Posts
TuesdayBefore 1949 there were many denominations in the church in China but after the Communist rule began, they all disappeared. Recently many house churches have been seriously debating whether they should again become part of a denomination. We praise God for the phenomenal growth of house churches in China, especially those in the cities. May the Lord bless them as they search together for the future direction of their churches--if they should become a registered church, buy their own property, or join a denomination.
Wednesday
House churches are supposed to be without denominational affiliations but they tend not to associate with one another. In fact there is much distrust and bickering among the leaders of these churches with each leader considering himself or herself unique theologically. It is a challenge to preserve genuine unity among the people in house churches. We pray for openness in dialogue and an exchange of ideas and sharing of resources among these churches. May the Lord grant all leaders His humility and help them to live a true example of servant leadership.
Thursday
The majority of the house churches in China function independently and fail to associate with others in any ministry efforts. Some of them are part of a "team" but even the leaders of the team cannot articulate their theology, their pastoral approaches or their methods of governing. Unfortunately many leaders of house churches see their own style and method of management as the only and correct way to lead a church which creates problems of accountability and even abuse. We pray for those who are hurt under such leadership. May the Lord comfort them and help them to still grow spiritually.
Friday
China is the biggest source of outbound tourists globally and many countries are changing their rules for visas as record spending by these Chinese tourists sets off a race around the world for a share of their dollars. As more and more Chinese people visit our countries, we pray that many will take the opportunity to visit local churches and find out more about the Christian faith.
Saturday
The disposable income in China has been rising steadily recently and would-be travelers got an additional boost during the past year from more a more favorable exchange rate in many countries. Both the United States and China now offer a ten-year visa. Pray that local Christian believers in the countries Chinese tourists visit will be welcoming and helpful towards them. Pray that there will be openings to sensitively share their faith.
Sunday
The number of visitors from mainland China to Hong Kong during the Chinese Lunar New Year fell for the first time in many years due to a growing resentment of Chinese tourists there. Let us pray about the difficult relationship between tourists from mainland China and the local people in Hong Kong that those who are seeking to bring peace into the situation will have wisdom. Pray over the difficult relationship between mainland Chinese tourists and the local Hong Kong people. Pray for wisdom for all those seeking to bring peace into the situation.
Monday
Previous complaints from people in Hong Kong about mainlanders have covered issues such as their buying property there, their exporting milk powder, and mothers giving birth there so their babies can qualify for residency. We pray that the churches in Hong Kong will not allow this kind of contentious feeling to affect their support of churches inside China. In the past many have seen helping churches in China as an obligation but that feeling is waning visibly recently.
星期二
1949年以前，中國教會有明顯的宗派之分；1949年共黨主政之後，宗派就不存在。近來，許多家庭教會正熱烈討論是否加入宗派。感謝神家庭教會有顯著的增長，特別是在城市裡。願主祝福引導教會在尋求的發展方向時，尤其是在，求主在是否登記，購買產業或加入一個宗派等重大決定。
星期三
中國家庭教會雖然表面上沒有宗派，但卻是最分離的教會群，因為教會之間沒有實際的聯結，甚至有人評論，每個教會領袖就樹立了自己的宗派。教會要想有真正的合一，實在面臨著很大的挑戰。我們為教會能真誠的交往，彼此供應，分享資源來禱告，願神賜給領袖們有謙卑的心與僕人的榜樣。
星期四
很多教會都是各自為政，即使有些合一的嘗試，有時也顯得不得要領；有的雖然形成團隊，但在神學教導、牧養和治理上卻面臨難以解決的問題，不易突破的瓶頸。可惜有不少教會領袖，常以自己的風格和管理方式來照管神的家，沒有商榷餘地，甚至濫用信任。我們為那些在這樣的領導下受到傷害的信徒禱告，求主親自安慰、幫助他們，靈命繼續有成長。
星期五
中國是全球最大的出國觀光客來源。各國政府正在重擬簽證規則，希望能在中國觀光客的花費中分得一杯羹。當越來越多中國人到海外旅遊時，求主讓許多人能有機會前往當地的華人教會，認識耶穌基督，得到這份永恒的禮物。
星期六
中國人可以隨意支配收入一直穩定提升，去年則因為有利的外幣匯率而使得出國觀光人數大幅提升。美國與中國簽證互惠的條件下有效期十年的簽證。求主幫助海外華人教會看到這樣的禾場，並能開啟能與他們分享信仰的門。
星期日
今年春節期間香港的陸客人數是20年來第一次下降，陸客面對的是香港當地人越來越大的怒氣。我們為陸客與香港人之間的緊張關係代禱，讓彼此之間因為有更多的認識能彼此接納。
星期一
過去香港人對於大陸客的抱怨包括購置香港地產、進口奶粉，以及大陸籍母親到香港生產，以便孩子取得居住權。過去，香港教會理所當然地支援中國教會，幫助培訓了許許多多的傳道人，求主幫助教會不因此而改變初衷，仍然忠心服事影響中國教會。
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Prayer Request 4/21 - 4/27
TuesdayA typical Chinese worker who is thirty years old or older has usually left his family in a village to go work in a factory. There is much personal sacrifice as well as hours spent working overtime involved but these virtues and work ethic are rapidly disappearing in the younger generation of workers. Many Chinese churches neglect their young people or do not promote hiring of younger workers resulting in the loss of young people and leadership to fill in the gap. We pray for humility, mutual encouragement, and respect, not merely promotion of the Chinese tradition that "age is wisdom".
