Posts
TuesdayMillions of parents in China send their children to ''boarding kindergartens,'' every year, a tradition that began after the 1949 Communist revolution, where children as young as 3 live at school during the week — sometimes, but not always, returning home for the weekend.Some churches even openly discourage the presence of children because they interfere with adult services. We pray churches will see the importance of children's ministry, not causing any of the little ones to stumble and lose the opportunity to know Jesus.
Wednesday
China built many ''boarding kindergartens'' after the revolution in order to free parents, especially mothers, to work outside the home, as part of the official goal of women's emancipation that in reality was geared to the needs of the Communist Party. Many churches have no programs for children so parents can't take their children to church. We pray for training classes for teachers of children in Sunday school because this will truly bless the future churches of China.
Thursday
“Boarding kindergartens” reached a peak during the Great Leap Forward from 1958 to 1962, when children were boarded in droves as Mao Zedong ordered China to outstrip the United States and Britain through agricultural collectivization and industrial production. We pray for adequate equipping of all of the Sunday school teachers of children so they will be able to effectively teach Bible truths. We pray specifically for the wisdom and love of Jesus for those who are passionate in serving the little ones but lack proper training.
Friday
According to experts, separation anxiety in China today may be caused by the widely-accepted cultural practice of giving children to their grandparents to raise so the parents can work long hours due to intense economic pressures. Many believers do not raise their own children for various reasons. May the Lord comfort them, removing the guilt they struggle with, and listen to their prayer for their children to keep a close relationship with them.
Saturday
Chinese families are no longer scattered due to political campaigns but what about the impact of the "boarding kindergartens" today? On the internet parents say, "I'm so busy at work. Where is there a 'boarding kindergarten" in Nanjing or Shanghai? How much does it cost?" Many young Christian parents really do not know how to balance the demands of work, family and raising children. We pray for these parents so they will still have regular church lives and possess the wisdom of raising children knowing God.
Sunday
Approximately fifty-five million children in China are left behind with their grandparents on the farm as their parents go to the city to work, seeing their children perhaps once a year. Separation anxiety looms when the grandparents later hand the children back to the parents their hardly know. We pray for parents who are believers but are emotionally distant or even unable to communicate with their children. May the Lord heal their brokenness so they can once again fulfill their God-given role and duty.
Monday
Tens of thousands of parents in China choose an overseas education for their children each year hoping they will learn world-class skills grounded in liberal, democratic values in a healthy environment. May the Lord answer the prayers of all the believers who pray for a good education for their children. We pray that each of us would be reminded that God desires us to teach our children so they will know Him from a very young age.
星期二
每年有數百萬中國家長將孩子送去“托兒所”。這種做法始於1949年的共產黨革命，只有3歲大的孩子都是一整個星期待在學校裡，有時會回家渡過週末。 有些教會以「妨礙」成人聚會為由，在門口懸掛「禁止兒童進入」的牌子。我們為教會能看見兒童事工的重要性代禱，不使主所愛的小孩失去認識耶穌的機會。
星期三
1994 之後，中國修建了許多“托兒所”，為了給母親們騰出時間，讓他們能離開家門工作。讓母親們走出家門是官方解放女性目標的一部分，但實際上是為了滿足共產黨的需要。許多教會沒有任何孩童的事工，信徒的兒女沒有聖經的教導。 求主差派更多工人幫助各處開展兒童主日學老師的訓練課程，祝福中國教會的下一代。
星期四
孩子送去了寄宿學校的教育現象，在1958至1962年的大躍進時期達到頂峰。當時，毛澤東下令中國實行農業合作化和加大工業生產，從而超越美國和英國。我們為兒童主日學老師禱告，求主賜智慧和愛心給那些滿有服事熱誠，但卻得不到適切培訓的兒童主日學老師們。差遣更多同工去幫助他們能受到扎實的培訓，效地教導兒童在真理上成長。
星期五
今天中國社會普遍都接受孩子由祖父母撫養，而承受巨大經濟壓力的年輕父母則長時間工作。然而，專家認為這種做法可能造成分離創傷。不少信徒因為種種原因，無法親自養育孩子。求主安慰他們的心，不致因為對孩有虧欠而過份內疚。求主幫助他們能保持與孩子的關係上開路。
星期六
雖然現時中國的家庭不再因為政治因素而分居多地，但是仍然有許多父母選擇把孩子送去托兒所。在網上，家長們常常問道：“我工作太忙了，南京或上海哪兒有托兒所？收費是多少？” 許多年輕信徒家長真的不知道如何平衡工作、家庭、子女教養等的要求，求主幫助他們能有規律的教會生活，也幫助他們能培育敬虔愛主的下一代。
星期日
中國約有5500萬名農村留守兒童，一年頂多和父母見一次面。不論是農村或城市，當祖父母把孩子還給父母時，孩子可能已經認不得父母了，這又是一種分離。我們為信徒父母禱告，許多人跟子女的關係不親密、疏遠、甚至破裂，求主賜下醫治，使家庭能回復至神所托負的角色與責任。
星期一
每年都有成千上萬的中國家長為孩子選擇海外的教育，希望他們在健康自由的環境中學習世界級的技能，很多主內肢體也是為著孩子能有好的教育奔走。願主垂聽每位父母者為著下一代的殷切的禱告，也時時提醒弟兄姊妹子女從小認識、敬畏上帝的重要性。
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Prayer Request 12/23 - 12/29
TuesdayIn 1990 the salaries of urban women in China were 78% of those of men. By 2010 they had dropped to only 67% and the employment rate for urban females also fell from 77% in 1990 to 61% in 2010. Many of the sisters in the churches are unable to find work so they are able to do more in the churches. We thank the Lord for their faithful service, especially in caring for other women in the church since the pastors are too busy to do it.
Wednesday
Under the Mao regime nearly all women got married but now more women remain single whether by choice or not. However, the gradual re-emergence of the traditional patriarchal attitude has eroded the early advances women had made. Unmarried ladies in the churches often feel pressured by their churches to marry and they receive very little counseling or teaching on remaining single. We pray for curriculum and resources on Biblical dating, marriage, and pre-marital counseling to be written and used by people.
Thursday
Scholars claim that society is more stable with fewer single people under the rule of the Party in China. New families drive up consumption and there will be a boom in the sale of property. They also say that if more educated females are married, "better quality" children will be born. We praise God for the growing numbers of young and highly educated people, especially professional women in the urban churches. We believe they will be greatly used by God to change the entire church in the future.
Friday
Chinese women believe the Party greatly exaggerated the idea that a woman can become a "leftover" and many then rush into unhappy marriages with unsuitable men. These marriages often demand that the bride has to give up property rights. Let us pray for an extra measure of grace and strength for sisters who face the pressure to marry, especially men who are not believers. May the Lord grant them their desire and we pray for those who are planning to marry, that their spouse will be saved.
Saturday
China held the first national memorial of the Nanjing Massacre. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the slaughter of 300,000 Chinese by the Japanese. China’s leader insisted this is to raise an awareness of peace and not the perpetuation of hatred. We pray for each believer who struggles with the issue of forgiving and forgetting, especially those who have wronged them in the church. May the Lord remind us of His love and forgiveness for us. "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone." (Luke 11:4)
Sunday
It is very evident that China's new leadership strongly promotes traditional Confucianism and Buddhism but suppresses Christianity. There are political campaigns designed to emphasize "the goodness of Chinese traditional culture" and to foster "socialist core values". Both open and house churches in China have faced much greater official scrutiny recently. We pray fervently for these churches that are facing restrictions and even persecution. May the mercy of the Lord be with those who are persecuted and from their painful experience may the fire of revival start.
Monday
China plans to remove six million vehicles that do not meet exhaust emission standards by the end of the year as a way of improving air quality. More than 300,000 vehicles will be decommissioned in the capital Beijing. Many churches rent space in office towers but some still meet in residential apartment buildings. We pray for many churches that face obstacles in growth due to lack of parking space. We ask for wisdom and good strategy for churches that are trying to expand in the cities of China.
星期二
1990年中國城市女性的工資水平是男性的78%。而2010年卻降到了67%。女性在城市的就業率也從1990年的77%降到2010年的61%。許多姐妹因為是家庭主婦或是沒有上全職班， 她們能大力參與教會的事工。當今教會成員以姐妹們居多，這些人能關心姐妹們的需要，彌補牧者太忙碌無法做到的，我們為她們的忠心擺上感謝神。
星期三
毛澤東時代的中國女人幾乎都進入婚姻，但是現代婦女無論是出於自己選擇或不是，單身者卻很多。另一個現象是，傳統的男權思維再次復興，過去婦女得到的地位近幾年來有退步的跡象。很多教會也有心無心地給單身姐妹一些壓力，但又不能供給他們在守獨身的教導和輔導。我們為教會在交友，找對象，婚前輔導的欠缺禱告，求主興起相關的人力資源、課程與資訊。
星期四
專家認為中國共產黨相信單身人士越少，社會才會越安定。他們聲稱新家庭的誕生會促進消費以及房地產的繁榮。如果大多數受過教育的女強人結婚的話，會有「質量」更好的孩子出生。中國城市教會年輕人和受過高等教育的會友都增多了，這也包括了不少年輕上班族的姐妹。我們深信神要大大使用這些年輕的一代，要為教會的未來注入一股朝氣與帶出極大的改變。
星期五
官方似乎過分渲染了剩女的議題，導致很多女性在匆忙之下步入不幸的婚姻，與不適合的男性結合。其中有項婚姻的條件是要新娘同意不在房產證上加上自己的名字。我們為所有面臨結婚壓力而結婚的姐妹們禱告，尤其是有不信神的對象，求神賜下特別的恩典和力量。也願神垂聽正準備步入婚姻的姐妹們迫切的祈求，能因著她們的禱告與好見證，使他們未信的對象能早日得到神的救恩。
星期六
中國舉行首個大型國家公祭儀式，紀念南京大屠殺77周年。日本在第二次世界大戰期間在南京屠殺了約30萬中國人。官方宣稱舉辦公祭是要喚起人們對和平的嚮往，而不是要延續仇恨。我們要為無法寬恕和忘記仇恨的信徒禱告，尤其是造成傷害是主內肢體的。求主再次提醒我們效法祂赦免的愛。「赦免我們的罪，因為我們也赦免凡虧欠我們的人。」（路加11：4）
星期日
中國新領導人一直致力在推動傳統儒教和佛教，同時也打壓基督教。要求在全國開展宣傳運動，立足「中華優秀傳統文化」，培育「社會主義核心價值觀」。我們為最近教會受到更多的限制，家庭教會也面臨了來自官方更大的壓力來到神面前禱告，求主保守眾教會，也特別為那些受到逼迫和打壓的信徒們求神的憐憫，但願復興的火在逼迫中更加熱烈地燃燒。
星期一
中國將報廢六百萬輛不符合尾氣排放標準的老舊車輛，這是今年改善空氣質量的一項措施。北京有30萬輛老舊車輛被報廢。北京的空氣污染源有31%來自汽車排出的尾氣。許多家庭教會租用住宅大廈聚會，但是為了更多的方便，更多教會租用辦公樓。 這些教會都有停車位不夠用的問題， 求主賜給他們在面對教會增長的挑戰時，能有智慧，策略和突破的勇氣。
Wednesday
Under the Mao regime nearly all women got married but now more women remain single whether by choice or not. However, the gradual re-emergence of the traditional patriarchal attitude has eroded the early advances women had made. Unmarried ladies in the churches often feel pressured by their churches to marry and they receive very little counseling or teaching on remaining single. We pray for curriculum and resources on Biblical dating, marriage, and pre-marital counseling to be written and used by people.
Thursday
Scholars claim that society is more stable with fewer single people under the rule of the Party in China. New families drive up consumption and there will be a boom in the sale of property. They also say that if more educated females are married, "better quality" children will be born. We praise God for the growing numbers of young and highly educated people, especially professional women in the urban churches. We believe they will be greatly used by God to change the entire church in the future.
Friday
Chinese women believe the Party greatly exaggerated the idea that a woman can become a "leftover" and many then rush into unhappy marriages with unsuitable men. These marriages often demand that the bride has to give up property rights. Let us pray for an extra measure of grace and strength for sisters who face the pressure to marry, especially men who are not believers. May the Lord grant them their desire and we pray for those who are planning to marry, that their spouse will be saved.
Saturday
China held the first national memorial of the Nanjing Massacre. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the slaughter of 300,000 Chinese by the Japanese. China’s leader insisted this is to raise an awareness of peace and not the perpetuation of hatred. We pray for each believer who struggles with the issue of forgiving and forgetting, especially those who have wronged them in the church. May the Lord remind us of His love and forgiveness for us. "Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone." (Luke 11:4)
Sunday
It is very evident that China's new leadership strongly promotes traditional Confucianism and Buddhism but suppresses Christianity. There are political campaigns designed to emphasize "the goodness of Chinese traditional culture" and to foster "socialist core values". Both open and house churches in China have faced much greater official scrutiny recently. We pray fervently for these churches that are facing restrictions and even persecution. May the mercy of the Lord be with those who are persecuted and from their painful experience may the fire of revival start.
Monday
China plans to remove six million vehicles that do not meet exhaust emission standards by the end of the year as a way of improving air quality. More than 300,000 vehicles will be decommissioned in the capital Beijing. Many churches rent space in office towers but some still meet in residential apartment buildings. We pray for many churches that face obstacles in growth due to lack of parking space. We ask for wisdom and good strategy for churches that are trying to expand in the cities of China.
星期二
1990年中國城市女性的工資水平是男性的78%。而2010年卻降到了67%。女性在城市的就業率也從1990年的77%降到2010年的61%。許多姐妹因為是家庭主婦或是沒有上全職班， 她們能大力參與教會的事工。當今教會成員以姐妹們居多，這些人能關心姐妹們的需要，彌補牧者太忙碌無法做到的，我們為她們的忠心擺上感謝神。
星期三
毛澤東時代的中國女人幾乎都進入婚姻，但是現代婦女無論是出於自己選擇或不是，單身者卻很多。另一個現象是，傳統的男權思維再次復興，過去婦女得到的地位近幾年來有退步的跡象。很多教會也有心無心地給單身姐妹一些壓力，但又不能供給他們在守獨身的教導和輔導。我們為教會在交友，找對象，婚前輔導的欠缺禱告，求主興起相關的人力資源、課程與資訊。
星期四
專家認為中國共產黨相信單身人士越少，社會才會越安定。他們聲稱新家庭的誕生會促進消費以及房地產的繁榮。如果大多數受過教育的女強人結婚的話，會有「質量」更好的孩子出生。中國城市教會年輕人和受過高等教育的會友都增多了，這也包括了不少年輕上班族的姐妹。我們深信神要大大使用這些年輕的一代，要為教會的未來注入一股朝氣與帶出極大的改變。
星期五
官方似乎過分渲染了剩女的議題，導致很多女性在匆忙之下步入不幸的婚姻，與不適合的男性結合。其中有項婚姻的條件是要新娘同意不在房產證上加上自己的名字。我們為所有面臨結婚壓力而結婚的姐妹們禱告，尤其是有不信神的對象，求神賜下特別的恩典和力量。也願神垂聽正準備步入婚姻的姐妹們迫切的祈求，能因著她們的禱告與好見證，使他們未信的對象能早日得到神的救恩。
星期六
中國舉行首個大型國家公祭儀式，紀念南京大屠殺77周年。日本在第二次世界大戰期間在南京屠殺了約30萬中國人。官方宣稱舉辦公祭是要喚起人們對和平的嚮往，而不是要延續仇恨。我們要為無法寬恕和忘記仇恨的信徒禱告，尤其是造成傷害是主內肢體的。求主再次提醒我們效法祂赦免的愛。「赦免我們的罪，因為我們也赦免凡虧欠我們的人。」（路加11：4）
星期日
中國新領導人一直致力在推動傳統儒教和佛教，同時也打壓基督教。要求在全國開展宣傳運動，立足「中華優秀傳統文化」，培育「社會主義核心價值觀」。我們為最近教會受到更多的限制，家庭教會也面臨了來自官方更大的壓力來到神面前禱告，求主保守眾教會，也特別為那些受到逼迫和打壓的信徒們求神的憐憫，但願復興的火在逼迫中更加熱烈地燃燒。
星期一
中國將報廢六百萬輛不符合尾氣排放標準的老舊車輛，這是今年改善空氣質量的一項措施。北京有30萬輛老舊車輛被報廢。北京的空氣污染源有31%來自汽車排出的尾氣。許多家庭教會租用住宅大廈聚會，但是為了更多的方便，更多教會租用辦公樓。 這些教會都有停車位不夠用的問題， 求主賜給他們在面對教會增長的挑戰時，能有智慧，策略和突破的勇氣。
Monday, December 15, 2014
Prayer Request 12/16 - 12/22
TuesdayTourism at major temples and sites of the early days of Communism is booming. The so-called "Red Tourism" at the Communist sites has received special recognition. In 2013, thirty million people visited the Yan'an Caves where Mao Zedong spent 13 years in the earlier days of the reign of the Party. The government has vigorously promoted patriotism by combining Maoism and Neo-Confucianism to ensure the dominance of the Communist Party. There are many cadres of the Party who have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior and we pray they will wholeheartedly love the Lord.
Wednesday
The recent territorial dispute between China and Japan has added interest to Red Tourism. In the past decade, the Chinese government has encouraged young people particularly to visit major Sino-Japanese battlegrounds. Patriotism and nationalism are definitely surging but so is rejection of Christianity as a foreign religion. There is also tendency of believers blindly insist that the churches in China must have a special role in God's plan. We ask the Lord to give us His humility and compassion rather than any kind of pride.
Thursday
The government of China considers Red Tourism as a political project which focuses on the glorious history of the Party to divert the dissatisfaction people have toward the corruption they see. Red Tourism also reminds young people and the wealthy of the humble beginnings and hardship of the revolutionary era. There are claims that Christians outnumber Party members in China which only alarms the government and may have contributed to increased limitation of religious activities recently. We pray that every believer in China is truly born again, able to live out the salvation of Jesus, and bears the Fruit of the Spirit.
Friday
Many people in China actually miss the days of the harsh Cultural Revolution because they are thoroughly disgusted by the rampant corruption they see now. Such nostalgia has led to a great interest in the birthplace of Mao and key revolutionary battlegrounds. Many believers are longing for the old days because they see that churches now are exclusive and not united in any way. We pray for genuine humility for the churches in China. May the Spirit convict us of our pride and lack of having a servant's heart.
Saturday
A major reason for the rising popularity of Red Tourism in China is that it is cheaper in comparison with travel to other destinations. Red Tourism also provides historical lessons and certain spiritual values richer than those found in the usual sightseeing tours. Wenzhou has the name of being China's Jerusalem but it is now in an unprecedented official crackdown on religious activities. Let us pray that the believers in Wenzhou will not be discouraged but will rather seek God's intervention to preserve many of their buildings which face demolition.
Sunday
It is very evident that China's new leadership strongly promotes traditional Confucianism and Buddhism but suppresses Christianity. There are political campaigns designed to emphasize "the goodness of Chinese traditional culture" and to foster "socialist core values". Both open and house churches in China have faced much greater official scrutiny recently. We pray fervently for these churches that are facing restrictions and even persecution. May the mercy of the Lord be with those who are persecuted and from their painful experience may the fire of revival start.
Monday
Christians who experienced the Cultural Revolution are very different from those who have not gone through it and these differences are clearly evident in how they serve in the church. Generally, they demand to be heard and invariably they fight for power to make decisions. Painfully we say it, but the spiritual lives of many pastors in China are immature so we pray for maturity of all the workers in the Lord's harvest field. We pray, too, for unity among believers and godly examples of humility to learn from in the churches.
