Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Prayer Request 9/28 - 10/4

Tuesday
Last year sixty-four percent of the counterfeit goods caught in the European Union came from China. In the past this was fake luxury goods but now products like shampoo, tooth paste, toys, and other things that are used daily are counterfeit and pose serious health risks. False teaching and cults present risks for great spiritual harm for Chinese believers, especially those who are not well-educated. Let us pray for those who have been led astray. May the Lord have mercy and rescue them from the spiritual and psychological bondage they face and help them to return to the true body of Christ.
Wednesday
It is explicitly forbidden that the uniforms of members of the Chinese Liberation Army be used or worn commercially yet some companies copy them and decorate them with their own logos. Even those in the sex business wear army uniforms as a way to attract their customers. There are many false teachers in the churches (especially those who practice the occult) who call themselves prophets, disciples, or even siblings of Jesus Christ. Many weak and undiscerning believers are led astray by them. We pray that believers can discern what is right and not be fooled. We pray for more right teaching in the churches, especially those that are weak.
Thursday
Recently several high-profile corruption cases have involved high officials in China as well as imminent judges in Taiwan. Since it shatters people's faith when judges are involved in crime and are corrupt, the Taiwan government vowed to have an independent commission akin to that in Hong Kong and Singapore investigate internal corruption. Christians and leaders alike are tempted by greed. The rational that "the church is paying for it and I deserve it" is very common in China. May the Lord be merciful to His church guarding the hearts and motives of all who are in a position of leadership.
Friday
Many experts have pointed out the severe imbalance of the sexes in China. By 2020 it is estimated that young marriageable males will outnumber females by thirty to forty million. This will mean that one in five males will be unable to find a spouse, leaving tens of millions of them unable to have families. There is always a tension about whether a Christian woman should marry an unbeliever. We know it is a difficult question to face and there is a tremendous pressure from their families to get married quickly. We pray along with those who wait upon the Lord, for faith to trust God to prepare His choice of a spouse for them.
Saturday
The All-China Women's Federation is the largest women's NGO in China and has become the major vehicle for the promotion of feminism in China. It was established in 1949 as an arm of the Communist Party and led by wives of various party leaders. In the past, it has been involved in helping settle family disputes and even introducing couples for marriage. In the Open Churches there are also organizations for women believers. Let us pray for all who lead the women's ministries in churches. May the Lord use them to build up all the sisters and reach out to help those who are single parents as well as those who are struggling in their marriage.
Sunday
While many Chinese women stay single until they are in their late 20's or early 30's, there is a lot of family and social pressure for these women to marry earlier. In a recent official meeting there was a suggestion to let girls start school at the age of five so they would have more time to find a suitable mate. We remember again those whether male or female, who pray and wait for God to prepare a spouse for them who is a believer. May the Lord give them patience and assurance knowing that He will not fail them. We remember, too, their spiritual walk. May the Lord give them joy in growing in His Word, serving and enriching their lives with godly pursuits.
Monday
In Zhejiang there is a special place called Yiwu which has tremendous economic clout in China because a majority of the small goods exported each year go through there. More than ten thousand foreign merchants live there year-around. Another name for Yiwu is "China's most powerful country." Let us pray for all the believers who are involved in trades and especially those who are in the export business. Usually they have more life experience, financial clout, and managerial ability than others in the church so they can be a great help to any church. We pray that they will be faithful to serve God's people with humility and gladness with what the Lord has entrusted to them.


