Posts
Tuesday
Although teachers in China are required to have continuous education to improve their professional level and ability to improve the education of their students, rural areas lack training and even good quality training programs. Hence, it is difficult to improve the quality of teachers in rural China. We pray for every shepherd and leader in the rural churches of China. May the Lord give them passion for God's word and boldness to proclaim it and serve His people. Above all, may they have the humility to live out what they preach and be an example to their sheep.
Wednesday
A survey in China shows that high school teachers have many more opportunities to receive training in their field than do junior high teachers and those who teach in the elementary grades have even fewer opportunities for training than the junior high teachers do. These training sessions are mostly seminars followed by a discussion type of meeting. They are given very little opportunity for an observation-type learning experience. We pray for rural churches to grow stronger in God's truth and not waver or be blown about by trifling theological issues. May the Lord move the urban churches to learn how rural believers have a simple faith and a strong love for God.
Thursday
Opportunities for career training for rural teachers are very limited and usually consist of lectures which cover mostly theories that are often not even applicable to rural settings. These kinds of seminars feature speakers from cities and provide minimal interaction between the speakers and the teachers. These same mistakes can happen as rural pastors receive training from well-intentioned outside or foreign teachers. We pray for wisdom for those who teach and that their students will be able to understand and make good application of their teachings for their own sheep and church settings.
Friday
In the recent past, there has been certain improvement of the ministry among children and youth in the rural churches in China. However, they face the huge problem of too many children who have no parental supervision because their parents work in the city. One cannot rely entirely on the church to help a child grow in the faith. We pray that the God of mercy will bless all who serve the young people in the churches with wisdom, patience, and thoroughness to make up somehow for the lack of parents of those children and youth in their church.
Saturday
In China, the relatively affluent urban children have more access to the nation's prestigious institutions, with a smaller financial investment but end up with better job later. But, for the poor rural children, they pay a much larger percentage of their parents income, to go to a mediocre school and end up with lower-paying job later. Many social factors contribute to "inevitable" decline and so many obstacles seem impossible to overcome for the rural churches. It is sad to see the decline of China's rural churches, but we will continue to pray for what God can and will do because we have in Him.
Sunday
For many young Christians who have lived in city, when they visit their old church in the village, they find the worship stifled, prayers are formula-like, preaching irrelevant, church as a whole dead and preacher who could not identify with or minister to their spiritual need. We pray especially for the young people who feel they are not ministered to. Many pastors have only limited education and are uncomfortable and even intimidated with members who are college grads. It is our prayer that churches can minister well to both old and young.
Monday
The single purpose of the many top-notch high school is to remove every possible distraction as the students prepare for the "gaokao", the national college-entrance exams, which are seen as the gateway to success in life. For seniors at these high schools, the pressure is extreme. Let us pray for all the believers who are in high school and obviously have the pressure to excel academically. Many stop going to church because their parents want them to study more. May the Lord give them strength, wisdom and above all, desire to walk closely with the Lord.
星期二
目前農村教師專業素養提升困難，不僅培訓機會不多且可供進修的課程質量也不高。雖然中國教師被要求必須不斷地「充電」，提升自身專業水平和能力，方能幫助學生的發展。我們為農村教會每位牧者和領袖們祈求，願神將自己的話語賜給他們，能大膽傳講，服事弟兄姐妹，有謙卑的心，言行一致，在實際生活中活出所傳講的真理，見證神的信實。
星期三
一項調查顯示，高中教師的培訓機會要多於初中教師，初中教師的培訓機會又多於小學教師。在教師的培訓方式中，以講座型的方式進行得最多，其次為參與式培訓，再次為開會的形式，而觀摩式的培訓次數最少。我們為農村教會在真道上得以加強來祈求，而不在一些無關緊要的神學立場來爭論。同樣的，願中國城市教會也能向農村教會學習單純的信心和愛心的功課。
星期四
現在農村教師培訓的形式和種類很少，主要是以講座式來進行，講的大多是觀念，很少考慮到鄉村教師實際的需要，理論的應用性也不是很強。主講者不少是來自大城市的老師，與受訓人員互動並不多。農村傳道人的培訓也常有同樣的問題，來自外地或是國外的教師，所傳授的訊息對農村環境的實用性不大。求主賜給教導者有聰明智慧，幫助學員們不但能明白，也能學以致用，能供應他們的羊群需要，帶來教會的持續增長。
星期五
近期農村教會的兒童及青少年事工，己有明顯的改善，然而太多孩子的父母都在城裏工作，缺乏對子女在成長中各方面的督導。尤其是孩子信心的成長，是無法完全依賴教會的。求主憐憫，賜給所有服事信徒第二代者，有智慧，有耐心，又有細心，透過教會設計的課程與活動能彌補這些「父母不在身邊」的孩子的缺憾。
星期六
城市的孩子，能花較少的錢進入好的大學，畢業之後容易找到高收入的工作。而貧困農村的孩子，付出相對較高的教育費用，卻只能進入所謂的普通學校，畢業之後也找不到好收入的工作。這種社會環境上的不公平，傷害的不僅是學生，還有農村家庭對教育成效的指望。我們為不少農村教會的冷淡退卻，迫切禱告。雖然客觀環境很不樂觀，但我們深信全能的神，因著信徒的禱告，在許多難處中為農村教會開路，再次帶來復興。
星期日
許多年輕信徒回到老家的農村教會，發現教會受許多傳統的束縛，整個教會缺乏活力. 聖詩唱得沒有氣力，禱告流於形式，信息不能解決心中的需要。牧者也不能及時理解他們的思想，更新他們的靈命。許多傳道人本身教育程度不高，在高學歷會友面前有自卑感。讓我們特別記念那些覺得在教會中得不著餵養的年輕人。也求主幫助中國教會不但能牧養年長的，也能供應年輕的信徒。
星期一
中國有眾多的頂尖高中，學校竭盡所能消除一切可能分散學生預備「高考」的誘惑。他們相信考進重點大學才是踏進一生成功的門檻。對這些高中學生來說，參加高考帶給他們極大的壓力。我們為所有就讀高中的信徒子弟來禱告，他們面對極大的升學壓力和繁重課業，許多都停止參加教會的聚會，他們的父母也不要求他們花時間在教會。我們求神加添他們力量、智慧，更重要的是感動他們的心， 讓他們繼續渴慕神，跟主有親密的關系。
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Prayer Request 9/20 - 9/26
Tuesday
China leads the world in the number of suicides committed each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults there with more than two million attempting to kill themselves and almost 250,000 of them succeeding. Let us pray about this "unspeakable illness". Many believers, especially those in rural churches, know of someone who has committed suicide. May the Lord grant believers opportunities to help these depressed people who feel so hopeless and helpless with never a chance to hear what Jesus can do for them.
Wednesday
Suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults (aged 15-34) in China. The study found that teenagers were put under pressure due to the burden their studies placed on them, troubled relationships they had formed, and the problems they faced in trying to find a job. Young adults, on the other hand, faced problems like pressure from work, financial burdens, and securing proper education for their children. We pray that there are older believers who will be able to give counsel and encouragement to the young people in the churches.
Thursday
Some urban Chinese pastors have declared that "we should no longer allow our children to receive atheist education in school five days a week and get only Sunday to God's truth!". The call for churches to provide alternative Christian education is ever more urgent and several urban churches have started up their own church-based schools. Let us pray for those churches who have opened kindergarten classes, even up to junior high school level. They hope to get assistance from oversea churches or organizations so they can provide a curriculum continuing on to high school level. Without a high school curriculum, parents are reluctant to enroll in atheist schools. All these schools and their supporting churches need our prayers and support.
Friday
Currently, tuition at Peking and Tsinghua Universities is among the lowest nationwide because China invests more in them and keeps tuition low. Private universities, however, have no access to state investments, subsides, or donations and must rely solely on tuition fees. Thus, these schools can be very expensive to attend. Parents in the villages hope their children can find good jobs and not have to continue doing the hard work of farming. We remember all the parents in the rural churches knowing God hears and answers our prayers for our children to love Him and stay true to our faith.
Saturday
While the relatively affluent urban children have more access to the nation's prestigious institutions with a minimal investment and a high return, poor children from rural areas are paying more to go to a general school with a lower return.Chinese parents are willing to do anything for their children. One way they save money for their tuition is to be very frugal. This is a major reason why the offerings in rural churches are so low. May the Lord grant believers in those churches more faith and trust in Him so they will be able to give financially to the ministry of the church, especially those who work in the cities but have left their children back in their homes in the villages.
Sunday
Every year tens of millions of Chinese women submit to the traditional practice of confinement during the month after childbirth. In Chinese this is called "sitting the month" as new mothers are pretty much expected to just sit around in pajamas for a month to recover from childbirth. The new mothers aren't allowed to bathe and they must eat bland food. New mothers in the churches need a lot of coaching and support from their families as well as from the sisters in their churches. We pray that a close bond will form as the older believers reach out to help the younger ones. We lift all the new Christian mothers up to God. May the Lord give them the conviction that their child is a gift and an inheritance from God.
Monday
New mothers are not allowed to eat raw fruit or vegetables, drink coffee, cold drinks or even cold water. Anything they drink must be tepid or hot. Such rules are aimed at restoring balance to the new mother's body after childbirth and also protecting the baby's digestive system. New mothers must quickly learn to care for their babies and adjust to the new schedule. Most of them return to work and hand the care of their babies over to the grandparents. We pray for Christian grandparents who are taking care of the new babies. May everything they do bless their grandchildren and instill in them a love for God.
星期二
中國是自殺率很高的國家，自殺是中國人第五大死因，每年約有25萬人死於自殺，還有200萬人自殺未遂的。家中有人自殺，造成的傷痛往往非言語能形容，也不易與人分訴。讓我們在禱告中記念這些哀傷的家庭。許多信徒也認識自殺者的家人，願主感動弟兄姊妹把握機會，幫助這些抑鬱、無奈和無助的鄰居或朋友，特別是那些尚未有機會認識主耶穌大能的人。
星期三
自殺是中國15至34歲的青壯年人群的首位死因。少年人的壓力來自升學、感情和就業。對青、成年人而言，有工作壓力、經濟負擔，及子女教育經費的重擔。 基督徒年輕人也難免要面對來自各方的壓力，求主施恩給教會年輕一代，讓年長、成熟的信徒能幫助輔導他們，在真理上、信心上建造、鼓勵他們信靠主，祂必帶領我們脫離未知前途的憂慮，且要得勝有餘。
星期四
中國有不少的傳道人分享說：「再也不能讓我們的孩子五天在學校接受無神論教育，只有一天回到教會接受真理了！」基督教教育的需要迫在眉睫，好多城市的家庭教會都開始自己辦學校，也盼望有海外的教會或機構幫助他們繼續辦高中。由於這些學生馬上要讀高中，而公立高中所學的課程未能銜接。我們為已開辦了從幼兒園，甚至到初中的基督教學校來禱告並繼續支持他們的需要。
星期五
中國的重點大學得到國家的贊助，因此學費相較來說比較低。北大、清華的學費標準在全國高校內是最低的，反而一些民辦高職、高專的學費高得嚇人，呈現嚴重的質量與學費倒掛現象。農村家長最大的盼望是孩子將來能找到一份好工作，也是他們一生辛勞的寄託。垂聽那些父母為子女能持守信仰，一生愛主的禱告。
星期六
相對家庭富裕的城市孩子，只需花較少的學費就能去讀著名學校，受良好的教育；而家庭貧寒的農村學子，支出了龐大的學費，卻只能上一般普通的學校。每位家長為了孩子都願意省吃儉用，或犧牲自己的益處。而這也正是農村教會奉獻缺乏，事工無法前進的主因之一。求主讓農村信徒更有信心，特別是那些在城裡打工將孩子留守家鄉的，幫助他們不但願意參與服事，也能樂意奉獻。
星期日
每年都有數千萬的新手媽媽，產後一個月自願宅在家中，足不出戶，遵守所謂傳統的「坐月子」。每天穿寛鬆的睡衣躺在床上，不能勞力，要讓身體恢復，同時不能淋浴，也不吃任何刺激性的食物。教會中的新媽媽們，極需過來人的指導與幫助。願教會中年長的姐妹能和新手媽媽建立友誼，成為她們的屬靈榜樣。也求主幫助新媽媽們，能堅信她們的孩子是神托付的產業，更是主所恩賜的禮物。
星期一
中國人做月子時盡量不能沾水，也忌吃稀飯、牛奶、果汁等，更不能吃生冷食物，因產後體質較差，生冷食物不易吸收，影響身體的恢復，且會透過母乳，直接影響嬰兒腸胃。新手媽媽必須盡快學會照顧嬰兒，適應新的生活形態。大多數母親做完月子後都會立即回到原工作崗位，並把嬰兒託給祖父母們照顧。我們為那些在照顧新生兒的基督徒祖父母祈求，求主幫助他們，因著虔誠愛主，都能成為兒孫們一生的祝福。
China leads the world in the number of suicides committed each year. Suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults there with more than two million attempting to kill themselves and almost 250,000 of them succeeding. Let us pray about this "unspeakable illness". Many believers, especially those in rural churches, know of someone who has committed suicide. May the Lord grant believers opportunities to help these depressed people who feel so hopeless and helpless with never a chance to hear what Jesus can do for them.
Wednesday
Suicide is the leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults (aged 15-34) in China. The study found that teenagers were put under pressure due to the burden their studies placed on them, troubled relationships they had formed, and the problems they faced in trying to find a job. Young adults, on the other hand, faced problems like pressure from work, financial burdens, and securing proper education for their children. We pray that there are older believers who will be able to give counsel and encouragement to the young people in the churches.
Thursday
Some urban Chinese pastors have declared that "we should no longer allow our children to receive atheist education in school five days a week and get only Sunday to God's truth!". The call for churches to provide alternative Christian education is ever more urgent and several urban churches have started up their own church-based schools. Let us pray for those churches who have opened kindergarten classes, even up to junior high school level. They hope to get assistance from oversea churches or organizations so they can provide a curriculum continuing on to high school level. Without a high school curriculum, parents are reluctant to enroll in atheist schools. All these schools and their supporting churches need our prayers and support.
Friday
Currently, tuition at Peking and Tsinghua Universities is among the lowest nationwide because China invests more in them and keeps tuition low. Private universities, however, have no access to state investments, subsides, or donations and must rely solely on tuition fees. Thus, these schools can be very expensive to attend. Parents in the villages hope their children can find good jobs and not have to continue doing the hard work of farming. We remember all the parents in the rural churches knowing God hears and answers our prayers for our children to love Him and stay true to our faith.
Saturday
While the relatively affluent urban children have more access to the nation's prestigious institutions with a minimal investment and a high return, poor children from rural areas are paying more to go to a general school with a lower return.Chinese parents are willing to do anything for their children. One way they save money for their tuition is to be very frugal. This is a major reason why the offerings in rural churches are so low. May the Lord grant believers in those churches more faith and trust in Him so they will be able to give financially to the ministry of the church, especially those who work in the cities but have left their children back in their homes in the villages.
Sunday
Every year tens of millions of Chinese women submit to the traditional practice of confinement during the month after childbirth. In Chinese this is called "sitting the month" as new mothers are pretty much expected to just sit around in pajamas for a month to recover from childbirth. The new mothers aren't allowed to bathe and they must eat bland food. New mothers in the churches need a lot of coaching and support from their families as well as from the sisters in their churches. We pray that a close bond will form as the older believers reach out to help the younger ones. We lift all the new Christian mothers up to God. May the Lord give them the conviction that their child is a gift and an inheritance from God.
Monday
New mothers are not allowed to eat raw fruit or vegetables, drink coffee, cold drinks or even cold water. Anything they drink must be tepid or hot. Such rules are aimed at restoring balance to the new mother's body after childbirth and also protecting the baby's digestive system. New mothers must quickly learn to care for their babies and adjust to the new schedule. Most of them return to work and hand the care of their babies over to the grandparents. We pray for Christian grandparents who are taking care of the new babies. May everything they do bless their grandchildren and instill in them a love for God.
星期二
中國是自殺率很高的國家，自殺是中國人第五大死因，每年約有25萬人死於自殺，還有200萬人自殺未遂的。家中有人自殺，造成的傷痛往往非言語能形容，也不易與人分訴。讓我們在禱告中記念這些哀傷的家庭。許多信徒也認識自殺者的家人，願主感動弟兄姊妹把握機會，幫助這些抑鬱、無奈和無助的鄰居或朋友，特別是那些尚未有機會認識主耶穌大能的人。
星期三
自殺是中國15至34歲的青壯年人群的首位死因。少年人的壓力來自升學、感情和就業。對青、成年人而言，有工作壓力、經濟負擔，及子女教育經費的重擔。 基督徒年輕人也難免要面對來自各方的壓力，求主施恩給教會年輕一代，讓年長、成熟的信徒能幫助輔導他們，在真理上、信心上建造、鼓勵他們信靠主，祂必帶領我們脫離未知前途的憂慮，且要得勝有餘。
星期四
中國有不少的傳道人分享說：「再也不能讓我們的孩子五天在學校接受無神論教育，只有一天回到教會接受真理了！」基督教教育的需要迫在眉睫，好多城市的家庭教會都開始自己辦學校，也盼望有海外的教會或機構幫助他們繼續辦高中。由於這些學生馬上要讀高中，而公立高中所學的課程未能銜接。我們為已開辦了從幼兒園，甚至到初中的基督教學校來禱告並繼續支持他們的需要。
星期五
中國的重點大學得到國家的贊助，因此學費相較來說比較低。北大、清華的學費標準在全國高校內是最低的，反而一些民辦高職、高專的學費高得嚇人，呈現嚴重的質量與學費倒掛現象。農村家長最大的盼望是孩子將來能找到一份好工作，也是他們一生辛勞的寄託。垂聽那些父母為子女能持守信仰，一生愛主的禱告。
星期六
相對家庭富裕的城市孩子，只需花較少的學費就能去讀著名學校，受良好的教育；而家庭貧寒的農村學子，支出了龐大的學費，卻只能上一般普通的學校。每位家長為了孩子都願意省吃儉用，或犧牲自己的益處。而這也正是農村教會奉獻缺乏，事工無法前進的主因之一。求主讓農村信徒更有信心，特別是那些在城裡打工將孩子留守家鄉的，幫助他們不但願意參與服事，也能樂意奉獻。
星期日
每年都有數千萬的新手媽媽，產後一個月自願宅在家中，足不出戶，遵守所謂傳統的「坐月子」。每天穿寛鬆的睡衣躺在床上，不能勞力，要讓身體恢復，同時不能淋浴，也不吃任何刺激性的食物。教會中的新媽媽們，極需過來人的指導與幫助。願教會中年長的姐妹能和新手媽媽建立友誼，成為她們的屬靈榜樣。也求主幫助新媽媽們，能堅信她們的孩子是神托付的產業，更是主所恩賜的禮物。
星期一
中國人做月子時盡量不能沾水，也忌吃稀飯、牛奶、果汁等，更不能吃生冷食物，因產後體質較差，生冷食物不易吸收，影響身體的恢復，且會透過母乳，直接影響嬰兒腸胃。新手媽媽必須盡快學會照顧嬰兒，適應新的生活形態。大多數母親做完月子後都會立即回到原工作崗位，並把嬰兒託給祖父母們照顧。我們為那些在照顧新生兒的基督徒祖父母祈求，求主幫助他們，因著虔誠愛主，都能成為兒孫們一生的祝福。
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Prayer Request 9/13 - 9/19
Tuesday
The rate of marriages in Asia is falling partly because people are postponing getting married. The mean age of marriage in the riches places (Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong) has risen sharply in the past few decades and has now reached 29-30 for women and 31-33 for men. Over one-fifth of Taiwanese women in their late 30's are single and most will never marry. Chinese churches still teach that getting married and having a family is a sign of God's blessing. Let us pray that churches will be more sensitive to the spiritual needs and struggles of singles, single parents, and divorcees.
Wednesday
So far the trend of marrying late has not affected China and India, the two Asian giants but once it hits, it is likely to be exacerbated because of the sex-selective abortion practiced there for a generation. By 2050 it is predicted there will be 60 million more men of marriageable age than women in China and India. On the whole, fewer babies mean fewer children in churches and Sunday schools. Even parents who are believers do not bring their children to church because there are few programs for the little ones. We pray that both parents and churches will see the great importance of ministering to the little ones no matter what the cost or the seemingly "low return".
Thursday
The burden that Asian women carry is particularly heavy. Japanese women typically work 40 hours a week in an office and then do on the average another 30 hours of housework. Japanese husbands on the average do only three hours of housework. Asian women who give up working outside the home to look after their children then find it hard when they are grown to return to work. Not surprisingly, Asian women have an unusually pessimistic view of marriage. We lift up all the sisters in churches who have a full-time job, still must do their housework, make sure their children are doing well academically, along with caring for elderly parents, and trying to find time to serve in the church. May the Lord give them extra strength, strong faith in Him, and joy in serving.
Friday
The Supreme People's Court in China issued a judicial explanation regarding disputes about real estate in the increasing number of divorces there. A house bought by parents and registered under their child's name remains the personal property of that child after marriage which means the other partner in the marriage will not become co-owner of the house. All Chinese parents want to help their children buy their first home. We pray that believers will be reminded by the Spirit that they should also help their children know God from a young age and that He will become the foundation of their whole life. We also pray that believing parents will set a good example for their children, especially in those families where only one of them is a Christian.
Saturday
Before the new ruling made by the Court, many jokingly said that it was the future mother-in-law who drove up the price of real estate in China. Hopefully now parents who have only a daughter will be more willing to buy a house in her name or choose to transfer ownership to her before marriage. We pray especially for believing parents who have daughters that there will be a good parent-child relationship so they can always continue to exert a godly influence on their lives and share Biblical values with them. There is always the pressure for daughters to get married quickly but we pray they will have faith that God will provide for them and reveal His will to them.
Sunday
If parents on both sides of a marriage buy a house and the marriage ends in divorce, the ownership of the house can then be split according to the contribution made by each side. Many people applauded the decision of the Court and said in was in line with China's "real situation and social conventions" so was helpful in settling disputes. Christian parents often cannot stop their children from marrying non-believers. Many parents feel "lucky" their child is marrying someone with a good job or the ability to make a down payment on an apartment. May the Lord give Christian parents wisdom in teaching their children the importance of marrying a Christian by living a godly life before them and praying without ceasing for the friends of their children.
Monday
When it comes to love and marriage in China, it is "No apartment, no marriage". With the new High Court's ruling about properties, hopefully young people can separate housing and marriage a bit and not marry to get a house. Also we hope that parents will change their attitude about how they give money to their only child in marriage. There are many reasons why Chinese believers generally give lower offerings to the Lord's work including saving for their child's education and buying him/her a house. We pray that Chinese believers and all of us will truly trust the Lord and have faith in Him that He will provide for our needs and those of our children.
星期二
近年亞洲的結婚率一直下降，原因是人們越來越晚婚。過去幾十年中，富裕的日本、台灣、韓國和香港，平均結婚年齡上升，女人是29-30歲，男人是31-33歲。年齡超過30歲的臺灣女性，至少五分之一是單身，且絕大多數一輩子維持單身。現今中國教會仍是傳講「結婚成家才是神的祝福」。我們禱告教會能更加體諒所有單身、單親和離婚的肢體們，也更關心他們屬靈的需求，關心他們的苦楚。
星期三
目前中國和印度，不像亞洲其他富裕國家，尚未有晚婚的趨勢。但此趨勢是必然的，因兩國都重男輕女，選擇性的墮胎，會使晚婚情況越來越明顯。因男多女少，據統計到2050年，兩國適婚齡男性將會比女性多出六千萬。晚生或不生孩子的風氣，影響教會及主日學孩子人數。信徒父母常因教會沒兒童節目不願帶孩子到教會。我們迫切禱告：教會和信徒家長都能重視第二代靈魂得救的無價寶貴，不誤認為是「高投資，低回報」。
星期四
亞洲婦女生活上的負擔極為沉重。日本婦女除了每週工作40小時外，平均還要做30小時的家務。而他們的丈夫，平均只做三小時的家事。亞洲的婦女一旦放棄工作照顧孩子，若干年後是很難再回到職場的。種種因素讓亞洲女性對婚姻持較負面的看法。中國教會中有無數的姐妹們有全職工作，還要料理家務，督導孩子學業及照顧年邁家人，百忙之中還參與教會服事。願主賜她們額外的力量、信心，在服事中多有喜樂。
星期五
因離婚官司急遽增加，中國最高人民法院頒布了界定房產歸屬權的法規：「婚後，一方父母出資為子女購買不動產，且產權登記在自己子女名下的，應認定為夫妻一方的個人財產。」為子女預備一棟房子似是中國家長不成文的責任。但教養子女從小認識神，奠定一生的靈性基礎，更應是基督徒父母的重責大任。我們為信徒家長有虔誠的榜樣及影響力禱告。求神特別憐憫、保守父母只有一方為基督徒的家庭。
星期六
有觀點戲稱是「丈母娘們」推高了中國的房價。因著新法律的通過，女方父母很可能願意拿出更多的資金為女兒置辦一所名下的房子，或在女兒結婚前就把房子過戶到女兒名下。我們特別為有女兒的信徒家庭來禱告，求主賜下美好的親子關係，父母對女兒一生有持續的影響力，分享聖經價值觀。女孩子難免有「趁早嫁人」壓力，我們為她們有堅定信心禱告，深信神必預備，也會對她們顯明神美好的旨意。
星期日
當子女離婚時，如果當初他們購買的房子由雙方父母出錢的，房子可以根據各自出資的比率來分割。許多人都認為符合「中國實際情況和社會公約」，並有助於解決夫妻爭端。當子女和非基督徒交往時，基督徒父母往往覺得無奈也無法阻止。不少信徒家長認為只要孩子的伴侶有好工作，買得起房子就很「幸運」了。求主賜我們智慧教導孩子，信仰一致才是家庭的福氣，同時父母也要活出敬虔的婚姻榜樣，不放棄為孩子異性交友來禱告。
星期一
新的司法解釋，盼能給予當今中國流行的「無房不嫁」的婚姻觀一個喘息的機會。從今起，男女不再為了房子而結婚。此外也希望父母們改變對於金錢如何使用在子女身上的觀念，不再將為兒女買房視為「必要供應」。中國信徒一般奉獻有限，為子女的教育存款、為孩子買棟房子即是藉口之一。我們禱告，中國信徒都能對神有充足的信心，相信神不但會為我們預備全備，更會為我們的子女預備豐盛。
The rate of marriages in Asia is falling partly because people are postponing getting married. The mean age of marriage in the riches places (Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong) has risen sharply in the past few decades and has now reached 29-30 for women and 31-33 for men. Over one-fifth of Taiwanese women in their late 30's are single and most will never marry. Chinese churches still teach that getting married and having a family is a sign of God's blessing. Let us pray that churches will be more sensitive to the spiritual needs and struggles of singles, single parents, and divorcees.
Wednesday
So far the trend of marrying late has not affected China and India, the two Asian giants but once it hits, it is likely to be exacerbated because of the sex-selective abortion practiced there for a generation. By 2050 it is predicted there will be 60 million more men of marriageable age than women in China and India. On the whole, fewer babies mean fewer children in churches and Sunday schools. Even parents who are believers do not bring their children to church because there are few programs for the little ones. We pray that both parents and churches will see the great importance of ministering to the little ones no matter what the cost or the seemingly "low return".
Thursday
The burden that Asian women carry is particularly heavy. Japanese women typically work 40 hours a week in an office and then do on the average another 30 hours of housework. Japanese husbands on the average do only three hours of housework. Asian women who give up working outside the home to look after their children then find it hard when they are grown to return to work. Not surprisingly, Asian women have an unusually pessimistic view of marriage. We lift up all the sisters in churches who have a full-time job, still must do their housework, make sure their children are doing well academically, along with caring for elderly parents, and trying to find time to serve in the church. May the Lord give them extra strength, strong faith in Him, and joy in serving.
