對立」,教會因互責在神學上違背教義而不能合作。而各教會的信徒接受的教導是:只有他們自己的教會對聖經的詮釋是絕對正確的。然而,我們知道,基督只有一個,祂的身體/教會也只有一個。讓我們迫切為中國各派的教會禱告,唯有神的靈能叫人謙卑自己,在歧見中彼此接納,真正成為在主內合一的肢體。
星期一
雖有許多西國宣教士與教會帶他們的方法和資金進入教會,但在許多限制與國情不同的環境下,事工總是遠遠達不到預期果效。我們為海外弟兄姐妹願意在資源和經驗無私來分享感恩,但同時要祈求神讓教會繼續把信仰和成長的焦點定在神的話語上,而不過度迷信抄襲海外成功教會的方法,以至於偏離了教會應有的本質。

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Prayer Request 5/18 - 5/24

Tuesday
In the past month there has been a series of stabbing attacks in China aimed at grade schools and kindergartens in several provinces with many fatalities. Although they are unrelated and seem to be copycat in nature as well as perpetrated by deranged individuals, this kind of violence has stirred great fear in all households. Parents in China have good reason to be fearful for the safety of their "one and only" child. Let us pray for all those who are believers for wisdom to raise up godly children and be a model of God's love with a willingness to serve the Lord gladly.
Wednesday
The government of China has announced the biggest jump of the Consumer Price Index in eighteen months (2.8%) which means the cost of food and housing have skyrocketed passing the rate of savings in the banks. Because of unusual weather and drought in the Southwest, the price of vegetables has increased most dramatically. Inflation worries everyone, particularly those who are on a fixed income. Let us pray for all the believers who are retired and live on a pension or with their children. We pray for peace and assurance in this time of uncertainty and that they will trust the Lord Who will take good care of those who faithfully love Him.
Thursday
When quality is lacking in church leadership, it is not only a disservice but hurtful to the body of Christ. Whenever a leader strays, becomes greedy, focuses on financial gain or buying a big home or car or land in the cities while the rest of the workers are scrambling to make ends meet, it really damages the rest of the team and ruins the image of the pastor among the believers. However, in China a majority of the believers neglect the care of their leaders because they wrongly believe that church workers should live in poverty in order to be spiritual. Let us pray for wisdom for the churches and for faithfulness for those whom God has called to serve. Lord, teach us to honor Your servants and not treat them as if they were our servants.
Friday
Teenagers running away from home has become a big problem in China. Age fourteen is the peak time for this to happen but even children who are in elementary school run away. Of all the run-away 73.65% are in junior high with boys being more frequent than girls and those in grade five and grade eleven being the most common. Most of those who run away are from cities and towns. On the other hand, youths of the same age are also running away from churches because they have few programs for them and they have no friends in the churches. We pray earnestly that church leaders would not only see the epic proportion of the plight but have the resolve to rectify the problem.
Saturday
In China literally nothing gets done without a big meal. Banquets are held for occasions such as asking for a simple favor, a wedding, to celebrate a baby's being a month old, old people's birthdays, a promotion, a new home, and so on. Banquets facilitate a close relationship and they get business done under the table. The common saying is, "Relationship gets closer and rules looser with a meal." Chinese believers know well what fellowship means but few churches have the facilities to host meals for everyone. It is, however, common for people to stay and eat together after meetings in the rural house churches. We pray that as they enjoy meals in church they will also make newcomers feel accepted and included as a part of the family.
Sunday
The "4-2-1 family" consisting of four grandparents, two parents, and one child is the typical Chinese family. Soon after marriage a young couple must shoulder the responsibility of taking care of four elderly parents so this definitely presents tremendous social, financial, and family tension. Let us remember many believers who have difficulties in their relationship with their parents and in-laws. Our relationship with our family is the foundation for being able to share Jesus Christ with them . Lord, grant us all in Your love, Your patience and Your grace.
Monday
Two vices on which the Chinese government tries very hard to crack down are corruption and pornography. A new medium for pornography is the mobile phone. This is particularly serious because young people and even teenagers are the ones most likely to receive these messages. Christian parents have a nearly impossible battle to keep their children unpolluted and pure. Let us pray that parents do not forget to teach their children the word of God and that they will have the courage to discuss with their children the why and how of staying pure and chaste.

