Prayer Request 10/26 - 11/1

Tuesday
It is said that, while doing business in Shanghai, there is no need for socializing, no need for drinking, only to let it be known that there is money to be made and that would be enough. Shanghai is a good place to make a deal, legally. Beijing people like to say, "Shanghai people are businessmen; they do everything by the book." Conducting business with integrity is very challenging in China. We pray for all believers as they strive to live according to God's high standard. May the Lord give us all conviction to refuse to compromise and He will not fail us.
Wednesday
Shanghai people are pragmatic in every way. If you told a Shanghai person that you are an author, he would ask you, "Is your book selling well?" If you told him that you are a professor, he will certainly ask you, "Do they pay teachers well?" Certainly, believers have little idea how much their pastors are paid (this is not usually made known to the congregation in China). However, few parents would encourage their children to go into ministry because of its meager salary. We pray that Chinese believers will be good stewards of God's money and that they will take good care of God's servants, financially.
Thursday
To be the most livable city in China it is required to have the following qualities: fast and convenient transportation, be clean and orderly with no pollution, have good air quality. A recent survey listed Shanghai as the first on the list with Dalian following as the second one. Both cities have many foreign companies, many expats, and many Chinese who have been abroad and returned there to live. Many of them are Christians who have formed fellowship groups for Bible study. May the Lord use them to lead others to Christ and become a great resource for the local churches.
Friday
In China, religious beliefs have gone beyond the place where the government is able to control them any more. Two-thirds of those who described themselves as religious in a 2006 survey said they were Buddhists, Taoists, or worshippers of a folk god such as the Dragon King or the God of Fortune. Many Christians have observed that preaching Jesus is now meeting opposition in China. It can be discouraging to see many temples popping up everywhere. We pray that the desire to evangelize there will not fade and that many more of us will see the urgency to do so also.
Saturday
In the Taoist and Buddhist religions Mazu is a goddess who protects sailors. Recently the worship of Mazu was reclassified as "cultural heritage" rather than a religion, thus making it acceptable for Communist Party members to practice it. Communist Party members are still prohibited from believing in Jesus but we know God still loves every one of them. We pray for those who have the seed of the gospel but are afraid to profess the name of Jesus. May the Lord show Himself real to them.
Sunday
In 2009 the Chinese government reversed its decades-long prohibition of ancestor worship and made the traditional Grave Sweeping Day a national holiday. This made worshipping ancestors legal and encouraged officials to participate. For centuries the question of whether believers are allowed to worship their deceased parents or not has divided the church in China. We pray for those who are afraid of accepting Jesus because they feel they would longer be able to honor their parents after they are gone.
Monday
The Chinese government has given special favor to Buddhism and its activities saying it is a Chinese cultural heritage and must be promoted. Some scholars believe that this move is made to counterbalance the rapid growth of Christianity in China. The resurgence of temple worship in China is very striking and it even includes little children. However, it is illegal to share the gospel with children or anyone under eighteen years old. We pray for new strategies, urgency, and a burning passion to take Jesus Christ to the new generation of Chinese.

