Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Prayer Request 8/25 - 8/31

TuesdayDuring the Maoist era in China, all religion including Buddhism was repressed but a growing number of people are discovering the dormant traditions of Buddhism. We praise God for the increased numbers of Christian believers in the past but the sheer number of those forever lost is astounding! May the Lord press upon us the burden to spread the gospel and see souls saved rather than reveling merely in a large attendance in the churches.
Wednesday
In China, some people discover Buddhism while they are in a university where Buddhist groups are active and famous monks and lamas give lectures. Others have devout Buddhist parents and grandparents and are introduced to it early.​ Bible study groups, unlike the Buddhist groups are frequently monitored and suppressed. We lift up those who lead and participate in campus fellowships. May the Lord add to them courage and faith so they clearly know the Christ they believe in and serve.
Thursday
The government in Zhejiang embarked​ on a three-year campaign to rebuild old residential areas there--old factories and the center of the city. This aggressive project has included tearing down many churches and the crosses associated with them. Although many churches lost the crosses on them, we pray the Lord will comfort the people and help them to move forward in their ministries knowing they can still have a powerful witness to show how believers live out the meaning of the cross.
Friday
Some churches in China that had a proper building permit were destroyed in the wake of the province-wide demolition in Wenzhou. However, this project of tearing down the crosses was not limited to Wenzhou. We pray that this kind of thing does not spread further. We pray for wisdom and courage for the church leaders is Zhejiang and that they will know how to negotiate with the officials.
Saturday
The latest episode in the government’s attack on Christian churches in Wenzhou is the drafting of regulations outlining precise limits on the size and location of religious buildings and the size and placement of crosses. The majority of house churches do not have visible signs announcing their presence. We pray for safety and harmony with their neighbors for them as well as effective evangelism even though they have to keep a low profile.
Sunday
The new regulations on the building of religious structures in China highlight the arbitrary nature which lacks a clear definition and explanation with which officials in China deal with the church. National and even local regulations and policies for church​es can change overnight so we pray for wisdom for all churches to be able to enjoy favor with God and the goodwill of the officials as they continue to expand their ministries.
Monday
​One pastor in Zhejiang wondered why the government regulations apply to only Christian places of worship and also why the standards are different for Protestant churches from those of ​the Catholic churches. He appealed for fairness in dealing with religion. Having a good relationship and knowing how to deal with the local officials is a must for churches in China. We pray for wisdom and a great personal testimony for all who must interact with the local officials on behalf of the churches.

星期二
在毛澤東時代,所有宗教(包括佛教)都被壓抑。可是現今越來越多中國人重新認識並接受佛教的傳統。我們為中國基督徒人數有增長感恩之餘,也要記念還有很多骨肉同胞仍未能認識主耶穌永生的救恩。求主賜弟兄姊妹有廣傳福音的心志,而不是不冷不熱,自以為富足,會堂人數多,就沾沾自喜。
星期三
佛教團體在中國大學裡非常活躍,也常有著名僧侶和喇嘛來講學。許多大學生成為佛教徒,是因為他們有禮佛的父母和祖父母,自幼被潛移默化。基督徒在大學中的聚會,非但沒有像佛教團體般受到厚待,且倍受校方或官方壓迫,常被監視。我們為帶領的同工及參與的學生禱告,求主賜他們膽量和信心,更多認識耶穌基督的信實,勇敢與祂同行。
星期四
浙江省政府用三年時間推行「三改一拆」:改造舊住宅區、舊廠區及城中村,拆除違法建築。這措施亦影響許多溫州的教堂。求主安慰受影響的教會及信徒,鼓勵他們繼續積極向前。建築物上的十字架雖保不了,但教會仍能透過活出基督的信仰見證,高舉生命的十字架。
星期五
有些沒有違章也具備所有合格法律文件的中國教堂,十字架也照樣被拆。另外,在溫州以外的城市,亦相繼有教堂十字架被拆的情況。雖然這只是浙江內部事件,求主保守不會延伸到其他省份。我們為浙江教會同工及領袖禱告,求主賜下智慧與勇氣面對目前的挑戰。
星期六
在溫州教會被拆事件之後,浙江政府頒布法規,明確限制宗教建築物的大小和位置,也包括了十字架的尺寸和擺放的位置。絕大多數的家庭教會沒有外在的標誌或門牌。我們為這些聚會點禱告,求神賜下平安,又幫助神的兒女能在街坊鄰舍有美好的見證。
星期日
目前徵集社會意見的”宗教建築規範”,突顯出官方對宗教建築物管理的任意性, 條例本身的解讀也常是反复無常,莫衷一是的。對教會管理的政策,無論來自中央或是地方,都有隨時改變的可能。我們為眾教會有神的智慧禱告,在當局的眼中都蒙恩惠,好叫福音事工不受阻礙,把握機會盡力多救人靈魂。
星期一
一位浙江牧師抱怨,新的建築規定只針對基督教教會,但天主教教會卻又有不同標準。顯然政府在處理宗教事務上並不合理和公平。在中國帶領教會常常要與當地官員有良好的關係,也要有靈巧的應對。我們為需要常與政府官員打交道的領袖禱告,求神賜下智慧對答合宜,且能以生命見證贏得尊敬。