星期二
過去一個月,中國各地連續發生校園傷害事件,受害者皆為小學、幼兒園學童,這些個別案件雖無直接關聯,但兇手作案都帶有模仿痕跡。近年來以暴力傷害無辜孩童成新趨勢,各地家長都擔憂子女的安全,尤其是他們「唯一僅有」的寶貝。讓我們在禱告中記念基督徒父母們,求神賜智慧教養子女成為敬虔愛主的第二代,更在孩子面前流露天父的愛,也有樂意服事業主的好榜樣。
星期三
官方公佈,中國消費指數(CPI)同比上漲2.8%,創近18個月來新高,通貨澎脹水平超過一年期存款利率。食品價格和居住支出價格漲幅更鉅,今年蔬菜受旱災,天氣影響價格節節攀升。老百姓最怕通貨膨脹,尤其是靠固定收入過日子的人。我們為靠退休金或依賴子女維生的信徒禱告。在這經濟動蕩,前景不明朗時候,求神賜下平安和保障,使我們更依靠神、相信祂必定眷顧忠心愛祂的信徒。
星期四
教會領袖素質參差不齊,往往使教會虧損和受傷害。如做領袖的變質、貪圖名利享受、在城市購屋置產,而會友則揮汗打工掙錢補貼不足,突顯出教會團隊精神薄弱,更有損傳道人形象。不過,多數信徒常誤認為教會同工要生活清貧方顯屬靈,忽視教會工人和領袖生活的照顧。求主讓教會信徒和祂所選召的僕人同樣有忠心和智慧,也教導會眾尊重、敬愛神的僕人,而非理所當然的當成自己的僕役般使喚。
星期五
近年來中小學生翹家人數不斷上升,14 歲是中國青少年離家出走的高峰年齡。初中生占離家出走總數的73.65%,且男生多於女生;以小學五六年級和初中二、三年級學生為主;城鎮青少年居多。這些逃家的青少年,也同樣逃「教會」。因在教會少有適合他們的活動,人數少,同輩的朋友更少。我們迫切求神讓教會領袖不單看到這日益嚴重的困境,更能找出相應的對策。
星期六
在中國做任何事情,凡舉求人辦事、結婚、孩子滿月、老人壽誕、升官、喬遷,晉升等等,都少不了請客吃飯。 酒席功效是拉近感情,消除隔膜,俗語說:「酒杯一端,政策放寬」。中國信徒同樣知道聚餐的團契意義,但很少教會有設備和能力為大家辦聚餐。反而在農村家庭教會,會友常能在聚會後留下來用餐團契。求神讓信徒同享聚餐的之際,不忘招待新朋友,讓他們感到被接納,賓至如歸。
星期日
中國現在最典型的「四二一家庭」 模式指(四個老人,夫妻二人,一個孩子)的形成,兩個年輕人一結婚就要負擔起4個老人的養老重任,要面對巨大的社會經濟壓力和家庭張力。很多基督徒夫妻與彼此父母相處不快。讓我們禱告記念他們的難處。因為我們與家人的關係,是向他們傳福音分享基督救恩的基石,求主賜下愛心、忍耐和恩慈給有不信主父母的夫婦。
星期一
中國政府一直不斷致力擊打貪腐及色情這兩害。手機成了傳播色情信息的新媒介,令危害情況更為嚴重,因為未成年人更容易接觸到手機色情,以致身心健康受危害。 基督徒父母要保護孩子純潔不受污染,幾乎是不可能的任務。讓我們為父母親們禱告,幫助做家長的不忘教導孩子神的話,並且能夠坦然與孩子討論保持貞潔與聖潔生活的教導。

