Prayer Request 2/26 - 3/4

Tuesday
At the present time, people who live in China shop outside of mainland China where there is less tax and the yuan is strong for most of the luxury goods they buy. Indeed, they buy only about ten percent of their luxury items in China but people from China account for twenty-five percent of the revenue gained by retailers of those items in the world. A disparity of wealth extends into churches in China as well as outside of it. We pray for compassion, consideration, and that we will not neglect those who are poor in our churches. May the Spirit of God remind us to care more for others than for ourselves.
Wednesday
There are two types of house churches. One is the "centralized-team" type which has a mother church with a network of daughter churches, such as those in Henan and Anhui. The mother church wields a strong influence and these churches tend to be charismatic in nature. In most of the churches in China the pastor or his/her family makes the decisions. Let us pray for the spiritual life in these churches so that believers are not merely desiring to be outwardly fervent but able to live out God's word through their lives.
Thursday
Besides the "centralized-team" type of churches in China there are also the "federal and decentralized" ones which include both house and open churches. In essence these churches are independent, and self-governing entities that have no mother churches and do not follow directives. Among these churches there are usually a few leaders but not necessarily a pastor for each church so they are conducted as small groups. Let us pray for their leaders that they will be good caretakers and the Lord will add to these groups many believers and help them grow strong spiritually.
Friday
When a "centralized-team" type of church wishes to expand to other locations, they usually seek financial support from churches abroad. The Chinese government is leery about this approach and tries to clamp down on them. However, persecution often leads to more expansion and support. We pray especially for the relationship between this type of church and the government. The leaders of these churches need wisdom and favor in the eyes of the officials so their churches can expand and grow in numbers.
Saturday
House churches in Henan and Anhui have a history of continuous confrontations with the government. Often the more they are persecuted, the more outside support they receive so the churches expand and grow. As a result, they tend to be politicized or else are watched more closely by the officials. We pray specifically for churches that have had run-ins with the officials. We pray that cults and heresies do not take advantage of this tricky situation. Leadership in these churches is complicated and we pray that the leaders will have integrity and not just personal ambition.
Sunday
In the "federal and decentralized" type of churches in China there is fellowship between churches and usually there is some co-ordinating committee responsible for internal affairs for the churches in the region since by this set up, each church is part of the federation. There is always the danger of someone wanting to grab power and control in this type of leadership. May the Lord have mercy on us and give the churches in China more leaders who will serve sacrificially, not for fame or the expansion of their own territory or influence.
Monday
The "federal and decentralized" type of churches in China emphasize their independence as well as their theological independence. The prefer not to cooperate with the government or foreign denominations and pastors. These churches are truly self-governed and self-propagating. Churches in Wenzhou are a great example of this as well as those in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and others. Let us pray for their ministry and may the Lord grant them revival with a greater opportunity to grow numerically.

