Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Prayer Request 2/22 - 2/28

Tuesday
In China 1.96 million couples filed for divorce in 2010. The number of divorces has steadily increased by 7.65% in the past five years which may inidcate that the personal income of married men and women is growing and there is also a growing sense of independence among married couples. While there are more and more divorced believers in the churches now, there is usually no special group or fellowship for them and they are often seen as outcasts. We pray for comfort and healing for these "hurt" Christians, especially for those who are now looking for another mate but are seeking to know God's will and honor Him this time around.
Wednesday
Sichuan has the most divorces of any province in China and Tibet, the fewest. One reason is that Sichuan is the most populous and also has a high number of immigrants. After the economic reform and the"Westward Development", tens of millions of people left Sichuan to seek better lives elsewhere. This culture of looking some place else for work is very common among those born in Sichuan. As might be expected, the churches in Sichuan have historically been week. The young people do not stay around because they leave for the coastal cities to work. We come before the Lord with faith, praying for a revival of all of the churches in Sichuan, in its capitol, Chungdu, and in the huge city of Chongqing.
Thursday
Tens of millions of young people from Sichuan become migrant workers far from their homes but they cannot re-locate and settle their families in the new places. Usually the wife must stay at home to care for elderly parents, thus keeping the young couples separated for long periods of time and causing problems in the marriage. We pray for believers who are living apart because of their work and are unable to see each other regularly. May the Lord through His grace protect and guard their hearts and keep them away from temptation so that their relationship can endure and continue to grow. We also lift up their children who are often left with grandparents and get only phone calls from their parents from time to time.
Friday
Until 2003 Chinese couples filing for divorce had to get written approval of the official of the neighborhood. Many couples chose to live in a "dead marriage" to protect their privacy and avoid shame. The simplification of marriage registration now allows couples to get immediate divorce at the local department of civil affairs. We take this time to pray for believers whose marriages are less than healthy or in a poor condidtion. Even the families and marriages of many pastors are not in a healthy state. We pray for God's mercy on our marriages and families. Churches cannot be healthy when the families of believers are sick and dysfunctional.
Saturday
Two and a half years ago Taiwan allowed Chinese from Mainland China to visit which has led to a boom in tourism and generated a lot of earnings and business opportunities there. Since January of this year the number of tourists from China has increased from 3000 to 4000 a day. It is possible the number will be 5000 daily visitors by the middle of the year and in the near future escalate to 10,000 daily. With so many visitors from Mainland China arriving and the possibility of self-guided tourism, we see the probability of believers attending church in Taiwan or the opening for churches in Taiwan to share the gospel with these people. We pray that this will be a wide open opportunity for the spreading of the gospel and that believers from both sides of the Strait will be worshipping together.
Sunday
Officials recently dispelled the rumor that China had plans to introduce new higher denomination banknotes. At present 100 yuan (about $15. US) is the bank note of the highest value in China. Although 100 yuan is barely enough money to buy a decent dinner in a big city, it would be difficult to find 100 yuan notes in the offering plates of an average church in the city. We pray that Chinese believers will quickly learn to be cheerful givers and faithful stewards of that with which the Lord entrusts them.
Monday
Why do the people of China save so much and spend so little? One reason is the lack of a social security system so they must save for their retirement. They also save to send their child to a private school to get ahead academically. They must also save to have money for medical bills. Christians are not exempted from anxiety and worry. We simply pray that all of us will affirm our faith in the heavenly Father Who promised to take care of us. We do want to remember those who are old, or are ill and lack financial resources. May the Lord provide for them through the kindness and love of believers in their churches.