Friday
The Supreme People's Court in China issued a judicial explanation regarding disputes about real estate in the increasing number of divorces there. A house bought by parents and registered under their child's name remains the personal property of that child after marriage which means the other partner in the marriage will not become co-owner of the house. All Chinese parents want to help their children buy their first home. We pray that believers will be reminded by the Spirit that they should also help their children know God from a young age and that He will become the foundation of their whole life. We also pray that believing parents will set a good example for their children, especially in those families where only one of them is a Christian.
Saturday
Before the new ruling made by the Court, many jokingly said that it was the future mother-in-law who drove up the price of real estate in China. Hopefully now parents who have only a daughter will be more willing to buy a house in her name or choose to transfer ownership to her before marriage. We pray especially for believing parents who have daughters that there will be a good parent-child relationship so they can always continue to exert a godly influence on their lives and share Biblical values with them. There is always the pressure for daughters to get married quickly but we pray they will have faith that God will provide for them and reveal His will to them.
Sunday
If parents on both sides of a marriage buy a house and the marriage ends in divorce, the ownership of the house can then be split according to the contribution made by each side. Many people applauded the decision of the Court and said in was in line with China's "real situation and social conventions" so was helpful in settling disputes. Christian parents often cannot stop their children from marrying non-believers. Many parents feel "lucky" their child is marrying someone with a good job or the ability to make a down payment on an apartment. May the Lord give Christian parents wisdom in teaching their children the importance of marrying a Christian by living a godly life before them and praying without ceasing for the friends of their children.
Monday
When it comes to love and marriage in China, it is "No apartment, no marriage". With the new High Court's ruling about properties, hopefully young people can separate housing and marriage a bit and not marry to get a house. Also we hope that parents will change their attitude about how they give money to their only child in marriage. There are many reasons why Chinese believers generally give lower offerings to the Lord's work including saving for their child's education and buying him/her a house. We pray that Chinese believers and all of us will truly trust the Lord and have faith in Him that He will provide for our needs and those of our children.
星期二
近年亞洲的結婚率一直下降，原因是人們越來越晚婚。過去幾十年中，富裕的日本、台灣、韓國和香港，平均結婚年齡上升，女人是29-30歲，男人是31-33歲。年齡超過30歲的臺灣女性，至少五分之一是單身，且絕大多數一輩子維持單身。現今中國教會仍是傳講「結婚成家才是神的祝福」。我們禱告教會能更加體諒所有單身、單親和離婚的肢體們，也更關心他們屬靈的需求，關心他們的苦楚。
星期三
目前中國和印度，不像亞洲其他富裕國家，尚未有晚婚的趨勢。但此趨勢是必然的，因兩國都重男輕女，選擇性的墮胎，會使晚婚情況越來越明顯。因男多女少，據統計到2050年，兩國適婚齡男性將會比女性多出六千萬。晚生或不生孩子的風氣，影響教會及主日學孩子人數。信徒父母常因教會沒兒童節目不願帶孩子到教會。我們迫切禱告：教會和信徒家長都能重視第二代靈魂得救的無價寶貴，不誤認為是「高投資，低回報」。
星期四
亞洲婦女生活上的負擔極為沉重。日本婦女除了每週工作40小時外，平均還要做30小時的家務。而他們的丈夫，平均只做三小時的家事。亞洲的婦女一旦放棄工作照顧孩子，若干年後是很難再回到職場的。種種因素讓亞洲女性對婚姻持較負面的看法。中國教會中有無數的姐妹們有全職工作，還要料理家務，督導孩子學業及照顧年邁家人，百忙之中還參與教會服事。願主賜她們額外的力量、信心，在服事中多有喜樂。
星期五
因離婚官司急遽增加，中國最高人民法院頒布了界定房產歸屬權的法規：「婚後，一方父母出資為子女購買不動產，且產權登記在自己子女名下的，應認定為夫妻一方的個人財產。」為子女預備一棟房子似是中國家長不成文的責任。但教養子女從小認識神，奠定一生的靈性基礎，更應是基督徒父母的重責大任。我們為信徒家長有虔誠的榜樣及影響力禱告。求神特別憐憫、保守父母只有一方為基督徒的家庭。
星期六
有觀點戲稱是「丈母娘們」推高了中國的房價。因著新法律的通過，女方父母很可能願意拿出更多的資金為女兒置辦一所名下的房子，或在女兒結婚前就把房子過戶到女兒名下。我們特別為有女兒的信徒家庭來禱告，求主賜下美好的親子關係，父母對女兒一生有持續的影響力，分享聖經價值觀。女孩子難免有「趁早嫁人」壓力，我們為她們有堅定信心禱告，深信神必預備，也會對她們顯明神美好的旨意。
星期日
當子女離婚時，如果當初他們購買的房子由雙方父母出錢的，房子可以根據各自出資的比率來分割。許多人都認為符合「中國實際情況和社會公約」，並有助於解決夫妻爭端。當子女和非基督徒交往時，基督徒父母往往覺得無奈也無法阻止。不少信徒家長認為只要孩子的伴侶有好工作，買得起房子就很「幸運」了。求主賜我們智慧教導孩子，信仰一致才是家庭的福氣，同時父母也要活出敬虔的婚姻榜樣，不放棄為孩子異性交友來禱告。
星期一
新的司法解釋，盼能給予當今中國流行的「無房不嫁」的婚姻觀一個喘息的機會。從今起，男女不再為了房子而結婚。此外也希望父母們改變對於金錢如何使用在子女身上的觀念，不再將為兒女買房視為「必要供應」。中國信徒一般奉獻有限，為子女的教育存款、為孩子買棟房子即是藉口之一。我們禱告，中國信徒都能對神有充足的信心，相信神不但會為我們預備全備，更會為我們的子女預備豐盛。
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Prayer Request 9/6 - 9/12
Tuesday
The city of Shenzhen, measured by the size, structure, number of contributions, and sustainability of the charity was ranked by the central government of China as the "most charitable city". Shanghai, Beijing, Wuxi followed closely behind. Shenzhen is judged to be the most generous city in China with a per capita giving of 400 yuan. The majority of charitable giving in Shenzhen comes from big companies and wealthy businessmen. Chinese believers often feel it is the responsibility of the rich people to give. May the Lord open our eyes to see how richly He has blessed us and teach us to give thanks for all things.
Wednesday
In terms of charitable giving, 78 percent of the eastern cities in China rank above the national average while the cities in the West are generally below and those in Central China are very much below the national average. We praise the Lord for this since most churches that are involved in mission and financially assisting poor churches are usually found in the East. Those in the West tend to be smaller and weaker and need our prayers. We pray for revival fire, strengthening of weak believers, and unity of heart and mind for all the leaders.
Thursday
NGO's and charitable organizations are growing in China at the rate of 13.7 percent yearly. The number of Chinese volunteering is growing at 16% yearly. Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen lead in giving to charities and volunteering. The rest of the country has not really caught on. Churches in Beijing are well-known for their charitable activities and we praise the Lord for the positive impression they are creating for Christianity. May their labor continue to demonstrate God's compassion and love. We pray for their effort to be long-lasting and that each will make a great impact for the gospel in its neighborhood.
Friday
New mothers must guard against getting a chill since traditional Chinese doctors warn that it could lead to problems with the joints or other illnesses later on. "Sitting the month" or "Zuo Yuezi" is deeply imbedded in Chinese culture and goes back 2000 years. It is even mentioned in the old Book of Changes or I-ching. Ladies in the church will make a schedule to take cooked food to the new mothers. This is a wonderful ministry forming close bonds with the sisters and even gives them the privilege of sharing the gospel with the husbands of the new mothers. We remember all the sisters who are involved in visitation, caring for the younger women in their churches, and leading them in Bible studies.
Saturday
Chinese people are greatly concerned about balancing yin and yang in all things. If the yin and yang are balanced in your body you won't get sick. If they are out of balance, it is easy to get sick. New mothers are supposed to observe a strict diet to prevent imbalance in their changing bodies. Chinese believers always need to balance the traditional beliefs with Biblical truth. Unbelieving family members will often ridicule believers for their prayer for health rather than using the traditional yin and yang balance. Let us ask God for faith for all the believers, especially as they pray for healing of chronic illnesses and emotional health.
Sunday
Despite China's fast pace of modernization, the age-old practice of "sitting the month" is still flourishing among its young and lucrative postpartum centers are popping up in cities across China. Postpartum centers serve six meals daily and serve soup made with pig's feel and peanuts which is supposed to stimulate the mother's milk supply. Very few churches in China offer care for babies so their mothers can attend churches. Many mothers stay home for months to prevent their babies from being exposed to germs. Let us pray for all the new mothers. May they continue to grow spiritually and form a beautiful relationship with their children, praying for and committing them to God.
Monday
The China Disabled People's Federation runs nearly 1500 pre-school "hearing rehabilitation centers" established since the 1980's. Less than ten percent of the children who attend these schools are able to have an adequate enough grasp of spoken Chinese to enter public schools. The few who have enrolled in public schools are children with residual hearing or who were able to afford cochlear implants. Surprisingly there are more than thirty million deaf people in China. Most of them are uneducated and have a low income. They are often discriminated against and bullied. Let us ask God to comfort all of these despised, neglected people. May the Lord raise up more believers to reach out to them and help them by starting a ministry to the deaf.
星期二
深圳市被中央評為「首善城市」，在慈善事業的規模、結構、貢獻、可持續性，得分最高。上海、北京、無錫則緊隨在後。深圳每人平均慈善捐額400元，成為「最慷慨的城市」。當地的慈善捐贈，大部分來自大公司與富商們。中國信徒往往有個錯誤的觀念，認為「有錢的奉獻是應該，但我可不是那『有錢人』！」 求主開啟我們的眼睛，看見祂是如此豐富地祝福了我們，我們應常懷感恩的心將當納的獻上。
星期三
東部78%的城市慈善發展水平超過全國平均，西部城市則低於平均水平，而中部城市則最為落後。我們為弟兄姊妹參與宣教，支援外地弱小教會，大多數都是來自慈善發展水平較高的東部來讚美神。 中國西部的教會往往較為弱小，讓我們禱告那復興的靈再一次燃燒，堅定軟弱的信徒，也賜下合一的靈給眾教會的領袖、同工們。
星期四
中國當前慈善組織數量年增長率為13.7%，志願者數目年增長率將近16%；然而各城市慈善事業發展水平仍參差不齊。上海、北京、深圳為慈善活動較為頻繁的地區，其他城市則還有很大的進步空間。北京的教會在社區慈善活動中非常活躍，廣受社會好評。讓我們為基督徒樹立美好形象感謝神，願主記念、保守他們的辛勞，也求神繼續使用他們，將祂的公義和慈愛帶給世人。
星期五
中國人婦女產後坐月子的習慣已有兩千多年的歷史，易經當中就曾有此記載，坐月子又稱「月內」，是產後必須的「儀式性」行為。如禁忌吹風，以防筋骨鬆弛，引起風濕、關節酸痛等疾病。大多數教會的姐妹們會組織坐月子大隊，幫助年輕的新媽媽們。這項很美的服事，促進了姐妹們間的感情，更是向她們家人和丈夫分享福音的大好機會。願神記念姐妹們的愛心，也能帶領新媽媽一同研讀神的話語。
星期六
“中國人非常注重所謂的陰陽調和，若是身體陰陽是平衡的，就不易生病，反之就易得病。所以坐月子的婦女更是要嚴格遵守飲食原則，在身體變化中，千萬不能失了平衡。弟兄姊妹們也常為平衡傳統習俗與聖經的真理而為難。當信徒為他們自己的健康禱告時，多半會遭不信主的家人譏笑，認為他們不信傳統的陰陽平衡。求主加添所有信徒信心，尤其有慢性病或精神上疾病的，能大膽向 神求醫治。
星期日
儘管中國社會超速的現代化，但古老「坐月子」的傳統，還是被新一代的年輕人接受。各地坐月子中心如雨後春筍般成立，成為大有利潤的新興行業。坐月子中心每天提供產婦營養的六餐，豬蹄花生湯更是必備，以增加產婦母乳的供應。極少的中國教會有能力及條件，提供聚會時托嬰服務，讓媽媽們能專心敬拜。許多媽媽為避免嬰兒傳染得病，寧可待在家裡，不上教會。我們為新手媽媽從一開始就能成為好母親，為兒女一生守望禱告來代求。
星期一
中國殘疾人聯合會自從80年代在全國各地開辦了1500個學前「聽力康復中心」。但受過訓練的孩子不到10％有能力且順利進入公立學校。這些能夠進入一般體系的孩子都是還有殘餘聽力或能花錢接受人工耳蝸植入手術者。 中國聾人數目龐大，估計超過3000萬人，大多是沒有學歷、無收入、受歧視，甚至是受欺凌的一群。求主親自安慰這些受創的心靈，並興起更多的教會信徒去深入接觸、關照失聰的群體。
The city of Shenzhen, measured by the size, structure, number of contributions, and sustainability of the charity was ranked by the central government of China as the "most charitable city". Shanghai, Beijing, Wuxi followed closely behind. Shenzhen is judged to be the most generous city in China with a per capita giving of 400 yuan. The majority of charitable giving in Shenzhen comes from big companies and wealthy businessmen. Chinese believers often feel it is the responsibility of the rich people to give. May the Lord open our eyes to see how richly He has blessed us and teach us to give thanks for all things.
Wednesday
In terms of charitable giving, 78 percent of the eastern cities in China rank above the national average while the cities in the West are generally below and those in Central China are very much below the national average. We praise the Lord for this since most churches that are involved in mission and financially assisting poor churches are usually found in the East. Those in the West tend to be smaller and weaker and need our prayers. We pray for revival fire, strengthening of weak believers, and unity of heart and mind for all the leaders.
Thursday
NGO's and charitable organizations are growing in China at the rate of 13.7 percent yearly. The number of Chinese volunteering is growing at 16% yearly. Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen lead in giving to charities and volunteering. The rest of the country has not really caught on. Churches in Beijing are well-known for their charitable activities and we praise the Lord for the positive impression they are creating for Christianity. May their labor continue to demonstrate God's compassion and love. We pray for their effort to be long-lasting and that each will make a great impact for the gospel in its neighborhood.
Friday
New mothers must guard against getting a chill since traditional Chinese doctors warn that it could lead to problems with the joints or other illnesses later on. "Sitting the month" or "Zuo Yuezi" is deeply imbedded in Chinese culture and goes back 2000 years. It is even mentioned in the old Book of Changes or I-ching. Ladies in the church will make a schedule to take cooked food to the new mothers. This is a wonderful ministry forming close bonds with the sisters and even gives them the privilege of sharing the gospel with the husbands of the new mothers. We remember all the sisters who are involved in visitation, caring for the younger women in their churches, and leading them in Bible studies.
Saturday
Chinese people are greatly concerned about balancing yin and yang in all things. If the yin and yang are balanced in your body you won't get sick. If they are out of balance, it is easy to get sick. New mothers are supposed to observe a strict diet to prevent imbalance in their changing bodies. Chinese believers always need to balance the traditional beliefs with Biblical truth. Unbelieving family members will often ridicule believers for their prayer for health rather than using the traditional yin and yang balance. Let us ask God for faith for all the believers, especially as they pray for healing of chronic illnesses and emotional health.
Sunday
Despite China's fast pace of modernization, the age-old practice of "sitting the month" is still flourishing among its young and lucrative postpartum centers are popping up in cities across China. Postpartum centers serve six meals daily and serve soup made with pig's feel and peanuts which is supposed to stimulate the mother's milk supply. Very few churches in China offer care for babies so their mothers can attend churches. Many mothers stay home for months to prevent their babies from being exposed to germs. Let us pray for all the new mothers. May they continue to grow spiritually and form a beautiful relationship with their children, praying for and committing them to God.
Monday
The China Disabled People's Federation runs nearly 1500 pre-school "hearing rehabilitation centers" established since the 1980's. Less than ten percent of the children who attend these schools are able to have an adequate enough grasp of spoken Chinese to enter public schools. The few who have enrolled in public schools are children with residual hearing or who were able to afford cochlear implants. Surprisingly there are more than thirty million deaf people in China. Most of them are uneducated and have a low income. They are often discriminated against and bullied. Let us ask God to comfort all of these despised, neglected people. May the Lord raise up more believers to reach out to them and help them by starting a ministry to the deaf.
星期二
深圳市被中央評為「首善城市」，在慈善事業的規模、結構、貢獻、可持續性，得分最高。上海、北京、無錫則緊隨在後。深圳每人平均慈善捐額400元，成為「最慷慨的城市」。當地的慈善捐贈，大部分來自大公司與富商們。中國信徒往往有個錯誤的觀念，認為「有錢的奉獻是應該，但我可不是那『有錢人』！」 求主開啟我們的眼睛，看見祂是如此豐富地祝福了我們，我們應常懷感恩的心將當納的獻上。
星期三
東部78%的城市慈善發展水平超過全國平均，西部城市則低於平均水平，而中部城市則最為落後。我們為弟兄姊妹參與宣教，支援外地弱小教會，大多數都是來自慈善發展水平較高的東部來讚美神。 中國西部的教會往往較為弱小，讓我們禱告那復興的靈再一次燃燒，堅定軟弱的信徒，也賜下合一的靈給眾教會的領袖、同工們。
星期四
中國當前慈善組織數量年增長率為13.7%，志願者數目年增長率將近16%；然而各城市慈善事業發展水平仍參差不齊。上海、北京、深圳為慈善活動較為頻繁的地區，其他城市則還有很大的進步空間。北京的教會在社區慈善活動中非常活躍，廣受社會好評。讓我們為基督徒樹立美好形象感謝神，願主記念、保守他們的辛勞，也求神繼續使用他們，將祂的公義和慈愛帶給世人。
星期五
中國人婦女產後坐月子的習慣已有兩千多年的歷史，易經當中就曾有此記載，坐月子又稱「月內」，是產後必須的「儀式性」行為。如禁忌吹風，以防筋骨鬆弛，引起風濕、關節酸痛等疾病。大多數教會的姐妹們會組織坐月子大隊，幫助年輕的新媽媽們。這項很美的服事，促進了姐妹們間的感情，更是向她們家人和丈夫分享福音的大好機會。願神記念姐妹們的愛心，也能帶領新媽媽一同研讀神的話語。
星期六
“中國人非常注重所謂的陰陽調和，若是身體陰陽是平衡的，就不易生病，反之就易得病。所以坐月子的婦女更是要嚴格遵守飲食原則，在身體變化中，千萬不能失了平衡。弟兄姊妹們也常為平衡傳統習俗與聖經的真理而為難。當信徒為他們自己的健康禱告時，多半會遭不信主的家人譏笑，認為他們不信傳統的陰陽平衡。求主加添所有信徒信心，尤其有慢性病或精神上疾病的，能大膽向 神求醫治。
星期日
儘管中國社會超速的現代化，但古老「坐月子」的傳統，還是被新一代的年輕人接受。各地坐月子中心如雨後春筍般成立，成為大有利潤的新興行業。坐月子中心每天提供產婦營養的六餐，豬蹄花生湯更是必備，以增加產婦母乳的供應。極少的中國教會有能力及條件，提供聚會時托嬰服務，讓媽媽們能專心敬拜。許多媽媽為避免嬰兒傳染得病，寧可待在家裡，不上教會。我們為新手媽媽從一開始就能成為好母親，為兒女一生守望禱告來代求。
星期一
中國殘疾人聯合會自從80年代在全國各地開辦了1500個學前「聽力康復中心」。但受過訓練的孩子不到10％有能力且順利進入公立學校。這些能夠進入一般體系的孩子都是還有殘餘聽力或能花錢接受人工耳蝸植入手術者。 中國聾人數目龐大，估計超過3000萬人，大多是沒有學歷、無收入、受歧視，甚至是受欺凌的一群。求主親自安慰這些受創的心靈，並興起更多的教會信徒去深入接觸、關照失聰的群體。
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Prayer Request 8/30 - 9/5
Tuesday
Hong Kong has 268,000 housemaids from Philippines and Indonesia. They allow Hong Kong mothers to work outside of home and are an integral part of economy. Recently, High Court will decide whether to grant permanent residency for maids who have worked more than 7 years. Many believer families employ maids as housekeepers or caring for elderly parents. It is common that maids follow them to attend church service. We pray that the believers will have a powerful and godly influence on their live-in workers, especially those from Muslim countries.
Wednesday
The declining ratio of rural students to urban students in the top-tiered universities is increasingly alarming. Although 62 % of the rural students took the national college entrance exam in 1910 and passed, in Tsinghua University only 17% of the freshmen were from rural areas. People who live in rural areas have the same desire to see their children excel academically and have a good future as do those who live in cities. Christian parents worry and pray fervently that their children will pass the entrance exam to college and then do well in their studies. We pray that parents and their children will have faith and truly trust God to care for them, knowing that He has the best in store for them.
Thursday
Overall the number of rural students attending universities in China is rising. In 1998 only 43.4% of first-year students were from a rural area but in 2005 it had risen to 53%. However, in Beijing University, students from the countryside represent only 10% of the student body so we see that most of them are going to second- or third-tier universities or vocational colleges. Paying tuition for students to go to college is a huge burden and constant worry for parents and especially those who live in rural areas. May the Lord grant each of us an unwavering faith in Him, to know He will not neglect us and we can trust that He truly is Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides for all of our needs.
Friday
China church has always been known for “Many women, many old people, many peasants, many illiterate and few church workers”. We praise the Lord for a miracle in the past decade, that is raising up churches in the cities and among the college students. This new development has injected much needed new blood to the graying church.
Saturday
Sending missionaries to other countries has long been a dream for churches in China. Many church groups have young people willing to go but they need solid theological training as well as skill in the language of the country and cross-cultural training. In the past many of the people sent to Muslim countries have returned because they just could not survive there. We pray that churches in China will not be discouraged in their efforts to send missionaries but will use past efforts to learn from their mistakes. Many Chinese look down on the Muslims because they are an ethnic minority in their country. Let us pray for a true passion for the Muslims in the church in China.
Sunday
In the 1980's churches in China, especially the rural churches grew at a phenomenal rate. It was an amazing testimony of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit coupled with the hard work of believers. However, since the late 1990's, rural churches, especially those in Henan and Anhui, need our prayers. Many of the believers who have little Christian background have fallen pray to various cults and the occult.
Monday
There are two main branches of the church in China--rural and urban. In recent years, churches in the cities have experienced explosive growth. Wenzhou is a case in point of how quickly this growth has transpired. We pray for church workers who must have proper and systematic theological training to be able to minister to the members in their congregations who are more intellectual than they are.
星期二
香港現有26.8 萬名菲籍或印尼外傭。她們的存在使女主人能夠外出工作，被認為香港經濟推手之一。最近法院將判決居港滿7年之外傭應否享有香港永久居民身份。許多信徒家庭也聘請外傭負責家務或照顧家中老幼，並同上教會崇拜。求主賜信徒在外傭面前有美好見證。感謝主近年感動一些教會關懷外藉傭人的需要，為她們預備合適的聚會。大部份印傭是穆斯林，我們特別為她們能在香港認識及接受福音禱告。
星期三
農村寒門子弟離一線高校越來越遠，在重點大學中農村生源的比例逐年下降。今年清華大學本科生中，農村生源佔總人數的17%。然而，全國農村考生的比例是62%。農村家長對孩子同樣也有成龍、成鳳的期待，信徒父母更是如此，無不為孩子的功課和升學而操心。求主賜給這些父母和孩子信心，能時常依靠、仰望神，並相信祂有最美好的預備。
星期四
按數據顯示，中國農村孩子佔高校新生的比例逐漸升高，從1989年的43.4%，到2005年達到53%。而在重點大學，農村學生的比例卻不斷滑落，絕大多數的農村學生都是進入高職、高專、三本、二本。很多農村信徒都深怕無法負擔孩子龐大的教育費用而憂心。求主堅固我們的信心，那位看顧麻雀，甚至連我們的頭髮也都數過的神，也必定看顧我們的一切需用。
星期五
中國教會常有「四多一少」的困境。「四多」一般是指﹕「婦女多、老人多、農民多和文盲多」，而「一少」是「工人少」。 我們特別要向主感恩，因為獨行奇事的神在近十年中，在城市教會和大學生群中卻行了大事，使他們成為中國未來發展的一股生力軍。讓我們敏感於神的腳步聲，配合神的心意，以恆切的禱告為中國各處的教會守望。
星期六
中國教會在派遣傳教士多有挫折及付代價的學習，他們往往缺乏宣教課程的培訓和宣教士的培育、訓練, 包括跨文化、近文化， 即便是城市宣教就有許多適應上的需要，就已整裝出發去宣教。以致許多年輕宣教士因無足夠裝備鎩羽而歸、傷痕累累。求主讓他們不氣餒，從錯誤中吸取教訓，更謙卑的努力。許多中國人，包括信徒仍有看輕中國回民的心態，求主賜中國教會一顆真正關愛穆斯林同胞的心
星期日
中國教會在80年代開始，因著神的恩典、藉著聖靈大能，和眾教牧、義工及弟兄姊妹同心的努力，教會大大興旺。尤以農村教會的增長最為驚人！他們為信徒立下了可佩的信心榜樣和屬靈資產。但自九零年代末起，農村教會卻面臨更嚴峻的考驗。尤其是那些對信仰沒有深厚根基的，容易被異端邪教輕易拐騙。我們繼續為河南和安徽省的農村教會來禱告，願主真理的明光趨逐黑暗的轄制，保守自己的群羊。
星期一
當今中國除了農村教會之外，增多了一個核心主流就是城市教會，而最近幾年的城市福音「爆炸」，帶來城市教會的大量增長，其中發展最突出的要算浙江溫州。求主興起更多受過純正、系統的神學裝備，能在這些城市教會牧養、服侍的教會同工，以回應這些由知識分子為主幹的城市教會的需要。
Hong Kong has 268,000 housemaids from Philippines and Indonesia. They allow Hong Kong mothers to work outside of home and are an integral part of economy. Recently, High Court will decide whether to grant permanent residency for maids who have worked more than 7 years. Many believer families employ maids as housekeepers or caring for elderly parents. It is common that maids follow them to attend church service. We pray that the believers will have a powerful and godly influence on their live-in workers, especially those from Muslim countries.
Wednesday
The declining ratio of rural students to urban students in the top-tiered universities is increasingly alarming. Although 62 % of the rural students took the national college entrance exam in 1910 and passed, in Tsinghua University only 17% of the freshmen were from rural areas. People who live in rural areas have the same desire to see their children excel academically and have a good future as do those who live in cities. Christian parents worry and pray fervently that their children will pass the entrance exam to college and then do well in their studies. We pray that parents and their children will have faith and truly trust God to care for them, knowing that He has the best in store for them.
Thursday
Overall the number of rural students attending universities in China is rising. In 1998 only 43.4% of first-year students were from a rural area but in 2005 it had risen to 53%. However, in Beijing University, students from the countryside represent only 10% of the student body so we see that most of them are going to second- or third-tier universities or vocational colleges. Paying tuition for students to go to college is a huge burden and constant worry for parents and especially those who live in rural areas. May the Lord grant each of us an unwavering faith in Him, to know He will not neglect us and we can trust that He truly is Jehovah-Jireh, the God Who provides for all of our needs.
Friday
China church has always been known for “Many women, many old people, many peasants, many illiterate and few church workers”. We praise the Lord for a miracle in the past decade, that is raising up churches in the cities and among the college students. This new development has injected much needed new blood to the graying church.