星期二
跟上海人談生意，無需談文化，無需喝大酒，也無需稱兄道弟，甚至無需假裝做朋友。只要告訴上海人，這筆買賣有什麼好處就夠了。上海是個可以按規矩做生意的地方，用句北京話形容：上海人做生意「靠譜」。正直不阿的人在中國做生意很困難，事實上在世界上要持守神的原則過活亦是一個大挑戰。讓我們為所有基督徒禱告，求主保守我們的心，堅信祂的公義信實，拒絕向不義妥協。
星期三
一般上海人的思維乃事事講求實惠，從物質角度出發。如果你告訴上海人，你是作家，他會問：出書能賺大錢嗎？如果你告訴上海人，你是教授，他又會問：做老師待遇挺好的吧？做傳道人不是一個能賺大錢的「行業」，沒幾個父母樂意讓自己的孩子奉獻作傳道，因知作傳道的待遇微薄。求主教導中國信徒對金錢有正確的態度和觀念，能成為金錢的好管家，同時要更多記念神的僕人經濟上的需要。
星期四
最適宜居住的中國城市需具備以下素質：快捷方便的交通、乾淨、有序、沒污染，空氣質量良好等。最近一個評估，上海被列為中國最適宜居住城市，其次是大連。這兩個城市均有許多外資公司、外籍人士和海歸，其中許多人是基督徒，他們成立了查經團契，願主大大使用他們成為流通神祝福的管道，領人歸向基督，並且成為當地教會的屬靈資源。
星期五
宗教信仰的傳播之快，遠遠超出政府預期，多種中國傳統宗教也日漸復興。官方說，自認有信仰的人中，有三分之二是信奉佛教、道教、龍王或財神爺。 許多中國基督徒都能感受到，現在傳講主耶穌，越來越被人抗拒；，然而寺廟卻幾乎無處不在。求主幫助我們，無論得時不得時，務要積極傳道，在這末世人心厭煩真道的時候，有更多信徒仍然信心堅定，興起發光為主盡力搶救靈魂。
星期六
媽祖被奉為保護航海者的神明，最近媽祖崇拜被中國官方列為“文化遺產”而非宗教活動。如此，即使是共產黨員也更容易接受這種披著文化色彩的宗教。這種方式在其他中國傳統宗教信仰崇拜問題的處理上也找得到。雖然共產黨員是禁止信耶穌的，但我們深信神仍然愛每一位黨員。我們為那些心中已擁有福音種子，但恐懼信耶穌要面對逼迫的人禱告，願主向他們顯明祂才是真神。
星期日
2009年，政府認可中國傳統掃墓祭祖日「清明節」為公眾假期，這一新例鼓勵中國人在清明節祭祀已故的親人。數百年來，信徒在面對是否能祭祖這問題時，承受極大壓力，也造成中國教會的分裂。的確有許多華人疑慮接受了基督信仰，他們不能在父母死後以傳统禮節表達孝思，成為信主的障礙，讓我們為這些人能真正明瞭聖經教導孝順的真意來禱告。
星期一
政府對佛教活動常給予特別的優待， 認為是中國傳統文化。有學者認為，此舉意在使佛教與眼下在中國傳播發展迅速的基督教信仰相抗衡。 近來中國的廟宇煙火興盛十分驚人，甚至孩童也參與其中。但是現時向18歲以下的人傳福音仍屬違法。求主賜給我們智慧、使命和火熱的心，將主耶穌的救恩傳遞給中國的新一代。

Prayer Request 10/26 - 11/1

Tuesday
It is said that, while doing business in Shanghai, there is no need for socializing, no need for drinking, only to let it be known that there is money to be made and that would be enough. Shanghai is a good place to make a deal, legally. Beijing people like to say, "Shanghai people are businessmen; they do everything by the book." Conducting business with integrity is very challenging in China. We pray for all believers as they strive to live according to God's high standard. May the Lord give us all conviction to refuse to compromise and He will not fail us.
Wednesday
Shanghai people are pragmatic in every way. If you told a Shanghai person that you are an author, he would ask you, "Is your book selling well?" If you told him that you are a professor, he will certainly ask you, "Do they pay teachers well?" Certainly, believers have little idea how much their pastors are paid (this is not usually made known to the congregation in China). However, few parents would encourage their children to go into ministry because of its meager salary. We pray that Chinese believers will be good stewards of God's money and that they will take good care of God's servants, financially.
Thursday
To be the most livable city in China it is required to have the following qualities: fast and convenient transportation, be clean and orderly with no pollution, have good air quality. A recent survey listed Shanghai as the first on the list with Dalian following as the second one. Both cities have many foreign companies, many expats, and many Chinese who have been abroad and returned there to live. Many of them are Christians who have formed fellowship groups for Bible study. May the Lord use them to lead others to Christ and become a great resource for the local churches.
Friday
In China, religious beliefs have gone beyond the place where the government is able to control them any more. Two-thirds of those who described themselves as religious in a 2006 survey said they were Buddhists, Taoists, or worshippers of a folk god such as the Dragon King or the God of Fortune. Many Christians have observed that preaching Jesus is now meeting opposition in China. It can be discouraging to see many temples popping up everywhere. We pray that the desire to evangelize there will not fade and that many more of us will see the urgency to do so also.
Saturday
In the Taoist and Buddhist religions Mazu is a goddess who protects sailors. Recently the worship of Mazu was reclassified as "cultural heritage" rather than a religion, thus making it acceptable for Communist Party members to practice it. Communist Party members are still prohibited from believing in Jesus but we know God still loves every one of them. We pray for those who have the seed of the gospel but are afraid to profess the name of Jesus. May the Lord show Himself real to them.
Sunday
In 2009 the Chinese government reversed its decades-long prohibition of ancestor worship and made the traditional Grave Sweeping Day a national holiday. This made worshipping ancestors legal and encouraged officials to participate. For centuries the question of whether believers are allowed to worship their deceased parents or not has divided the church in China. We pray for those who are afraid of accepting Jesus because they feel they would longer be able to honor their parents after they are gone.
Monday
The Chinese government has given special favor to Buddhism and its activities saying it is a Chinese cultural heritage and must be promoted. Some scholars believe that this move is made to counterbalance the rapid growth of Christianity in China. The resurgence of temple worship in China is very striking and it even includes little children. However, it is illegal to share the gospel with children or anyone under eighteen years old. We pray for new strategies, urgency, and a burning passion to take Jesus Christ to the new generation of Chinese.