星期二
2010年中國有196萬餘對夫妻登記離婚。離婚人數逐年上升,近5年平均增幅為7.65%,說明中國已婚男女收入及個性越來越獨立,自我意識越來越強。教會中信徒離婚的現象亦越來越普遍,失婚者一般不易到合適的團契,也不被接納。我們為這些「受傷」的信徒能獲得安慰、醫治禱告,尤其是希望再婚,願意在新的婚姻關係中尊主為大、尋求祂旨意的人。
星期三
各省份離婚人數,以四川居首,西藏最後。原因之一是四川省乃中國最熱門的遷出地,改革開放和西部大開發後,數以千萬計的四川人離鄉,到全國各地尋求更好發展,這種現象非常普遍。四川教會靈性一向較為軟弱。年輕人成群結隊到沿海城市打工,很少留守家鄉。我們憑信心向主祈求,讓四川所有教會,包括首都成都市,並人口踞首的重慶市都能大得復興。
星期四
四川有上千萬年輕民工出外打工,他們既難在異地落戶,也無力安家樂業。夫妻一方必需外出掙錢,一方則留守家鄉耕田、照顧老幼。年輕夫妻長期分居兩地,易導致夫妻關係不穩定。不少信徒夫妻為生計,亦需長期分隔兩地,一年半載才可相聚。求主保守他們時刻遠離誘惑,關係歷久長新。也記念留在家鄉由祖父母托管的孩童們,長期不見父母親,只靠偶爾電話溝通,仍能蒙主保守,順利成長。
星期五
2003年以前,離婚還需要單位或居委會出具書面證明。許多夫妻為保護個人隱私,避免被人指指點點,不得不維持名存實亡的「死亡婚姻」。現今簡化婚姻登記手續,已不需「對簿公堂」,當場即可取得離婚證書,使人們更願意到民政部門申辦離婚。 讓我們禱告記念婚姻有難處的肢體,特別記念那些婚姻狀況不良的牧者,求主醫治、憐憫。因信徒婚姻關係欠佳或功能失調,教會也同樣深受其害。
星期六
自從台灣開放大陸民眾觀光兩年半以來,旅遊業收益和商機不斷增加。從今年一月份起,赴台每天名額已由3,000人次提高到4,000人次,第二季底將探討是否放寬至每日5,000人次,甚至未來還要提高至每日1萬人次。赴台遊客增多,為傳福音提供契機。我們求神廣開福音大門,有朝一日能讓兩岸弟兄姊妹能一同敬拜讚美主。
星期日
官方排除謠言,表示沒有計劃推出新的高面額人民幣鈔票。人民幣最大面額是100元(約合15美元)。在大城市裡,100元不一定能支付一餐像樣的晚餐,可是在一般城市教會的奉獻袋裡,百元鈔票卻仍屬罕見。求主幫助弟兄姊妹做神忠實的好管家,甘心樂意奉獻,歡喜樂意成為主祝福他人的的管道。
星期一
中國人為什麼存錢多而花錢少呢? 原因之一是缺乏社會安全福利體系,需要為退休後的生活而儲蓄。中國人存錢也因想送孩子上私立學校,可以在學業上領先一步。另外一個原因是公共醫療不完善,需存錢以應付生病。基督徒似乎也無法免除存錢養病養老和念私校的情況。聖經告訴我們天父上帝是我們的依靠,求主堅固肢體的信心。也在禱告中記念年老、帶病、無經濟基礎的信徒,求主感動弟兄姊妹在主裏相互幫補,一起見證經歷神的信實。

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Prayer Request 2/15 - 2/21

Tuesday
In large cities like Beijing and Shanghai where rent is very high, many of the so-called "ant people" (college grads without a good job) resort to renting rooms together. In 2010 the increase in the price of rent in large cities surpassed the increases in the price of housing. As the rent continues its upward trend, more young people will have to live together in rented rooms. We remember all the young people who grew up in Christian homes but are now living away from home and their only contact with their family is by an occasional phone call. We pray the Holy Spirit will move their hearts to remember that God is always with them and He has a great purpose for them.
Wednesday
Beijing is implementing a new policy this year which forbids the division of one's basement for rental purposes and thus stops the subletting of rooms. This new restriction will undoubtedly drive the millions of lower-wage earners right out of the capitol and make Beijing so expensive that only the elites can live there.Finding affordable housing in big cities is very difficult for migrant workers. If Beijing succeeds in this effort, other big cities might do the same. We remember all the believers who face the tough decision of whether to go back home to their villages or pay more for rent in order to work in the cities. We also uplift their families in our prayer because most of them have to live apart from their families.
