Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Prayer Request 12/31 - 1/6

TuesdayAccording to the official “Report of Religions in China 2010”, merely 1.8% of the population there is Christian. They report that there are 23 million Christians and only 15.56 million of them have received baptism. Only about 57.8% of all Christians attend church regularly. We want to pray for those who do not attend church regularly or have not attended for a long time. Many churches are unable to follow up or care for those who do not attend church. May the Lord grant us more of His love so we can all care for others.
Wednesday
In China, unethical merchants sell fake and even poisonous food; corrupt officials betray the public’s confidence and even professors are dishonest just to make a few dollars. It is urgent that China regains its moral moorings. As the Chinese people search their consciences, we pray that Christians can powerfully articulate the salvation of Jesus Christ and the reason for following the Biblical commands in a society that is bent on making money over all else.
Thursday
China has very strict laws to counter the endless child-trafficking problem. Kidnapping and selling more than three children by use of violence or coercion can carry the death penalty. We pray for God's comfort for all parents who have lost their children, through accidents, illness and ran away from homes. We pray specifically for Christian parents who have prodigal son or daughter, the Lord answer their pleading and restore their broken relationship.
Friday
Incidences of medical professionals involve in selling of babies shocked China. But, moral issues are neither restricted to doctors nor geography. The pursuit of material wealth seems to have become the Chinese people’s primary faith. Although Christians is a minority, but we pray that churches can boldly make impact in their communities as decent and caring citizens, believers can be a powerful witness of God's love and compassion.
Saturday
China has the world’s biggest diabetes epidemic, and it is getting worse. 11.6 percent of Chinese adults have the disease, compared with 11.3 percent in America. In 1980, the prevalence of diabetes in China was below 1%. Let us remember Christians who have chronic illness, the Lord grant them extra measure of faith and joy, knowing God will not abandon them and His grace is sufficient in times of disappointment and pain.
Sunday
114 million Chinese have diabetes which means China has a third of the world’s diabetes sufferers. Perhaps even more alarming was the study found that half of nearly 100,000 subjects had “pre-diabetic” blood glucose levels. Chinese would commonly seek herbal or traditional Chinese medicines before using the Western medical therapies. We all need to give thanks for the good health God has given us. We pray for good health and strength for all believers, so they would be able to serve the Lord and God's people more.
Monday
Obesity is increasing rapidly in China. Experts blame many factors: the introduction of high-calorie Western diets and fast food, more travel by car, sedentary factory jobs replacing farm labor, and families who spoil the only child. We praise the Lord for the vast improvement of living standard. However, we need to pray for the spiritual poverty among the church attendees, many have grown lukewarm in faith or busy making money instead. May the Lord give us all renewal of hearts and hunger for His Word.

星期二
根據《中國宗教報告二○一○》,基督徒佔全國人口1.8%,估計有二千三百零五萬人,受洗的僅有一千五百五十六萬,而經常參加教會的只占57.8%. 許多教會在探訪和關懷的工作上有限制,以致未能常常接觸久不參加聚會的信徒,我們特別為不能經常出席或久久沒有參與聚會的信徒禱告,求主挑旺我們愛主愛人的心,將更多神賜予的恩慈和關愛流通。
星期三
不肖商人製售假冒,有毒產品;公務員腐敗侵害公共利益;甚至也有學者也不顧名譽熱衷「外快」,這正反映出中國當今道德缺失與公義不彰的危機。正當人感嘆他們的集體良知殞落之際,我們禱告基督徒能夠有力地訴說耶穌基督的救恩是拯救我們脫離罪惡的狹制道路,並見證天生命能勝過物質的鑽營,能脫離社會賺錢重於一切的曲謬觀念。
星期四
拐賣兒童屬於犯罪行為,盡人皆知。中國法律對於拐賣兒童三人以上,使用暴力或脅迫等手段的,最高刑可以到死刑,懲罰不可謂不嚴厲。我們禱告求上帝安慰那些因著事故,疾病或逃家而失去孩子的父母,我們也特別為基督徒父母有兒女信仰在外流盪者代禱,願主回應他們的懇求,並賜他們勇氣和智慧修復破裂的關係。
星期五
不肖醫生喪盡天良參與嬰兒買賣的新聞震驚全中國。社會中普遍道德低落的問題嚴重,追求物質利益似乎已成為人們主要的「信仰」。基督徒的比例雖然仍是少數,但我們禱告教會可以勇於影響社會大眾,弟兄姊妹能出真道,成為有操守、正直有愛心的公民,在所處的社區裡成為一個強有力的燈盞,見證神的愛和憐憫。
星期六
中國的糖尿病患病率現已高居世界首位,11.6%的成年人患有這種病,而且還在惡化中。中國糖尿病患病率剛剛超過了美國的11.3%。1980年糖尿病率還不到1%。讓我們在禱告中記念許多長期患有慢性疾病的信徒。在病中沮喪痛苦時,求神賜予更多的信心與喜樂,知道神不會撇棄他們,祂的恩典夠我們支取。
星期日
中國糖尿病人己達1.14億,意味著全球大約三分之一的糖尿病患者都在中國。這項研究對將近9.9萬人進行了測試,發現有一半的人血糖達到了「糖尿病前期」水平。國人往往會先行嘗試中草藥方後,才去找西醫診療。能擁有健康的身體是上帝的恩典,讓我們為眾信徒都有好體力能夠服事神來禱告。
星期一
肥胖問題正在急速加劇中,專家歸咎於許多原因:引入高熱量的西方飲食和快餐;人們駕車代步;久坐不動的工廠工作代替了農場里的勞動;長輩對獨生子女嬌生慣養等。我們為現今大大改善的生活條件向神感恩,不過也要為教會信徒在靈裡的貧窮禱告,許多人在信心追求上不冷不熱,或忙於賺錢。求主幫助我們能從心裡更新,更渴慕神的話語。

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Prayer Request 12/17 - 12/23

TuesdayChina's "Chang er 3" successfully landed on the moon thirty-seven years after Russia's and the United States' landing. Her rapid space exploration reflects her powers in science and technology and she has advocated "elevating the comprehensive national strength".There have been many celebrations of China's military and space accomplishments recently. We ask the Lord earnestly that more people will be saved and that the number of churches across China will increase, especially in the western region of China where Christian churches are few and weak.
Wednesday
Many people in China accept entry-level positions with a low salary at major state-owned enterprises because of the unofficial benefits such as networking opportunities, close ties to senior Party members, and the banquets and luxury gifts that the company hands out. We pray that churches will show their thanksgiving and express concrete appreciation for those who have served faithfully whether they are salaried or volunteers. May the Lord richly bless those who serve in churches that need a shepherd.
Thursday
Under Mr. Xi's new "Four Winds" campaign (combat formalism, bureaucracy, hedonism, and extravagance within the Communist Party) many state-owned enterprises and government agencies have reduced or eliminated perks. People are naturally cynical about true reform, especially efforts to fight pervasive corruption. We pray for integrity, boldness not to compromise, and a good testimony for Christians at their workplaces.
Friday
About 76,000 children die annually in China from accidents or disease. More than a million "orphan parent" families have been created since the one-child policy was formally instituted in 1980 and the number of families with only one child began to soar.We pray especially for believers who don't have children that the Lord will be their comfort and refuge because He is the One Who cares for us. We pray they will see their church as their family and the churches will in turn love them and hold them closer than blood relatives.
Saturday
Social security in China is primarily the responsibility of the family, not the government. Adult children are legally obliged to support their parents in old age so losing one's only child can mean destitution as well as grief for the parents. There are many elderly believers who do not receive good care from their children for various reasons. Let us pray that the churches they attend will minister to them spiritually, emotionally, and even physically, bringing the love of Jesus to these lonely seniors.
Sunday
Rural pastors generally speaking have had little formal schooling and many have had only a junior high education. Their preaching ability is often limited to reading a bit of the Bible and explaining a couple of sentences in it. This is the reason why churches are weak and even those larger churches are struggling now. These pastors know they are pushed to the limit but they have few resources to use to better themselves. We pray that God will give them opportunity to be better equipped and that He will give them strength, wisdom and insight as they preach boldly to their flock.
Monday
Overseas missionaries in China have reconsidered their strategy and one by one are turning to establishing theological colleges to equip Chinese preachers. Today, the church in China is still at the stage of equipping, training, and growing preachers. The need to train pastors is very great and it consumes all of their resources. We give thanks to God for all who are doing the training, those from Hong Kong, North America, Asia, and especially those from Korea.

