Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Prayer Request 6/29 - 7/5

Tuesday
Although there are laws against discrimination in China, "hidden discrimination" in hiring abounds there. It includes: people with hepatitis or HIV; girls taller than 1.6 meters or men taller than 1.7 meters; people aged 35 and above; handicapped people; restrictions on pregnant women; people with certain blood types, using zodiac signs or fortune telling in selecting an applicant. In China, Christians do not usually profess their faith at work. We pray for those who do let others know they are followers of Jesus. May they have a powerful testimony and may their lives touch people in ways that glorify God. We pray especially for believers who work for the government at various levels for integrity and a positive influence in their workplace.
Wednesday
A foreign magazine said that sixteen million Chinese women are married to homosexual men. They are trapped in loveless and often miserable marriages and many are victims of abuse and violence. They are known as tongqi combining the words tongzhi or comrade which is the Chinese slang for "gay" with qizi which means "wife" in Mandarin. Let us pray for these women and also all the women who have found no joy or happiness in their marriages. Christian women can have a powerful testimony and be a support to these women who have "unspeakable shame" or unfaithful husbands. We know God cares for and listens to the prayers of widows.
Thursday
Christian businessmen (and factory owners) have an important role in evangelism in China, especially in cities like Shenzhen and Donguan in the South. These men allow and encourage the sharing of the gospel in factories and workers' dormitories. Many businessmen who went to China to try their luck at starting a business have also come to know Jesus. Numerous overseas Chinese believers have gone back to China for business along with evangelistic opportunities. Let us pray for God's blessing for these kingdom-minded believers and their ministry in the factories.
Friday
Any generalization concerning the churches in China is flawed but the lack of quality church leadership is a common problem. It is true that God can use all kinds of people but those who lack leadership ability, genuine humility, and maturity inflict injury to God's churches. Many people seem to be fine and willing workers but once they are in a position of leadership they become full of pride and care more about personal gain than fulfilling their calling to serve. Let us remember the believers who are under such leadership. We look to God for His discipline for them and realize that pride can blind even the best of us.
Saturday
The government says that in 2009 there was a significant increase in both the number of students who went abroad to study and those who returned. Of the 230,000 people (a 27% increase) who studied abroad, 90% of them were not sponsored by the Chinese government. Last year 110,000 scholars (a 56% increase) returned and 80% of them were not sponsored by the government. Many Chinese students accepted Christ abroad and returned to involve themselves in campus ministries. We pray that God will use their profession of faith as a lamp in the dark and that they will be a great blessing to and mobilize the house churches in sharing the gospel in the cities.
Sunday
Since the implementation of the one-child policy in the 1970’s, population growth has been effectively controlled in China. However, this has created the so-called "4-2-1" families where one child must bear the burden of support for two parents and four grandparents. We pray for all the believers who have aging parents. May the Lord give them patience, tenderness, and respect knowing that God wants us to honor our parents and when we care for them God will bless us. We are thus a good testimony to non-believers also.
Monday
In many large cities in China the "one-child generation" finds it difficult to know how to support aging parents and grandparents. They feel they do not have enough time and resources to care for and raise their own child let alone caring for the older generations. We pray for believers who have both children and aging parents. May the Lord give them joy and wisdom in taking care of both the young and the old. May He give them strength, encouraging words, and blessings as they live out the love of God in their families.