Wednesday
Formerly, migrant workers left home and worked hard to feed themselves and their families but the new generation of workers go to work so they will have money to spend rather than supporting their families since they lack the strong sense of responsibility the older workers had. An increasing number of migrant workers are leaving factories in the coastal cities to work in the smaller inland cities near their hometown. We thank the Lord for this new development to help the churches in the interior of China. May the Lord bless those churches that intentionally serve the Christian workers nearby.
Thursday
The factory workers in China have three goals: financial security, better quality of life, enough money to buy an apartment and they can usually make a decent living. However, workers in the countryside have less stable lives and their only dream is to earn more money to send home. The number of migrant workers continues to swell but the window for these factory workers may be closing rapidly. May the Lord be gracious to billions of laborers who are at the bottom of the ladder socially and may we take the good news to them about salvation in Jesus.
Friday
Evangelism among migrant workers has proven to be relatively difficult because they work long hours and often change the places where they work. Many of the factories/shops where they work run twelve hours a day seven days a week. May the Lord comfort all those who are called to serve those low in society in the grassroots areas of the country and help them to realize that what they are doing in God's name, they are doing for Jesus. We pray for migrant workers who once attended churches that they will continue to stay close to God.
Saturday
Generally, a white-collar workers stays in the same location and settles there. College students usually stay at least four years but the Chinese factory workers stay only six to twelve months in the same place. Factory workers who stay longer than two years usually have their family and children with them. Many churches in China have little burden for or else do not know how to reach out to laborers or others in the service sector around them. We pray that churches will reach out to these people in love and not be judgmental.
Sunday
Some Chinese factories offer vacations for workers but it is not so for those in the service sector, such as restaurants, massage parlors, hotel receptionists, etc. It is the norm for them to work twelve hours a day seven days a week. Let us pray that churches will reach out to these who work in the service sector even though it is much harder to reach them than migrant workers. We cannot talk about sending missionaries abroad and then totally neglect the largest segment of our society whom we see daily unless we share the gospel with them, too.
Monday
Many of the groups that minister to college students lack even a basic curriculum (evangelistic methods, teaching on Christian dating) which are critical for the young people to whom they minister. Some groups do not even have solid Bible teaching. It is difficult to effectively lead a college ministry group when it grows larger than twenty to thirty students. Let us pray for all of the leaders and for the difficulties they encounter whether it is in reaching out to new students or teaching and following up new believers.
星期二
當今中國30或30多歲的勞工典型，是願意做出個人犧牲，為了家人超時工作不知疲乏地加班掙錢。 然而，這些優良品德和工作態度正在更年輕一代勞工身上急速地消失。許多教會往往看輕年輕一代的能力，年輕的同工因缺乏栽培提拔，造成教會老化及領袖接班的斷層。求主幫助我們謙卑，彼此激勵愛主，學習事奉、追求成長；而不是唯有要求尊崇傳統的 ＂听老人言 ＂才是明智之舉。
星期三
上一代外出打工的民工努力工作，為了養活自己和家人。對新一代人而言,他們出去找工作，有些僅是為了自己掙錢而不是為家庭，他們的責任感就比較低。越來越多的民工已漸漸從沿海城市，回歸自己老家附近的城鎮，這對內陸教會的發展是個好現象。求主記念內陸的城鎮教會，為關心附近的民工所擺上的努力，也幫助、赐福在工廠內實際服事眾人的基督徒。
星期四
一般的城市工人目前能過上差不多基本的生活，他們追求經濟保障、家庭生活品質，沒房的就想買套單元房。然而大部分在農村的勞動人口，生活並不穩定，他們僅有的夢想就是掙更多的錢養家。離鄉的民工繼續急速增加，但社會快速改變，福音窗口越來越小也更急迫。求主恩待所有中國基層的工人群體，億萬的靈魂正等待救恩，我們向主祈求，能有更多信徒願意積極投入這個巨大的禾場。
星期五