星期二
「嫦娥三號」成功著陸月球,中國繼蘇聯與美國之後,37年來首次月面著陸。中國一直倡議提升「綜合國力」,太空探索反映了中國的科學與技術水平及強大,也支撐外交實力。近來,中國在軍事和航天科技領域慶祝了不少新的成就。我們為中國教會能在得救的人數及教會的數目方面,也有更多的增長來禱告,尤其是分享福音給西部地區的人。
星期三
有不少進入國企工作的人,並不是因為眼見的薪資高,而是基於非眼見的好處,例如搭建關係網的機會、與高級黨員的接觸,以及公司定期讓員工享受的盛宴和高檔禮物等等。在神的家裡,也有無數忠心服侍教會的人,不論他們受薪與否,我們都應該心存感激和表達謝意。我們特別為那些在沒有傳道人的教會裡,默默服侍的肢體感恩,求主親自記念、賞賜他們。
星期四
習近平主席發起的反「四風」運動,即消除黨內形式主義、官僚主義、享樂主義和奢靡之風的運動,讓許多國企和政府機構都削減了福利,甚至徹底取消。有些老百姓往往不看好政府能真正澈底改革,尤其是打擊腐敗。我們要為職場裡的信徒禱告,求神賜他們有正直的靈和向罪惡不妥協的膽量,在工作岡位上和生活中為主作美好的見證。
星期五
自「計劃生育政策」在1980年開始實施以來,獨生子女家庭的數量開始激增。令人難過的是,每年有7.6萬獨生子女死於意外或者疾病,使中國產生了百萬多個「失獨」家庭。我們特別來為沒有子女的信徒禱告,願主親自安慰,成為他們的避難所,作他們他們的依靠,又供應他們一切的需要。願主使他們和神及教會的關係,流通著真誠的愛,可以比擬甚至超過親子血源之間的親密。
星期六
中國社會保障主要在於家庭而非政府的責任。按照法律的規定,成年子女有義務贍養年邁的父母。失去獨生子女除了讓父母悲痛欲絕,還會讓他們年老時貧困無依。教會中難免有年長信徒因種種原因跟孩子疏遠,又或生活中沒人關注。我們為教會禱告,求主興起更多人能關心這些孤單長者,不單在靈命上,更是情感上,甚至在物質上能流露主耶穌恩慈憐恤的愛。
星期日
農村教會的傳道人普遍學歷較低,只有初中甚至更低程度,由於能力、素質不夠,教導往往只停留在讀讀聖經,稍微解釋一兩句的層面。教會的發展後繼乏力,很多曾經靈性經歷過大復興的教會現在都出現了問題。農村的傳道人知道他們工作已竭力到極限,也沒有時間和資源來自我充實。我們求主給他們更多建造裝備的機會,加添他們力量,智慧與洞察力,來餵養神託負的羊群。
星期一
海外對中國的宣教策略已有反思,進而相繼建立神學院裝備中國的傳道人。到目前為止,中國的教會發展還停留在對傳道人的裝備、訓練和栽培的階段。由於這個需要是何等的巨大又迫切,幾乎佔去所有的宣教資源。我們要為所有投入傳道人培訓的國外牧者、宣教士感恩,尤其是來自香港,北美,亞洲華人教會,還有韓國眾教會,願主祝福他們的辛勤耕耘,許中國禾場一個歡慶的大豐收。

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Prayer Request 12/10 - 12/16

TuesdayNorthern China is known for its heavy air pollution because they burn coal there in the winter. However, recently haze and calm weather have created very bad pollution in the Eastern region of China forcing schools to close in Shanghai and Nanjing. Churches in China face spiritual pollution as prosperity and ever declining sexual mores corrode their faith. Believers are often powerless to resist temptation and even sin. May the Lord quicken each one to be vigilant using His full armor to fend off the attack of the evil one.
Wednesday
In many cities in China, churches have started holding retreats for men or women as well as marriage retreats during the holidays. These retreats give busy Christians rest and special blessings. We pray that these meetings will bring renewal to marriages and that couples will learn healthy Biblical communication skills and habits, and those who struggle with brokenness, abuse, and hurt will find healing.
Thursday
City churches in China are drawing more and more young professional couples and families to their services. Many of these very busy people are concerned about nothing more than their families and children. Because of this need, many city churches are putting an emphasis on caring for married couples. Many new Christian couples must deal with issues of past sin and continuing problems with their in-laws. We pray they can live out the sacrificial love of Jesus (wives submitting and husbands being considerate) because this is the hardest lesson for them to learn.
Friday
In China, the following cities have the highest divorce rate: Beijing leads with thirty-nine percent followed by Shanghai with thirty-eight percent and then Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Taipei, Hong Kong, Dalian, Hangzhou, and Harbin. We pray that believers will not be influenced by the corrupted attitude about marriage that they see all around them but will be wise in rejecting the wrong idea that divorce solves marital problems. May the Lord guard the pledge we made at our wedding before Him as well as our thoughts and minds.
Saturday
It is said that eighty percent of the divorces of in China are due to extramarital affairs and at least sixty percent of them admit to varying degrees of sexual or mental infidelity. The process of filing for a divorce in China is very simple and the fee is a mere ten yuan ($1.50 US). The majority of people in China see divorce as the natural end to an unhappy marriage with no moral or psychological consequences. Let us pray for Christians who are considering divorce that the Lord will prepare a mature Christian believer who can counsel them and then they will have faith to seek and do what God wants them to do.
Sunday
When they were asked how their extramarital affair began, more than half of the people in China said, “I don’t know.” Although they expressed regret for their foolish act, they said the affair gave them unprecedented excitement. We pray for the serious problem in the churches in China of a lack of resources and ability to handle the vast need for marital counseling. May the Lord raise up more trained therapists, training programs, and pastors who see the importance of marital counseling.
Monday
According to marriage counselors, those who have been involved in affairs usually say they are not sure whether they will repeat the same mistake again or not. Nearly all who have had affairs admit they will never be able to return to their original loving relationship in marriage. We pray for the many divorced people in churches and ask for God’s healing for their brokenness knowing that God’s forgiveness is total and complete. We pray, too, that churches will accept them and have wisdom in their relationships with the families.