Saturday
Sending missionaries to other countries has long been a dream for churches in China. Many church groups have young people willing to go but they need solid theological training as well as skill in the language of the country and cross-cultural training. In the past many of the people sent to Muslim countries have returned because they just could not survive there. We pray that churches in China will not be discouraged in their efforts to send missionaries but will use past efforts to learn from their mistakes. Many Chinese look down on the Muslims because they are an ethnic minority in their country. Let us pray for a true passion for the Muslims in the church in China.
Sunday
In the 1980's churches in China, especially the rural churches grew at a phenomenal rate. It was an amazing testimony of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit coupled with the hard work of believers. However, since the late 1990's, rural churches, especially those in Henan and Anhui, need our prayers. Many of the believers who have little Christian background have fallen pray to various cults and the occult.
Monday
There are two main branches of the church in China--rural and urban. In recent years, churches in the cities have experienced explosive growth. Wenzhou is a case in point of how quickly this growth has transpired. We pray for church workers who must have proper and systematic theological training to be able to minister to the members in their congregations who are more intellectual than they are.
星期二
香港現有26.8 萬名菲籍或印尼外傭。她們的存在使女主人能夠外出工作，被認為香港經濟推手之一。最近法院將判決居港滿7年之外傭應否享有香港永久居民身份。許多信徒家庭也聘請外傭負責家務或照顧家中老幼，並同上教會崇拜。求主賜信徒在外傭面前有美好見證。感謝主近年感動一些教會關懷外藉傭人的需要，為她們預備合適的聚會。大部份印傭是穆斯林，我們特別為她們能在香港認識及接受福音禱告。
星期三
農村寒門子弟離一線高校越來越遠，在重點大學中農村生源的比例逐年下降。今年清華大學本科生中，農村生源佔總人數的17%。然而，全國農村考生的比例是62%。農村家長對孩子同樣也有成龍、成鳳的期待，信徒父母更是如此，無不為孩子的功課和升學而操心。求主賜給這些父母和孩子信心，能時常依靠、仰望神，並相信祂有最美好的預備。
星期四
按數據顯示，中國農村孩子佔高校新生的比例逐漸升高，從1989年的43.4%，到2005年達到53%。而在重點大學，農村學生的比例卻不斷滑落，絕大多數的農村學生都是進入高職、高專、三本、二本。很多農村信徒都深怕無法負擔孩子龐大的教育費用而憂心。求主堅固我們的信心，那位看顧麻雀，甚至連我們的頭髮也都數過的神，也必定看顧我們的一切需用。
星期五
中國教會常有「四多一少」的困境。「四多」一般是指﹕「婦女多、老人多、農民多和文盲多」，而「一少」是「工人少」。 我們特別要向主感恩，因為獨行奇事的神在近十年中，在城市教會和大學生群中卻行了大事，使他們成為中國未來發展的一股生力軍。讓我們敏感於神的腳步聲，配合神的心意，以恆切的禱告為中國各處的教會守望。
星期六
中國教會在派遣傳教士多有挫折及付代價的學習，他們往往缺乏宣教課程的培訓和宣教士的培育、訓練, 包括跨文化、近文化， 即便是城市宣教就有許多適應上的需要，就已整裝出發去宣教。以致許多年輕宣教士因無足夠裝備鎩羽而歸、傷痕累累。求主讓他們不氣餒，從錯誤中吸取教訓，更謙卑的努力。許多中國人，包括信徒仍有看輕中國回民的心態，求主賜中國教會一顆真正關愛穆斯林同胞的心
星期日
中國教會在80年代開始，因著神的恩典、藉著聖靈大能，和眾教牧、義工及弟兄姊妹同心的努力，教會大大興旺。尤以農村教會的增長最為驚人！他們為信徒立下了可佩的信心榜樣和屬靈資產。但自九零年代末起，農村教會卻面臨更嚴峻的考驗。尤其是那些對信仰沒有深厚根基的，容易被異端邪教輕易拐騙。我們繼續為河南和安徽省的農村教會來禱告，願主真理的明光趨逐黑暗的轄制，保守自己的群羊。
星期一
當今中國除了農村教會之外，增多了一個核心主流就是城市教會，而最近幾年的城市福音「爆炸」，帶來城市教會的大量增長，其中發展最突出的要算浙江溫州。求主興起更多受過純正、系統的神學裝備，能在這些城市教會牧養、服侍的教會同工，以回應這些由知識分子為主幹的城市教會的需要。
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Prayer Request 8/23 - 8/29
Tuesday
Amid soaring real estate prices, more divorcing couples have struggled to gain a share of property ownership, as houses have become an extremely lucrative and contested matter. Parents who buy their children houses used to worry that their children's divorces could result in the loss of family property. When the young couple's marriage is deteriorating, their parents often feel helpless or even become antagonistic. We pray for all the believers who face this situation, may the Lord comfort them, give them peace, and continue to be faithful in prayer for their children's spiritual health.
Wednesday
The Supreme Court in China issued a decision concerning disputes over real estate in the increasing number of divorce cases in the country. A house bought by parents and registered under the child's name remains the personal property of that child after marriage which means the divorcing spouse will not become co-owner of the house. It is truly painful to watch one's child struggle in marriage or resort to divorce. Let us pray for all believers who are in such a predicament. May the Lord give them extra patience, gentleness, and wisdom and above all may they not lose their faith in Him but continue to be a godly influence on their child and the in-laws.
Thursday
The Constructive type of Christians tend to get involved in charitable causes such as disaster relief, helping those in poverty, medical treatment, and education for the poor. In some cases these Christians get involved privately or through their companies because churches per se are not allowed to do this. Let us pray for all of these Christian efforts to share the compassion of Christ through various good deeds even when there may be little opportunity to share Jesus directly.
Friday
The Prophetic type of Christians in China have some that are more conservative and others who are aggressive because they believe very strongly that Christians should not shy away from the issue of injustice. We thank the Lord for believers who have strong convictions about right and wrong and we pray for wisdom and boldness for them. We know a nation must have justice and righteousness and we pray that Christians will be bright examples in this darkened world.
Saturday
The Submissive type of Chinese Christians do not engage in open debates about social issues since they prefer to identify with the stand taken by officials. Unfortunately Chinese believers are easily divided by their stand on non-religious issues. May the Lord remove our pride and self-righteousness and help us to see that others are better and more committed to Jesus than we are ourselves and thus, are worhy of our imitation.
Sunday
The Prophetic type of Chinese Christians will use foreign media to get their voices heard but they are patriotic and exemplary young people. They, on the other hand, often draw the attention of the media and the police and are prone to encounter setbacks. May the Lord give each of us wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in Him with maturity and a good reputation in the eyes of unbelievers.
Monday
In Guangzhou people with disabilities pay only half price on subways. In Wuhan and Shenzhen people with handicaps ride for free. Those who have disabilities are trying to get the Beijing government to offer free rides to all handicapped people rather than to just blind people. We remember all believers who have a handicap and are unable to attend worship and fellowship with other believers. Many house churches are in residential buildings without handicap accessibility. Let us pray for them, for joy and strong faith in the Lord. We pray, too, that churches will help these weaker members to be strong by visiting them and including them in church services.
星期二
房地產價格飛漲，鬧離婚的小夫妻更是為夫婦財產所有權大戰，而房屋必定是最有爭議及牽涉最大一筆錢的問題所在。過去家長最怕的就是，一旦孩子離婚了，他們老一輩出錢為孩子買的房子就被分割了，造成慘重損失。當小夫妻間的關系每況愈下，做父母的常感束手無策，甚至有如敵人般的對峙。讓我們為面臨此困境的信徒祈求，願主親自安慰，賜下平安、饒恕的心胸，也繼續不斷為孩子的靈命來禱告。
星期三
中國最高法院頒布，夫妻一方如在婚前簽訂不動產買賣合同，以個人財產支付首付款並在銀行貸款，婚後此不動產亦於其名下登記，離婚時可將該不動產認定為個人財產，而尚未歸還的部分貸款乃其個人之債務。看到自己子女婚姻不美滿，甚至鬧離婚，家長是多麼的痛心。我們為身在這困境中的信徒家長禱告，求主賜他們額外的溫柔、忍耐和智慧，並對神不失信心，繼續在子女及婿、媳前有敬虔的影響力。
星期四
泛稱「建設派」的信徒除了積極傳福音外，也積極貢獻社會。在「三自」群中，無論在賑災、扶貧、醫療或教學上都盡力參與，在「家庭」群中也是如此。由於政治的緣故，他們可能不用教會的名義，而以私人、公司或機構的名義參與公眾事務。即使種種善事，不能直接分享福音，我們仍為這些信徒因著主耶穌的憐憫所作的善工感恩，也都有為福音鬆土的果效，願主保守記念
星期五
「先知派」是中國基督徒的四條路線之一，其中亦分穩重派和急進派。他們看重聖經中提到不公義時，先知所扮演的角色：「惟願公平如大水滾滾，使公義如江河滔滔。」信徒有強烈的信念及對錯觀是可貴的，我們為他們感謝神。我們求神賜給他們大有智慧和勇氣。我們深信一個民族必須有公平和正義，基督徒也要在這黑暗世界中成為一盞閃耀的明燈，在大眾中見證主的真道。
星期六
所謂「順服派」的中國基督徒，一般不參與輿論上有關社會議題的討論，部分領袖在國家和社會路線上，亦會緊密認同國家的政策。很可惜中國信徒很容易在討論一般性的社會議題上，為一些不甚重要的細節爭得面紅耳赤。願主除去我們的驕傲及自以為是，幫助我們看別人比自己強，尊重別人也有不同的角度，也可能比我們更愛主，值得我們尊敬、效法。
星期日
屬於「先知派」的信徒們雖然連結海外輿論，但大多是一群熱血愛國、愛民族的青年。在路線上，他們必然是最受輿論和官方側目的一群。因此，在現實環境中，碰釘子、受挫的機會也必然最多。願神賜這些信徒有來自上頭的智慧，敬畏神掌權，萬事有其適當的時間表。存有更大的耐心，不搖動的信心及更深廣的成熟度，也在不信的同胞眼中建立好名聲。
星期一
廣州地鐵給予傷殘人士半價優惠，武漢地鐵讓盲人和下肢殘疾人免費乘搭，深圳地鐵則對殘疾人一律免費，而北京僅對盲人免費。殘障人盼望政府落實對殘疾人搭乘公共交通的優惠政策，並已提起公益訴訟。許多家庭教會的聚會場地均設在沒有升降機的樓房，我們特別紀念不能參加崇拜和團契聚會的殘障信徒。願主的喜樂常充滿每位主內弱肢，使他們的信心天天增長。也為教會能常探訪身體軟弱的弟兄姊妹禱告，並幫助他們學習如何參與教會的服事
Amid soaring real estate prices, more divorcing couples have struggled to gain a share of property ownership, as houses have become an extremely lucrative and contested matter. Parents who buy their children houses used to worry that their children's divorces could result in the loss of family property. When the young couple's marriage is deteriorating, their parents often feel helpless or even become antagonistic. We pray for all the believers who face this situation, may the Lord comfort them, give them peace, and continue to be faithful in prayer for their children's spiritual health.
Wednesday
The Supreme Court in China issued a decision concerning disputes over real estate in the increasing number of divorce cases in the country. A house bought by parents and registered under the child's name remains the personal property of that child after marriage which means the divorcing spouse will not become co-owner of the house. It is truly painful to watch one's child struggle in marriage or resort to divorce. Let us pray for all believers who are in such a predicament. May the Lord give them extra patience, gentleness, and wisdom and above all may they not lose their faith in Him but continue to be a godly influence on their child and the in-laws.
Thursday
The Constructive type of Christians tend to get involved in charitable causes such as disaster relief, helping those in poverty, medical treatment, and education for the poor. In some cases these Christians get involved privately or through their companies because churches per se are not allowed to do this. Let us pray for all of these Christian efforts to share the compassion of Christ through various good deeds even when there may be little opportunity to share Jesus directly.
Friday
The Prophetic type of Christians in China have some that are more conservative and others who are aggressive because they believe very strongly that Christians should not shy away from the issue of injustice. We thank the Lord for believers who have strong convictions about right and wrong and we pray for wisdom and boldness for them. We know a nation must have justice and righteousness and we pray that Christians will be bright examples in this darkened world.
Saturday
The Submissive type of Chinese Christians do not engage in open debates about social issues since they prefer to identify with the stand taken by officials. Unfortunately Chinese believers are easily divided by their stand on non-religious issues. May the Lord remove our pride and self-righteousness and help us to see that others are better and more committed to Jesus than we are ourselves and thus, are worhy of our imitation.
Sunday
The Prophetic type of Chinese Christians will use foreign media to get their voices heard but they are patriotic and exemplary young people. They, on the other hand, often draw the attention of the media and the police and are prone to encounter setbacks. May the Lord give each of us wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in Him with maturity and a good reputation in the eyes of unbelievers.
Monday
In Guangzhou people with disabilities pay only half price on subways. In Wuhan and Shenzhen people with handicaps ride for free. Those who have disabilities are trying to get the Beijing government to offer free rides to all handicapped people rather than to just blind people. We remember all believers who have a handicap and are unable to attend worship and fellowship with other believers. Many house churches are in residential buildings without handicap accessibility. Let us pray for them, for joy and strong faith in the Lord. We pray, too, that churches will help these weaker members to be strong by visiting them and including them in church services.
星期二
房地產價格飛漲，鬧離婚的小夫妻更是為夫婦財產所有權大戰，而房屋必定是最有爭議及牽涉最大一筆錢的問題所在。過去家長最怕的就是，一旦孩子離婚了，他們老一輩出錢為孩子買的房子就被分割了，造成慘重損失。當小夫妻間的關系每況愈下，做父母的常感束手無策，甚至有如敵人般的對峙。讓我們為面臨此困境的信徒祈求，願主親自安慰，賜下平安、饒恕的心胸，也繼續不斷為孩子的靈命來禱告。
星期三
中國最高法院頒布，夫妻一方如在婚前簽訂不動產買賣合同，以個人財產支付首付款並在銀行貸款，婚後此不動產亦於其名下登記，離婚時可將該不動產認定為個人財產，而尚未歸還的部分貸款乃其個人之債務。看到自己子女婚姻不美滿，甚至鬧離婚，家長是多麼的痛心。我們為身在這困境中的信徒家長禱告，求主賜他們額外的溫柔、忍耐和智慧，並對神不失信心，繼續在子女及婿、媳前有敬虔的影響力。
星期四
泛稱「建設派」的信徒除了積極傳福音外，也積極貢獻社會。在「三自」群中，無論在賑災、扶貧、醫療或教學上都盡力參與，在「家庭」群中也是如此。由於政治的緣故，他們可能不用教會的名義，而以私人、公司或機構的名義參與公眾事務。即使種種善事，不能直接分享福音，我們仍為這些信徒因著主耶穌的憐憫所作的善工感恩，也都有為福音鬆土的果效，願主保守記念
星期五
「先知派」是中國基督徒的四條路線之一，其中亦分穩重派和急進派。他們看重聖經中提到不公義時，先知所扮演的角色：「惟願公平如大水滾滾，使公義如江河滔滔。」信徒有強烈的信念及對錯觀是可貴的，我們為他們感謝神。我們求神賜給他們大有智慧和勇氣。我們深信一個民族必須有公平和正義，基督徒也要在這黑暗世界中成為一盞閃耀的明燈，在大眾中見證主的真道。
星期六
所謂「順服派」的中國基督徒，一般不參與輿論上有關社會議題的討論，部分領袖在國家和社會路線上，亦會緊密認同國家的政策。很可惜中國信徒很容易在討論一般性的社會議題上，為一些不甚重要的細節爭得面紅耳赤。願主除去我們的驕傲及自以為是，幫助我們看別人比自己強，尊重別人也有不同的角度，也可能比我們更愛主，值得我們尊敬、效法。
星期日
屬於「先知派」的信徒們雖然連結海外輿論，但大多是一群熱血愛國、愛民族的青年。在路線上，他們必然是最受輿論和官方側目的一群。因此，在現實環境中，碰釘子、受挫的機會也必然最多。願神賜這些信徒有來自上頭的智慧，敬畏神掌權，萬事有其適當的時間表。存有更大的耐心，不搖動的信心及更深廣的成熟度，也在不信的同胞眼中建立好名聲。
星期一
廣州地鐵給予傷殘人士半價優惠，武漢地鐵讓盲人和下肢殘疾人免費乘搭，深圳地鐵則對殘疾人一律免費，而北京僅對盲人免費。殘障人盼望政府落實對殘疾人搭乘公共交通的優惠政策，並已提起公益訴訟。許多家庭教會的聚會場地均設在沒有升降機的樓房，我們特別紀念不能參加崇拜和團契聚會的殘障信徒。願主的喜樂常充滿每位主內弱肢，使他們的信心天天增長。也為教會能常探訪身體軟弱的弟兄姊妹禱告，並幫助他們學習如何參與教會的服事
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Prayer Request 8/16 - 8/22
Tuesday
In a recent survey, 82.1 percent of the respondents said they believe there is much lying and little truth as a whole in China today. They listed the worst liars in this order: government officials, businessmen, and their bosses at work. When they were asked if they themselves told lies, only 30 percent of them said they rarely or never lie. Chinese Christians, just like the non-believers, commonly do not tell the truth and are not transparent in their lives. Even leaders in the church feel it is not necessary to tell the whole truth or volunteer all of the facts. May the Lord change us believers so we can be truly genuine and sincerely pray for each other rather than withholding the truth because of "face" or false spirituality.
Wednesday
In the past it has been the general policy of the government to shut down all house churches or meeting points. If they could not stop the churches from meeting, their policy was to limit the growth by forcing churches to register with the authorities. In many ways these practices have now been relaxed to some extent. Although the decision to register or not to register is no longer debated so much, let us pray for those house churches that have registered and are planning to purchase places for worship or to expand their ministries. May the Lord give them vision and boldness and greatly bless them in all they do.
Thursday
Chinese Christians who are interested in national and social issues can be categorized into the following groups: Submissive, Low-key, Constructive, and Prophetic. Let us pray for all believers as they follow their consciences and convictions in serving Jesus. Let us not judge one another but pray earnestly that the name of Jesus will be glorified by all Chinese believers.
Friday
The Submissive type of Chinese Christian basically accepts the reality of the government's restrictive religious policies and the admonition in the Bible to "submit to those over you". They prefer to be the salt and light under the official rulings. We do not know whether the legal policy toward Christian churches will change in the near future but we need to pray for them as even more Chinese move from atheism to secularism and back to the traditional Buddhism and Taoism.
Saturday
Some of the Chinese Christians who are Low-key type are from the Three-self government churches and they believe that the hearts of people can be changed by spreading the gospel and that this then will change the nation. Some say that due to prosperity and the weakening of rural churches, the passion for evangelism has waned significantly in China. We pray for the refining fire to go through all of the churches and that the Spirit of God will revive all believers in open and house churches alike.
Sunday
The Constructive type of Chinese Christians are found mostly in urban churches. They tend to be intellectuals who identify themselves as Western evangelicals who feel that evangelism and social work are equally important. Christianity has long been marginalized in Chinese society. It is our prayer that Christians will know that believers in Jesus care not only about heaven but about the welfare of the people in their communities and live that way.
Monday
Most of the Prophetic type of Chinese Christians believes that social problems cannot be corrected by changed hearts but that the value and political systems of the nation must be changed.We have great faith that God has a big plan for China and her churches. We pray that God will continue to grant favor to Christians in the eyes of the officials so the work of the gospel can grow in China.
星期二
據最近一份調查顯示，82.1%的中國受訪者認為當前社會說謊之風日漸猖獗，同時認為官員、商家及僱主最會撒謊。只有30% 的受訪者說自己很少或從不說謊。可惜有些信徒亦與不信的人一樣，經常不說誠實話或隱瞞真相。一些教會領袖也沒好榜樣，認為未必需要把事情的真相告訴弟兄姊妹。求主光照，幫助我們學習用愛心說誠實話，真心彼此代禱，不礙於面子或維持「屬靈」的外表而隱瞞事實。
星期三
取締家庭教會是政府一貫的目標，即使不能完全使聚會停止，也會加以規管（例如強迫其向政府登記），限制家庭教會的發展。近年政府對家庭教會的管制似乎有一定程度的放鬆。家庭教會是否應該登記已不再像昔日那麼具爭議，我們在禱告中記念那些已登記並也計劃購買聚會場地或擴展事工的教會，求主賜下異象和勇氣，大大賜福他們向主所作的一切事工。
星期四
面對社會、人心和家庭上的不同困難，所有關心國家社會和福音的中國基督徒，都希望能為這個世代作出貢獻。但他們大概會走四種不同的路線: 順服派、低調派、建設派和先知派。讓我們為所有信徒能按着自己的良心與胸懷服事主的心志來代禱。我們知道不應該彼此論斷，而是為每位信徒來代求，好叫主的名被高舉，得到應得的榮耀。
星期五
「順服派」接受中國現今的政治實況，也持守聖經要基督徒「順服在上掌權者」的看法，願意在國家容許的政策下拓展福音工作，辦好教會，作光作鹽。未來中國的宗教政策會如何改變，實在不易預料。但中國從無神論變為今天的世俗主義，也回到以前傳統的佛教和道教，我們實在需要迫切的禱告。
星期六
「低調派」有兩種：一種來自三自教會，一種來自家庭教會。在三自教會中，非常注重福音的基要派信徒希望改變社會，但也明白要改變社會，就要改變人心；要改變人心，就要傳福音。有人說，物質繁榮使得農村教會走下坡，教會傳福音的熱情也逐漸減退。我們求主再次賜下潔凈的靈火，感動每位信徒，也在每個教會，不論是家庭或是三自系統的，都被聖靈大大復興。
星期日
「建設派」的信徒較多來自城市教會。無論在「三自」或家庭教會中，一些較有學識之士，仿效歐美近代福音派的立場，認為基督徒不單要注重福音，也必須對社會作合宜的關懷。中國的基督教，確實在社會中早已被邊緣化，然而我們我們不放棄繼續為中國的教會來禱告，每個基督徒都清楚明白，我們信耶穌，並不是只為有一天將會在天堂見主，而是我們都有關心周遭的鄰舍，他人是否陷在饑餓困苦之中。
星期一
「先知派」的中國基督徒大多認為，社會的問題不能單靠改變人心去解決，必須改變人的價值觀和政治制度。穩重派在建制中立言；急進派則不怕與海外結連，但他們大多不是革命派，只是急進的立言派。我們信深深相信神為中國的教會有個美好的計劃。我們特別為中國的基督徒，能在執政掌權的官員眼中，因著神的保守繼續蒙受禮遇，而且福音的事工也能繼續的發展，不受阻擾。
In a recent survey, 82.1 percent of the respondents said they believe there is much lying and little truth as a whole in China today. They listed the worst liars in this order: government officials, businessmen, and their bosses at work. When they were asked if they themselves told lies, only 30 percent of them said they rarely or never lie. Chinese Christians, just like the non-believers, commonly do not tell the truth and are not transparent in their lives. Even leaders in the church feel it is not necessary to tell the whole truth or volunteer all of the facts. May the Lord change us believers so we can be truly genuine and sincerely pray for each other rather than withholding the truth because of "face" or false spirituality.
Wednesday
In the past it has been the general policy of the government to shut down all house churches or meeting points. If they could not stop the churches from meeting, their policy was to limit the growth by forcing churches to register with the authorities. In many ways these practices have now been relaxed to some extent. Although the decision to register or not to register is no longer debated so much, let us pray for those house churches that have registered and are planning to purchase places for worship or to expand their ministries. May the Lord give them vision and boldness and greatly bless them in all they do.
Thursday
Chinese Christians who are interested in national and social issues can be categorized into the following groups: Submissive, Low-key, Constructive, and Prophetic. Let us pray for all believers as they follow their consciences and convictions in serving Jesus. Let us not judge one another but pray earnestly that the name of Jesus will be glorified by all Chinese believers.
Friday
The Submissive type of Chinese Christian basically accepts the reality of the government's restrictive religious policies and the admonition in the Bible to "submit to those over you". They prefer to be the salt and light under the official rulings. We do not know whether the legal policy toward Christian churches will change in the near future but we need to pray for them as even more Chinese move from atheism to secularism and back to the traditional Buddhism and Taoism.
Saturday
Some of the Chinese Christians who are Low-key type are from the Three-self government churches and they believe that the hearts of people can be changed by spreading the gospel and that this then will change the nation. Some say that due to prosperity and the weakening of rural churches, the passion for evangelism has waned significantly in China. We pray for the refining fire to go through all of the churches and that the Spirit of God will revive all believers in open and house churches alike.
Sunday
The Constructive type of Chinese Christians are found mostly in urban churches. They tend to be intellectuals who identify themselves as Western evangelicals who feel that evangelism and social work are equally important. Christianity has long been marginalized in Chinese society. It is our prayer that Christians will know that believers in Jesus care not only about heaven but about the welfare of the people in their communities and live that way.
Monday
Most of the Prophetic type of Chinese Christians believes that social problems cannot be corrected by changed hearts but that the value and political systems of the nation must be changed.We have great faith that God has a big plan for China and her churches. We pray that God will continue to grant favor to Christians in the eyes of the officials so the work of the gospel can grow in China.
星期二
據最近一份調查顯示，82.1%的中國受訪者認為當前社會說謊之風日漸猖獗，同時認為官員、商家及僱主最會撒謊。只有30% 的受訪者說自己很少或從不說謊。可惜有些信徒亦與不信的人一樣，經常不說誠實話或隱瞞真相。一些教會領袖也沒好榜樣，認為未必需要把事情的真相告訴弟兄姊妹。求主光照，幫助我們學習用愛心說誠實話，真心彼此代禱，不礙於面子或維持「屬靈」的外表而隱瞞事實。
星期三
取締家庭教會是政府一貫的目標，即使不能完全使聚會停止，也會加以規管（例如強迫其向政府登記），限制家庭教會的發展。近年政府對家庭教會的管制似乎有一定程度的放鬆。家庭教會是否應該登記已不再像昔日那麼具爭議，我們在禱告中記念那些已登記並也計劃購買聚會場地或擴展事工的教會，求主賜下異象和勇氣，大大賜福他們向主所作的一切事工。
星期四
面對社會、人心和家庭上的不同困難，所有關心國家社會和福音的中國基督徒，都希望能為這個世代作出貢獻。但他們大概會走四種不同的路線: 順服派、低調派、建設派和先知派。讓我們為所有信徒能按着自己的良心與胸懷服事主的心志來代禱。我們知道不應該彼此論斷，而是為每位信徒來代求，好叫主的名被高舉，得到應得的榮耀。
星期五
「順服派」接受中國現今的政治實況，也持守聖經要基督徒「順服在上掌權者」的看法，願意在國家容許的政策下拓展福音工作，辦好教會，作光作鹽。未來中國的宗教政策會如何改變，實在不易預料。但中國從無神論變為今天的世俗主義，也回到以前傳統的佛教和道教，我們實在需要迫切的禱告。
星期六
「低調派」有兩種：一種來自三自教會，一種來自家庭教會。在三自教會中，非常注重福音的基要派信徒希望改變社會，但也明白要改變社會，就要改變人心；要改變人心，就要傳福音。有人說，物質繁榮使得農村教會走下坡，教會傳福音的熱情也逐漸減退。我們求主再次賜下潔凈的靈火，感動每位信徒，也在每個教會，不論是家庭或是三自系統的，都被聖靈大大復興。
星期日
「建設派」的信徒較多來自城市教會。無論在「三自」或家庭教會中，一些較有學識之士，仿效歐美近代福音派的立場，認為基督徒不單要注重福音，也必須對社會作合宜的關懷。中國的基督教，確實在社會中早已被邊緣化，然而我們我們不放棄繼續為中國的教會來禱告，每個基督徒都清楚明白，我們信耶穌，並不是只為有一天將會在天堂見主，而是我們都有關心周遭的鄰舍，他人是否陷在饑餓困苦之中。
星期一
「先知派」的中國基督徒大多認為，社會的問題不能單靠改變人心去解決，必須改變人的價值觀和政治制度。穩重派在建制中立言；急進派則不怕與海外結連，但他們大多不是革命派，只是急進的立言派。我們信深深相信神為中國的教會有個美好的計劃。我們特別為中國的基督徒，能在執政掌權的官員眼中，因著神的保守繼續蒙受禮遇，而且福音的事工也能繼續的發展，不受阻擾。
Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Prayer Request 8/9 - 8/15
Tuesday
In a surprising statement CCTV said that gays and lesbians "have the right to exist and develop themselves in society". They then proceeded to criticize a Christian actress for quoting the Bible and being intolerant of gays in spite of the fact that gay-themed films, books, and other publications are subject to strict censorship. It is hard to tell if China is changing its view toward homosexuals or not but this is the first time the Christian view has been seriously attacked publicly. We pray that the churches in China will not be viewed by young people as old-fashioned, discriminatory or as hypocritical, despising others. May the Lord give us wisdom to live out His grace and mercy in this crooked age.