向民工傳福音是非常的困難，最主要的是他們工作時間太長和流動性太大，許多工廠或店鋪到今天都還是每週工作七天，每天12小時。求主安慰所有服事社會基層的牧者、同工們，我們為他們雖是做在人看來是卑微者的身上，其實是做在主的身上。願神報答他們的愛心，也為信耶穌的民工在這樣辛苦的情況下，仍然能親近神而代求。
星期六
一般白領層一旦定居之後不會流動，大學生至少可以在一個學校穩定的待上4年，但是民工的週期大約是6-12個月，能超過2年在一個工廠的，往往都是年紀較大，有家室的人。一般教會對民工或是從事服務業的人，往往感到陌生或缺少負擔。求主賜給教會能以寬廣的心胸接納各個群體，更不看輕基層人士，願意與他們分享上帝的救恩。
星期日
在中國，部份的工廠會有假期，但是服務業，飯館、按摩、櫃檯...等工作，大都沒有休息日，每週7天，每天12小時工作是非常普遍的。我們為眾教會能關心服務業群體來祈求，雖然他們往往比工廠的民工更難傳福音。當教會開始討論到國外宣教時，求主也提醒我們不能忽略就在眼前，尚有如此多的靈魂等待大家去關懷。
星期一
大學團契中不但缺乏牧養中最基本的教材，就連個人佈道，如何傳福音帶人歸主和基督徒如何戀愛等最基本原則性的教導也很模糊，甚至與聖經的訓誨有所偏差。大學生牧養很不到位，尤其团契超過二三十人以上就更難有果效了。我們為大學生事工的困難來禱告，不單單是向學生傳福音，更是為他們的靈命建造和跟進祈求。
Wednesday
Formerly, migrant workers left home and worked hard to feed themselves and their families but the new generation of workers go to work so they will have money to spend rather than supporting their families since they lack the strong sense of responsibility the older workers had. An increasing number of migrant workers are leaving factories in the coastal cities to work in the smaller inland cities near their hometown. We thank the Lord for this new development to help the churches in the interior of China. May the Lord bless those churches that intentionally serve the Christian workers nearby.
Thursday
The factory workers in China have three goals: financial security, better quality of life, enough money to buy an apartment and they can usually make a decent living. However, workers in the countryside have less stable lives and their only dream is to earn more money to send home. The number of migrant workers continues to swell but the window for these factory workers may be closing rapidly. May the Lord be gracious to billions of laborers who are at the bottom of the ladder socially and may we take the good news to them about salvation in Jesus.
Friday
Evangelism among migrant workers has proven to be relatively difficult because they work long hours and often change the places where they work. Many of the factories/shops where they work run twelve hours a day seven days a week. May the Lord comfort all those who are called to serve those low in society in the grassroots areas of the country and help them to realize that what they are doing in God's name, they are doing for Jesus. We pray for migrant workers who once attended churches that they will continue to stay close to God.
Saturday
Generally, a white-collar workers stays in the same location and settles there. College students usually stay at least four years but the Chinese factory workers stay only six to twelve months in the same place. Factory workers who stay longer than two years usually have their family and children with them. Many churches in China have little burden for or else do not know how to reach out to laborers or others in the service sector around them. We pray that churches will reach out to these people in love and not be judgmental.
Sunday
Some Chinese factories offer vacations for workers but it is not so for those in the service sector, such as restaurants, massage parlors, hotel receptionists, etc. It is the norm for them to work twelve hours a day seven days a week. Let us pray that churches will reach out to these who work in the service sector even though it is much harder to reach them than migrant workers. We cannot talk about sending missionaries abroad and then totally neglect the largest segment of our society whom we see daily unless we share the gospel with them, too.
Monday
Many of the groups that minister to college students lack even a basic curriculum (evangelistic methods, teaching on Christian dating) which are critical for the young people to whom they minister. Some groups do not even have solid Bible teaching. It is difficult to effectively lead a college ministry group when it grows larger than twenty to thirty students. Let us pray for all of the leaders and for the difficulties they encounter whether it is in reaching out to new students or teaching and following up new believers.