Thursday
The term "Northward drift" implies that people are going to Beijing to find work. It is not something new because Mao Zedong, Lu Xun, and millions of other young Chinese have gone to the capitol seeking new opportunities. Mao worked in the university library. The "Northward drift" actually brought many talented youth to the cities and there have been countless success stories.Maybe officials who chased away young people who wanted to realize their dream in the capitol did more harm than good.Let us pray for all the young believers who are in cities trying their luck. May the Lord give them clear direction, open doors, and answer their prayers as they seek to honor God in their lives.
Friday
"Ant people" are young people who rent rooms together because they cannot afford the high rent in the cities. In Beijing, certain neighborhoods are well known for this kind of high-density living. Although the rent becomes more affordable with this arrangement, it attracts migrant workers and creates a dilemma for public safety. In China's big cities, there are many pockets where the "outsiders" outnumber the native residents and these neighborhoods have very few churches. Let us pray that the gospel can be shared with the many people who feel they are trapped and lost in cities in China.
Saturday
"Naked marriage" is a new phrase coined for those who get married with only a court registration. They do not buy an apartment or a car. They host no wedding feast and don't even spend money to buy a ring. This is a new social phenomenon in China which is popular among those twenty to thirty-five years of age. They consider themselves avant-garde bucking the social norm of marriage customs even though many are white collar workers with a high income and highly educated .We pray for those young believers whose courtship or even marriage did not receive the approval of their parents. May the Lord bring healing and reconciliation with their families. We remember, too, those who are livng together but know well this is not the will of God because of their childhood training.
Sunday
In the past decade as the Chinese government has changed its policy toward religion, traditional religions have returned and many Chinese have embraced them. Joining the boom in tourism, many old Buddhist and Taoist temples have worked with the government to rebuild and make themselves tourist destinations. Unfortunately the majority of the older Christian churches are in city centers and are facing demolition or are considered "too old to remodel". We remember these older churches in particular. May the Lord give them a special burden to share their faith with passion and renewed effort because of their rich heritage and blessings.
Monday
Many new Chinese believers are immediately pressed into serving in the church before they have been baptized or have even read the Bible through once. This can be a very dangerous practice because their faith is so new and when they then encounter difficulties, they often become easily frustrated and give up. Let us commit to pray for all the new believers in the churches in China that their faith will be kept safe and growing. We pray for God's mercy in helpng churches to know how to nurture the new believers and help them to grow solidly on God's Word so that their faith will then bear even more fruit.


星期二
在北京、上海等升斗小民「租不起」房子的一線城市,「群租」是高校畢業正待好職業的「蟻族」們不得已的選擇。2010年,全國大、中城市的房租漲價遠超房價上幅。在房租持續飆升的情況下,因無力單獨支付高房租而集體合居一室的「群租」應運而生。我們記念基督教家庭長大的年輕人,離開家庭後與家人惟一的聯繫常是偶爾一通的電話而已。求主堅固他們,在異地持守聖潔生活,不受流俗誘惑,能認清上帝在他們生命中的美好旨意與信實帶領。