星期二
入冬之後,中國北方的空氣一向都是因燒煤造成了嚴重空氣污染。但是長江三角區域受到霧霾及靜穩天氣影響,加上市民開始燃煤取暖,華東地區嚴重大氣污染,迫使上海、南京的學校停課。追逐金錢及性道德的敗壞,也嚴重地造成屬靈的污染。許多信徒沒有力量抵擋誘惑和罪惡,甚至視其為家常便飯。求主激勵我們隨時儆醒,更要穿上神所賜的全副軍裝,竭力抵擋仇敵撒旦的各種攻擊。
星期三
許多城市教會在年假期間紛紛舉辦夫妻營會,弟兄營會,姐妹營會等,讓許多平時忙碌的信徒能夠在休息之餘,同時在靈裏可以得著更新。我們為這些營會感恩,求主透過真理的教導和實踐,帶來參加者的婚姻更新,信徒夫妻能學會健康、合乎聖經的溝通技巧與習慣,特別是那些曾受到傷害的人際關係得到完全的寬恕與醫治。
星期四
城市教會吸引越來越多的職場人士加入,他們最關心的莫過於家庭和孩子等話題,因著這樣的需求,城市教會開始重視對於教會夫妻的關懷和牧養。許多信主不久的基督徒夫婦,必須對付信主之前的罪和目前生活中與配偶父母相處的難題。我們為他們能勝過自己的軟弱,活出主耶穌犧牲的愛:丈夫體貼妻子,妻子順服丈夫來禱告, 因為捨己是最不易學習的功課。
星期五
在離婚率最高的十個城市裡,北京第一、上海第二。北京的離婚率39%,上海的離婚率38%,接著是深圳、廣州、廈門、台北、香港、大連、杭州、哈爾濱。求主幫助信徒不受現今世代敗壞的婚姻觀影響,有智慧分辨傳媒對婚姻關係的錯誤描繪及渲染。求主保守祂兒女謹守在祂面前慎重許下的婚姻承諾,也保守我們的心懷意念。
星期六
按統計,八成以上的婚姻最終破裂是導因于第三者的介入。六成以上的人經歷不同程度的身體或精神上的「出軌」。一般人視離婚為結束不快樂婚姻的自然選擇,離婚手續非常簡單,符合條件的,只需付費十元人民幣(1.50美元)即成。讓我們為目前正考慮離婚的信徒禱告,求神幫助他們用信心依靠並尋求祂的旨意,也求主預備成熟的屬靈同伴來支持他們,作出討神喜悅的決定,也願意靠主活出美好的見証。
星期日
當問及婚外情是怎麼發生的?五成以上的人認為自己的出軌是「鬼使神差」。他們雖然對後果表示後悔,認為自己是稀裏糊塗的有了婚外情,但與此同時,卻承認出軌帶給自己前所未有的刺激感。國內教會缺少能力或資源來幫助婚姻出現問題的信徒,我們為教會能重視並回應迫切的婚姻輔導事工禱告,求主興起合適的工人開展有關的培訓,賜下更多輔導人才培訓班,和更多能明白婚姻輔導的重要性和果效的教會牧者與領導同工。
星期一
根據婚姻輔導員的觀察,婚姻出軌者對自己是否會故伎重施,普遍表示沉默,認為「説不準」。同時,幾乎所有人都認為自己出軌後,再也無法重回原先的婚姻愛戀軌道上。我們為那些在信主前已離婚的或在教會聚會的失婚信徒禱告,求神醫治他們的心靈創傷,有信心知道神的赦免是完全的;求主幫助他們有智慧處理好與家人的關係。也為教會能接納這群失婚人來禱告。

Tuesday, December 03, 2013

Prayer Request 12/3 - 12/9

TuesdayIn China, the only job blind people can do is massage with music considered as a possible career. In order to enter a university and pursue other careers, one must pass the entrance examination called “gao kao” but there are no exams for the blind. Let us remember all the believers who have various disabilities. We pray that Christians will reach out to them, care for them and encourage them from God’s Word, and pray with them so they will know that God’s love is real and He is always with them.
Wednesday
China says it has eighty-five million or about 6.5 percent of the population who are disabled. Beginning in 2008, disabled children were finally allowed to enjoy public education. However, the parents of able-bodied children often object to having these children included in the same classroom as their children. Very few Chinese churches are able to accommodate children with any kind of disability in their Sunday schools. We pray for God’s comfort, strength, and patience for Christian families with children who have physical, mental, or learning disabilities. We know God is good all the time.
Thursday
In China there are no professional physical, occupational, or speech therapists. There is a “kangfu” or rehabilitation license but it is even below nurses in the hospital system and they are considered technicians with a low status. Let us pray for Christians who will care for the handicapped or people who have had a stroke. The Lord knows their frustrations and limits so we pray the Lord will give them joy, patience, special grace, strength, and His love as they carry out their daily routines.
Friday
Disabled children in China are not being integrated into the mainstream of society. The government builds these huge places for them and then stuffs them into these facilities. There is little incentive to change because these “homes” are run by officials who may employ their own relatives. Chinese often shy away from children with deformities and/or handicaps and parents will “dump” them into these special homes. We pray for some churches and ministries that care for children with severe handicaps who employ believers and have a goal of showing the love of Jesus to “the least of these”.
Saturday
It is very difficult for a handicapped person to navigate public transportation in China. Even the newly-constructed streets are not built with handicapped people in mind. When they ask for directions on the street, people often respond as if they do not understand the question. Unless they are newly-built, the meeting places of the churches are universally unfriendly to those with all kinds of disabilities, But we need to pray against the coolness and prejudice common in churches. May the Lord give us His compassion and mercy for all people with handicaps.
Sunday
Over 40% of the disabled Chinese in China are illiterate. While government figures show a near universal enrollment of children in primary school, there is a large gap for children who have disabilities. Twenty-eight percent of such children are not receiving the basic education to which they are entitled. Children’s Sunday school classes in China are usually crowded and are unable to offer special attention to children with learning or developmental disabilities. We pray for the parents who must teach Bible stories to their children and tell them Jesus loves them very much.
Monday
In mainland China people are not educated about people with disabilities and there is prejudice against them. Families who have children with disabilities feel they are without resources to copy and unaccepted by the community. In many ways the churches in China have ignored the needs of those who are handicapped whether in the church or in the households of the believers. We pray for more people who will be stirred to reach out and serve these lonely and unloved people with God’s love. We remember those Christians involved in ministries caring for handicapped people.

星期二
整個大環境都認為盲人只能做按摩。音樂被認為是適合盲人的另一個行業。如果盲人想參加高考,以便可以自由選擇專業,教育部門表示:無能為力讓盲人參加高考。我們要在禱告中記念有各樣殘疾的信徒們。求主興起弟兄姐妹來關心這個群體,和他們一起禱告,以神的話語來鼓舞他們,讓他們深深體驗神無比的慈愛,經歷神隨事隨處信實的同在。
星期三
中國有8500萬殘疾人,約佔總人口的6.5%。2008年,中國的殘疾人有了進入普通學校的權利。不過健全兒童的父母有時候會反對殘疾兒童隨班就讀。極少的教會及他們的主日學能真正的照顧任何有殘障的孩童。我們為那些信徒家庭有身體,心理或學習障礙的子女來祈求,願主賜下安慰,加添力量和耐心,因為無論處身何種際遇,我們的神是良善的,祂必顧念我們一切的所需。
星期四
目前中國還沒有物理、職業和語言治療師的團隊,只有一種「康復師」資格證書。但是在醫療系統中,康復師甚至還不如護士,他們被看成是技工,地位較低。我們來為家中有殘疾或中風的信徒祈求,神知道他們在日常生活中,種種的挫折和自己的極限。願神格外加添他們愛心與耐心,因著神豐盛的恩典與力量,天天滿有主的愛和喜樂來面對挑戰,服事病人。
星期五
中國人往往迴避殘疾兒童,以他們為恥,一些父母甚至將他們拋棄給孤兒院。政府蓋起巨大的建築,然後把殘障孩子塞在裡面。那些設施都是官員經營,可能會僱傭自己的親戚。殘疾人更無法融入主流社會。我們特別為一些教會及事工感恩,他們專門照顧有重障礙的孩子,可貴的是許多看顧的員工都是基督徒,他們以耶穌的愛來照顧「最小的」。
星期六
殘疾人很難利用中國的公共交通出行,新造的街道也不適合殘疾者使用。在街上問路時,人們經常會以缺乏理解的姿態回應。除了少數新建的教堂,一般的聚會場地也是不利有殘疾的人出入。我們更是要為有許多教會不接納甚至歧視有殘疾的人,向神認罪悔改,求主賜給我們多有祂的慈悲和憐憫來接待殘疾的人。
星期日
中國有超過40%的殘疾人不識字。儘管政府表示,幾乎所有兒童都可以進入小學就讀,但殘疾兒童卻有28%的殘障兒童得不到基本的教育。教會的兒童主日學總是擁擠,實在無法提供專門的看顧 ,周全照顧有學習或發育障礙的兒童。求主幫助他們的父母親能擔起培育靈性的責任,教導聖經故事,與孩子一起禱告,讓孩子清楚知曉耶穌更是疼愛他們。
星期一
一般人對殘疾人有偏見,因為他們沒有接受過相應的教育,不知道怎麼理解有殘障的人。 家裡有殘疾的,也不知道如何面對,甚至覺得羞恥,尤其是有殘疾的孩子。在過去中國教會忽略弱智者和殘障人的需要,也沒有好好的關心教會中的殘疾者。求主幫助我們,能以基督的愛來關心這些特別需要神的安慰與醫治的這群孤獨、甚至不容易愛的人。願主也賜福、記念正委身服事殘疾事工者的勞苦和愛心。