Wednesday
In China, street vending is nearly ubiquitous and but illegal. The majority of the street vendors are operating without permits. They choose locations both strategically and for convenience. Carrying large plastic shopping bags, worn thin by heavy use, vendors often set up in well-traveled areas near their homes. Street vendors do their business where there are most pedestrian traffic and exposures and willing to risk the arrest of polices. We remember those believers who take the Gospel of Jesus to the street by identifying their churches and actively share Jesus with strangers. We thank the Lord for the boldness to witness by many urban churches.
Thursday
Street vendors have little marketable skills with mostly junior school education and have no other options of survival. Many have the dream of opening a store one day. Vendors said they keep an inventory worth about 1,000 yuan ($154.73) on their mats. They try to sell the goods for 30 and 50 percent more. We should remember many of believers who have little education and no steady job. They are often ignored and not deemed important. Jesus loves all people, tax collectors and sinners alike. Let us pray for "little people" in our churches, the poor, the little-educated, the broken people, our brothers and sister，those we often failed to notice.
Friday
Street children are a worldwide social problem. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other inland cities one often encounters street children from Xinjiang who are pickpockets or doing other illegal activities. They have become a nuisance and create a very bad image of people from Xinjiang. The majority of the people in Xinjiang are Muslims and this prejudice toward the people of Xinjiang affects how Chinese people see Muslims. We pray that more Chinese churches will see that the global mission must begin with changing their attitude toward Xinjiang Muslims and not see them as just lazy vagrants.
Saturday
The development of urban churches and ministry among college students is a bright spot in the churches in China. However, the churches in the cities universally lack facilities for growth. It is up to the believers who are better educated to play an important part in the church in the future. We pray for God's conviction and the moving of the Spirit for these believers so they will know how to minister in the churches in the current political climate. We pray they will not become lukewarm with all of the material abundance they now have.
Sunday
Three out of four divorces in China come from middle-class people and the leading cause for these divorces seems to extra-marital affairs. According to a survey of divorces handled by lawyers in Shanghai, fifty-six percent of them came from this problem. Christian marriages also have their share of such affairs but few churches are able to offer counseling of any kind. May the Lord guard our hearts and help us to flee temptation and deceit. We lift up Chinese Christian couples in prayer that they will not succumb to sin.
Monday
Ordination is a great responsibility as well as an affirmation that the person is consecrated and dedicated for service in God's kingdom so it is a great honor for a local Chinese worker in the church to be ordained as a pastor. Let us pray for all those who have been ordained as ministers of Christ. May the Lord grant them high ideals and great passion as His servants. We trust that God will use them mightily to strengthen His church and train more believers to serve Him.
星期二
中央電視台主播公開說：「同性戀者和我們一樣，都應該在社會上擁有生存及發展的權利，這樣的權利不該受到任何觀念的侵犯。」此番嚴詞批評是針對一位基督徒女演員的言論而起，讓不少觀眾意外。現時以同性戀為主題的電影、書籍和其他出版物仍受到官方嚴格審查。中國官方對同性戀的態度雖仍不贊同，但基督徒的道德立場卻是第一次遭公開指責。求主幫助中國年輕一代不會認為教會持守真理是輕視弱勢社群或好攻擊別人。願主給我們智慧，在這悖逆的時代中，能活出神的恩典與憐憫。
星期三
在中國街頭，地攤幾乎是無處不在，絕大多數是沒有牌照經營的。他們通常拎著大塑膠袋，在住家不遠處把握機會向人推銷貨品。攤販要賣得好，要選人氣旺的地方，也要有可能遭警察逮捕的準備。 近來一些教會，將教會的資訊，包括耶穌基督的福音帶到街頭，也積極與路人分享信仰，實在是勇氣可嘉。我們為在城市裡的弟兄姊妹有此傳福音的熱忱向主感恩。
星期四
街上攤販大多是沒有一技之長，或僅有初中程度，卻都夢想有一天成為開店的老板。攤販一般帶著價值約一千元的人民幣貨品（約154.73美元），利潤大約是三至五成之間。教會中亦有好些沒有受過高深教育、工作不穩定也常被人忽略的信徒。主耶穌愛我們每一個人，也愛稅吏和世人眼中的”罪人”，讓我們在禱告中特別記念教會中的「小人物」— 那些貧窮的、受教育不多、心靈破碎的。
星期五
流浪兒童是世界性的社會問題。在北京、上海、廣州等大城市，不時可見到新疆的流浪兒從事扒竊等違法活動，擾亂了當地社會治安和人們正常生活，更因其個體行為形成的社會記憶，使人對新疆產生了偏見與誤解。新疆大多數是回教徒。一般人對回民的印象，常因新疆流浪兒而存負面的觀感。當教會要參與回宣之前，求主先改變信徒對新疆回民的態度，體認到他們是神所愛的，而不是懶惰欺騙人的。
星期六
城市教會和大學生事工將是中國教會未來兩大重要發展的亮點。都市有不少高知識份子，正為中國努力追求理想和遠景，是片廣大的禾場。由於城市普遍缺乏聚會的地方，使城巿教會的發展受限制。求神光照、引導城市的信徒們，知道何為美善的制度，並致力為福音事工擺上心思和時間。也求主保守他們在物質富裕中，不失去對主的火熱。
星期日
眾多離婚中國夫妻中，中產階級佔四分三，而婚外情是「頭號離婚殺手」。據上海一項統計，律師接手的離婚案裡，「婚外情」引發的佔56%。可惜信主的家庭也常有婚外情發生，但能在教會中找到輔導或諮商的幫助卻寥寥無幾。求主保守我們的心懷意念，逃避誘惑、謹守忠貞。我們為主內夫妻禱告，求主保護看顧，遠離試探，靠著主剛強，走過各樣的難處。
星期一
對在教會服事本地的同工來說，普遍認為「按牧」不僅是榮耀，也是責任的託付，激勵他們更珍惜在主前的職份，加倍為神國事工獻上自己。讓我們在禱告中記念這些被按立的同工們，求主保守他們繼續竭力在神面前得蒙喜悅，作無愧的工人，按著正意分解真理的道，成為神愛與真理流通的管道，造就信徒，建立教會。
In a surprising statement CCTV said that gays and lesbians "have the right to exist and develop themselves in society". They then proceeded to criticize a Christian actress for quoting the Bible and being intolerant of gays in spite of the fact that gay-themed films, books, and other publications are subject to strict censorship. It is hard to tell if China is changing its view toward homosexuals or not but this is the first time the Christian view has been seriously attacked publicly. We pray that the churches in China will not be viewed by young people as old-fashioned, discriminatory or as hypocritical, despising others. May the Lord give us wisdom to live out His grace and mercy in this crooked age.
Wednesday
In China, street vending is nearly ubiquitous and but illegal. The majority of the street vendors are operating without permits. They choose locations both strategically and for convenience. Carrying large plastic shopping bags, worn thin by heavy use, vendors often set up in well-traveled areas near their homes. Street vendors do their business where there are most pedestrian traffic and exposures and willing to risk the arrest of polices. We remember those believers who take the Gospel of Jesus to the street by identifying their churches and actively share Jesus with strangers. We thank the Lord for the boldness to witness by many urban churches.
Thursday
Street vendors have little marketable skills with mostly junior school education and have no other options of survival. Many have the dream of opening a store one day. Vendors said they keep an inventory worth about 1,000 yuan ($154.73) on their mats. They try to sell the goods for 30 and 50 percent more. We should remember many of believers who have little education and no steady job. They are often ignored and not deemed important. Jesus loves all people, tax collectors and sinners alike. Let us pray for "little people" in our churches, the poor, the little-educated, the broken people, our brothers and sister，those we often failed to notice.
Friday
Street children are a worldwide social problem. In Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other inland cities one often encounters street children from Xinjiang who are pickpockets or doing other illegal activities. They have become a nuisance and create a very bad image of people from Xinjiang. The majority of the people in Xinjiang are Muslims and this prejudice toward the people of Xinjiang affects how Chinese people see Muslims. We pray that more Chinese churches will see that the global mission must begin with changing their attitude toward Xinjiang Muslims and not see them as just lazy vagrants.
Saturday
The development of urban churches and ministry among college students is a bright spot in the churches in China. However, the churches in the cities universally lack facilities for growth. It is up to the believers who are better educated to play an important part in the church in the future. We pray for God's conviction and the moving of the Spirit for these believers so they will know how to minister in the churches in the current political climate. We pray they will not become lukewarm with all of the material abundance they now have.
Sunday
Three out of four divorces in China come from middle-class people and the leading cause for these divorces seems to extra-marital affairs. According to a survey of divorces handled by lawyers in Shanghai, fifty-six percent of them came from this problem. Christian marriages also have their share of such affairs but few churches are able to offer counseling of any kind. May the Lord guard our hearts and help us to flee temptation and deceit. We lift up Chinese Christian couples in prayer that they will not succumb to sin.
Monday
Ordination is a great responsibility as well as an affirmation that the person is consecrated and dedicated for service in God's kingdom so it is a great honor for a local Chinese worker in the church to be ordained as a pastor. Let us pray for all those who have been ordained as ministers of Christ. May the Lord grant them high ideals and great passion as His servants. We trust that God will use them mightily to strengthen His church and train more believers to serve Him.
星期二
中央電視台主播公開說：「同性戀者和我們一樣，都應該在社會上擁有生存及發展的權利，這樣的權利不該受到任何觀念的侵犯。」此番嚴詞批評是針對一位基督徒女演員的言論而起，讓不少觀眾意外。現時以同性戀為主題的電影、書籍和其他出版物仍受到官方嚴格審查。中國官方對同性戀的態度雖仍不贊同，但基督徒的道德立場卻是第一次遭公開指責。求主幫助中國年輕一代不會認為教會持守真理是輕視弱勢社群或好攻擊別人。願主給我們智慧，在這悖逆的時代中，能活出神的恩典與憐憫。
星期三
在中國街頭，地攤幾乎是無處不在，絕大多數是沒有牌照經營的。他們通常拎著大塑膠袋，在住家不遠處把握機會向人推銷貨品。攤販要賣得好，要選人氣旺的地方，也要有可能遭警察逮捕的準備。 近來一些教會，將教會的資訊，包括耶穌基督的福音帶到街頭，也積極與路人分享信仰，實在是勇氣可嘉。我們為在城市裡的弟兄姊妹有此傳福音的熱忱向主感恩。
星期四
街上攤販大多是沒有一技之長，或僅有初中程度，卻都夢想有一天成為開店的老板。攤販一般帶著價值約一千元的人民幣貨品（約154.73美元），利潤大約是三至五成之間。教會中亦有好些沒有受過高深教育、工作不穩定也常被人忽略的信徒。主耶穌愛我們每一個人，也愛稅吏和世人眼中的”罪人”，讓我們在禱告中特別記念教會中的「小人物」— 那些貧窮的、受教育不多、心靈破碎的。
星期五
流浪兒童是世界性的社會問題。在北京、上海、廣州等大城市，不時可見到新疆的流浪兒從事扒竊等違法活動，擾亂了當地社會治安和人們正常生活，更因其個體行為形成的社會記憶，使人對新疆產生了偏見與誤解。新疆大多數是回教徒。一般人對回民的印象，常因新疆流浪兒而存負面的觀感。當教會要參與回宣之前，求主先改變信徒對新疆回民的態度，體認到他們是神所愛的，而不是懶惰欺騙人的。
星期六
城市教會和大學生事工將是中國教會未來兩大重要發展的亮點。都市有不少高知識份子，正為中國努力追求理想和遠景，是片廣大的禾場。由於城市普遍缺乏聚會的地方，使城巿教會的發展受限制。求神光照、引導城市的信徒們，知道何為美善的制度，並致力為福音事工擺上心思和時間。也求主保守他們在物質富裕中，不失去對主的火熱。
星期日
眾多離婚中國夫妻中，中產階級佔四分三，而婚外情是「頭號離婚殺手」。據上海一項統計，律師接手的離婚案裡，「婚外情」引發的佔56%。可惜信主的家庭也常有婚外情發生，但能在教會中找到輔導或諮商的幫助卻寥寥無幾。求主保守我們的心懷意念，逃避誘惑、謹守忠貞。我們為主內夫妻禱告，求主保護看顧，遠離試探，靠著主剛強，走過各樣的難處。
星期一
對在教會服事本地的同工來說，普遍認為「按牧」不僅是榮耀，也是責任的託付，激勵他們更珍惜在主前的職份，加倍為神國事工獻上自己。讓我們在禱告中記念這些被按立的同工們，求主保守他們繼續竭力在神面前得蒙喜悅，作無愧的工人，按著正意分解真理的道，成為神愛與真理流通的管道，造就信徒，建立教會。
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Prayer Request 8/2 - 8/8
Tuesday
Despite issues of corruption and concerns for safety, China pushed to build the high-speed rail between Beijing and Shanghai. Although it drastically reduced travel time between those two cities when it was opened in time for the 90th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party, the recent collision of two trains, near Wenzhou ended with a high number of fatalities and the sacking of three senior officials. We praise the Lord for more than a thousand churches around Wenzhou that are not only vibrant but also active in helping smaller churches in other provinces. May the Lord continue to use their missionary zeal and giving to bless other churches throughout China as well as in European cities.
Wednesday
Many observe that the churches in China have the problem of being "a mile wide and an inch deep". Believers have only a superficial knowledge of their faith and quickly fall victims to the attack of cults and the occult. Training is generally spotty in the rural churches. We need to earnestly pray for training for workers, especially in Bible ethics and basic counseling.
Thursday
We must pray for the serious problem of the lack of affirmation, accountability, and mentorship of the leaders and believers in the churches in China. It is true that many have served well but far more leaders have not effectively ministered to their followers. The leaders have become isolated, disillusioned, and have fallen into temptation, thus causing the rise of many cults in China.
Friday
Street children from Xinjiang stay near or in train stations, markets, and busy streets working in groups to steal from passersby. They are generally under fourteen years of age, controlled and protected by adults. If the child is caught, the adult will use violence and threats to rescue him/her. Street children constitute a social problem for the local government with which they cannot deal effectively. We pray for this terrible plight and we pray for a spirit of kindness for all believers since it is so very easy to be numbed and overwhelmed by the poverty around us. May the Sprit of God soften our hearts and make them compassionate like His.
Saturday
Concerning the street children who came to the cities from Xinjiang, more than ninety percent are abducted from the southern part of the province which is very rural and poor. Most are boys who are 6-15 years old and often come from broken homes. When they arrest them, the police treat them as juvenile offenders but in reality, they are victims themselves. We feel the pain of parents who have lost their children as well as those children who chose to be rebellious and distance themselves from the love of their parents. May the Lord answer the faithful pleading and cries of all Christian parents and return their prodigal child to them, and His Name is glorified.
Sunday
Since many of the Xinjiang street children who have been abducted are still so young, they do not even know how to contact their families. They do not speak Mandarin and do not know where their home is so the police give up on them and let them back out on the street. Should we pray for all the homeless street children and even the prostitutes in China? It is natural for us to say, "There are so many of them. How can we help?" Let us pray that we are filled with the love and compassion of Christ and remember those who are caring and reaching out to these "invisible" people.
Monday
Street children from Xinjiang present a big headache for all local police and even if these children are sent back home, they will return to the cities almost immediately because they are unable to live in poverty in Xinjiang. Often when they return to the cities, they bring other children with them to aid in the stealing process. Doing any kind of ministry or church work is extremely difficult in Xinjiang due to opposition from police, the local Muslim community, and a general hostility toward Han Chinese. We lift up all the Christians and church workers there, especially those who are reaching out to Muslims, a majority of the population there.
星期二
趕在建黨九十周年通車的京滬高鐵，大幅縮減往返這兩大城市的距離。然而最近在溫州發生的高鐵意外，造成多人傷亡，三名高官被撤職。中國自推動高鐵以來就出現許多爭議，其中包括貪污，而這次車禍又突顯行車安全問題。我們為溫州附近千多間教會感恩，他們不僅滿有靈力，也在各地幫助小教會與傳道人。願主繼續挑旺他們宣教的心志，並藉他們的擺上祝福各地的教會，甚至散佈於歐洲各城的溫州人教會。
星期三
現時普遍中國信徒的屬靈情況，出現了『一哩闊、一吋深』的現象。在異端和異教的衝擊下，這些對真理只有膚淺認識的信徒，很容易被矇騙或隨流失去。 我們為農村教會發展參差不齊，亟需師資培訓向神祈求；基督教倫理和按聖經原則的輔導也是目前中國教會迫切需要的課題。
星期四
一般中國教會僕人和信徒都缺乏培訓和監督，他們當中固然有些蒙主的恩典作了美好的工作，但也有更多不但未能有效教導和牧養信徒，本身也因缺乏支援而沮喪不堪。有些更受試探後跌倒，以致失掉見證，結果異端泛濫。我們要為此切切仰望主的憐憫，堅固信徒的心，幫助他們心裡的力量剛強起來，又使他們在一切屬靈的智慧上，滿心知道神的旨意。
星期五
新疆籍流浪兒童主要出現在一些車站、市集、繁華街頭，採取尾隨行人扒竊包的方式進行犯罪。他們一般是未滿14歲，被成人控制實施偷竊，而成年人一般在旁邊掩護，如果孩子被失主發現，大人就出面使用暴力、威脅等方式將孩子帶走。流浪兒童是社區及地方政府棘手的社會問題。我們帶著憐憫的心懷為落在這樣苦境的孩童們來求神幫助，不叫我們信主的因為看多了而麻木，也不因為有太多的貧窮人而不知所措。求主使我們都有個柔軟的心，也有更多的憐憫。
星期六
在流浪的新疆籍兒童中，超過九成是被誘拐離家的，以南6～15歲的男孩居多，絕大部分是來自南疆地區農村貧困、殘弱家庭的少數民族少年兒童， 他們既是加害者又是受害者。失去孩子的父母親是多麼的痛心！我們在禱告中記念信徒家長有叛逆的孩子，或是選擇了逃避遠離了家，求主安慰他們的哀泣，聆聽他們的呼求，如同浪子回頭也讓他們能再次的團聚，將榮耀歸給父神。
星期日
由於不少孩子很小就被拐賣出來，即使得到了解救，也無法提供家庭住址、家人聯繫方式等，這給當地警方和工作人員帶來難題。如果孩子被警方抓走，又往往因語言不通，警方無法與之溝通，難以取得更多的證據，只好釋放。信徒會為流浪兒童，甚至從事色情行業的禱告嗎？或許我們沒有信心禱告能改別這樣的事實，或是很自然地覺得無力可助。再一次，我們為我們都被主耶穌的愛和憐憫激動充滿，這些”社會所遺忘的“也是祂所愛的。
星期一
回到新疆的流浪兒童中，反覆流浪現象非常嚴重，這點讓政府部門和基層幹部們相當苦惱，。有些兒童流浪時間越久，越難適應家鄉的貧困生活，往往一回到新疆，就已偷偷潛回曾經流浪的內地城市，做起了“老本行”，甚至還誘拐比其年幼者離家去內地。在新疆做任何一種與福音有關的事工都不是一件簡單的事，困難來自當地官員以及回教社區的反對，還有傳統當地居民對漢人的猜測甚至敵視。我們舉起禱告的手，托住在那裡所有的信徒與教會同工，尤其是那些牧養曾經是穆斯林及向他們分享福音的同工。
Despite issues of corruption and concerns for safety, China pushed to build the high-speed rail between Beijing and Shanghai. Although it drastically reduced travel time between those two cities when it was opened in time for the 90th anniversary celebration of the Communist Party, the recent collision of two trains, near Wenzhou ended with a high number of fatalities and the sacking of three senior officials. We praise the Lord for more than a thousand churches around Wenzhou that are not only vibrant but also active in helping smaller churches in other provinces. May the Lord continue to use their missionary zeal and giving to bless other churches throughout China as well as in European cities.
Wednesday
Many observe that the churches in China have the problem of being "a mile wide and an inch deep". Believers have only a superficial knowledge of their faith and quickly fall victims to the attack of cults and the occult. Training is generally spotty in the rural churches. We need to earnestly pray for training for workers, especially in Bible ethics and basic counseling.
Thursday
We must pray for the serious problem of the lack of affirmation, accountability, and mentorship of the leaders and believers in the churches in China. It is true that many have served well but far more leaders have not effectively ministered to their followers. The leaders have become isolated, disillusioned, and have fallen into temptation, thus causing the rise of many cults in China.
Friday
Street children from Xinjiang stay near or in train stations, markets, and busy streets working in groups to steal from passersby. They are generally under fourteen years of age, controlled and protected by adults. If the child is caught, the adult will use violence and threats to rescue him/her. Street children constitute a social problem for the local government with which they cannot deal effectively. We pray for this terrible plight and we pray for a spirit of kindness for all believers since it is so very easy to be numbed and overwhelmed by the poverty around us. May the Sprit of God soften our hearts and make them compassionate like His.
Saturday
Concerning the street children who came to the cities from Xinjiang, more than ninety percent are abducted from the southern part of the province which is very rural and poor. Most are boys who are 6-15 years old and often come from broken homes. When they arrest them, the police treat them as juvenile offenders but in reality, they are victims themselves. We feel the pain of parents who have lost their children as well as those children who chose to be rebellious and distance themselves from the love of their parents. May the Lord answer the faithful pleading and cries of all Christian parents and return their prodigal child to them, and His Name is glorified.
Sunday
Since many of the Xinjiang street children who have been abducted are still so young, they do not even know how to contact their families. They do not speak Mandarin and do not know where their home is so the police give up on them and let them back out on the street. Should we pray for all the homeless street children and even the prostitutes in China? It is natural for us to say, "There are so many of them. How can we help?" Let us pray that we are filled with the love and compassion of Christ and remember those who are caring and reaching out to these "invisible" people.
Monday
Street children from Xinjiang present a big headache for all local police and even if these children are sent back home, they will return to the cities almost immediately because they are unable to live in poverty in Xinjiang. Often when they return to the cities, they bring other children with them to aid in the stealing process. Doing any kind of ministry or church work is extremely difficult in Xinjiang due to opposition from police, the local Muslim community, and a general hostility toward Han Chinese. We lift up all the Christians and church workers there, especially those who are reaching out to Muslims, a majority of the population there.
星期二
趕在建黨九十周年通車的京滬高鐵，大幅縮減往返這兩大城市的距離。然而最近在溫州發生的高鐵意外，造成多人傷亡，三名高官被撤職。中國自推動高鐵以來就出現許多爭議，其中包括貪污，而這次車禍又突顯行車安全問題。我們為溫州附近千多間教會感恩，他們不僅滿有靈力，也在各地幫助小教會與傳道人。願主繼續挑旺他們宣教的心志，並藉他們的擺上祝福各地的教會，甚至散佈於歐洲各城的溫州人教會。
星期三
現時普遍中國信徒的屬靈情況，出現了『一哩闊、一吋深』的現象。在異端和異教的衝擊下，這些對真理只有膚淺認識的信徒，很容易被矇騙或隨流失去。 我們為農村教會發展參差不齊，亟需師資培訓向神祈求；基督教倫理和按聖經原則的輔導也是目前中國教會迫切需要的課題。
星期四
一般中國教會僕人和信徒都缺乏培訓和監督，他們當中固然有些蒙主的恩典作了美好的工作，但也有更多不但未能有效教導和牧養信徒，本身也因缺乏支援而沮喪不堪。有些更受試探後跌倒，以致失掉見證，結果異端泛濫。我們要為此切切仰望主的憐憫，堅固信徒的心，幫助他們心裡的力量剛強起來，又使他們在一切屬靈的智慧上，滿心知道神的旨意。
星期五
新疆籍流浪兒童主要出現在一些車站、市集、繁華街頭，採取尾隨行人扒竊包的方式進行犯罪。他們一般是未滿14歲，被成人控制實施偷竊，而成年人一般在旁邊掩護，如果孩子被失主發現，大人就出面使用暴力、威脅等方式將孩子帶走。流浪兒童是社區及地方政府棘手的社會問題。我們帶著憐憫的心懷為落在這樣苦境的孩童們來求神幫助，不叫我們信主的因為看多了而麻木，也不因為有太多的貧窮人而不知所措。求主使我們都有個柔軟的心，也有更多的憐憫。
星期六
在流浪的新疆籍兒童中，超過九成是被誘拐離家的，以南6～15歲的男孩居多，絕大部分是來自南疆地區農村貧困、殘弱家庭的少數民族少年兒童， 他們既是加害者又是受害者。失去孩子的父母親是多麼的痛心！我們在禱告中記念信徒家長有叛逆的孩子，或是選擇了逃避遠離了家，求主安慰他們的哀泣，聆聽他們的呼求，如同浪子回頭也讓他們能再次的團聚，將榮耀歸給父神。
星期日
由於不少孩子很小就被拐賣出來，即使得到了解救，也無法提供家庭住址、家人聯繫方式等，這給當地警方和工作人員帶來難題。如果孩子被警方抓走，又往往因語言不通，警方無法與之溝通，難以取得更多的證據，只好釋放。信徒會為流浪兒童，甚至從事色情行業的禱告嗎？或許我們沒有信心禱告能改別這樣的事實，或是很自然地覺得無力可助。再一次，我們為我們都被主耶穌的愛和憐憫激動充滿，這些”社會所遺忘的“也是祂所愛的。
星期一
回到新疆的流浪兒童中，反覆流浪現象非常嚴重，這點讓政府部門和基層幹部們相當苦惱，。有些兒童流浪時間越久，越難適應家鄉的貧困生活，往往一回到新疆，就已偷偷潛回曾經流浪的內地城市，做起了“老本行”，甚至還誘拐比其年幼者離家去內地。在新疆做任何一種與福音有關的事工都不是一件簡單的事，困難來自當地官員以及回教社區的反對，還有傳統當地居民對漢人的猜測甚至敵視。我們舉起禱告的手，托住在那裡所有的信徒與教會同工，尤其是那些牧養曾經是穆斯林及向他們分享福音的同工。
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Prayer Request 7/26 - 8/1
Tuesday
College graduates are having difficulty finding a white-collared job. In the wealthiest region of Guangdong, college grads are fighting over even such positions as nannies. This year 6.1 million young people are expected to graduate from colleges but a third of last year's grads still have not found a job. Many young people accepted Jesus in Bible study groups in college. We pray their faith will sustain them and they will be able to connect with a local church quickly so they will not be like the seeds sown in shallow ground that Jesus spoke about.