星期二
當前中國紅色旅遊和寺廟聖地旅遊當紅 。2013年3000萬人參觀了毛澤東在延安窯洞時期領導共產黨13年的歷史古蹟。 政府大力宣傳愛國主義，並把新毛澤東主義與新儒學結合，確保共黨至高的統治地位。我們特別為已經接受耶穌基督為個人救主的共產黨員禱告，求主幫助他們愛主的心更加堅定。
星期三
近來中國紅色旅遊恰巧利用了中日釣魚島爭端升級的輿論基礎升溫。過去十年來，政府特別鼓勵發展「抗日戰爭紅色旅遊」，大批年輕人前往抗日地遊覽 。 愛國意識增加，民族主義上升，也使民眾對福音有排斥性，誤認為是一種外來的洋教。不少信徒間也瀰漫著一種中國情結，堅決地認定神必定要重用中國教會。求主賜給我們有主耶穌的謙卑，憐憫的心, 而不是從自己來的驕傲。
星期四
對政府而言，紅色旅遊是一項「政治工程」， 尤其是民眾對現實日益不滿時，展示過去光榮歷，有助反腐運動。藉著紅色旅遊，刻意使年輕人和有錢人不忘革命時期的艱難困苦。常有民間的說法:中國的基督徒人數已經超過共產黨員的人數，這一點讓官方擔憂，甚至近來對教會活動多有限制。我們為每位基督徒來禱告，願因十字架寶血而重生得救的肢體，生命與救恩相稱， 結出聖靈的果子。
星期五
改革開放以來社會腐敗叢生，矛盾突出。很多中國人非常留戀文化大革命，留戀毛時代。這樣就使得以毛澤東為首的代表性人物的出生地、作戰的地方等都成為紅色旅遊的聖地。有許多信徒也常懷舊，他們認為當今教會非常狹隘，常常一言不合就分裂。求主賜給我們有主耶穌的謙卑，讓聖靈挪去我們當中的敗壞和驕傲，常有僕人的心志，常看別人比自己強 。
星期六
紅色旅遊具有吸引力的原因之一，是費用通常低於傳統假日旅遊。除此之外，富裕起來的中國人精神需求增加，旅遊除了遊山玩水之外，還要有精神價值。有「中國的耶路撒冷」美名的溫州，近來遭受到不斷的打壓。我們為溫州信徒不灰心，緊緊依靠、仰望神來代禱，願主為他們開路，保守教會的建築物。
星期日
中國新領導人正在推動傳統儒教和佛教，打壓基督教。要求在全國開展宣傳運動，立足「中華優秀傳統文化」，培育「社會主義核心價值觀」。我們為最近教會受到更多的限制，家庭教會也面臨了來自官方更大的壓力來代禱，求主保守眾教會，也特別為那些受逼迫的信徒們求神的憐憫，但願復興的火在逼迫中燃燒更加旺盛。
星期一
信徒中經歷過文革的人的思想和沒經歷過文革的人的很不一樣，在事奉上有相當明顯的差別。在教會中爭奪話語權的背後，往往是貪婪地要緊緊握住權力。許多中國教會的傳道人的屬靈生命是不成熟的。求神興起成熟的工人來收割莊稼。同時也願神改變我們在主裡與肢體在靈里的合一，在教會和聖工中賜下謙卑服事的好榜樣！
Wednesday
The recent territorial dispute between China and Japan has added interest to Red Tourism. In the past decade, the Chinese government has encouraged young people particularly to visit major Sino-Japanese battlegrounds. Patriotism and nationalism are definitely surging but so is rejection of Christianity as a foreign religion. There is also tendency of believers blindly insist that the churches in China must have a special role in God's plan. We ask the Lord to give us His humility and compassion rather than any kind of pride.
Thursday
The government of China considers Red Tourism as a political project which focuses on the glorious history of the Party to divert the dissatisfaction people have toward the corruption they see. Red Tourism also reminds young people and the wealthy of the humble beginnings and hardship of the revolutionary era. There are claims that Christians outnumber Party members in China which only alarms the government and may have contributed to increased limitation of religious activities recently. We pray that every believer in China is truly born again, able to live out the salvation of Jesus, and bears the Fruit of the Spirit.
Friday
Many people in China actually miss the days of the harsh Cultural Revolution because they are thoroughly disgusted by the rampant corruption they see now. Such nostalgia has led to a great interest in the birthplace of Mao and key revolutionary battlegrounds. Many believers are longing for the old days because they see that churches now are exclusive and not united in any way. We pray for genuine humility for the churches in China. May the Spirit convict us of our pride and lack of having a servant's heart.
Saturday
A major reason for the rising popularity of Red Tourism in China is that it is cheaper in comparison with travel to other destinations. Red Tourism also provides historical lessons and certain spiritual values richer than those found in the usual sightseeing tours. Wenzhou has the name of being China's Jerusalem but it is now in an unprecedented official crackdown on religious activities. Let us pray that the believers in Wenzhou will not be discouraged but will rather seek God's intervention to preserve many of their buildings which face demolition.
Sunday
It is very evident that China's new leadership strongly promotes traditional Confucianism and Buddhism but suppresses Christianity. There are political campaigns designed to emphasize "the goodness of Chinese traditional culture" and to foster "socialist core values". Both open and house churches in China have faced much greater official scrutiny recently. We pray fervently for these churches that are facing restrictions and even persecution. May the mercy of the Lord be with those who are persecuted and from their painful experience may the fire of revival start.
Monday
Christians who experienced the Cultural Revolution are very different from those who have not gone through it and these differences are clearly evident in how they serve in the church. Generally, they demand to be heard and invariably they fight for power to make decisions. Painfully we say it, but the spiritual lives of many pastors in China are immature so we pray for maturity of all the workers in the Lord's harvest field. We pray, too, for unity among believers and godly examples of humility to learn from in the churches.
星期二
當前中國紅色旅遊和寺廟聖地旅遊當紅 。2013年3000萬人參觀了毛澤東在延安窯洞時期領導共產黨13年的歷史古蹟。 政府大力宣傳愛國主義，並把新毛澤東主義與新儒學結合，確保共黨至高的統治地位。我們特別為已經接受耶穌基督為個人救主的共產黨員禱告，求主幫助他們愛主的心更加堅定。
星期三
近來中國紅色旅遊恰巧利用了中日釣魚島爭端升級的輿論基礎升溫。過去十年來，政府特別鼓勵發展「抗日戰爭紅色旅遊」，大批年輕人前往抗日地遊覽 。 愛國意識增加，民族主義上升，也使民眾對福音有排斥性，誤認為是一種外來的洋教。不少信徒間也瀰漫著一種中國情結，堅決地認定神必定要重用中國教會。求主賜給我們有主耶穌的謙卑，憐憫的心, 而不是從自己來的驕傲。
星期四
對政府而言，紅色旅遊是一項「政治工程」， 尤其是民眾對現實日益不滿時，展示過去光榮歷，有助反腐運動。藉著紅色旅遊，刻意使年輕人和有錢人不忘革命時期的艱難困苦。常有民間的說法:中國的基督徒人數已經超過共產黨員的人數，這一點讓官方擔憂，甚至近來對教會活動多有限制。我們為每位基督徒來禱告，願因十字架寶血而重生得救的肢體，生命與救恩相稱， 結出聖靈的果子。
星期五
改革開放以來社會腐敗叢生，矛盾突出。很多中國人非常留戀文化大革命，留戀毛時代。這樣就使得以毛澤東為首的代表性人物的出生地、作戰的地方等都成為紅色旅遊的聖地。有許多信徒也常懷舊，他們認為當今教會非常狹隘，常常一言不合就分裂。求主賜給我們有主耶穌的謙卑，讓聖靈挪去我們當中的敗壞和驕傲，常有僕人的心志，常看別人比自己強 。
星期六
紅色旅遊具有吸引力的原因之一，是費用通常低於傳統假日旅遊。除此之外，富裕起來的中國人精神需求增加，旅遊除了遊山玩水之外，還要有精神價值。有「中國的耶路撒冷」美名的溫州，近來遭受到不斷的打壓。我們為溫州信徒不灰心，緊緊依靠、仰望神來代禱，願主為他們開路，保守教會的建築物。
星期日
中國新領導人正在推動傳統儒教和佛教，打壓基督教。要求在全國開展宣傳運動，立足「中華優秀傳統文化」，培育「社會主義核心價值觀」。我們為最近教會受到更多的限制，家庭教會也面臨了來自官方更大的壓力來代禱，求主保守眾教會，也特別為那些受逼迫的信徒們求神的憐憫，但願復興的火在逼迫中燃燒更加旺盛。
星期一
信徒中經歷過文革的人的思想和沒經歷過文革的人的很不一樣，在事奉上有相當明顯的差別。在教會中爭奪話語權的背後，往往是貪婪地要緊緊握住權力。許多中國教會的傳道人的屬靈生命是不成熟的。求神興起成熟的工人來收割莊稼。同時也願神改變我們在主裡與肢體在靈里的合一，在教會和聖工中賜下謙卑服事的好榜樣！
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Prayer Request 12/9 - 12/15
TuesdayIn China, the sale of cosmetics now outstrips that of groceries in supermarket. In 2013 Chinese women spent 13.3% more on cosmetics than in the year before. The disposable income of the average Chinese has definitely increased in recent years. Churches, however, have a difficult time preaching about giving, due to the lack of transparency in the use of church finances. Let us pray for increased giving by all Christians, not just that toward the renovation of the building.
Wednesday
In the cosmetics market in China in 2013, European brands led all others but Korean brands are also very popular due to their association with the well-liked K-pop and actresses on Korean soap operas. We praise the Lord for the support and teaching the Korean churches have given in China in the past twenty years. There are still more gospel workers in China from Korea than from any other country. May the Lord bless and reward all the churches in Korea that send them.
Thursday
Foreign brands of cosmetics been selling well in China, but Chinese own brands of cosmetics have yet to catch on. Some of them have been given names in Chinese that when pronounced phonetically, sound very much like French brand names. When it comes to worship style and methods of outreach, churches in China value tradition and usually are not willing to try something new. We pray for renewal of churches that will help them not to be afraid of spirit-guided and vision-driven ministries that are full of passion.
Friday
Every year many people are baptized in the churches in China but still many are lost to the church due to a lack of good follow-up. Every church needs to ask why the sheep don't stay and the leaders must face that issue. We pray that God will stir us up to heed the problem of the exodus and loss of believers from the church. We need to be very concerned that our churches fail to grow and stand in the gap to keep the sheep from leaving the flock.
Saturday
Many of the churches in China have experienced growth but then reach a bottleneck and stop growing even though there are new people joining. This has led to a saying in China that "pastors are made of steel but believers flow like water from one church to another." May God alert us to the terrible problem of loss of believers that many churches are experiencing. The problem is found in both urban and rural churches but the reasons behind it are different.
Sunday
Since the government has relaxed its religious policies, the number of churches in China has exploded. In the meantime pastors find themselves overwhelmed with sermon preparation and little time or energy to care for the growing number of believers. As a result, many believers in China do not receive any personal attention from their pastors and we want to pray for them. May the Lord give every believer the proper pastoral attention and fellowship from brothers and sisters so they will be nurtured and grow spiritually.
Monday
Urban churches in China no longer face the challenge of having too few copies of the Bible or a safe place to worship. Their real challenge is the inability to retain believers due to a lack of the solid preaching of the Word of God and a general lack of commitment to God and their church. We pray that every church will provide the warmth of a family for every member, attracting and retaining newcomers. We also pray that believers will be loving and caring, not only their own circle of friends but every new comer.
星期二
化妝品是當今的中國百貨店最大的賣點，遠超過食物及雜貨。根據2013 年的資料，婦女花在化妝品的購買，每年有13.3的增長率。近幾年中國人生活普遍富裕起來，但是教會信徒的奉獻卻沒有相對的增加，傳道人也難強調奉獻的重要性，因為許多教會的財政收支缺少透明度。 求主幫助信徒甘心樂意為事工增加奉獻，而不是單單為了建堂奉獻。
星期三
在2013年中國化妝品市場裡，歐洲品牌仍然領先其他產品，但是近來韓國化妝品的需求也非常旺盛，這是跟風靡中國的K-POP和韓劇的女名星大有關係。我們感謝神，在過去20年韓國教會給予中國教會極大的資源及培訓的幫助。今日在華的韓國宣教士人數眾多和事奉認真，也是眾目睽睽的好見證，願主祝福韓國教會的忠心擺上。
星期四
本土的化妝品品牌還沒有真正建立好品牌形象,泊來品化妝產品在中國銷售成績持續亮麗,。 一些國產品牌特意取發音時聽起來像法國的名牌化妝品的中文名字。論到敬拜方式，行政及傳福音，中國教會一向是偏於保守、講究傳統，很少會給予新的嘗試或創新。我們要為教會的更新禱告，求主時時啟示事工異象，也幫助弟兄姐妹願意順從聖靈的導引，心志火熱的跟隨基督 。
星期五
中國教會每年受洗人數不斷增加，但同時，在不同地區也出現了信徒日益流失的現象。每一個教會都需要自問「羊兒」為何離開牧場？教會領袖與牧者該如何面對一個個轉身離開的背影？求主激動我們關心教會「後門」的大問題。關注教會信徒在流失的現象，探究為什麽教會人數不能持續增長？願大家都能夠用心查出原因，找出方法來堵住破口，把守教會的「後門」。
星期六
一般而言，當教會發展到一定階段，便出現了「瓶頸」，明明有很多新的信徒加入教會，可信徒人口基數增長卻並不顯著。因此，不少人戲稱教會是「鐵打的牧師，流水的信徒」。 求神提醒我們，多關心現今教會非常嚴重的信徒流失問題。雖然農村教會和城市教會的影響原因不盡相同，但是會友流失的問題同樣嚴重。求主賜給我們智慧，知道信徒流失的原由，和解決之道。
星期日
自宗教政策放鬆，教堂開放、教會恢復活動後，全國教堂如雨後春筍，教友人數劇增，講台牧養便成了當務之急。可是教會事務繁多，牧者們有時面對眾多慕道友和信徒而分身乏術、有心無力。嚴格來說，許多中國教會仍然是以「放牧式」的牧養方式來餵養會眾。我們為那些沒有足夠牧者關心的信徒禱告，求主幫助每個信徒都能在教會得到系統性的牧養和弟兄姐妹彼此的勉勵，使靈命不斷成長。
星期一
城市教會當下所面臨的挑戰，不再是能否有足夠數量的聖經看，有否場地供聚會；而是會眾人數上的流失，實際上更是信仰的流失。即是信徒需要重新認識信仰，回歸信仰，對神委身，對教會委身的挑戰。教會是信徒的家，也是代表神迎接各方慕道朋友的地方。我們求主讓每個教會都有家的溫暖特質，能吸引新來的人，讓會眾加入教會時能感受到這個家有關愛、有歸屬感，這需要信徒都有愛心，關心新來的人，而不是只找自己的老朋友。
Wednesday
In the cosmetics market in China in 2013, European brands led all others but Korean brands are also very popular due to their association with the well-liked K-pop and actresses on Korean soap operas. We praise the Lord for the support and teaching the Korean churches have given in China in the past twenty years. There are still more gospel workers in China from Korea than from any other country. May the Lord bless and reward all the churches in Korea that send them.
Thursday
Foreign brands of cosmetics been selling well in China, but Chinese own brands of cosmetics have yet to catch on. Some of them have been given names in Chinese that when pronounced phonetically, sound very much like French brand names. When it comes to worship style and methods of outreach, churches in China value tradition and usually are not willing to try something new. We pray for renewal of churches that will help them not to be afraid of spirit-guided and vision-driven ministries that are full of passion.
Friday
Every year many people are baptized in the churches in China but still many are lost to the church due to a lack of good follow-up. Every church needs to ask why the sheep don't stay and the leaders must face that issue. We pray that God will stir us up to heed the problem of the exodus and loss of believers from the church. We need to be very concerned that our churches fail to grow and stand in the gap to keep the sheep from leaving the flock.
Saturday
Many of the churches in China have experienced growth but then reach a bottleneck and stop growing even though there are new people joining. This has led to a saying in China that "pastors are made of steel but believers flow like water from one church to another." May God alert us to the terrible problem of loss of believers that many churches are experiencing. The problem is found in both urban and rural churches but the reasons behind it are different.
Sunday
Since the government has relaxed its religious policies, the number of churches in China has exploded. In the meantime pastors find themselves overwhelmed with sermon preparation and little time or energy to care for the growing number of believers. As a result, many believers in China do not receive any personal attention from their pastors and we want to pray for them. May the Lord give every believer the proper pastoral attention and fellowship from brothers and sisters so they will be nurtured and grow spiritually.
Monday
Urban churches in China no longer face the challenge of having too few copies of the Bible or a safe place to worship. Their real challenge is the inability to retain believers due to a lack of the solid preaching of the Word of God and a general lack of commitment to God and their church. We pray that every church will provide the warmth of a family for every member, attracting and retaining newcomers. We also pray that believers will be loving and caring, not only their own circle of friends but every new comer.
星期二
化妝品是當今的中國百貨店最大的賣點，遠超過食物及雜貨。根據2013 年的資料，婦女花在化妝品的購買，每年有13.3的增長率。近幾年中國人生活普遍富裕起來，但是教會信徒的奉獻卻沒有相對的增加，傳道人也難強調奉獻的重要性，因為許多教會的財政收支缺少透明度。 求主幫助信徒甘心樂意為事工增加奉獻，而不是單單為了建堂奉獻。
星期三
在2013年中國化妝品市場裡，歐洲品牌仍然領先其他產品，但是近來韓國化妝品的需求也非常旺盛，這是跟風靡中國的K-POP和韓劇的女名星大有關係。我們感謝神，在過去20年韓國教會給予中國教會極大的資源及培訓的幫助。今日在華的韓國宣教士人數眾多和事奉認真，也是眾目睽睽的好見證，願主祝福韓國教會的忠心擺上。
星期四
本土的化妝品品牌還沒有真正建立好品牌形象,泊來品化妝產品在中國銷售成績持續亮麗,。 一些國產品牌特意取發音時聽起來像法國的名牌化妝品的中文名字。論到敬拜方式，行政及傳福音，中國教會一向是偏於保守、講究傳統，很少會給予新的嘗試或創新。我們要為教會的更新禱告，求主時時啟示事工異象，也幫助弟兄姐妹願意順從聖靈的導引，心志火熱的跟隨基督 。
星期五
中國教會每年受洗人數不斷增加，但同時，在不同地區也出現了信徒日益流失的現象。每一個教會都需要自問「羊兒」為何離開牧場？教會領袖與牧者該如何面對一個個轉身離開的背影？求主激動我們關心教會「後門」的大問題。關注教會信徒在流失的現象，探究為什麽教會人數不能持續增長？願大家都能夠用心查出原因，找出方法來堵住破口，把守教會的「後門」。
星期六
一般而言，當教會發展到一定階段，便出現了「瓶頸」，明明有很多新的信徒加入教會，可信徒人口基數增長卻並不顯著。因此，不少人戲稱教會是「鐵打的牧師，流水的信徒」。 求神提醒我們，多關心現今教會非常嚴重的信徒流失問題。雖然農村教會和城市教會的影響原因不盡相同，但是會友流失的問題同樣嚴重。求主賜給我們智慧，知道信徒流失的原由，和解決之道。
星期日
自宗教政策放鬆，教堂開放、教會恢復活動後，全國教堂如雨後春筍，教友人數劇增，講台牧養便成了當務之急。可是教會事務繁多，牧者們有時面對眾多慕道友和信徒而分身乏術、有心無力。嚴格來說，許多中國教會仍然是以「放牧式」的牧養方式來餵養會眾。我們為那些沒有足夠牧者關心的信徒禱告，求主幫助每個信徒都能在教會得到系統性的牧養和弟兄姐妹彼此的勉勵，使靈命不斷成長。
星期一
城市教會當下所面臨的挑戰，不再是能否有足夠數量的聖經看，有否場地供聚會；而是會眾人數上的流失，實際上更是信仰的流失。即是信徒需要重新認識信仰，回歸信仰，對神委身，對教會委身的挑戰。教會是信徒的家，也是代表神迎接各方慕道朋友的地方。我們求主讓每個教會都有家的溫暖特質，能吸引新來的人，讓會眾加入教會時能感受到這個家有關愛、有歸屬感，這需要信徒都有愛心，關心新來的人，而不是只找自己的老朋友。
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
Prayer Request 12/2 - 12/8
TuesdayThe gulf between the haves and have-nots in Hong Kong is among the world’s widest. Expatriate business people are at the very top, while the domestic servants from Southeast Asia are at the bottom. Churches in Hong Kong became deeply divided over the recent political demonstrations. We pray for unity of believers, safeguarding of His churches, respecting and loving one another. May the Lord give us maturity, rather than resenting or hateful against each other.
Wednesday
Domestic servants, called helpers cannot apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong. They are subject to a special pay scale, about two-thirds less than Hong Kong’s minimum wage of $3.87 an hour. If dismissed, they have fourteen days to leave the country. We pray for some local churches and groups of believers who reach out to foreign workers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. There are churches that allow foreign workers to use their facilities and people who share the Gospel of Jesus with them, especially those from Muslim countries.