星期三
北京最近立例不許地下室隔間出租,用通俗的話說,就是禁止分租,此法變相趕走租不起高價屋的低收入者。間接把數百萬「北漂」移出北京,讓北京變成「精英者」的城巿。一旦北京的政策成功執行,其他大城市亦會效法。城市的農民工最大的問題是棲身之所難求,我們記念正面對是否該回老家或留在城市的信徒,求主指引他們前路;也為他們的家人禱告,絕大部分的人與家人分離,單獨在外工作賺錢,其家庭為此付出極大的代價。
星期四
「北漂」並非一個新現象,毛澤東、魯迅等都曾做過「北漂」,例如毛澤東就曾在北大圖書館「打工」。數十年來,「北漂」裡出現過許多優秀人才,演繹過許多「成功故事」。現今當局的政策不利「北漂」,是利是弊還有待觀察。許多基督徒青年也嚮往到大城市求發展,試試運氣。願主清楚指引他們人生方向,為他們開路。當他們願意將人生交託主並倚靠祂時,求主回應他們的禱告,也藉著工作陶造他們更像主,一生榮耀主名。
星期五
雖然「群租」解決了「蟻族」安家的問題,但卻引發一連串社會問題。如北京「蟻族」聚集區「唐家嶺和六郎莊」,由於距離中關村等企業密集區比較近,房租又便宜,遂吸引大量外地人在此租住,出現嚴重的亂搭、亂建現象。在大城市裡,很多區域的人口是「外地人」,甚至遠超過當地人。該地區中,教會聚會點少而又少,求主恩待這些居民,幫助屬神的人能彼此扶持,也賜未信的人有機會聽聞福音,並差派信徒關懷、幫助這些城市中「失落」的靈魂 。
星期六
「裸婚」意指不買房、不買車、不辦婚禮、不買婚戒直接登記結婚的現象。「裸婚族」多是20至35歲、以80後居多的青成年人。他們思想前衛,其中不乏高學歷、高收入的都市白領。在他們看來,領了證就生活在一起,輕鬆自在。年輕信徒談戀愛甚至踏入婚姻,卻沒得到父母親的認可與祝福,這樣的家庭幾乎每個教會都有。求主醫治這些家庭,能在主的愛中彼此寬恕,重建破裂的關係。我們更記念一些從小知道神的心意,現在卻與人同居的年輕信徒,求主親自用慈繩愛索牽引他們。
星期日
中國過去十年,重新落實宗教政策,傳統宗教逐漸又走向社會,重回中國人的視野裡。隨著旅遊業興起,很多佛、道兩教的老寺廟開始與旅遊部門合作,作為旅遊資源向遊客開放。可惜許多古老的基督教堂都在舊城或市中心,面臨著都市重建,正待拆遷或「年久失修」的情況。讓我們在禱告中記念這些教會,求主幫助會眾心意更新,再次挑旺傳福音的熱誠,在神給他們豐盛的產業與福氣裡,更加愛主、愛人,將領受的恩典傾倒給廣大有需要的人群。
星期一
現在的華人教會,許多弟兄姊妹才決志信主,聖經還未能掌握,也沒有受洗,就開始投入服事行列。雖然不少教會有事奉人手短缺的問題,值得諒解。但靈命稚弱及裝備不足就服事是很危險的,不但容易損害這些新葡的信心,也易絆倒別人。我們要為初信者禱告,既然神在他們心裡動了善工,求主親自保守他們,熱心不消褪,教會也有計劃不斷鼓勵扶持、建造裝備他們參與服事。也求主憐憫、幫助教會,在真道上能下苦功,扎根於聖經真理之上,讓信徒的信心成長健碩,多結屬靈的果子。

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Prayer Request 2/8 - 2/14

Tuesday
As millions of migrant workers return home for the Spring Festival nearly all the businesses in the cities face a paralysis since the low-wage workers are absent. Once they return to the cities, these people will most likely not return to their old jobs but seek a higher-paying job elsewhere.So the Chinese New Year presents a headache for employers in China. Many churches face the departure of their pastors for various reasons, often because of the low compensation they receive. We pray for the need for faithful and sacrificial workers in the churches in China. We also ask the Lord to help more churches to be kind and considerate to their pastors.
Wednesday
The shortage of workers during the Chinese New Year holiday is a perennial headache for employers. Migrant workers want to go home early and employers try to hold workers by withholding part of their wages until they return. This shortage of workers and the turnover is especially acute in the service sector. It is natural to desire an increase in salary and church workers are not exampt from such a desire. Let us pray that believers and church leaders will truly appreciate their shepherds, not only by helping financially but also by showing care for the needs of their families since many pastors serve by themselves and their family is not part of the church.
Thursday
The annual New Year Gala is the most watched TV program in China. Critics said the 2011 show was spectacular but although Beijing has tried to push the use of Putonghua as the common langage in the nation, there were way too many acts with provincial dialects and the vast majority of the audience was not able to understand them so the humor was lost. Many pastors feel they are handicapped and not very effective because their Putonghua is not very good and that fluency in the local dialect gives them a great advantage in getting close to their church members. Let us pray for all the preachers in the churches in China that they may proclaim the Word of God with power, boldness, and clarity.