Wednesday
In the latest effort to curb rampant tobacco use, in the country with the largest number of smokers in the world, China is ordering makers of films and TV shows to limit the amount of smoking depicted on-screen, show smoking only when necessary for artistic purposes or character development. We pray for all believers whose loved ones are addicted to smoking. It is not merely smoking, but addiction to other things, and the lack of appetite for the Gospel May the Lord use their powerful life testimony, bring a fresh reminder of the gracious and living God in their homes.
Thursday
China is one of the biggest source countries for international adoption. The relatively easy procedure has attracted many foreign families. Some 120,000 Chinese children have been adopted by families in the United States since 1992. Officials with the family planning authority in Hunan were said to have taken away babies from families who fell foul of family planning rules and put them up for adoption. Chinese babies for adoption are girls in overwhelming majority. We take this special time for parents of girl, may the Lord give them assurance that God has a special purpose for their daughters and they will trust the Lord to bless them with wisdom and favor even they will not have a part of their growing up. We too pray that these girls will one day grow up in Christian homes and be used by God.
Friday
Overseas families wishing to adopt a Chinese child almost always forced to make mandatory donations to the welfare home, leading homes to put up more children for adoption and resort to illegal practices to find more children, the government reported. The amount suggested is 35,000 yuan (US$5,405), which amounts to "selling" of children. Mothers who abandoned or "give up" their new born usually believe their child will somehow have a better life abroad. We pray for all the young women who gave up their child, may the Lord take away their guilt and unspeakable shame, we do the same for far many more women who chose to terminate their pregnancies using artificial means.
Saturday
Seventy percent of those who married Taiwanese men and received Taiwan citizenship in the past years are Vietnamese. Taiwan officials were alarmed by such "obvious disproportion" and indicated that Vietnamese women purposely seek to acquire Taiwan citizenship and if the current trend continues, there could be a structural change socially in Taiwan. May the Lord raise up an army of believers to pray fervently for the revival of churches in Taiwan, as watchman on guard for the change in the spiritual state of all believers. May the Lord revive all churches, so that not just a few big churches busy hosting revival or healing rallies, but many more believers have burden for the lost souls.
Sunday
China population is aging rapidly, this phenomenon is especially troublesome because the it took place when the mandatory family planning and one-child policy are being implemented in the same time. So, Chinese parents are getting older and sicker as their only child ages; there are more empty-nested families and families with old people and no one to care for them. Many older believers eventually stop going to church because they become physically unable or have no one to take them to church. Let us pray for these homebound saints, for God's comfort, strength and unfading faith in the Lord they believe and serve. We also pray for more churches that will do more in caring for elderly and visit them regularly.
Monday
In the past young Chinese men have commonly gone to the cities for work, especially those from the more impoverished provinces. Now, however, more and more young women are also leaving their children and elderly parents in their village homes and going to the cities to find work. This causes a very serious social problem in this large population of about 40 million older people who have been left behind. This problem is also the major reason why the rural churches have been in rapid decline, especially lacking in young co-workers, young believers, and a loss in the amount of offerings given. Let us pray for the spiritual lives of all of the rural believers who are working in the cities. May the Spirit of the Lord continually remind them to walk closely with Jesus and protect their families, especially the parent-child relationship which is universally poor.
星期二
今年大學畢業生的就業前景極不樂觀。在最富裕的廣東省，大學生甚至要爲保姆這類工作擠破頭。估計今年有610萬大學畢業生湧入就業市場，而去年畢業生中還有約三分之一還在找工作。很多年輕人都是在大學時期的查經班接受主耶穌，願他們畢業後仍持守信仰，並能盡快找到教會，繼續聚會，使神的道在心田生根建造，茁壯成長。而不像主所說的，落在淺土石頭地上。也使他們在艱難的現實中，因靠著對神的信心，不至於頹喪。
星期三
中國煙民人口龐大。為打擊濫用煙草，中國政府最近加強限制電影和電視劇中吸煙鏡頭的次數。除非為了必要的藝術目的或配合人物個性發展需要，吸煙情節盡量避免。我們為家裏有嗜煙親人的信徒禱告。問題不光是抽煙，也包括其他不良嗜好，及對福音不感興趣。願主使用祂的兒女作有力的生命見證，提醒家人上帝是又真又活且滿有憐憫的神。
星期四
因為領養手續簡單及孩童來源多，自1992年至今，已有十二萬多中國兒童被美國家庭領養，使中國成為世界最多輸出領養孩童的國家。據報道，湖南省負責計劃生育的官員，常以孩子是違規出生為由，把嬰兒交給福利院，成為中國領養兒童的一大來源。被領養的中國嬰兒絕大多數是女嬰，求主親自安慰這些嬰兒的母親，雖然她們無法參與孩子的成長，但神仍會保守祝福。我們也禱告在這些在國外基督徒的家庭長大的孩子，將來為主所用。
星期五
海外家庭如想收養中國兒童，要強制「捐款」給福利院。據政府報告，這惡性循環造成福利院到處尋找可被領養的兒童，甚至以非法手段取得孩子。領養中國孩子的「行情」，「建議捐款」是人民幣35,000元（5405美元）。將孩子放棄或遺棄的母親，總相信自己的骨肉在國外將有更好的人生。我們只能藉著禱告，求神憐憫這些選擇放棄孩子的母親，以祂無條件的大愛撫平她們的內疚和羞恥。我們也為那些選擇墮胎的婦人，求天父的恩典。
星期六
越南配偶占近年歸化台灣籍人數的七成。官員指出不同國家的外籍人士歸化上「明顯失衡」，越南籍外配是以「取得台灣身份證為來台主要目標」，若這種情況繼續發展，將對台灣「整體社會產生結構性影響」。求主激勵基督徒更殷勤禱告，為教會的復興、為屬靈空氣的轉變作守望者，為台灣教會讓主大大使用來禱告，不是僅僅舉行特會，或某些大的團隊興旺，而是眾信徒起來關心眾多失喪靈魂。
星期日
中國由於人口老齡化發生在實行計劃生育、獨生子女等背景下，老齡化問題還兼具獨子高齡化、高齡病殘化、老年空巢化及空巢孤獨化等複雜的特點。許多年長的信徒，因體力衰退或沒有人陪伴，不能參加教會聚會。我們在禱告中要記念這些肢體，求主安慰、加添他們身、心靈力量，對神有堅定不移的信心。又求主提醒教會要關心長者事工，有智慧牧養他們，更多照顧和做定期的探訪。
星期一
從前中國年輕男人到城市打工是普遍現象，特別是窮困的省份，現在越來越多的年輕的婦女也出去打工。家裡就剩老人和孩子，這個問題相當嚴重。農村留守老人約4000萬，佔農村老年人口的37%。 這是農村教會近年人數下降的主因，同時因缺乏年輕同工和信徒，也造成農村教會奉獻劇減。我們為所有進城打工的信徒們祈求，求主的靈時時保守他們的心懷意念，與主親密；也保守他們的家庭，尤其是在親子關系上有主的憐憫。
College graduates are having difficulty finding a white-collared job. In the wealthiest region of Guangdong, college grads are fighting over even such positions as nannies. This year 6.1 million young people are expected to graduate from colleges but a third of last year's grads still have not found a job. Many young people accepted Jesus in Bible study groups in college. We pray their faith will sustain them and they will be able to connect with a local church quickly so they will not be like the seeds sown in shallow ground that Jesus spoke about.
Wednesday
In the latest effort to curb rampant tobacco use, in the country with the largest number of smokers in the world, China is ordering makers of films and TV shows to limit the amount of smoking depicted on-screen, show smoking only when necessary for artistic purposes or character development. We pray for all believers whose loved ones are addicted to smoking. It is not merely smoking, but addiction to other things, and the lack of appetite for the Gospel May the Lord use their powerful life testimony, bring a fresh reminder of the gracious and living God in their homes.
Thursday
China is one of the biggest source countries for international adoption. The relatively easy procedure has attracted many foreign families. Some 120,000 Chinese children have been adopted by families in the United States since 1992. Officials with the family planning authority in Hunan were said to have taken away babies from families who fell foul of family planning rules and put them up for adoption. Chinese babies for adoption are girls in overwhelming majority. We take this special time for parents of girl, may the Lord give them assurance that God has a special purpose for their daughters and they will trust the Lord to bless them with wisdom and favor even they will not have a part of their growing up. We too pray that these girls will one day grow up in Christian homes and be used by God.
Friday
Overseas families wishing to adopt a Chinese child almost always forced to make mandatory donations to the welfare home, leading homes to put up more children for adoption and resort to illegal practices to find more children, the government reported. The amount suggested is 35,000 yuan (US$5,405), which amounts to "selling" of children. Mothers who abandoned or "give up" their new born usually believe their child will somehow have a better life abroad. We pray for all the young women who gave up their child, may the Lord take away their guilt and unspeakable shame, we do the same for far many more women who chose to terminate their pregnancies using artificial means.
Saturday
Seventy percent of those who married Taiwanese men and received Taiwan citizenship in the past years are Vietnamese. Taiwan officials were alarmed by such "obvious disproportion" and indicated that Vietnamese women purposely seek to acquire Taiwan citizenship and if the current trend continues, there could be a structural change socially in Taiwan. May the Lord raise up an army of believers to pray fervently for the revival of churches in Taiwan, as watchman on guard for the change in the spiritual state of all believers. May the Lord revive all churches, so that not just a few big churches busy hosting revival or healing rallies, but many more believers have burden for the lost souls.
Sunday
China population is aging rapidly, this phenomenon is especially troublesome because the it took place when the mandatory family planning and one-child policy are being implemented in the same time. So, Chinese parents are getting older and sicker as their only child ages; there are more empty-nested families and families with old people and no one to care for them. Many older believers eventually stop going to church because they become physically unable or have no one to take them to church. Let us pray for these homebound saints, for God's comfort, strength and unfading faith in the Lord they believe and serve. We also pray for more churches that will do more in caring for elderly and visit them regularly.
Monday
In the past young Chinese men have commonly gone to the cities for work, especially those from the more impoverished provinces. Now, however, more and more young women are also leaving their children and elderly parents in their village homes and going to the cities to find work. This causes a very serious social problem in this large population of about 40 million older people who have been left behind. This problem is also the major reason why the rural churches have been in rapid decline, especially lacking in young co-workers, young believers, and a loss in the amount of offerings given. Let us pray for the spiritual lives of all of the rural believers who are working in the cities. May the Spirit of the Lord continually remind them to walk closely with Jesus and protect their families, especially the parent-child relationship which is universally poor.
星期二
今年大學畢業生的就業前景極不樂觀。在最富裕的廣東省，大學生甚至要爲保姆這類工作擠破頭。估計今年有610萬大學畢業生湧入就業市場，而去年畢業生中還有約三分之一還在找工作。很多年輕人都是在大學時期的查經班接受主耶穌，願他們畢業後仍持守信仰，並能盡快找到教會，繼續聚會，使神的道在心田生根建造，茁壯成長。而不像主所說的，落在淺土石頭地上。也使他們在艱難的現實中，因靠著對神的信心，不至於頹喪。
星期三
中國煙民人口龐大。為打擊濫用煙草，中國政府最近加強限制電影和電視劇中吸煙鏡頭的次數。除非為了必要的藝術目的或配合人物個性發展需要，吸煙情節盡量避免。我們為家裏有嗜煙親人的信徒禱告。問題不光是抽煙，也包括其他不良嗜好，及對福音不感興趣。願主使用祂的兒女作有力的生命見證，提醒家人上帝是又真又活且滿有憐憫的神。
星期四
因為領養手續簡單及孩童來源多，自1992年至今，已有十二萬多中國兒童被美國家庭領養，使中國成為世界最多輸出領養孩童的國家。據報道，湖南省負責計劃生育的官員，常以孩子是違規出生為由，把嬰兒交給福利院，成為中國領養兒童的一大來源。被領養的中國嬰兒絕大多數是女嬰，求主親自安慰這些嬰兒的母親，雖然她們無法參與孩子的成長，但神仍會保守祝福。我們也禱告在這些在國外基督徒的家庭長大的孩子，將來為主所用。
星期五
海外家庭如想收養中國兒童，要強制「捐款」給福利院。據政府報告，這惡性循環造成福利院到處尋找可被領養的兒童，甚至以非法手段取得孩子。領養中國孩子的「行情」，「建議捐款」是人民幣35,000元（5405美元）。將孩子放棄或遺棄的母親，總相信自己的骨肉在國外將有更好的人生。我們只能藉著禱告，求神憐憫這些選擇放棄孩子的母親，以祂無條件的大愛撫平她們的內疚和羞恥。我們也為那些選擇墮胎的婦人，求天父的恩典。
星期六
越南配偶占近年歸化台灣籍人數的七成。官員指出不同國家的外籍人士歸化上「明顯失衡」，越南籍外配是以「取得台灣身份證為來台主要目標」，若這種情況繼續發展，將對台灣「整體社會產生結構性影響」。求主激勵基督徒更殷勤禱告，為教會的復興、為屬靈空氣的轉變作守望者，為台灣教會讓主大大使用來禱告，不是僅僅舉行特會，或某些大的團隊興旺，而是眾信徒起來關心眾多失喪靈魂。
星期日
中國由於人口老齡化發生在實行計劃生育、獨生子女等背景下，老齡化問題還兼具獨子高齡化、高齡病殘化、老年空巢化及空巢孤獨化等複雜的特點。許多年長的信徒，因體力衰退或沒有人陪伴，不能參加教會聚會。我們在禱告中要記念這些肢體，求主安慰、加添他們身、心靈力量，對神有堅定不移的信心。又求主提醒教會要關心長者事工，有智慧牧養他們，更多照顧和做定期的探訪。
星期一
從前中國年輕男人到城市打工是普遍現象，特別是窮困的省份，現在越來越多的年輕的婦女也出去打工。家裡就剩老人和孩子，這個問題相當嚴重。農村留守老人約4000萬，佔農村老年人口的37%。 這是農村教會近年人數下降的主因，同時因缺乏年輕同工和信徒，也造成農村教會奉獻劇減。我們為所有進城打工的信徒們祈求，求主的靈時時保守他們的心懷意念，與主親密；也保守他們的家庭，尤其是在親子關系上有主的憐憫。
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Prayer Request 6/21 - 6/27
Tuesday
Li Na won the French Tennis Open and became the first Asian ever to be the Grand Slam Champion. She has always been known as a "rebel" with a rose-through-the-heart tattoo on her chest. She openly and defiantly dropped out of the traditional government-sponsored athlete training program and chose to have her own trainer. Churches in China have always highly valued "conformity" and stressed "unity" even though it was only very superficial. We pray for a true acceptance of those believers who due to their convictions practice their faith in a way somewhat different from the traditional style. We pray, too, that all believers will realize the difference between what is traditional and what is Biblical.
Wednesday
Both husbands and wives are expected to work outside of the home in China but the wives are still expected to do housework and cook for the family without help from their husbands. In the workplace women and men are nearly equal in terms of their workload and the stress encountered. However, in the churches it is very rare to find couples who serve together. We pray for those rare husband and wife teams that the Lord will use them mightily and bless their commitment and sacrifice. May their godly example shine brightly before other believers and their lives bless many of those outside of the church as well as the families in their churches.
Thursday
There is a large disparity in the ratio of males to females born in China--a whopping boy to girl ration of 118 to 100! However, within the church, female believers outnumber male believers. Although this phenomenon is shared in the culturally similar Korean churches, women definitely outnumber men in the churches in China. Female believers shoulder most of the work in churches and they are heavily involved in visitation, marital counseling, and even "running" the church if there is no shepherd available. May the Lord bless and remember the dedication of all of the "Martha and Mary" believers.
Friday
The lyrics of the "Red Songs" or "Revolutionary Songs" praise the supreme Communist party leader, Chairman Mao, or glorify the motherland. The height of the time when they sang the Red Songs was during the Cultural Revolution. During that time the only literary works available to the public were the so-called Revolutionary Model Opera and since all love songs and ballads were forbidden, the only thing people could sing were the Red Songs. There is a huge collection of Chinese praise songs written by Chinese songwriters. Many believers find these songs express their love for Jesus and that they can identify better with the melodies than with other songs. We thank God for these Chinese praise songs and the mighty work the Holy Spirit has used them to accomplish in the church in China.
Saturday
During the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960's, the de facto national anthem was "The East is Red" which says: "The east is red, the sun is rising. China has brought forth a Mao Zedong. He works for the people's welfare. Hurrah! He is the people's great savior!" This song was played through the public address systems everywhere in China twice daily and every student was required to sing this song every morning. Perhaps the painful memories of the Cultural Revolution have started to fade for hundreds of millions of Chinese fifty years old or older. We pray for spiritual vitality for all the believers in that age group, many of whom are now leaders in the church. May the Lord give them humility, with a spirit that is not dictatorial but is truly humble enough to accept criticism and suggestions from the younger generation.
Sunday
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party, officials are encouraging and promoting the public frenzy of singing of the "Red songs" - traditional revolutionary songs. The most famous revolutionary songs are "The East is Red" and "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman". In the days past, all public meetings always begin and end with the singing of these two songs. Cultural Revolution was a sad page in the history of Chinese and untold numbers of Christians chose to give up their lives rather than forsake Jesus Christ. We take a moment to remember all the martyrs of faith, their sacrifices were not in vain as the church grew even stronger and bigger during the great persecution. May the Lord richly bless the descendants of those who loved Jesus even to their death.
Monday
Although it seems like everyone is jumping on the "Red Song" singing bandwagon, people are singing them in the neighborhoods, schools and factories. Retired and older folks enjoy singing these songs because they are nostalgic and appreciate the cultural background and context of these songs. However, few young people find the "Red Song" interesting. We should pray for all the choirs in Chinese churches. Many churches have large choirs and are an important part of the worship. May the Lord use their hard work in practice and their voices to lead congregations in praising God. We too remember in prayers the worship teams led by young people, which are becoming more common in many urban churches.
星期二
李娜獲得法網女單冠軍，成為有史以來第一個獲得大滿貫網球賽事冠軍的亞洲人。她向來以「叛逆」著稱，胸前的穿心玫瑰紋身十分惹人注意，也曾公開脫離國家運動員所接受的政府傳統訓練系統。中國教會相當講求信徒「一致」，特別重視教會之間表面的「合一」，認為應該持守教會傳統留下來的做法，不能接納某些信徒的崇拜方式與不同的「教會傳統」。我們記念他們愛主的心，也禱告信徒能分辨何謂人的傳統與聖經中心須堅守的教導。
星期三
中國社會一般要求夫婦二人同樣工作。女子在家務負擔不減的同時，在社會上和職場中的壓力和活躍度卻與男子相差無幾。中國教會中夫妻能在教會一起服事的實在太少了。讓我們特別為「難得少有」的夫妻檔禱告，願神祝福他們的擺上，大大使用他們，並成為其他信徒婚姻、家庭、服事的好榜樣。求主保守他們的服事，滿有力量，能成為多人的祝福。
星期四
中國出生人口男多女少，比例是118：100。 然而在教會中信徒卻是女多男少，在海外華人教會和韓國教會中也有同樣的問題，但不像中國教會這樣嚴重。姐妹們除了負擔、分擔教會各樣事工之外 ，她們在探訪、協調婚姻家庭問題上更是出力，尤其在沒有傳道人的教會，願主加添這些為主擺上的「馬大及馬利亞」們。
星期五
紅歌意指「革命歌曲」，多是歌頌共產黨及其領袖或推崇國家之作。文革時期是紅歌最興盛的年代；那時文藝作品就那幾部革命樣板戲，但因歌曲可以大唱特唱，在愛情歌、抒情歌遭封殺的情況下，革命歌曲成了唯一的選擇。中國教會有許多華人所寫的讚美詩歌，歌詞和旋律都讓信徒產生共鳴，更容易表達對主的愛。我們為中國教會的詩歌感謝神，求主藉著祂的靈繼續動工，使詩歌帶給會眾更大的祝福。
星期六
「東方紅」是文革時期的中國國歌，『東方紅，太陽升。中國出了個毛澤東。他為人民謀幸福，呼爾嗨喲，他是人民大救星！』。這首歌每天早晚都會在每個城市和鄉村的擴音器裡播放，學生更是每天早上必須齊聲頌唱。時光茌苒，或許文革慘痛的回憶在億萬五十歲以上的中國人腦海中已淡化了些。我們為所有年齡半百以上的信徒禱告，求主更新他們，更加活潑見證主道。大部分中國教會領袖們都在這年齡層，求主賜下謙卑的心，能接受年輕一代的建議、批評。
星期日
今年是共產黨建黨九十周年，在官方強力推動下，各地市民狂熱唱起紅歌（傳統革命歌曲）。最著名的是「東方紅」和「大海航行靠舵手」，從前各種大小會議以唱「東方紅」開始，唱「大海航行靠舵手」結束。文化大革命是中國歷史悲哀的一頁，無數基督徒不願當眾羞辱主名、更不願放棄信仰，都將性命置之度外。我們不能忘記這些為主洒血的信心榜樣，他們的擺上不但沒有徒然，更成為近代中國教會迅速成長的原因，願主厚待、祝福他們的子孫。
星期一
「紅歌」熱正在中國大地掀起，唱響在社區、學校、工廠，進入社會的各個角落。愛唱紅歌主要的是退休和老年一代，因為他們最清楚音樂的歷史文化背景。但年輕人對此浪潮卻缺乏熱情。不少中國教會有相當陣容的詩班，也是崇拜的重要部分，讓我們為所有詩班的成員祈求，願主記念他們的辛勞，使用他們的聲音帶領弟兄姐妹讚美上帝。同時我們求主使用在城市教會越來越普遍的年輕人組成的敬拜團隊。
Li Na won the French Tennis Open and became the first Asian ever to be the Grand Slam Champion. She has always been known as a "rebel" with a rose-through-the-heart tattoo on her chest. She openly and defiantly dropped out of the traditional government-sponsored athlete training program and chose to have her own trainer. Churches in China have always highly valued "conformity" and stressed "unity" even though it was only very superficial. We pray for a true acceptance of those believers who due to their convictions practice their faith in a way somewhat different from the traditional style. We pray, too, that all believers will realize the difference between what is traditional and what is Biblical.
Wednesday
Both husbands and wives are expected to work outside of the home in China but the wives are still expected to do housework and cook for the family without help from their husbands. In the workplace women and men are nearly equal in terms of their workload and the stress encountered. However, in the churches it is very rare to find couples who serve together. We pray for those rare husband and wife teams that the Lord will use them mightily and bless their commitment and sacrifice. May their godly example shine brightly before other believers and their lives bless many of those outside of the church as well as the families in their churches.
Thursday
There is a large disparity in the ratio of males to females born in China--a whopping boy to girl ration of 118 to 100! However, within the church, female believers outnumber male believers. Although this phenomenon is shared in the culturally similar Korean churches, women definitely outnumber men in the churches in China. Female believers shoulder most of the work in churches and they are heavily involved in visitation, marital counseling, and even "running" the church if there is no shepherd available. May the Lord bless and remember the dedication of all of the "Martha and Mary" believers.
Friday
The lyrics of the "Red Songs" or "Revolutionary Songs" praise the supreme Communist party leader, Chairman Mao, or glorify the motherland. The height of the time when they sang the Red Songs was during the Cultural Revolution. During that time the only literary works available to the public were the so-called Revolutionary Model Opera and since all love songs and ballads were forbidden, the only thing people could sing were the Red Songs. There is a huge collection of Chinese praise songs written by Chinese songwriters. Many believers find these songs express their love for Jesus and that they can identify better with the melodies than with other songs. We thank God for these Chinese praise songs and the mighty work the Holy Spirit has used them to accomplish in the church in China.
Saturday
During the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960's, the de facto national anthem was "The East is Red" which says: "The east is red, the sun is rising. China has brought forth a Mao Zedong. He works for the people's welfare. Hurrah! He is the people's great savior!" This song was played through the public address systems everywhere in China twice daily and every student was required to sing this song every morning. Perhaps the painful memories of the Cultural Revolution have started to fade for hundreds of millions of Chinese fifty years old or older. We pray for spiritual vitality for all the believers in that age group, many of whom are now leaders in the church. May the Lord give them humility, with a spirit that is not dictatorial but is truly humble enough to accept criticism and suggestions from the younger generation.
Sunday
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party, officials are encouraging and promoting the public frenzy of singing of the "Red songs" - traditional revolutionary songs. The most famous revolutionary songs are "The East is Red" and "Sailing the Seas Depends on the Helmsman". In the days past, all public meetings always begin and end with the singing of these two songs. Cultural Revolution was a sad page in the history of Chinese and untold numbers of Christians chose to give up their lives rather than forsake Jesus Christ. We take a moment to remember all the martyrs of faith, their sacrifices were not in vain as the church grew even stronger and bigger during the great persecution. May the Lord richly bless the descendants of those who loved Jesus even to their death.
Monday
Although it seems like everyone is jumping on the "Red Song" singing bandwagon, people are singing them in the neighborhoods, schools and factories. Retired and older folks enjoy singing these songs because they are nostalgic and appreciate the cultural background and context of these songs. However, few young people find the "Red Song" interesting. We should pray for all the choirs in Chinese churches. Many churches have large choirs and are an important part of the worship. May the Lord use their hard work in practice and their voices to lead congregations in praising God. We too remember in prayers the worship teams led by young people, which are becoming more common in many urban churches.
星期二
李娜獲得法網女單冠軍，成為有史以來第一個獲得大滿貫網球賽事冠軍的亞洲人。她向來以「叛逆」著稱，胸前的穿心玫瑰紋身十分惹人注意，也曾公開脫離國家運動員所接受的政府傳統訓練系統。中國教會相當講求信徒「一致」，特別重視教會之間表面的「合一」，認為應該持守教會傳統留下來的做法，不能接納某些信徒的崇拜方式與不同的「教會傳統」。我們記念他們愛主的心，也禱告信徒能分辨何謂人的傳統與聖經中心須堅守的教導。
星期三
中國社會一般要求夫婦二人同樣工作。女子在家務負擔不減的同時，在社會上和職場中的壓力和活躍度卻與男子相差無幾。中國教會中夫妻能在教會一起服事的實在太少了。讓我們特別為「難得少有」的夫妻檔禱告，願神祝福他們的擺上，大大使用他們，並成為其他信徒婚姻、家庭、服事的好榜樣。求主保守他們的服事，滿有力量，能成為多人的祝福。
星期四
中國出生人口男多女少，比例是118：100。 然而在教會中信徒卻是女多男少，在海外華人教會和韓國教會中也有同樣的問題，但不像中國教會這樣嚴重。姐妹們除了負擔、分擔教會各樣事工之外 ，她們在探訪、協調婚姻家庭問題上更是出力，尤其在沒有傳道人的教會，願主加添這些為主擺上的「馬大及馬利亞」們。
星期五
紅歌意指「革命歌曲」，多是歌頌共產黨及其領袖或推崇國家之作。文革時期是紅歌最興盛的年代；那時文藝作品就那幾部革命樣板戲，但因歌曲可以大唱特唱，在愛情歌、抒情歌遭封殺的情況下，革命歌曲成了唯一的選擇。中國教會有許多華人所寫的讚美詩歌，歌詞和旋律都讓信徒產生共鳴，更容易表達對主的愛。我們為中國教會的詩歌感謝神，求主藉著祂的靈繼續動工，使詩歌帶給會眾更大的祝福。
星期六
「東方紅」是文革時期的中國國歌，『東方紅，太陽升。中國出了個毛澤東。他為人民謀幸福，呼爾嗨喲，他是人民大救星！』。這首歌每天早晚都會在每個城市和鄉村的擴音器裡播放，學生更是每天早上必須齊聲頌唱。時光茌苒，或許文革慘痛的回憶在億萬五十歲以上的中國人腦海中已淡化了些。我們為所有年齡半百以上的信徒禱告，求主更新他們，更加活潑見證主道。大部分中國教會領袖們都在這年齡層，求主賜下謙卑的心，能接受年輕一代的建議、批評。
星期日
今年是共產黨建黨九十周年，在官方強力推動下，各地市民狂熱唱起紅歌（傳統革命歌曲）。最著名的是「東方紅」和「大海航行靠舵手」，從前各種大小會議以唱「東方紅」開始，唱「大海航行靠舵手」結束。文化大革命是中國歷史悲哀的一頁，無數基督徒不願當眾羞辱主名、更不願放棄信仰，都將性命置之度外。我們不能忘記這些為主洒血的信心榜樣，他們的擺上不但沒有徒然，更成為近代中國教會迅速成長的原因，願主厚待、祝福他們的子孫。
星期一
「紅歌」熱正在中國大地掀起，唱響在社區、學校、工廠，進入社會的各個角落。愛唱紅歌主要的是退休和老年一代，因為他們最清楚音樂的歷史文化背景。但年輕人對此浪潮卻缺乏熱情。不少中國教會有相當陣容的詩班，也是崇拜的重要部分，讓我們為所有詩班的成員祈求，願主記念他們的辛勞，使用他們的聲音帶領弟兄姐妹讚美上帝。同時我們求主使用在城市教會越來越普遍的年輕人組成的敬拜團隊。
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Prayer Request 6/14 - 6/20
Tuesday
About 9.33 million students took the "gao kao", the national college entrance exam in China, which is a fifteen percent decrease over last year. This is the third year there has been such a decrease and it reflects the lower number of high school students in China, the result of the one-child policy which was instituted twenty years ago. As it becomes easier to get into college and wages for workers with only a high school education increase substantially, the number of students who enroll in Bible training has also decreased. We pray that young Chinese believers will see full-time ministry not as an alternative, or a stable job to do if all else fails as has been so often in the past especially in rural churches. May they sense God's calling to His work.