Thursday
Admittedly, traditional Chinese religions have had a great deal of influence on the development of Christianity in China. Many older people regard Christianity as merely another sect. During the 1980's when the rural churches grew quickly, many were led and organized in a team fashion similar to the way Buddhist and Taoist religions were. It is always difficult for churches in China to reach older people because they follow traditional religions and are physically limited from traveling to other places. We pray that believers will intentionally reach out to the seniors around them showing them the love of God and leading them to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Friday
In both Anhui and Henan where the people are not impoverish but have lower educational standards than other places in China, rural churches organized and led in team fashion are very common. We pray that every leader in the churches in China will have a shepherd's heart along with the attitude of a servant so they will not merely desire to be respected but will have humility and the fragrance of our Lord Jesus Christ in their lives.
Saturday
The educational system in China is known and criticized for its overemphasis on the mere regurgitation of facts as well as the fierce competition it causes. Families with means enroll their children in extra/cram classes to get them ahead since there is so much competition even beginning in elementary school. We pray especially for parents whose children are not academically strong that the Lord will open their eyes to see how precious their children are and then will have faith to trust God's great plan for their children.
Sunday
Some of the key churches in major cities of China have run into a bottleneck in expanding their ministry. They have grown into congregations of hundreds and even thousands of people which has forced them to move from renting an apartment to renting an entire floor of an office building to accommodate the crowds at the Sunday services. We praise God for adding numbers of saved people to these congregations and enlarging their churches and ask the Lord to give them the space they need and that they will find favor in the eyes of local officials who constantly monitor large church gatherings.
Monday
Many churches in China know neither where nor how to begin a youth ministry. Some of the church leaders appreciate the need to reach out and minister to young people but the traditional form of worship they use makes it difficult to attract the youth. These churches often emphasize Bible knowledge and the teachings in it without making practical life applications. We pray that churches will truly accept youth and their culture by making changes in some of the age-old traditions and even more by being an example of faith for these young people.
星期二
香港是世界上貧富差距最大的地方之一。最富裕的是拿高薪的外國商務人士，而最貧窮的是外勞，如來自東南亞的女傭人。最近香港教會因政治立場的差異而分裂，肢體間傷了合一。求主保守祂的教會，學習彼此相愛和尊重，更求主幫助我們靈命和品格更趨成熟，以免基督的身體因著信徒屬世血氣的爭拗，成為那惡者仇敵襲擊眾教會和羞辱神的破口。
星期三
香港法院已宣判作為家庭雇傭的外藉人士不能申請永久居留。外傭現時的薪金只有香港本地人最低工資(每小時3.87美元)的三分一。他們一旦被解僱，需在14天內離開香港。我們要為在香港和台灣地區關懷外籍勞工的教會代禱，求主感動教會願意開放場地、設施供他們聚會，也藉著關心、接納，與她們分享主耶穌的福音，尤其是為主接待那些來自回教國家的外傭。
星期四
中國民間傳統宗教深深影響基督教，甚至有些老年人認為基督教與民間宗教差不多。在上世紀八十年代，農村教會的團隊制度與民間宗教非常相似。教會不容易接觸老年人，一方面是長者們受民間宗教影響極深，另一方面他們固守鄉里，在行動上亦不方便到教會參與聚會。求主恩待信徒，能刻意將福音分享給年長者，藉著關懷與愛心，為主引領他們歸主。
星期五
團隊類型教會多在安徽、河南這些經濟還在發展的中部地區，當地是基本溫飽解決了，但精神文化層面仍落後的地方。我們為教會領袖有愛群羊的心禱告。不但如此，也有僕人的心志，不是喜愛被人尊敬，而是願意謙卑服事，生活言行都流露著主的香氣。
星期六
中國的教育因為過於注重死記硬背以及激烈的競爭而飽受詬病。條件好的家庭常常會讓孩子參加各種輔導班，指望他們比同齡孩子起跑早，會更有優勢。學生從小學到大學，每一階段都要面臨激烈的競爭。我們特別為孩子學業成績不出色的家長禱告，願主幫助他們能看見祂所賜的產業是多麼寶貴，不對神失去信心，相信神在每一個孩子身上都有祂獨特的計劃和美好的引領。
星期日
近來一些重要城市的家庭教會再次遇到發展瓶頸的挑戰。這些教會的信徒迅速增長，形成了幾百人到上千人的教會。有些教會也已經從社區家庭聚會的模式，轉型到寫字樓、甚至包下整層樓當堂會聚會的模式。我們要為得救人數的加添感謝神，求主為他們預備聚會的場所，也使他們在主管的官員眼前蒙恩。
星期一
許多教會對青少年事工感到無從下手。教會領袖知道青少年需要被神得著及引導，但實際上教會傳統的敬拜模式難以吸引青少年進入教會。中國教會一般偏重孩子聖經知識、條規，但教導和種種與現實生活脫節。求主感動牧者能從真正接納年輕人及他們的文化開始，也嘗試更新教會的種種傳統。會眾們更是在生活言行之中活出好見證，成為青少年信仰的典範。
Wednesday
Domestic servants, called helpers cannot apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong. They are subject to a special pay scale, about two-thirds less than Hong Kong’s minimum wage of $3.87 an hour. If dismissed, they have fourteen days to leave the country. We pray for some local churches and groups of believers who reach out to foreign workers in Hong Kong and Taiwan. There are churches that allow foreign workers to use their facilities and people who share the Gospel of Jesus with them, especially those from Muslim countries.
Thursday
Admittedly, traditional Chinese religions have had a great deal of influence on the development of Christianity in China. Many older people regard Christianity as merely another sect. During the 1980's when the rural churches grew quickly, many were led and organized in a team fashion similar to the way Buddhist and Taoist religions were. It is always difficult for churches in China to reach older people because they follow traditional religions and are physically limited from traveling to other places. We pray that believers will intentionally reach out to the seniors around them showing them the love of God and leading them to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Friday
In both Anhui and Henan where the people are not impoverish but have lower educational standards than other places in China, rural churches organized and led in team fashion are very common. We pray that every leader in the churches in China will have a shepherd's heart along with the attitude of a servant so they will not merely desire to be respected but will have humility and the fragrance of our Lord Jesus Christ in their lives.
Saturday
The educational system in China is known and criticized for its overemphasis on the mere regurgitation of facts as well as the fierce competition it causes. Families with means enroll their children in extra/cram classes to get them ahead since there is so much competition even beginning in elementary school. We pray especially for parents whose children are not academically strong that the Lord will open their eyes to see how precious their children are and then will have faith to trust God's great plan for their children.
Sunday
Some of the key churches in major cities of China have run into a bottleneck in expanding their ministry. They have grown into congregations of hundreds and even thousands of people which has forced them to move from renting an apartment to renting an entire floor of an office building to accommodate the crowds at the Sunday services. We praise God for adding numbers of saved people to these congregations and enlarging their churches and ask the Lord to give them the space they need and that they will find favor in the eyes of local officials who constantly monitor large church gatherings.
Monday
Many churches in China know neither where nor how to begin a youth ministry. Some of the church leaders appreciate the need to reach out and minister to young people but the traditional form of worship they use makes it difficult to attract the youth. These churches often emphasize Bible knowledge and the teachings in it without making practical life applications. We pray that churches will truly accept youth and their culture by making changes in some of the age-old traditions and even more by being an example of faith for these young people.
星期二
香港是世界上貧富差距最大的地方之一。最富裕的是拿高薪的外國商務人士，而最貧窮的是外勞，如來自東南亞的女傭人。最近香港教會因政治立場的差異而分裂，肢體間傷了合一。求主保守祂的教會，學習彼此相愛和尊重，更求主幫助我們靈命和品格更趨成熟，以免基督的身體因著信徒屬世血氣的爭拗，成為那惡者仇敵襲擊眾教會和羞辱神的破口。
星期三
香港法院已宣判作為家庭雇傭的外藉人士不能申請永久居留。外傭現時的薪金只有香港本地人最低工資(每小時3.87美元)的三分一。他們一旦被解僱，需在14天內離開香港。我們要為在香港和台灣地區關懷外籍勞工的教會代禱，求主感動教會願意開放場地、設施供他們聚會，也藉著關心、接納，與她們分享主耶穌的福音，尤其是為主接待那些來自回教國家的外傭。
星期四
中國民間傳統宗教深深影響基督教，甚至有些老年人認為基督教與民間宗教差不多。在上世紀八十年代，農村教會的團隊制度與民間宗教非常相似。教會不容易接觸老年人，一方面是長者們受民間宗教影響極深，另一方面他們固守鄉里，在行動上亦不方便到教會參與聚會。求主恩待信徒，能刻意將福音分享給年長者，藉著關懷與愛心，為主引領他們歸主。
星期五
團隊類型教會多在安徽、河南這些經濟還在發展的中部地區，當地是基本溫飽解決了，但精神文化層面仍落後的地方。我們為教會領袖有愛群羊的心禱告。不但如此，也有僕人的心志，不是喜愛被人尊敬，而是願意謙卑服事，生活言行都流露著主的香氣。
星期六
中國的教育因為過於注重死記硬背以及激烈的競爭而飽受詬病。條件好的家庭常常會讓孩子參加各種輔導班，指望他們比同齡孩子起跑早，會更有優勢。學生從小學到大學，每一階段都要面臨激烈的競爭。我們特別為孩子學業成績不出色的家長禱告，願主幫助他們能看見祂所賜的產業是多麼寶貴，不對神失去信心，相信神在每一個孩子身上都有祂獨特的計劃和美好的引領。
星期日
近來一些重要城市的家庭教會再次遇到發展瓶頸的挑戰。這些教會的信徒迅速增長，形成了幾百人到上千人的教會。有些教會也已經從社區家庭聚會的模式，轉型到寫字樓、甚至包下整層樓當堂會聚會的模式。我們要為得救人數的加添感謝神，求主為他們預備聚會的場所，也使他們在主管的官員眼前蒙恩。
星期一
許多教會對青少年事工感到無從下手。教會領袖知道青少年需要被神得著及引導，但實際上教會傳統的敬拜模式難以吸引青少年進入教會。中國教會一般偏重孩子聖經知識、條規，但教導和種種與現實生活脫節。求主感動牧者能從真正接納年輕人及他們的文化開始，也嘗試更新教會的種種傳統。會眾們更是在生活言行之中活出好見證，成為青少年信仰的典範。
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Prayer Request 11/25 - 12/1
TuesdayIn China, there is much inequality in the opportunity for education in different areas. One research report showed that an applicant from Beijing is forty-one times more likely to be admitted to Peking University than a fellow student from the province of Anhui which is largely poor and rural. Churches often lack vision and direction in their ministry with youth and some have simply given up because of various difficulties. May the Lord help us not to forsake caring for young believers and considering them less important than others because they cannot contribute financially.
Wednesday
Even an urban residency status does not ensure educational equality among city dwellers in China. The quality of urban schools varies widely and the competition to enter top schools has spawned rampant corruption. In Beijing churches started youth ministry only a few years ago and usually they began with fewer than twenty young people. We praise God for these churches and ask Him to use them to mobilize more churches to care for the spiritual health of the young believers who attend.
Thursday
Although elementary schooling in China is supposed to be free, parents must still pay tens of thousands of dollars under the guise of "voluntary donations" to secure a slot for their children in an elite elementary school. Christian parents in China want good Sunday school programs for their children but few are willing to be trained to serve as a teacher themselves. We pray that more parents will answer the call to serve as teachers of God's love.
Friday
Although it is frowned on by the authorities, parents in China who can pay well to hire teachers for their children can help their children get an advantage over the average student, and many do this. Christian parents tend to emphasize high grades, top notch schools, and the health of their children more than teaching them to live a spiritual life. May the Lord have mercy on us so we do not honor our children more than we honor Him. (I Samuel 2:29)
Saturday
The educational system in China has always placed a large emphasis on test scores but now it is dependent on the costs of their "cramming" lessons, the years their parents have toiled in cities to get a residency permit, and the admission quotas universities allot to the provinces. Many churches simply give up on having a ministry for children because they have neither the vision nor the resources to start one. We pray that churches will get seriously involved in caring for the spiritual health of their youth and children before they completely stop attending church.
Sunday
According to statistics there are some 8000-9000 house churches in Beijing but fewer than twenty of them have any form of youth ministry. There are only a few so-called youth workers and none of the full-time pastors is dedicated to youth work. Many churches try to minister to their youth, but they do not really know how to begin. We pray for a unity of parents and leaders as they search for ways to be more effective in helping young people walk close to Jesus.
Monday
Those who are involved in youth ministry in China have no training for such work. They are usually high school graduates in the city churches and those in the rural churches have only a junior high education. We pray for more courses to teach people how to do youth ministry, teaching them how to develop a relationship with young people as a friend and mentor rather than the traditional role of a teacher. May the Lord empower each one to be able to influence the lives of their youth with their own and His love.
星期二
中國 高等教育機會不平等。根據研究，一名北京本地學生相較於來自貧窮的安徽農村的學生，考上北大的機率幾乎是後者的41倍。教會普遍缺乏發展青少年事工的異象和目標。有些教會做了幾年青少年事工，因種種困難就停止了。求主幫助教會不放棄年輕人的事工，也不因他們沒有金錢上的奉獻就看輕他們。
星期三
中國教育資源的分配也極不均等。即使是在城市的居民，城市內學校間質量良莠不齊，且要進入頂尖學校的競爭裡，也滋生了嚴重的腐敗問題。教會中有青少年團契的，也是近幾年才開始發展起來的，人數從幾個到二十不等。我們為這些教會感恩，但願神使用他們激勵其他教會，更多地關心年輕人的靈命成長。
星期四
雖然小學教育是免費的。但是為了讓孩子獲得一個進入頂尖小學的名額，父母們常常繳納上萬元的「自願捐贈」。基督徒父母往往為他們的孩子要求有好的主日學課程，但很少有人願意成為上帝差派的愛的老師，求主呼招更多看重下一代靈命的肢體，願意委身在兒童事工當中。
星期五
中國學生的家長捨得花錢在孩子身上，例如請老師給孩子單獨補課，儘管這種行為被有關部門明令禁止，但在現實中仍比比皆是。信徒家庭普遍注重孩子的學習成績，名校、身體健康等，遠超過他們的靈命成長。求主憐憫我們，不叫我們看重我們孩子屬世的成功，過於尊重神（撒母耳上2：29）。
星期六
中國的教育一貫極其注重考試分數，考分的高低跟他們在補習班中所傾入的費用相關，還有他們父母為獲得城市戶口而四處奔波所挹注的心力，以及大學在他們的省份分配的錄取名額。許多教會因為沒有真正的異象或資源，在嘗試發展青少年事工時, 往往就半途而廢。我們為教會能認真及努力關心下一代的靈命，不讓年輕一代流失來禱告。
星期日
北京約有8000-9000間家庭教會，但有青少年團契的教會不到20家。 全職做青少年事工的牧者寥寥無幾，專職的青少年牧師對中國教會來說實在太稀有了。許多教會嘗試做青少年的事工，卻是有心無力。我們為這些教會，家長與教會領袖之間有合一的靈，試著用智慧以各樣方式、途徑，更有有效地幫助他們的年輕人與主同行。
星期一
從事青少年事工的中國牧者多半沒有受過任何相關的培訓，他們的教育程度，也以初中和高中為主；求主興起更多青少年事工的培訓，特別幫助那些服事青少年的同工，擁有美好的人際關係，能從傳統的牧養關係，變成教練與朋友的關係，流露對孩子們的關愛，用生命來影響他們。
Wednesday
Even an urban residency status does not ensure educational equality among city dwellers in China. The quality of urban schools varies widely and the competition to enter top schools has spawned rampant corruption. In Beijing churches started youth ministry only a few years ago and usually they began with fewer than twenty young people. We praise God for these churches and ask Him to use them to mobilize more churches to care for the spiritual health of the young believers who attend.
Thursday
Although elementary schooling in China is supposed to be free, parents must still pay tens of thousands of dollars under the guise of "voluntary donations" to secure a slot for their children in an elite elementary school. Christian parents in China want good Sunday school programs for their children but few are willing to be trained to serve as a teacher themselves. We pray that more parents will answer the call to serve as teachers of God's love.
Friday
Although it is frowned on by the authorities, parents in China who can pay well to hire teachers for their children can help their children get an advantage over the average student, and many do this. Christian parents tend to emphasize high grades, top notch schools, and the health of their children more than teaching them to live a spiritual life. May the Lord have mercy on us so we do not honor our children more than we honor Him. (I Samuel 2:29)
Saturday
The educational system in China has always placed a large emphasis on test scores but now it is dependent on the costs of their "cramming" lessons, the years their parents have toiled in cities to get a residency permit, and the admission quotas universities allot to the provinces. Many churches simply give up on having a ministry for children because they have neither the vision nor the resources to start one. We pray that churches will get seriously involved in caring for the spiritual health of their youth and children before they completely stop attending church.
Sunday
According to statistics there are some 8000-9000 house churches in Beijing but fewer than twenty of them have any form of youth ministry. There are only a few so-called youth workers and none of the full-time pastors is dedicated to youth work. Many churches try to minister to their youth, but they do not really know how to begin. We pray for a unity of parents and leaders as they search for ways to be more effective in helping young people walk close to Jesus.
Monday
Those who are involved in youth ministry in China have no training for such work. They are usually high school graduates in the city churches and those in the rural churches have only a junior high education. We pray for more courses to teach people how to do youth ministry, teaching them how to develop a relationship with young people as a friend and mentor rather than the traditional role of a teacher. May the Lord empower each one to be able to influence the lives of their youth with their own and His love.
星期二
中國 高等教育機會不平等。根據研究，一名北京本地學生相較於來自貧窮的安徽農村的學生，考上北大的機率幾乎是後者的41倍。教會普遍缺乏發展青少年事工的異象和目標。有些教會做了幾年青少年事工，因種種困難就停止了。求主幫助教會不放棄年輕人的事工，也不因他們沒有金錢上的奉獻就看輕他們。
星期三
中國教育資源的分配也極不均等。即使是在城市的居民，城市內學校間質量良莠不齊，且要進入頂尖學校的競爭裡，也滋生了嚴重的腐敗問題。教會中有青少年團契的，也是近幾年才開始發展起來的，人數從幾個到二十不等。我們為這些教會感恩，但願神使用他們激勵其他教會，更多地關心年輕人的靈命成長。
星期四
雖然小學教育是免費的。但是為了讓孩子獲得一個進入頂尖小學的名額，父母們常常繳納上萬元的「自願捐贈」。基督徒父母往往為他們的孩子要求有好的主日學課程，但很少有人願意成為上帝差派的愛的老師，求主呼招更多看重下一代靈命的肢體，願意委身在兒童事工當中。
星期五
中國學生的家長捨得花錢在孩子身上，例如請老師給孩子單獨補課，儘管這種行為被有關部門明令禁止，但在現實中仍比比皆是。信徒家庭普遍注重孩子的學習成績，名校、身體健康等，遠超過他們的靈命成長。求主憐憫我們，不叫我們看重我們孩子屬世的成功，過於尊重神（撒母耳上2：29）。
星期六
中國的教育一貫極其注重考試分數，考分的高低跟他們在補習班中所傾入的費用相關，還有他們父母為獲得城市戶口而四處奔波所挹注的心力，以及大學在他們的省份分配的錄取名額。許多教會因為沒有真正的異象或資源，在嘗試發展青少年事工時, 往往就半途而廢。我們為教會能認真及努力關心下一代的靈命，不讓年輕一代流失來禱告。
星期日
北京約有8000-9000間家庭教會，但有青少年團契的教會不到20家。 全職做青少年事工的牧者寥寥無幾，專職的青少年牧師對中國教會來說實在太稀有了。許多教會嘗試做青少年的事工，卻是有心無力。我們為這些教會，家長與教會領袖之間有合一的靈，試著用智慧以各樣方式、途徑，更有有效地幫助他們的年輕人與主同行。
星期一
從事青少年事工的中國牧者多半沒有受過任何相關的培訓，他們的教育程度，也以初中和高中為主；求主興起更多青少年事工的培訓，特別幫助那些服事青少年的同工，擁有美好的人際關係，能從傳統的牧養關係，變成教練與朋友的關係，流露對孩子們的關愛，用生命來影響他們。
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Prayer Request 11/18 - 11/24
TuesdayAn interpretation by the Supreme Court of China in 2011 the 1950 Marriage Law stated that, when a couple divorces, property should not be shared equally, but each side should keep what is in his or her own name. It is not uncommon to have Chinese parents buying an apartment for their children as a wedding gift. We pray for young believers to seek God’s will for their marriage, rather than base it on whether the family has money or not.