星期二
去年在27個歐盟成員國檢獲的冒牌貨之中,64%來自中國,較前年增加10%。過去,被仿冒的大多是一些奢侈品,但如今愈來愈多的假冒偽劣洗髮水、牙膏、玩具和其他日用品,對消費者健康構成威脅。假教師,異端邪教嚴重的吞噬中國教會的羊群,尤其是那些沒受太高教育的信徒。讓我們為那些被惡者擄掠的禱告,求主憐憫拯救他們,速速脫離靈魂與心靈的捆綁,引領他們回到基督裡。
星期三
中國政府明令民間企業不得非法穿解放軍制服。有些企業把軍服貼上企業標誌後,便當作工作服,乍看下還以為是軍人,甚至色情業者也穿軍服陪酒。異端之中,有許多聲稱是先知、使徒,甚至基督的兄弟姐妹等,竟也有人相信跟隨。許多在信仰上軟弱或認識不深的信徒常被誘入歧途。求主賜信徒在屬靈上有分辨能力,不被欺騙。更求主差派更多教師去服事貧窮軟弱的教會,使正確的真理教導扎根深厚。
星期四
近來,海峽兩岸都有高官貪污判決死刑及高階法官受賄被捕的消息。臺灣要仿效香港或新加坡設立廉政署,在檢察官的指揮下與調查局、特偵組各司其職,不會造成職務重疊。教會領袖和眾信徒都同樣會面對貪婪的試探。而最常用的自圓其說是:「這是教會補貼,是我應該得的。」求主憐憫教會,保守所有信徒—特別是鑒察教會領袖的心思意念及動機,凡事都能走在神聖潔的光明正道上。
星期五
不少媒體稱,中國男女比例嚴重失衡,到2020年,適婚男性人數將比女性多出3千萬到4千萬,意味著平均五個男性中將有一個找不到配偶,即有數千萬的男子無妻可娶。教會的基督徒姐妹常面對該不該嫁非信徒的壓力,尤其面對家庭和各方的催婚壓力時,確實是個難題。我們為適婚年齡的弟兄姐妹們禱告,求主賜他們信心,並把握時間更好的裝備自己,忠心服事,等候神為他們所預備的配偶。
星期六
「婦聯」是中國很獨特的組織,成立之初其成員都是一些大媽級的人物。她們憑借在街坊中的影響力,幫助夫妻處理家庭糾紛和夫妻矛盾,同時也兼任紅娘。 在公開教會中,也有婦女聯誼的組織及委員會。讓我們為每間教會負責帶領婦女事工的信徒祈求,願主使用她們來建立所有的姐妹們,也能關懷那些單親的父、母親及婚姻不美滿和掙扎於家庭暴力中的姐妹。
星期日
30出頭還沒結婚對象的女生已被稱為 「剩女」。最近官方的討論會中有人提議,為給女研究生爭取寶貴時間,舒緩婚戀難題,可將現行女孩入學年齡由6周歲提前到5周歲。我們再次記念所有在禱告中等候神為他們預備主內伴侶的弟兄姐妹。求神賜他們耐心和確據來明白神的心意和帶領。也為他們的屬靈生活禱告,幫助他們在神的話語中得到滿足和喜樂,從服事和聖道的追求中得享更豐盛的生命。
星期一
中國的輕工小商品有很大一部分都是從浙江省的義烏銷往國外的,常駐義烏的外商就有一萬多名。因當地有極大的經濟影響力,義烏也被稱為「中國權力最大縣」。 讓我們為涉足貿易,特別是出口生意的信徒們禱告。他們當中有許多人更具人生歷練,經濟影響力,及管理才能,能給教會帶來許多的助益。求主保守他們,能夠以神所賜的恩典,謙卑而忠心地事主愛人。

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Prayer Request 9/21 - 9/27

Tuesday
Since their husbands have left home to find work, women head millions of rural families in China. They shoulder not only the agricultural duties, housework, raising and education of their children, but also care of the elders in the home. Very few men are found in the rural churches and the women there are very busy. We need to lift them in prayer that God will give them physical strength and spiritual vitality. We also remember church workers that they will be comforted and receive renewed strength.
Wednesday
Women in Chinese villages must play the part of both father and mother. She works in the field and also runs the house including the responsibility of raising the children all by herself. She will see her husband no more than once a year, if then. Let us remember our sisters in Christ in the rural churches. We pray for joy and a continuing faith in God. Raising children in a Christian home is difficult without the presence of a father. We pray for their diligent efforts and that God will listen to their prayers.
Thursday
Taiwan politicians love to seek advices through fortunetellers, this phenomenon is not unique to certain parties and dates back many decades. In a predominant Buddhist and Taoist society, even the presidents are known to frequent all religions and faith, and seek to gain advantage in personal and political career by engaging the soothsayer. No wonder people say that modern Chinese are just as superstitious as before. Let us pray that Jesus would be the personal savior for many more Chinese and we will seek to know His will in our lives and know the Scripture more. We too, pray for politicians who rule over us, may they have the fear of God and He alone.