星期二
雖然中國法律不允許歧視,但「隱性歧視」卻常發生在僱用員工時。其中包括:患有肝炎或艾滋病毒,女性身高1.6米的或男性1.7米的,及年紀超過35歲者。在工作場合中,中國信徒一般不會公開其信仰。讓我們再禱告中記念肯公開自己是基督徒的,求主保守他們能有美好的生命見證,在職場上,尤其在政府服務的肢體,能發揮積極的影響力,並將榮耀歸與主。
星期三
「同妻」是指同性戀者的妻子(同志的妻子)。據外國雜誌報導,中國同妻有1,600萬人之多。中國的同妻,不僅得不到性生活上的滿足,很多還遭受冷落、漠視和家庭暴力。讓我們為許多婚姻不幸福,沒有喜樂的妻子們禱告。求主激勵姐妹成為強有力的見證,將耶穌帶給許多有「不可告人的羞恥」或「丈夫不 忠」的婦女。因我們深知神是聽「寡婦」禱告的神。
星期四
南方大城深圳、東筦的許多工廠中,基督徒老闆們揖開福音之門。允許、鼓勵傳福音,許多工人因此認識神。許多嘗試到中國碰運氣的商人,在當地認識了耶穌。更有一批批海外華人基督徒企業家,以福音使命為己任,事業為輔體,在中國各地為神工作。讓我們在禱告中求神保守並賜福在工廠裏福音工作。
星期五
部分中國教會領袖缺乏成熟的屬靈素質和領導才能。神使用人各種人,但能力不足,卻缺乏謙卑和成熟度的領袖,往往會為教會帶來傷害。許多看起來優秀又願意服事的人,一旦領導大權在握,就驕傲自私起來。我們求主保守在這類肢體帶領下的教會信徒。我們相信神所愛的祂必管教,求神的杖臨到這些同工,領他們脫離這樣的光景。同時我們自己更需要在神面前時刻自我警惕,因驕傲能蒙蔽你我中任何人。
星期六
2009年度中國出國留學和回國人數均呈明顯增長。出國留學近23萬人,同比增長超過27%,其中九成為自費出國者;而留學回國總人數近11萬,同比增長超過56%,八 成以上為自費出國者。許多在海外信主的學人回國後,也持續參與學生事工。求主使用這些專業人士,讓他們的信心如黑暗中的明燈,成為教會日益重視和推動城市福音工作時的祝福。
星期日
七十年代起,中國實行計劃生育政策,迄今三十多年。雖有效控制人口增長,但也導致「獨子養老」的情況。新家庭結構是「421」模式(四個老人,夫妻二人,一個孩子),一名年輕人要負擔起兩位父母輩,四位祖輩的養老重任,難度極大。我們為需照顧年邁親人的信徒禱告,也求主在服侍時賜下更多的體貼、忍耐和溫柔。當按神的心意孝敬父母時,神必賜福,在未信的人中間也有美好的見證。
星期一
現今中國許多大城市裡,獨生子女正面對父母的養老問題。他們無暇也無力照顧好老人,不僅有「養不起小孩」的憂慮,還面對「養不起父母」的危機。 我們為家中既有年邁父母又有年幼子女的弟兄姊妹禱告,求神賜喜樂的心和智慧去照顧自己的至親。也願主賜他們力量,常有神的話為生活的動力,能在家中活出神的愛。

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Prayer Request 6/22 - 6/28

Tuesday
The game of soccer in China is in a state of shambles. Professional soccer is rife with corruption at all levels. To rebuild from scratch, the government has decided to send five hundred promising young players to Europe to receive rigorous training during the next five years. Chinese people tend to do well in individual events but poorly in team events. May the Lord give us humility as believers to serve together in teams in the church. We pray, too, for God's comfort for those who have left churches because they were hurt and unable to serve there.
Wednesday
The number of people over sixty in China has now reached 167.14 million which is an increase of almost 5% over last year. As people are growing older, the need for care centers and welfare agencies for the elderly is quickly growing. At present there are 40,250 social welfare companies and 38,060 elder-care agencies. Although there are more young people in church now than before, most churches still have a large number of elderly believers. We pray for them that the Lord will give them good health, a close walk with the Lord and a powerful witness to their family members. We remember those who depend on others to care for their daily needs. We trust God to be with them at all times as we know He is.
Thursday
In recent months the most popular TV programs in China have been those about dating which feature good-looking young men and women who have heated arguments on social issues. The government, however, has banned "fake participants, morally provoking hosts and hostesses, and sex-implied comments" in these reality shows. It is difficult for parents who are believers to teach their child about marrying a believer when there are few young Christians in their churches. We pray for all Christian parents as they are concerned about the marriage partner of their only child. May the Lord grant them great faith as they pray for their future son- or daughter-in-law.
Friday
In recent years in China there has been a steady increase in divorces at about 7.65% a year and in 2009, 2.468 million couples filed for divorce. In that same year 12.122 million couples got married, an increase of 10.4% over 2008 so we see that for every five couples who got married, one couple filed for divorce. In the churches we also see a growing trend toward divorce. Chinese people put great emphasis on family values and often churches feel awkward or do not know how to minister to those who are divorced. We pray that more believers will feel called to care for those who have experienced failure in marriage and help them know the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
Saturday
According to a national report, those who are older than forty accounted for more than twelve percent of the total newlyweds in China in 2009. This figure is up nearly two percent from 2008. Most of these people had been married previously so experts say it shows that the Chinese people are becoming more open about re-marriage. Most pastors in China find it more difficult now to preach on divorce and re-marriage than in the past. Most churches have few resources to help those who are divorced or single parents or to provide premarital counseling to those who wish to re-marry. Let us remember all those who are divorced. We pray that they will walk closely with Jesus, know God's will and find comfort and support from God and His people.