Wednesday
According to a recent survey, about 70% of Internet users believe that legitimacy, transparency, and honesty are essential for anyone who works for charity, and that donations should not be used as a tool for individuals or enterprises to make money or improve their image. In recent years the enthusiasm of the public for charitable donations has been adversely affected by a number of scandals. Unfortunately, believers in China have this same kind of pessimism about how their offerings are used because few churches have a transparent accounting system in place. We know church leaders want their members to trust them so we pray for integrity and openness of all church leaders in their handling of church finances, their leadership style, and their personal lives.
Thursday
The greatest injury the churches in China will suffer in the coming years will probably not be from external circumstances but rather from the divisive trend of forming denominations from within. The "fight" of claiming which churches belong to which denomination is heating up and getting rather ugly. May the Lord have mercy on all of us and help us not to see ourselves as better than others, even theologically, but rather to have the humility of Jesus. May He grant us teachable hearts that bear gentleness, the fruit of the Spirit.
Friday
The big issue facing churches in China is being accepted by society and becoming legalized. Chinese believers come from all walks of life, represent all professions, and even have notable Christians or "celebrities" among them. This is a good and healthy trend for churches because it shows that Christianity is having a positive influence on Chinese society now. We praise God for believers who are from diverse backgrounds. May the Spirit of the Lord move on not only the farm laborers but also on the highly educated. Churches in China need to learn to accept one another whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, and not be critical of one another.
Saturday
Chinese churches in the past have been marginalized culturally and considered as a place for only poor people even though the majority of Chinese people were peasants themselves. However, as China continues to be urbanized, city culture will become the dominant culture and urban churches will be the mainstream of China churches. Rural churches greatly need our supplications and prayers that God will add to their faith to trust Him that He is able to do great things for them and bring revival to the pastors, leaders, and every believer.
Sunday
Throughout the countryside in China there is a virtual absence of farmers under the age of forty which speaks to the urbanization of China. Youngsters escape as soon as possible to go to work in towns far and near leaving their aging parents to till the soil. With the rural labor pool shrinking, wages are rising.Rural churches continue to suffer from the exodus of young people which is not likely to improve. Many churches are without shepherds so they easily and quickly become the prey of cults. We pray earnestly for the need of new and younger workers in churches.
Monday
Once their only child leaves home, many couples suddenly realize they have lost their anchor or focus in life. These middle-aged "empty-nesters" often have stable jobs and incomes but very few outside interests or recreational activity. Many Chinese believers have little involvement in the church outside of Sunday attendance. They are busy with their only child. We pray that middle-aged believers will become the key workers in churches and be strong in giving of both their money and their time.
星期二
中國今年有930萬人參加高考，比去年減少15%， 考生數減少已連續第三年。此趨勢還會持續數年。高考人數減少主因是因高中生人數下降，乃二十年前政府推行一胎化政策，使出生人口持續下降。因人口減少，競爭率變低，能進大學的人越來越多。一般高校程度薪資普遍增高，也間接減少願意接受神學裝備的人選。讓我們禱告，願年輕一代的信徒獻身服事神，不是因為糊口，而是真看重神的聖潔呼召
星期三
據報導，70%網民認為慈善事業必須合法、透明和誠信；慈善捐款不應被視為用以改造個人或企業形象的工具及手段或藉此穫利。近年民眾對慈善機構的熱情已因一連串醜聞而不予信任。因著一般中國教會在金錢管理上不公開，使信徒對奉獻也有負面的看法。我們深信教會領導同工都希望獲得信徒信任，我們禱告教會領袖在金錢管理，教會財政處理上公開透明，也在決策和個人生活上正直純全。
星期四
中國教會面臨的難處，不一定是外在的逼迫，更可能是教會內部惟我獨尊的宗派主義及因搶佔「地盤」而產生的衝突。求主憐憫、教導我們不要因著神學觀點上的差異而看自己過於所當看的，而是滿有主基督的謙卑，看別人比自己強。求主賜給我們每個人都有受教的心，使聖靈在我們中間能結出溫柔良善的果子。
星期五
中國教會正面對走進社會及身份合法化的議題。基督信仰的普及性並不限於某個社會階層，乃在各行各業中均有其代表性；這是可喜的現象，表示中國教會正健康成長，並日漸為中國社會帶來積極影響。我們為教會能深入社會感恩，願主的靈在人心動工，不單單是農民、工人，更是受過高等教育的人都能悔改歸主。也禱告教會信徒能彼此接納、合一，同心合意興旺福音，建立神的家。
星期六
農村家庭教會相對於城市文化而言，屬邊緣團體。雖然過去中國大部份人口以務農維生，然而這情況已因都市化而改變，預計往後城市文化仍會主導中國社會。我們為農村教會廣大的需求禱告，求主堅固他們的信心，深知神能為他們成就大事。賜下復興的火更新農村牧者、教會領袖及眾信徒的靈命，幫助他們奔跑不困倦，行走不疲乏，為主發光發熱。
星期日
因著中國的城市化，農村中幾乎見不到一個四十歲以下的農民。年輕人巴不得早點進城打工，也不願留在家裏種田。不過，隨著農村勞工劇減，農村工資也有明顯的改善。農村教會年輕一代外流的趨勢仍沒有改變的跡象，許多教會已因沒有牧者而被異端邪教所吞噬。我們懇求神保護祂的教會，並興起年輕教會領袖願意為神的國委身，使羊群得著餵養。
星期一
許多中年夫婦在獨生子女「離巢」後，才發現過去並沒有真正好好營建自己的人生。這類人的工作通常相當穩定，不需要為生活打拼，也對時下的娛樂不能投入，所以一下子失了生活的重心。很多信徒只是「主日上教堂」一族，其他的時間都為唯一的孩子忙碌。反而中年以上的信徒有時間參與教會的活動，成為教會的活躍份子。我們為中年信徒在時間和金錢的奉獻禱告，求神大大使用和祝福。
About 9.33 million students took the "gao kao", the national college entrance exam in China, which is a fifteen percent decrease over last year. This is the third year there has been such a decrease and it reflects the lower number of high school students in China, the result of the one-child policy which was instituted twenty years ago. As it becomes easier to get into college and wages for workers with only a high school education increase substantially, the number of students who enroll in Bible training has also decreased. We pray that young Chinese believers will see full-time ministry not as an alternative, or a stable job to do if all else fails as has been so often in the past especially in rural churches. May they sense God's calling to His work.
Wednesday
According to a recent survey, about 70% of Internet users believe that legitimacy, transparency, and honesty are essential for anyone who works for charity, and that donations should not be used as a tool for individuals or enterprises to make money or improve their image. In recent years the enthusiasm of the public for charitable donations has been adversely affected by a number of scandals. Unfortunately, believers in China have this same kind of pessimism about how their offerings are used because few churches have a transparent accounting system in place. We know church leaders want their members to trust them so we pray for integrity and openness of all church leaders in their handling of church finances, their leadership style, and their personal lives.
Thursday
The greatest injury the churches in China will suffer in the coming years will probably not be from external circumstances but rather from the divisive trend of forming denominations from within. The "fight" of claiming which churches belong to which denomination is heating up and getting rather ugly. May the Lord have mercy on all of us and help us not to see ourselves as better than others, even theologically, but rather to have the humility of Jesus. May He grant us teachable hearts that bear gentleness, the fruit of the Spirit.
Friday
The big issue facing churches in China is being accepted by society and becoming legalized. Chinese believers come from all walks of life, represent all professions, and even have notable Christians or "celebrities" among them. This is a good and healthy trend for churches because it shows that Christianity is having a positive influence on Chinese society now. We praise God for believers who are from diverse backgrounds. May the Spirit of the Lord move on not only the farm laborers but also on the highly educated. Churches in China need to learn to accept one another whether rich or poor, educated or uneducated, and not be critical of one another.
Saturday
Chinese churches in the past have been marginalized culturally and considered as a place for only poor people even though the majority of Chinese people were peasants themselves. However, as China continues to be urbanized, city culture will become the dominant culture and urban churches will be the mainstream of China churches. Rural churches greatly need our supplications and prayers that God will add to their faith to trust Him that He is able to do great things for them and bring revival to the pastors, leaders, and every believer.
Sunday
Throughout the countryside in China there is a virtual absence of farmers under the age of forty which speaks to the urbanization of China. Youngsters escape as soon as possible to go to work in towns far and near leaving their aging parents to till the soil. With the rural labor pool shrinking, wages are rising.Rural churches continue to suffer from the exodus of young people which is not likely to improve. Many churches are without shepherds so they easily and quickly become the prey of cults. We pray earnestly for the need of new and younger workers in churches.
Monday
Once their only child leaves home, many couples suddenly realize they have lost their anchor or focus in life. These middle-aged "empty-nesters" often have stable jobs and incomes but very few outside interests or recreational activity. Many Chinese believers have little involvement in the church outside of Sunday attendance. They are busy with their only child. We pray that middle-aged believers will become the key workers in churches and be strong in giving of both their money and their time.
星期二
中國今年有930萬人參加高考，比去年減少15%， 考生數減少已連續第三年。此趨勢還會持續數年。高考人數減少主因是因高中生人數下降，乃二十年前政府推行一胎化政策，使出生人口持續下降。因人口減少，競爭率變低，能進大學的人越來越多。一般高校程度薪資普遍增高，也間接減少願意接受神學裝備的人選。讓我們禱告，願年輕一代的信徒獻身服事神，不是因為糊口，而是真看重神的聖潔呼召
星期三
據報導，70%網民認為慈善事業必須合法、透明和誠信；慈善捐款不應被視為用以改造個人或企業形象的工具及手段或藉此穫利。近年民眾對慈善機構的熱情已因一連串醜聞而不予信任。因著一般中國教會在金錢管理上不公開，使信徒對奉獻也有負面的看法。我們深信教會領導同工都希望獲得信徒信任，我們禱告教會領袖在金錢管理，教會財政處理上公開透明，也在決策和個人生活上正直純全。
星期四
中國教會面臨的難處，不一定是外在的逼迫，更可能是教會內部惟我獨尊的宗派主義及因搶佔「地盤」而產生的衝突。求主憐憫、教導我們不要因著神學觀點上的差異而看自己過於所當看的，而是滿有主基督的謙卑，看別人比自己強。求主賜給我們每個人都有受教的心，使聖靈在我們中間能結出溫柔良善的果子。
星期五
中國教會正面對走進社會及身份合法化的議題。基督信仰的普及性並不限於某個社會階層，乃在各行各業中均有其代表性；這是可喜的現象，表示中國教會正健康成長，並日漸為中國社會帶來積極影響。我們為教會能深入社會感恩，願主的靈在人心動工，不單單是農民、工人，更是受過高等教育的人都能悔改歸主。也禱告教會信徒能彼此接納、合一，同心合意興旺福音，建立神的家。
星期六
農村家庭教會相對於城市文化而言，屬邊緣團體。雖然過去中國大部份人口以務農維生，然而這情況已因都市化而改變，預計往後城市文化仍會主導中國社會。我們為農村教會廣大的需求禱告，求主堅固他們的信心，深知神能為他們成就大事。賜下復興的火更新農村牧者、教會領袖及眾信徒的靈命，幫助他們奔跑不困倦，行走不疲乏，為主發光發熱。
星期日
因著中國的城市化，農村中幾乎見不到一個四十歲以下的農民。年輕人巴不得早點進城打工，也不願留在家裏種田。不過，隨著農村勞工劇減，農村工資也有明顯的改善。農村教會年輕一代外流的趨勢仍沒有改變的跡象，許多教會已因沒有牧者而被異端邪教所吞噬。我們懇求神保護祂的教會，並興起年輕教會領袖願意為神的國委身，使羊群得著餵養。
星期一
許多中年夫婦在獨生子女「離巢」後，才發現過去並沒有真正好好營建自己的人生。這類人的工作通常相當穩定，不需要為生活打拼，也對時下的娛樂不能投入，所以一下子失了生活的重心。很多信徒只是「主日上教堂」一族，其他的時間都為唯一的孩子忙碌。反而中年以上的信徒有時間參與教會的活動，成為教會的活躍份子。我們為中年信徒在時間和金錢的奉獻禱告，求神大大使用和祝福。
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Prayer Request 6/7 - 6/13
Tuesday
July 1st is the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in China. The government is launching a huge wave of both TV and cinema blitz praising the glory of the party. In contrast to the propaganda of the past, these films feature young and popular stars in an attempt to capture the hearts of the younger generation to "love the party". It is true that young people today do not show much interest in religion or in searching deeply for the meaning and purpose of life. We pray, however, for true commitment to Jesus for young Christians. and that they will not merely look for blessings from God but will always have the boldness to be counted as believers.
Wednesday
The Chinese government is working hard to gain the heart and soul of the generation born after the 1980's, those who are the one-child generation who are enjoying good lives and have money to spend, but have very little interest in politics. To them, joining the party means only that it is a good move to find a job and get good connections. Churches in China cannot give up the effort to reach out to this same group of young people, many of whom find church boring and irrelevant to their culture. We pray that more young Christians will stand up to be powerful witnesses that Christians are not just old people or disconnected from society.
Thursday
The number of college students who are Christians in China has increased significantly in recent years and they have also transformed the urban churches there. Another development is that up to twenty percent of the Chinese students in North America are Christians or exposed to Christianity and when they return to China, they often form their own churches. It is always a challenge to minister in urban churches where the educational background varies greatly. Pastors must adjust their preaching according to the audience. We pray for humility for all believers and specifically those in China's urban churches and we pray that they will be stirred up to love the Lord by their fellow believers rather than feeling jealous of them.
Friday
A unique development in the churches in China is churches for Chinese businessmen who hold foreign passports and their families. They are often called fellowships and must report their existence to the authorities but the government has allowed them to flourish to cultivate a good image and also to foster a good business climate. These fellowships are not open to local believers but we can pray that their members will be powerful witnesses among their employees, neighbors, and people who work in their homes and be able to lead them to Christ.
Saturday
The Chinese government has changed quite a bit in its way of dealing with religious issues. They now follow certain methods and procedures and are in principle trying their best to avoid violence but it is difficult to ascertain whether these improvements imply a tolerance of or the legality of house churches. Many unregistered churches are still very cautious and avoid being "interviewed" by the police since although the police know full well of their activities; it is still wise to avoid unnecessary confrontation. Let us pray for wisdom for the church leaders, especially those who are trying to expand their ministries but desire to minimize the risks of interference.
Sunday
In the recent past the Chinese government has tried to give some room to mainstream house churches. Some dialog between church leaders and officials is eventually inevitable but the real solution is in whether house churches can achieve legal status. We pray to our gracious Lord that all churches will receive legal status. We also pray that believers will have the boldness to preach the Word before that day arrives. Above all, we lift up all the believers so they will not be swayed or tempted by secularism and thus become lukewarm and ineffectual Christians.
Monday
When urbanization began in China the rural churches thought they could play a role in the evangelization of the cities because they had the manpower needed. However, it turned out that rural believers could not penetrate the cities and so their churches have lost many people since the young people went to the cities for work and ended up lost in the cities. Let us remember those churches that are reaching out to migrant workers who are highly mobile and whose attendance is often sporadic, We pray that these churches are not just their spiritual home but are a place for spiritual growth and development.
星期二
隨著中國共產黨建黨90週年紀念日（7月1日）的到來，中國政府推出大量的電視和電影節目來歌頌共產黨。和以往相比這些作品大量起用了年輕的俊男美女明星，試圖利用這些作品對年輕一代開展「愛黨教育」。 現在的年輕人對信仰宗教並無太大興趣，也很少思考人生意義和目的。我們求主剛強教會中的年輕人有真正的委身，大有勇氣的為主做見証，而不是提停留在只求神賜給祝福保佑。
星期三
政府努力對80後出生的年輕人展開宣傳工作，他們多為獨生子女，生活條件優沃，具強烈的利己主義和追名逐利的傾向，多半不太中國關心政治。不少人入黨動機只因「有利就業」和「拓展人脈」。政府與教會都想贏得年輕人的心，然而教會往往對年輕人沒吸引力，與他們的文化無交集。讓我們禱告有更多的年輕基督徒，在社會及社區中成為有力的見證，讓更多人了解教會，不是與世隔絕的組織, 也不單是老年人聚集的地方。
星期四
近年來大學生中基督徒人數激增，改變了中國城市教會的面貌。據估現居北美的中國留學生中，可能有20％是基督徒，或對基督信仰有所了解，一旦回國，往往組建海歸教會。城市教會信徒的教育程度高低不一，挑戰牧者調整講道內容以應會眾的需求。求主賜下謙卑的心，尤其在城市教會的信徒。也求主使牧者能夠除去嫉妒等負面情緒，被高教程度信徒所激勵，更加愛主，共同配搭興旺福音。
星期五
華商團契在中國教會雖非主流，但他們默默耕耘的努力也結出豐碩的果子。一般而言，華商團契需要向當地政府報備，但政府允許他們蓬勃發展，以圖在華商中保持政府的良好形象從而營造良好的商業氣氛。雖然一般信徒不能參加華商團契的聚會，我們求主讓所有華商團契的成員都能在員工，鄰居，僱員面前為主做美好的見證，吸引人心歸向基督。
星期六
中國政府在處理宗教問題上，現在遵循一定方法和程序，原則上盡量避免採取暴力方式，與過去相比已大有改善。但仍難判定官方對家庭教會的容忍度和家庭教會的合法身份。 許多家庭教會目前還是非常小心地避免招到公安的過問。雖然公安多半清楚知道他們的活動，但謹慎避免不必要的衝突仍是明智之舉。讓我們繼續為家庭教會的領袖們禱告，求神賜他們智慧，知道如何在發展事工時也能避開無謂的干擾。
星期日
政府在過去己年來的寬鬆讓主流家庭教會有一定的發展空間。政府官員和家庭教會領袖之間的對話和互動是早晚避免不了的事，然而中國家庭教會在社會中的合法地位問題必須解決。我們為所有的中國教會能得到合法的地位來仰望恩主。也在等候主再來那日之前，求主賜給我們剛強壯膽的心能勇敢為主傳福音。更求主保守所有信徒，不被世俗和財富所吸引，不成為不冷不熱的基督徒。
星期一
中國城市化初期，農村教會同工以為靠著農村基督徒人數之眾，必能在城市宣教上佔優勢，結果發現只能包圍城市，卻打不進去。反過來，農村教會的會眾卻大量流失，因為許多年輕人到城市打工失落在城市中。 我們為那些關懷民工的教會來禱告。因為民工的流動性很大，維持與拓展事工極其不易。求主使用這些教會，能成為民工屬靈的家，帶給他們生命的成長和發展，將福音的種子再帶出去。
July 1st is the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party in China. The government is launching a huge wave of both TV and cinema blitz praising the glory of the party. In contrast to the propaganda of the past, these films feature young and popular stars in an attempt to capture the hearts of the younger generation to "love the party". It is true that young people today do not show much interest in religion or in searching deeply for the meaning and purpose of life. We pray, however, for true commitment to Jesus for young Christians. and that they will not merely look for blessings from God but will always have the boldness to be counted as believers.
Wednesday
The Chinese government is working hard to gain the heart and soul of the generation born after the 1980's, those who are the one-child generation who are enjoying good lives and have money to spend, but have very little interest in politics. To them, joining the party means only that it is a good move to find a job and get good connections. Churches in China cannot give up the effort to reach out to this same group of young people, many of whom find church boring and irrelevant to their culture. We pray that more young Christians will stand up to be powerful witnesses that Christians are not just old people or disconnected from society.
Thursday
The number of college students who are Christians in China has increased significantly in recent years and they have also transformed the urban churches there. Another development is that up to twenty percent of the Chinese students in North America are Christians or exposed to Christianity and when they return to China, they often form their own churches. It is always a challenge to minister in urban churches where the educational background varies greatly. Pastors must adjust their preaching according to the audience. We pray for humility for all believers and specifically those in China's urban churches and we pray that they will be stirred up to love the Lord by their fellow believers rather than feeling jealous of them.
Friday
A unique development in the churches in China is churches for Chinese businessmen who hold foreign passports and their families. They are often called fellowships and must report their existence to the authorities but the government has allowed them to flourish to cultivate a good image and also to foster a good business climate. These fellowships are not open to local believers but we can pray that their members will be powerful witnesses among their employees, neighbors, and people who work in their homes and be able to lead them to Christ.
Saturday
The Chinese government has changed quite a bit in its way of dealing with religious issues. They now follow certain methods and procedures and are in principle trying their best to avoid violence but it is difficult to ascertain whether these improvements imply a tolerance of or the legality of house churches. Many unregistered churches are still very cautious and avoid being "interviewed" by the police since although the police know full well of their activities; it is still wise to avoid unnecessary confrontation. Let us pray for wisdom for the church leaders, especially those who are trying to expand their ministries but desire to minimize the risks of interference.
Sunday
In the recent past the Chinese government has tried to give some room to mainstream house churches. Some dialog between church leaders and officials is eventually inevitable but the real solution is in whether house churches can achieve legal status. We pray to our gracious Lord that all churches will receive legal status. We also pray that believers will have the boldness to preach the Word before that day arrives. Above all, we lift up all the believers so they will not be swayed or tempted by secularism and thus become lukewarm and ineffectual Christians.
Monday
When urbanization began in China the rural churches thought they could play a role in the evangelization of the cities because they had the manpower needed. However, it turned out that rural believers could not penetrate the cities and so their churches have lost many people since the young people went to the cities for work and ended up lost in the cities. Let us remember those churches that are reaching out to migrant workers who are highly mobile and whose attendance is often sporadic, We pray that these churches are not just their spiritual home but are a place for spiritual growth and development.
星期二
隨著中國共產黨建黨90週年紀念日（7月1日）的到來，中國政府推出大量的電視和電影節目來歌頌共產黨。和以往相比這些作品大量起用了年輕的俊男美女明星，試圖利用這些作品對年輕一代開展「愛黨教育」。 現在的年輕人對信仰宗教並無太大興趣，也很少思考人生意義和目的。我們求主剛強教會中的年輕人有真正的委身，大有勇氣的為主做見証，而不是提停留在只求神賜給祝福保佑。
星期三
政府努力對80後出生的年輕人展開宣傳工作，他們多為獨生子女，生活條件優沃，具強烈的利己主義和追名逐利的傾向，多半不太中國關心政治。不少人入黨動機只因「有利就業」和「拓展人脈」。政府與教會都想贏得年輕人的心，然而教會往往對年輕人沒吸引力，與他們的文化無交集。讓我們禱告有更多的年輕基督徒，在社會及社區中成為有力的見證，讓更多人了解教會，不是與世隔絕的組織, 也不單是老年人聚集的地方。
星期四
近年來大學生中基督徒人數激增，改變了中國城市教會的面貌。據估現居北美的中國留學生中，可能有20％是基督徒，或對基督信仰有所了解，一旦回國，往往組建海歸教會。城市教會信徒的教育程度高低不一，挑戰牧者調整講道內容以應會眾的需求。求主賜下謙卑的心，尤其在城市教會的信徒。也求主使牧者能夠除去嫉妒等負面情緒，被高教程度信徒所激勵，更加愛主，共同配搭興旺福音。
星期五
華商團契在中國教會雖非主流，但他們默默耕耘的努力也結出豐碩的果子。一般而言，華商團契需要向當地政府報備，但政府允許他們蓬勃發展，以圖在華商中保持政府的良好形象從而營造良好的商業氣氛。雖然一般信徒不能參加華商團契的聚會，我們求主讓所有華商團契的成員都能在員工，鄰居，僱員面前為主做美好的見證，吸引人心歸向基督。
星期六
中國政府在處理宗教問題上，現在遵循一定方法和程序，原則上盡量避免採取暴力方式，與過去相比已大有改善。但仍難判定官方對家庭教會的容忍度和家庭教會的合法身份。 許多家庭教會目前還是非常小心地避免招到公安的過問。雖然公安多半清楚知道他們的活動，但謹慎避免不必要的衝突仍是明智之舉。讓我們繼續為家庭教會的領袖們禱告，求神賜他們智慧，知道如何在發展事工時也能避開無謂的干擾。
星期日
政府在過去己年來的寬鬆讓主流家庭教會有一定的發展空間。政府官員和家庭教會領袖之間的對話和互動是早晚避免不了的事，然而中國家庭教會在社會中的合法地位問題必須解決。我們為所有的中國教會能得到合法的地位來仰望恩主。也在等候主再來那日之前，求主賜給我們剛強壯膽的心能勇敢為主傳福音。更求主保守所有信徒，不被世俗和財富所吸引，不成為不冷不熱的基督徒。
星期一
中國城市化初期，農村教會同工以為靠著農村基督徒人數之眾，必能在城市宣教上佔優勢，結果發現只能包圍城市，卻打不進去。反過來，農村教會的會眾卻大量流失，因為許多年輕人到城市打工失落在城市中。 我們為那些關懷民工的教會來禱告。因為民工的流動性很大，維持與拓展事工極其不易。求主使用這些教會，能成為民工屬靈的家，帶給他們生命的成長和發展，將福音的種子再帶出去。
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Prayer Request 5/31 – 6/6
Tuesday
Amid the decline in other countries the latest survey shows that more and more Chinese women are breaking the professional barrier and becoming corporate executives. While the global average of women CEO's is only 8%, in China the average is as high as 19% which is second to only Thailand. We know that China probably has the highest percentage of women pastors of any country in the world and we lift up each and every one of them in our prayers. May the Lord strengthen them to know how to manage their duties well, to have wisdom to meet the needs of all who are under their care, and grant them a tireless desire to live out the compassion of Jesus.