Friday
It is said that China and Taiwan use different approaches to drug rehabilitation. China sees drug addicts as patients and Taiwan sees them as criminals. Drug addicts have a high rate of relapse. They find it hard to kick the habit and there are also many drug-related crimes. There are several Christian ministries for drug rehabilitation in Hong Kong, Taiwan and even in China who share Jesus Christ with the addicts. Let us pray for these ministries, the workers, and the patients to whom they minister. We also remember all the believers who have family members who are drug addicts.
Saturday
In term of number of colleges, Xian ranks third after Beijing and Shanghai. Xian has a high concentration of universities, and one out of every 6 Xian residents is a college graduate, that is considered the highest in entire China. We praise the Lord for many Bible study fellowships near colleges in China. For many students, the opportunity to learn English and learning about the Bible often go together. Let us pray for all those who are reaching out to college students, may the Lord bless them with many fruits, and leading many to Christ and even profession of faith in public by baptism.
Sunday
Extra-marital affairs cause 75% of the divorces among middle class couples in China. A report from Shanghai claims that 56% of the divorce cases lawyers handle there involve extra-marital affairs. Unfortunately, believers are not immune to this or other marital problems but few couples are able to find help from their churches. We pray for God's protection and that He will keep them from temptation and deceit. May the Lord guard our homes so the evil one will not destroy us.
Monday
Xian is the capital of the Shanxi province. It is one Chinese city known for its world-class heritages, like the Terracotta Warriors and Horse、, The Mausoleum of Huangdi, and of course, the Great Wall. In addition to being a city of culture and relics, it is also famous for its delicacies. Shanxi is a typical Chinese province where pastors in general are poor and much older. Churches often are not able to support their pastors in their retirement. Let us remember all the faithful servants of God throughout China, may they have joy and continuing close walk with the Master they served so faithfully all their lives.


星期二
現今上百萬的中國農村家庭,由於男人多前往城巿找工作,剩下女人當家,她們不僅農務、家務一肩挑,還要擔負養育孩子和服侍老人等重擔。農村教會普遍存在弟兄少、姐妹多的情況,姊妹們經常操勞過度,筋疲力盡。我們禱告主使她們凡事興盛、身體健壯,正如靈魂興盛一樣。我們也記念農村教會的所有同工,願神親自加添智慧、信心與能力,能時時靠主剛强,重新得力,滿有服事的喜樂。
星期三
農村男人大多前往外地工作,使留守家園的中國婦女都要身兼父職,既要在田里幹活又要教養孩子。往往要一年或更長的時間,她們才能與丈夫有短暫相聚的機會,過著猶如「牛郎織女」般的生活。讓我們為農村教會的姊妹們禱告,過沒有男性在家,獨力教養孩子,堅持基督化生活著實不易。願主隨時垂聽她們的禱告,親自加力,賜她們常存喜樂,對主滿有信心,教養出敬虔愛主的第二代。
星期四
台灣政壇各號大小人物都愛算命,不論哪個政黨幾十年來都是如此。連總統們為了自己的政途平坦,也是頻繁進出廟宇,堪稱縱橫佛、道教,基督教與喇嘛教,各路神佛都招呼週到,難怪人說現代中國人跟前人一樣迷信。讓我們繼續為更多中國人能認識耶穌的救恩來祈求,也求神使更多信徒能清楚聖經的教訓,更明白神在他們生命中的旨意。我們也為所有執政掌權者都能敬畏、尊崇獨一的真神來禱告。
星期五
中國在戒毒工作上與台灣所採行的方法大不同。中國當局將有毒癮者視為病人,而台灣則視其為罪犯。吸毒一旦成癮很難戒除,戒毒後的再犯率相當高,很多因毒品而衍生的犯罪行為也愈加嚴重。不論港台甚至在中國都有基督徒參與戒毒事工,藉著分享耶穌的救恩,不斷地幫助有毒癮者戒毒更生,重新站起來。求主保守並大大使用他們,也為正在接受幫助的吸毒者及家裡有吸毒上癮者的基督徒們禱告。
星期六
西安是重點高等院校最為集中的城市之一,其大學數量僅次於北京和上海。西安的人均受教水平較高,平均每6人中就有一人接受過大學本科以上教育,居全國領先地位。中國各地的高校附近都有查經班,我們為此感謝讚美主。許多學生參加查經班是想同時學習英語並了解聖經。求主親自紀念所有服事大學生的同工們和其工作的果效,藉著他們能讓更多大學生認識主,並接受洗禮,見證他們的信仰
星期日
婚外情是中國「頭號離婚殺手」!中產階級的離婚個案中,四分之三是由婚外情導致。上海的統計報告稱,律師接手的離婚案有56%因「婚外情」所引發。在中國信主的家庭中,可惜也有婚外情或其他婚姻問題的發生,但能在教會中找尋幫助的卻寥寥無幾。我們呼求主保守中國基督徒夫婦們的心懷意念,能彼此堅守忠貞,逃避誘惑和欺騙。我們也求神護衞信徒的家庭,免受惡者的破壞和攻擊。
星期一
陝西省會西安,擁有許多世界級文化遺產,如黃帝陵,秦始皇陵、兵馬俑及萬里長城等。西安的飲食文化洋溢著濃郁的西北風情,品嚐其風味小吃是遊西安的一大樂事。陝西也是典型的中國省份,其傳道人一般都較貧窮且高齡。當退休之後,教會不再支持他們,就生活得十分艱苦。讓我們紀念中國所有忠心服侍主的神僕們,求神使他們不單有喜樂的心,更靠主老當益壯,一生都親密與神同行,成為典範。

Prayer Request 9/21 - 9/27

Tuesday
