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 churche​s 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。

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。

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。