Posts
TuesdayChinese house churches face many challenges, establish and implement reasonable compensation is on the foremost. Lacking such provision is the key reason impeding the growth of many house churches. We praise God for how so many house church’s pastor who are impoverished and still serve so faithfully. We pray that Chinese believers would stop demand their pastor must be poor in order to serve faithfully. The Lord cause us all to honor His servants by providing them well.
Wednesday
In the past, student ministry to Chinese students could be done only in China. Now, however, many college students from China are going to Taiwan on their own. We pray that churches on the island will grab this window of opportunity to share the gospel with the mainland students without even having to leave home. May the Lord stir up the fire of evangelism and use the churches in Taiwan as a channel of great blessings.
Thursday
In China every college student has a computer and is online all of the time. Internet is the most influential element for those in their twenties. Churches need to include the internet in their reaching out to the young people in China. There are indeed many people sharing their faith online so we pray for those who create these testimonies and the online-sharing. May the Lord use this content to draw people to seek and find out what the gospel is all about.
Friday
Seventy percent of the people on the internet in China are younger than 30 years old and they spend about three hours daily online. One hundred million more people access the internet via their hand phones. We pray that churches in China can reach out and serve the young people who seek to know more about the faith online, that they will give them support and provide a positive environment to make church a friendly place for them and their friends.
Saturday
College fellowships in big cities can be quite internationals, drawing Christians students from many countries, especially from South Korea. Some even meet in their own cafe, playing worship songs. We pray for these fellowship groups and their leaders, the Lord use them to attract more Chinese students. Although the local police know of their existence, we pray for their safety as they grow in numbers.
Sunday
Many of the Christian college students born after 1990 are quite bold, they sing and hands out church bulletins on the street, and pass out Bible on campus. Some of them even use social media to support churches that faced demolition, rising housing cost and corruption. Chinese churches are slow in accepting young people. We pray for churches in China as they learn to accept the young people and making some changes to welcome the young people. It is our prayer that young Christians will bring vitality and fresh outlook for many churches.
Monday
In China, middle class accounted for three-quarters of all the divorced couples. Extra-marital affair is the leading cause of divorces. In Shanghai, that rate is about 56%. Extra-marital affairs happen among Christian families, but scarcely few churches can really provide help or counselling. We pray for guarding of our hearts and fleeing from all temptations for all Christian couples.
星期二
家庭教會面臨諸多的挑戰，建立並落實傳道人合理的薪水制度是非常重要的，這一挑戰已嚴重阻礙家庭教會成長的步伐。我們為家庭教會傳道人爲主吃苦的心志感恩，求主改變信徒以傳道人要吃苦來表達事奉忠心的觀念；感動信徒能愛戴並合理供應神的僕人。
星期三
往昔要進入中國才能做當地學生福音工作，但現今有許多年輕人前往台灣念大學，只要有心，即使不用去到中國，也能結出中國學生的果子。求主興起更多台灣教會能抓住宣教的契機，使信徒不僅有傳福音的火熱，更能看到神使用他們成為流通祝福的管道。
星期四
「現在的大學生人手一台電腦，善用網路的影響力非常很重要。」 大家公認網路的普及應用對九十後影響最大，所以網路是當前教會必須思考的宣教策略。網絡上確實有許多人發表自己的信仰見證，我們為那些為主，以文字做見證的信徒禱告，求神使用這些內容吸引那些對信仰好奇的年輕人，能真正尋得真理和救恩。
星期五
大陸網民近七成是三十歲以下的年輕人，他們每天花近三小時上網，也有一億多人民使用手機上網。我們為中國教會能接觸及服事這群年輕人禱告，在網上他們時常不請自來，求主感動信徒能藉此良機給予正面的影響與幫助，讓教會成為一個友善及温馨的地方。使許多人在信主後，亦可影響更多他們的朋友群。
星期六
有些大城市的大學團契相當國際化，吸納了來自各國學生基督徒，特別是南韓留學生。他們常常在自己開設的咖啡店裡，放聖歌，提供基督徒聚會。我們為所有這類的團契和他們的帶領者禱告，願神將更多的大學生賜給他們。 為他們聚會安全禱告。
星期日
不少90後年輕信徒勇於在街上唱聖歌、發禮拜傳單、在校園送聖經；他們甚至透過微博，一同聲援那些被拆的教會，還有批評高漲的房價、貪官腐敗。華人教會比較不善於服事年輕一代。 求主幫助中國教會能從新一代的信徒學習他們的勇氣，也願意為他們做些調整。願主使用90後的基督徒為教會帶來朝氣和新的展望。
星期一
在中國眾多離婚的夫妻中，中產階級者占到四分之三，而婚外情是“頭號離婚殺手”。一個上海的統計，因“婚外情”引發的 離婚案占56%。信主的家庭也有婚外情的發生，但能在教會中找到幫助或是諮商的，卻是寥寥無幾。求主保守信徒夫婦們的心懷意念，逃避誘惑、欺騙，也求主供應教會有適切的婚姻家庭輔導服事。
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Prayer Request 9/22 - 9/28
TuesdayThere are many pastors who are thirty years old in the churches in China and most of them are better trained theologically than their older counterparts. Although, young pastors have the Bible training and basic teaching skills, we need to pray for improvement and maturing of their leadership skill, and ability to work with people of different ages and walks.