Sunday
The Chinese government cracked down on popular TV dating programs because, although many people watch them, they have a negative influence on marriages. They ruled that the comment of one contestant, "I would rather cry in a BMW than smile on a bike" be deleted from the program. Let us pray for all young believers who are waiting for the person God has chosen for them. May the Lord give them patience, faith in God and the desire to stay pure knowing that He will not fail them. We also lift up their Christian parents who worry that their children will marry someone poor and not be able to enjoy life.
Monday
In China they say, "Those who have a license practice medicine and those who don't have a license sell health care products". A lack of supervision and enforcement of the law allows many charlatans to profit greatly from selling "secret and special health-promoting products." Unfortunately it is also common to find false teachers who preach a "different gospel" which promises material wealth and health to anyone who will believe in Jesus. We pray that the Lord will bring these lost sheep back to the true faith and blessing of Jesus Christ.

星期二
中國計劃未來5年將派500名青少年往歐洲頂級足球俱樂部培訓,望能與其他足球強國看齊。過去中國足球在職業聯賽上急功近利、惡炒教練,吹黑哨、打假球等問題屢見不鮮。中國在運動比賽上,常是個人項目得牌,少有在團隊上獲獎。求主幫助我們在教會中也能學習謙卑,看別人比自己強,在團隊中放下自己來彼此配搭服事。也求主安慰並剛強因意見不合受傷,甚至離開教會的肢體。
星期三
今年中國六十歲以上人口達 16,714萬人,比去年增加約百分之五,而全國僅有38,060間老人護理中心,40,250間社會福利機構。隨著人口老化,這些機構的需求日益增加。近年中國教會年輕信徒雖增長不少,但很多教會仍以年長信徒為主。願主賜他們健康身體,與主有親密的關係,並在家人面前有美好的見證。我們也記念仰賴別人照顧生活起居的肢體,求主賜他們恒久忍耐的心,主一路眷顧。
星期四
婚戀交友類節目近來成了中國最受歡迎的電視節目。以年輕俊男美女為主角,並讓觀眾對相關社會議題展開激烈辯論。政府已採取措施,禁止節目中採用假觀眾、或參與者對人進行羞辱或人身攻擊,甚至討論低俗涉性內容。當教會中缺乏適婚的年輕肢體,家長也難於要求子女堅持只與基督徒結婚。當基督徒父母為獨生子女終身大事憂心時,求主賜他們巨大信心,等候主所預備的愛主的女婿或媳婦。
星期五
去年中國有246.8萬對夫妻離婚。全國辦理結婚登記有1212.2萬對,增長10.4%。近五年離婚人數逐年上升,平均增幅為7.65%。在中國約每5對新人結婚,就有1對離婚。雖然中國人重視家庭,但在教會裡離婚的人數也在上升。教會往往不知該如何幫助那些失婚的信徒。讓我們求神裝備更多信徒來關顧那些經歷婚姻失敗的人,幫助他們經歷耶穌基督那無條件的愛。
星期六
根據統計數字,2009 40歲以上結婚者佔國民結婚總數12%,比去年增加2%,當中絕大多數是「再婚」。 這顯示中國人的婚姻觀念已有重大轉變。中國傳道人很難在講臺談論離婚、再婚等題目,大多數教會也缺乏資源去幫助那些離婚或單親父母,及提供欲再婚人士婚前輔導。讓我們以禱告記念失婚的弟兄姐妹,願他們能與主親密同行並明白神的旨意,從神和祂的子民中獲得安慰與扶持。
星期日
中國相親的電視節目,遭政府下令管制。最近一位參賽者的言論:「寧可在BMW車上哭,也不要在自行車後笑」,明顯的拜金主義橫行,引發社會的撻伐。這也反映出現世代個人內心價值的混亂。我們為年輕待婚的信徒禱告,求神賜他們純全的心智等待主為他們預備最美好的伴侶。也幫助他們的信主父母們卸下擔心孩子娶嫁窮人會一生不幸福的憂慮,全然信賴神最美好的帶領。
星期一
「有照行醫,無照養生」。讓中國許多沒受過醫療專業訓練的「養生專家」有機可乘之。養生健保等領域成為沒人監管、無牌照者最好賺錢的真空地帶。近年來教會也出現不少假教師,散播「另類的福音」,叫人以為信耶穌必能富裕成功,病得醫治。求主憐憫這些迷羊,帶領他們回歸到基督耶穌十字架的真理上。

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Prayer Request 6/15 - 6/21

Tuesday
In 2009 Beijing boasted a personal GDP exceeding $10,000 US and had four million personally owned autos to be the biggest car market in China. However, now the traffic congestion there is the worse than that of any other place in China with an average drive of fifty-two minutes to get to work--far more than Guangzhou or Shenzhen. More and more people drive to church these days so finding a parking spot is a big issue for both the believers and the churches that want to grow and accommodate those who live far away. Let us pray for the ministry and growth of those churches that have little parking space, especially the house churches that meet in residential buildings.