星期二
跟上海人談生意，無需談文化，無需喝大酒，也無需稱兄道弟，甚至無需假裝做朋友。只要告訴上海人，這筆買賣有什麼好處就夠了。上海是個可以按規矩做生意的地方，用句北京話形容：上海人做生意「靠譜」。正直不阿的人在中國做生意很困難，事實上在世界上要持守神的原則過活亦是一個大挑戰。讓我們為所有基督徒禱告，求主保守我們的心，堅信祂的公義信實，拒絕向不義妥協。
星期三
一般上海人的思維乃事事講求實惠，從物質角度出發。如果你告訴上海人，你是作家，他會問：出書能賺大錢嗎？如果你告訴上海人，你是教授，他又會問：做老師待遇挺好的吧？做傳道人不是一個能賺大錢的「行業」，沒幾個父母樂意讓自己的孩子奉獻作傳道，因知作傳道的待遇微薄。求主教導中國信徒對金錢有正確的態度和觀念，能成為金錢的好管家，同時要更多記念神的僕人經濟上的需要。
星期四
最適宜居住的中國城市需具備以下素質：快捷方便的交通、乾淨、有序、沒污染，空氣質量良好等。最近一個評估，上海被列為中國最適宜居住城市，其次是大連。這兩個城市均有許多外資公司、外籍人士和海歸，其中許多人是基督徒，他們成立了查經團契，願主大大使用他們成為流通神祝福的管道，領人歸向基督，並且成為當地教會的屬靈資源。
星期五
宗教信仰的傳播之快，遠遠超出政府預期，多種中國傳統宗教也日漸復興。官方說，自認有信仰的人中，有三分之二是信奉佛教、道教、龍王或財神爺。 許多中國基督徒都能感受到，現在傳講主耶穌，越來越被人抗拒；，然而寺廟卻幾乎無處不在。求主幫助我們，無論得時不得時，務要積極傳道，在這末世人心厭煩真道的時候，有更多信徒仍然信心堅定，興起發光為主盡力搶救靈魂。
星期六
媽祖被奉為保護航海者的神明，最近媽祖崇拜被中國官方列為“文化遺產”而非宗教活動。如此，即使是共產黨員也更容易接受這種披著文化色彩的宗教。這種方式在其他中國傳統宗教信仰崇拜問題的處理上也找得到。雖然共產黨員是禁止信耶穌的，但我們深信神仍然愛每一位黨員。我們為那些心中已擁有福音種子，但恐懼信耶穌要面對逼迫的人禱告，願主向他們顯明祂才是真神。
星期日
2009年，政府認可中國傳統掃墓祭祖日「清明節」為公眾假期，這一新例鼓勵中國人在清明節祭祀已故的親人。數百年來，信徒在面對是否能祭祖這問題時，承受極大壓力，也造成中國教會的分裂。的確有許多華人疑慮接受了基督信仰，他們不能在父母死後以傳统禮節表達孝思，成為信主的障礙，讓我們為這些人能真正明瞭聖經教導孝順的真意來禱告。
星期一
政府對佛教活動常給予特別的優待， 認為是中國傳統文化。有學者認為，此舉意在使佛教與眼下在中國傳播發展迅速的基督教信仰相抗衡。 近來中國的廟宇煙火興盛十分驚人，甚至孩童也參與其中。但是現時向18歲以下的人傳福音仍屬違法。求主賜給我們智慧、使命和火熱的心，將主耶穌的救恩傳遞給中國的新一代。