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Prayer Request 5/11 - 5/17

Tuesday
High school graduates in China will participate in the National College Entrance Examinations June 7-8 this year. Only about one-fourth of them will go on to college and the rest will have to find a job. To these young people, this is the single most critical event in their lives and the hopes of their parents literally hang on it. It is hard for anyone to experience the pressure and stress high school seniors and their parents are now facing. Let us pray especially for believers whose children are preparing for this examination. May the Lord give them wisdom, strength, and His peace knowing that God has a great purpose for each of us.
Wednesday
Chinese tourists like to go to Hainan because it has world-class beaches, forests, and fresh air. However, much like one's daughter who is well-loved at home but unable to attract foreigners, Hainan does not stand out with any unique culture and few people speak English well there. Although there are about 400,000 believers and many house churches, Hainan is also famous for moral and financial corruption. Let us pray for the problem of division among church leaders and believers who must struggle to stay pure.
Thursday
In the past decade Chinese tourists have undergone a big change from being discriminated to becoming valued customers. They are spending more money than other tourists but a Chinese expert said, "The general quality of Chinese tourists has improved much but some bad habits like talking loudly in restaurants, and not observing dress codes remain." The image of Chinese believers has also changed greatly from that of poor peasants to that of younger and better educated people. Let us pray for these two very different segments of believers. They do not mix well and find it difficult to communicate. May the Lord give us humility so we can accept and value each other.
Friday
In China a wedding gift is expected to be in cash and from ten percent to half of a month's salary. In smaller cities anything less than 500 RMB would be considered "cheap". If one is invited by a relative, 2000 RMB is the minimum gift one should give. For young people with many friends and a small salary, attending weddings can be very costly. We pray for all the believing families who are having weddings this year. May the Lord bless them with joy, love, and patience toward each other. We pray especially for those whose are marrying unbelieving spouses that the Lord will give the believer persistence in attending church, staying in fellowship with the Lord, and continuing to be a godly influence in the home.
Saturday
The government estimates that there are 600,000 residents of Beijing over the age of eighteen who battle depression. Due to a lack of information, it is difficult to get medical treatment or receive counseling for this problem and every year 287,000 people in China die of suicide and two million more attempt to kill themselves. Let us pray for believers who suffer from depression or have a family member with this illness. We beseech the Lord to comfort and deliver those who are disappointed, desperate or even seeking to end their misery.
Sunday
Taiwan is expecting that there will be only 160,000 births there this year. Doctors think that couples will avoid having a child in the Year of the Tiger. They say that the mentality of young people has changed dramatically and they would rather own a house than have a child. In Taipei enrollment in elementary schools is seeing a steady decline. We take this time to pray for all the Sunday school children in all Chinese churches. Many churches do not have enough children to have an effective or meaningful program and those churches have difficulty attracting young families. We pray that church leaders will realize the need to emphasize and give resources to children's ministry.
Monday
Obstetricians in Taiwan say that some pregnant women choose to have an ultrasound early in pregnancy and will then opt for an abortion if they find a small but correctable heart defect. It is common for couples to have an abortion for even such a common problem as a cleft lip and palate. We pray for peace and joy for all believing couples who are planning to have a child, that they will know that God will give them the very best, whether it is a boy or a girl. We remember, too all the families with a handicapped (whether physical or mental or behavioral) child and ask the Lord to give them an extra measure of patience and tenderness with the child.

星期二
今年678日中國的高中畢業生將參加全國高考。其中只有大約四分之一可以進入大學,其他都必須另謀出路。高考的壓力加上父母所寄予的厚望,使此人生階段成為年輕學子最大的轉捩點。我們或許很難體會應考生及他們父母所承受的壓力。讓我們在禱告中特別記念在肢體中有正在準備高考的孩子們,願神賜他們智慧,力量和來自屬天的平安,深深體認,神在每一個人身上,都有祂美好的計劃與帶領。
星期三
中國人喜愛到海南旅遊,因當地擁有世界聞名的沙灘與海岸,森林和清新空氣。屬於重點旅遊區之一。它雖然頗負盛名,但欠缺獨特旅遊文化及英文不普及,難以吸引國外遊客。它在80年代開放成為經濟特區,很多人轉向神,且每年遞增。海南的家庭教會數目眾多,估計現有40萬信徒。色情與貪腐等負面的名聲往往與海南連結在一起。求主特別保守信徒聖潔,不被貪婪之風動搖;教會領袖能持守公義和合一。
星期四
中國遊客在海外的形象已有具大的轉變,他們的消費已超越歐美日遊客,從開始的被歧視到漸漸的獲得尊重和禮遇。專家說:今與昔比,中國遊客素質提升了很多,但一些陋習仍待改進,如在餐廳大聲喧嘩,出席正式場合不講究穿著等等。中國信徒的「形象」近年也改變很多,從年老、貧農變成年輕、高教育的新一代。可惜這兩信徒族群之間仍缺乏交流與互動。求主賜下謙卑的心,彼此接納、擔待與珍惜。
星期五
近年中國婚禮賀金越漲越高,往往花掉普通人月薪的一成甚至五成。在一、二線城巿,人民幣五百元是起價,若是親屬,基本數目是兩千元;賀金多少已變成感情的量化標準。年輕人積蓄少、社交圈子大、又愛面子,使得這「份子錢」由心意的表達,變成了沉重的負擔。我們為今年家中有嫁娶的信徒禱告,願神賜福給新人,在基督裡建立和諧、包容、恩愛的家庭。我們也記念配偶仍未信主的肢體,求主堅定他們虔誠的心志,對配偶有正面的影 響力。
星期六
據官方估計,北京18歲以上人當中,有60萬人曾經或正患有憂鬱症。因患者普遍欠缺對該症的認識,很難獲得適當的治療或輔導,每年有28.7萬人死於自殺,2百萬人自殺未遂。我們要為患抑鬰障礙的信徒,及家人患上抑鬰症的信徒禱告。祈求神在傷心絕望,企圖在痛苦中輕的人心中,賜下安慰和釋放,使他們看到生命的亮光與盼望。
星期日
台灣出生率持續下降,婦產科醫師擔心因傳統上對虎寶寶的忌諱,今年虎年的出生數預估將跌至十六萬。年輕人「寧要房子不要孩子」,受少子化影響,台北市國小新生入學人數,亦逐年下降。我們為華人教會的兒童事工禱告,因無足夠孩童來組織建全、有效的兒童主日學,教會在兒童事工上出現缺口,也較難牧養年輕家庭。我們禱告教會領袖能體貼主的心意,注重兒童事工並投入更多資 源。
星期一
台灣的婦產科醫生表示,部份孕婦在做超音波檢查時發現胎兒有一點小問題例如有唇顎裂(俗稱兔唇),即使出生後可以外科手術治療,最後還是選擇墮胎。我們為正準備生育的信徒夫婦禱告,求主給他們平安和喜樂,不論孩子的性別、狀況如何,堅信上帝所預備必定最好。也記念有身體或心理殘障孩子的家庭,求主賜家人額外的忍耐和溫柔來教養神所託負的兒女。