Wednesday
This ruling of division of properties at the time of divorce has serious implications. In the big Chinese cities a third of marriages now end in divorce. Only about 30% of married women have their name on the deeds of the marital flat. Divorces are common among believers now. We pray not only for more teaching of Biblical principles of marriage, but also more emphasis and practical teaching on resolving marital conflict.
Thursday
By 2010，26% of urban women in China had university degrees, double the proportion ten years earlier. Women now regularly outperform men at Chinese universities, which has led to gender-based quotas favoring men in some entrance exams. More women receive Bible training than men but only some of them are serving in teaching roles. We pray for the blessing of God for all the women pastors as they exercise their gifts. We pray especially for strength and joy for those who are single.
Friday
There is the perception that items bought in Hong Kong are of better quality and likely not to have been counterfeited or tampered with. This is important to Chinese who are constantly unnerved by scandals involving adulterated food and medicines. Hong Kong churches have significantly withdrawn their support to churches in China. We pray that Hong Kong churches can still supply the talents and experience of their cross-cultural missionary effort, which can be a great mentor and template for China churches.
Saturday
An annual salary of 150,000 yuan is considered to be the cutoff for the new Middle Class in China. Unlike the so-called "wealthy second generation" who receive handout from their rich parents, this income must be earned with their education and hard work. Although young professional believers are very affluent, they still need to learn about giving to churches financially, more so than the average believers. We pray that all believers will give willing and joyfully, knowing God will richly reward us when we give our best to Him.
Sunday
The greatest pressure for youth in China is the gao kao, the college entrance exam which pretty much decides the future of each youth by deciding whether he/she can enter college or not. It is always awkward for a church when they give thanks publically for some of the youth who got into good colleges but say nothing about others who have not done well on the gao kao. We pray that churches will be Biblical in teaching God's desire for us as parents and that His measure of success is different from ours.
Monday
Gao kao is held once a year. Since families in China have only one child and the hope of the entire family rests on how well that child does in this single exam, a good outcome is a great honor for the entire family. The pressure to get into a good college is very intense and begins early. This is one reason the youth meetings in church are not well attended or it is even difficult to start one. We pray for a vibrant ministry for those churches that put an emphasis on youth as well as those that lack this emphasis, that all will have a vision to care for youth.
星期二
2011年最高法院對1950年婚姻法的解釋是夫妻二人離婚時，房產不應該平均分配，雙方只能擁有在其名下的東西。不少中國父母購屋是幫助子女成家立業的起步，這也是社會傳統的常例。我們為年輕未婚的信徒禱告，讓他們知道要尋求神的旨意，明白有共同信仰的重要，而不是只看對方經濟條件如何。
星期三
在大城市的離婚律是三分之一，但是大約只有30%的已婚女性住房的契約上有自己的名字。2011年最高法院解釋對離婚時財產分配，雙方只能擁有在其名下的東西。這一裁定會造成嚴重的影響。弟兄姊妹當中有離婚的目前也蠻普遍的。我們為眾教會要多教導從聖經原則出發的婚姻觀來禱告，同時也要幫助弟兄姐妹如何處現實婚姻裡的難題和衝突，看重實際的輔導與幫助。
星期四
截至2010年，26%的城市女性擁有大學學歷，這個數字是十年前的兩倍。在大學裡中國女性的表現經常超越男性，這就導致在某些入學考試中會增加男性名額數。姐妹們有聖經裝備的比率很高，但是有教導機會的不是那麼多。我們求神更多使用女傳道們的恩賜，在服事上更有力量與喜樂。我們也在禱告中特別紀念單身的女傳道人。
星期五
中國旅客喜歡在購物，他們認為境外的商品質量更好，買到假貨或摻假產品的可能性更小。在一個受食物和藥品摻假醜聞困擾的國家裡，這是一個很重要的考量。香港教會目前參與中國教會的力度逐漸減少，但仍可從軟件上支持內地教會，求主繼續使用香港教會提供的人才培訓，也能分享他們多年跨文化宣教的經驗。
星期六
新中產階級的年收入，15萬元是一個可以參考的分界線。當然，是從職場上用自己的知識和勞動所獲取的報酬，而不是富二代用老爸給的零用錢。雖然年輕專業的信徒經濟條件非常優渥，但是在奉獻的認真上比一般信徒還有許多欠缺。我們為所有信徒甘心樂意的奉獻來禱告，因為甘心樂意奉獻的神必賞賜。
星期日
青少年的最大壓力源是一直備受批評的高考制度。對許多中國學生來說，考取好成績就意味著拿到了一張通往更美好未來的入場券，因為高校招生只看高考分數。 教會在處理年輕人進入大學的議題總是有些尷尬，我們會為能進好學校的人感恩，但是名落孫山的就不知如何應付了。 求主恩待教會要教導父母以聖經為主的養育方式，因為神衡量成功的標準是不一樣的。
星期一
高考成績優秀對整個家庭都是一種巨大的榮耀 ! 許多中國家庭都只有一個子女，全家人的希望都寄託在孩子身上。一年一次的高考是從小到大漫長激烈競爭的驗收，考進大學的激烈競爭是從小開始。升學考試也是教會的青少年事工無法持續，甚至不能開展的主因。求主恩待、興旺有青少年事工的教會，也將關心第二代的負擔加給沒有年輕人的教會。
Wednesday
This ruling of division of properties at the time of divorce has serious implications. In the big Chinese cities a third of marriages now end in divorce. Only about 30% of married women have their name on the deeds of the marital flat. Divorces are common among believers now. We pray not only for more teaching of Biblical principles of marriage, but also more emphasis and practical teaching on resolving marital conflict.
Thursday
By 2010，26% of urban women in China had university degrees, double the proportion ten years earlier. Women now regularly outperform men at Chinese universities, which has led to gender-based quotas favoring men in some entrance exams. More women receive Bible training than men but only some of them are serving in teaching roles. We pray for the blessing of God for all the women pastors as they exercise their gifts. We pray especially for strength and joy for those who are single.
Friday
There is the perception that items bought in Hong Kong are of better quality and likely not to have been counterfeited or tampered with. This is important to Chinese who are constantly unnerved by scandals involving adulterated food and medicines. Hong Kong churches have significantly withdrawn their support to churches in China. We pray that Hong Kong churches can still supply the talents and experience of their cross-cultural missionary effort, which can be a great mentor and template for China churches.
Saturday
An annual salary of 150,000 yuan is considered to be the cutoff for the new Middle Class in China. Unlike the so-called "wealthy second generation" who receive handout from their rich parents, this income must be earned with their education and hard work. Although young professional believers are very affluent, they still need to learn about giving to churches financially, more so than the average believers. We pray that all believers will give willing and joyfully, knowing God will richly reward us when we give our best to Him.
Sunday
The greatest pressure for youth in China is the gao kao, the college entrance exam which pretty much decides the future of each youth by deciding whether he/she can enter college or not. It is always awkward for a church when they give thanks publically for some of the youth who got into good colleges but say nothing about others who have not done well on the gao kao. We pray that churches will be Biblical in teaching God's desire for us as parents and that His measure of success is different from ours.
Monday
Gao kao is held once a year. Since families in China have only one child and the hope of the entire family rests on how well that child does in this single exam, a good outcome is a great honor for the entire family. The pressure to get into a good college is very intense and begins early. This is one reason the youth meetings in church are not well attended or it is even difficult to start one. We pray for a vibrant ministry for those churches that put an emphasis on youth as well as those that lack this emphasis, that all will have a vision to care for youth.
星期二
2011年最高法院對1950年婚姻法的解釋是夫妻二人離婚時，房產不應該平均分配，雙方只能擁有在其名下的東西。不少中國父母購屋是幫助子女成家立業的起步，這也是社會傳統的常例。我們為年輕未婚的信徒禱告，讓他們知道要尋求神的旨意，明白有共同信仰的重要，而不是只看對方經濟條件如何。
星期三
在大城市的離婚律是三分之一，但是大約只有30%的已婚女性住房的契約上有自己的名字。2011年最高法院解釋對離婚時財產分配，雙方只能擁有在其名下的東西。這一裁定會造成嚴重的影響。弟兄姊妹當中有離婚的目前也蠻普遍的。我們為眾教會要多教導從聖經原則出發的婚姻觀來禱告，同時也要幫助弟兄姐妹如何處現實婚姻裡的難題和衝突，看重實際的輔導與幫助。
星期四
截至2010年，26%的城市女性擁有大學學歷，這個數字是十年前的兩倍。在大學裡中國女性的表現經常超越男性，這就導致在某些入學考試中會增加男性名額數。姐妹們有聖經裝備的比率很高，但是有教導機會的不是那麼多。我們求神更多使用女傳道們的恩賜，在服事上更有力量與喜樂。我們也在禱告中特別紀念單身的女傳道人。
星期五
中國旅客喜歡在購物，他們認為境外的商品質量更好，買到假貨或摻假產品的可能性更小。在一個受食物和藥品摻假醜聞困擾的國家裡，這是一個很重要的考量。香港教會目前參與中國教會的力度逐漸減少，但仍可從軟件上支持內地教會，求主繼續使用香港教會提供的人才培訓，也能分享他們多年跨文化宣教的經驗。
星期六
新中產階級的年收入，15萬元是一個可以參考的分界線。當然，是從職場上用自己的知識和勞動所獲取的報酬，而不是富二代用老爸給的零用錢。雖然年輕專業的信徒經濟條件非常優渥，但是在奉獻的認真上比一般信徒還有許多欠缺。我們為所有信徒甘心樂意的奉獻來禱告，因為甘心樂意奉獻的神必賞賜。
星期日
青少年的最大壓力源是一直備受批評的高考制度。對許多中國學生來說，考取好成績就意味著拿到了一張通往更美好未來的入場券，因為高校招生只看高考分數。 教會在處理年輕人進入大學的議題總是有些尷尬，我們會為能進好學校的人感恩，但是名落孫山的就不知如何應付了。 求主恩待教會要教導父母以聖經為主的養育方式，因為神衡量成功的標準是不一樣的。
星期一
高考成績優秀對整個家庭都是一種巨大的榮耀 ! 許多中國家庭都只有一個子女，全家人的希望都寄託在孩子身上。一年一次的高考是從小到大漫長激烈競爭的驗收，考進大學的激烈競爭是從小開始。升學考試也是教會的青少年事工無法持續，甚至不能開展的主因。求主恩待、興旺有青少年事工的教會，也將關心第二代的負擔加給沒有年輕人的教會。
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Prayer Request 11/11 - 11/17
Tuesday
Some of the urban churches in China are very vibrant with weekly Bible studies and leadership training classes. Some even have regular outreach and testimony meetings in public areas. We pray for all of the young leaders of churches in China that the Lord will give them vision, courage, and innovative ideas for ministry so they will not only be able to minister to their flocks but will also know how to lead their churches in this new age.
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們為中國所有教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服侍的創意、眼光和魄力，不僅能勝任關照羊群的責任，更能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切時代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助信徒之間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主賜福城市教會能利用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間好好靜下心來靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，就只將網絡上的講章拚湊一番, 應付過去。求主憐憫那些忙碌的內地牧者，靈裡得著更新，有更多時間學習與默想神的話語和實踐聖經真理，可以緊緊與主同行，在主裡信心堅固，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，成為信徒的好榜樣。
星期五
華東地區不少教會所面對的『瓶頸』是年輕人離鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的寡頭家長制服侍觀念。我們為這些教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人禱告。求主幫助教會除去改變的阻力，不論領袖或是信徒都能憑著信心，願意朝向更合神心意的發展方向邁步前進。
星期六
教會的中年和年長同工對年輕同工若能有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事，是何等美好的事！求主提醒我們注重教牧團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能服事社會上更多不同階層及年齡群的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉的社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」作為大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。我們憑信心相信神必會興起更多願意追隨祂的人，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 如果學生在下鄉期間有 一些特殊成果、被電視、電台訪問了，所就讀的學校也在考核排名時，得以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。使神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Some of the urban churches in China are very vibrant with weekly Bible studies and leadership training classes. Some even have regular outreach and testimony meetings in public areas. We pray for all of the young leaders of churches in China that the Lord will give them vision, courage, and innovative ideas for ministry so they will not only be able to minister to their flocks but will also know how to lead their churches in this new age.
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們為中國所有教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服侍的創意、眼光和魄力，不僅能勝任關照羊群的責任，更能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切時代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助信徒之間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主賜福城市教會能利用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間好好靜下心來靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，就只將網絡上的講章拚湊一番, 應付過去。求主憐憫那些忙碌的內地牧者，靈裡得著更新，有更多時間學習與默想神的話語和實踐聖經真理，可以緊緊與主同行，在主裡信心堅固，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，成為信徒的好榜樣。
星期五
華東地區不少教會所面對的『瓶頸』是年輕人離鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的寡頭家長制服侍觀念。我們為這些教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人禱告。求主幫助教會除去改變的阻力，不論領袖或是信徒都能憑著信心，願意朝向更合神心意的發展方向邁步前進。
星期六
教會的中年和年長同工對年輕同工若能有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事，是何等美好的事！求主提醒我們注重教牧團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能服事社會上更多不同階層及年齡群的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉的社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」作為大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。我們憑信心相信神必會興起更多願意追隨祂的人，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 如果學生在下鄉期間有 一些特殊成果、被電視、電台訪問了，所就讀的學校也在考核排名時，得以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。使神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Prayer Request 11/4 - 11/10
TuesdaySome of the urban churches in China are very vibrant with weekly Bible studies and leadership training classes. Some even have regular outreach and testimony meetings in public areas. We pray for all of the young leaders of churches in China that the Lord will give them vision, courage, and innovative ideas for ministry so they will not only be able to minister to their flocks but will also know how to lead their churches in this new age.
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們為中國所有教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服侍的創意、眼光和魄力，不僅能勝任關照羊群的責任，更能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切時代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助信徒之間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主賜福城市教會能利用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間好好靜下心來靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，就只將網絡上的講章拚湊一番, 應付過去。求主憐憫那些忙碌的內地牧者，靈裡得著更新，有更多時間學習與默想神的話語和實踐聖經真理，可以緊緊與主同行，在主裡信心堅固，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，成為信徒的好榜樣。
星期五
華東地區不少教會所面對的『瓶頸』是年輕人離鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的寡頭家長制服侍觀念。我們為這些教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人禱告。求主幫助教會除去改變的阻力，不論領袖或是信徒都能憑著信心，願意朝向更合神心意的發展方向邁步前進。
星期六
教會的中年和年長同工對年輕同工若能有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事，是何等美好的事！求主提醒我們注重教牧團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能服事社會上更多不同階層及年齡群的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉的社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」作為大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。我們憑信心相信神必會興起更多願意追隨祂的人，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 如果學生在下鄉期間有 一些特殊成果、被電視、電台訪問了，所就讀的學校也在考核排名時，得以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。使神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們為中國所有教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服侍的創意、眼光和魄力，不僅能勝任關照羊群的責任，更能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切時代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助信徒之間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主賜福城市教會能利用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間好好靜下心來靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，就只將網絡上的講章拚湊一番, 應付過去。求主憐憫那些忙碌的內地牧者，靈裡得著更新，有更多時間學習與默想神的話語和實踐聖經真理，可以緊緊與主同行，在主裡信心堅固，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，成為信徒的好榜樣。
星期五
華東地區不少教會所面對的『瓶頸』是年輕人離鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的寡頭家長制服侍觀念。我們為這些教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人禱告。求主幫助教會除去改變的阻力，不論領袖或是信徒都能憑著信心，願意朝向更合神心意的發展方向邁步前進。
星期六
教會的中年和年長同工對年輕同工若能有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事，是何等美好的事！求主提醒我們注重教牧團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能服事社會上更多不同階層及年齡群的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉的社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」作為大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。我們憑信心相信神必會興起更多願意追隨祂的人，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 如果學生在下鄉期間有 一些特殊成果、被電視、電台訪問了，所就讀的學校也在考核排名時，得以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。使神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Prayer Request 10/28 - 11/3
TuesdaySome of the urban churches in China are very vibrant with weekly Bible studies and leadership training classes. Some even have regular outreach and testimony meetings in public areas. We pray for all of the young leaders of churches in China that the Lord will give them vision, courage, and innovative ideas for ministry so they will not only be able to minister to their flocks but will also know how to lead their churches in this new age.
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們來為教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服事的創意、眼光和魄力，能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切現今世代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會擁有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助肢體間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主讓城市教會能靈巧運用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，只好就地抄襲網絡上的講章。 求主憐憫牧者能在靈裡得著更新，作神流通的管子，能成為信徒的榜樣；也給他們更多學習和實踐聖經真理的機會，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，更有果效。
星期五
目前華東某些地區的教會所面對的服侍『瓶頸』是年輕人離開家鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的服事觀念。我們為這些神的教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人來禱告。求主幫助教會除去迎上改變的阻力，領袖和信徒都能憑著信心剛強壯膽，願意彼此順服，同心合一，朝向更合神心意的發展方向努力，勇敢邁步前進。
星期六
教會的長者若能對年輕同工有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事這世代的年輕人，是何等美好的事！我們禱告有更多教會能注重團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能接觸更多不同階層的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」是大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。雖然現實的需求極大，我們憑信心相信神必要興起更多主內同行者，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 但是學校也要經過考核排名，如果學生有 一些特殊成果可以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。 中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。祝福神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Wednesday
There are urban churches that have a library with the ability to distribute devotional and Bible readings, and church news through cell phones which promotes better fellowship among the members and also reaches out to seekers. Many churches are taking advantage of technology to connect believers. We pray for the increasing use of these tools to improve follow-up of members and help believers to grow spiritually in their Christian lives.
Thursday
People who work in the churches in China today are busy even to the extent that many do not find time for a quiet time or even prayer. Not a few pastors resort to "copy and paste online sermons". May the Lord refresh all the busy people who work in churches so they will have time to meditate and apply God's word, not merely for preaching but also to be personally renewed in spirit so by their close walk with the Lord and their steady sustained faith in Him, they are good examples for all believers.
Friday
Some churches in Eastern China face a bottleneck in ministry. Their young people have left for work in the city and since their pastors have their own businesses to care for, they are serving only part time. To make matters worse, many older leaders are reluctant to loosen control of church affairs. We pray for a radical change in the status quo, for revival, for the training of a new generation of leaders. It will not be easy but we pray for faith for leaders and believers not to be discouraged in their seeking to know God's and help their church to grow.
Saturday
The middle-aged and older leaders in the church in China need to affirm and support their younger counterparts more. Younger leaders need the support and blessing of their church to reach young people which then shows the church beautiful teamwork. We pray that more churches in China will live out this picture of their leadership team working effectively together, raising up more full-time workers, and allowing young people to reach their potential with "the young and the old serving together as a team" in an ever diverse congregation.
Sunday
"Going Countryside" refers to the custom colleges have of sending students to rural regions to provide assistance in culture, science, technology, and health each summer. It is a way to allow students to apply what they have studied and to expose and familiarize them with the rest of the nation. Churches in remote areas are often very poor and in desperate need for teaching about the Bible and the Christian life. We know the need is great and we pray with great faith that the Lord will move people to support these needy remote churches.
Monday
The original intention of "Going Countryside" was to expose college students to the remote rural areas of China but in doing this, through these students the schools are also being evaluated and ranked. If a student does any special thing in the field or a TV interview, that would increase the ranking of their college. Churches in Southwest China are poor but they are persistent in serving the Lord faithfully. We pray the Lord will open the doors of the gospel there and supply the needs of the pastors and cause the churches to thrive in this spiritually desolate region.