Prayer Request 10/19 - 10/25

Tuesday
October is traditionally an important month on the political calendar in China. Every five years the Communist Party meets to discuss and decide the course the nation will take. This is the so-called "12th 5-year Plan" (2011-2015). We praise God for the economic achievement China has made as well as the growth in the churches there which includes the greater freedom they now enjoy. We pray for continuing numerical and substantive growth of the churches in China in the next five years. Believers must have a renewed sense of mission and passion for God, not merely a pride in their nation.

Wednesday
Because of the 7-day national holiday, in China the first week of October is traditionally a busy time of travel and shopping time--the so-called "golden week". The government reports that Chinese are spending a lot more on purchases and eating out at restaurants (a whopping 18.7%) than in 2009. Chinese Christians are no longer the poor peasants we once thought them to be. Let us remember especially those who are wealthy. May the Lord remind them that it is God's blessing that they have the wealth and may they not be proud but willing to use their wealth generously in God's work.

Thursday
A very popular Mainland magazine, Duzhe （"Reader's," with 10 million in circulation), has been approved to be published in Taiwan. It will keep the same name but will be printed in the traditional fonts, and it will be available for sale in convenience stores. This is highly significant because the literary "tastes" of two sides of the straits are becoming similar. Biographies of persecuted Chinese believers have inspired countless readers in and outside of China. We pray that God will raise up more contemporary believers to pen their testimonies and encourage others to serve the Lord faithfully.

Friday
A 2006 survey showed that 62% percent of Chinese religious believers are 39 years old or younger. This is very evident in Wenzhou which is also known as China's "Jerusalem". Many of the devout are young and obviously well-off. We praise the Lord! May He give each of us the humility and desire to learn more about Him. The generation gap is quite evident in many churches. We pray that older believers will accept the younger ones and younger ones will be willing to learn from their elders.
Saturday
China has a long history of peasant rebellions that were fueled by religious belief and observers say the communist government still today views religion with caution saying it is a social and political issue that could affect social instability. We take this time to remember again the rural churches in China. Many desire that their young leaders be trained outside but face difficulties with the local government. We pray for the safety needed and for those who are being trained. They are willing to learn but have only a limited education. May the Lord give wisdom to those who teach and the students alike.

Sunday
In recent years, there have been many fraudulent "doctors" and “health experts.” Chinese media repeatedly performs the role of making these fakes famous and then denouncing them later. It is almost comical to see how charlatans can fool people by making ridiculous claims about healing or providing nutritional misinformation. There are indeed many naive people who would believe anything. Jesus warned us about false teachers and prophets too. We pray that believers will not fall prey to heresies and un-Biblical claims. May the Lord grant us mercy and spiritual discernment.

Monday
In the past, farmers were not able to afford medical care. With the new government-sponsored rural medical system, 20 yuan can buy basic medical care. This has been a great improvement for the rural communities. We praise the Lord that rural regions in China have seen substantial improvement in medical care, basic welfare, and education. Rural churches have seen much decline in the past 2 decades because of the exodus of young people. We pray that such decline may slow and that more workers will see the big needs of rural churches and be willing to go serve there.