星期二
當今中國30或30多歲的勞工典型，是願意做出個人犧牲，為了家人超時工作不知疲乏地加班掙錢。 然而，這些優良品德和工作態度正在更年輕一代勞工身上急速地消失。許多教會往往看輕年輕一代的能力，年輕的同工因缺乏栽培提拔，造成教會老化及領袖接班的斷層。求主幫助我們謙卑，彼此激勵愛主，學習事奉、追求成長；而不是唯有要求尊崇傳統的 ＂听老人言 ＂才是明智之舉。
星期三
上一代外出打工的民工努力工作，為了養活自己和家人。對新一代人而言,他們出去找工作，有些僅是為了自己掙錢而不是為家庭，他們的責任感就比較低。越來越多的民工已漸漸從沿海城市，回歸自己老家附近的城鎮，這對內陸教會的發展是個好現象。求主記念內陸的城鎮教會，為關心附近的民工所擺上的努力，也幫助、赐福在工廠內實際服事眾人的基督徒。
星期四
一般的城市工人目前能過上差不多基本的生活，他們追求經濟保障、家庭生活品質，沒房的就想買套單元房。然而大部分在農村的勞動人口，生活並不穩定，他們僅有的夢想就是掙更多的錢養家。離鄉的民工繼續急速增加，但社會快速改變，福音窗口越來越小也更急迫。求主恩待所有中國基層的工人群體，億萬的靈魂正等待救恩，我們向主祈求，能有更多信徒願意積極投入這個巨大的禾場。
星期五
向民工傳福音是非常的困難，最主要的是他們工作時間太長和流動性太大，許多工廠或店鋪到今天都還是每週工作七天，每天12小時。求主安慰所有服事社會基層的牧者、同工們，我們為他們雖是做在人看來是卑微者的身上，其實是做在主的身上。願神報答他們的愛心，也為信耶穌的民工在這樣辛苦的情況下，仍然能親近神而代求。
星期六
一般白領層一旦定居之後不會流動，大學生至少可以在一個學校穩定的待上4年，但是民工的週期大約是6-12個月，能超過2年在一個工廠的，往往都是年紀較大，有家室的人。一般教會對民工或是從事服務業的人，往往感到陌生或缺少負擔。求主賜給教會能以寬廣的心胸接納各個群體，更不看輕基層人士，願意與他們分享上帝的救恩。
星期日
在中國，部份的工廠會有假期，但是服務業，飯館、按摩、櫃檯...等工作，大都沒有休息日，每週7天，每天12小時工作是非常普遍的。我們為眾教會能關心服務業群體來祈求，雖然他們往往比工廠的民工更難傳福音。當教會開始討論到國外宣教時，求主也提醒我們不能忽略就在眼前，尚有如此多的靈魂等待大家去關懷。
星期一
大學團契中不但缺乏牧養中最基本的教材，就連個人佈道，如何傳福音帶人歸主和基督徒如何戀愛等最基本原則性的教導也很模糊，甚至與聖經的訓誨有所偏差。大學生牧養很不到位，尤其团契超過二三十人以上就更難有果效了。我們為大學生事工的困難來禱告，不單單是向學生傳福音，更是為他們的靈命建造和跟進祈求。
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Prayer Request 4/14 - 4/20
Tuesday
For pastors in China, being ordained is not only a great honor but through it additional responsibility is entrusted to them. It gives them great encouragement and allows them to serve the church more wholeheartedly. We pray for renewal for all pastors in China, especially those who feel that their ability to minister is inadequate and those who are greatly fatigued from their heavy schedules. May the Lord give them an opportunity for further training.
Wednesday
Some churches in China have sent missionaries out but they have returned due to a lack of proper knowledge and training which causes them to feel fruitless and badly hurt. Churches in China often feel they can send missionaries out directly without proper training and the network needed. May the Lord take away our pride of "we Chinese can do it better than others" and give us the humility to learn from Western and Korean churches.
Thursday
Despite China's spectacular economic growth, rural regions are still relatively poor. Pastors in rural areas do not get adequate compensation to meet their basic needs because believers are slow to respond to the teaching that it is their responsibility to support their shepherds. Believers in rural areas will give toward building a church but often demand that their pastors live by faith with little salary. We pray that they will know how wrong this is and will honor God's servants so churches will not be without workers and God's house left unattended.
Friday
In China, many pastors take on a side job because they feel they must provide for their children's education, health expenses, or support their own parents. Working overtime is not only tiring but it also undermines their ministry. We lift our prayers for all of the pastors in China, especially those who are able to serve only part time in the church. May the Lord strengthen them so they will not be discouraged or frustrated because they cannot meet all of the needs of their church members.
Saturday
People from Wenzhou are usually close-knit and cliquish by nature, they do not accept outsider well even in church. Wenzhou Christians have started many churches, but they tend to be for people from Wenzhou mostly. Chinese enjoys conformity and avoid people who are different. We pray for openness, accepting and being hospitable for all churches, like urban churches accepting migrant workers, city churches accepting those who are not-so-educated.
Sunday
Many new Christians in China consider serving God full time but then balk when they find out the low living standard of pastors. Many Christian intellectuals discover they can join the Communist Party, get a good job with a good salary and still be a good Christian rather than being a poor pastor. We know many are called but few are chosen so we pray for those who are contemplating and even those who are now serving the Lord full time. May the Lord give them assurance and peace knowing the Master has called them and He will provide everything they need.
Monday
In China, rural pastors usually have some land to farm and can be self-sufficient but pastors in the cities do not have this option so when their church fails to provide financially for them, they either quit or have to work a side job. We pray for an extra measure of strength and a spirit of encouragement for those who have a side job. May the Lord give them harmony in their marriages and families knowing the Lord will never forget what they have done in His name and that through them He will bless many.