星期二
中國有些城市教會非常活潑，每週都有小組查經聚會，周間晚上也有領袖訓練，還有定期的戶外佈道和見證分享。我們來為教會新一代的青年領袖們禱告，求主賜他們服事的創意、眼光和魄力，能為教會的牧養和教導工作帶來適切現今世代發展的模式及方向。
星期三
有些城市教會擁有自己的圖書館，並透過手機網絡向信徒發放靈修、讀經材料和教會事工資訊，這不僅有助肢體間的連結，還方便他們向慕道朋友轉發福音資訊。感謝主讓城市教會能靈巧運用發達的科技聯繫信徒，求主藉這些工具增進弟兄姐妹主內的情誼，相互扶持，也幫助肢體們的靈命成長，活出基督的樣式。
星期四
同工事奉繁忙，有時甚至沒有時間靈修和禱告。不少傳道人講道前沒有足夠的預備，只好就地抄襲網絡上的講章。 求主憐憫牧者能在靈裡得著更新，作神流通的管子，能成為信徒的榜樣；也給他們更多學習和實踐聖經真理的機會，繼續在事奉道路上走得更遠，更有果效。
星期五
目前華東某些地區的教會所面對的服侍『瓶頸』是年輕人離開家鄉去打工，還有教會主要負責人都是帶職事奉，時間不夠用，以及教會老一輩領袖無法走出根深蒂固的服事觀念。我們為這些神的教會能突破固有現狀，興起和培訓新一代接班人來禱告。求主幫助教會除去迎上改變的阻力，領袖和信徒都能憑著信心剛強壯膽，願意彼此順服，同心合一，朝向更合神心意的發展方向努力，勇敢邁步前進。
星期六
教會的長者若能對年輕同工有更多肯定和支援，年輕同工也帶著信心和祝福去服事這世代的年輕人，是何等美好的事！我們禱告有更多教會能注重團隊的互相配搭，培育全職同工，發掘有潛質的年輕人，做到「新老搭配，發揮果效」，使教會能接觸更多不同階層的人。
星期日
大學生「三下鄉」是指各高校在暑期開展的送「文化、科技、衛生」下鄉社會實踐活動。「三下鄉」是大學生社會實踐的一種形式，原意是讓學生長見識、增閱歷、知國情。邊遠地區的教會除了物資短缺外，靈命栽培和聖經教導的事工也非常貧乏。雖然現實的需求極大，我們憑信心相信神必要興起更多主內同行者，以不同形式支援邊遠教會的發展。
星期一
「三下鄉」的本意是給大學生體驗邊遠地區或是農村的生活， 但是學校也要經過考核排名，如果學生有 一些特殊成果可以加分，而新聞報導正是加分的重頭。 中國西南地區的教會經濟條件差，但仍持守使命、堅守崗位、忠心事主，我們為這些教會感恩！求主繼續打開福音的門，供應同工的需要。祝福神的家能在荒涼的地區興旺！
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Prayer Request 10/21 - 10/27
TuesdayFor various reasons some churches in China still do not have a children's ministry. Some pastors feel that children interfere with the adult services so they prohibit children from attending. These churches have no children and no ministry for them. It is sad that such churches will have no godly second generation and barely any future. We need to pray for them about this terribly wrong attitude. May the Lord be pleased because every church has young people who love Him.
Wednesday
Some churches in China do not have people to be Sunday school teachers. The quality of teachers in the churches varies widely depending on their training. Many teach children as if they are adults since they are unable to communicate well with children. Children's Sunday school teachers in China need training in methods of teaching and learn to know it is more than just their personal enthusiasm that makes a good teacher. We ask the Lord for many training courses for Sunday school teachers so the next generation of churches can be blessed.
Thursday
Parents in China tend to give their only children a lot of freedom and end up indulging and spoiling them. Many good Christian parents fail to teach their children about the Bible so when they are grown, they stray away from God. Let us pray for wisdom for Christian parents to raise their children Biblically. May the Lord bless the children's ministry in the churches so the little ones will know Jesus early and the parents will take responsibility in building up their children's spiritual life.
Friday
Parents in China have caught on to the importance of giving their only child the benefit of learning to read early. Many are willing to pay for expensive children's books and publishers are more than eager to meet that huge and profitable demand. We pray for good reading habits and the availability of suitable materials for children in Christian homes. May the Lord raise up more people and ministries to prepare good reading materials that will build up the character of children and help them learn Biblical values.
Saturday
Many churches in China do not know how to start a youth ministry so they lose the young people to many outside distractions and temptations. Teenagers in the churches need to own their faith and live it out but the traditional church worship style does not attract them. We pray for churches, and especially the leaders. that will see the importance of youth ministry and will be willing to do more than just pay lip service in that area. We pray that God will raise up more leaders who have a passion for helping young people find God and be willing to be a part of this sacred work.
Sunday
In Northwest China, churches are small, gospel work is difficult, and the availability of Bible training is limited. There are no full-time meaningful training courses to equip pastors.Please remember to pray earnestly for the spiritual needs of this region. May the Lord raise up churches that are strong and willing to spread the gospel so they can send forth dedicated and trained teachers to train local pastors and equip them to minister to their fledgling churches.
Monday
Job ads in China have long lists of a range of desired qualities for the applicants, sometimes even including height and weight. Faced with so many biases in getting a job, some female students in the universities say cynically, "It's more important to marry well than to study well". Many churches will allow female workers but will not ordain them. They want the ladies to marry but still serve in the churches will little compensation. We pray that churches will not only respect all pastors whether they are married or not and will honor both male and female co-workers.
星期二
中國仍有一些教會基於種種原因不願開展兒童事工。有教會牧者以「妨礙」成人聚會為由，在聚會門口懸掛「禁止兒童進入」的牌子。結果教會不准兒童進入，更不可能有任何兒童事工。 這種禁止兒童進入 教會的觀念和作法，將難以培養出敬虔的下一代，也難以看到教會的未來。我們需要為這些教會能即時改變錯誤的觀念來禱告，願在每一個教會裡都能栽培出許多愛神的新生代。
星期三
一些中國教會缺乏主日學老師。教會兒童主日學教育的成果和教師素質也參差不齊，有待培訓。有不少老師慣用成人的思維方式和詞彙來教導兒童，大大影響了教學的效果。目前很多老師空有事奉熱誠卻沒有充分的裝備。兒童主日學老師需要補強培訓如何適齡適材和生動創意的教學，才能有效地教導。求主差派更多工人前往各處開展兒童主日學老師的培訓，能教養蒙幅的下一代。
星期四
中國的家長傾向給獨生兒女很多自由，但往往過多的自由就變成了閒散與放縱。好些基督徒家庭沒有按著聖經真理來教養孩童，一旦孩子長大，縱容愛慕世界的所謂「自由」高過於遵從聖經真理，造成很多問題。求主幫助基督徒父母，自年幼建立孩童的屬靈生命，有智慧地按著聖經真道養育兒女；也求主賜福教會的兒童事工，能盡快把真理帶進兒童心田，扎根深厚，一生蒙福。
星期五
家長在日益重視「早教」的背景下，兒童讀物越來越被重視。一些家長甚至認為購買「天價兒童圖書」是一種新的「拼爹」方式。對業者來說，出版兒童書籍更是識時務、謀大利。我們為中國信徒子女的閱讀生活禱告，求主興起更多關心兒童閱讀教育的個人和機構，為兒童預備合適的聖經讀物來豐富他們的生命。
星期六
教會常對青少年事工感到無從下手，而讓年輕一代白白流失。社會上各種引誘與試探的力量都在搶奪青年人的注意力。青少年迫切需要被神得著及引導，但傳統的教會敬拜模式已難以吸引青少年進入教會或留住他們。求主帶領教會看到青少年事工的重要性，願意付上時間和資源；同時也積極裝備及發掘更多對事工有熱情和負擔的牧者共同參與 。
星期日
中國西北地區目前的教會瘦弱，也是福音荒涼之地。神學教育工作荒涼無助，一些地方根本沒有一個全職神學老師留守，有系統與策略來培訓工人，更沒有教會差派工人到外面唸神學和進修。請切切記念這地區的屬靈需要！求主在當地興起剛強的教會來傳揚福音，也振興當地的工人培訓事工，差派全然委身的神學老師起來回應建造同工的迫切需求，裝備他們能有力服侍當地信徒 。
星期一
中國女大學生投訴企業界性別歧視嚴重。長期以來中國的招聘廣告會列出應聘者需擁有的各種資格，有時甚至包括體重和身高。一些女大學生抱怨：「學得好不如嫁得好啦。」許多中國教會也有女傳道，卻不按理公平、平等地尊重她們；教會總是期望姐妹同工有丈夫提供經濟支持，減輕教會的負擔。求主提醒我們不當有如此態度，能遵從主教導：敬重恩待忠心事奉的同工，不論男女、單身或有家室。
Wednesday
Some churches in China do not have people to be Sunday school teachers. The quality of teachers in the churches varies widely depending on their training. Many teach children as if they are adults since they are unable to communicate well with children. Children's Sunday school teachers in China need training in methods of teaching and learn to know it is more than just their personal enthusiasm that makes a good teacher. We ask the Lord for many training courses for Sunday school teachers so the next generation of churches can be blessed.
Thursday
Parents in China tend to give their only children a lot of freedom and end up indulging and spoiling them. Many good Christian parents fail to teach their children about the Bible so when they are grown, they stray away from God. Let us pray for wisdom for Christian parents to raise their children Biblically. May the Lord bless the children's ministry in the churches so the little ones will know Jesus early and the parents will take responsibility in building up their children's spiritual life.
Friday
Parents in China have caught on to the importance of giving their only child the benefit of learning to read early. Many are willing to pay for expensive children's books and publishers are more than eager to meet that huge and profitable demand. We pray for good reading habits and the availability of suitable materials for children in Christian homes. May the Lord raise up more people and ministries to prepare good reading materials that will build up the character of children and help them learn Biblical values.
Saturday
Many churches in China do not know how to start a youth ministry so they lose the young people to many outside distractions and temptations. Teenagers in the churches need to own their faith and live it out but the traditional church worship style does not attract them. We pray for churches, and especially the leaders. that will see the importance of youth ministry and will be willing to do more than just pay lip service in that area. We pray that God will raise up more leaders who have a passion for helping young people find God and be willing to be a part of this sacred work.
Sunday
In Northwest China, churches are small, gospel work is difficult, and the availability of Bible training is limited. There are no full-time meaningful training courses to equip pastors.Please remember to pray earnestly for the spiritual needs of this region. May the Lord raise up churches that are strong and willing to spread the gospel so they can send forth dedicated and trained teachers to train local pastors and equip them to minister to their fledgling churches.
Monday
Job ads in China have long lists of a range of desired qualities for the applicants, sometimes even including height and weight. Faced with so many biases in getting a job, some female students in the universities say cynically, "It's more important to marry well than to study well". Many churches will allow female workers but will not ordain them. They want the ladies to marry but still serve in the churches will little compensation. We pray that churches will not only respect all pastors whether they are married or not and will honor both male and female co-workers.
星期二
中國仍有一些教會基於種種原因不願開展兒童事工。有教會牧者以「妨礙」成人聚會為由，在聚會門口懸掛「禁止兒童進入」的牌子。結果教會不准兒童進入，更不可能有任何兒童事工。 這種禁止兒童進入 教會的觀念和作法，將難以培養出敬虔的下一代，也難以看到教會的未來。我們需要為這些教會能即時改變錯誤的觀念來禱告，願在每一個教會裡都能栽培出許多愛神的新生代。
星期三
一些中國教會缺乏主日學老師。教會兒童主日學教育的成果和教師素質也參差不齊，有待培訓。有不少老師慣用成人的思維方式和詞彙來教導兒童，大大影響了教學的效果。目前很多老師空有事奉熱誠卻沒有充分的裝備。兒童主日學老師需要補強培訓如何適齡適材和生動創意的教學，才能有效地教導。求主差派更多工人前往各處開展兒童主日學老師的培訓，能教養蒙幅的下一代。
星期四
中國的家長傾向給獨生兒女很多自由，但往往過多的自由就變成了閒散與放縱。好些基督徒家庭沒有按著聖經真理來教養孩童，一旦孩子長大，縱容愛慕世界的所謂「自由」高過於遵從聖經真理，造成很多問題。求主幫助基督徒父母，自年幼建立孩童的屬靈生命，有智慧地按著聖經真道養育兒女；也求主賜福教會的兒童事工，能盡快把真理帶進兒童心田，扎根深厚，一生蒙福。
星期五
家長在日益重視「早教」的背景下，兒童讀物越來越被重視。一些家長甚至認為購買「天價兒童圖書」是一種新的「拼爹」方式。對業者來說，出版兒童書籍更是識時務、謀大利。我們為中國信徒子女的閱讀生活禱告，求主興起更多關心兒童閱讀教育的個人和機構，為兒童預備合適的聖經讀物來豐富他們的生命。
星期六
教會常對青少年事工感到無從下手，而讓年輕一代白白流失。社會上各種引誘與試探的力量都在搶奪青年人的注意力。青少年迫切需要被神得著及引導，但傳統的教會敬拜模式已難以吸引青少年進入教會或留住他們。求主帶領教會看到青少年事工的重要性，願意付上時間和資源；同時也積極裝備及發掘更多對事工有熱情和負擔的牧者共同參與 。
星期日
中國西北地區目前的教會瘦弱，也是福音荒涼之地。神學教育工作荒涼無助，一些地方根本沒有一個全職神學老師留守，有系統與策略來培訓工人，更沒有教會差派工人到外面唸神學和進修。請切切記念這地區的屬靈需要！求主在當地興起剛強的教會來傳揚福音，也振興當地的工人培訓事工，差派全然委身的神學老師起來回應建造同工的迫切需求，裝備他們能有力服侍當地信徒 。
星期一
中國女大學生投訴企業界性別歧視嚴重。長期以來中國的招聘廣告會列出應聘者需擁有的各種資格，有時甚至包括體重和身高。一些女大學生抱怨：「學得好不如嫁得好啦。」許多中國教會也有女傳道，卻不按理公平、平等地尊重她們；教會總是期望姐妹同工有丈夫提供經濟支持，減輕教會的負擔。求主提醒我們不當有如此態度，能遵從主教導：敬重恩待忠心事奉的同工，不論男女、單身或有家室。
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Prayer Request 10/14 - 10/20
TuesdayAlthough the general population of China has many more males than females, the situation in churches there is the opposite with over sixty percent of the members being women while among all believers, women comprise more than eighty percent of the church. This imbalance between men and women in the churches in China is alarmingly high and many of the sisters find it difficult to get a mate of the same faith. Let us pray for godly spouses for the sisters and all who want to know God's will for their lives and even those who need to know how to enjoy being single.
Wednesday
In China there is a saying, "Marrying early is more important than marrying well". It is difficult for sisters who are over thirty to find a husband. Those who married unbelievers. even if they have persisted in their faith, still face many tough issues in marriage. Frustration and conflicts persist in these unevenly yoked marriages and it is even worse when children are involved because of the serious differences in the value system of the parents. We pray for single sisters in China that they will wait patiently for God's choice of a spouse for them.
Thursday
According to official claims, over sixty million children are left with grandparents while the parents go to work in the cities the year around, returning home only once or twice a year. The grandparents then bear the responsibility of rearing and educating the children. We pray that rural churches will see this great need to help with the education of this group of "left-behind" children. We know that rural churches lack resources and manpower but pray they will not miss out on this great ministry opportunity to reach these "left-behind" children and will teach them about Jesus.
Friday
The "left-behind" children in China have no parental supervision and they do not like to stay at home so they invariably mix with other children who have no parents and they all become delinquents. These children know little about protecting themselves or personal safety so they are often victims of abuse. We pray for those who serve as teachers in the Sunday schools of rural churches. May they have a burden for these children who have no parents with them in the village, and may they teach them about Jesus' love and show them that God has a purpose for them in their lives.
Saturday
Churches in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are deeply influenced by those in Shanghai and are usually organized as regional federations because their members are well educated so they will not tolerate the dictatorial leadership style of those lead in team fashion. Churches in China need a new generation of godly leaders with a vision of how churches should engage their communities as well as a great passion for evangelism. We pray that older leaders will intentionally train those who are younger.
Sunday
Many of the core workers In the rural churches of China have gone to the city for work and found they could no longer accept the dictatorial style of leadership in the team-led churches. Team-led churches are more likely to become extreme or even heretical in their teachings and are very unpopular in the big cities. We pray for churches rooted in Biblical truth, along with believers who are mature and able to discern between the work of men and that of God. May the Lord have mercy on the churches in China so they will be able to survive the vicious attacks of the cults.
Monday
China has experienced an unprecedented migration of people to three regions. First, millions of former farmers moved to Beijing and Tianjing. The next move was to Shanghai, the center of the Yangtze River delta and the third was to Guangzhou, the center of the Pearl River delta. Let us pray for pastors and especially for the seemingly countless seminaries in these three regions, whether open or "underground" training centers and programs, whether long term or short term. May the Lord provide workers to fill the need since there is a very great shortage of workers.
星期二
雖然中國人口男多女少，但教會內卻相反，姊妹比例往往超過六成，有些地區教會甚至超過八成 。教會男女比例嚴重失衡，已亮起警訊，因為許多姊妹在教會裡不易找到同奔天路的婚配對象。讓我們來為內地教會的姊妹們祈禱，求主為她們預備合適的配偶，也幫助願意順服神旨意，引領她們一生道路的姊妹，懂得享受單身時的日子。
星期三
中國有句話：「嫁得好，不如嫁得早」。在教會裡年過三十的姊妹更難找對象，致於有些姊妹與不信的人結婚， 即使自己在信仰上能堅持，在生活上也會面對不少的困難。由於彼此價值觀的差異會引發許多的衝突 ，這種無奈和矛盾在婚後處理金錢，家人關係和育兒時更顯嚴重。除非伴侶歸主或姊妹妥協，否則會成為婚姻出現危機的隱患。我們為單身姊妹禱告，求主堅立她們的信心，耐心等候主的預備！
星期四
根據官方資料估計，農村留守兒童數量超過六千萬。這群兒童的父母長期在外工作，一年只有在過節時才回家，所以照顧的責任完全交由祖父母輩。這些兒童大多未曾到過教會。求主感動農村教會，能看到廣大留守兒童的迫切需要，雖然當地資源薄弱，人手亦不足，但仍倚靠神的帶領，願意打開大門，為主接待這些小子們。
星期五
農村留守兒童長期缺乏父母照顧，因怕悶而不喜歡留在家中，常與其他留守兒童流連在外。他們缺少保護自己的意識，人身安全、性安全皆得不到正當的教導和保護，也常面臨被壞分子利用的危險。求主興起兒童主日學事工，讓教會的導師學習如何培育這群缺乏父母引導成長的孩童，使他們從小認識主，明白真理，不偏離主的道路，一生蒙福。
星期六
江浙一帶的教會深受上海影響，信徒的教育水平高，發展出地方性聯邦制雛形的「家庭教會」 十分普遍。在這些地區，不大可能產生所謂的團隊教會- 領袖擁有獨裁制的帶領方式。目前的中國教會需要有新一代的領袖，擁有美好的靈性，並有將福音帶入社區的異象，更是滿有傳福音的熱忱。我們為老一輩的教會領袖禱告，求主幫助他們願意薪火相傳，刻意為主栽培年輕有活力的接班人。
星期日
中國城市化的興起，使得許多農村教會的骨幹力量遷徒到城市打工，他們看到城市教會與農村教會運作的情況截然不同，以前的團隊觀念自然而然瓦解了。集權式團隊型教會很容易落入極端或異端，在大城市非常不受歡迎。求主賜教會有更多真理教導，信徒靈命越趨成熟，能看出人的作為與主的方式，敗壞異端的影響與攪擾。
星期一
今日中國正經歷著前所未有的人口大遷移。所謂的「三大漂」現象：一是大量農村人口向北京、天津等地移動，二是向長江三角洲中心的上海聚集，三是朝廣州為中心的珠江三角洲遷徙。我們來為這三個區域的傳道人禱告，雖然似乎存有許多公開或是「地下」的神學院，還有各式各樣長、短期的培訓班，但廣袤禾場的需要甚大。我們呼求莊稼的主繼續賜下工人，餵養許多仍無牧人的羊群。
Wednesday
In China there is a saying, "Marrying early is more important than marrying well". It is difficult for sisters who are over thirty to find a husband. Those who married unbelievers. even if they have persisted in their faith, still face many tough issues in marriage. Frustration and conflicts persist in these unevenly yoked marriages and it is even worse when children are involved because of the serious differences in the value system of the parents. We pray for single sisters in China that they will wait patiently for God's choice of a spouse for them.
Thursday
According to official claims, over sixty million children are left with grandparents while the parents go to work in the cities the year around, returning home only once or twice a year. The grandparents then bear the responsibility of rearing and educating the children. We pray that rural churches will see this great need to help with the education of this group of "left-behind" children. We know that rural churches lack resources and manpower but pray they will not miss out on this great ministry opportunity to reach these "left-behind" children and will teach them about Jesus.