Friday
People familiar with China know there are many dialects spoken throghout the country. Some are provincial and some are very local but used by tens of millions of people. Although most people can switch between Putonghua and their mother tongue or their local dialect, the official policy is to make all entertainment programs use Putonghua. There are many churches that contuct their services in their local dialect. We pray for the growth of all the churches whose sermons are preached in the local dialects. Many the name of Jesus be praised among all people and in all tongues.
Saturday
The Huai River which is 1,000 km long originates in Henan and dissects that province as well as Anhui and Jiangsu. These are the provinces that have the most Chinese believers in all of the country. The Huai River is also the geographical line which divides China into North and South China. Let us pray for the churches in these three provinces. The majority of them suffer from a lack of shepherds, the exodus of their younger believers who leave to work in the cities, and the rampant spread of cults that divide and destroy many churches.
Sunday
Although the investment in the Huai River was the highest of that of any river under China's River Pollution Control, it still is the most polluted river in China. Water in 78.7% of its river courses fails to meet the standards for drinking . Ten years ago the Huai River had over sixty species of fish in it but few survive today. Christian churches along the Huai River were once the most thriving of any in China but they are now the most ravaged by cults and divisions in the churches. May the Lord have mercy on the churches in this region and may He revive those sheep who are weakened and dying spiritually.
Monday
The two major problems that have stunted the growth of house churches in China have been the lack of quality shepherds, and believers who lack a depth in their knowedge of the truth. These problems persist and there is a great need for long-term training.There is a trend to divert the focus of the training and resources to helping churches in the cities. Let us pray that those helping the rural churches will not become discouraged and the training there will not lose steam. May the Lord send forth more people who are willing to work fervently for the rural churches in China.


星期二
當農民工像候鳥般從城市返鄉過春節後,大部份城市都陷入「半癱瘓狀態」。很多農民工在一頓年夜飯之後,隨之而來就是春節後的大跳槽,使很多企業傷透腦筋。許多企業不論出的工資多高,都無法在勞動力市場招到合適的工人。很多中國教會也因種種原因,尤其是待遇太低,短缺牧者或留不住傳道人。求主在中國教會興起一批忠心、願為群羊擺上的牧者;更幫助教會能多體恤牧者的生活需要。
星期三
春節「用工荒」是老話題,也是多年一直無法解決的難題。在農民工返鄉歸心似箭的情況下,雖然很多企業採取扣發工資等措施防止工人流失,仍擋不住工人回家的腳步,尤以服務業最嚴重。每個人都想加薪,教會的工人也不例外。求主讓主內肢體知道善待教會同工,不單薪資也關心他們家庭的需要。許多傳道人的家人格外需要關懷,有些甚至不再參加聚會,求主憐憫、恩待他們。
星期四
中央電視台的春節聯歡晚會是全國收視率最高的電視節目,2011年春晚反響不錯,但也存有瑕疵。政府雖然積極推廣的普通話,為了利於消除語言隔閡。但是部分小品和相聲的地方口音過於泛濫,讓廣大觀眾一頭霧水。能操當地方言的牧者更能貼近會眾的需要,牧會占極大優勢。傳道人如普通話不夠好,在信息傳遞及牧會時會有自卑感。我們禱告中國教會的講台,忠心地靠著聖靈的大能,放膽傳講的神話語。
星期五
中國各地的口音之多,無論是河北還是山東口音,僅是地方性的語言,使用者和能夠聽懂者都不過幾千萬人。政府一向在全國性的電視節目,不使用地方口音而使用大家都能明白的普話。雖然大多數人都會普通話,但仍喜歡用自己的家鄉話來溝通。許多教會的聚會是以當地方言為主,也特別具親切感。我們特別為這些教會的增長禱告,願主的名在各地傳開,主耶穌的聖名在各族被高舉,在萬民中受稱頌。
星期六
淮河發源於河南,全長一千公里,東流經河南、安徽和江蘇三省,乃是基督徒最多的區域。中國地理以淮河為南北分界線。我們特別為這三省的教會禱告,其中許多教會已長年缺乏牧者,而年輕一代又大量流失或進城打工,留下的都是老弱婦孺,甚至不少教會因異端邪教侵襲而分裂和破壞。求主親自餵養保守祂自己的教會,在患難中仍穩定的成長。
星期日
儘管淮河是中國關注污染問題最早、又投入最多資源去治理的大江河,如今卻仍是受污染最嚴重的河流。二千公里的河段中,接近八成的水質不符合飲用標準;十年前有六十多種魚類資源,如今幾近絕跡。淮河沿岸的教會曾是中國最興旺的教區,現今普遍遭受異端攻擊,分裂情況相當嚴重。求主憐憫祂的教會,引領那些屬靈生命軟弱,甚至已枯乾的信徒回到主的羊圈。
星期一
「信徒真理扎根不深,缺乏優質牧者」是阻礙中國家庭教會成長的棘手問題。很多信徒的信仰根基薄弱,需有計劃的培訓。此一問題長期並無太大的改善。 近來的趨勢是把培訓和資源的焦點,從農村轉移到城市教會。讓我們禱告,使農村教會的培訓不至失去動力。又求主興起更多工人,願意到農村裏,為神在農村裡繼續撒種、澆灌。