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Prayer Request 11/26 - 12/2

TuesdayChina overtook India as the top gold importing and gold jewelry country. The insatiable appetite does not include gold sold in Hong Kong, which is favored by Mainland tourists and enjoyed an increase of 28% this year. Believers are buying houses, cars and gold too, but many churches are seeing decline in attendances in weekday services and no visible increase in church’s offering. We pray for a passion for God, hunger for His Word and thirst for spiritual renewal for all churches.
Wednesday
Many Christians have an overly optimistic view of church growth in China which even borders on wishful thinking. Some have claimed that the number of Christians in China will reach 200 million by 2020 which is an utterly irresponsible projection. We praise God for the miraculous growth of the church in China and we pray that they will not lose sight of the vision and passion of evangelism. We ask that the fire of the Holy Spirit will continue to burn strongly throughout the churches in China.
Thursday
The booming period of church growth in China has passed and during the past decade it has slowed down significantly. The future growth of the church there is also projected to be slow as well. Christians remain a minority group in China and many people there have never even heard of Jesus. In many regions of western China it is very difficult to find Christian churches and there are even fewer believers than in other areas. Even in the cities there churches are small, weak, and barely surviving. We pray for a revival of believers and the renewal of their passion to share Christ.
Friday
Since the economic reform there, China has become urbanized and so has the strategy for evangelism. Chinese pastors used to each cover several meeting points and were not familiar with their members. Now, more churches have their own pastors who do not have to travel around. Let us pray for the churches that do not have a pastor and ask the Lord to give them mature believers who are humble and willing to serve so they can care for and feed God’s sheep. We also pray that believers will not dump all the work of caring for others on their pastors.
Saturday
As the use of the Internet has become more prevalent, believers in China can obtain and compare online sermons. This is a trend in the churches there as believers become more educated and intellectual. We pray especially that pastors in China will be bold, wise, and make good application of God’s Word. We also ask the Lord to give believers humility and teachable hearts.
Sunday
Many pastors in mainland China get their training in Hong Kong or Singapore. However, they tend to become “more preaching and less action” like pastors abroad. It is also difficult to apply what they learn in terms of church revival so they create much tension when they return to China. All the training conducted in the past decades has indeed benefited many pastors and helped to improve their Biblical knowledge. We pray for quality students, godliness, and integrity for all of the pastors. May the Lord of the harvest grant us mercy and give His sheep many faithful shepherds.
Monday
The house church movement in mainland China is moving toward being more open. There is more dialogue and sharing of information between the house churches and the Three-self churches so that there is more understanding between the leaders. We pray there will be more exchange among the believers of all churches. We pray for those who worship in the open churches but attend fellowships in the house churches. We ask the Lord for churches that will be more accepting of each other rather than critical or even forbid members to participate in the functions of the other group.

星期二
中國目前已超過印度,成為全球最大黃金首飾市場。這還不包括香港的黃金首飾和投資需求。在中國遊客的推動下,香港今年的黃金首飾需求增長28%。但是教會週間聚會人數卻是下滑,奉獻沒有明顯增加。求主再次挑旺我們愛祂的火熱,更渴慕神的話語和更敏銳於感受聖靈在我們心中的催逼。
星期三
不少人對中國教會未來的趨勢過於樂觀,有人更估計2020年,中國會有2億基督徒。雖然中國在各方面上都一直在轉變,但是宗教的全面開放似乎實現的機率仍微小。我們為神在中國教會裡的工作感恩,求主常提醒我們不要滿足現狀,而失去傳福音的異象及熱忱。願復興的火繼續在中國教會中燃燒。
星期四
過去十年,中國教會的發展顯著減慢,似乎最蓬勃時期已經過去,有人預計未來發展也將趨於緩慢。中國教會在社會仍是少數派,到處走走便知有些人連「耶穌」這名字也未曾聽過。許多地區裡(尤其西部),教會寥無幾,信主的人少而又少,城鎮的教會也軟弱無力地存活著。求主幫助我們,在這末世主快臨的日子前,能靠主殷勤不懈怠,忠心為真理打美好的仗。
星期五
中國自改革開放以來,促進各地城市化發展,教會傳福音的策略也有顯著改變。以前內地牧者是走訪不同的點,牧師跟會友不太相熟;現時內地教會也漸漸出現有駐堂牧師。但仍未普及。我們為沒有駐堂牧者的教會禱告,求主幫助弟兄姊妹彼此謙卑,配搭服事,一起來照管群羊。求主也提醒信徒,不要因為有了駐堂牧者,就理所當然地把所有事奉關懷的善工都推給牧者負責。
星期六
未來十年中國教會趨勢,基督教將(包括家庭教會)走向公開化、不再隱藏;而網絡資訊發達,會眾得以多方比對,對牧師講道的期望也提高,整體中國教會都正走向高知識化。我們特別為牧者在講台上的供應禱告,求主將當講的話賜給他們,給他們權柄和能力,將真理表明出來。又求主賜下智慧,幫助牧者把真理連結上實際生活,而不是一些抽象難行的規條。我們也為信徒有謙卑、受教的心禱告。
星期日
好些中國教會的教牧同工會到香港、新加坡等不同地方進修,這原是很好的真理造就平台,但卻有學習了『多說少做』的危機。教授者說了一大堆神學理論,卻又未必很能造就人,回去後反成了信仰的張力。近年的培訓的確幫助了不少傳道人,也在知識的傳授有很多成就。我們要為傳道人的屬靈生命禱告,求主時刻操練祂的工人,在祂面前有一顆敬畏、正直及忠誠的心,在生活中活出美好典範。
星期一
家庭教會正走向公開化。以前各不相干的家庭和三自教會之間,開始出現互通。現時資訊發達,雙方能互相得知對方資料,也能透過其他地區的場合彼此認識,令雙方教牧領袖間有更多深入了解,關係能更進一步。求主賜給信徒彼此間有更多交通的機會,我們特別為不少既參加三自教會主日聚會,又在家庭教會參加小組的信徒的禱告,願神賜給教會間多有接納而不是批評和攻擊,或禁止會友參與別教會的活動。

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Prayer Request 11/19 - 11/25

TuesdayChina implemented major change in its population control policy, allowing a second child for couples if one parent is an only child. Strict one-child policy has caused “people age before ever getting rich”, shortage of workers, and lack of post-retirement support. We are excited and thankful to God for China churches because of the future growth of children ministry. We pray that churches will put real effort into providing an environment where children learn to worship God and church lives, rather than just babysitting.
Wednesday
Chinese government has been under pressure to change the unpopular one-child policy. Since 2011, it started to allow second child, but both parents must be sole children themselves to be eligible. Rural families can have two children if their first-born is a girl. We pray for blessings for believers who desire to have a second child. May the Lord give them wisdom and strength. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Pro 22:6)
Thursday
One unusual social dynamic created by the one-child policy is that many college graduates are “only children” so their parents and grandparents continue to nurture and provide for them even after they have become adults. We pray that the Lord will help Christian parents to know how to instruct their children to obey God’s Word and that they themselves will be a model for their children to show them how to follow the Lord all their lives.
Friday
An “only child” in China could receive money from at least six relatives, their parents and grandparents on both sides of the family. Despite some grumbling, their parents will send them money to help support their modest lifestyle. Many have observed that these children raised as an “only child” are not strong but are unable to face difficulties. Let us pray for the young people in the churches. May God grant them hearts that fear the Lord, revive them spiritually, and above all that they will be willing to be used by God.
Saturday
The vast majority of young people in the churches of China are from “one child” homes. They enjoy all the provisions and attention of their parents. Some are obviously spoiled and very self-centered with poor interpersonal skills. Some are overly materialistic while others are weak and lack the drive to achieve. May the Lord remind us all that as parents we must teach our children to love God because it is the beginning of wisdom and brings His blessing.
Sunday
The best job in China is a government job which offers security and a pension on retirement.. Young college graduates do not want factory jobs even though companies increasingly offer blue collar workers the kinds of benefits that many white collar workers did not have until recently. Young Christians balk at the idea of serving God in a church because they have seen their pastors labor without appreciation and spend a great deal of time at the church with little family time. We pray for the children of pastors that the Lord will comfort them and heal their hurts and that the pastors themselves will live a balanced and healthy family life.
Monday
Many of the poor churches in China, including those for migrant workers are able to pay only the basic living expenses of their pastors. This meager salary is not enough to pay for the education of the pastors’ children and they will never be able to afford to send them to college. We pray for God’s special grace for every pastor’s family, especially for their children so they will be able to appreciate why their parents serve the Lord in this way—not because they have to or are forced to but because they know they will be blessed by God.