Friday
The "left-behind" children in China have no parental supervision and they do not like to stay at home so they invariably mix with other children who have no parents and they all become delinquents. These children know little about protecting themselves or personal safety so they are often victims of abuse. We pray for those who serve as teachers in the Sunday schools of rural churches. May they have a burden for these children who have no parents with them in the village, and may they teach them about Jesus' love and show them that God has a purpose for them in their lives.
Saturday
Churches in Jiangsu and Zhejiang are deeply influenced by those in Shanghai and are usually organized as regional federations because their members are well educated so they will not tolerate the dictatorial leadership style of those lead in team fashion. Churches in China need a new generation of godly leaders with a vision of how churches should engage their communities as well as a great passion for evangelism. We pray that older leaders will intentionally train those who are younger.
Sunday
Many of the core workers In the rural churches of China have gone to the city for work and found they could no longer accept the dictatorial style of leadership in the team-led churches. Team-led churches are more likely to become extreme or even heretical in their teachings and are very unpopular in the big cities. We pray for churches rooted in Biblical truth, along with believers who are mature and able to discern between the work of men and that of God. May the Lord have mercy on the churches in China so they will be able to survive the vicious attacks of the cults.
Monday
China has experienced an unprecedented migration of people to three regions. First, millions of former farmers moved to Beijing and Tianjing. The next move was to Shanghai, the center of the Yangtze River delta and the third was to Guangzhou, the center of the Pearl River delta. Let us pray for pastors and especially for the seemingly countless seminaries in these three regions, whether open or "underground" training centers and programs, whether long term or short term. May the Lord provide workers to fill the need since there is a very great shortage of workers.
星期二
雖然中國人口男多女少，但教會內卻相反，姊妹比例往往超過六成，有些地區教會甚至超過八成 。教會男女比例嚴重失衡，已亮起警訊，因為許多姊妹在教會裡不易找到同奔天路的婚配對象。讓我們來為內地教會的姊妹們祈禱，求主為她們預備合適的配偶，也幫助願意順服神旨意，引領她們一生道路的姊妹，懂得享受單身時的日子。
星期三
中國有句話：「嫁得好，不如嫁得早」。在教會裡年過三十的姊妹更難找對象，致於有些姊妹與不信的人結婚， 即使自己在信仰上能堅持，在生活上也會面對不少的困難。由於彼此價值觀的差異會引發許多的衝突 ，這種無奈和矛盾在婚後處理金錢，家人關係和育兒時更顯嚴重。除非伴侶歸主或姊妹妥協，否則會成為婚姻出現危機的隱患。我們為單身姊妹禱告，求主堅立她們的信心，耐心等候主的預備！
星期四
根據官方資料估計，農村留守兒童數量超過六千萬。這群兒童的父母長期在外工作，一年只有在過節時才回家，所以照顧的責任完全交由祖父母輩。這些兒童大多未曾到過教會。求主感動農村教會，能看到廣大留守兒童的迫切需要，雖然當地資源薄弱，人手亦不足，但仍倚靠神的帶領，願意打開大門，為主接待這些小子們。
星期五
農村留守兒童長期缺乏父母照顧，因怕悶而不喜歡留在家中，常與其他留守兒童流連在外。他們缺少保護自己的意識，人身安全、性安全皆得不到正當的教導和保護，也常面臨被壞分子利用的危險。求主興起兒童主日學事工，讓教會的導師學習如何培育這群缺乏父母引導成長的孩童，使他們從小認識主，明白真理，不偏離主的道路，一生蒙福。
星期六
江浙一帶的教會深受上海影響，信徒的教育水平高，發展出地方性聯邦制雛形的「家庭教會」 十分普遍。在這些地區，不大可能產生所謂的團隊教會- 領袖擁有獨裁制的帶領方式。目前的中國教會需要有新一代的領袖，擁有美好的靈性，並有將福音帶入社區的異象，更是滿有傳福音的熱忱。我們為老一輩的教會領袖禱告，求主幫助他們願意薪火相傳，刻意為主栽培年輕有活力的接班人。
星期日
中國城市化的興起，使得許多農村教會的骨幹力量遷徒到城市打工，他們看到城市教會與農村教會運作的情況截然不同，以前的團隊觀念自然而然瓦解了。集權式團隊型教會很容易落入極端或異端，在大城市非常不受歡迎。求主賜教會有更多真理教導，信徒靈命越趨成熟，能看出人的作為與主的方式，敗壞異端的影響與攪擾。
星期一
今日中國正經歷著前所未有的人口大遷移。所謂的「三大漂」現象：一是大量農村人口向北京、天津等地移動，二是向長江三角洲中心的上海聚集，三是朝廣州為中心的珠江三角洲遷徙。我們來為這三個區域的傳道人禱告，雖然似乎存有許多公開或是「地下」的神學院，還有各式各樣長、短期的培訓班，但廣袤禾場的需要甚大。我們呼求莊稼的主繼續賜下工人，餵養許多仍無牧人的羊群。
Tuesday, October 07, 2014
Prayer Request 10/07 - 10/13
TuesdayChina's president is genuinely popular among many Chinese. His anti-corruption drive is actually saving money for many people, such as getting a child into school or joining the army, because there used to be stiff fees involved which were in reality, bribes. Lately, the reputation of house churches has been tarnished because of false association with cults. We pray for all those who faithfully serve the Lord and believers must caution against false prophets and teachers… because many will follow them. ( 2 Peter 2:1-2)
Wednesday
Despite the cynicism about how the Communist Party can effectively fight corruption among those sick of it, especially those struggling economically, the new leader is gaining support in his campaign to "strike against tigers and flies" (officials whether high or low). When leaders are unchallenged in their authority and finances are not handled transparently, there are bound to be abuses. We pray for the defeating of Satan's work and true repentance among the leaders as well as each one of us who are so often blinded by self-deceit and false humility.
Thursday
Selling posts in the government or military is illegal but has been common for decades. It costs 30,000 yuan to join the army, if one has no connection. Getting into a highly desirable high school, parents must “donate” 20,000 in addition to the tuition and fees. Envy, strife, love of power and money, and corruption are equally common in both Three Self and house churches. We pray that believers will not be discouraged but that they (and us, too) will affix their eyes on Jesus, not on churches or people and that they will pursue His holiness passionately.
Friday
In the past one had to pay to get into privileged positions. Many officials at various levels of the government charged money outright for doing things they themselves were supposed to do but recently this audacious bribery has decreased greatly. Scandals of cults and extreme groups asking members for money have shaken the desire of many believers to give offerings. Pastors who have new things are quickly suspected of graft. We pray for restoration of trust in the leadership of the church and a revival among believers.
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 there were only 1% of the people in China who had diabetes. Let us remember the Christians who have this chronic illness. May the Lord grant them an extra measure of faith and joy knowing that God gives us peace beyond all understanding and that His grace is sufficient in times of disappointment and pain.
Sunday
China has a third of the people in the world who have diabetes--114 million people. Perhaps even more alarming is that even more people are "pre-diabetic". Chinese people will commonly seeks herbal or traditional Chinese medicines before using Western medicine. 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 will 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 the standard of living in China. However, we need to pray for the spiritual poverty of many believers who have grown lukewarm in their faith or become busy making money. May the Lord give each of us a renewal of heart and a hunger for His word.
星期二
習主席的反腐行動減少了人們許多的開支贏得不少民心，比如送孩子上學或參軍。過去，相關的領導都會要求收取額外的「費用」，其實都是變相的賄賂。家庭教會近來因邪教牽累，名譽受損。我們為忠心服事的信徒禱告告，求主保守我們能時時儆醒，並有分辨的靈來拒絕假先知和不合真理的教導。「從前在百姓中有假先知起來，將來在你們中間也必有假師傅，私自引進陷害人的異端…」(彼後2:1-2）
星期三
儘管一般「群眾」對反腐成效能否貫徹到底仍持有深刻的懷疑。但是中國新領導「老虎蒼蠅一起打」的手段，即無論大小官員都是打擊目標，使得老百姓，尤其是草根大眾拍手叫好。一些不良的教會領袖的獨裁帶領方式，加上教會財務不透明，就難免有職權濫用，給予撒旦攻擊的破口。求主敗壞惡者的工作，深知它詭計惡毒，讓我們都能真心悔改，不被虛偽和自欺矇閉，手潔心清得以昂首站立主前。
星期四
以往老百姓參軍，如果沒有「關係」，至少要花3萬塊。雖然出售政府或軍隊中的職位是違法的，但幾十年來，這種現像很普遍。孩子進中學，除了學費，要再「捐」2萬元人民幣，也是不成文的潛規矩。不少信徒對三自，對家庭教會內的不良氣象灰心，認為兩邊一般黑（嫉妒、紛爭、專權、貪財、腐化..等等）求主幫助我們知道「天下沒完美的教會」，關鍵是要自己追求聖潔 ，定睛在神而不是看人。
星期五
「過去，各樣變相的收費捐款，其實就是明目張膽的要求賄賂，還有各層的貪官太多了，他們本來就該做的事情，但是都要求交錢才辦。這樣的情況近來少多了。」 邪教中多發生貪汙錢財的醜聞，但是卻動搖許多信徒對教會奉獻的認知。信徒對擁有新的東西或房產的傳道人，也產生懷疑。 求主再次建立教會中彼此的信任，特別是對領袖們的信心，也求真理的靈來做潔淨、復興的工作。
星期六
中國的糖尿病患病率已躍居世界首位，且還在惡化中。1980年，中國的糖尿病率還不到1%。如今中國糖尿病患病率是11.6%，剛超過了美國的11.3% 。我們在禱告中要記念有各樣慢性病的信徒，求主加添他們的信心和喜樂。讓我們深深知道神賜下出乎意料的平安，祂的恩典是我們患難中隨時的幫助。
星期日
中國糖尿病人達1.14億，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。中國人一般都先服用中藥到非不得已才尋西醫治療。讓我們常常為神賜予的健康感恩，更為所有忠心服事神的信徒祈求體力、靈力，好叫他們的服侍恩上加恩，力上加力，滿有果效。
星期一
肥胖問題正在迅速加劇，因素往往歸咎於：一是引入高熱量的西方飲食和快餐；二是人們駕車代步；三是久坐不動的工廠工作代替了農場里的勞動；最後是 長輩對獨生子女嬌生慣養。我們為中國百姓擁有富裕生活感恩，然而也要反省信徒忙著賺錢，屬靈方面的貧窮及不冷不熱這些不合神心意的事實。我們切切禱告祈求主復興我們，更多渴慕祂的話語，更有追求成長的心志。
Wednesday
Despite the cynicism about how the Communist Party can effectively fight corruption among those sick of it, especially those struggling economically, the new leader is gaining support in his campaign to "strike against tigers and flies" (officials whether high or low). When leaders are unchallenged in their authority and finances are not handled transparently, there are bound to be abuses. We pray for the defeating of Satan's work and true repentance among the leaders as well as each one of us who are so often blinded by self-deceit and false humility.
Thursday
Selling posts in the government or military is illegal but has been common for decades. It costs 30,000 yuan to join the army, if one has no connection. Getting into a highly desirable high school, parents must “donate” 20,000 in addition to the tuition and fees. Envy, strife, love of power and money, and corruption are equally common in both Three Self and house churches. We pray that believers will not be discouraged but that they (and us, too) will affix their eyes on Jesus, not on churches or people and that they will pursue His holiness passionately.
Friday
In the past one had to pay to get into privileged positions. Many officials at various levels of the government charged money outright for doing things they themselves were supposed to do but recently this audacious bribery has decreased greatly. Scandals of cults and extreme groups asking members for money have shaken the desire of many believers to give offerings. Pastors who have new things are quickly suspected of graft. We pray for restoration of trust in the leadership of the church and a revival among believers.
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 there were only 1% of the people in China who had diabetes. Let us remember the Christians who have this chronic illness. May the Lord grant them an extra measure of faith and joy knowing that God gives us peace beyond all understanding and that His grace is sufficient in times of disappointment and pain.
Sunday
China has a third of the people in the world who have diabetes--114 million people. Perhaps even more alarming is that even more people are "pre-diabetic". Chinese people will commonly seeks herbal or traditional Chinese medicines before using Western medicine. 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 will 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 the standard of living in China. However, we need to pray for the spiritual poverty of many believers who have grown lukewarm in their faith or become busy making money. May the Lord give each of us a renewal of heart and a hunger for His word.
星期二
習主席的反腐行動減少了人們許多的開支贏得不少民心，比如送孩子上學或參軍。過去，相關的領導都會要求收取額外的「費用」，其實都是變相的賄賂。家庭教會近來因邪教牽累，名譽受損。我們為忠心服事的信徒禱告告，求主保守我們能時時儆醒，並有分辨的靈來拒絕假先知和不合真理的教導。「從前在百姓中有假先知起來，將來在你們中間也必有假師傅，私自引進陷害人的異端…」(彼後2:1-2）
星期三
儘管一般「群眾」對反腐成效能否貫徹到底仍持有深刻的懷疑。但是中國新領導「老虎蒼蠅一起打」的手段，即無論大小官員都是打擊目標，使得老百姓，尤其是草根大眾拍手叫好。一些不良的教會領袖的獨裁帶領方式，加上教會財務不透明，就難免有職權濫用，給予撒旦攻擊的破口。求主敗壞惡者的工作，深知它詭計惡毒，讓我們都能真心悔改，不被虛偽和自欺矇閉，手潔心清得以昂首站立主前。
星期四
以往老百姓參軍，如果沒有「關係」，至少要花3萬塊。雖然出售政府或軍隊中的職位是違法的，但幾十年來，這種現像很普遍。孩子進中學，除了學費，要再「捐」2萬元人民幣，也是不成文的潛規矩。不少信徒對三自，對家庭教會內的不良氣象灰心，認為兩邊一般黑（嫉妒、紛爭、專權、貪財、腐化..等等）求主幫助我們知道「天下沒完美的教會」，關鍵是要自己追求聖潔 ，定睛在神而不是看人。
星期五
「過去，各樣變相的收費捐款，其實就是明目張膽的要求賄賂，還有各層的貪官太多了，他們本來就該做的事情，但是都要求交錢才辦。這樣的情況近來少多了。」 邪教中多發生貪汙錢財的醜聞，但是卻動搖許多信徒對教會奉獻的認知。信徒對擁有新的東西或房產的傳道人，也產生懷疑。 求主再次建立教會中彼此的信任，特別是對領袖們的信心，也求真理的靈來做潔淨、復興的工作。
星期六
中國的糖尿病患病率已躍居世界首位，且還在惡化中。1980年，中國的糖尿病率還不到1%。如今中國糖尿病患病率是11.6%，剛超過了美國的11.3% 。我們在禱告中要記念有各樣慢性病的信徒，求主加添他們的信心和喜樂。讓我們深深知道神賜下出乎意料的平安，祂的恩典是我們患難中隨時的幫助。
星期日
中國糖尿病人達1.14億，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。中國人一般都先服用中藥到非不得已才尋西醫治療。讓我們常常為神賜予的健康感恩，更為所有忠心服事神的信徒祈求體力、靈力，好叫他們的服侍恩上加恩，力上加力，滿有果效。
星期一
肥胖問題正在迅速加劇，因素往往歸咎於：一是引入高熱量的西方飲食和快餐；二是人們駕車代步；三是久坐不動的工廠工作代替了農場里的勞動；最後是 長輩對獨生子女嬌生慣養。我們為中國百姓擁有富裕生活感恩，然而也要反省信徒忙著賺錢，屬靈方面的貧窮及不冷不熱這些不合神心意的事實。我們切切禱告祈求主復興我們，更多渴慕祂的話語，更有追求成長的心志。
Monday, September 29, 2014
Prayer Request 9/30 - 10/6
TuesdayThe news of two mega-entertainers reunited after their divorce 11 years ago became the most followed story in China. Both are divorced and gave up their child custody to their exes. The responses were evenly divided between acceptance and idiotic “pursuit of love”. We pray for more Biblical teaching and discussion from this incident and that churches will teach and emphasize God’s blueprint for marriage and its covenant nature. May theLord safeguard our marriages, lest anyone of us use divorce foolishly as a solution to marital problems.
Wednesday
There are divorced believers in every church in China and even others who experience a poor marital relationship. Generally pastors lack the time or training to provide counseling. While lay people often help with the counseling, often the results are dismally poor. Divorced believers have complex relationships, responsibilities and obligations, and using the Bible as a stick to accuse or criticise is not helpful. We pray for all the divorced, for God’s strength, help and comfort, and also more acceptance and love from their church.
Thursday
Hong Kong’s democracy is facing a dilemma. Beijing has made it clear that only someone who “loves the country and loves Hong Kong” is acceptable for the top post in Hong Kong. Beijing believes there are people who still do not accept Hong Kong's reunification with China and seek to subvert it. Anti-China sentiment has diminished significantly the passion of Hong Kong churches for mission into the Mainland. We pray for the future and direction of this island, may the Lord strengthen the believers and revive the passion for mission among all churches.
Friday
The Election Committee (with 1200 members) that oversees the election of Hong Kong's chief executive is under the control of the rich and powerful of Beijing and Hong Kong. Many believe a direct popular election is not meaningful if the candidates have been preselected by an undemocratic body. In this time of political uncertainty, we pray for patience and wisdom for Hong Kong churches, especially the role Christians should play in the public debate and even demonstrations. We know the Lord will continue to greatly use the Hong Kong churches in the growth of Chinese churches worldwide.
Saturday
Thousands of university students in Hong Kong abandoned their classes to rally against the limits the Chinese government placed on voting rights. Many parents are leery about high school students taking part in such demonstrations because they feel they are not adults and should not be politically involved. Believers may have different political perspectives and views but there are great divisions among believers in Hong Kong which have even caused shouting matches there. We pray we will not fall into Satan's trap and lose our unity in Christ.
Sunday
Thirty-two percent of parents in Taiwan intend to send their children abroad for study in either the United States or Canada. Meanwhile thirty-five percent of the parents in Taiwan enroll their children in English classes which is a much higher percentage than the average of twenty-one percent in the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese parents have high expectations for their children. We pray that Christian parents will have equally high spiritual expectations for their children as well and those who attended vacation Bible schools or retreats this summer, had life-changing experiences and are following up on them.
Monday
For the young workers in China today, a lifetime career and loyalty are a thing of the past. They work a while and then take a long break. It is said that these young people are incapable of enduring hardship and that they complain a lot. Some rural Christians thought that when they worked in the factory, they would be preaching the gospel but most of them have failed. We pray for young believers who work in factories that they will not only continue to read their Bibles and pray but will also refuse to give up fellowship and will worship with other Christian.