Wednesday
The average starting wage for Chinese factory workers skyrocketed in June, following some well-publicized companies have increased their base salaries twenty percent to $300. US. In other provinces, including Beijing, a similar increase has raised minimal wages to 140.US (960 RMB) Asking for a raise is always a touchy issue for thsoe who serve in the church. We pray that believers will be fair and care for those who serve God. We also pray that church workers will not be swayed and distracted by the new that salaries in the factories and that they will know that God and their church will take good care of them and their families.
Thursday
In China, many of the marriages in the villages are arranged. Couples get married and then hurriedly rush to work in different cities with little nurturing of the relationship. This arrangement leaves much room for misunderstandings and unfortunately a high percentage of these marriages end in divorce. Even among believers there is often a lack of taking time to build a good relationship before marriage followed by bickering after the event. There is virtually no premarital or family counseling in the vast majority of churches. Let us pray for God's grace and mercy for all of the "incompatible" couples. It is only the Spirit of God Who can make the husband and wife compatible and truly become one flesh.
Friday
Many say that Chinese young people today lack a spirit of acceptance and patience. After they get married the "honeymoon" is often short and conflicts quickly flare up because of the difference in their personalities. Minor household matters often lead to arguments and even fist fights. This problem often causes couples to drift apart and the frequent arguments seem to doom the marriage. Young Christian couples can benefit greatly from older and more mature couples in the churches. We pray there are some couples who can reach out and mentor these young people and model the Biblical role of both husband and wife. Often even the pastor's marriage is strained because of the demands of ministry so we remember the marital relationship of the shepherds, too.
Saturday
It is commonly thought that most Chinese men once they reach middle age and are enjoying a successful career will succumb to extra-marital affairs and wreck their marriages, especially those businessmen or officials who often entertain for business reasons. In terms of morality or good example, there is little to help men stay true to their marriage. May the Lord help each of us, especially Christian brothers, to know how to "avoid the temptation of the affair". We pray for guarding of hearts for all male believers. May the Holy Spirit remind us that our bodies are His holy vessels and help us to guard our heart and minds with thanksgiving, contentment, and godliness.
Sunday
It is estimated that twenty-six million Chinese suffer from depression and that ten to fifteen percent of them have attempted suicide. Officially, 287,000 Chinese die of suicide yearly and two million more attempt suicide. It is still a taboo and embarrassment for one to admit that he or she has depression. As Christians we believe that God answers our prayers for healing but most churches lack the expertise to help those who are suffering from symptoms of depression. Let us remember all who suffer from this problem as well as their family members. May the Lord give us each a tender and compassionate heart.
Monday
In China the majority of the high officials on the provincial level are people who were born after 1950 and many of them have advanced or even doctorate degrees. It can be said that the leadership of the Communist Party's core members are now those who are in their mid-fifties. Although there are still some older pastors in the churches in China, we do see more younger ones now (those in their 50's and 60's). We lift them up in our prayers and ask the Lord to give them physical strength, insights into His word and a desire to live a godly life, as well as boldness and a vision for their church.