Since their husbands have left home to find work, women head millions of rural families in China. They shoulder not only the agricultural duties, housework, raising and education of their children, but also care of the elders in the home. Very few men are found in the rural churches and the women there are very busy. We need to lift them in prayer that God will give them physical strength and spiritual vitality. We also remember church workers that they will be comforted and receive renewed strength.
Wednesday
Women in Chinese villages must play the part of both father and mother. She works in the field and also runs the house including the responsibility of raising the children all by herself. She will see her husband no more than once a year, if then. Let us remember our sisters in Christ in the rural churches. We pray for joy and a continuing faith in God. Raising children in a Christian home is difficult without the presence of a father. We pray for their diligent efforts and that God will listen to their prayers.
Thursday
Taiwan politicians love to seek advices through fortunetellers, this phenomenon is not unique to certain parties and dates back many decades. In a predominant Buddhist and Taoist society, even the presidents are known to frequent all religions and faith, and seek to gain advantage in personal and political career by engaging the soothsayer. No wonder people say that modern Chinese are just as superstitious as before. Let us pray that Jesus would be the personal savior for many more Chinese and we will seek to know His will in our lives and know the Scripture more. We too, pray for politicians who rule over us, may they have the fear of God and He alone.
Friday
It is said that China and Taiwan use different approaches to drug rehabilitation. China sees drug addicts as patients and Taiwan sees them as criminals. Drug addicts have a high rate of relapse. They find it hard to kick the habit and there are also many drug-related crimes. There are several Christian ministries for drug rehabilitation in Hong Kong, Taiwan and even in China who share Jesus Christ with the addicts. Let us pray for these ministries, the workers, and the patients to whom they minister. We also remember all the believers who have family members who are drug addicts.
Saturday
In term of number of colleges, Xian ranks third after Beijing and Shanghai. Xian has a high concentration of universities, and one out of every 6 Xian residents is a college graduate, that is considered the highest in entire China. We praise the Lord for many Bible study fellowships near colleges in China. For many students, the opportunity to learn English and learning about the Bible often go together. Let us pray for all those who are reaching out to college students, may the Lord bless them with many fruits, and leading many to Christ and even profession of faith in public by baptism.
Sunday
Extra-marital affairs cause 75% of the divorces among middle class couples in China. A report from Shanghai claims that 56% of the divorce cases lawyers handle there involve extra-marital affairs. Unfortunately, believers are not immune to this or other marital problems but few couples are able to find help from their churches. We pray for God's protection and that He will keep them from temptation and deceit. May the Lord guard our homes so the evil one will not destroy us.
Monday
Xian is the capital of the Shanxi province. It is one Chinese city known for its world-class heritages, like the Terracotta Warriors and Horse、, The Mausoleum of Huangdi, and of course, the Great Wall. In addition to being a city of culture and relics, it is also famous for its delicacies. Shanxi is a typical Chinese province where pastors in general are poor and much older. Churches often are not able to support their pastors in their retirement. Let us remember all the faithful servants of God throughout China, may they have joy and continuing close walk with the Master they served so faithfully all their lives.