星期二
每年十月是中國政治日曆上的大月，今年是共產黨中央委員會每五年一次全體會議，主要議程是制定國民經濟和社會發展第十二個五年規劃(2011-2015)。 我們為中國經濟的發展迅速而感恩，更求神神賜下中國教會持斷增長，有更多的信仰自由讚美主。我們迫切為中國教會在未來5年有質與量的增長禱告，求主賜中國信徒更深使命感，不單只自豪於民族的成就，更為同胞的靈魂需要為主大發熱心。

星期三
今年的「十一」黃金週，中國各地消費市場的火熱景象讓人不免感嘆：老百姓手中真的「不差錢」。據政府公布，黃金週七天，全國零售和餐飲行業，比去年同期增長 18.7％。現今許多中國基督徒已不再是從前刻板印象中的貧窮農民。讓我們特別為富有的基督徒禱告，求主提醒他們一切所擁有的，都是出自神，慎防驕傲自恃，且要將神所託管的財富，有智慧和見識地運用在神的工作上。

星期四
一本發行量達一千萬份的暢銷雜誌 -《讀者》，成為首本中國進入台灣的刊物，此書保持原名但改以繁體版發行，在全島便利商店和超市銷售。這個發展意味著兩岸讀書文化口味的靠近。 中國信徒為主受逼迫、受苦的信仰經歷激勵了許多人，我們求主興起更多當代中國信徒，使用他們的見證分享，激勵更多神的兒女持守真道，忠心服事主。

星期五
一份2006年的調查顯示，在中國參與宗教活動的人中，六成二是三十九歲以下，這情況在被稱為「中國的耶路撒冷」的溫州更為明顯。當地信徒不單年輕、而且家境富足。我們讚美主在年輕一代心中所動的善工，求祂繼續吸引信徒們，好叫大家快跑跟隨主。中國教會普遍存有「代溝」問題，求神賜給我們謙卑的心，幫助年長的信徒接納年輕一代，並教導年輕一代樂意跟從屬靈長輩們學習。

星期六
歷史上由宗教信仰引發的農民起義屢見不鮮。政府總擔心宗教成為影響國家穩定的社會和政治問題。 中國農村教會的年輕傳道人渴求得到外來的培訓，但往往為當地官員所不容。我們再次求主記念農村教會的培訓事工，保守教導與學習者的人身安全和供應他們的需要。也為正在接受栽培，但教育程度有限的肢體禱告，求主賜下智慧和啟示的靈，使他們真知道神的恩召、盼望和豐盛的榮耀。

星期日
近年來中國出現不少誑騙人的「神醫」、「養生高手」。一次次重演中國式造神鬧劇：從熱捧到棒打，從造神到剿神，眾「神仙」大紅必黑，大熱必死。然而仍有不少人對這些「法術」深信不疑。主耶穌曾警告我們，末世時會有越來越多假教師和假先知出現，許多人也會被迷惑。求主憐憫，賜給我們屬靈的洞察力，不落入異端邪說裡，並能清楚辨別那些是不合乎聖經真理的謊言。

星期一
昔日農民常因醫療費用高昂而有病不能求醫。但自從近年推行『新型農村合作醫療制度』後，在政府補貼下，農民只要付出約廿元人民幣，大幅改善了『農民看不起病』的社會問題。感謝主的憐憫，近年中國農村的醫療情況、基本福利和教育都有進步。至於農村教會，因年輕人外出工作，使教會的光景顯得荒涼，求主繼續為他們開路，也預備工人願意在農村教會裡服事。