星期二
2009年北京人均總收入(GDP) 突破一萬美元,汽車也超過四百萬輛,是中國最大的汽車消費市場。在北京繁忙時間開車上下班,平均單程要五十二分鐘,遠遠超過廣州、上海和深圳,是中國交通最堵塞的城市。越來越多弟兄姊妹開車上教會,卻不易找到車位,對於偏遠的肢體更是一大難題。我們為有停車問題的教會其事工與拓展代禱,特別是那些大樓內的聚會場所。
星期三
中國各地企業六月掀起加薪風潮,數家位於深圳的知名企業調薪超過20%,可達月薪三百美元的水平,其他省份如北京亦上調最低月薪達960 民幣(折合140 元。) 教會同工對於薪水調整總是難以啟齒,求主賜教會和信徒有一顆加倍敬重和關愛神僕人的心。也禱告教會牧者同工不因外面工資提高而動搖及分心,深信神必充足供應祂的僕人及其家人的需要。
星期四
許多農村青年經「媒妁之言」搓合的婚姻,往往雙方見過幾次面就步入婚姻,然後匆匆回到各自工作的城市。夫妻間缺乏溝通了解,也缺乏細心經營的婚姻生活,常醞釀出許多誤解和沖突,離婚率非常高。許多信徒的家庭也是婚前缺乏了解,感情基礎薄弱,婚後導致夫妻不合。中國教會鮮有能提供信徒婚前和家庭輔導。求主憐憫所有婚姻有難處的家庭,求聖靈動工使夫妻能真心相愛,竭力追求合一。
星期五
這一代中國青年被認為缺乏寬容和耐心。婚後蜜月期結束很快,因性格差異而產生的衝突隨之而來,家庭瑣事也能引發劇烈爭執,甚至大打出手,爭吵次數增多,夫妻感情也趨向破滅。教會裡年輕夫婦多能受益於年長較成熟的夫婦的家庭見證和分享,求主感動更多敬虔夫婦願意出來輔導幫助年輕夫妻。今天連傳道人的婚姻也常因大量的事工忙碌而緊張告急,我們也要在禱中為牧者的婚姻守望。
星期六
中國人一般認為,男人到了中年,事業有成容易禁不住誘惑而使婚姻陷入危機。尤其是做生意、有地位的,或常需要出門處理業務、交際應酬的。當今社會風氣,實在缺乏道德的提醒,及好榜樣幫助丈夫們在婚姻上持守忠誠。求主憐憫我們不忘自己是聖潔屬神的,常存感恩,知足與敬畏的心。尤其保守弟兄們在面對外遇試探時,都能倚靠上帝,謹慎、有智慧地預防及化解危機,歸正生活。
星期日
全中國患抑鬱症者超過2,600萬人,其中 10%-15%選擇自殺。據官方資料,每年有28.7萬人死自殺,有200萬人自殺未遂。 在中國,個人是不會公開承認自己患有抑鬱症,且是個尷尬話題。 雖然目前絕大多數的教會仍缺乏實際幫助預防或治療抑鬱症的專業知識和支援,但神垂聽每一個求醫治的禱告。 讓我們在禱告中記念患抑鬱症者及照顧他們的家人。也賜弟兄姊妹溫柔、敏銳和同情的心,關懷周遭肢體的需要。
星期一
中國新官有三個特色︰年輕化、高學歷、經歷豐富。「50後」已成省級高官中堅,不少官員都有專業,甚至擁有博士學位。在各階層,年齡50多歲的黨書記也正是在他們的輝煌時期。中國教會雖仍有一些年老牧師服事,但更多較年輕一代(出生于50年代和60年代)正在服事。求主賜他們充沛體力,時時從神的話語中得著亮光,追求聖潔生活,也為教會帶來勇氣和天國的異象與使命。

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Prayer Request 6/8 - 6/14

Tuesday
Recently there has been a spate of random attacks on school children in China that were perpetrated by deranged individuals bend on retaliation against society. Hundreds of parents have lost their children. While the Public Safety officials have insisted that the police will deal harshly with these criminals, parents are still unnerved. Parents in China literally "worry to death" fearing their only child will lag behind in kindergarten and not get good enough grades to make it into college. Parents constantly worry about not having enough money for their children's education. We pray the Lord to remind all believing parents that if they are willing to let God use their child, the child is safely in God's hands.
Wednesday
In response to a series of tragic attacks on school children, a Chinese leader said, "In addition to taking strong security measures, we need to note and solve the root causes of these problems, including how to deal with social conflicts, resolving disputes, strengthening the function of mediation at the grass-roots role level..." There are many major problems in China's society. We pray that believers will not simply blame others, society, or political institutions but rather have great faith to continue praying that the nation will find the salvation of Jesus Christ. We have confidence that believers can "overcome evil with good". (Romans 12:21)
Thursday
Regarding the recent spate of suicides in China, the commonly given explanation is that these are young people who were born after 1980 or 1990. They lack experience and patience. They are weak psychologically and emotionally unable to handle changes in their circumstances and the pressure of work. The death of every one of these young people literally breaks the dream of three families (two sets of grandparents and their own parents). Let us remember all believing grandparents whose grandchild is no longer attending church. We pray that they will continue to share Jesus with their young ones. We know that God does hear prayers and believe He will bring these grandchildren in to the fold.