星期二
現今上百萬的中國農村家庭,由於男人多前往城巿找工作,剩下女人當家,她們不僅農務、家務一肩挑,還要擔負養育孩子和服侍老人等重擔。農村教會普遍存在弟兄少、姐妹多的情況,姊妹們經常操勞過度,筋疲力盡。我們禱告主使她們凡事興盛、身體健壯,正如靈魂興盛一樣。我們也記念農村教會的所有同工,願神親自加添智慧、信心與能力,能時時靠主剛强,重新得力,滿有服事的喜樂。
星期三
農村男人大多前往外地工作,使留守家園的中國婦女都要身兼父職,既要在田里幹活又要教養孩子。往往要一年或更長的時間,她們才能與丈夫有短暫相聚的機會,過著猶如「牛郎織女」般的生活。讓我們為農村教會的姊妹們禱告,過沒有男性在家,獨力教養孩子,堅持基督化生活著實不易。願主隨時垂聽她們的禱告,親自加力,賜她們常存喜樂,對主滿有信心,教養出敬虔愛主的第二代。
星期四
台灣政壇各號大小人物都愛算命,不論哪個政黨幾十年來都是如此。連總統們為了自己的政途平坦,也是頻繁進出廟宇,堪稱縱橫佛、道教,基督教與喇嘛教,各路神佛都招呼週到,難怪人說現代中國人跟前人一樣迷信。讓我們繼續為更多中國人能認識耶穌的救恩來祈求,也求神使更多信徒能清楚聖經的教訓,更明白神在他們生命中的旨意。我們也為所有執政掌權者都能敬畏、尊崇獨一的真神來禱告。
星期五
中國在戒毒工作上與台灣所採行的方法大不同。中國當局將有毒癮者視為病人,而台灣則視其為罪犯。吸毒一旦成癮很難戒除,戒毒後的再犯率相當高,很多因毒品而衍生的犯罪行為也愈加嚴重。不論港台甚至在中國都有基督徒參與戒毒事工,藉著分享耶穌的救恩,不斷地幫助有毒癮者戒毒更生,重新站起來。求主保守並大大使用他們,也為正在接受幫助的吸毒者及家裡有吸毒上癮者的基督徒們禱告。
星期六
西安是重點高等院校最為集中的城市之一,其大學數量僅次於北京和上海。西安的人均受教水平較高,平均每6人中就有一人接受過大學本科以上教育,居全國領先地位。中國各地的高校附近都有查經班,我們為此感謝讚美主。許多學生參加查經班是想同時學習英語並了解聖經。求主親自紀念所有服事大學生的同工們和其工作的果效,藉著他們能讓更多大學生認識主,並接受洗禮,見證他們的信仰
星期日
婚外情是中國「頭號離婚殺手」!中產階級的離婚個案中,四分之三是由婚外情導致。上海的統計報告稱,律師接手的離婚案有56%因「婚外情」所引發。在中國信主的家庭中,可惜也有婚外情或其他婚姻問題的發生,但能在教會中找尋幫助的卻寥寥無幾。我們呼求主保守中國基督徒夫婦們的心懷意念,能彼此堅守忠貞,逃避誘惑和欺騙。我們也求神護衞信徒的家庭,免受惡者的破壞和攻擊。
星期一
陝西省會西安,擁有許多世界級文化遺產,如黃帝陵,秦始皇陵、兵馬俑及萬里長城等。西安的飲食文化洋溢著濃郁的西北風情,品嚐其風味小吃是遊西安的一大樂事。陝西也是典型的中國省份,其傳道人一般都較貧窮且高齡。當退休之後,教會不再支持他們,就生活得十分艱苦。讓我們紀念中國所有忠心服侍主的神僕們,求神使他們不單有喜樂的心,更靠主老當益壯,一生都親密與神同行,成為典範。

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Prayer Request 9/14 - 9/20

Tuesday
Because of China’s crack-down of Islamic separatists and its tight-fist policy in the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang, sympathetic Muslims around the world have developed a suspicious view toward Chinese. Admittedly, Chinese as a whole fears the Muslims and our lives and theirs simply do not mix. May the Lord break down our pride and the walls we build in our hearts, so we are truly willing to pray for their salvation.