星期二
中國計劃生育政策重大改變,現在夫婦其中一方只要是獨生子女,便可生育兩個孩子。一胎化政策造成 “未富先老”、勞動力短缺、獨生子女家庭養老問題。我們為此突破變感恩,能有條件昇第二胎, 必定讓兒童事工的需求更大。求帶主幫助眾教會認真將第二代事工成為重點,幫助信徒子女從小喜愛崇拜上帝,學習教會生活,而不僅僅是個”保姆事工“。
星期三
計劃生育政策不斷調整,2011年,“雙獨二胎”(夫妻雙方都為獨生子女,可生二胎)政策已經覆蓋全國。農村家庭如果第一胎是個女孩, 是准許有第二胎。 我們為計劃第二個孩子信徒來求神的祝福,給父母親們智慧和力量, 從小就 “教養孩童,使他走當行的道,就是到老他也不偏離。” 箴言22:6
星期四
一胎化帶來一種不尋常的社會現象,許多大學畢業生是其父母和祖父母唯一的孩子,還是繼續接受長輩的照顧。我們為所有基督徒父母禱告,求主幫助他們以聖經教導子女遵守主道,家長也有美好的生命榜樣,幫助子女一生跟隨主的腳踪。
星期五
父母和祖父母會給獨生子錢,等於六個人供養他們,儘管父母有一些怨言,但他們還是會給孩子匯款,幫助他們維持基本的生活。獨生子女不夠堅強不能吃苦,很多人都有這樣的觀察。我們為教會中的獨生一代來禱告,求主將敬畏神的心賜給他們,復興他們的靈命,更是求主大大使用他們。
星期六
中國教會下一代大部分是獨生子女,生活水平好,他們能享受到父母全部的照顧和愛護。一些父母過分寵愛孩子,養成孩子以自我為中心的性格,人際關係處理能力低下;有些孩子過分注重物質享受,形成錯誤的價值觀;還有的孩子意志薄弱,毅力不強,無法堅忍以達成理想。求主提醒每位信徒家長,真是知道只有教導孩子一生愛主,不但是智慧的開端,並且是蒙福的唯一方法。
星期日
政府的工作有就業保障,還有退休金在中國是非常受歡迎的。 雖然企業日趨為藍領工人提供很多白領直到最近都不敢想的福利待遇,但是年輕大學畢業生還是不願去工廠工作。年輕信徒不願全職在教會服侍,因為他們看見傳道人服事繁多,心力和時間大都放在事奉上,很少有時間照顧兒女。求主醫治牧者子女的心靈,傳道人能平衡關顧教會與家庭的需要。
星期一
有些基層教會(包括農民工教會)的教牧同工和信徒生活拮据,只能維持基本生活的需要,難以供應孩子的學費,更別說讓孩子上大學。讓我們為每一位傳道人的家庭來禱告,求主恩待他們,尤其是傳道人的子女真能體會,他們的父母親服侍主,不是倒霉也不是被利用,而是走在神蒙福的道路上。

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Prayer Request 11/12 - 11/18

TuesdayWhile the central government of China offers extensive, need-based grants and loans for students at four-year universities, little financial aid is available for students at polytechnics to help pay their higher tuition. All parents in China try to save to give their child a college education. We pray for believers who feel they do not have enough savings and feel guilty about it. May the Lord remind us all that the best education we can give our children is the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wednesday
Students at polytechnics tend to be from poor or rural backgrounds. China’s education ministry said that last year, eighty percent of the students at polytechnics were the first in their families to receive higher education. These days, there are more college graduates among members of churches in China than before. Believers who have different levels of education understand what the pastor says at different levels. Let us pray that the pastor’s sermon can effectively appeal to a more educated group but the message will be both Biblical and applicable to daily living.
Thursday
The work of evangelism is much more difficult now in China, compared to a few years ago. On Sunday, it is also difficult to ask Christians to bring their friends to church because many would work extra hours for extra pay. There are so much entertainment around and people are focused on materialism and enjoyment, with little spiritual appetite left. We ask the Lord to give urban churches wisdom and strategies for evangelism, so the Gospel can be taken into the society with His power.
Friday
Because church members are physically exhausted after work, Chinese pastors find it difficult to visit their flocks. In order to provide caring to those working, pastors have to spend more time visiting people at home or call them over the phone as the only way of ministering, It is nearly impossible for a pastor to care for everyone in church, simply because they do not have the time and there are too many church members. We pray for effective caring of church members, especially those members who need much encouragement but are not receiving enough attention, may the Lord speak and comfort them.
Saturday
In the past, when Christians passed out tracts on the streets, at least some people will read them. Now, there are so much business ads and commercials, handing out Gospel tracts seem to be unproductive. People simply throw them away, making evangelism very difficult. We pray that Christians in their workplace, those Christian businessmen or social workers, will intentionally share the love of God and be a great witness for Him. They can be highly effective in loosening the hard soil.
Sunday
Factory work attracts young people from the rural regions, inland provinces that are generally poor and these youth are predominantly middle school graduates. They work to send money back home and very few of the Chinese Christians in the cities know their stories. Let us pray that young factory workers who are from Christian homes can quickly find a spiritual home near where they work whether it is a church or a meeting place so they can continue to be fed with God’s word and be built up spiritually.
Monday
Although in the past extramarital affairs were unheard of in churches in China, they are no longer “big news”. Their evil influence is affecting churches very deeply, like cancer, and it damages believers, even the pastors. May the Lord have mercy on each of us, believers and leaders alike. Churches need to be transparent and discuss this issue openly teaching their people how to face sexual temptations by guarding their hearts and running away from the lures and traps of lust. We pray that pastors will lead the movement to the return to holiness.

星期二
政府儘管向四年制本科院校生提供範圍廣泛且按需給予的助學金和貸款,但專科院校的學生幾乎無法獲得任何資助來承擔高昂的學費。父母都會竭盡所能的為孩子的大學教育費用積蓄。我們在禱告中要記念那些沒有足夠儲蓄,甚至因此對孩子有內疚的信徒父母禱告,求主提醒我們,父母帶領孩子認識耶穌基督才是給孩子最好的教育投資。
星期三
在專科院校就讀的學生當中,來自窮困或者農村家庭的比率非常高。教育部透露,去年專科院校中家有八成的學生是家中第一個考上大學的孩子。今日中國教會裡的弟兄姊妹的教育程度已比昔日大大提升了,如何牧養各類不同的信徒是傳道人的一大挑戰。求主幫助牧者能進入羊群中,了解他們的實際需要,在傳講主的話語時,能適切按眾人的屬靈狀況輔導、餵養。
星期四
目前在中國城市的福音工作開展更為不易,傳福音比從前難得多!就算在主日,仍有好些弟兄姊妹自願回公司加班賺錢,同理也很難帶領朋友到教會聽福音。城市資訊泛濫,人心苦於被功利物質競逐及世俗享樂所充滿,福音信息往往難以突圍而出。求主幫助城市教會制定適切的佈道計劃,針對人心在浮華沉澱過后的空虛,靠著主的大能把福音大大傳開。
星期五
由於工作量大,信徒下班後已經很疲倦,所以能接受牧養的時間有限。許多城市教會的牧者只能多花時間上門牧養或是以電話牧養在主日加班的信徒。想讓每個會友都得到牧者的關懷是不太容易的,牧者忙,會友多是極大原因之一。我們為那些特別需要鼓勵關懷的會友禱告,願主的話語和來自神自己的安慰能彌補牧者的不足。
星期六
過去信徒在街頭給未信者派發福音單張時,他們多半會接過去看。但現在因廣告和推銷單張太多,福音單張淪為其中一種,人們往往看了就扔掉,不會特別珍惜。今時的人心難向福音開放,使佈道工作倍加困難!求主使用職場上的信徒、社會上的基督徒商家及社會工作者,能在工作崗位上作光作鹽,以美好的生命見證,為未來的福音工作鬆土及舖路。
星期日
很多民工都是從鄉下到工業區打工,十多歲的青年人佔了大多數。他們离鄉背景辛苦工作,為的就是掙錢寄回鄉養家。很少城市教會的基督徒知道這些民工的個人故事,他們的靈魂曾否有人關心過?我們要為「農民工」信徒在城市裡都能加入或組成一個屬靈的家(聚會點)禱告,求主供應他們屬靈生命上的需要,並在愛中彼此建立。
星期一
以前在教會鮮有聽聞會眾中有婚外情發生。但今天時移勢逆,這股歪風已捲進教會,滲透到信徒的家庭,像毒瘤般危害弟兄姊妹,甚至在傳道人及教會領袖的家中也難以幸免。求主恩待教會,保守領袖同工及信徒的心。教會實在要公開面對這個挑戰,坦誠地教導弟兄姐妹如何更積極有效地捍衛家庭的價值觀,隨時隨處謹守自己的心,逃避眼目的引誘,情慾的陷阱。