Friday
World Bank reports, 5% of the United States population controls 60% of her wealth, while in China, 1% of households control 41.4% of the wealth of the country. Concentration of wealth in China far exceeded even the United States, and in terms of concentration of wealth, China is world's most polarized country. Many Chinese believers feel that even though God has blessed them, but God has given much more to others and therefore it is not their responsibility to offer. We pray that we will all come to believe strongly that God has blessed us not only abundantly but His grace is so amazing and it is only right that we give to Him because this pleases Him.
Saturday
A well-known Chinese saying is: "The honorable man seeks righteousness while the man who cares only about profit is disgraced." The Chinese sense of righteousness implies one's duty to take revenge. To get vengeance is the only honorable thing for a Chinese man to do. Such a deep-rooted world view leaves little room for Chinese believers to understand Jesus' teaching that we are to love our enemies. Chinese believers will not speak of how they feel and when they are hurt in the church, they either leave or choose to be on the sidelines and do nothing. Let us pray for our own need to genuinely forgive others and to be forgiven by others, especially those in the church.
Sunday
A recent survey says that more than half of the people in Taiwan do not want to abolish the death penalty. Nearly three-fourths of those surveyed do not feel safe and are not satisfied with the efforts of the police. Half of them worry that they or their family members might become victims of crime. Christians are also divided in their opinion about whether there should be a death penalty or not but few churches or even Christians want to have anything to do with prison inmates. We pray for those who are involved in reaching out to and visiting people in prison or their families. We also pray for chaplains serving in prisons.
Monday
Drugs on college campuses is increasing in both China and Taiwan. In Taiwan the school must report any incidences of drug use by students but most schools tend not to report all of them. It is very common now that many students have tried drugs and after using them three or four times are addicted to them. In Taiwan there are campus ministries in most of the high schools in the cities. Although the number of students they reach is small, they still provide a positive social network to keep students from trying drugs. We pray for wisdom and a good testimony for those who are reaching out to the high school students.

星期二
最近數個中國城市發生一連串狂人報復社會隨機攻擊學童案件。數百位父母因此失去孩子。雖然公安官員要在政策上嚴厲對付「犯罪份子」,但為父為母的仍不免提心吊膽。事實上,中國父母真是為孩子「擔心得要死」。他們擔心獨生子女在學校落後別人,沒好成績進不了好大學;也擔心沒足夠的錢供孩子好的教育。求主再次提醒基督徒父母,願意讓神使用自己的孩子,確信孩子交託給神是十分安全穩妥。
星期三
中國領導人回應一系列攻擊學童悲慘事件時表示:「除採取強力安全措施外,還需注意並解決問題的根源,包括如何處理社會矛盾,解決爭端,加強調解職能在基層的作用」。中國社會確實存有許多重大問題,讓我們禱告主幫助信徒不是僅歸罪於他人、社會或政治體制,而是以信心繼續為中國社會和國家廹切需要耶穌基督的救恩恒切禱告。我們深信靠著主,基督徒們能做到「以善勝惡」。(羅馬書 12:21)。
星期四
政府和大眾對最近連串發生的年輕人自殺事件,大多評論:「這些『80後』和『90後』的年輕人,涉世不深又未經磨煉,心理素質比較脆弱,對情感糾紛、環境變化,工作和生活的壓力均無足夠的調節能力」。每一個死亡數字都代表至少兩個家庭(父母及祖父母)的希望破碎!我們以禱告記念有兒女或孫子女遠離神的信徒,求主幫助他們持續不灰心 為這些親人禱告,堅信神不願一人沉淪,必會垂聽我們為每個子孫的呼求。
星期五
據世界銀行報告:5%的美國人掌控全60%的財富;而中國則是1%的家庭掌握了全國財富的41.4%。中國財富集中度不但遠遠高過美國,更是全球貧富兩極化最嚴重的國家。不少人認為自己雖蒙神祝福,但神卻給其他人更多,所以奉獻金錢是富有信徒的責任,不是自己的。求主校正我們的眼光,萬物原屬於神,我們只是按本份將神的物獻回給祂,瞭解奉獻真正的意義。
星期六
「君子喻於義,小人喻於利」,其中「義」字也另解為「討回公道」,所以報仇是正義行為,是男子漢的美德。這深植中國人心的思維,使信徒很難明白耶穌要我們愛仇敵的真義。中國信徒就算在教會受到傷害,一般也不擅於公開表白內心感受。要不靠邊站甚麼都不幹,要不就選擇暗自離開教會。求神幫助我們能真心饒恕傷害自己的人,過犯也 能夠蒙別人饒恕,尤其在教會大家庭裡的人。
星期日
據最近一項調查,超過半數臺灣民眾不希望廢除死刑。有七成半的受訪者認為去年台灣治安狀況差強人意,七成二的人不滿意政府在治安方面的表現,五成四的人更擔心自己或家人會成為罪案的受害者。對於應否執行死刑,基督徒的觀點和看法也不一致。一向只有少數教會或基督徒願意參與監獄事工。求主使更多弟兄姊妹有異象去關懷這個特殊群體的需要。我們亦為現正默默向犯人 傳福音、關心犯人家屬的肢體禱告,願神賜下力量和智慧給他們,為主得著這批被唾棄的人。
星期一
無論在台灣或中國,近年校園吸毒人數都有上升的趨勢,很多年輕 人只吸食三、四次就終身成癮。在台灣,按例校方若發現有學生吸毒的案子,必須呈報教育部,然而一般學校都不願執行,實際上存在不少校園吸毒的黑數。台灣的高中校園團契事工,雖接觸的學生有限,但能發揮幫助學生,向學生宣導不吸毒提供一正面的支援網絡。求主賜弟兄姊妹智慧和生命的見證,讓學生看見主愛恩典的湧流。