Prayer Request 10/12 - 10/18

Tuesday
China has angrily condemned the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to a jailed dissident who is currently serving a sentence for inciting subversion after he drafted Charter 08- which called for multi-party democracy and respect for human rights. Overall, Christianity has enjoyed substantially more freedom in the past five years than in the past. Generally there is better unspoken understanding between the police and local churches. We continue to pray for a good relationship between churches and local officials.
Wednesday
Among urban Chinese women we often hear the phrases: "eight-minute dating" or "speedy blind date". Their main questions for suitors are: Do you own a car? An apartment? What is your income? The entire focus is on making sure she will have a comfortable and secure lifestyle after marriage. Let us commit all the young Christian couples who are planning to wed into the Lord's hands. We pray that they will have faith in God knowing that He will provide and also that He has a great plan for them, not just having a car or a house but having Jesus as the Head of their home.
Thursday
The birth rate in Taiwan is now the lowest in the world and literally more people die than are born each year. In the past six years the number of preschools in Taipei has dropped by 60%. In the next 3 years the number of classes in schools will decrease by 1000 and in 10 years, 30% of the colleges will have no students. Will the church in Taiwan grow in the next twenty years? Let us pray for Sunday school attendance which is declining in many churches now. May the Lord quicken churches to see the alarming decline ahead and be quick to evangelize, not be discouraged by it.
Friday
The leadership in many of the house churches in China is made up of relatives and friends. This is good in that there is a built-in trust with the close relationships but it also often operates like a family business in that others are not allowed into the leadership role and the church quickly becomes literally dictatorial.Let us pray for believers who are frustrated with their current churches and the tension they experience there. We also pray for leaders in the churches that they will be able to accept believers who are not related to them and allow them opportunities to serve. Lord, we pray for humility in the lives of all believers.
Saturday
As the house churches grow in China both in the number of churches and in attendance in individual churches, it is important to break the mold of having the church run like a family which includes only close friends with leadership not open to outsiders. Dictatorial leadership and co-workers forming factions are the two major problems house churches face.Many churches are crippled by these problems and unable to work through the issues connected with them. We pray for humility, especially for church leaders who so often preach about modeling Jesus Christ but find it difficult to live out lives showing His humility.
Sunday
In some of the urban churches in China, many of the members are now college graduates who desire to learn more about the Christian faith, as well as how it can be lived out and connected with society. Such requests require that their pastors have higher education and theological training so many pastors feel inadequate and pressured in front of their "more educated" congregation.We pray for wisdom for all of the shepherds and opportunities for them to receive more training on their own. The churches in China need many more pastors who are able to communicate with the new group of intellectual and professional believers.
Monday
In the 1990's pastors in China were either self-taught or had had only a short time of theological training. Today, young pastors are expected to have had theological training in order to lead a church. Older pastors complain that the younger ones have only knowledge and no passion for ministry. Younger pastors look down on the older ones for not having had a proper education. Let us pray for humility, acceptance, and unity for all of the church leaders in China.

星期二
中國外交部發表聲明，指諾委會授予劉曉波諾貝爾和平獎是對該獎的褻瀆。劉曉波因推動中國民主改革，發起「08憲章」，遭政府判以「煽動顛覆國家政權罪」，判刑11年。總括而言，中國基督教過去五年比前享有更多自由，而教會與地方官員之間亦建立了一份默契，免卻許多阻撓。我們繼續為教會與官方之間有良好的關係祈求。
星期三
近年都會的女性流行透過「8分鐘約會」、「速配相親」尋找愛侶。她們往往只問有否車、房？收入幾何？無關情投意合，是因為擔心婚後為柴米油鹽、哺兒奶粉與安身之所疲於奔命。求神的手帶領正準備結婚的肢體，賜給他們信心，深信神有美好的計劃，也必供應一切需用。也明瞭蒙福的婚姻不是單求有車有房，乃是要尊主為大，讓主成為他們一家之主。
星期四
台灣生育率跌至世界最低，出生人數低於死亡人數。過去六年，台北市幼托機構已減六成，未來三年，全台灣國中小學將減一千班，十年後大學要倒閉三分之一。台灣教會在未來二十年如何成長呢？普遍的現象是教會的兒童主日學人數不斷下降，求主讓教會看到這個令人驚心的事實而不氣餒，堅持努力忠心地傳揚福音。
星期五
不少中國家庭教會的領導方式，是由親戚或朋友構成事工團隊。依靠血緣和關係帶來的信任使教會儼如家族產業一樣，形成由至親或密友構成的圈子來領導。讓我們為那些對教會不滿甚至失望的信徒禱告，求神安慰他們的心，又賜下恩典，以致能盡其職份建立基督的身體。我們也禱告教會領袖謙卑順服主，體察神旨意照管而不轄制羊群，接納「非內圈」信徒，一起服事，彼此配搭。
星期六
隨著家庭教會的迅速成長，如何打破個人的，家族、黨朋式及封閉化的教會模式，如何防止中國教會專制與腐敗等問題，成為今日教會的巨大挑戰。這些「內憂」削弱了不少中國教會，使教會不能健康地成長。求主賜下謙卑的心、溫柔的靈，幫助領袖們甘心樂意效法大牧者，不但能傳講福音，更能活出基督捨己無私的樣式，以愛心服事眾信徒
星期日
目前中國的城市教會，隨著會友教育程度的提高、對信仰有更多的渴望，及對自身生活實踐及社會問題更多的關注，會對牧者的神學及教育水準，提出更高的要求。我們禱告牧者有來自屬天的智慧，也有機會接受更多屬靈的訓練與裝備。中國教會需要有更多能與知識份子溝通，按著他們的處境來分享信仰的弟兄姊妹，求主差派合適的工人，也教導牧者如何有效地牧養那些白領專業的信徒。
星期一
上世紀九十年代成長的教會帶領者，常是靠自學或短期的神學課程來加深對神話語的認識，承擔起牧養教會的責任。對於近年成長的第二代領導者而言，有系統的神學教育則是牧會不可或缺的裝備。老一代的傳道人抱怨年輕的傳道人，多有知識卻少了愛主的熱忱。年輕的也常會輕看老一代沒接受過正規的神學訓練。求主幫助我們在基督裡學習謙卑放下己見，彼此包容和接納，同心興旺福音。