星期二
對許多中國教會的同工來說，「按牧」不僅是榮耀，也是責任的託付，激勵他們更珍惜在主前的職份，要加倍為神國事工獻上自己。 我們一起同心懇求主，復興所有中國的傳道人，特別是那些自認為不夠資格，缺少裝備以及疲憊不堪的，求主賜給他們更新和更多進深、充實的訓練的機會。
星期三
有些教會有心宣教，只苦於缺乏對宣教的相關知識與訓練，使得許多差派出去的宣教士因無足夠的裝備鎩羽而歸、傷痕累累。許多教會自認為他們可以直接差派宣教士，也不重視宣教訓練。求主挪去我們常有的自傲，認為 ＂中國人比外國人都好，也更能吃苦。” ，能夠謙遜地向西方差會及韓國教會學習他們累積的宣教策略和經驗。
星期四
雖然中國經濟不斷成長，但農村地區相對的仍比較貧窮。當地教會即使經過多年的教導，信徒健全的金錢奉獻觀念仍待加強，全職同工缺乏生活費仍是個大問題。農村信徒較願意為建堂奉獻，卻但卻要求傳道人憑信心過日子。求主親自改正這種錯誤的觀念，更多尊重神的僕人，顧念他們的養生所需，好叫農村教會不至於因沒有牧者而荒涼。
星期五
中國的傳道人難免為了生活及子女教育、醫療、奉養父母等等需要而需兼差打工，不僅身心勞苦且對教會服事是極大的虧損。我們要舉起禱告的手，為在各地兼差打工，奔波忙碌於工作與事奉間的傳道人代求。願主親自堅固、保守他們， 不因無法全時間充份供應信徒的需要而感到灰心、挫折。
星期六
溫州人比較抱團，甚至在教會裡，非溫州人是很難得到溫州教會的接納，而成為“圈內人”的。因此，雖然溫州人成立了許多教會，但比較不容易在自己的溫州圈子裡建立非溫州教會。中國人喜歡跟同鄉攀關係，但是在主裡，信徒都應互為肢體。我們禱告：在神家中，教會能打開雙手，歡迎所有來到教會的人，城市教會接納民工，白領教會也接納不學歷不高的。
星期日
在中國，許多人成為基督徒、甚至想作傳道人，然而在面對「養生」問題時就退縮了。這些知識份子發覺加入黨找好工作，或找份工作，好好作基督徒就滿足了，並不願「獻身」，因為當牧師無法養生。聖經說，被呼召的人多，被揀選的少。我們為那正在考慮或掙扎是否回應神呼召的信徒祈求，願主給他們印證與平安，深知生命的主在呼召，祂會為他們負責到底。
星期一
農村傳道人還有種田、收麥與養殖等自給自足的機會，但都市知識份子的傳道人，恐無法有這種機會，所以不是放棄傳道就要兼差才能養生。 我們為兼差的傳道人祈求，神會加添他們力量和雙倍的恩典。賜給他們的婚姻與家庭滿有主的保守和祝福，深知神必紀念他們為主的名和善工所擺上的犧牲和辛勞。
For pastors in China, being ordained is not only a great honor but through it additional responsibility is entrusted to them. It gives them great encouragement and allows them to serve the church more wholeheartedly. We pray for renewal for all pastors in China, especially those who feel that their ability to minister is inadequate and those who are greatly fatigued from their heavy schedules. May the Lord give them an opportunity for further training.
Wednesday
Some churches in China have sent missionaries out but they have returned due to a lack of proper knowledge and training which causes them to feel fruitless and badly hurt. Churches in China often feel they can send missionaries out directly without proper training and the network needed. May the Lord take away our pride of "we Chinese can do it better than others" and give us the humility to learn from Western and Korean churches.
Thursday
Despite China's spectacular economic growth, rural regions are still relatively poor. Pastors in rural areas do not get adequate compensation to meet their basic needs because believers are slow to respond to the teaching that it is their responsibility to support their shepherds. Believers in rural areas will give toward building a church but often demand that their pastors live by faith with little salary. We pray that they will know how wrong this is and will honor God's servants so churches will not be without workers and God's house left unattended.
Friday
In China, many pastors take on a side job because they feel they must provide for their children's education, health expenses, or support their own parents. Working overtime is not only tiring but it also undermines their ministry. We lift our prayers for all of the pastors in China, especially those who are able to serve only part time in the church. May the Lord strengthen them so they will not be discouraged or frustrated because they cannot meet all of the needs of their church members.
Saturday
People from Wenzhou are usually close-knit and cliquish by nature, they do not accept outsider well even in church. Wenzhou Christians have started many churches, but they tend to be for people from Wenzhou mostly. Chinese enjoys conformity and avoid people who are different. We pray for openness, accepting and being hospitable for all churches, like urban churches accepting migrant workers, city churches accepting those who are not-so-educated.
Sunday
Many new Christians in China consider serving God full time but then balk when they find out the low living standard of pastors. Many Christian intellectuals discover they can join the Communist Party, get a good job with a good salary and still be a good Christian rather than being a poor pastor. We know many are called but few are chosen so we pray for those who are contemplating and even those who are now serving the Lord full time. May the Lord give them assurance and peace knowing the Master has called them and He will provide everything they need.