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Prayer Request 6/1 - 6/7

Tuesday
A string of suicides of employees in a well-known mega company grabbed headlines in China. This company is no "sweat shop" operation but boasts of one of the best employee-benefit programs. However, hundreds of thousands of young workers live in an isolated urban "factory island" and work overtime, spending their few hours of free time in internet cafe, basketball courts, living a totally monotonous daily routine. We praise the Lord that people are expending much effort to reach the workers in these large urban factories. Some are from Christian families but have not attended church for a long time. We pray that more Christians and churches will reach out to this unique group of young laborers. We pray, too, that the Holy Spirit will turn the hearts of these straying sheep back to the Chief Shepherd.
Wednesday
There is a shortage of factory workers in China, especially in the coastal provinces. Many factories must raise their salaries in order to compete for the dwindling pool of young workers. Large factories offer bigger salaries. They also afford regular payment of the salaries, good benefits, overtime bonuses, and free housing which all provide an obviously distinct advantage in attracting workers. For the same reasons younger church workers desire to serve in urban churches where there are more people who are also better educated and more affluent. The smaller and rural churches have great difficulty attracting shepherds. We know that serving God's people is a calling rather than mere employment and we pray that the need for workers among the smaller and less affluent churches will be met.
Thursday
As society has changed and the churches in China are much more diverse than in the past, many pastors fail to grasp the changes and still preach in ways that are not in sync with the real world. Many of the college-educated believers feel these sermons are not applicable or irrelevant, especially those on issues related to sex (divorce, co-habitation) morals, and work ethics. Many pastors feel inadequate when it comes to discussing issues they themselves do not understand so preaching becomes more or less the same every time and is detached from the daily lives of the people. We pray for powerful, fearless, and life-transforming preaching in every church which is not only Biblical but also applicable to the lives of the people.
Friday
Historically, the Chinese People's Liberation Army attracted many intellectuals to join its ranks back in its early days, at the beginning of the Republic, and in 1980. College graduates joining the military was, however, unheard of before. Today the minimal education for Chinese soldiers is a high school diploma. There are many faithful young people who have given their lives to God's work with a mere junior high education. Today we pray that more college graduates would answer God's call to serve as well as for wisdom for those who feel intimidated or inferior in sharing their faith because they have little education besides Bible training.
Saturday
In 2009 more than 100,000 college graduates joined the Chinese army whereas back in 2001 the number of college grads who joined the army was 2000. This is a 60-fold change in the past decade and it gives the Chinese military a substantial transformation in the quality of its recruits and the command chain. We earnestly pray that the Spirit of God will move mightily in calling college graduates to be trained as preachers for the Chinese churches. Parents in China are unwilling to let their only child become "poor" church workers and "waste" their investment on the child. May the Lord change the hearts of Christian parents who have a son or daughter who wants to serve the Lord in His harvest field.