Wednesday
Young pastors in China also face challenges later on in life when their become husbands/wives/parents because the churches demand so much of their time, it will be difficult to know how to balance both areas of life.May the Lord also prepare mentors for them, to help them grow spiritually and personally, nurturing them to be a new generation of church leaders。
Thursday
Widespread infiltration of cults and sects into the church in China has caused many believers to leave the churches. Cults and sects remain active despite official clampdown on them. The biggest is Eastern Lightning (aka Church of Almighty God) which often targets leaders. May the Lord have mercy on those believers who have fallen victim to the cults and help them to see through the deceit, bondage, and control in them. We pray the truth of Jesus Christ will set them free and give them true salvation in mind and soul.
Friday
In the rural regions of China, many pastors and believers are ignorant of or lack teaching in basic Biblical truths so they are easily swayed by the false doctrines spread by the cults. There is a dearth of spiritual resources so believers usually cannot tell what truth is. May the Lord bless believers with wisdom to help them identify the false teachings of the cults which deceive many and not to spread them.
Saturday
China’s aged population will reach 248 million by 2020. An official report states that 14 provinces could not pay the old age pensions owed to their senior citizens in 2011. That number has increased to 19 in 2012. Caring for the elderly in the churches of China is greatly needed and it cannot be shouldered by the pastor alone. We pray for more believers who will serve the elderly people in the churches. May the Lord remember them and richly reward their acts of love.
Sunday
There have been debates over the issue of delaying the mandatory retirement age of 55 in China. However, this would be complicated so now there are suggestions that the time for retirement be flexible and the policy tailored to each different sector. As the policy of respect for the elderly wanes, may the Lord teach young believers who have grown up under the "one-child policy" to support and look after their parents, not only financially but also to be a great Christian witness to them.
Monday
The people in the new Middle Class like to be fashionable but they do not feel they must wear limited editions of luxury outfits. Instead they feel that a clean and fresh hairstyle, healthy skin, and decent clothing are enough. They are environmentally conscious and involved in doing charitable works. Young professional families usually find that both spouses are busy executives trying to balance work, young children, and church. We pray for their marital relationship, guarding of their hearts from temptation of all kinds, and wisdom in rearing their children.
星期二
現在中國教會中開始有 30歲多歲（80後）的牧者，與上一代的傳道人相比， 他們普遍都有更好的神學訓練。雖然他們有較好的聖經和神學知識及訓練，但在領導才能和靈命的成熟度上，我們更要為他們向神代求守望，求主厚賜做人的智慧和愛心，能帶領、牧養，供應教會中各樣不同人的需要。
星期三
年輕的牧者成家有孩子之後，一定會面臨平衡教會與家庭生活的大挑戰。中國教會普遍要求牧者把教會的需要高過於家庭。願主保守年輕傳道人的成長，為他們預備能幫助他們的導師，給他們好的忠告和提醒，能在個人靈命、品格及健康家庭生活上，繼續成熟成為新一代的教會領袖。
星期四
有許多地方，異端邪教猖獗，甚至滲透佔領教會，造成信徒離開。儘管官方予以壓制，邪教仍然活躍，尤其是“東方閃電”（也叫“全能神”），特別以教會領袖為攻擊的目標。求主憐憫拯救那些落入異端的信徒，帶領他們看穿欺騙，走出邪教的控制，叫他們真正認識耶穌基督的真理，得到身心靈的自由和永恒的救恩。
星期五
許多農村的牧者和信徒由於對聖經真理的基礎缺乏認識，當邪教異端攻擊時，就不知所措。加上許多農村教會沒有什麽屬靈的資源可言，信徒不能分辨真理與異端的區別。求主保守牧者和信徒，能分辨邪教的虛假與欺騙。並求主賜給眾信徒智慧，能分辨真理並拒絕傳遞歪道，免得落入異端的教導，被披著羊皮的狼吞吃。
星期六
官方報告說，到2020年，中國的老年人口將達到2.48億。在2011年，全國有14個省，還缺欠養老金的支付，這數目在2012年，增長到19個省份。教會針對年老信徒的關懷工作，是個龐大的需要，已不是牧者一個人能做好的。我們為所有服侍老人的信徒感恩，神紀念他們的愛心。也求主興起更多能關顧年長者事工的弟兄姐妹，回應主對這些服事的呼召。