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Prayer Request 8/18 - 8/24

TuesdayThe phenomenon of public dancing can be found across China. Participants are typically older women but also some men and younger people, they gather in public squares and parks and perform synchronized dances to blaring music. Many believers are retired but still very agile and available to serve other than babysitting grandchildren. We pray for them, especially the sisters who often shoulder the caring ministry of their churches. May the Lord use them to be a great blessing.
Wednesday
Officials insist that ​the Chinese public wants “healthy, watchable, scientific and wide-ranging” dancing. To that end, an expert panel has developed 12 model routines that will be taught nationwide by instructors who have received official training. ​In China, the government is involved in every aspect of the lives of the citizens. We pray for God's guidance in the growth of churches, especially those that are unregistered. May the Lord protect them all and keep them from being swept away by materialism.​
Thursday
The dancing in China has provoked a backlash with people in the neighborhood complaining particularly about the noise. Sometimes the opposition has even turned ugly so the​ government has had to regulate open-air fitness dancing due to the public complaints filed against it. Many urban churches occupy an apartment in a residential building. We pray for good neighborly relationship​s​ for them, especially as churches tend to have lots of traffic in and out, noise from worship and intervention of police.
Friday
Square-dancing represents the collective aspect of Chinese culture. The early morning and evening gatherings are meant to be a way to exercise and socialize. ​ Believers also have a need for entertainment and socializing as a normal component of a healthy lifestyle. We pray for the holistic well-being of all believers in China so they can have a ​good testimony and influence on their friends and not be merely addicted to television and the internet.
Saturday
Responding to calls by President Xi Jinping to rein in corruption in China, Shanghai has enacted strict rules to keep the spouses and children of top local officials from entering private business and profiting from their government connections. Shanghai, with more than 23 million in population is the seat of Three-Self churches. We pray for all the administrators, pastors and volunteers under this umbrella, ​ that​ the Lord ​will ​grant them faithfulness, integrity and dedication to serve the Master.
Sunday
In many instances where there was a crackdown on corruption, the vast fortunes that were uncovered were listed in the name of relatives or offspring of the officials​ rather than in the names of the officials themselves. Many of the believers in China are reluctant to give offerings in church because they do not know how the funds will be used. We pray for God's mercy for all church leaders that they will know how to help believers overcome that kind of hesitation and allow more people to serve in crucial roles.
Monday
Only Shanghai officials are restricted from doing business in the city, ​but ​families of officials from outside of Shanghai can still conduct business there, and the children of top Shanghai officials are free to go into business outside the city. Some churches are literally family-run,​ so they​ seriously undermine people’s confidence in their leaders. We pray for the Spirit of God to convict any who treat God’s churches as a family enterprise, or refuse to include people who are not related to them.