Prayer Request 10/5 - 10/11

Tuesday
Young Chinese people grow up with the image of beautiful women with Western features so it is little wonder that the young women flock to cosmetic salons to get double eye lids, a nasal bridge, and breast augmentation in the hope of improving their job and marriage prospects. There are many young female believers in the churches in China. It is good that we pray for their spiritual growth, their concern about finding a Christian mate, and the pressure they get from their parents to marry quickly before they get "too old".
Wednesday
The largest Barbie store in the world opened in Shanghai to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the popular doll. They say, "We don't offer a lot of Asian Barbies since they never sell well because customers like to buy the authentic Barbie which they think is beautiful and she is known to have blond hair and blue eyes." 　It is very unfortunate that many children in Chinese Christian families grow up without any role models. Either their parents do not know any or else they do not want them to "suffer" for Jesus. We pray that young Chinese believers will aspire to do great things for God.
Thursday
The latest fad for pet owners in China is to dye their dogs to look like other animals, such as pandas, tigers, or even turtles or fish. There are more and more people in China who own pets. They are wealthy and willing to spend big money on their furry pets. We see people everywhere who have more and more disposable income and are willing to spend it. We pray that all believers will see how much God has blessed them and then be willing to give back to God accordingly, not only financially but also of their time.
Friday
According to a sample study done by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, about 1.8% of the population (about 23.05 million people) is Protestant in belief. Females constitute a greater proportion of these believers than males do. More than half of them have an education below the primary school level and 68.8% give the reason for their belief in God as coming from having had a personal illness or a sick family member. We know one thing for sure and that is that God has a great deal more work for the church in China to do in evangelism and raising up strong belivers who are not merely "mild drinkers". For this we pray and commit to pray even more.
Saturday
The current theological training provided in China or seminary training outside of China is both considered "foreign" in the indigenous Chinese churches and their own traditions. To the majority of pastors in China, all their training needs to be acculturated to fit the unique need of their churches. It is true indeed that many well-intentioned people have tried to teach churches in China how to do ministry. It is our prayer that these churches will be grounded solidly on God's word and not necessarily on any certain denomination or tradition. Lord, the churches in China belong to You!
Sunday
While many churches in China are trying to draft their own bylaws and statements of faith, they run into some common problems which lead to long debates. One of these is the issue of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Another such problem is that of divorce and re-marriage. We are thankful that the churches are trying to get their beliefs in writing but we pray they will know not just the truth of God but also His grace in their lives. We pray that churches will not suffer division as they work through writing down their beliefs.
Monday
Many churches who want to formulate their procedures for church administration run into a real theological debate which involves whether there should be ordination of elders or deacons. Another divisive issue is that of whether the marriage covenant can ever be broken. Many churches consider themselves as Reformed but with a Chinese distinctive. We know we are all the body of Christ and one in Him. May the Lord give us wisdom, discernment, and above all humility not to consider ourselves better than others.