Wednesday
Nearly 49% of collegians are female and the proportion of women who are going on to higher education in China is rising. Meanwhile, more than 75% of Chinese women desire to be in senior positions which compares with only 50% of the women in the USA who wish to do so. Among those who come to know and accept Jesus Christ in college, female students are also in the majority. Their families have high expectations for them to study abroad, to get a high paying job, and to marry quickly. We pray for all the young female believers. May the Lord give them courage to be powerful witnesses to their parents along with a strong commitment to follow Jesus.
Thursday
Many of the financial executives in China are female. Among the Chief Financial Officers 69% are women with 37% who are sales directors, and 23% in operation management. Many of these female executives function in multiple roles that involve finance, human resources, sales, operation, and other aspects of the work.Among those who are in training to be workers in the churches there are many more women than men. We pray for them because many of them are under great pressure from their families to quit, to get a secular job, or to get married. May the Lord grant them a special comfort knowing that He will surely provide for them and meet all of their needs.
Friday
Those born in China after 1980 are seen as the future middle class but in every major city there are many people 20-30 years old who have no real jobs and are unable to even pay rent. Consequently they resort to renting a cheap room together with several others in the outskirts of a city. The media has given them the name of "ants" because they live in groups. More of the churches in China are beginning to realize that there is a sub-segment of young people called "ants". It is easy for Christians to condemn them for a lack of drive and their immorality but the churches have little to offer "ants" or even anything to attract them. We pray some young Chinese Christians will rise up to reach out to millions of these young people, dialogue with them, and share the Good News with them.
Saturday
Another term used to describe many young people in China is "shrimp people" because they live so frugally and buy only discounted and inexpensive furniture. They take busses and never a taxi trying to save every penny possible. Many of them try to spend less than ten yuan ($2.50 US) a day. Chinese youth today are not quite so homogeneous as many once thought and the churches in China have historically been disconnected and out of touch with young people. The leadership in too many churches has the attitude that young people are immature, unreliable, and too fickle to invest time and effort in them. May the Lord give us wisdom and humility knowing we should not put stumbling blocks between the youth and Jesus.
Sunday
Many of the farmers in China are making twice as much money as they were three years ago. They are buying new appliances as part of a government program to boost rural economy. Another phenomenon that is sweeping over China is that many households are leasing out their small holdings resulting in bigger and more productive farms. Rural economy is improving but the cost of living has also increased substantially which wipes out much of the gain. As farmers gain more access to entertainment via television and cable, fewer people are attending church services, especially on weekdays. Let us pray for spiritual revival for rural Christians in China.
Monday
In the past it has been the general policy of the government to shut down all house churches or meeting points. If they could not stop the churches from meeting, their policy was to limit the growth by forcing churches to register with the authorities. In many ways these practices have now been relaxed to some extent.Although the decision to register or not to register is no longer debated so much, let us pray for those house churches that have registered and are planning to purchase places for worship or to expand their ministries. May the Lord give them vision and boldness and greatly bless them in all they do.
星期二
最新調查顯示，在全球女性高階主管比例逐年下降的趨勢下，中國女性工作者反而突破職業「天花板」，成為企業高階主管的比例不斷提高，女性擔任總裁一職的比例高達19%，遠遠高於全球8%的平均水平，僅次於泰國。中國女傳道的比率或許是全世界最高的，讓我們為他們的身心靈健壯禱告，有屬天的智慧事奉主，成為神供應餵養羊群的管道，更有像主一樣的溫柔和憐憫任重道遠。
星期三
女性受高等教育的比例不斷上升，目前女大學生比例已超過 49%。中國女性超過75%渴望獲得企業高管職位，比率遠高於他國，而美國僅為50%。在大學階段認識及接受耶穌基督的學生中，女性也佔大多數。家人寄望她們能出國留學，有份高收入的工作並能盡快結婚。我們特別為這些年輕的姊妹禱告，求神賜她們勇氣，在家人面前為主做強而有力的見證，也有堅定跟隨主的心志。
星期四
女性高階主管多為財務精英。在中國女性擔任的職務方面，首席財務官或財務總監排首位佔69%，其次為人力資源總監（43%）、銷售總監（37%）和運營總監（23%）。許多女性在企業中往往身兼數職，涉及財務、人力、銷售和運營等。在中國接受神學裝備的年輕人中，姐妹遠比弟兄多。很多姐妹要承受家人的壓力，逼使她們找一份普通的工作不然就是嫁人成家。我們需要用更多的禱告托住她們，在面對各方壓力時，願主成為她們隨時的幫助。
星期五
中國的「80後」曾被期待為今後中產階層的主幹。但在每個大城市，一些二、三十歲的年輕人，無正式職業，不用說買房就連房租都付不起，往往聚集在一起到郊外合租一間簡陋的住房， 被稱為「蟻族」。 更多中國教會開始關注「蟻族」，也體會到年輕人的多樣性。 基督徒很容易批評年輕人不上進，缺乏上一代的道德觀，但教會卻鮮有提供針對性項目吸引年輕一代。求主賜下一批青年信徒，能與千百萬年輕人對話、分享大好的福音。
星期六
多元化的年輕一代，不少是所謂的「「蝦族」，他們極力控制生活支出，使用簡易折價家具並到處尋找打折降價商品；能乘公交就不打車，能省一角就省一角。他們厲行節約，降低消費，甚至每天消費額控制在15元以內，若有超支則次日拒絕消費。過去中國教會似乎與年輕一代「無緣」，不少教會領袖認為年輕人不牢靠，不值得花費精力。求主憐憫我們不成為年輕人的絆腳石，阻擋他們來到主面前。
星期日
現今中國農民的收入已有相當大的改善，幾乎比三年前多了一倍。許多人將耕地租出，農民可耕地擴大，效率相對提升。農村經濟雖有改善，但生活費用卻也大幅增加，農民仍然是相對的貧窮。另一個對農村的影響，來自政府的農村經濟改革計劃。此計劃幫助農民添購許多新電器用品，能有更多機會享受有線的娛樂節目，週間甚至主日參加教會聚會的人數也因此劇減，求主憐憫、復興農村的基督徒。
星期一
過去取締家庭教會一直是中國政府的一貫原則，即使不能完全取締，也得限制家庭教會的發展（例如強迫登記在官方教會之下）。近年來政府對家庭教會的管制雖然似有一定程度的放鬆，家庭教會是否應該登記對領袖們而言已不再像以往那麼進退維谷。讓我們在禱告中特別記念那些已經向政府登記，並計劃購買聚會場地或擴展事工的教會，求主賜下異象和勇氣，大大祝福他自己的教會。
Amid the decline in other countries the latest survey shows that more and more Chinese women are breaking the professional barrier and becoming corporate executives. While the global average of women CEO's is only 8%, in China the average is as high as 19% which is second to only Thailand. We know that China probably has the highest percentage of women pastors of any country in the world and we lift up each and every one of them in our prayers. May the Lord strengthen them to know how to manage their duties well, to have wisdom to meet the needs of all who are under their care, and grant them a tireless desire to live out the compassion of Jesus.
Wednesday
Nearly 49% of collegians are female and the proportion of women who are going on to higher education in China is rising. Meanwhile, more than 75% of Chinese women desire to be in senior positions which compares with only 50% of the women in the USA who wish to do so. Among those who come to know and accept Jesus Christ in college, female students are also in the majority. Their families have high expectations for them to study abroad, to get a high paying job, and to marry quickly. We pray for all the young female believers. May the Lord give them courage to be powerful witnesses to their parents along with a strong commitment to follow Jesus.
Thursday
Many of the financial executives in China are female. Among the Chief Financial Officers 69% are women with 37% who are sales directors, and 23% in operation management. Many of these female executives function in multiple roles that involve finance, human resources, sales, operation, and other aspects of the work.Among those who are in training to be workers in the churches there are many more women than men. We pray for them because many of them are under great pressure from their families to quit, to get a secular job, or to get married. May the Lord grant them a special comfort knowing that He will surely provide for them and meet all of their needs.
Friday
Those born in China after 1980 are seen as the future middle class but in every major city there are many people 20-30 years old who have no real jobs and are unable to even pay rent. Consequently they resort to renting a cheap room together with several others in the outskirts of a city. The media has given them the name of "ants" because they live in groups. More of the churches in China are beginning to realize that there is a sub-segment of young people called "ants". It is easy for Christians to condemn them for a lack of drive and their immorality but the churches have little to offer "ants" or even anything to attract them. We pray some young Chinese Christians will rise up to reach out to millions of these young people, dialogue with them, and share the Good News with them.
Saturday
Another term used to describe many young people in China is "shrimp people" because they live so frugally and buy only discounted and inexpensive furniture. They take busses and never a taxi trying to save every penny possible. Many of them try to spend less than ten yuan ($2.50 US) a day. Chinese youth today are not quite so homogeneous as many once thought and the churches in China have historically been disconnected and out of touch with young people. The leadership in too many churches has the attitude that young people are immature, unreliable, and too fickle to invest time and effort in them. May the Lord give us wisdom and humility knowing we should not put stumbling blocks between the youth and Jesus.
Sunday
Many of the farmers in China are making twice as much money as they were three years ago. They are buying new appliances as part of a government program to boost rural economy. Another phenomenon that is sweeping over China is that many households are leasing out their small holdings resulting in bigger and more productive farms. Rural economy is improving but the cost of living has also increased substantially which wipes out much of the gain. As farmers gain more access to entertainment via television and cable, fewer people are attending church services, especially on weekdays. Let us pray for spiritual revival for rural Christians in China.
Monday
In the past it has been the general policy of the government to shut down all house churches or meeting points. If they could not stop the churches from meeting, their policy was to limit the growth by forcing churches to register with the authorities. In many ways these practices have now been relaxed to some extent.Although the decision to register or not to register is no longer debated so much, let us pray for those house churches that have registered and are planning to purchase places for worship or to expand their ministries. May the Lord give them vision and boldness and greatly bless them in all they do.
星期二
最新調查顯示，在全球女性高階主管比例逐年下降的趨勢下，中國女性工作者反而突破職業「天花板」，成為企業高階主管的比例不斷提高，女性擔任總裁一職的比例高達19%，遠遠高於全球8%的平均水平，僅次於泰國。中國女傳道的比率或許是全世界最高的，讓我們為他們的身心靈健壯禱告，有屬天的智慧事奉主，成為神供應餵養羊群的管道，更有像主一樣的溫柔和憐憫任重道遠。
星期三
女性受高等教育的比例不斷上升，目前女大學生比例已超過 49%。中國女性超過75%渴望獲得企業高管職位，比率遠高於他國，而美國僅為50%。在大學階段認識及接受耶穌基督的學生中，女性也佔大多數。家人寄望她們能出國留學，有份高收入的工作並能盡快結婚。我們特別為這些年輕的姊妹禱告，求神賜她們勇氣，在家人面前為主做強而有力的見證，也有堅定跟隨主的心志。
星期四
女性高階主管多為財務精英。在中國女性擔任的職務方面，首席財務官或財務總監排首位佔69%，其次為人力資源總監（43%）、銷售總監（37%）和運營總監（23%）。許多女性在企業中往往身兼數職，涉及財務、人力、銷售和運營等。在中國接受神學裝備的年輕人中，姐妹遠比弟兄多。很多姐妹要承受家人的壓力，逼使她們找一份普通的工作不然就是嫁人成家。我們需要用更多的禱告托住她們，在面對各方壓力時，願主成為她們隨時的幫助。
星期五
中國的「80後」曾被期待為今後中產階層的主幹。但在每個大城市，一些二、三十歲的年輕人，無正式職業，不用說買房就連房租都付不起，往往聚集在一起到郊外合租一間簡陋的住房， 被稱為「蟻族」。 更多中國教會開始關注「蟻族」，也體會到年輕人的多樣性。 基督徒很容易批評年輕人不上進，缺乏上一代的道德觀，但教會卻鮮有提供針對性項目吸引年輕一代。求主賜下一批青年信徒，能與千百萬年輕人對話、分享大好的福音。
星期六
多元化的年輕一代，不少是所謂的「「蝦族」，他們極力控制生活支出，使用簡易折價家具並到處尋找打折降價商品；能乘公交就不打車，能省一角就省一角。他們厲行節約，降低消費，甚至每天消費額控制在15元以內，若有超支則次日拒絕消費。過去中國教會似乎與年輕一代「無緣」，不少教會領袖認為年輕人不牢靠，不值得花費精力。求主憐憫我們不成為年輕人的絆腳石，阻擋他們來到主面前。
星期日
現今中國農民的收入已有相當大的改善，幾乎比三年前多了一倍。許多人將耕地租出，農民可耕地擴大，效率相對提升。農村經濟雖有改善，但生活費用卻也大幅增加，農民仍然是相對的貧窮。另一個對農村的影響，來自政府的農村經濟改革計劃。此計劃幫助農民添購許多新電器用品，能有更多機會享受有線的娛樂節目，週間甚至主日參加教會聚會的人數也因此劇減，求主憐憫、復興農村的基督徒。
星期一
過去取締家庭教會一直是中國政府的一貫原則，即使不能完全取締，也得限制家庭教會的發展（例如強迫登記在官方教會之下）。近年來政府對家庭教會的管制雖然似有一定程度的放鬆，家庭教會是否應該登記對領袖們而言已不再像以往那麼進退維谷。讓我們在禱告中特別記念那些已經向政府登記，並計劃購買聚會場地或擴展事工的教會，求主賜下異象和勇氣，大大祝福他自己的教會。
Monday, May 16, 2011
Prayer Request 5/17 – 5/23
Tuesday
The Premier of China said that the many scandals in recent years about the safety of food such as toxic milk, food additives, recycled cooking oil, and tainted steamed buns shows a lack of integrity and the decline of morality to a serious low. The tainted steamed buns scam was accomplished by adding food color to already expired Chinese bread and re-selling it as fresh bread. Cults and heresies, like the poisonous food products abound in China and seriously damage churches, especially those without a shepherd or the smaller rural house churches. We pray that God in His mercy will help the injured sheep to return to His folds. We pray, too, that the more mature believers will know how to defend their faith boldly.
Wednesday
The Chinese government has banned a total of 44 television advertisements considered to be false, misleading, or exaggerating in nature. Although censorship is common in China, this is the largest number banned by far, since the government felt the sellers were using newscasters to mislead the viewers into thinking these products were good news. There are many preachers who give promises of healing and prosperity without sound Bible doctrine to back them up. This draws many followers who once they are disappointed are badly hurt and stop going to any church. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and spiritual maturity for all believers that they will not be naive and taken advantage of because they do not have a solid understanding of Truth.
Thursday
Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing took the top three rankings among China's fifty "most competitive cities". In terms of a "sense of happiness" of their residents, Shijiazhuang of the Hebei Province is the happiest, followed by Linyi, Yangzhou, Chengde, Binzhou, Laiwu, Hebi, Baotou, Beijing, and XinZhu(Taiwan) as the top ten happiest cities. Most of these "happiest cities" are not familiar to us but let us pray for the believers in them. May the Lord use these Christians as mighty witnesses in their neighborhoods, at work, and in their families. We pray, too, that their churches will grow in numbers and in the scope of their ministries.
Friday
One apt description of the churches in China is that they are "big in appearance but weak inside". They are big in the sense of the large number attending in both rural house churches and Three-Self churches, but the number of committed and Biblically-sound believers is much smaller than the number of those who attend. Again, we lift these Chinese believers up into God's hand. May the Lord stir each of us out of our complacency so that we will crave the spiritual milk of the Word of God. May we see a revival and awakening again.
Saturday
Among foreign observers and Christian leaders there is a lot of anticipation for the future of churches in China. These people easily assume that China will be picking up the baton of world missions and rise up to be another Korea. Such expectation overlooks the true state of these churches. We beseech the Lord for His will to be done in the churches in China and that the gospel will be preached mightily there. We pray that believers will have the passion and vision to take the gospel to the world and not just dream about it and write slogans.
Sunday
Today the church in China is in a time of transition, especially in those provinces like Henan where a majority of the people are farmers.The quality of leadership must be improved and the churches must have new strategies for stable and sustainable church growth. Rural churches must somehow find a way to appeal to and connect with the quickly-urbanized and the younger generation or face a rapidly graying church. We pray that the church in China will learn to connect with the present day young people. May the Lord raise up leaders who are sensitive to cultural changes and have a willingness to adapt their methods to attract the youth.
Monday
The church in China is weak in that it has few professionals, even generally educated people, and the financial level of the believers is low. In many provinces the Christian churches are still considered marginal and insignificant. As the society moves forward, churches are at risk of having graying congregations and being known as a place for only poor farmers. We thank the Lord for pockets of strong growth in China and we pray urgently for the vast number of churches that have in the recent past become stagnant and are dying.
星期二
總理溫家寶指出，中國近年來所發生的「毒奶粉」，「瘦肉精」，「地溝油」，「染色饅頭」等黑心交易的食品安全事件都顯示社會缺失誠信，道德低落到了很嚴重的地步。如同這些有毒食品,異端邪教在中國也比比皆是，嚴重破壞基督的肢體，尤其是那些沒有牧人及小型農村家庭教會更易受攻擊。求神憐憫，引領那些受傷的羊回到祂的羊圈；也為有更多成熟的信徒，能精確講明真道，勇於護教。
星期三
中國官方最近禁播44條電視購物廣告，是禁播違規廣告數量最多、最集中的一次。這些廣告以虛假誇大的資料來誤導消費者，以新聞報導或請人做假見証等方式作宣傳，商品多半不標注經銷企業名稱也不提供退貨資訊。同樣在教會裏也有不誠實牧者，以不合聖經的應許吸引求醫、求富的信徒。人們一旦發現所求落空，就不再去教會了。我們為信徒有智慧，屬靈的成熟度及分辨真理的能力禱告，求神親自帶領我們的心，以衪為至寶，而不是真理的根基鬆散，誤信盲從，只求屬世好處。
星期四
2010年全國294個城市城市綜合競爭力排名前3名是：香港、上海、北京。藍皮書首次將幸福感指數引入評價體系中，幸福感指數前十名的城市：為石家莊、臨沂、揚州、承德、濱州、萊蕪、鶴壁、包頭、北京、新竹。這些「最幸福」城市，有些人們並不熟悉，讓我們為其中的教會和信徒禱告，願主在生活中、職場裏使用他們作光作鹽，有美好的見證，也祝福他們的教會在質與量上都大大的成長。
星期五
中國教會可用「外盛中虛」來形容。「外」是指外表數字。很多中國教會，無論是三自和農村的家庭教會，聚會人數不少，但能真正委身且在真理紮深根的基督徒遠少於表面上的「數字」？讓我們再一次把弟兄姊妹交托在主手中，求神再次蘇醒和復興。求主為我們除去心中的自滿，使我們真心渴慕主的話語，經常汲取為靈糧，讓屬靈身量日日茁壯。
星期六
中國教會的「外盛中虛」另一解：「外」即「海外的猜想」。海外教會常不經審慎分析，就簡單地接受了「中國教會有極龐大的信徒」的看法，過急地期盼中國教會能急速地成為宣教的中國,繼續韓國教會，成為宣教最後一棒，並有揠苗助長的危機。我們懇求主的旨意行在中國教會，使福音在此地迅速廣傳。也禱告中國信徒都能持續有普世宣教的異象和熱情，使這個異象不滯留於夢想和空泛的口號之中。
星期日
中國教會正面臨著轉型挑戰，尤以傳統上以農民信徒居多的省份如河南省等，轉型挑戰更為嚴峻。同工質素的提升，如何建立穩固又能持續增長的牧養體系，並發展一套能吸引現代城市化下年輕人的傳福音模式，都是需要努力的。求主幫助教會知道如何與時下青年銜接，興起對文化思想變化有敏銳洞悉力的教會領袖，知道在不犧牲真理的原則下，能采納吸引年輕人的新策略。
星期一
中國教會的「中虛」，特別指會眾在專業才能、知識水準、經濟實力方面，在很多省份中仍屬老弱的族群，教會淪為「邊緣人」組織。當國家社會急速進步前進時，這些教會卻面臨老化和停滯，依然給人農民多，老人多的印象。我們為中國教會在局部領域的持續發展上強勁的增長謝恩，同時更迫切為許多停滯不前，甚至就快病入膏肓的教會禱告求恩，求主再次燃起復興的火。
The Premier of China said that the many scandals in recent years about the safety of food such as toxic milk, food additives, recycled cooking oil, and tainted steamed buns shows a lack of integrity and the decline of morality to a serious low. The tainted steamed buns scam was accomplished by adding food color to already expired Chinese bread and re-selling it as fresh bread. Cults and heresies, like the poisonous food products abound in China and seriously damage churches, especially those without a shepherd or the smaller rural house churches. We pray that God in His mercy will help the injured sheep to return to His folds. We pray, too, that the more mature believers will know how to defend their faith boldly.
Wednesday
The Chinese government has banned a total of 44 television advertisements considered to be false, misleading, or exaggerating in nature. Although censorship is common in China, this is the largest number banned by far, since the government felt the sellers were using newscasters to mislead the viewers into thinking these products were good news. There are many preachers who give promises of healing and prosperity without sound Bible doctrine to back them up. This draws many followers who once they are disappointed are badly hurt and stop going to any church. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and spiritual maturity for all believers that they will not be naive and taken advantage of because they do not have a solid understanding of Truth.
Thursday
Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Beijing took the top three rankings among China's fifty "most competitive cities". In terms of a "sense of happiness" of their residents, Shijiazhuang of the Hebei Province is the happiest, followed by Linyi, Yangzhou, Chengde, Binzhou, Laiwu, Hebi, Baotou, Beijing, and XinZhu(Taiwan) as the top ten happiest cities. Most of these "happiest cities" are not familiar to us but let us pray for the believers in them. May the Lord use these Christians as mighty witnesses in their neighborhoods, at work, and in their families. We pray, too, that their churches will grow in numbers and in the scope of their ministries.
Friday
One apt description of the churches in China is that they are "big in appearance but weak inside". They are big in the sense of the large number attending in both rural house churches and Three-Self churches, but the number of committed and Biblically-sound believers is much smaller than the number of those who attend. Again, we lift these Chinese believers up into God's hand. May the Lord stir each of us out of our complacency so that we will crave the spiritual milk of the Word of God. May we see a revival and awakening again.
Saturday
Among foreign observers and Christian leaders there is a lot of anticipation for the future of churches in China. These people easily assume that China will be picking up the baton of world missions and rise up to be another Korea. Such expectation overlooks the true state of these churches. We beseech the Lord for His will to be done in the churches in China and that the gospel will be preached mightily there. We pray that believers will have the passion and vision to take the gospel to the world and not just dream about it and write slogans.
Sunday
Today the church in China is in a time of transition, especially in those provinces like Henan where a majority of the people are farmers.The quality of leadership must be improved and the churches must have new strategies for stable and sustainable church growth. Rural churches must somehow find a way to appeal to and connect with the quickly-urbanized and the younger generation or face a rapidly graying church. We pray that the church in China will learn to connect with the present day young people. May the Lord raise up leaders who are sensitive to cultural changes and have a willingness to adapt their methods to attract the youth.
Monday
The church in China is weak in that it has few professionals, even generally educated people, and the financial level of the believers is low. In many provinces the Christian churches are still considered marginal and insignificant. As the society moves forward, churches are at risk of having graying congregations and being known as a place for only poor farmers. We thank the Lord for pockets of strong growth in China and we pray urgently for the vast number of churches that have in the recent past become stagnant and are dying.
星期二
總理溫家寶指出，中國近年來所發生的「毒奶粉」，「瘦肉精」，「地溝油」，「染色饅頭」等黑心交易的食品安全事件都顯示社會缺失誠信，道德低落到了很嚴重的地步。如同這些有毒食品,異端邪教在中國也比比皆是，嚴重破壞基督的肢體，尤其是那些沒有牧人及小型農村家庭教會更易受攻擊。求神憐憫，引領那些受傷的羊回到祂的羊圈；也為有更多成熟的信徒，能精確講明真道，勇於護教。
星期三
中國官方最近禁播44條電視購物廣告，是禁播違規廣告數量最多、最集中的一次。這些廣告以虛假誇大的資料來誤導消費者，以新聞報導或請人做假見証等方式作宣傳，商品多半不標注經銷企業名稱也不提供退貨資訊。同樣在教會裏也有不誠實牧者，以不合聖經的應許吸引求醫、求富的信徒。人們一旦發現所求落空，就不再去教會了。我們為信徒有智慧，屬靈的成熟度及分辨真理的能力禱告，求神親自帶領我們的心，以衪為至寶，而不是真理的根基鬆散，誤信盲從，只求屬世好處。
星期四
2010年全國294個城市城市綜合競爭力排名前3名是：香港、上海、北京。藍皮書首次將幸福感指數引入評價體系中，幸福感指數前十名的城市：為石家莊、臨沂、揚州、承德、濱州、萊蕪、鶴壁、包頭、北京、新竹。這些「最幸福」城市，有些人們並不熟悉，讓我們為其中的教會和信徒禱告，願主在生活中、職場裏使用他們作光作鹽，有美好的見證，也祝福他們的教會在質與量上都大大的成長。
星期五
中國教會可用「外盛中虛」來形容。「外」是指外表數字。很多中國教會，無論是三自和農村的家庭教會，聚會人數不少，但能真正委身且在真理紮深根的基督徒遠少於表面上的「數字」？讓我們再一次把弟兄姊妹交托在主手中，求神再次蘇醒和復興。求主為我們除去心中的自滿，使我們真心渴慕主的話語，經常汲取為靈糧，讓屬靈身量日日茁壯。
星期六
中國教會的「外盛中虛」另一解：「外」即「海外的猜想」。海外教會常不經審慎分析，就簡單地接受了「中國教會有極龐大的信徒」的看法，過急地期盼中國教會能急速地成為宣教的中國,繼續韓國教會，成為宣教最後一棒，並有揠苗助長的危機。我們懇求主的旨意行在中國教會，使福音在此地迅速廣傳。也禱告中國信徒都能持續有普世宣教的異象和熱情，使這個異象不滯留於夢想和空泛的口號之中。
星期日
中國教會正面臨著轉型挑戰，尤以傳統上以農民信徒居多的省份如河南省等，轉型挑戰更為嚴峻。同工質素的提升，如何建立穩固又能持續增長的牧養體系，並發展一套能吸引現代城市化下年輕人的傳福音模式，都是需要努力的。求主幫助教會知道如何與時下青年銜接，興起對文化思想變化有敏銳洞悉力的教會領袖，知道在不犧牲真理的原則下，能采納吸引年輕人的新策略。
星期一
中國教會的「中虛」，特別指會眾在專業才能、知識水準、經濟實力方面，在很多省份中仍屬老弱的族群，教會淪為「邊緣人」組織。當國家社會急速進步前進時，這些教會卻面臨老化和停滯，依然給人農民多，老人多的印象。我們為中國教會在局部領域的持續發展上強勁的增長謝恩，同時更迫切為許多停滯不前，甚至就快病入膏肓的教會禱告求恩，求主再次燃起復興的火。
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Prayer Request 5/10 -5/16
Tuesday
China has launched essentially a new morality movement to fight what the government sees as the rampant "vulgarization" in all forms of media, particularly in entertainment such as TV shows, theatrical performances, publications. Most of the time, Christians in China feel absolutely powerless in changing or influencing the society. Believers feel helpless in shaping the value systems of their children as well. We pray for wisdom for Christian parents, not only in keeping their children from "filth and pollution" but to instill in them godliness, by modeling their own commitment to God.
Wednesday
China's leaders have officially declared war on "three common forms of vulgarity". Entertainers must consciously resist being vulgar, distasteful and fishing for cheap popularity. The aim of this "New Culture Movement" is to promote the traditional Chinese culture, establishing the Socialistic culture with Chinese distinctiveness, but the bottom line is to rid the "spiritual pollution" of China. Most believers spend their non-working hours watching TV and movies, just like the rest of the people. There is a void of "quality“ entertainment. We earnestly pray for guarding of heart of all believers and how we all "entertain" ourselves.