星期二
在公共場所跳舞的現象在中國遍地開花,參與者一般都是年長的女性,但也有一些男性和年輕人。他們聚集在廣場上和公園裡,伴隨著吵鬧的音樂做著同步的舞蹈動作。許多信徒雖然是已經退休了,但仍是精力十足,除了照顧孫輩之外,正可以投入有意義的教會服事行列。求主使用這些弟兄姊妹們,參與關懷的服事,成為教會的祝福。
星期三
據官方宣佈,公眾希望廣場健身操舞具備「健身性、觀賞性、科學性、廣泛性」的特點,所以開發了十二套標準的廣場健身操舞,由受過訓的人士指導推廣。中國政府會介入百姓生活的各個層面,我們要為教會(尤其未登記的教會)在這樣的大環境下能繼續成長祈求 。求主保守眾教會,持守真理,不被世俗的價值觀所同化。
星期四
廣場舞引發了一些人強烈的不滿,附近的居民尤其會抱怨噪音太大。有時反對者與之對恃,甚至越演越烈。基於公眾的強烈反應及申訴,政府不得不規範廣場健身舞。很多城巿教會是在公寓大樓裡,求主保守他們與鄰舍有和諧的關係,不會因為信徒進出的交通、聚會的聲浪產生反感或是引起公安的關注。
星期五
廣場舞代表了中國文化的集體主義特點,清早和傍晚跳這種舞被認為是一種鍛練和社交的方式。教會信徒也有參與正當娛樂和社交的需要,這是健康生活的一部份。我們為弟兄姊妹的身心靈健康祈求,求主幫助信徒都能有平衡的休閒生活,不沉迷於大眾娛樂,如追看電視劇、上網等,並能在社交圈中為主作光作鹽,成為他人的祝福。
星期六
上海響應中國國家主席習近平提出的遏制腐敗的要求,頒布了嚴格的規定,禁止該市領導幹部的配偶及子女經商辦企業,通過政府關係獲益。上海人口二千三百萬,也是中國三自教會的行政中心。我們為在這龐大系統裡的行政人員、牧者、義工禱告。願主保守他們每一位都能有忠心、正直,為主擺上的心志。
星期日
在很多的腐敗調查案件中,查出的巨額財富都不在官員本人名下,而是在其子女及親屬名下。許多信徒不願意奉獻的原因之一,是教會的收支賬目不明不白,他們不知道奉獻的款項會如何運用。求主恩待教會領袖,曉得如何幫助信徒克服心裡障礙,規範出一套公正、透明的制度,也願意讓更多肢體參與教會內比較關鍵職份的服事。
星期一
「禁止領導幹部的配偶及子女經商辦企業」的規定只限於上海市的官員,不包括其他地區官員的家屬在上海經商。上海高官的子女也可以在其他城市自由經商。有些教會的領導同工也有相當程度的家族式 "內包"觀念,造成信徒間分化,對領袖沒有信任感。求主的靈來做責備的工作,不容許人把教會當做家族企業,或是不將重要職份開放給別人。

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Prayer Request 8/11 - 8/17

TuesdayThe Beijing city government now prohibits lighting up a cigarette in any enclosed public space including offices, shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, airports and trains. This involves 4 million smokers in the city--a fifth of the population. We pray for believers in Beijing who are probably the most vocal and socially active Christians in China. May the Lord give them strong and powerful testimonies.
Wednesday
China has some 301 million smokers, almost one-third of the world's total. Smoking is also important to the country financially. A state-run monopoly manufactures one-third of the world's cigarettes and accounts for a significant share of state revenue. Children learn ​to smoke ​from their parents who smoke. We pray for Christian mothers who worry for their children because their father smoke​​ and are often still non-believers.May the Lord sanctify their families because of their love and dedication to Him.
Thursday
Beijing bans public smoking, but enforcement poses a challenge. The municipal government has banned smoking twice before — in 1996 and before the 2008 Olympic Games — and each time the ban was widely ignored. It is difficult to break all addictions. We pray for God's strength and power for believers who try to break their addiction​s​ of all kinds, whether it is smoking, gambling or pornography.
Friday
Millions of mainland Chinese visited Hong Kong every year. While these visitors bolster the local economy, they also crowd the long narrow streets of Hong Kong and drive up the price of consumer goods and real estate. How the residents of Hong Kong feel about their neighbors to the north is important because their churches have faithfully supported churches in China for years. We pray their commitment will not diminish.​
Saturday
Residents of Hong Kong are​ familiar with the national anthem of China. Since 2004, under a government initiative to enhance their "sense of national identity" local television stations have played it every day before the evening news. We pray for unity and harmony in the churches in Hong Kong as well as in Taiwan since different political orientations and preferences often spill into the churches, especially at election time.
Sunday
Even though the words to China's national anthem are in Mandarin and people in Hong Kong speak Cantonese, a survey in 2014 found​ that more than 53 percent of the people could sing it. As Mandarin is popularized, Christian programming and praise music in Cantonese may be losing importance. We pray that churches using Cantonese will be very effective in sharing Jesus with their countrymen.
Monday
​Playing the Chinese national anthem "March of the Volunteers" has chafed people in Hong Kong at time since they, a former British colony. have been until partial control of China. A recent survey claims that 14% of the residents of Hong Kong are "averse to" the song. The policies of Mainland China can evoke strong emotions in both Hong Kong and Taiwan, especially during election seasons. We pray churches will not be affected by these waves of emotion but will remain focused on Kingdom work and sharing the gospel of Jesus.​