星期二
華人當中兩位重量級藝人-謝霆鋒與王菲分手十一年後復合，被稱為「世紀復合」。兩人都有前夫/前妻和孩子。有輿論揶揄他們「放棄孩子，瀟灑追求‘真愛’」，但也有更多的給予極大的寬容。求主幫助牧者能從聖經來教導神為家庭設計的藍圖，再次強調婚姻終生盟約的重要性。願神保守信徒的婚姻，絕不輕易以離婚作為矛盾或感情變淡的解決方式。
星期三
幾乎每間教會都有離婚的信徒，也有很多婚姻不美滿的家庭。傳道人沒有時間給予扶持，也缺少知識和訓練來有效地輔導。教會常常是依靠一些年長的夫妻來幫助，但是果效也不是很好。離婚的信徒有更複雜的人際關係、責任與義務，不是拿著聖經指責或硬性要求就能解決。我們為有婚變的信徒的靈命禱告，願神成為他們的力量、幫助與安慰，教會也給予更多接納與關愛。
星期四
北京已經明確表示，只有“愛國愛港”人士才有資格擔任香港特首。北京的高層官員稱，香港還有人不接受香港與中國的統一，意圖顛覆中國政府。因著與中央地政府的矛盾增加，香港教會對內地福音事工的參與也顯著降低。我們為香港的未來和方向禱告，願主堅固信徒和復興教會傳福音的火熱。
星期五
負責香港特首選舉的香港選舉委員會共有1200名成員，它基本處於北京和香港的富人及有權有勢者的控制之下。因此不少人認為“一人一票”體系下的直選沒有任何意義。在政治未來不明朗的時候，我們為香港教會在爭取普選當中更有耐心與智慧代禱，尤其是基督徒在公開辯論，遊行中扮演的角色。求神繼續大大使用香港教會成為普世華人教會的祝福。
星期六
抗議中國政府對選舉權的限制，香港大學生罷課並舉行集會。有些多家長擔心罷課風氣蔓延到中學，認為中學生未成年不適宜在政治上過度參與。教會內信徒也可能有不同的政治立場及看法。 但是很明顯的，不同立場的基督徒各持己見，甚至演變成敵對是我們不樂見的，我們切切求神在祂兒女心中動工，不要中了魔鬼詭計，失去了主裡的合一。
星期日
根據報告，32%的台灣父母有意送子女赴海外求學，以美國與加拿大為海外深造首選。同時，讓孩子參加外語學習的比例到35%，高於亞太區的21%。華人父母往往對子女的期待甚高。盼望信徒家長對子女的靈命也有同樣的高期望。我們特別為今年暑假參加夏令聖經班或是夏令營的孩子們祈求，願主在他們生命中賜下改變。
星期一
對於現在年輕工人來說，效忠公司或在一家公司做一輩子已是昔日的事。許多人工作一段時間，然後拿了薪水就去度假，所以往往吃不了苦而且總是抱怨。有些農村信徒進城打工，想向工廠的工人傳福音，但後來自己都軟弱退縮了。求主幫助在工廠打工的年輕信徒，有讀經禱告的操練，有基督徒的同伴，堅持信仰並恒常參與聚會。
Wednesday
There are divorced believers in every church in China and even others who experience a poor marital relationship. Generally pastors lack the time or training to provide counseling. While lay people often help with the counseling, often the results are dismally poor. Divorced believers have complex relationships, responsibilities and obligations, and using the Bible as a stick to accuse or criticise is not helpful. We pray for all the divorced, for God’s strength, help and comfort, and also more acceptance and love from their church.
Thursday
Hong Kong’s democracy is facing a dilemma. Beijing has made it clear that only someone who “loves the country and loves Hong Kong” is acceptable for the top post in Hong Kong. Beijing believes there are people who still do not accept Hong Kong's reunification with China and seek to subvert it. Anti-China sentiment has diminished significantly the passion of Hong Kong churches for mission into the Mainland. We pray for the future and direction of this island, may the Lord strengthen the believers and revive the passion for mission among all churches.
Friday
The Election Committee (with 1200 members) that oversees the election of Hong Kong's chief executive is under the control of the rich and powerful of Beijing and Hong Kong. Many believe a direct popular election is not meaningful if the candidates have been preselected by an undemocratic body. In this time of political uncertainty, we pray for patience and wisdom for Hong Kong churches, especially the role Christians should play in the public debate and even demonstrations. We know the Lord will continue to greatly use the Hong Kong churches in the growth of Chinese churches worldwide.
Saturday
Thousands of university students in Hong Kong abandoned their classes to rally against the limits the Chinese government placed on voting rights. Many parents are leery about high school students taking part in such demonstrations because they feel they are not adults and should not be politically involved. Believers may have different political perspectives and views but there are great divisions among believers in Hong Kong which have even caused shouting matches there. We pray we will not fall into Satan's trap and lose our unity in Christ.
Sunday
Thirty-two percent of parents in Taiwan intend to send their children abroad for study in either the United States or Canada. Meanwhile thirty-five percent of the parents in Taiwan enroll their children in English classes which is a much higher percentage than the average of twenty-one percent in the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese parents have high expectations for their children. We pray that Christian parents will have equally high spiritual expectations for their children as well and those who attended vacation Bible schools or retreats this summer, had life-changing experiences and are following up on them.
Monday
For the young workers in China today, a lifetime career and loyalty are a thing of the past. They work a while and then take a long break. It is said that these young people are incapable of enduring hardship and that they complain a lot. Some rural Christians thought that when they worked in the factory, they would be preaching the gospel but most of them have failed. We pray for young believers who work in factories that they will not only continue to read their Bibles and pray but will also refuse to give up fellowship and will worship with other Christian.
星期二
華人當中兩位重量級藝人-謝霆鋒與王菲分手十一年後復合，被稱為「世紀復合」。兩人都有前夫/前妻和孩子。有輿論揶揄他們「放棄孩子，瀟灑追求‘真愛’」，但也有更多的給予極大的寬容。求主幫助牧者能從聖經來教導神為家庭設計的藍圖，再次強調婚姻終生盟約的重要性。願神保守信徒的婚姻，絕不輕易以離婚作為矛盾或感情變淡的解決方式。
星期三
幾乎每間教會都有離婚的信徒，也有很多婚姻不美滿的家庭。傳道人沒有時間給予扶持，也缺少知識和訓練來有效地輔導。教會常常是依靠一些年長的夫妻來幫助，但是果效也不是很好。離婚的信徒有更複雜的人際關係、責任與義務，不是拿著聖經指責或硬性要求就能解決。我們為有婚變的信徒的靈命禱告，願神成為他們的力量、幫助與安慰，教會也給予更多接納與關愛。
星期四
北京已經明確表示，只有“愛國愛港”人士才有資格擔任香港特首。北京的高層官員稱，香港還有人不接受香港與中國的統一，意圖顛覆中國政府。因著與中央地政府的矛盾增加，香港教會對內地福音事工的參與也顯著降低。我們為香港的未來和方向禱告，願主堅固信徒和復興教會傳福音的火熱。
星期五
負責香港特首選舉的香港選舉委員會共有1200名成員，它基本處於北京和香港的富人及有權有勢者的控制之下。因此不少人認為“一人一票”體系下的直選沒有任何意義。在政治未來不明朗的時候，我們為香港教會在爭取普選當中更有耐心與智慧代禱，尤其是基督徒在公開辯論，遊行中扮演的角色。求神繼續大大使用香港教會成為普世華人教會的祝福。
星期六
抗議中國政府對選舉權的限制，香港大學生罷課並舉行集會。有些多家長擔心罷課風氣蔓延到中學，認為中學生未成年不適宜在政治上過度參與。教會內信徒也可能有不同的政治立場及看法。 但是很明顯的，不同立場的基督徒各持己見，甚至演變成敵對是我們不樂見的，我們切切求神在祂兒女心中動工，不要中了魔鬼詭計，失去了主裡的合一。
星期日
根據報告，32%的台灣父母有意送子女赴海外求學，以美國與加拿大為海外深造首選。同時，讓孩子參加外語學習的比例到35%，高於亞太區的21%。華人父母往往對子女的期待甚高。盼望信徒家長對子女的靈命也有同樣的高期望。我們特別為今年暑假參加夏令聖經班或是夏令營的孩子們祈求，願主在他們生命中賜下改變。
星期一
對於現在年輕工人來說，效忠公司或在一家公司做一輩子已是昔日的事。許多人工作一段時間，然後拿了薪水就去度假，所以往往吃不了苦而且總是抱怨。有些農村信徒進城打工，想向工廠的工人傳福音，但後來自己都軟弱退縮了。求主幫助在工廠打工的年輕信徒，有讀經禱告的操練，有基督徒的同伴，堅持信仰並恒常參與聚會。
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Prayer Request 9/23 - 9/29
TuesdayIn the coming years the phenomenon of ghost towns in China will be even more scary than in the past, especially in the smaller cities in the remote areas. A ghost town is a completely built community which lacks residents or buyers. The vacancies have been created by excess investment in real estate, especially in China’s third-tier cities. Many Christians are worried about the cost of living and not having enough money when illness hits, the stock market goes down, or home prices become stagnant. We pray for peace and joy from God as we all learn to fix our eyes on the Heavenly Father Who provides everything we need.
Wednesday
Third-tier cities such as Tangshan and Wenzhou have a high rate of vacancy (about 16%) while in Beijing and Shanghai, it is only at 10%. Nanjing, Chongqing and Shenyang are considered second-tier cities with an average rate of vacancy at about 13%. Due to over-investment these rates are expected to rise still higher. In China, it is hard to resist buying a second home for investment so many believers are saddled with mortgage payments. May the Lord help us each to be a good and faithful steward of what He gives us. We need to trust God to provide and then we do not have to worry.
Thursday
Suicide is the leading cause of death in people 15-34 years old in China. About 250,000 die yearly from suicide and the rate is higher in rural areas but the government is very reluctant to disclose any specific figures regarding suicides among adolescents. Unfortunately, most churches lose their young people because the youth are busy with school or their parents stop insisting that they attend church. We pray for wisdom and faith in God for Christian parents that they will remember "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
Friday
It is still considered taboo to talk about suicide among youth in China. Of the seventy-nine cases of suicide among students in 2013, nearly all in elementary school occurred after the child had a quarrel with the teacher. In high school, the suicides were mostly related to examinations. Parents put a great deal of pressure on their children to get high grades. We pray that Christian parents will have wisdom to rear not only good but godly children and that they will not feel frustrated and like they are failures if their children do not do well academically.
Saturday
Recently many of the churches in Wenzhou have faced the demolishing of their church buildings that had not been built according to code. On some they have removed the crosses and others still face these things. Let us pray for the leaders of the churches in Wenzhou and ask the Lord to give them wisdom to know how to deal with these rashes of demolition even while they are in a series of meetings and negotiations trying to find solutions to stave off the demolitions.
Sunday
In China, many church workers believe that since the cross is the symbol of Christianity, we must not allow officials to demolish it. Others believe that the church building is not the church per se so they can accept the demolitions as long as the church is allowed to continue to function as a body. Let us pray for the development of all the house churches in China and for an even stronger faith in the Lord as well as unity for the entire church as they face increasing restrictions and attacks.
Monday
The government of China requires every university to establish a monitoring system to take swift measures to curb "negative speech" online or other dangerous tendencies among the students, including their calls to have outdoor gatherings. Christian gatherings of college students are often monitored closely and faculty leaders are admonished not to participate or risk losing their jobs. We pray for the growth and safety of both students and leaders in all of the Bible study groups near college campuses.
星期二
鬼城是指蓋好的社區，卻賣不出去或是沒有買主搬進。三、四線城市住宅嚴重過剩，多餘的空置住宅表明房地產投資過度未來幾年，中國的鬼城，尤其在是更小、更偏遠地方會更普遍。 不少信徒天天為生活費用高漲，不夠錢養病，股市與房價低靡而擔憂。 我們禱告求神幫助我們有來自祂的平安和喜樂，學習信靠神的信實，定在天父會供應我們的需要。
星期三
北京和上海的空置率約在10%，南京、重慶和瀋陽這樣的二線城市的空置率為13%，三線城市房屋空置率更高，平均達到16%。由於過度投資，這一比例還在不斷上升。看著房價大漲，人們總會有多購屋投資的念頭，因此許多信徒都要背負銀行貸款的壓力。願主幫助我們都成為神良善又忠心的管家，能善用時間、精力與金錢專注在永恒的事上。我們相信神的祝福必不加上憂慮。
星期四
自殺在中國已是導致15至34歲群體的人的第一大死亡原因。中國每年約有25萬死於自殺，農村自殺率之高尤為突出，政府通常不披露青少年自殺案件的具體數字。非常可惜的是，信徒的孩子一旦進了初中就停止上教會。因為他們忙著課業學習，家長也擔心孩子趕不上，就不再堅持他們參加聚會。願主幫助我們對祂有信心，真知道「敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端。」先求神的國與義，青年人一生蒙保守與引領。
星期五
中國青少年自殺問題通常是一個禁忌話題。2013年共有79起中小學學生自殺，幾乎所有案件多發生在青少年與老師發生爭吵，或面臨中考或高考壓力。為了有好成績，家長確實給孩子不少壓力。我們為基督徒父母，有智慧養育不單單是聽話的孩子，更是敬虔的子女來禱告。同時，求主幫助信徒家長不因子女成績不夠好，而感到沮喪或是覺得失敗，深信造他們的主，對每個人都有獨特的美好計劃。
星期六
近來溫州教會所面對的政府拆教堂(都有違章的建築）和十字架的壓力並未減少。原來不受影響的地區也陸續收到拆十字架的告示，不僅要求清拆違章建築的，也包括十字架 。繼續為教會領袖禱告，求神給他們智慧，明白如何面對壓力，在一系列的會議及協商中能找到合神心意的方案。
星期日
不少同工認為，十字架是基督教的象徵，要堅持到底不能拆除。也有同工認為教堂建築並不是教會，若要強拆也得無可奈何地接受，只要教會能繼續現有的活動空間便可以了。求主保守中國教會的發展，縱然受到衝擊，也有堅固的信心及合一的團隊繼續面對挑戰。
星期一
中國大學都必需建立24小時輿情報送制度，以對「負面言論」儘早採取措施，禁止學生煽動性的言論或通知戶外聚集。大學生團契近來也面臨更多的監視，不少參與帶領的教職員也受到警告，甚至不續聘的威脅。我們為大學學生事工的成長和帶領人的靈命祈求，願神賜給他們多有收割和膽量將福音傳播出去。
Wednesday
Third-tier cities such as Tangshan and Wenzhou have a high rate of vacancy (about 16%) while in Beijing and Shanghai, it is only at 10%. Nanjing, Chongqing and Shenyang are considered second-tier cities with an average rate of vacancy at about 13%. Due to over-investment these rates are expected to rise still higher. In China, it is hard to resist buying a second home for investment so many believers are saddled with mortgage payments. May the Lord help us each to be a good and faithful steward of what He gives us. We need to trust God to provide and then we do not have to worry.
Thursday
Suicide is the leading cause of death in people 15-34 years old in China. About 250,000 die yearly from suicide and the rate is higher in rural areas but the government is very reluctant to disclose any specific figures regarding suicides among adolescents. Unfortunately, most churches lose their young people because the youth are busy with school or their parents stop insisting that they attend church. We pray for wisdom and faith in God for Christian parents that they will remember "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
Friday
It is still considered taboo to talk about suicide among youth in China. Of the seventy-nine cases of suicide among students in 2013, nearly all in elementary school occurred after the child had a quarrel with the teacher. In high school, the suicides were mostly related to examinations. Parents put a great deal of pressure on their children to get high grades. We pray that Christian parents will have wisdom to rear not only good but godly children and that they will not feel frustrated and like they are failures if their children do not do well academically.
Saturday
Recently many of the churches in Wenzhou have faced the demolishing of their church buildings that had not been built according to code. On some they have removed the crosses and others still face these things. Let us pray for the leaders of the churches in Wenzhou and ask the Lord to give them wisdom to know how to deal with these rashes of demolition even while they are in a series of meetings and negotiations trying to find solutions to stave off the demolitions.
Sunday
In China, many church workers believe that since the cross is the symbol of Christianity, we must not allow officials to demolish it. Others believe that the church building is not the church per se so they can accept the demolitions as long as the church is allowed to continue to function as a body. Let us pray for the development of all the house churches in China and for an even stronger faith in the Lord as well as unity for the entire church as they face increasing restrictions and attacks.
Monday
The government of China requires every university to establish a monitoring system to take swift measures to curb "negative speech" online or other dangerous tendencies among the students, including their calls to have outdoor gatherings. Christian gatherings of college students are often monitored closely and faculty leaders are admonished not to participate or risk losing their jobs. We pray for the growth and safety of both students and leaders in all of the Bible study groups near college campuses.
星期二
鬼城是指蓋好的社區，卻賣不出去或是沒有買主搬進。三、四線城市住宅嚴重過剩，多餘的空置住宅表明房地產投資過度未來幾年，中國的鬼城，尤其在是更小、更偏遠地方會更普遍。 不少信徒天天為生活費用高漲，不夠錢養病，股市與房價低靡而擔憂。 我們禱告求神幫助我們有來自祂的平安和喜樂，學習信靠神的信實，定在天父會供應我們的需要。
星期三
北京和上海的空置率約在10%，南京、重慶和瀋陽這樣的二線城市的空置率為13%，三線城市房屋空置率更高，平均達到16%。由於過度投資，這一比例還在不斷上升。看著房價大漲，人們總會有多購屋投資的念頭，因此許多信徒都要背負銀行貸款的壓力。願主幫助我們都成為神良善又忠心的管家，能善用時間、精力與金錢專注在永恒的事上。我們相信神的祝福必不加上憂慮。
星期四
自殺在中國已是導致15至34歲群體的人的第一大死亡原因。中國每年約有25萬死於自殺，農村自殺率之高尤為突出，政府通常不披露青少年自殺案件的具體數字。非常可惜的是，信徒的孩子一旦進了初中就停止上教會。因為他們忙著課業學習，家長也擔心孩子趕不上，就不再堅持他們參加聚會。願主幫助我們對祂有信心，真知道「敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端。」先求神的國與義，青年人一生蒙保守與引領。
星期五
中國青少年自殺問題通常是一個禁忌話題。2013年共有79起中小學學生自殺，幾乎所有案件多發生在青少年與老師發生爭吵，或面臨中考或高考壓力。為了有好成績，家長確實給孩子不少壓力。我們為基督徒父母，有智慧養育不單單是聽話的孩子，更是敬虔的子女來禱告。同時，求主幫助信徒家長不因子女成績不夠好，而感到沮喪或是覺得失敗，深信造他們的主，對每個人都有獨特的美好計劃。
星期六
近來溫州教會所面對的政府拆教堂(都有違章的建築）和十字架的壓力並未減少。原來不受影響的地區也陸續收到拆十字架的告示，不僅要求清拆違章建築的，也包括十字架 。繼續為教會領袖禱告，求神給他們智慧，明白如何面對壓力，在一系列的會議及協商中能找到合神心意的方案。
星期日
不少同工認為，十字架是基督教的象徵，要堅持到底不能拆除。也有同工認為教堂建築並不是教會，若要強拆也得無可奈何地接受，只要教會能繼續現有的活動空間便可以了。求主保守中國教會的發展，縱然受到衝擊，也有堅固的信心及合一的團隊繼續面對挑戰。
星期一
中國大學都必需建立24小時輿情報送制度，以對「負面言論」儘早採取措施，禁止學生煽動性的言論或通知戶外聚集。大學生團契近來也面臨更多的監視，不少參與帶領的教職員也受到警告，甚至不續聘的威脅。我們為大學學生事工的成長和帶領人的靈命祈求，願神賜給他們多有收割和膽量將福音傳播出去。
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Prayer Request 9/16 - 9/22
TuesdayThe average yearly wage for Chinese urban workers in 2003 was 14,040 yuan, and by 2012, that figure has more than tripled to 47,593 yuan. The average rural net income per capita has tripled over the same period from 2,622.2 yuan in 2003 to 7,916.6 yuan in 2012. City folks earn a staggering seven times more than peasants in China. This is one reason for the steep decline in the number of rural churches. We pray that more city churches will support the poor churches in the countryside with prayers and also financially by adopting their pastors and ministries.
Wednesday
Although the average income in China has increased dramatically in recent years, so has the basic cost of living. In 2003, the annual average cost of living for each rural Chinese worker was 1,943 yuan or seventy-four percent of his income and in 2012 it remained at seventy-four percent. In the countryside in China, the cost of living is still not cheap so that leads to pastors of rural churches having to work and being able to lead their churches in only their spare time. We ask the Lord for strength, renewal of their spirits, and a weekly supply of God's word for these pastors. May God bless them for their dedication and labor.
Thursday
Rural pastors must work to support their families and then serve their churches with whatever time is left. The reasons that pastors in rural areas are poor and unable to care for their churches full time are various: poverty among the people themselves, little giving by members of the churches, and a lack of teaching on giving in the churches. In the past many pastors of rural churches received some financial support from overseas but China's booming economy and the seemingly outlandish way tourists from China spend money have caused giving for churches in China to decline significantly. May the Lord be gracious to rural churches in China and their shepherds.
Friday
Although it is not enforced well, the minimum educational requirement for factory workers in the coastal high-tech parks is rising from junior high to high school. Consequently this demand forces people with low education to go back to cities inland that are closer to their home villages. Most programs designed to train rural pastors in China demand a minimum of a high school diploma but the overall level of education of rural pastors is very low. We pray for time for study for these people and that the Lord will give them wisdom to know the message they need to deliver weekly.
Saturday
Most farmers whose lands were taken over by the government receive some compensation which allows their children to attend high school. This also gives them the opportunity to stay in their home villages while they attend high school in a nearby county. The only viable option for rural youth who have completed high school remains to work in a factory. We pray that young people who are believers will love God and serve in their churches. May the Lord use them mightily to reverse the decline of China's rural churches.