星期二
中國人通常都向國外購買奢侈品回來，因為相對的稅率低及人民幣升值。實際上，全球25%的奢侈品買家都是中國人，卻只有大約10％的奢侈品買賣是在中國境內成交。中國的貧富差距極為懸殊，在教會裡亦難免有穿著華麗的和窮苦人家。求神的靈常常提醒我們，不可按外貌待人，也不可偏心或惡意歧視。求主憐憫，好叫我們都能更多體諒別人的處境 ，為別人設想，不單顧自己的事，也顧念別人的事。
星期三
中國的「家庭教會」大致分為兩種，其中一種為中央集權式團隊類型。即有一個母會，然後通過各種網路向其他地方擴張，各個分會都聽令於母會。這類的家庭教會大多數以某位傳道人或其家人為決策中心，其信仰背景通常傾向靈恩。我們為他們的屬靈餵養禱告，求主幫助信徒不是單單尋求表面的屬靈火熱，而是能真正將神的話語在生活中實踐出來。
星期四
中國有一類教會是「聯邦分權」模式的地方教會，包括部份的 「家庭教會」 和名義上的 「三自」教會。這類型教會相互之間沒有上下級的從屬關係，每一個教會都是獨立完整的自治體。這類教會大多沒有牧者，只有幾位帶領的同工，絕大部份是以小組方式進行牧養。我們為這些教會的關牧同工祈求，願賜平安的神在各樣善工上，保守、成全他們，使他們能夠敬謹遵行神的旨意。又求神藉著耶穌基督在他們身上，成就祂所喜悅的事，使神得著榮耀。
星期五
當集權式的團隊教會要向其他地方擴張，常會通過管道從國外教會尋找經費支持。政府對此驚慌不安，務要打擊。可是越打擊，就越增加其向外宣教的動力，因而國外教會越發增加支持的力度。我們要為這些教會與政府之間的和諧關係禱告，求主賜教會領袖有智慧，能在執政者及當地官員眼中蒙恩。我們不僅為信徒人數得以持續增長禱告，更求主使用各方面的環境造就祂的兒女，在靈命上得以茁壯成長。
星期六
主要分佈華中地帶的家庭教會，因著往昔歷史的因素，傾向與政府對抗的方式發展著。當他們越受政府打壓，國外支援進而不斷拓展。這類型的教會往往牽扯著政治也成為政府特別留意的目標。我們要特別為這類型的教會祈求，不叫異端在這種背景下產生，這些教會內部複雜的程度遠非外界能想像。求主恩待他們，提醒領袖們要持守純正的真理，不要企求主以外的好處或存有屬世的野心。
星期日
「聯邦分權」模式的教會, 教會之間有協調機構，專門負責教會之間的內部事務。因此這種教會體系不可能建立中央集權式的團隊類型，而必然呈現出聯邦制的特徵。團隊帶領的模式在教會裡難免會有「爭權奪利」現象。求主憐憫並賜下更多肯為主擺上，不求自己益處，只求神的名被高舉的領袖。
星期一
聯邦分權模式的地方教會，強調各教會自身的相互獨立性，不願與政府在信仰上合作，也不願與外國有太多聯繫受外國人支配，也不願在資金上依賴國外。這類的教會在江蘇、浙江有很多。我們為這類教會的事工祈求，願主親自引領教會整體的發展，主導教會的復興，更堅立他們手中所做的善工，成為恩典與賜福的管道。

Prayer Request 2/19 - 2/25

Tuesday
China currently has about ten million cases of hepatitis C, a 13% increase over 2010. Lack of public awareness and generally low treatment rate make it a serious problem. Many have contracted hepatitis and are unable to work. Let us pray for healing and strength to work for all believers with hepatitis. We specially lift up their families in prayer that they will not lose faith in God when their income drops due to illness.　
Wednesday
In China at the present time, the cost of hospitalization for a serious illness would be that of about the annual income of an individual and for the bottom 20% of the population, it would be twice their yearly income. We praise the Lord because the government has implemented a lot of health care coverage but we need to pray for those believers who should have medical care but can barely afford it. Many require frequent hospitalization and each such visit can literally bankrupt their family.
Thursday
Some illnesses, especially hepatitis, can be treated but the cost of the treatment is often prohibitive for many people. Chinese people believe that a bad liver is bad for the body so many of them would rather use herbs or unproven remedies and delay getting treated by a doctor. Although now more people have health insurance than before, still many can ill afford expensive treatment. We remember those believers who have medical conditions that are difficult to treat but lack health insurance. May the Lord have mercy on them and grant them healing.
Friday
A serious social problem in China is that of patients who physically abuse their doctors. They allege their doctors have a bad attitude and do not pay attention to them. There are daily new reports of verbal abuse, violent attacks, kidnappings, and even patients killing their doctors. We pray for the Lord to protect those doctors and other medical workers who have become the object of their patients’ frustration and anger. May the Lord protect them so they can eliminate the reason for the anger of their patients.
Saturday
In the next three decades, China will remain the world’s largest mission field. She will have the most people who are not Christians as well as those who have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. We ought to pray more fervently for the world’s largest mission field--pray for the unreached people, all of those who have never even heard of Jesus and ask the Lord to raise up many more Christians who will be stirred to give their lives to spread the gospel.