星期二
北京巿政府規定不能在封閉的公共空間吸煙,如辦公室、商店、酒吧、餐廳、夜總會、機場和火車站。這規定影響當地四百萬煙民,佔人口五分一。我們為北京的信徒禱告,他們在參與慈惠工作和社會關懷活動上能做光做鹽。願他們有智慧與政府對話,成為未信者的好鄰舍,也求神賜給他們在各種機會中,展作強而有力的見證。
星期三
中國有3.01億煙民,佔世界煙民總人數的三分之一。煙草業是國家壟斷的產業,製造世界上三分之一的香煙,對政府收入極其重要。不少姊妹的丈夫還未信主,有其父必有其子,在家抽煙就成了孩子的壞榜樣。求主額外賜愛心和忍耐給配偶還未信主的信徒,幫助他們恒久為未信家人禱告,深信神有自己作工的時間。
星期四
北京再次宣佈公共場所禁煙,執行效果有待觀察。北京市政府曾兩次頒佈禁煙規定,分別在1996年和2008年奧運會之前,可是每次人們都普遍視若無睹。要戒掉癮習並不是易事,許多信徒就是無法勝過煙、賭、色情。「若有人在基督裏,他就是新造的人,舊事已過,都變成新的了。」求神幫助祂的兒女,靠著聖靈治死身體的惡行,不再過順從肉體的生活。
星期五
每年數千萬中國人到訪香港,助長香港經濟發達的同時,卻導致零售業一面倒,傾向専賣某幾種特定貨品,又推高了日用消費品和房地產的價格。香港居民對內地同胞的態度,必定也影響香港教會對中國教會的支持。求主幫助香港眾教會,趁著白日還有可作工的機會時,繼續關心國內的福音需要。
星期六
香港民眾對中國國歌頗為熟悉。自2004年為加強「市民的國民意識」,著香港電視台在每天晚間新聞前必須播放國歌。某些香港或台灣的教會有時會因為對政治、時事觀點的不同 (尤其在議會選舉期間) ,就出現摩擦。我們為此禱告,求神賜下合一的靈,又教導教會不要迷失在世界潮流中,忘記自己存在的目的和使命。
星期日
儘管中國國歌的歌詞是普通話,而大部分香港民眾講的是粵語,但會唱國歌的香港人的比例還是從2006年的41%,到2014年上升到53%。因著普通話越來越普及,純用廣東話的基督教聚會和詩歌亦相繼減少,我們為操廣東話的教會代禱,願神使用他們向更多說同類方言的同胞分享福音。
星期一
對部份曾是英國殖民地的香港居民而言,面對97回歸後香港事務被中國政府控制感到惱火。近來,甚至有14%的香港居民表示「厭惡」中國國歌《義勇軍進行曲》的播放。政策出台時,在香港和台灣往往都會引起極大的震撼,尤其在選舉期間。求主叫這些起伏不定的時事因素,不影響教會對神國事工的專注,能繼續致力於福音的傳揚。