Monday
In China, rural pastors usually have some land to farm and can be self-sufficient but pastors in the cities do not have this option so when their church fails to provide financially for them, they either quit or have to work a side job. We pray for an extra measure of strength and a spirit of encouragement for those who have a side job. May the Lord give them harmony in their marriages and families knowing the Lord will never forget what they have done in His name and that through them He will bless many.
星期二
對許多中國教會的同工來說，「按牧」不僅是榮耀，也是責任的託付，激勵他們更珍惜在主前的職份，要加倍為神國事工獻上自己。 我們一起同心懇求主，復興所有中國的傳道人，特別是那些自認為不夠資格，缺少裝備以及疲憊不堪的，求主賜給他們更新和更多進深、充實的訓練的機會。
星期三
有些教會有心宣教，只苦於缺乏對宣教的相關知識與訓練，使得許多差派出去的宣教士因無足夠的裝備鎩羽而歸、傷痕累累。許多教會自認為他們可以直接差派宣教士，也不重視宣教訓練。求主挪去我們常有的自傲，認為 ＂中國人比外國人都好，也更能吃苦。” ，能夠謙遜地向西方差會及韓國教會學習他們累積的宣教策略和經驗。
星期四
雖然中國經濟不斷成長，但農村地區相對的仍比較貧窮。當地教會即使經過多年的教導，信徒健全的金錢奉獻觀念仍待加強，全職同工缺乏生活費仍是個大問題。農村信徒較願意為建堂奉獻，卻但卻要求傳道人憑信心過日子。求主親自改正這種錯誤的觀念，更多尊重神的僕人，顧念他們的養生所需，好叫農村教會不至於因沒有牧者而荒涼。
星期五
中國的傳道人難免為了生活及子女教育、醫療、奉養父母等等需要而需兼差打工，不僅身心勞苦且對教會服事是極大的虧損。我們要舉起禱告的手，為在各地兼差打工，奔波忙碌於工作與事奉間的傳道人代求。願主親自堅固、保守他們， 不因無法全時間充份供應信徒的需要而感到灰心、挫折。
星期六
溫州人比較抱團，甚至在教會裡，非溫州人是很難得到溫州教會的接納，而成為“圈內人”的。因此，雖然溫州人成立了許多教會，但比較不容易在自己的溫州圈子裡建立非溫州教會。中國人喜歡跟同鄉攀關係，但是在主裡，信徒都應互為肢體。我們禱告：在神家中，教會能打開雙手，歡迎所有來到教會的人，城市教會接納民工，白領教會也接納不學歷不高的。
星期日
在中國，許多人成為基督徒、甚至想作傳道人，然而在面對「養生」問題時就退縮了。這些知識份子發覺加入黨找好工作，或找份工作，好好作基督徒就滿足了，並不願「獻身」，因為當牧師無法養生。聖經說，被呼召的人多，被揀選的少。我們為那正在考慮或掙扎是否回應神呼召的信徒祈求，願主給他們印證與平安，深知生命的主在呼召，祂會為他們負責到底。
星期一
農村傳道人還有種田、收麥與養殖等自給自足的機會，但都市知識份子的傳道人，恐無法有這種機會，所以不是放棄傳道就要兼差才能養生。 我們為兼差的傳道人祈求，神會加添他們力量和雙倍的恩典。賜給他們的婚姻與家庭滿有主的保守和祝福，深知神必紀念他們為主的名和善工所擺上的犧牲和辛勞。
Tuesday, April 07, 2015
Prayer Request 4/7 - 4/13
TuesdayWith the death of Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew, China’s Party leaders lost a role model who showed that economic prosperity could be achieved under crisply efficient one-party rule, immunized from the temptations of liberal democracy. We praise God for the phenomenal growth in the churches of Singapore although it is mostly in English-speaking churches. We pray that the churches in Singapore will reach out to the influx of new, young, affluent, and well-educated immigrants from China.
Wednesday
Singapore which is one-fourth the population of Beijing has had a large influence and been an inspiration for policy makers in China since 1980 when they embarked on an experiment with controlled capitalism that turned China into the world's second-largest economy. We praise God that churches in Singapore have supported those in China financially and with missionaries. We thank the Lord for their generosity and their desire to give "above and beyond" and we pray especially for all of the ministries they support inside of China.
Thursday
Since the 1980's thousands of officials from China have visited Singapore to learn how their government works or burnish their credentials with the tour. Singaporean universities offer programs in public administration and courses tailored for these administrators. Tens of thousands of believers from China have flocked to Korea and Singapore to learn about church growth but with much lower results than they expected. We pray for revival of all of the churches in China beginning with selfless giving and a passion for winning souls for Christ.
