Posts
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。
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
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。
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)