Sunday
The average laborer in the factories in Shenzhen is a 23-year-old male from a poor village with a low level of education and little work experience. The ration of male to female workers is about six to four and in the past four years their average salaries have grown 160%. In the past there were Christians from the rural churches who had received Bible training and went into the factories to serve the workers but they failed due to the hard work schedule. We pray that the churches in China will be for not only the white collar population but will show concern for the millions of working people.
Monday
For the young workers in China today, a lifetime career and loyalty are a thing of the past. They work a while and then take a long break. It is said that these young people are incapable of enduring hardship and that they complain a lot. Some rural Christians thought that when they worked in the factory, they would be preaching the gospel but most of them have failed. We pray for young believers who work in factories that they will not only continue to read their Bibles and pray but will also refuse to give up fellowship and will worship with other Christian.
星期二
2003年，中國城鎮職工的平均年薪為14040元人民幣；2012年增加3倍到47593元。2003年農村人均總收入為2622.2元；2012年達到7916.6元，同樣增加了三倍。但城鎮居民的收入竟然是農村居民的7倍，這是導致農村教會沒落的原因之一。求主感動更多城市教會能幫助貧窮的農村教會，不但藉著禱告，也在金錢上支援他們的傳道人。
星期三
雖然近年人均收入增加許多，但是基本生活開支亦同時飆升。2003年，每個中國農民工的年均生活成本為1943元，佔總收入74%；到了2012年，收入與開支的比例仍然是74%。在農村過日子並不比城巿便宜，許多農村傳道人都需要打工或是種田養家，只能在工餘時間預備講道。求主賜牧者有活潑的靈、有神的話語和力量，自己得到供應也能餵飽羊群，更是記念他們忠心事奉擺上的勞苦。
星期四
農村教會傳道人大都必需自己打工或種田養家，餘下的時間和精力再來照顧教會。農村貧窮，奉獻收入非常少；加上信徒缺少奉獻的教導，所以傳道人是沒有「薪水」可言，無法專心牧養教會。過去，有些農村教會傳道人還有一些海外奉獻的記念。近年中國經濟繁榮，中國遊客在國外大筆消費，造成海外奉獻明顯減少，求主恩待農村教會和他們的傳道人，信實供應他們的需要。
星期五
中國近期的勞工學歷很快會從初中提升到高中程度，沿海高新科技工業園區已經不招初中學歷的人了。雖然目前還有很多放水的現象，但在可見的未來，文化水平低的人將被逼回老家附近的城市。許多針對農村傳道人的培訓班已開始要求高中程度，但是一般的農村傳道人的教育水平仍不高，我們來為他們在工作與家庭忙碌之外的學習禱告，求神加添智慧，賜下每星期要傳講的信息，使用他們為真理流通的管道。
星期六
農民在被政府徵收土地的過程中，多半擁有了一些補償金，讓孩子在初中畢業後就立刻去打工的動機也減少了許多，將有越來越多的孩子留在老家附近的縣城讀高中。雖然如此，許多農村青年讀完高中的前景，仍然只有打工一條路，似乎永遠無法翻身。我們為農村年輕信徒能愛主，投入參與教會的服事祈求，願主大大使用他們，復興衰微的農村教會，更是願意立志一生為主所用。
星期日
在深圳工廠男生多於女生（6 對 4的比率)，男生平均23歲、來自農村、沒有太高的教育水平，也少有工作經驗。在過去四年，工人基本工資增長超過160%。過去有不少接受訓練裝備去服侍打工群眾的信徒。他們雖具有聖經的知識，但是無法承受繁重的打工生活。求主幫助中國教會有前瞻性的視角，不單單是歡迎年輕白領家庭，也能關懷注目於數千萬的打工群眾。
星期一
對於現今中國的年輕工人來說，效忠公司或在一家公司做一輩子已是不太可能。許多人工作一段時間，就拿了薪水去度假；也往往吃不了苦，總是抱怨連連 。有些農村信徒進城打工，想向工廠的工人傳福音，但後來大多數人連自己都軟弱退縮了。求主幫助在工廠打工的年輕信徒，有讀經禱告的操練，有基督徒的同伴，更要堅持信仰並恒常參與聚會，跟其他肢體互相扶持砥礪。
Wednesday
Although the average income in China has increased dramatically in recent years, so has the basic cost of living. In 2003, the annual average cost of living for each rural Chinese worker was 1,943 yuan or seventy-four percent of his income and in 2012 it remained at seventy-four percent. In the countryside in China, the cost of living is still not cheap so that leads to pastors of rural churches having to work and being able to lead their churches in only their spare time. We ask the Lord for strength, renewal of their spirits, and a weekly supply of God's word for these pastors. May God bless them for their dedication and labor.
Thursday
Rural pastors must work to support their families and then serve their churches with whatever time is left. The reasons that pastors in rural areas are poor and unable to care for their churches full time are various: poverty among the people themselves, little giving by members of the churches, and a lack of teaching on giving in the churches. In the past many pastors of rural churches received some financial support from overseas but China's booming economy and the seemingly outlandish way tourists from China spend money have caused giving for churches in China to decline significantly. May the Lord be gracious to rural churches in China and their shepherds.
Friday
Although it is not enforced well, the minimum educational requirement for factory workers in the coastal high-tech parks is rising from junior high to high school. Consequently this demand forces people with low education to go back to cities inland that are closer to their home villages. Most programs designed to train rural pastors in China demand a minimum of a high school diploma but the overall level of education of rural pastors is very low. We pray for time for study for these people and that the Lord will give them wisdom to know the message they need to deliver weekly.
Saturday
Most farmers whose lands were taken over by the government receive some compensation which allows their children to attend high school. This also gives them the opportunity to stay in their home villages while they attend high school in a nearby county. The only viable option for rural youth who have completed high school remains to work in a factory. We pray that young people who are believers will love God and serve in their churches. May the Lord use them mightily to reverse the decline of China's rural churches.
Sunday
The average laborer in the factories in Shenzhen is a 23-year-old male from a poor village with a low level of education and little work experience. The ration of male to female workers is about six to four and in the past four years their average salaries have grown 160%. In the past there were Christians from the rural churches who had received Bible training and went into the factories to serve the workers but they failed due to the hard work schedule. We pray that the churches in China will be for not only the white collar population but will show concern for the millions of working people.
Monday
For the young workers in China today, a lifetime career and loyalty are a thing of the past. They work a while and then take a long break. It is said that these young people are incapable of enduring hardship and that they complain a lot. Some rural Christians thought that when they worked in the factory, they would be preaching the gospel but most of them have failed. We pray for young believers who work in factories that they will not only continue to read their Bibles and pray but will also refuse to give up fellowship and will worship with other Christian.
星期二
2003年，中國城鎮職工的平均年薪為14040元人民幣；2012年增加3倍到47593元。2003年農村人均總收入為2622.2元；2012年達到7916.6元，同樣增加了三倍。但城鎮居民的收入竟然是農村居民的7倍，這是導致農村教會沒落的原因之一。求主感動更多城市教會能幫助貧窮的農村教會，不但藉著禱告，也在金錢上支援他們的傳道人。
星期三
雖然近年人均收入增加許多，但是基本生活開支亦同時飆升。2003年，每個中國農民工的年均生活成本為1943元，佔總收入74%；到了2012年，收入與開支的比例仍然是74%。在農村過日子並不比城巿便宜，許多農村傳道人都需要打工或是種田養家，只能在工餘時間預備講道。求主賜牧者有活潑的靈、有神的話語和力量，自己得到供應也能餵飽羊群，更是記念他們忠心事奉擺上的勞苦。
星期四
農村教會傳道人大都必需自己打工或種田養家，餘下的時間和精力再來照顧教會。農村貧窮，奉獻收入非常少；加上信徒缺少奉獻的教導，所以傳道人是沒有「薪水」可言，無法專心牧養教會。過去，有些農村教會傳道人還有一些海外奉獻的記念。近年中國經濟繁榮，中國遊客在國外大筆消費，造成海外奉獻明顯減少，求主恩待農村教會和他們的傳道人，信實供應他們的需要。
星期五
中國近期的勞工學歷很快會從初中提升到高中程度，沿海高新科技工業園區已經不招初中學歷的人了。雖然目前還有很多放水的現象，但在可見的未來，文化水平低的人將被逼回老家附近的城市。許多針對農村傳道人的培訓班已開始要求高中程度，但是一般的農村傳道人的教育水平仍不高，我們來為他們在工作與家庭忙碌之外的學習禱告，求神加添智慧，賜下每星期要傳講的信息，使用他們為真理流通的管道。
星期六
農民在被政府徵收土地的過程中，多半擁有了一些補償金，讓孩子在初中畢業後就立刻去打工的動機也減少了許多，將有越來越多的孩子留在老家附近的縣城讀高中。雖然如此，許多農村青年讀完高中的前景，仍然只有打工一條路，似乎永遠無法翻身。我們為農村年輕信徒能愛主，投入參與教會的服事祈求，願主大大使用他們，復興衰微的農村教會，更是願意立志一生為主所用。
星期日
在深圳工廠男生多於女生（6 對 4的比率)，男生平均23歲、來自農村、沒有太高的教育水平，也少有工作經驗。在過去四年，工人基本工資增長超過160%。過去有不少接受訓練裝備去服侍打工群眾的信徒。他們雖具有聖經的知識，但是無法承受繁重的打工生活。求主幫助中國教會有前瞻性的視角，不單單是歡迎年輕白領家庭，也能關懷注目於數千萬的打工群眾。
星期一
對於現今中國的年輕工人來說，效忠公司或在一家公司做一輩子已是不太可能。許多人工作一段時間，就拿了薪水去度假；也往往吃不了苦，總是抱怨連連 。有些農村信徒進城打工，想向工廠的工人傳福音，但後來大多數人連自己都軟弱退縮了。求主幫助在工廠打工的年輕信徒，有讀經禱告的操練，有基督徒的同伴，更要堅持信仰並恒常參與聚會，跟其他肢體互相扶持砥礪。
Tuesday, September 09, 2014
Prayer Request 9/9 - 9/15
TuesdayFew modern day religious sects in China have been more liable to attract controversy then the Church of Almighty God with its apocalyptic visions. It has cast itself as battling against the "Great Red Dragon", a term for the Chinese Communist Party. Let us pray for churches that have been entirely devoured by cults and the unsuspecting believers who have been led astray all over China. This kind of thing used to be mainly in rural regions, but now cults are attracting people and attacking in cities, too. May the Lord have mercy and bring those who have gone astray back to the truth.
Wednesday
Leaders in the Communist Party are alarmed by the spread of heterodox religious beliefs despite repeated government crackdowns. There have been repeated campaigns to eradicate spiritual and religious groups deemed to be cults that foster crime, coercion, and political defiance. Naïve believers are often attracted to the cults because they are fervent in sharing and caring for people. We pray that churches will be extra diligent in protecting their sheep and that they will teach believers how to discern cults and defend their faith.
Thursday
Some cults spread widely in rural China because emptiness of heart and peasant Christians have little foundation of faith. Cults appeal to the poor Christians by providing hope to the impoverished farmers, and some even provide financial assistance to its followers. Many rural believers fell victim to cults because they know little of what they believe and there is a dearth of well-qualified church leader who can discern orthodoxy. We must pray for all the believers trapped in cults, the Lord lead them out of their captivity, and be free again in the Truth.
Friday
Churches in Hong Kong have always help out churches inside China before the island was returned to China in 1997. Some pastors say, Hong Kong churches have not really advanced in their understanding of China churches since then. We pray for Hong Kong churches as partners with church in the Mainland, with their humble servant attitude, not as superior but rather as equal, creating a model of mutual trust and learning with the Mainland church leaders.
Saturday
Linxia is known as "China's small Mecca,", a city of two millions, mostly Hui Muslims and Han Chinese. The city boasts a hundred plus mosques, the most in China, and received many Muslim pilgrims every year. Dongxiang is a group of fanatical Muslims, some evangelical researchers think they are Chinese territory of one of the largest unreached people. We thank God for the some missionaries being sent out by few churches in China. We pray that we should not discount tens of million Muslims in the northwest China, because they are the Judea and Samaria of China churches.
Sunday
Lhasa has been a spiritual fortress of extreme anti-Christianity. Yet, there are encouraging developments in recent years and even some Tibetan believers worshipping among the Han Chinese house churches. Praise God! Some workers have moved there and tried very hard in sharing the Gospel with those who are open and willing. We pray for the local believers and pastors, and the unreached souls in this spiritual darkened land.
Monday
There are a small numbers of Han Chinese churches in existence even in cities with Muslims as majority population. But, these believers lived in fear because their Muslim neighbors are very resistant to the Gospel. We pray for courage for these believers to share the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ to their neighbors. We ask God for believers who love the Lord so much and willing to move to northwest China where there are so many Muslims.
星期二
“全能神教會”（前東方閃電）是異端中最引起政府注意的，因為它宣揚在世界末日，將有一個與“大紅龍”的爭戰，“全能神教會”認為大紅龍”指的是共產黨。 從前異端在農村相當普遍，但是近來，異端邪教已經進入城市。 我們為被異端攪擾和搶奪的教會代禱，願神的憐憫臨到他們，引領他們回到主的懷抱。
星期三
儘管官方一再打擊，異端信仰仍在擴散。政府多次消除被認定是邪教，因其助長犯罪、強迫人信教，還鼓勵挑戰政治。無知的信徒，常被異端的親切與傳教的熱心吸引。求主保守眾教會，警醒看守羊群，極力教導信徒如何辨別異端，能為自己的信仰辯護。
星期四
異端在農村中的興盛是因為人心的虛空，信徒沒有提供足夠真理的教導。 異端的教導不僅為那些在貧窮中掙扎的農村信徒帶來盼望，甚至也提供政府所沒有做到的生活保障體系。農村家庭教會因為缺少受裝備的帶領者，信徒往往被這些異端迷惑。我們為陷入異端的信徒祈求，求神引領他們走出迷惑，能再次得著真理和自由。
星期五
香港教會向來致力幫助中國教會的發展，特別是97回歸後，但是有些牧者形容香港教會對中國教會的了解「仍然停留在八、九十年代」。求主幫助香港教會成為中國教會的夥伴，有謙卑服侍的心態，不是高高在上而同行互勉的同工，並與內地教會負責人一同按主心意尋求互相融合的模式。
星期六
西北的甘肅省臨夏回族自治州素以「中國的小麥加」著稱，居民約有兩百多萬，大部份都是回族穆斯林和漢人。臨夏有一百多座清真寺，居全國之冠，每年都有很多穆斯林來到這個城市朝聖。求主幫助我們不忘記在中國上千萬的穆斯林同胞求其是大西北地區，因為這就是中國教會的猶太全地和撒瑪利亞。
星期日
拉薩是反對基督教的精神堡壘，感謝神，近年卻有令人鼓舞的發展，目前已有少數西藏族加入小型的家庭教會。不少家庭教會的傳道同工遷入拉薩，願意把握每一個機會和願意聽的人分享福音，我們為當地的信徒和傳道人禱告。求主的靈魂預備人心悔改信基督。
星期一
在穆斯林族群佔優勢的城市中，還存在著一些漢人的教會。但由於穆斯林非常排斥福音，使得當地的弟兄姊妹心生畏懼，而無法向伊斯蘭教徒傳講耶穌。求主加添智慧給信徒，能想盡辦法跟周遭迷失的羊分享能夠改變人生命的福音。我們為神在教會興起有愛主、願意前往中國西北的信徒。
Wednesday
Leaders in the Communist Party are alarmed by the spread of heterodox religious beliefs despite repeated government crackdowns. There have been repeated campaigns to eradicate spiritual and religious groups deemed to be cults that foster crime, coercion, and political defiance. Naïve believers are often attracted to the cults because they are fervent in sharing and caring for people. We pray that churches will be extra diligent in protecting their sheep and that they will teach believers how to discern cults and defend their faith.
Thursday
Some cults spread widely in rural China because emptiness of heart and peasant Christians have little foundation of faith. Cults appeal to the poor Christians by providing hope to the impoverished farmers, and some even provide financial assistance to its followers. Many rural believers fell victim to cults because they know little of what they believe and there is a dearth of well-qualified church leader who can discern orthodoxy. We must pray for all the believers trapped in cults, the Lord lead them out of their captivity, and be free again in the Truth.
Friday
Churches in Hong Kong have always help out churches inside China before the island was returned to China in 1997. Some pastors say, Hong Kong churches have not really advanced in their understanding of China churches since then. We pray for Hong Kong churches as partners with church in the Mainland, with their humble servant attitude, not as superior but rather as equal, creating a model of mutual trust and learning with the Mainland church leaders.
Saturday
Linxia is known as "China's small Mecca,", a city of two millions, mostly Hui Muslims and Han Chinese. The city boasts a hundred plus mosques, the most in China, and received many Muslim pilgrims every year. Dongxiang is a group of fanatical Muslims, some evangelical researchers think they are Chinese territory of one of the largest unreached people. We thank God for the some missionaries being sent out by few churches in China. We pray that we should not discount tens of million Muslims in the northwest China, because they are the Judea and Samaria of China churches.
Sunday
Lhasa has been a spiritual fortress of extreme anti-Christianity. Yet, there are encouraging developments in recent years and even some Tibetan believers worshipping among the Han Chinese house churches. Praise God! Some workers have moved there and tried very hard in sharing the Gospel with those who are open and willing. We pray for the local believers and pastors, and the unreached souls in this spiritual darkened land.
Monday
There are a small numbers of Han Chinese churches in existence even in cities with Muslims as majority population. But, these believers lived in fear because their Muslim neighbors are very resistant to the Gospel. We pray for courage for these believers to share the life-changing good news of Jesus Christ to their neighbors. We ask God for believers who love the Lord so much and willing to move to northwest China where there are so many Muslims.
星期二
“全能神教會”（前東方閃電）是異端中最引起政府注意的，因為它宣揚在世界末日，將有一個與“大紅龍”的爭戰，“全能神教會”認為大紅龍”指的是共產黨。 從前異端在農村相當普遍，但是近來，異端邪教已經進入城市。 我們為被異端攪擾和搶奪的教會代禱，願神的憐憫臨到他們，引領他們回到主的懷抱。
星期三
儘管官方一再打擊，異端信仰仍在擴散。政府多次消除被認定是邪教，因其助長犯罪、強迫人信教，還鼓勵挑戰政治。無知的信徒，常被異端的親切與傳教的熱心吸引。求主保守眾教會，警醒看守羊群，極力教導信徒如何辨別異端，能為自己的信仰辯護。
星期四
異端在農村中的興盛是因為人心的虛空，信徒沒有提供足夠真理的教導。 異端的教導不僅為那些在貧窮中掙扎的農村信徒帶來盼望，甚至也提供政府所沒有做到的生活保障體系。農村家庭教會因為缺少受裝備的帶領者，信徒往往被這些異端迷惑。我們為陷入異端的信徒祈求，求神引領他們走出迷惑，能再次得著真理和自由。
星期五
香港教會向來致力幫助中國教會的發展，特別是97回歸後，但是有些牧者形容香港教會對中國教會的了解「仍然停留在八、九十年代」。求主幫助香港教會成為中國教會的夥伴，有謙卑服侍的心態，不是高高在上而同行互勉的同工，並與內地教會負責人一同按主心意尋求互相融合的模式。
星期六
西北的甘肅省臨夏回族自治州素以「中國的小麥加」著稱，居民約有兩百多萬，大部份都是回族穆斯林和漢人。臨夏有一百多座清真寺，居全國之冠，每年都有很多穆斯林來到這個城市朝聖。求主幫助我們不忘記在中國上千萬的穆斯林同胞求其是大西北地區，因為這就是中國教會的猶太全地和撒瑪利亞。
星期日
拉薩是反對基督教的精神堡壘，感謝神，近年卻有令人鼓舞的發展，目前已有少數西藏族加入小型的家庭教會。不少家庭教會的傳道同工遷入拉薩，願意把握每一個機會和願意聽的人分享福音，我們為當地的信徒和傳道人禱告。求主的靈魂預備人心悔改信基督。
星期一
在穆斯林族群佔優勢的城市中，還存在著一些漢人的教會。但由於穆斯林非常排斥福音，使得當地的弟兄姊妹心生畏懼，而無法向伊斯蘭教徒傳講耶穌。求主加添智慧給信徒，能想盡辦法跟周遭迷失的羊分享能夠改變人生命的福音。我們為神在教會興起有愛主、願意前往中國西北的信徒。
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)