Sunday
There are 2,300 county-level cities in China, each of them easily has millions of residents.. According to one study, only a third of these cities have any Christian churches in them. As a rule, the further west one goes in China, the fewer Christians there are. We pray for all of the Christians in China that they will have a powerful influence and make an impact on society. We beseech the Lord to help believers in China to bring healing to people and build healthy families in their communities.
Monday
There are “No Smoking” signs everywhere in China but no one actually heeds them. They are prominently displayed in public and on public transportation but people totally ignore the prohibition of smoking. Chinese believers literally live in a smoke-filled country and many of them have loved ones who are chain smokers. Let us pray for new believers and converts who really need power from above to kick nicotine addiction.

星期二
中國目前約有一千萬例的丙型肝炎感染者，比2010年增長了13%。公眾對丙肝的認知率低、就診率低、治療率更低，導致丙肝變成嚴重的公共衛生問題。患有肝炎的人，會嚴重影響他們的工作能力。 讓我們為有肝炎的信徒來禱告，求主憐憫醫治，加添力量。尤其是當他們的家庭面臨經濟困難時，也保守他們不失去對神的信心。
星期三
中國目前住院一次的平均費用大約和一年平均收入相當。對於收入最低的五分之一人口而言，則為其年平均收入的兩倍。感謝主，過去幾年政府對醫療體系有所改革，已補助不少保健醫療支付。我們為仍有一些病痛必需接受治療卻僅勉強負擔得起費用的信徒禱告，特別是有慢性病者，每次進醫院都會使家中經濟緊蹙的信徒，求神施恩憐憫。
星期四
有些疾病，特別是肝炎，是可以被治療的，但是醫療費用卻是一筆龐大費用。 不少民眾迷信「損肝不利己」的藥草和偏方，不願接受正規治療，最後延誤了醫治的時機。雖然，現在有更多的百姓開始享有政府提供的醫療保險，但許多人還是付擔不起昂貴的醫薬費。我們記念那些沒有醫療保險的肢體，尤其是患有難以醫治的病痛，願全能的神賜下憐憫醫治他們。
星期五
中國病人對醫生的暴力問題非常的嚴重。病人認為醫生不用心，態度不好，就會以暴力相向。新聞常常報導醫師和其他醫療工作者被暴力攻擊，攻擊方式包括毆打、威脅、綁架、言語侮辱、甚至殺害。我們要為醫生及其他醫療工作者禱告，他們常有可能成為病人的挫敗感和怒氣發洩的對象。求主保護、堅固他們視病如親；也讓他們能夠以溫和、體諒的反應來消除病人的怒氣。
星期六
在未來三十年裡中國仍然會是世界上最大的宣教禾場，因為中國仍然擁有全球數量最多的不信者和未曾聽聞福音的人。讓我們繼續為這個「世界上最大的宣教禾場」禱告。為那些未得聞真理未能得永生福氣的同胞切切代求。願求主攪動我們 ，興起更多信徒回應大使命，齊來為達成這個目標而擺上自己。
星期日
中國擁有百萬以上人口的縣級城市 有2,300個。根據一項研究，這些城市當中可能只有三分之一是有教會的。數據顕示，一般來說，中國越向西行，基督徒的比率就越少。我們要為所有基督徒有傳福音的異象與負擔來禱告。在中國社會急劇轉變之際，神的兒女能站在破口守望，發揮強大的影響力，讓基督徒能夠「把醫治帶給個人、建立健康的家庭和健全的社區」來祈求仰望神。
星期一
近來「禁止抽煙」的警告標語在中國開始流行，但在絕大數公共場所及交通工具(火車、汽車)上，大家卻視若無睹，禁止吸煙法規似乎有名無實。基督徒生活在人人抽煙的社會中，真是飽嚐了煙火的毒害，有的自己也是煙害製造者。許多新的信徒或許多的信徒的家人都需要神所賜的力量來戒掉煙癮，我們一起為此禱告祈求神大能的救助、醫治。

Prayer Request 2/12 - 2/18

Tuesday
In China, especially during the Spring Festival, gift recycling is a booming business. Stores will buy back luxury cigarettes, liquor, and expensive herbal products at half of their face value. Recently, they have started to buy back brand new electronic gifts like the I phone. The giving of gifts can be a headache for Chinese during this holiday. We pray that believers will always include sharing the Best Present--Jesus Christ--when they give gifts to their unbelieving relatives, especially their parents.