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Prayer Request 11/5 - 11/11


Tuesday
In Xinjiang many of the Uighur people are convinced that Beijing is seeking to wipe out their language and culture through assimilation and educational policies that favor the Mandarin language over Uighur in schools and government jobs. It is difficult to share the good news of Jesus with the Muslims in China. Let us pray for the small number of Uighurs that has become Christians. May the Lord protect them, bless them, and give them boldness to stay firm in their faith.
Wednesday
In Xinjiang, clashes have been fueled by the discouraging realities of daily life: job discrimination, restrictions that prohibit those under eighteen from entering mosques, and the difficulty that many Uighurs face in obtaining passports. Han Chinese generally view all ethnic minorities as backward and not industrious. We pray again asking God to remove our prejudices and ethnic pride which seriously impede the missionary effort of the Chinese church.
Thursday
Fear and mistrust between the Han Chinese and the Uighurs has worsened in recent years as more Han Chinese migrants settle into heavily guarded enclaves, especially in the southern crescent of Xinjiang which remains predominantly Uighur. Churches speak of evangelism to the Muslims in foreign countries but they have deep suspicion and even disgust toward the Muslim minorities in their cities. May the Lord examine our hearts so our love for the lost in indeed true.
Friday
Even in Urumqi where ethnic Han Chinese make up seventy-five percent of the population, knots of heavily armed police officers in fatigues are positioned throughout Uighur neighborhoods. Churches in Urumqi are mostly for the Han Chinese and are growing among the college students. We ask the Lord to raise up loyal believers who through their daily contracts can share Jesus with their co-workers or customers.
Saturday
Beijing has coupled its “strike hard” security approach with turbo-charged economic development but even that has stoked resentment among Uighurs who say the best jobs go to the newly-arrived Han people. We pray for more Christians who appreciate the ethnic, cultural, and religious differences in the two groups and will help to educate Christians to understand complexities of cross-cultural mission, and instruct us how to befriend the Muslims in their cities.
Sunday
Part of the anti-government sentiment is religious in nature. Muslim civil servants can be fired for joining Friday prayers and Uighur college students are often required to eat lunch in the cafeterias during their holy month of Ramadan. We pray for divine wisdom for those who set the policies and enforce them, especially in the Muslim regions of China. Ethnic discontent and strife impede and delay sharing the gospel. Again, we pray for improvement of life and job opportunities for all of the Chinese Muslims.
Monday
Certain policies and restriction have caused the Uighurs to be religiously radicalized. Five years ago it was rare to see a woman wearing a veil in Urumqi but now it is very common. Growing a beard and demanding their wives cover their heads in public has become an act of defiance. We pray for all of the Muslims, young or old, who have become Christians and are enduring pressure and opposition from their communities and even from family members. May the Lord or grace strengthen and bless them.


星期二
新疆的維吾爾人認為,當局正試圖通過同化措施和教育政策,消除他們的語言和文化,包括在學校及政府工作中優先使用漢語,而不是維吾爾語。向伊斯蘭教徒分享耶穌是困難重重。讓我們為少數接受了福音的維人代禱,願主的恩惠臨到保守他們,堅固他們的信心能靠主屹立不動搖。
星期三
不少新疆居民認為與政府的衝突都是由日常生活中令人沮喪的現實引起的,例如就業的歧視、禁止不滿18歲者進入清真寺的規定、以及很多維吾爾人難以取得護照等等。另外漢族普遍認為少數民族是懶惰及落後的。求主幫助我們挪去對少數民族的偏見和種族優越感,赦免我們因自義而阻礙了神愛的流通,並幫助教會有宣教的動力。
星期四
隨著近年越來越多漢族人在新疆定居(尤其至今仍以維吾爾族人為主的新疆南部弧形地帶),兩個民族之間的衝突、懷疑氣氛不斷加劇和惡化。教會雖然常常喊著回宣的口號,但是卻對居停在他們城市中的回民有相當的懷疑,甚至帶著厭惡的態度。願主鑒察我們的心思,叫我們能體會主愛普澤世人的心腸,有為失喪靈魂憂傷的心。
星期五
即使在漢族人佔75%的烏魯木齊,維吾爾族社區也常佈滿了一隊隊全副武裝、荷槍實彈的軍警。烏魯木齊的事工以漢族和大學生為主,我們求主興起忠心的門徒,藉著日常與同事、朋友及客戶的接觸,見證基督的救恩。
星期六
政府在新疆推行名為「嚴打」的安全行動的同時,還大力發展新疆的經濟,雖然經濟促進地方的繁榮,但這點也引起維吾爾人不滿,他們說:「最好的工作都歸屬於新來的漢人。」求主幫助信徒能更多了解、尊重和欣賞漢族和維吾爾族的文化和宗教之間的差異性及多元特質,幫助我們曉得如何做好跨文化的福音事工,也賜信徒智慧與鄰舍建立真誠的友誼。
星期日
新疆少數民族抵制政府的情緒部分是由日益嚴重的宗教限制舉措所引發的。公務員可能會因為參加週五祈禱而被解僱。維吾爾族大學生在神聖的齋月期間,常被要求在學校食堂吃午飯。求主給當局在制定政策及執行上有智慧,盡可能減少種族之間的矛盾。我們除了為當地人民的生活及工作有積極改善來禱告之外, 我們也求主開啟這些地區福音的大門。
星期一
新疆實施的某些政策及限制,反而導致維吾爾族人對自身信仰更加執著。五年前在烏魯木齊很難看到戴面紗的女性,但現在卻不一樣了:回民蓄鬍鬚,要妻子在公共場合蒙頭遮面已經成為一種抗爭的表現。我們在禱告中紀念曾是穆斯林但現已跟隨主耶穌的人,願主加添他們力量,又安慰保護他們,尤其是面對家人及社區的強大反對壓力時,仍滿有主堅立的恩典與祝福。

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Prayer Request 10/29 - 11/4


Tuesday
As China undergo rapid economic development, a new and divisive character has emerged: the wealthy young scion. Children who come from money in China, colloquially called fu'erdai, they are often associated with many negative stereotypes. It is very difficult for children from Christian families to retain their faith, because of the atheistic education and influence. We ask for the following for all Christian parents: wisdom, perseverance, teaching the Bible starting when children are small and never give up praying for them.
Wednesday
Fu'erdai literally translates to "rich second generation" and are generally either guan'erdai, meaning "government official second generation;" xing'erdai, meaning "super-star second generation;" or hong'erdai, children whose families have strong roots in the Communist Party. It is truly sad to see so many Christian youth drift away and never to seen again in church. So few churches have children ministries, parents even discourage their kids going to church in order to study. We pray for the spiritual life and salvation of all the youth. We pray many will quickly stand in this tragic gap.
Thursday
Unlike Chinese parents outside of China, the priority for parents in China isn’t professional standing (medical doctors or lawyers) or public achievement, but money and security, regardless of what the job involves. Christian parents also expect their kids to have a good job, and to take care of them when they are old. We thank the Lord for all parents who encourage their children to serve the Lord; we too praise the Lord and ask for blessing for the parents of all church workers.
Friday
Chinese parents pour money into their children’s education, but they also spend on short cuts. It is not uncommon for mothers bribe teachers to sit children at the front of the class, so that their child wouldn’t be lost among the other fifty or sixty students. Christian parents worry just as much their children will somehow lose out teachers’ favor. We pray for the parents so they will have great faith in God, knowing if they teach children to love God first, God will certainly take care of their children.
Saturday
In the Chinese tradition, the most attractive prospect is an official job. Although the salaries are low on paper, but even an unimportant job in the extended hierarchies of officialdom comes with guaranteed benefits and security for life, known as the ‘iron rice bowl.’ Let us pray for believers who work for the government, so they will be shining light in their workplaces. The Lord give them good relationship with people, and they are willing to serve brothers and sisters in church, with humility and dedication.
Sunday
A mid level position is a license for extortion and string-pulling. Jobs in one of the giant state-owned enterprises, such as the oil behemoth Sinopec or the ‘big four’ banks, are the next best thing. It is understandable that many Christians are hesitant to reveal their faith at work, especially in the government office setting. We want to pray that Christians will be a great witness for Jesus, as they work with their bosses, coworkers and customers, may the sweet fragrance of Jesus be ever present in their lives.
Monday
Having a state-backed jobs means to be a tizhinei, “inside the system,”, the job comes with all the attendant perks of generous expense accounts, strong social security, and, at the right level, regular pay-offs. In order to be “inside the system” often require joining the Communist Party and not to reveal one’s faith. Again, we pray for strong witness in every believer, so they will be cunning as snakes and gentle as doves.