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

Prayer Rrquest 8/4 - 8/10

TuesdayThirty years ago every Chinese in China had a copy of “Quotations from Chairman Mao” and the streets were filled with young Red Guards.​ Now one can find young people reading the Bible and students attending the college fellowships for Christians. We praise God for this wonderful development and pray that more people and churches will get involved in college ministries that will lead students to know Jesus Christ in salvation from sin.
Wednesday
Various studies​ have said that 7-10% of college students in China are Christians (7% in Beijing University and 9% in Zhejiang University). Christianity is behind only Buddhism (11%) as the religion of choice among college students. There are Bible study fellowships in nearly every college and university in China and the leaders are from diverse backgrounds (Some are even from cult groups.) We pray for purity of faith and soundness of doctrine for all leaders, especially those who are professors in the colleges.
Thursday
College students constitute the​ fastest growing segment of the churches in China--nearly five times faster than other age groups. Half of the new converts attribute their conversion to the influence of a Christian friend. We praise the Lord for churches near colleges that are experiencing much growth and we pray that many more urban churches will open their doors to take in the college students who are new believers and provide them with discipleship.
Friday
The burgeoning of Christian fellowships on college campuses in China is surely the work of our God.​ Their hearts have been prepared through the combination of big changes in the country and the emptiness of their hearts. We pray for all the Christian college students in China that the Lord would call many of them to serve Him. Many of them have not yet told their families of their Christian faith. May the Lord help them to be a great testimony to their parents.
Saturday
To those students who were born in the 1990's​, getting into college is a huge relief and allows them to search out the true meaning of life. Unfortunately, many turn to smoking or romance to fill their empty hearts but some have found what they are seeking in God. It is a fact that many college students who are Christians will be lost to follow-up once they graduate. We pray for steadfastness in their faith and that they commit their search for both a job and a Christian partner in marriage into the hand of God.
Sunday
Christian​ college students often find their lives lonely and empty so their turn to sex and other pleasures to fill the void in their hearts. Some discover that "God is better" as they attend the Christian fellowship meetings. Many young Christians are not able to overcome temptations and not a few Christians cohabitate. We pray that each of us would experience the life-transforming power of God, especially young Christians who are in college.
Monday
Discussing one's Christians faith on college campuses is no longer alarming.​ Many Christians are willing to share their faith privately and online which contributes to the growing influence of the student fellowship meetings. We pray that more college students will come to know Jesus and many of them will go on to serve Him all their lives. Praise the Lord that this is indeed an exciting harvest field in China now.

星期二
30年前的中國,人手一本毛語錄,街上充滿千萬紅衛兵。現今走訪一趟中國的大學校園,遇到閱讀聖經,參加聚會的基督精兵則越來越多。我們為大學福音事工有美好的發展感恩。求主感動更多信徒和教會主動參與大學生福音事工,讓更多年輕人有機會接觸福音,得著主耶穌赦罪得永生的救恩。
星期三
根據不同地域的調查資料 ,大學裡的基督徒平均有 7%~10%,如北京大學有7%、浙江大學高達9%,僅次於佛教的11%。基督教目前在大學內成為第二大的宗教選項。幾乎在每一所大學附近都有查經班,但帶領的人也有不同的背景,包括異端、邪教。我們為大學團契能有信仰純正,忠於闡揚聖經真道的帶領者祈求,特別是那些校園基督徒教職員帶領者。
星期四
大學年齡層信主的比例增長最快,幾乎是全國平均比例的5倍。信主原因之首為同伴影響,佔52%。在大學附近的城巿教會有明顯的人數成長,我們為此感恩。求主興起更多城巿教會能看重接觸剛信主的學生事工,為他們提供進一步的門徒訓練。
星期五
感謝神大能的手施恩,讓中國大學基督徒團契大幅興起,世代交替下的變革,無形中讓心靈空虛的世代渴慕基督信仰此良藥。我們來為基督徒大學生禱告,求神在他們中間選召合適的人服事祂。許多大學生信主,但是還沒有告知家人,求主幫助他們在父母、親人面前能勇敢地為主作美好的見證。
星期六
現今九十後的學生,在高中時期背負著極大的升學壓力。出了高中就像「出監牢」,升上大學後的「瞬間解放」,釋放出了「尋找」人生義意的能量。實際上,許多人雖然信主了,但是失腳的情況普遍。我們為大學生能持守信仰禱告,願他們能全然信靠主,將人生前途、婚姻交託、仰望神的帶領與預備。
星期日
中國大學生常會覺得自己生活的世代是一個孤獨、空虛的世代。很多人會去尋找性或肉體的娛樂來填補心靈空虛,然而也有人說:「我覺得尋找上帝會更好一些!」因此參加團契聚會。許多年輕人接受了救恩,但不能勝過生活中各樣的引誘試探,教會中同居的年輕信徒也很多。我們特別為信主的大學生能經歷神奇妙大能將生命翻轉、更新來代禱。
星期一
現今在中國的大學校園中談論基督信仰已不再聞之色變,基督徒私下多半也樂於在分享,使大學生團契的成長影響力漸長,並且開始躍入公共媒體的領域。求主吸引更多大學生接觸福音,也呼召更多樂意投入服事大學生的工人。感謝神,現在中國確實成為莊稼熟透的最大禾場。