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Prayer Request 5/4 - 5/10

Tuesday
The private lives and marriages of Chinese celebrities are closely followed by billions of people. They tend to marry quickly and break up just as quickly, often after less than 2 years. One could blame it on the nature of the business, the temptations or the lack of time together. The fact is that the marriages of celebrities are models and they do shape the morality of society. We pray for godly couples who can be a model for their local churches, especially for the young people. We pray that they would know God's desire and provide blueprints for marriage that are relevant even for today. With the power of the Holy Spirit and the love of God, husbands and wives can accept one another, honor and be considerate toward each other as the Bible teaches.
Wednesday
China's leaders declared in the Chinese New Year, "Let the people live with more dignity." And before May 1st, Labor Day, a new slogan has been announced: "Let the laborers work with decency." Buzzwords like "decency" and "dignity" imply the government's promise to let workers have decent work and pay, and to let ordinary people enjoy living with dignity. Many Chinese churches still believe that pastors and those who serve in the church should live by faith, willing to sacrifice with low pay or little compensation. Such "wrong" attitudes continue to deter many from serving full-time or encourage the trend of the "part-time pastor." We pray that churches will honor those who are God's workers not their servants.
Thursday
The World Expo 2010 opened in Shanghai with great fanfare. Recently, the government reported that Hong Kong has been the the most "economically competitive" city in China but Shanghai is poised to overtake her. Also, in the opening night, the huge light displayed, "Hi, Brother Hu!" referring fondly to China's Party Chief. Traditionally, a Chinese pastor is respected, not seen as an equal, and not usually treated as a "friend" by the congregation. Similarly, most church workers feel lonely too. We pray for all the pastors, male and female, for their need of friendship, and that they would be seen as regular people, vulnerable and having weakness and needs like the rest of us.
Friday
The China real estate market stays red-hot. Housing prices in the secondary and even smaller inland cities have skyrocketed far more than in big cities. Hefei, a medium-sized industrial city hundreds of miles from Beijing and Shanghai, had home prices increasing by 50% last year. Many new homes sold are bought by speculators and paid for in cash and left unoccupied. The hottest conversation in churches is also about how many homes to buy and where to buy them. We pray that believers are not swayed by the rush to speculate, but truly trust God to provide and be a faithful steward of what God has entrusted us - money, time and talents.
Saturday
Many of the new young female believers grew up with little love and warmth in their homes. During courtship when men lavish a bit of affection on them, they quickly "fall in love". Their dating soon revolves around making love and they are unable to sort out the difference between true love and infatuation. Churches in China need much teaching about sexual purity before and after marriage. Many older pastors still hold the view that sex is unspiritual. Let us pray that churches can effectively teach and talk about what God desires of us in our bodies. We pray, too, for grace and deliverance for those who are trapped in guilt and shame for former actions.
Sunday
There are 9 million children up to age 14 with various disabilities or handicaps - about 2.66% of all Chinese children. There are laws protecting the rights of handicapped children, but in most of the smaller cities and in villages, there is next to nil in terms of programs suitable for handicapped children. We praise God as more churches develop their Sunday school programs, reaching out to more children with some visible results. Churches have also seen growth as their second-generation ministry grows. We pray that more children would come to know the Lord and that these efforts will reach more poor people and families with handicapped children.
Monday
Historically the Boxer Revolution was China's most famous anti-Christian movement but it was done mostly by peasants. The "May 4th Student Movement", however, combined nationalist and humanism sentiment and turned the intellectuals against foreign powers, including Christianity. We praise the Lord for bringing many young professionals into urban churches. The vast majority of students, however, still identify Christianity with Western powers and politics. We know only God can change people's hearts and bring true repentance. Let us pray for that day to come soon.