星期二
中國年輕的一代是看著西方美女廣告長大的，因此也難怪不少年輕中國女性想擁有雙眼皮、高鼻樑和豐滿的胸部，她們期望透過整容，能獲得較優厚的工作和伴侶。中國教會有許多年輕的姐妹，我們特別為她們的需要禱告，求主幫助她們靈命成長，尤其在面對父母担心錯過婚齡的催嫁壓力時，仍然堅持等候神的帶領與預備。
星期三
為慶祝芭比娃娃50周年，上海開設了全球最大的芭比旗艦店。據稱在中國，芭比娃娃的東方造型並不好賣，中國顧客仍較喜歡買正宗的金髮、藍眼睛的芭比娃娃。在教會長大的新一代，許多都沒有好的屬靈榜樣，其父母未受教導亦不希望自己唯一的孩子為耶穌「受苦」。我們求神給年輕的肢體徒樂意裝備自己讓神使用，更願意奉獻一生為主作工。
星期四
最新一輪的寵物時尚是將寵物染成其他動物。從熊貓到老虎、從烏龜到海寶，不一而足。中國人收入也越來越高，養寵物的人數也迅速增長，願意花更多的錢在他們的長毛朋友身上。無論何處我們都看到人們賺得多，可供自由支配的收入多了，也捨得花用。求主幫助每一個信徒看見自己是多麼蒙福，理當把從神而得的獻給神，干心樂意的奉獻，不單單是金錢，更是寶貴的時間。
星期五
社科院抽樣調查顯示：中國現有基督教新教徒佔全國人口總數的千分之十八，估計為 2305萬人，女性明顯多於男性，半數以上的新教徒學歷在小學水平以下，信教主要原因為自己或家人生病佔68.8％。中國教會有許多未完成的使命，我們為教會願意傳福音、幫助信徒禱告，不要停留在「吃奶」階段，更能長大「吃乾糧」。我們要為此更加恆切不斷地為中國教會向主祈求。
星期六
目前，無論是中國本土提供的神學教育，還是海外的神學教育，其神學的理念及體系，基本上是外來的神學傳統，仍需要在本土的教會中實踐、整全後，才能成為神學建造的資源。過去不少外地的神僕和事工都帶著教導中國教會的心態而來。我們禱告：中國教會能堅穩紮根在神的話語及真理上，不是跟隨某個教派的格式或是某些傳統，乃是跟隨主基督的腳蹤。親愛的主！教會是屬於你的！
星期日
當許多中國教會在制訂教會的信約時，原本在教會中已經存在了一段時間的靈恩問題，立即成為討論的焦點。其次，在修訂教會紀律時，信徒的離婚與再婚，也在同工中引起很長時間的爭論。我們為教會成熟，開始制定信約，慎重思考他們的信仰立場來感恩。但是也為他們在真理與恩典上都能領受同樣的豐富來禱告。我們更為在制訂過程中，有神親自的引導和保守禱告，沒有紛爭或分裂，每個人都願意虛己謙卑、同心尋求神的旨意。
星期一
不少教會在教會章程的修訂中，因涉及治理的理念，如職分的劃分及同工會的責任等，都曾爆發過激烈的爭論。這些爭論還涉及對婚姻盟約的理解及教會與社會的關係等。許多中國教會在神學上，認定他們是帶有中國特色的改革宗。我們深信每一個教會都是基督的身體，也都以祂為首，屬於祂的。願神給我們屬靈的智慧和判斷力，常尋求神的旨意，心存謙卑，看別人比自己強。也尊重神有主權給不同教會不同的啟示及特別的看見，為要肢體操練相顧相愛，預備成就各樣善工。