Sunday
With the improving economy, 2010 college graduates in China can expect an average starting salary equal to that of 2008 (2036 yuan monthly). The beginning salary is much higher in Beijing and one with a PhD degree makes it twice as much as that of a college graduate. Let us pray especially for the young believers who are graduating from colleges this year that they will continue to walk closely with God and stay connected with local churches. Many Christian graduates are lost to follow-up and become so busy with their work, social life, and payments on an apartment that they feel they don't have time to go to church.
Monday
The term "city floaters" refers to college graduates who do not have office jobs and live in low-rent housing with no respect or possibility of advancement. They are often asked, "Why does a college grad do this kind of work?" followed by, "What a waste!" They also feel guilty that they are not able to support their parents financially after their parents spent so much on their college education. Being able to financially support parents is universally expected of Chinese children. We pray for parents who are believers and have children who have not turned out as they expected. May the Lord grant us the unconditional love of the Father and help us continue to pray for our children knowing God has a wonderful purpose for each one of them.

星期二
一家大型外資公司近日發生一連串員工墮樓悲劇,引起中國社會廣泛關注。該公司擁有七十萬員工,廠房猶如一個小巿鎮。員工在這「城市孤島」每天要工作十多小時,幾無休息時間,工餘只能到網吧、籃球場調劑一下,生活單調枯燥。感謝讚美主,有不 少信徒與教會正回應此族群的福音需要。求主感動更多信徒願意接觸這群 廣大的年輕勞工,也求神把一些原為基督教家庭的迷失小羊們,領回大牧者的羊圈。
星期三
近來中國的企業面臨 工人荒,沿海省份的情況尤其嚴重,許多工廠必須提高薪金來吸引第二代的民工。大型公司能提供穩定且優厚的薪酬,更有福利和加班獎金,工人也尋找更好待遇的工作。年輕的教會同工也期望到城市服事,因會友多,教育程度高,教會的經濟條件亦好;事奉神是一個呼召,並非一份職業,讓我們為小型和資源缺乏的教會禱告,求主引領忠心又謙卑的僕人來牧養祂的羊群。
星期四
社會變化急速,中國信徒的背景也越來越多元化。許多牧者趕不上時代變遷,也避免討論自己所不理解或不能接納的課題,講道常與現實脫節。很多高學歷信徒認為講臺信息不切實際亦不適用,特別是涉及性(如離婚,同居)、倫理和工作道德。我們禱告主,讓每一所教會都能勇敢忠心地傳講出神要這世代聽見的真理信息,使人心受警誡,更能將聖經原則在生活中實際應用操練,改變生命。
星期五
回顧中國歷史,早期共和國啟始時和1980年代,人民解放軍曾吸引許多知識分子参與,但當時尚無大學畢業生加入。而今中國軍人的最低教育門檻是高中畢業,然許多忠心委身做主工的年輕信徒,卻只有國中畢業而已。我們禱告有更多大學畢業生願意回應神的呼召出來服事,也求神賜智慧與膽量給擔心自己除聖經外沒受過多少教育,羞怯於與人分享信仰的肢體。
星期六
2009年,超過十萬名中國大學畢業生攜筆從戎、入伍當兵,而2001年僅只有兩千人,九年來擴大近60倍。大學生入伍為部隊建設帶來根本性變化。我們為未來中國大學生獻身福音運動代禱,有更多知識分子在教會事奉傳道。許多中國父母覺得,把錢投資在教育不是要孩子「浪費」去當窮傳道的。求神改變這些信徒父母的價值觀,樂意他們的孩子為主使用,成為主禾場裡的忠僕。
星期日
調查顯示中國經濟開始穩定回升,今年各企業已將起薪點回升至2008 年的水平。預計博士應屆畢業生平均月起薪為4325元,大學畢業生每月為2036元,北京的將達到2815元。我們為即將大學畢業的年輕信徒禱告,許多人畢業後,忙於事業、社交,煩惱房屋貸款,終而犧牲教會聚會。求主保守他們無論何往,都能緊緊跟隨主,不停止教會聚會,且點燃他們追求成長的心。
星期一
「城漂」大學生,畢業後滯留城市,無固定工作,居無定所,像無根的「浮萍」在城市中「漂」著。他們常被問道:「大學畢業怎麼做這個……這不是浪費嗎?」 其實他們亦因無法報答父母而內疚痛苦。華人子女常被期待長大後要奉養父母。當孩子達不到預期,父母除擔心晚年無依外,更憂心孩子的未來。求主記念這些信徒父母們,能以天父對我們無條件的愛,不住為孩子禱告,使每個孩子能明白神在他們一生的美好旨意。