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Prayer Request 2/1 - 2/7

Tuesday
The government in Guangdong is planning to raise the minimal wage by 18% this year and as a result many foreign-owned factories are not planning to hire new workers because then they would have to raise wages to retain their current workers. They must choose between either moving to countries in Southeast Asia that pay even lower wages or expect 20% of their factories to shut down in three to five years. Churches face the touchy problem of deciding whether they should give their pastors a raise this year. With inflation and low wages, churches in China have an ever-growing problem with a shortage of shepherds. May the Lord move the churches to think about how to take good are of His workers.
Wednesday
Last year in Taiwan only 160,000 children were born--a record low. If this trend continues officials estimate that sixty colleges will close in ten years. They hope that the birth rate will increase in the coming years of the Rabbit and the Dragon which are considered auspicious years to have children according to the Chinese calendar. Let us pray for all the newborns coming into the Chinese church during these next two years. Pray that churches will put an emphasis on the second generation in their midst and have well-planned strategies for child care, Sunday school, and teaching parents to raise up Godly children.
Thursday
Although the fertility rate in Taiwan hit a new low last year, the number of marriages has jumped by 20,000 couples to 140,000. Officials have said that although the economy in Taiwan has rebounded, the cost of living has increased and companies are not giving bonuses so couples are not likely to have more children. We pray for all the young couples in the churches, for their spiritual growth, that they will learn to love and honor each other as well as have commitment to honor Jesus in their plan to buy an apartment and prepare for pregnancy.
Friday
Churches in China struggle to deal with all sorts of cultural phenomenon in the society. For example, whenever a popular film is released, the church feels obligated to give an "official analysis" from a Biblical perspective. Such an endeavor is overwhelmingly time-consuming and can be divisive. Chinese believers like to analyze and debate issues which is not bad but this tendency often leads to arguments and hurts the unity within the church body. May the Lord grant us wisdom and humility especially among the intellectuals in the urban churches.
Saturday
The generation born after 1980 has witnessed many extra-marital affairs and broken marriages so it is of little wonder that many of them feel anxious about marriage themselves, consider marriage futile, or are afraid of marital commitment. Many young believers have come from broken families. Although they know God is the source of love, they have many worries about marriage and many have also made mistakes sexually in the past. We pray for healing of the emotional wounds they carry and ask God to prepare the best for them.
Sunday
Typically, the house churches in China have a shallow understanding of orthodox theology. They fight over minor issues or stress denominational views. Such bickering destroys unity and leads to pride and mistrust among the believers. We pray that all believers will be humble before the Lord. We ask the Lord for the spirit of unity in these churches because we know that without confession of sins, humility and unity, there cannot be a revival.