Wednesday
People in China who receive expensive gifts will sell them to recyclers for cash, thus converting illicit gifts into money. Those who recycle gifts do not ask any questions so they complete a circle of under-the-table exchange of money as a favor. Many Christians also receive gifts from their customers or colleagues who give them with the intention of receiving a special favor in return. There is a great temptation to accept these gifts since everyone else does. We pray for courage and boldness for all believers to stand apart for Gift recycling is a lucrative business r Jesus.
Thursday
with a profit margin of 40-50%, especially in the residential areas where officials live. The person who recycles often reaps a surprise bonus because sometimes the giver will hide cash or a gold chain in the gift and the person who gets it doesn't open it. Giving a red packet is a Chinese tradition, especially among relatives. We pray that believers will not forget to give to the Lord and His work, especially during this time when people feel generous.
Friday
The southern segment of the new high-speed rail line from Guangzhou to Wuhan has been open for nearly three years and already suffers from heavy congestion that could limit the number of seats available for travel to Beijing during peak hours. We pray that more churches will send teams to help churches in other provinces and that as travel becomes easier the Lord will help churches in the bigger cities to be mission-minded so those in rural regions can experience revival.
Saturday
Even though there is a train leaving every four minutes each train which seats 800 people is often sold out to as many as ten trains ahead on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. During the mid-week even trains that run during lunchtime are often full. We can only imagine how churches in China will benefit from the vast improvement in inter-city transportation but the reality is that churches in the same neighborhoods often do not fellowship with each other. We pray for unity in the body of Christ and a deep sense of belonging to His kingdom rather than a "my turf" or "your territory" mentality.
Sunday
Many urban residents in China are actually living good lives and many no longer have to worry about having three meals a day. They want to spend money to improve the quality of their lives and get whatever enjoyment money can buy. We pray the Lord will open the hearts of people so they will pursue spiritual as well as physical fulfillment. We ask the Lord to awaken the hearts of people so they will seek to know the true meaning of life and get to know the Creator of the universe.
Monday
As the Chinese New Year approaches the Central Government of China is again promoting anti-corruption and strictly prohibiting people from receiving gifts of either securities or cash. However, the practice of reciprocal lavish dinners and giving valuable gifts continues unabated. As people give gifts to curry favors during this time, we pray that Christians will consider giving thanks to their shepherds because they appreciate these men and women of God who labor and serve God's people.

星期二
每到歲末年終，禮品回收都會進入「旺季」。除了傳統的煙、酒、保健品外，高檔電子産品也成為回收店的新寵，地下交易量驚人，其中的利潤高達50%。逢年過節，送禮是一件挺頭疼的差事。我們為信徒在假期與親友(尤其是父母)相聚時，不僅送上物質的禮物，更能把主耶穌基督的救恩-這份最重要的禮物與家人分享。
星期三
禮品回收，實則就是收禮的人把禮品以低價賣給商家。業內通常不問賣主身份及禮品來源。在這個灰色市場裡，回收禮品成了一個「兩不管」的真空地帶，也是洗錢的管道。許多基督徒也會從他們的顧客或同事中收到禮品，饋贈這些禮物當然是別有用心，也想得著回報。信徒在敗壞的社會風氣之中，面臨著很大的誘惑。求主堅定弟兄姊妹的心志，賜他們敢為主耶穌站穩正直純全立場的勇氣。