Wednesday
As China finds a bigger place in world affairs, its wealth breeds hostility. In the recent violence in Kyrgyzstan, Chinese merchants were singled out and robbed. Although China boasts "having friends everywhere", local people resenting Chinese merchants is quite evident in Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries. "Are Chinese better than the Western capitalists as missionaries of the Gospel?" Let us pray for our own sense of ethnic superiority, and Chinese churches seeing ourselves as the unwilling prophet Jonah in reaching out to the Muslims.
Thursday
In the 1980’s, trying to attend a house church in China required an introduction to get in. Now, most house churches are open and even publish their address online. Many meet openly in office buildings. Let us pray for all the churches meeting in these office buildings, for their relationship with the landlords and the local police. We pray for their ministries, their growth especially to families with young children.
Friday
A new kind of urban church is emerging in China which is often made up of young people with a college education (70-80%). These young believers want to learn more about faith and also to be involved in serving in the church and along with administration. Let us pray that these "new" churches will be able to meet the need of young people with relevant Biblical preaching as well as give the younger generation opportunities to serve and lead in the church.
Saturday
Many young urban believers are not content to simply attend a Sunday service. They also want to have a well-organized Sunday school and learn more about the Bible as well as learning how their church is run and who makes decisions there. We pray for all the young Chinese believers that churches will be able to meet their spiritual and relational needs. May the Lord give us all, whether young or old, the humility to serve together.
Sunday
Young urban believers in China are indeed very different from those in the older generation. They want to serve using their gifts and talents in music, literature, and evangelism. They also want their church to help them meet friends, find a partner for marriage, and teach them how to rear their family. The vast majority of churches are trying to meet these needs with the very limited resources and experience they have. We pray for both a sense of urgency for church leaders and for patience on the part of young believers.
Monday
Many Chinese believers in the cities are no longer content to have their church function on only Sunday. They want their church to be involved in the community so that believers can live out their faith for others to see. We praise the Lord for this transformation and lift up churches who do have involvement in their communities, such as visitation of the elderly, helping the handicapped, and even those who reach out to the poor.


星期二
由於當局對新疆回教分離份子實施鎮壓,並對回民佔多數的地區嚴加管制,世界各地的穆斯林對新疆多寄予同情,對華人抱持著懷疑的態度。一般而言,漢人群體對穆斯林人多少存有恐懼的心態,因為兩族的生活方式明顯不同,融合不易。願主打破我們在種族文化上自恃的優越感和心理上的圍籬,願意接納回民如手足同胞,真心為他們的得救迫切禱告。
星期三
當今富強的中國在國際上的份量舉足輕重,可是中國人的財富卻引來不少外族仇視。儘管中國一向在全球各角落「廣交朋友」,但在吉爾吉斯坦暴動時,中國店鋪屢遭襲擊;印尼等東南亞國家,華商也常成為當地居民宣洩不滿時掠奪的對象。 「中國人真的比來自西方資本主義國家的宣教士更適合做宣教工作?」 求主挪除我們民族的優越感,在拓展「回民」事工時,不應像先知約拿般輕看任何一種「尼尼微人」,不情願與他們分享褔音。
星期四
在上世紀80年代,想參加家庭教會,還需要先找「介紹人」。現在許多家庭聚會已相當公開,甚至可在網上找到地址。家庭教會的主要標誌已不再是「住家」,而是在寫字樓了。我們特別為在商業大樓中聚會的教會禱告,求主賜他們能力與智慧在社區作光作鹽,在房東和當地公安人員前蒙恩。也祝福他們的事工興旺,尤其是當中有許多有小小孩年輕夫婦為主的教會。
星期五
城市教會正在不斷轉變中,其中有百分之70至80以上的會友是受過高等教育的年輕一代,他們渴望更多深入瞭解自己的信仰,也願意有更多機會參與教會的服事與治理。求主幫助這些「新型中國教會」的領導同工能更有效牧養年輕一代,忠心按正意分解真理的道,並多予會眾鼓勵,以開放的心胸廣設溝通的管道,得著這些年輕人的心。
星期六
今日年輕一代信徒著意追求真理,參加主日敬拜,聽一篇講道並不能滿足他們的需要。他們除了要認識信仰的基要真理之餘,更盼望對聖經有更深的瞭解,並實際參與教會的管理及運作。求主引導教會領袖成為好管家,有主的智慧按時分糧,餵養年輕一代。也禱告老一代和年輕人能一起謙卑在神面前,在教會同心服事。求神幫助我們不論長幼,在言語、行為、愛心、信心、清潔上,都要作信徒的好榜樣。
星期日
年輕一代的基督徒對教會的期望與昔日的信徒大大不同,他們希望能參與教會服事,將神給自己在傳福音、音樂、文字等各方面的恩賜,在教會中發揮出來。同時他們亦渴望得到屬靈長者在交友、戀愛、婚姻及教養子女等方面的指導。大多數的中國教會缺少資源和經驗幫助年輕信徒,我們求主親自帶領和施恩,讓教會領袖有逼切的心培育年輕一代,也賜年輕信徒能謙卑受教,有忍耐的心來等候主的時刻。
星期一