Friday
Mr. Lee's more authoritarian admirers abroad have failed to note that he allowed a degree of regular electoral accountability and insisted on an incorruptible system. These requirements are not available in states where there is only one party. The churches in China greatly need transparency and a lifestyle that is beyond reproach. We pray for the cleansing of the Holy Spirit and revival to come upon all of the churches that seek to grow in China and that they will not merely emulate the style of leadership of certain people.
Saturday
It is not too clear what practical lessons officials in China can learn from Singapore since there is an enormous difference in being able to run a city-state of 5.4 million and a country of 1.3 billion people. It is very tempting for Chinese believers to copy what is alluring in Korean and Singaporean churches. We pray churches will not take the spiritual shortcut, merely copying worship or preaching formats, without being transformed and touched by God.
Sunday
Many of Singapore’s policies for fighting corruption, such as salaries for officials so high that the commercial sector and graft have less allure, could not be replicated in China. In Korean and Singaporean churches, pastors are respected and well-compensated. We pray that each of the churches in China will truly respect and appreciate those who have answered God's call and not feel they are unable to get regular jobs so they have become pastors.
Monday
Soon after Chinese officials arrive in Singapore to learn about Singapore, they realize that they cannot copy the Singapore experience, but they all return to China and claim, “If Singaporeans can do it, then we can. ” Models or techniques for church growth are impossible to duplicate but many pastors in China are learning this the hard way. We pray for each of the leaders in the churches who earnestly seek to have revival. May the Lord answer their prayers with unity and vision for their churches.
星期二
新加坡前總理李光耀去世，失去了一位典型的代表人物。在中國領導人眼裡，新加坡體現了高效的一黨統治，且能夠使國家經濟繁榮、不受自由民主制度誘惑。新加坡教會增長極快，我們為他們感恩，雖然他們大部分都是以英語為主。同時也祈求主使新加坡華語教會能向來自中國的移民傳福音，他們多是富裕及高教育水平的年輕人。
星期三
新加坡的人口只有北京的四分之一，但是對中國政策制定者卻有超大的影響力。中國1980年起，由中央推動的計劃式經濟改革就是效法新加坡，讓中國成為世界上第二大經濟體。新加坡教會大力經濟支援中國教會，並差出宣教士。我們為他們的慷慨和願意服事的心志感恩，求主繼續保守、祝福他們為主在中國所做的所有善工。
星期四
自1980 年以來，已有兩萬二千多名中國官員經常性考察、訪問新加坡。他們試圖汲取經驗，或以訪問來為己資歷增添光彩。新加坡的大學也開設專門針對中國管理者的公共管理課程。成千上萬的華人信徒，到過韓國、新加坡學習教會增長，但效果卻並不明顯。我們為華人教會的增長祈求，願主賜我們甘心奉獻的心志及搶救靈魂的迫切感。
星期五
在推崇李光耀的威權主義治國時，其崇拜者往往忽略一個重點，就是他允許了一定程度的定期選舉問責制。他堅持要保有公正廉潔的官吏制度；可惜在純粹的一黨制國家卻不存在。中國教會需要制度透明化，領袖公、私德無可指摘。我們禱告：聖靈的火潔淨我們 ，激動教會願意竭力在真道上成長，妝飾整齊等候主來，而不是追求「名牧」。
星期六
中國官員能從新加坡學到什麼可實踐的經驗，其實並不太確定。畢竟運作一個只有540萬人口的城邦國家，與管理一個擁有13億人口的國家有極大的不同。華人信徒喜歡效法韓國、新加坡教會，求主幫助我們不是效法別人的敬拜方式，講道的精彩等表層的形似，而是能學習讓聖靈全然管理，被神來改造觸摸，倒空自己，為主使用。
星期日
新加坡有許多打擊腐敗的政策，比如高薪養廉，官員的工資之高使賄賂的誘惑力大為降低，這是中國難以複製的。韓國和新加坡的教會敬重和厚待牧者，是眾教會的榜樣。求主提醒華人信徒能看重那些回應神呼召，忠心服侍信徒的傳道人，而不是認為他們無法找到工作，才當傳道人，靠牧會養生。
星期一
官員到了新加坡學習幾周後，就能馬上意識到，他們不能照搬新加坡的經驗用在國內。但他們回中國時，總是宣稱：『新加坡能，我們也能！』教會增長是聖靈的作為，不是靠技巧或方法來複製，這是許多傳道人在偏差中領悟到的經驗。 我們為教會領袖及信徒追求靈命成長來禱告，求聖靈激動人心，賜給教會合一及異象。
Wednesday
Singapore which is one-fourth the population of Beijing has had a large influence and been an inspiration for policy makers in China since 1980 when they embarked on an experiment with controlled capitalism that turned China into the world's second-largest economy. We praise God that churches in Singapore have supported those in China financially and with missionaries. We thank the Lord for their generosity and their desire to give "above and beyond" and we pray especially for all of the ministries they support inside of China.