星期四
回收的禮品利潤不菲，特別是在官員住宅的小區，甚至高達40%—50%。他們還可能有「意外收穫」，因為有人送禮，會將金錢、金項鏈等貴重物品夾帶在禮品裡。而收禮者習慣上是不當面拆封察看的。中國人傳統上在春節裡會互相餽送賀節。我們為信徒能常常記念神賜為給我們的恩典，也願意甘心樂意地為神的聖工有更多的奉獻來禱告。
星期五
京廣高鐵的南段，從廣州到武漢這段路線已經通車有三年多了，但運輸也已經到達飽和，出現嚴重擠塞的現象，在尖峰時刻不得不限制從北京南下的乘客量。隨著鐵路的興建，讓旅行變得更為便捷容易。我們禱告資源豐餘的教會考慮派遣教師團隊去幫助其他省份有缺乏的教會。求主給城市教會能看見農村地區的需求，願意幫助農村地區及當地教堂經歷靈命的復興。
星期六
中國的高鐵列車在週日，都要等10班車之後才可望購得到票。每班車有800個座位，在高峰時段，就是每四分鐘一班也是客滿，真是一票難求。高鐵帶來的交通便利，對教會事工應有拭目以待的改進。但就現實而言，不少在同一地區的教會，彼此都沒有聯繫。我們為更多教會間能有「互為主基督的肢體」的認同，常懷神的國度觀，而不是還有「我的地盤，你的領土」那種狹隘的心態，限制了神恩典的流通。
星期日
不少城市居民的生活富裕起來，很多人不用再為三餐溫飽日夜奔波，願意多付一些金錢來提高生活品質，換得五官和精神上暫時的享受。求主開啟人們的心眼，讓他們也願意花時間追求心靈的平安與滿足；求主幫助更多人的心靈甦醒過來，尋索生命的真義和永恆的福樂，渴望真正認識並信靠創造天地萬物的主。
星期一
中央積極倡導勤儉過春節，嚴禁官員收受各種有價證券、禮金等的餽贈。然而，相互吃請還是不斷，習俗上的「禮尚往來」不僅助長了腐敗，而且也污染了社會風氣。春節是表達心意的好時機，求主提醒信徒，記念牧者們過去一年的辛勞擺上，懷感恩的心，以實際行動表達對牧者的尊敬和感謝。

Prayer Request 2/5 - 2/11

TuesdayIn China, especially during the Spring Festival, gift recycling is a booming business. Stores will buy back luxury cigarettes, liquor, and expensive herbal products at half of their face value. Recently, they have started to buy back brand new electronic gifts like the I phone. The giving of gifts can be a headache for Chinese during this holiday. We pray that believers will always include sharing the Best Present--Jesus Christ--when they give gifts to their unbelieving relatives, especially their parents.
Wednesday
People in China who receive expensive gifts will sell them to recyclers for cash, thus converting illicit gifts into money. Those who recycle gifts do not ask any questions so they complete a circle of under-the-table exchange of money as a favor. Many Christians also receive gifts from their customers or colleagues who give them with the intention of receiving a special favor in return. There is a great temptation to accept these gifts since everyone else does. We pray for courage and boldness for all believers to stand apart for Gift recycling is a lucrative business r Jesus.
Thursday
with a profit margin of 40-50%, especially in the residential areas where officials live. The person who recycles often reaps a surprise bonus because sometimes the giver will hide cash or a gold chain in the gift and the person who gets it doesn't open it. Giving a red packet is a Chinese tradition, especially among relatives. We pray that believers will not forget to give to the Lord and His work, especially during this time when people feel generous.
Friday
The southern segment of the new high-speed rail line from Guangzhou to Wuhan has been open for nearly three years and already suffers from heavy congestion that could limit the number of seats available for travel to Beijing during peak hours. We pray that more churches will send teams to help churches in other provinces and that as travel becomes easier the Lord will help churches in the bigger cities to be mission-minded so those in rural regions can experience revival.
Saturday
Even though there is a train leaving every four minutes each train which seats 800 people is often sold out to as many as ten trains ahead on Monday mornings and Friday afternoons. During the mid-week even trains that run during lunchtime are often full. We can only imagine how churches in China will benefit from the vast improvement in inter-city transportation but the reality is that churches in the same neighborhoods often do not fellowship with each other. We pray for unity in the body of Christ and a deep sense of belonging to His kingdom rather than a "my turf" or "your territory" mentality.