中國城市教會在急速的改變中,會友期望教會不僅在主日敬拜神,更能在社區中作燈台,發揮光與鹽的功能,使信徒能一同學習把信仰落實在生活中,讓未信的人能有機會認識信仰。我們為城市教會的轉變及異象來讚美主,也為那些積極在社區中擴展事工,例如關心年長,幫助傷殘及接觸貧窮人等的教會祈求,願神祝福他們手中所作的工,以美好的見證使主的名大得榮耀。

Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Prayer Request 9/7 - 9/14

Tuesday
A recent survey compares the tastes of young Chinese consumers with those of overseas youth. It found that Chinese young people do prefer name brands and trendy products but in terms of family values and saving money, they are more inclined toward traditional values. 88% of them trust Chinese name brands while only 65% trust foreign brands. Historically churches in China have not been "youth-friendly" nor do they feel they know how to reach the younger generation. However, churches that don't have young people are in danger of being disconnected from life. We pray for more church leaders who will reach out to the younger generation and make their churches more friendly for the youth.
Wednesday
Every year China sends high level officials and professors abroad to learn new management skills. However, once they return they invariably are not able to implement what they learned and must still conform to their old way of doing things. In the past many pastors from both open and house churhes have received special training or even visited abroad to learn more about leadership and church administration. May the Lord grant their wish of helping churches to be more transparent and the leaders to be more open in making decisions.
Thursday
A report claiming 65.4 million vacant apartments exist in 660 Chinese cities, indicated by their zero electric meter reading for more than 6 months. That is an excess of housing units for 200 million people. Such report quickly aroused great public concern about the housing bubble. Chinese housing market has been so hot and everyone "make big money buying houses". Yet, so many believers feel they are still poor and they do not need to give to God at all. Lord help us to know how to be truly content and always give thanks lest we become greedy.
Friday
For millions of older Chinese Christians the poison of the Cultural Revolution remains in their hearts. The worst of this poison is the teaching "Doubt everything, overthrow everything". This explains why a seemingly innocent discussion of theology could quickly turn into a heated debate or even an outright attack. There is still a strong tendency to question any authority in the churches. For believers to genuinely and humbly accept others who hold a slightly different interpretation of the Bible is extremely difficult. Let us pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in changing our hearts and minds to have the humility of Christ, seeing others as better than we are.
Saturday
Although Chinese parents are universally expected to help with the down payment on their children's homes, for young couples the choice is either to pay for an expensive apartment in the city and become a "house slave" or to buy a cheaper house in an outlying area and spend hours daily commuting to work. It is hard for Christian parents to give to the church because they save not only for their retirement but also to help pay for their child's house. We pray for trust in God Who will care for us and provide for all of our needs. We must have faith in Him and because they know about our devotion to our Lord, bring blessing to our children.
Sunday
It is predicted that by the end of 2015 the total population of China will reach about 1.38 billion people with 700 million of them living in cities which means that more Chinese will be living in cities than in the villages. Rural churches have caught on to the shift in population and want to develop urban ministries but they often do not have the proper training and experience to minister to city folks. Let us pray for this important shift in the population in China. Rural churches have been declining as the young people move to the cities to work and stay there. We pray for vision, wisdom in long-term planning, and revival in all of the churches in rural regions.