星期二
中國經濟快速的發展,產生了一個嶄新及具有分裂性的的人物,就是富人家族的年輕一代,俗稱富二代,他們往往給人許多負面的刻板印象。 在中國,基督徒第二代的信仰確實是很難持守,因為孩子從小就是接受無神論的教育及灌輸。我們為信徒家長求智慧,恆久的耐心,從小就教導孩子聖經,也不住的為子女禱告。
星期三
富二代中有大多數是是官二代,意思是父母親是高官,或者是星二代”-明星們的孩子,或者是紅二代”- 家裡與共產黨有深厚的淵源。教會第二代的流失實在太嚴重,是很可惜的現象。有太多教會沒有孩童事工,信徒家長甚至為了子女課業不鼓勵孩來聚會。我們為年輕一代的靈命和救恩向神祈求,願主賜給教會與信徒能看見破口的存在,趕快即時挽回流失的小羊。
星期四
與海外的華人家長相比較,中國的父母親並不優先要求子女進入專業(醫生或律師等)或有公開的成就,而是指望孩子能賺錢,有份安穩的好工作。一般的信徒父母們的期望也是類似,要求孩子一定要有好工作,能照顧他們的晚年。我們要為那些信徒願意讓子女獻身服事神感恩,也為所有傳道人的家人們感謝神,求主加倍地祝福他們。
星期五
中國父母樂意投資孩子的教育,他們也常常花錢走後門,包紅包給老師,讓孩子多有老師的關注,譬如讓孩子能在五、六十人的課堂裡坐在前頭。 信徒家長同樣地處處為兒女著想,唯恐孩子輸給人家,得不到師長的關照。求主賜給我們多有信心,相信當我們教導孩子,在每一件事上先求神的國和祂的義,上帝必定會按著祂信實的應許,供應他們一切的需要。
星期六
在中國傳統中,最誘人的職業就是在政府機構工作,雖然表面上工資不是太高,但是卻有種種的福利,特別的方便與保障,退休金等等,這是所謂的「鐵飯碗」。我們為在政府機構工作的信徒來禱告,求主使用他們成為光明的燈台,也賜給他們美好的人際關係,更是在教會中,也有美好謙卑的投入與事奉來服待弟兄姊妹。
星期日
在公家機關裡,一個中等水平的職員就如同個小皇帝,能賺許多外快紅包,能拉關係擺平事情,尤其是那些在大型國有企業,如石化,或是四大銀行之一的職位。在中國職場,尤其是國有企業裡,許多信徒不願意公開自己的信仰 。我們禱告,每位信徒與上司,同事,和顧客相處時,都能靠主活出他們待人處事與眾不同的品格,跟隨基督耶穌。
星期一
「體制內」泛指公務員、國企編制內員工能依靠國有資產獲得各樣好處的群體, 這樣的一群人有公家的錢交際,退休保障,還有每年必有的獎金。要成為「體制內」的一員,多半要求入黨,而且不能有宗教信仰等迷信。我們為每位信徒在職場,在生意場合,都能有美好見證來禱告,求主幫助他們能靈巧像蛇,馴良像鴿子,堅定持守神真理美善的教導,勇敢為主而活。

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Prayer Request 10/22 - 10/28


Tuesday
Trade schools offer hope for rural migrants in China. For the children of China’s 200 million migrant laborers, vocational schools offer the promise of better-paying and more stable work than their parents have. Chinese parents take great pride in having children who earn a lot of money. Let us pray for pastors and others who work in churches that the Lord will bless them and richly reward their efforts so they will see that they are accumulating treasure in heaven.
Wednesday
While China has long had state-run vocational schools, critics say that these schools are bogged down by bureaucracy and overwhelmed by the huge number of youth who need further training.The training of Chinese pastors in the past has focused more on knowledge and less on character and spiritual formation. We pray that those who lead the training sessions will have spiritual insight and wisdom and emphasize training the whole person, preparing a vessel suitable for the Lord’s use that will build up the Body of Christ.
Thursday
Courses in vocational schools cover a wide range of subjects which often depend on the needs of the region. In Liaoning Province, an industrial area in the North, courses in automotive repair and construction are popular. In the cities, students opt for courses in tourism and customer service, Learning about the installation and upkeep of air-conditioning are popular. Theological training for church workers must be coupled with the building of character and maturity of interpersonal skills. We pray that new church workers will be thoroughly equipped with Biblical knowledge, a beautiful testimony, good interpersonal relationships, that they may be good examples for believers.
Friday
While newly-minted university graduates face a tight job market, skilled vocational school graduates are in high demand with employment rates above ninety-five percent. We pray for the new generation of church workers, that the Lord will give them wisdom in the use of their time so they will take time to continue to study, that they will understand and empathize with their sheep, and be a model of love and faith for their congregation.
Saturday
Popular online dating and the low view of marital commitment are seriously affecting fidelity in marriage among Christians in China. The churches do not have enough pastors which hampers effective pastoral intervention when infidelity does take place. We pray that churches will not shy away from discussing how a Christian man should be a godly husband and father. We pray for male pastors, too, since they are favorite targets of the devil. Let us pray that teaching against infidelity be strong and concrete.
Sunday
Among believers in China, many marriages truly need God’s healing. Not only is there difference in the value systems of the husband and wife but there is also a lack of communication which affects the marriage, the relationship between parents and child, and that with the in-laws. We remember those who are struggling with unbelieving spouses and even face opposition at home. May the Lord have mercy on these families and give them grace, strength, patience, and love so they will not lose faith in Him and even help to change their families through His love.
Monday
Since training for marriage counseling is not yet widely available in the churches in China, they need more books on marriage and the family. In particular, they need books on how to pray for their husbands, the role of spouses, and communication between spouses. Let us pray for more resources to help Christian couples. We beseech God, too, to give churches many elderly and mature couples who can give wise advice to younger ones who are struggling in their marriages.