Monday
According to an official survey by the All-China Women's Federation (ACWF), domestic violence exists in thirty-one percent of the 270 million families in China with ninety percent of it committed by men. It is not a secret that not all men attending church are good husbands at home even though many of them even serve in leadership roles in the church. We want to pray that Chinese male believers would be godly men, as the apostle Paul said, "I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Tim. 2:8)


星期二
廣東官方準備再度調高最低工資標準,初定漲幅為18%。許多外資工廠都招工了,因為不僅新增人員要加薪,資深員工也要加薪,否則留不住工人。未來外資會面臨將生產轉移到勞工更亷價的東南亞或關閉的抉擇,預計三至五年內,有20%工廠倒閉。教會是否應給傳道人增加薪資是個敏感議題。近年的通貨膨脹和傳道人長期的低收入,教會將面臨更大的「牧者荒」。求主感動教會能思考如何善待神的工人。
星期三
去年台灣出生兒僅十六萬多,比前年銳減兩萬,創歷史新低。若出生人口以此等比級數持續下降,十年後大學至少要關閉六十間。接下來是兔年、龍年,這兩年出生人數應該會增加。讓我們記念在未來兩年將出生在華人教會的每一個小生命。華人教會實在需要更多投入栽培第二代的事工,也要有一個精心策劃的兒童事工計劃,除了主日學之外,還要幫助家長們培育出敬虔的兒女。
星期四
雖然台灣生育率創下新低,不過去年結婚的對數較前年暴增兩萬餘對,逼近十四萬對。官員表示,台灣雖然景氣復甦了,物價也漲了,但加薪情況仍不普遍,新婚夫妻還不會想多生孩子。我們要為年輕基督徒夫婦們代禱,賜給他們靈命的成長,學習夫妻彼此相愛和互敬,更在他們開始購屋、建立家庭、生育下一代的計劃中尊主為大。
星期五
今天的中國教會疲於應付社會上出現的各樣文化現象。如信徒津津樂道一部流行電影,教會就要本著聖經進行批判,給出「官方意見」。其實每天都有影響會眾價值觀的流行事件,教會如一一回應將不堪重負。中國信徒熱愛分析和辯論,本身並無好壞,但無關真理的言辭爭拗易生爭論,傷害教會肢體間的合一。求主賜智慧與謙卑給我們,尤其是城市教會中的知識分子們,能分辨並堅持信仰中最基要、不可妥協的真理,而變通應用次要原則。
星期六
由於「80後」新一代在成長過程中見過無數長輩的婚外情、離婚,他們普遍認為婚姻非常不安穩且幾近無意義,因此許多「80後」都有強烈的婚姻恐懼症、婚姻厭惡症。不少年輕弟兄姊妹出生於破碎的家庭,他們雖然知道神是愛,但對婚姻仍然心存陰影,又加上曾在性上面失敗,及所受過的傷痛,往往對幸福美滿的婚姻不抱任何希望。求主記念並醫治他們感情上的創傷,也為他們量身預備一位共同愛主的人生良伴。
星期日
家庭教會一般而言對神學認識普遍地流於膚淺,信徒間常因一些宗派或解經細枝末節的問題而發生爭吵,這往往是阻礙彼此合一的原因。求主幫助我們在主面前「凡事謙虛、溫柔、忍耐,用愛心互相寬容,用和平彼此聯絡,竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。」(弗4:2-3) 因為我們深知,若是沒有在神面前悔改、謙卑及合一,教會就不會有真正的復興。
星期一
中國婦聯統計數據顯示,每年四十萬的解體家庭中,家庭暴力佔了四分之一。在中國二億七千萬個家庭中,百分之三十一的家庭有暴力行為,而百分之九十都是男人犯的。在教會中並非所有男人都是「好丈夫」,甚至教會領袖在這方面亦有缺欠。讓我們為中國教會的弟兄們祈求,願主幫助他們管理自己的心,從神的話語裡學習做合祂心意的人,如同使徒保羅所說:「我願男人無忿怒,無爭論,舉起聖潔的手,隨處禱告。」 (提前 2:8)