Thursday
Since the 1980's thousands of officials from China have visited Singapore to learn how their government works or burnish their credentials with the tour. Singaporean universities offer programs in public administration and courses tailored for these administrators. Tens of thousands of believers from China have flocked to Korea and Singapore to learn about church growth but with much lower results than they expected. We pray for revival of all of the churches in China beginning with selfless giving and a passion for winning souls for Christ.
Friday
Mr. Lee's more authoritarian admirers abroad have failed to note that he allowed a degree of regular electoral accountability and insisted on an incorruptible system. These requirements are not available in states where there is only one party. The churches in China greatly need transparency and a lifestyle that is beyond reproach. We pray for the cleansing of the Holy Spirit and revival to come upon all of the churches that seek to grow in China and that they will not merely emulate the style of leadership of certain people.
Saturday
It is not too clear what practical lessons officials in China can learn from Singapore since there is an enormous difference in being able to run a city-state of 5.4 million and a country of 1.3 billion people. It is very tempting for Chinese believers to copy what is alluring in Korean and Singaporean churches. We pray churches will not take the spiritual shortcut, merely copying worship or preaching formats, without being transformed and touched by God.
Sunday
Many of Singapore’s policies for fighting corruption, such as salaries for officials so high that the commercial sector and graft have less allure, could not be replicated in China. In Korean and Singaporean churches, pastors are respected and well-compensated. We pray that each of the churches in China will truly respect and appreciate those who have answered God's call and not feel they are unable to get regular jobs so they have become pastors.
Monday
Soon after Chinese officials arrive in Singapore to learn about Singapore, they realize that they cannot copy the Singapore experience, but they all return to China and claim, “If Singaporeans can do it, then we can. ” Models or techniques for church growth are impossible to duplicate but many pastors in China are learning this the hard way. We pray for each of the leaders in the churches who earnestly seek to have revival. May the Lord answer their prayers with unity and vision for their churches.
星期二
新加坡前總理李光耀去世，失去了一位典型的代表人物。在中國領導人眼裡，新加坡體現了高效的一黨統治，且能夠使國家經濟繁榮、不受自由民主制度誘惑。新加坡教會增長極快，我們為他們感恩，雖然他們大部分都是以英語為主。同時也祈求主使新加坡華語教會能向來自中國的移民傳福音，他們多是富裕及高教育水平的年輕人。
星期三
新加坡的人口只有北京的四分之一，但是對中國政策制定者卻有超大的影響力。中國1980年起，由中央推動的計劃式經濟改革就是效法新加坡，讓中國成為世界上第二大經濟體。新加坡教會大力經濟支援中國教會，並差出宣教士。我們為他們的慷慨和願意服事的心志感恩，求主繼續保守、祝福他們為主在中國所做的所有善工。
星期四
自1980 年以來，已有兩萬二千多名中國官員經常性考察、訪問新加坡。他們試圖汲取經驗，或以訪問來為己資歷增添光彩。新加坡的大學也開設專門針對中國管理者的公共管理課程。成千上萬的華人信徒，到過韓國、新加坡學習教會增長，但效果卻並不明顯。我們為華人教會的增長祈求，願主賜我們甘心奉獻的心志及搶救靈魂的迫切感。
星期五
在推崇李光耀的威權主義治國時，其崇拜者往往忽略一個重點，就是他允許了一定程度的定期選舉問責制。他堅持要保有公正廉潔的官吏制度；可惜在純粹的一黨制國家卻不存在。中國教會需要制度透明化，領袖公、私德無可指摘。我們禱告：聖靈的火潔淨我們 ，激動教會願意竭力在真道上成長，妝飾整齊等候主來，而不是追求「名牧」。
星期六
中國官員能從新加坡學到什麼可實踐的經驗，其實並不太確定。畢竟運作一個只有540萬人口的城邦國家，與管理一個擁有13億人口的國家有極大的不同。華人信徒喜歡效法韓國、新加坡教會，求主幫助我們不是效法別人的敬拜方式，講道的精彩等表層的形似，而是能學習讓聖靈全然管理，被神來改造觸摸，倒空自己，為主使用。
星期日
新加坡有許多打擊腐敗的政策，比如高薪養廉，官員的工資之高使賄賂的誘惑力大為降低，這是中國難以複製的。韓國和新加坡的教會敬重和厚待牧者，是眾教會的榜樣。求主提醒華人信徒能看重那些回應神呼召，忠心服侍信徒的傳道人，而不是認為他們無法找到工作，才當傳道人，靠牧會養生。
星期一
官員到了新加坡學習幾周後，就能馬上意識到，他們不能照搬新加坡的經驗用在國內。但他們回中國時，總是宣稱：『新加坡能，我們也能！』教會增長是聖靈的作為，不是靠技巧或方法來複製，這是許多傳道人在偏差中領悟到的經驗。 我們為教會領袖及信徒追求靈命成長來禱告，求聖靈激動人心，賜給教會合一及異象。
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