星期二
中國演藝界中人,很多是結婚快,離婚也快,聚散往往不出兩年。娛樂圈的誘惑特別多,尤其俊男美女接觸頻繁,假戲真做;夫妻因拍戲聚少離多,影響婚姻生活;凡此種種均造成娛樂圈內的婚姻比起一般人更不穩定。年輕人愛仿效明星的生活模式,明星的私生活間接影響社會整體風氣。我們為中國教會有好的夫妻榜樣來祈求:讓年輕一代明白神的原則永不改變,堅信神的兒女可以藉著聖靈的引導,活出聖經中以主的愛彼此接納,互相敬重和體貼的教訓。
星期三
中國官方在春節首倡「讓人民生活得更有尊嚴」,在「五一」前夕又提出「讓廣大勞動群眾實現體面勞動」。政府許諾勞動者「體面與尊嚴」,目的是的盼望勞工的付出與收獲應成正比。中國信徒常誤認教會牧者和同工應操練捨己、憑信心生活,視收入緊拙甚至供應不繼乃理所當然。此偏見使許多年輕人對教會服侍卻步,或不得不帶職服事。求主調整我們,能加倍敬奉勞苦的傳道人乃神的僕人,非教會的佣工。
星期四
上海世博會盛大開幕晚會上,園區打出「胡哥好」的親切字樣。最近官方發佈中國城市競爭力排行榜,香港地區雖五年蟬聯第一,但不久將來,上海極有可能趕上。華人牧者往往予人「神聖不可侵犯」的印象,不易成為弟兄姊妹的「朋友」。而傳道人大多也有強烈的「孤單感」,難找傾訴的對象。我們禱告所有傳道人不論男或女,在神家中都能像會眾般,在軟弱疲乏時也得著肢體愛的扶持與支援。
星期五
中國房產高燒依舊,去年平均房產價格持續飈漲,二三線城市房產價格漲幅且超過一線城市。以內陸中等工業城市合肥為例,雖與北京上海相隔數百英里,去年平均房產價格飈升五成,不少人買房產作投機而非自住用途。現在教會最熱門話題,非房地產莫屬。 買多少,買在哪已成了討論焦點。求主幫助信徒不盲目跟風炒樓投機,相信神必供應,也做好祂忠實的管家,善用神所託付的金錢,時間和才幹。
星期六
許多年輕一代女信徒在成長過程裡,幾乎沒有體驗過親情的愛和溫暖。當男性大獻殷勤時,很容易掉進愛情的漩渦而無法自拔。也有不少和男友約會時,都是圍繞著性,不懂得分辨肉體的愛和真愛的差別。中國教會急需更多有關婚前婚後貞操的教導。但許多老一輩的牧者仍視談「性」為不屬靈的。求主幫助教會能夠有效而全面的教導信徒明白如何合神心意地管理好自己的身體。也求主的寶血赦罪的大能釋放為過去的錯誤行為而羞愧自責的肢體。
星期日
中國14歲以下的人口中,有九百多萬殘疾兒童,佔全國同齡兒童總數2.66%。雖然國家有法律保障殘疾兒童的合法權益,但小城市尤其在農村,實在是缺乏為殘疾兒童專設的教育或訓練項目。感謝主讓教會看到投資及帶動兒童主日學成長可直接促成教會整體的成長。求主繼續帶領更多孩童認識神,讓教會能服侍更多貧窮及有殘疾兒童的家庭,使弱勢孩子及其家長們都有機會聽到福音。
星期一
從歷史的角度看,「義和團」乃當代中國最廣為人知,主要由平民發動的『反基督教運動』。相反的,「五四運動」乃近代集合了國粹和人道主義,由知識份子發動以對抗包括基督教在內的外國勢力的『思想運動』。雖然許多學生仍將基督教和西方勢力與政權劃上等號,感謝主!上帝近年把許多知識份子帶進城市教會。我們深信只有上帝能改變人心,使人看見真理且帶出真心的順服與悔改。讓我們繼續禱告知識份子大量歸主的日子來臨。