Sunday
Many urban residents in China are actually living good lives and many no longer have to worry about having three meals a day. They want to spend money to improve the quality of their lives and get whatever enjoyment money can buy. We pray the Lord will open the hearts of people so they will pursue spiritual as well as physical fulfillment. We ask the Lord to awaken the hearts of people so they will seek to know the true meaning of life and get to know the Creator of the universe.
Monday
As the Chinese New Year approaches the Central Government of China is again promoting anti-corruption and strictly prohibiting people from receiving gifts of either securities or cash. However, the practice of reciprocal lavish dinners and giving valuable gifts continues unabated. As people give gifts to curry favors during this time, we pray that Christians will consider giving thanks to their shepherds because they appreciate these men and women of God who labor and serve God's people.
星期二
每到歲末年終，禮品回收都會進入「旺季」。除了傳統的煙、酒、保健品外，高檔電子産品也成為回收店的新寵，地下交易量驚人，其中的利潤高達50%。逢年過節，送禮是一件挺頭疼的差事。我們為信徒在假期與親友(尤其是父母)相聚時，不僅送上物質的禮物，更能把主耶穌基督的救恩-這份最重要的禮物與家人分享。
星期三
禮品回收，實則就是收禮的人把禮品以低價賣給商家。業內通常不問賣主身份及禮品來源。在這個灰色市場裡，回收禮品成了一個「兩不管」的真空地帶，也是洗錢的管道。許多基督徒也會從他們的顧客或同事中收到禮品，饋贈這些禮物當然是別有用心，也想得著回報。信徒在敗壞的社會風氣之中，面臨著很大的誘惑。求主堅定弟兄姊妹的心志，賜他們敢為主耶穌站穩正直純全立場的勇氣。
星期四
回收的禮品利潤不菲，特別是在官員住宅的小區，甚至高達40%—50%。他們還可能有「意外收穫」，因為有人送禮，會將金錢、金項鏈等貴重物品夾帶在禮品裡。而收禮者習慣上是不當面拆封察看的。中國人傳統上在春節裡會互相餽送賀節。我們為信徒能常常記念神賜為給我們的恩典，也願意甘心樂意地為神的聖工有更多的奉獻來禱告。
星期五
京廣高鐵的南段，從廣州到武漢這段路線已經通車有三年多了，但運輸也已經到達飽和，出現嚴重擠塞的現象，在尖峰時刻不得不限制從北京南下的乘客量。隨著鐵路的興建，讓旅行變得更為便捷容易。我們禱告資源豐餘的教會考慮派遣教師團隊去幫助其他省份有缺乏的教會。求主給城市教會能看見農村地區的需求，願意幫助農村地區及當地教堂經歷靈命的復興。
星期六
中國的高鐵列車在週日，都要等10班車之後才可望購得到票。每班車有800個座位，在高峰時段，就是每四分鐘一班也是客滿，真是一票難求。高鐵帶來的交通便利，對教會事工應有拭目以待的改進。但就現實而言，不少在同一地區的教會，彼此都沒有聯繫。我們為更多教會間能有「互為主基督的肢體」的認同，常懷神的國度觀，而不是還有「我的地盤，你的領土」那種狹隘的心態，限制了神恩典的流通。
星期日
不少城市居民的生活富裕起來，很多人不用再為三餐溫飽日夜奔波，願意多付一些金錢來提高生活品質，換得五官和精神上暫時的享受。求主開啟人們的心眼，讓他們也願意花時間追求心靈的平安與滿足；求主幫助更多人的心靈甦醒過來，尋索生命的真義和永恆的福樂，渴望真正認識並信靠創造天地萬物的主。
星期一
中央積極倡導勤儉過春節，嚴禁官員收受各種有價證券、禮金等的餽贈。然而，相互吃請還是不斷，習俗上的「禮尚往來」不僅助長了腐敗，而且也污染了社會風氣。春節是表達心意的好時機，求主提醒信徒，記念牧者們過去一年的辛勞擺上，懷感恩的心，以實際行動表達對牧者的尊敬和感謝。