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。

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。

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。

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。