Thursday
Since the Chinese New Year in February, factories in China have been strained by an unprecedented shortage of laborers. Employers have had to raise wages by 15-20% and still have not been able to find enough workers to keep production lines open. Shortage is not unique in the costal provinces but now it is also felt in the factories that have moved inland to western China. People are asking what happened to all of the cheap Chinese labor they are accustomed to. With the average increase in wages, it is easy for church workers to feel discouraged because the majority of them are not getting a similar cost-of-living adjustment. Let us pray the churches will take care of their spiritual leaders and their families.
Friday
Due to inflation, the price of agricultural products has skyrocketed in the last two years boosting the income of farmers and narrowing the gap in income between those in cities and those in villages. Migrant workers from villages, especially those forty years old and older would rather stay home to farm than do manual labor in the cities since the cost of living and the price of their children's education is much cheaper in the villages than in the city. Will this return of people to the villages give rural churches another chance for revival? The future of the rural church in China is definitely in God's hand and we know God has a special purpose for them. We pray for these churches that God will raise up more younger people to serve there.
Saturday
In China it often requires a whole support team to train church workers. They need people to cook, do the cleaning, and do other jobs to supply the needs of the teachers and students so they can concentrate on their studies. Invariably some students will quit their calling and join others to seek work in the cities which affects the training and spirit of others in the group. Training future church workers is not only time-consuming but it also requires a lot of financial investment. Let us pray for not only those who are the teachers and students, but also for the supporting churches and organizations for these efforts. May the Spirit of the Lord mold and transform the students into faithful future servant leaders.
Sunday
China has spent great effort to clean up porn and prostitution but with little success. There are laws prohibiting officials from watching pornography but judging from the near frenzied reception they gave a visiting Japanese porn star recently, it is apparent the government has acted with unusual acceptance and given no restrictions. We ask, "What can churches do?" Let us pray for the guarding of hearts and minds for all believers in this wicked world whether adults or teenagers, and even those who are working in churches.
Monday
In 1981 China implemented the second "Marriage Law" legalizing family planning. changing the legal age of marriage to "no earlier than twenty-two years of age for a male and not earlier than twenty years old for a female". It also completely abolished the legality of marriage between cousins. Many young Christian girls in China cannot find a mate of the same faith. Many of them have a strong faith in God that He will provide but the pressure from their families to get married is very great. May the Lord comfort them, add to their faith, love and patience before Him.
星期二
中國正掀起「新道德運動」來抗衡「低俗化」，被視為文化體制改革的重要課題。近幾年大陸的電視節目、文藝演出、文學創作等因向商品市場靠攏而日趨「低俗化」。許多中國信徒認為自己根本沒可能改變或影響社會，信徒父母也在幫助子女建立屬神的價值觀上常力不從心。求主賜信徒家長有屬靈的智慧，不僅幫助子女靠主在洪流中站立得穩，更能以身作則，不向這個世界妥協，成為虔誠愛主的榜樣。
星期三
政府明確抵制「三俗」，文化工作者要堅決抵制庸俗、低俗、媚俗的「三俗」之風。在這「新文化生活運動」背後，是弘揚中華文化軟實力，建立中國特色社會主義文化發展道路，亦即反「精神文明污染」。有些信徒在餘暇時也像一般世人，以低俗電視、電影為娛樂，不知歸回在厚賜百物給我們的神面前，尋求真正的安息。求神保守我們心懷意念，提醒我們是新造的人，靠主勝過世界引誘不隨從今世風俗。
星期四
春節以来許多工廠面臨前所未有的勞工短缺，迫使雇主不得不提高工資將近15-20％，但仍有許多生產線找不足工人開動。工人短缺不僅發生在沿海省份，連已遷往內陸的工廠也面對同樣難題。資方無不感嘆過去的廉價勞工，現已難尋。一般工人平均工資增加，難免使服事教會的同工心覺沮喪，因絕大多數中國傳道人並未獲得與生活費用相應的薪金調整。我們為教會能好好的照顧他們的牧者及其家人生活來禱告。
星期五
近年通脹加劇，各樣物品價格飆升，其中農產品漲幅最大，城鄉人民的收入距離亦因而收窄；加上農村的房屋及教育費遠低於城市，許多四十歲以上的第一代民工，寧回老家務農而不再離鄉背井。民工的回流是否能為中國農村教會帶來復興？讓我們為此仰望恩主的帶領。我們看見神的手一直掌管農村教會的發展，也深信祂在其中必有奇妙的計劃，求主引領更多年輕一代加入教會，並參與神家的服事。
星期六
一個同工培訓課程背後必需有一個團隊支援，負責所有吃、住、清潔等等後勤工作。有些學員中途放棄，或在回鄉過節時受外出打工的青年影響，也決定離隊去打工賺錢，常帶給團隊許多負面的影響。培訓中國教會同工不但費時費力，更需大量的經費支持。讓我們為教師和學生求恩外，也為支持的教會和機構禱告，願主陶造每一顆生命，磨練神兒女的品格，使祂的教會得著又良善又忠心的僕人。
星期日
中國政府向來大力掃黃，早前亦有地方政府下令禁止公務員看黃片。色情氾濫確是當今社會一大問題。最近，中國網友對一個日本情慾明星公開表現出瘋狂的熱情，官方卻置若罔聞，其寬容與接納尺度之大，與平常的道德捍衛者形象嚴重相悖。教會對社會道德敗壞能做什麼？求主保守我們眾信徒的心懷意念，不論年齡大小都謹慎自守，逃避接觸淫亂邪情，更求主保守教會牧者，不被眼目的情慾所引誘。
星期一
自1981年1月1日起開始實行中國第二部《婚姻法》，將「實行計劃生育」納入法制軌道，並將結婚年齡改為「男不得早於22周歲，女不得早於20周歲」，也徹底廢除了表兄弟姐妹之間的通婚。在教會裡，普遍年輕姐妹難覓相同信仰的男士作為伴侶。我們為姐妹們願在婚姻上持守神的吩咐感恩。有些姐妹更是常活在家人催婚壓力下的，求主安慰她們，加添愛心及信心，耐心等候神的旨意和預備。
China has launched essentially a new morality movement to fight what the government sees as the rampant "vulgarization" in all forms of media, particularly in entertainment such as TV shows, theatrical performances, publications. Most of the time, Christians in China feel absolutely powerless in changing or influencing the society. Believers feel helpless in shaping the value systems of their children as well. We pray for wisdom for Christian parents, not only in keeping their children from "filth and pollution" but to instill in them godliness, by modeling their own commitment to God.
Wednesday
China's leaders have officially declared war on "three common forms of vulgarity". Entertainers must consciously resist being vulgar, distasteful and fishing for cheap popularity. The aim of this "New Culture Movement" is to promote the traditional Chinese culture, establishing the Socialistic culture with Chinese distinctiveness, but the bottom line is to rid the "spiritual pollution" of China. Most believers spend their non-working hours watching TV and movies, just like the rest of the people. There is a void of "quality“ entertainment. We earnestly pray for guarding of heart of all believers and how we all "entertain" ourselves.
Thursday
Since the Chinese New Year in February, factories in China have been strained by an unprecedented shortage of laborers. Employers have had to raise wages by 15-20% and still have not been able to find enough workers to keep production lines open. Shortage is not unique in the costal provinces but now it is also felt in the factories that have moved inland to western China. People are asking what happened to all of the cheap Chinese labor they are accustomed to. With the average increase in wages, it is easy for church workers to feel discouraged because the majority of them are not getting a similar cost-of-living adjustment. Let us pray the churches will take care of their spiritual leaders and their families.
Friday
Due to inflation, the price of agricultural products has skyrocketed in the last two years boosting the income of farmers and narrowing the gap in income between those in cities and those in villages. Migrant workers from villages, especially those forty years old and older would rather stay home to farm than do manual labor in the cities since the cost of living and the price of their children's education is much cheaper in the villages than in the city. Will this return of people to the villages give rural churches another chance for revival? The future of the rural church in China is definitely in God's hand and we know God has a special purpose for them. We pray for these churches that God will raise up more younger people to serve there.
Saturday
In China it often requires a whole support team to train church workers. They need people to cook, do the cleaning, and do other jobs to supply the needs of the teachers and students so they can concentrate on their studies. Invariably some students will quit their calling and join others to seek work in the cities which affects the training and spirit of others in the group. Training future church workers is not only time-consuming but it also requires a lot of financial investment. Let us pray for not only those who are the teachers and students, but also for the supporting churches and organizations for these efforts. May the Spirit of the Lord mold and transform the students into faithful future servant leaders.
Sunday
China has spent great effort to clean up porn and prostitution but with little success. There are laws prohibiting officials from watching pornography but judging from the near frenzied reception they gave a visiting Japanese porn star recently, it is apparent the government has acted with unusual acceptance and given no restrictions. We ask, "What can churches do?" Let us pray for the guarding of hearts and minds for all believers in this wicked world whether adults or teenagers, and even those who are working in churches.
Monday
In 1981 China implemented the second "Marriage Law" legalizing family planning. changing the legal age of marriage to "no earlier than twenty-two years of age for a male and not earlier than twenty years old for a female". It also completely abolished the legality of marriage between cousins. Many young Christian girls in China cannot find a mate of the same faith. Many of them have a strong faith in God that He will provide but the pressure from their families to get married is very great. May the Lord comfort them, add to their faith, love and patience before Him.
星期二
中國正掀起「新道德運動」來抗衡「低俗化」，被視為文化體制改革的重要課題。近幾年大陸的電視節目、文藝演出、文學創作等因向商品市場靠攏而日趨「低俗化」。許多中國信徒認為自己根本沒可能改變或影響社會，信徒父母也在幫助子女建立屬神的價值觀上常力不從心。求主賜信徒家長有屬靈的智慧，不僅幫助子女靠主在洪流中站立得穩，更能以身作則，不向這個世界妥協，成為虔誠愛主的榜樣。
星期三
政府明確抵制「三俗」，文化工作者要堅決抵制庸俗、低俗、媚俗的「三俗」之風。在這「新文化生活運動」背後，是弘揚中華文化軟實力，建立中國特色社會主義文化發展道路，亦即反「精神文明污染」。有些信徒在餘暇時也像一般世人，以低俗電視、電影為娛樂，不知歸回在厚賜百物給我們的神面前，尋求真正的安息。求神保守我們心懷意念，提醒我們是新造的人，靠主勝過世界引誘不隨從今世風俗。
星期四
春節以来許多工廠面臨前所未有的勞工短缺，迫使雇主不得不提高工資將近15-20％，但仍有許多生產線找不足工人開動。工人短缺不僅發生在沿海省份，連已遷往內陸的工廠也面對同樣難題。資方無不感嘆過去的廉價勞工，現已難尋。一般工人平均工資增加，難免使服事教會的同工心覺沮喪，因絕大多數中國傳道人並未獲得與生活費用相應的薪金調整。我們為教會能好好的照顧他們的牧者及其家人生活來禱告。
星期五
近年通脹加劇，各樣物品價格飆升，其中農產品漲幅最大，城鄉人民的收入距離亦因而收窄；加上農村的房屋及教育費遠低於城市，許多四十歲以上的第一代民工，寧回老家務農而不再離鄉背井。民工的回流是否能為中國農村教會帶來復興？讓我們為此仰望恩主的帶領。我們看見神的手一直掌管農村教會的發展，也深信祂在其中必有奇妙的計劃，求主引領更多年輕一代加入教會，並參與神家的服事。
星期六
一個同工培訓課程背後必需有一個團隊支援，負責所有吃、住、清潔等等後勤工作。有些學員中途放棄，或在回鄉過節時受外出打工的青年影響，也決定離隊去打工賺錢，常帶給團隊許多負面的影響。培訓中國教會同工不但費時費力，更需大量的經費支持。讓我們為教師和學生求恩外，也為支持的教會和機構禱告，願主陶造每一顆生命，磨練神兒女的品格，使祂的教會得著又良善又忠心的僕人。
星期日
中國政府向來大力掃黃，早前亦有地方政府下令禁止公務員看黃片。色情氾濫確是當今社會一大問題。最近，中國網友對一個日本情慾明星公開表現出瘋狂的熱情，官方卻置若罔聞，其寬容與接納尺度之大，與平常的道德捍衛者形象嚴重相悖。教會對社會道德敗壞能做什麼？求主保守我們眾信徒的心懷意念，不論年齡大小都謹慎自守，逃避接觸淫亂邪情，更求主保守教會牧者，不被眼目的情慾所引誘。
星期一
自1981年1月1日起開始實行中國第二部《婚姻法》，將「實行計劃生育」納入法制軌道，並將結婚年齡改為「男不得早於22周歲，女不得早於20周歲」，也徹底廢除了表兄弟姐妹之間的通婚。在教會裡，普遍年輕姐妹難覓相同信仰的男士作為伴侶。我們為姐妹們願在婚姻上持守神的吩咐感恩。有些姐妹更是常活在家人催婚壓力下的，求主安慰她們，加添愛心及信心，耐心等候神的旨意和預備。
Tuesday, May 03, 2011
Prayer Request 5/3 – 5/49
Tuesday
Beginning May 1st thirteen non-violent economic crimes are being taken from the list of those punished by capital punishment, reducing the list from sixty-eight to fifty-five. Drunk driving, however, will face much harsher punishment than before. One's driver's license will be revoked for five years. It will also be forbidden to add bleach to whiten flour. Everyone knows that the death penalty has not significantly deterred corruption in China. Greedy merchants do unbelievable things to adulterate food stuff. We pray that Christians will stand up and be a great testimony in the way they live their lives above reproach and give glory to our Father in heaven.
Wednesday
Television programs based on time-travel have been very popular in China recently. One such program depicts a modern day girl going back in time to be the queen in Qing Dynasty. Official has called for a halt to all TV plots with "fantasy, time-travel, bizarre plots, absurd techniques...ambiguous moral lessons, and a lack of positive thinking." Many Christian parents struggle with their children addicted with fantasy games and not able to have a healthy parent-teen relationship. Let us pray for wisdom for them in maintaining a good relationship with their teenagers and continue to influence their child with Biblical values and examples.
Thursday
In recognition of her contributions to serving the needy, the founder of Taiwan's Buddhist relief organization was named as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Her organization has the motto of “instructing the rich and saving the poor,” with four major missions — charity, medicine, education and culture. In China there are many faith-based charities and many Christians are involved in volunteer work in their communities. Let us pray that we do not become discouraged in doing good, having divine wisdom in bring people to Jesus with the limited resource, freeing them from the bondage of sin and be reminded that when we serve others we are serving God and give Him all of the glory.
Friday
Frankly, churches in China have had little experience with Muslim missions so there are no well-formed agencies or workers who have lived long term in Muslim countries. Therefore, more failures and mistakes are in the future as the churches in China learn to do Muslim missions. They need much language training and learning to settle down and thrive in Muslim culture before they can communicate and share the gospel proficiently. There are Chinese missionaries who serve in all parts of the world but most of them are from Singapore and Hong Kong. Let us remember the approximately 2500 Chinese missionaries who serve globally, many cross-culturally. We pray, too, for their supporting churches that the Lord will bless them with an abundant harvest.
Saturday
As they recruit and get ready for missionary efforts, the prevalent attitude of many churches in China is, "God will raise up churches and Christian businessmen to give toward misisons. Chinese can do mission work the Chinese way". Nationalistic pride and God's desire for missions often get mixed up in Chinese churches intent on sending out missionaries. May the Lord give each of us a humble heart, an urgency to do God's work, and a true passion for lost souls whether they are far away or our neighbors.
Sunday
Drinking and smoking are part of daily life in China. Giving and receiving cigarettes and liquor is considered almost a necessity in striking friendships and making connections. In order to really make an end to public smoking, China must break the "tobacco and alcohol" culture which will require a joint effort by society and the schools, starting with teaching children the hazards of smoking and how to refuse tobacco. Many Chirstian mothers struggle painfully when they see their child starting to smoke or drink, especially when other adults at home do it. We pray with all the mothers who are pleading with the Lord to save their teenager who is losing interest in going to church and is picking up bad habits.
Monday
It would be a tall order for Beijing to enforce the new "smoking ban" in all public places unless the whole nation buys into the benefit of such a ban and gives active cooperation and support. Officials and heads of companies must set an example by eliminating the "tobacco culture" themselves. We know that bad habits die hard and especially when it involves changing an entire nation to be able to effectively ban smoking. May the Lord give us mercy. Changes do not come overnight and some changes will require a generation but we pray in faith that God will work and change the heart of people in all the churches in China.
星期二
自今年5月1日起，13種非暴力經濟性犯罪將不會判處死刑，死刑罪名將由68個減至55個。另外，醉酒駕車將面臨空前嚴厲的處罰，5年內不得重新取得機動車駕駛證。此外也禁止在麵粉中添加「麵粉增白劑」。大家都知道貪官不怕死，死刑也不能顯著改善社會風氣，令人痛心的無良商人摻假食品更為猖獗。求神幫助祂的兒女能堅守自己的崗位，以無可指責的生命見證，榮耀祂的名。
星期三
中國最近流行時空穿梭電視劇，且越來越受歡迎。例如有一部電視劇講述一位現代女子回到清朝康熙年間，最後成為皇后。官方開始禁止電視劇涉及「虛無情節、時空穿梭、荒誕橋段...曖昧道德教訓，以及缺乏積極思想的內容。」 許多基督徒家庭中有孩子沉迷於虛幻遊戲，家長不知如何與青少年建立健康的親子關係。求主賜我們智慧，知道如何保持良好親子關係，遵照聖經的價值觀以身作則來教導孩子。
星期四
「慈濟」創辦人證嚴法師被美國時代雜誌選為2011年全球百大影響人物之一，讚揚她是超凡的精神領袖，也是行善效率驚人的非牟利組織領導人。該機構注重慈善、醫療、教育、文化「四大志業」。在中國，許多以基督信仰為基礎的慈善機構，是信徒接觸廣大人群的好平台。求主幫助參與的弟兄姊妹，能以主的愛去關懷有需要的人，宛如服事主一樣。更賜他們智慧把人帶到主面前，使人從罪的捆綁中被釋放出來，也將一切榮耀都歸主名。
星期五
中國教會少有回宣的經驗，也缺乏專門的回宣差會或在回教國家長期事奉的宣教士。對中國信徒而言，向回教徒傳福音還在起步階段，需要更多語言訓練及認識穆斯林文化，才能有效分享信仰。現時約有二千五百位華人宣教士，遍佈世界各地，大多數來自新加坡或香港。讓我們以禱告記念這些甘心放下穩定生活，回應神呼召的宣教士，其中不少參與跨文化事工的，更需要我們用禱告同工。我們也為差會和教會禱告，不論在前線或在後方守望的，都忠於主託，同得神豐厚的賞賜。
星期六
當中國教會開始積極參與差傳工作，又著手培訓宣教士時，信徒普遍持有一種態度：「以中國教會的人和中國教會的錢作宣教工作，神會興起更多中國教會及基督徒商人去承接差傳的棒子。」似乎中國教會談到普世宣教時，無意中總會混入民族的優越感，求神鑒察我們的心思，賜給我們謙卑的心，並迫切回應神的呼召，關懷無論在遠或近處，許多失喪靈魂的需要。
星期日
「煙酒文化」在中國十分盛行，凡事「煙酒煙酒」，煙酒儼然是交際應酬的必需品。中國政府若想實行公共場所禁煙，此文化必須先破除。打破抽煙風氣，則需社會、學校通力合作，從兒童、少年做起，讓人民深刻了解吸煙的害處，從而培養拒絕接觸的意識。無數的基督徒母親，因孩子沾染煙酒而痛心，尤其家中亦有大人也嗜煙酒。求主挽回這些沒興趣上教會，並染上惡習的孩子們，幫助他們脫離罪惡的捆綁。
星期一
中國想在公共場所「全面禁煙」並非易事，需要全社會積極配合與支持。首先，必須由行政部門、企事業單位帶頭，尤其是主要領導，率先消除「煙草文化」。雖然積習難改，叫所有國民全面戒除抽煙惡習並非一蹴即至。求主施恩，堅定我們除惡務盡的信念，也許花上一代至數代的年日才見端倪，我們用信心求神在中國每一個信徒心中動工，幫助他們在基督裡心意更新變化，成為神聖潔合用的器皿。
Beginning May 1st thirteen non-violent economic crimes are being taken from the list of those punished by capital punishment, reducing the list from sixty-eight to fifty-five. Drunk driving, however, will face much harsher punishment than before. One's driver's license will be revoked for five years. It will also be forbidden to add bleach to whiten flour. Everyone knows that the death penalty has not significantly deterred corruption in China. Greedy merchants do unbelievable things to adulterate food stuff. We pray that Christians will stand up and be a great testimony in the way they live their lives above reproach and give glory to our Father in heaven.
Wednesday
Television programs based on time-travel have been very popular in China recently. One such program depicts a modern day girl going back in time to be the queen in Qing Dynasty. Official has called for a halt to all TV plots with "fantasy, time-travel, bizarre plots, absurd techniques...ambiguous moral lessons, and a lack of positive thinking." Many Christian parents struggle with their children addicted with fantasy games and not able to have a healthy parent-teen relationship. Let us pray for wisdom for them in maintaining a good relationship with their teenagers and continue to influence their child with Biblical values and examples.
Thursday
In recognition of her contributions to serving the needy, the founder of Taiwan's Buddhist relief organization was named as one of Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Her organization has the motto of “instructing the rich and saving the poor,” with four major missions — charity, medicine, education and culture. In China there are many faith-based charities and many Christians are involved in volunteer work in their communities. Let us pray that we do not become discouraged in doing good, having divine wisdom in bring people to Jesus with the limited resource, freeing them from the bondage of sin and be reminded that when we serve others we are serving God and give Him all of the glory.
Friday
Frankly, churches in China have had little experience with Muslim missions so there are no well-formed agencies or workers who have lived long term in Muslim countries. Therefore, more failures and mistakes are in the future as the churches in China learn to do Muslim missions. They need much language training and learning to settle down and thrive in Muslim culture before they can communicate and share the gospel proficiently. There are Chinese missionaries who serve in all parts of the world but most of them are from Singapore and Hong Kong. Let us remember the approximately 2500 Chinese missionaries who serve globally, many cross-culturally. We pray, too, for their supporting churches that the Lord will bless them with an abundant harvest.
Saturday
As they recruit and get ready for missionary efforts, the prevalent attitude of many churches in China is, "God will raise up churches and Christian businessmen to give toward misisons. Chinese can do mission work the Chinese way". Nationalistic pride and God's desire for missions often get mixed up in Chinese churches intent on sending out missionaries. May the Lord give each of us a humble heart, an urgency to do God's work, and a true passion for lost souls whether they are far away or our neighbors.
Sunday
Drinking and smoking are part of daily life in China. Giving and receiving cigarettes and liquor is considered almost a necessity in striking friendships and making connections. In order to really make an end to public smoking, China must break the "tobacco and alcohol" culture which will require a joint effort by society and the schools, starting with teaching children the hazards of smoking and how to refuse tobacco. Many Chirstian mothers struggle painfully when they see their child starting to smoke or drink, especially when other adults at home do it. We pray with all the mothers who are pleading with the Lord to save their teenager who is losing interest in going to church and is picking up bad habits.
Monday
It would be a tall order for Beijing to enforce the new "smoking ban" in all public places unless the whole nation buys into the benefit of such a ban and gives active cooperation and support. Officials and heads of companies must set an example by eliminating the "tobacco culture" themselves. We know that bad habits die hard and especially when it involves changing an entire nation to be able to effectively ban smoking. May the Lord give us mercy. Changes do not come overnight and some changes will require a generation but we pray in faith that God will work and change the heart of people in all the churches in China.
星期二
自今年5月1日起，13種非暴力經濟性犯罪將不會判處死刑，死刑罪名將由68個減至55個。另外，醉酒駕車將面臨空前嚴厲的處罰，5年內不得重新取得機動車駕駛證。此外也禁止在麵粉中添加「麵粉增白劑」。大家都知道貪官不怕死，死刑也不能顯著改善社會風氣，令人痛心的無良商人摻假食品更為猖獗。求神幫助祂的兒女能堅守自己的崗位，以無可指責的生命見證，榮耀祂的名。
星期三
中國最近流行時空穿梭電視劇，且越來越受歡迎。例如有一部電視劇講述一位現代女子回到清朝康熙年間，最後成為皇后。官方開始禁止電視劇涉及「虛無情節、時空穿梭、荒誕橋段...曖昧道德教訓，以及缺乏積極思想的內容。」 許多基督徒家庭中有孩子沉迷於虛幻遊戲，家長不知如何與青少年建立健康的親子關係。求主賜我們智慧，知道如何保持良好親子關係，遵照聖經的價值觀以身作則來教導孩子。
星期四
「慈濟」創辦人證嚴法師被美國時代雜誌選為2011年全球百大影響人物之一，讚揚她是超凡的精神領袖，也是行善效率驚人的非牟利組織領導人。該機構注重慈善、醫療、教育、文化「四大志業」。在中國，許多以基督信仰為基礎的慈善機構，是信徒接觸廣大人群的好平台。求主幫助參與的弟兄姊妹，能以主的愛去關懷有需要的人，宛如服事主一樣。更賜他們智慧把人帶到主面前，使人從罪的捆綁中被釋放出來，也將一切榮耀都歸主名。
星期五
中國教會少有回宣的經驗，也缺乏專門的回宣差會或在回教國家長期事奉的宣教士。對中國信徒而言，向回教徒傳福音還在起步階段，需要更多語言訓練及認識穆斯林文化，才能有效分享信仰。現時約有二千五百位華人宣教士，遍佈世界各地，大多數來自新加坡或香港。讓我們以禱告記念這些甘心放下穩定生活，回應神呼召的宣教士，其中不少參與跨文化事工的，更需要我們用禱告同工。我們也為差會和教會禱告，不論在前線或在後方守望的，都忠於主託，同得神豐厚的賞賜。
星期六
當中國教會開始積極參與差傳工作，又著手培訓宣教士時，信徒普遍持有一種態度：「以中國教會的人和中國教會的錢作宣教工作，神會興起更多中國教會及基督徒商人去承接差傳的棒子。」似乎中國教會談到普世宣教時，無意中總會混入民族的優越感，求神鑒察我們的心思，賜給我們謙卑的心，並迫切回應神的呼召，關懷無論在遠或近處，許多失喪靈魂的需要。
星期日
「煙酒文化」在中國十分盛行，凡事「煙酒煙酒」，煙酒儼然是交際應酬的必需品。中國政府若想實行公共場所禁煙，此文化必須先破除。打破抽煙風氣，則需社會、學校通力合作，從兒童、少年做起，讓人民深刻了解吸煙的害處，從而培養拒絕接觸的意識。無數的基督徒母親，因孩子沾染煙酒而痛心，尤其家中亦有大人也嗜煙酒。求主挽回這些沒興趣上教會，並染上惡習的孩子們，幫助他們脫離罪惡的捆綁。
星期一
中國想在公共場所「全面禁煙」並非易事，需要全社會積極配合與支持。首先，必須由行政部門、企事業單位帶頭，尤其是主要領導，率先消除「煙草文化」。雖然積習難改，叫所有國民全面戒除抽煙惡習並非一蹴即至。求主施恩，堅定我們除惡務盡的信念，也許花上一代至數代的年日才見端倪，我們用信心求神在中國每一個信徒心中動工，幫助他們在基督裡心意更新變化，成為神聖潔合用的器皿。
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