Monday
Factories in the Pearl River Delta (Guangdong) have attracted tens of millions of Chinese workers from all over China as well as illegal workers who come mostly from Africa. The recent salary increases throughout the region have drawn even more illegal. It is estimated that there are almost a million illegal foreign workers in Guangdong Province, with a majority of them coming from Africa. Pastors in rural churches often have to take a part-time job to support their families. This is not only physically demanding but it also influences the effectiveness of their ministry. We pray that churches will treat their pastors as servants of God and take care of them financially by cheerful giving and not merely expect their pastors to "live by faith".

星期二
據最近一項調查顯示,與海外市場的青少年消費者相比,中國青少年雖然崇尚名牌和時髦產品,但是在家庭價值和儲蓄方面,他們卻比較傾向傳統。88%的中國青少年信任中國品牌,信任外國品牌的只占65%。中國教會傳統上,與年輕的一代是有脫節的現象,對年輕人所追求的也無法接受。然而,沒有青少年的教會就是後繼無人的教會,也與當代的文化脫了節。我們懇求神賜給教會領袖智慧,願意主動接觸年輕的一代,使教會成為吸引更多年輕人地方。
星期三
中國每一年送出不少高官和教授到美歐學習先進經管理念,然而他們一回國,似乎就如「泥牛入海」,立即被一種無形卻強大的勢力包圍而「銷聲匿跡」。過去中國教會也有不少傳道人,不論是三自的或家庭教會的,都曾在國外觀摩或受過培訓,一但回到教會卻無法學以致用。求主特別幫助這些傳道人,在教會的管理上,能將習得的領受活用出來,好讓他們想促進教會的行政管理及決策程序更加有透明度的心願得以達成。
星期四
中國660多個城市中現有連續6個月以上電表讀數為零的空置房6540萬套,足夠2億人居住。此數據迅速引起公眾極大的關注和震驚。投資房地產市場,投機之風早已盛行,大家都抱著「買房就能賺大錢」的心態。求主幫助我們能有智慧分辨何謂知足並感恩,何謂貪婪。若非我們能滿足現今所擁有的一切並向神感恩,就不能將領受到的各種有形、無形的恩典大方流通出去,甘心樂意的奉獻付出。
星期五
文革的傷害仍殘留在無數老一輩的中國信徒心裏。「懷疑一切,打倒一 切」的文革思想餘悸,常使原本單純的神學討論瞬間升溫,成為激烈的辯論甚至演變成相互攻訐。在中國,教會的權柄仍常受到質疑和挑戰。信徒很難真誠的虛心接受觀點跟自己略略不同的聖經解讀。求聖靈在眾信徒心裏 動工,作更新的善工,使我們學習基督的柔和謙卑心態,願以開放的胸襟接納別人的觀點,看別人比自己強。
星期六
一般中國年輕夫婦都會指望父母給他們付買房子的首期貸款。但對欲買屋者而言,也只有兩個選擇:購置城市的高價房子成為「房奴」;或在郊區買較便宜的房子,爾后承受每日上班來回數小時之苦。基督徒父母往往為了給孩子買房子或付貸款,而割捨了原本的奉獻。求主使我們能夠信靠神,相信祂會信實供應一切所需用的。兒孫輩也會看到我們對神的信心和委身,因而蒙福。
星期日
按現時人口的增長情況預測,到2015年底,中國人口將直逼13.8億。城鎮人口會突破7億,首次超過農村人口。部份農村教會有見及此,正積極計劃發展城市事工。然而,城市宣教也帶出了牧養、教導與治理等諸多的問題。再者,他們推出的培訓課程也遠不能供應實際的需要。我們要為中國人口轉變對福音事工的影響禱告,隨著更多農村青年人往城巿工作,農村教會的人數不斷下降,教會亟需要主賜下的異象和使命,有智慧及策略地擴展神的國度。
星期一
自去年起珠三角地區,工人工資水平日益提高。不僅吸納了國內數千萬的勞動力,連外國的非法打工者也趨之若騖。據非正式的統計顯示,人數已高達數百萬人,尤以非洲籍居多。農村教會的傳道人為了生活、子女教育、醫療、奉養父母等等需要,難免要兼差打工,不僅辛勞且對教會服事的確帶來虧損。求主幫助教會尊重神的樸人,也要照顧他們的現實需要,而非美其名說「教會工人要憑信心過日子」就對他們的實際情況置之不理。