星期二
對中國二億農民工子女而言,職業教育帶來比父母有更高收入及更穩定的工作。華人父母常以子女賺大錢為榮。我們來為傳道人及教會同工禱告,求神祝福他們,幫助他們把眼光放在天上永恆的積業,主必親自厚厚賞賜他們忠心的擺上。
星期三
雖然中國的公立職業學校制度已經有相當長的歷史,但由於需要培訓的青年人數龐大,加上受體制的影響,這類學校已經不堪重負。過去中國教會的工人培訓比較側重聖經知識的傳授,對於品格、靈命的操練很難兼顧。求主賜給培訓人員有屬靈的洞察力和智慧,著重全人健全的訓練,為神培育合主使用的器皿
星期四
職業學校的課程涵蓋科目範圍廣,通常視當地需求而定。在中國北方遼寧省的工業區,汽修和建築專業頗受青睞。在城市裡,學生們往往會選擇旅遊和客服專業,空調安裝和維修。在神學教育上,神學裝備不等於人生閱歷,同時更不可忽略生命的建立,待人處事態度。我們禱告教會新一代同工除了能有純正的聖經知識外,也有的生命見證和人際關係,能作眾人的楷模。
星期五
大學應屆畢業生就業形勢雖然嚴峻,但市場對技能嫻熟的職校畢業生需求量仍鉅大,職校生就業率超過95%。求主賜教會新一代同工有智慧分配時間,在繁忙的服事裡刻意抽出時間進修學習,並且能深入「民間」、體察「民情」,瞭解並關顧羊群。在愛心、信上都能做信徒們的好榜樣。
星期六
現在流行的「網戀」、脆弱的婚姻承諾等問題都影響信徒對婚姻的忠貞。由於內地教會普遍有「羊多牧人少」的情況,牧者難以全面照顧每個信徒,及時知道信徒的婚姻出了狀況而給予幫助。求主幫助教會能按真理教導男人當如何當一個神所喜悅的丈夫及父親。由於惡者最愛攻擊群羊的牧者,我們也需要為男傳道的心思意念祈求,使教會在婚姻及家庭的教導上不流於空洞無力,而是幫助信徒獲得堅強又實用的裝備。
星期日
許多信徒的婚姻實在需要神的憐憫和醫治。夫妻價值觀南轅北轍,欠缺溝通的技巧等等,都是普遍的問題。不佳的夫妻關係也嚴重影響親子關係,以及公婆、岳父母的感情。我們特別為遭受配偶反對信仰甚至逼迫的信徒禱告,求主施恩,加添神兒女的力量,忍耐及愛心,不失去對神的信心,更能感動未信的家人因著流露神的愛,而生發羨慕認識主的心。
星期一
在婚姻輔導供不應求之際,信徒實在需要更多關於婚姻與家庭類別的屬靈書籍,例如有關如何維繫美滿婚姻、為配偶禱告、夫妻角色、培養夫婦間愛的言語、增進夫妻溝通技巧等等書籍。我們祈求主幫助信徒得著相關的真理教導,教會領袖與信徒都能有更多屬靈方面的支援與供應。也求主在教會中大量興起能關心家庭的年長信徒,時常為有婚姻問題的家庭輔導與守望。

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Prayer Request 10/15 - 10/21


Tuesday
Officially, China is fifty-three percent urbanized but only about twenty-five percent of the population has an urban residency permit (hukou), the document which permits a person to register in local schools or qualify for local medical programs. Very few people want to serve in the rural and remote churches. Let us pray for believers who do not have pastors in these regions. We pray for the revival of many believers who used to be strong in the faith but are now lukewarm or even far away from God.
Wednesday
Since it has become impatient and politicized, Hong Kong is the biggest headache the Beijing regime has. The complexity of the Hong Kong issue lies in its being neither entirely domestic nor entirely international. By contrast, Taiwan will have relatively fewer sudden crises.The churches in Hong Kong play a strategic role in the lives of the churches in China since they send both workers and money to support open as well as house churches there. We pray that believers in Hong Kong will not be caught up with the anti-China sentiment and reduce their love and passion for the churches across the border.
Thursday
After 1997 Beijing believed that Hong Kong would move toward becoming “one country” if they were given greater economic and trade benefits and the “two systems” would be only a transitional thing. However, sixteen years later, the locals in Hong Kong have become increasingly insistent on having “two systems” politically, socially, and culturally. We pray for the continuing growth of churches in Hong Kong and that the Lord will give them passion to reach out and send missionaries not only to China but to the whole world. We pray especially for the churches and ministries to workers from other lands on the island, and especially those from Muslim countries.
Friday
China’s labor force is predicted to peak at 751 million in 2015, and then decline. There will not be enough young workers to replace all of those retiring out of the job market. We pray for humility and good skills of observation as well as spiritual insight for the young seminary students so they can quickly be competent teachers rather than being the blind leading the blind. May the Lord safeguard their desire to serve Him and help them to honor God above all else and rejoice in Him only.
Saturday
One of the biggest challenges to vocational education in China is the traditional bias in favor of having a university degree. Parents would prefer to send their children a university because there is a higher social status associated with attending college. However, since so many college graduates end up at a job that has the same level of wages as those who graduate from vocational schools, this attitude is changing. We pray that Christian parents will remember that children are a gift from the Lord and we must give the Lord our very best which includes encouraging our children to serve Him their entire life.
Sunday
Many vocational schools are not addressing the critical issue of the qualification of teachers. While instructors are required to have a bachelor’s degree, many do not have experience in industry and the government is working to change this. We pray that more young people will be willing to offer their lives to God to receive Bible training and, as they know God and understand His will better, they will serve Him and live a life to please the Lord.
Monday
China’s labor force is huge with more than seventy-five percent of the population of the country between the ages of twenty and forty-nine working. However, the educational level of the average worker is relatively low. Only half of China’s 140 million urban employees can be classified as “skilled”. Many older pastors complain that the younger pastors are not as tough or hard-working as they should be. We pray for the passing of the baton of leadership in each church, that the Lord will help the older pastors to be willing to spend time with the younger ones and share their own experiences in ministry and how they work with people.


星期二
中國的城鎮化率達到了53%,但只有25%的人口擁有城市居住許可或「戶口」。有了城市戶口,就進入當地學校學習,也可以有資格加入當地的醫療計劃。很少人願意服事農村及偏遠地區的教會。我們為這些地域因缺乏牧者,屬靈上得不到及時供應的機會禱告,很多信徒信心也不再像以前堅固,失去了起初的熱情,慢慢地遠離了神。求主憐憫,再次挑旺、復興信徒們。
星期三
近年香港社會運動得不耐讓北京政權很頭疼。香港問題的複雜度在於她不是完全等同內地,也不完全國際化。反而台灣的情況比起香港,不會有太多突發狀況。香港教會在中國教會中發揮著策略性引導作用,派遣了工人和奉獻金錢支持內地教會。求主幫助香港信徒不會受那些反中的情緒所影響,以致減少對國內未得之民的愛與關心。
星期四
北京政權原以為在九七之後,只要給香港更多經濟貿易的好處就會朝一國方向去走,而兩制只是過渡安排。可是,16年過去了,香港在政治、社會與文化方面卻愈來愈堅持兩制。我們要為香港教會持續成長禱告,求主使教會在傳福音及差派宣教士的熱情不減,不僅向內地,更是往普天下去。我們特別紀念外籍勞工的福音事工,尤其是來自回教國家的工人,求主幫助信徒有智慧及懂得把握機會見證、分享信仰。
星期五
中國勞動力人口預計將在2015年達到峰值7.51億,之後將下降並且伴隨人口老齡化;那時將沒有足夠的年輕人接替退休員工的崗位。中國人傳統尊老輕幼,對於年輕人比較不重視,教會也不例外。求神幫助正在接受訓練的人,願意從聖經學院進入人生學府,多謙卑求教、留心觀察。不但有敏銳的屬靈洞察力,明白事奉對象的實際情況,更能成為別人的幫助。求神保守他們奉獻的心志,一生尊主為大,以神為樂。
星期六
職業教育面臨的最大挑戰之一是中國人往往偏愛大學學歷,對職校學歷持有偏見。因為讀大學能帶來更高的社會地位,家長們更傾向讓孩子上大學。由於現實情況裡許多職校生掙的工資跟大學生一樣,這種態度也在逐漸轉變。我們來為信徒家長禱告,求主提醒我們,兒女是神所賜的產業,我們應當將最好的獻給神,也包括鼓勵孩子服事神。
星期日
許多職業學校也未能解決教師資質的關鍵性問題。雖然職校教師都需要持有學士學位,但他們當中許多人沒有該項專業工作經驗,現時政府正努力改變這現狀。求主吸引更多年輕人願意擺上自己,接受神話語的裝備,藉著認識神並順從祂而學習按著神的旨意去服事神,過討一個神喜悅的生活。
星期一
中國有巨大的勞動力人口,20-49歲的人口超過75%,但平均受教育水平相對較低。在1.4億城鎮職工中,只有半數人能歸類為「高技能」人才。教會老一代常會感歎,年輕一代同工「不如以往」,「不能吃苦」。我們為教會領袖的傳承切切禱告,求主幫助年長的同工能看重也願意花時間栽培提攜年輕同工,分享自己在事奉上的體驗及待人處事的心得。