星期日
延遲 "強制55歲退休"的議題，在中國引發了極大的爭論。政府需要提供新的政策，准許在不同的行業中，有靈活的退休政策。面對不斷增長的高齡人口，尤其在尊重老人觀念減弱的今天，願主教導年輕信徒，要承擔照顧他們父母的責任，不單單是經濟上的，更是盡到在主裡的孝道，成為好基督徒的生命見證。
星期一
中國新中產階級雖熱愛時尚，但不是限量版的奢侈品包，而是一個乾淨清爽的髮型、健康的膚色以及得體的衣著。 新中產階級也熱愛環保和參與慈善項目。城市教會中的年輕專業人士家庭，一般都是夫妻倆忙碌工作，照顧孩子，還要忙教會。我們為這些年輕信徒夫婦的婚姻禱告，求主保守他們的家庭，不落入各樣的引誘和試探，更有智慧養育敬虔愛主的孩子。
Wednesday
Young pastors in China also face challenges later on in life when their become husbands/wives/parents because the churches demand so much of their time, it will be difficult to know how to balance both areas of life.May the Lord also prepare mentors for them, to help them grow spiritually and personally, nurturing them to be a new generation of church leaders。
Thursday
Widespread infiltration of cults and sects into the church in China has caused many believers to leave the churches. Cults and sects remain active despite official clampdown on them. The biggest is Eastern Lightning (aka Church of Almighty God) which often targets leaders. May the Lord have mercy on those believers who have fallen victim to the cults and help them to see through the deceit, bondage, and control in them. We pray the truth of Jesus Christ will set them free and give them true salvation in mind and soul.
Friday
In the rural regions of China, many pastors and believers are ignorant of or lack teaching in basic Biblical truths so they are easily swayed by the false doctrines spread by the cults. There is a dearth of spiritual resources so believers usually cannot tell what truth is. May the Lord bless believers with wisdom to help them identify the false teachings of the cults which deceive many and not to spread them.
Saturday
China’s aged population will reach 248 million by 2020. An official report states that 14 provinces could not pay the old age pensions owed to their senior citizens in 2011. That number has increased to 19 in 2012. Caring for the elderly in the churches of China is greatly needed and it cannot be shouldered by the pastor alone. We pray for more believers who will serve the elderly people in the churches. May the Lord remember them and richly reward their acts of love.
Sunday
There have been debates over the issue of delaying the mandatory retirement age of 55 in China. However, this would be complicated so now there are suggestions that the time for retirement be flexible and the policy tailored to each different sector. As the policy of respect for the elderly wanes, may the Lord teach young believers who have grown up under the "one-child policy" to support and look after their parents, not only financially but also to be a great Christian witness to them.
Monday
The people in the new Middle Class like to be fashionable but they do not feel they must wear limited editions of luxury outfits. Instead they feel that a clean and fresh hairstyle, healthy skin, and decent clothing are enough. They are environmentally conscious and involved in doing charitable works. Young professional families usually find that both spouses are busy executives trying to balance work, young children, and church. We pray for their marital relationship, guarding of their hearts from temptation of all kinds, and wisdom in rearing their children.
星期二
現在中國教會中開始有 30歲多歲（80後）的牧者，與上一代的傳道人相比， 他們普遍都有更好的神學訓練。雖然他們有較好的聖經和神學知識及訓練，但在領導才能和靈命的成熟度上，我們更要為他們向神代求守望，求主厚賜做人的智慧和愛心，能帶領、牧養，供應教會中各樣不同人的需要。
星期三
年輕的牧者成家有孩子之後，一定會面臨平衡教會與家庭生活的大挑戰。中國教會普遍要求牧者把教會的需要高過於家庭。願主保守年輕傳道人的成長，為他們預備能幫助他們的導師，給他們好的忠告和提醒，能在個人靈命、品格及健康家庭生活上，繼續成熟成為新一代的教會領袖。
星期四
有許多地方，異端邪教猖獗，甚至滲透佔領教會，造成信徒離開。儘管官方予以壓制，邪教仍然活躍，尤其是“東方閃電”（也叫“全能神”），特別以教會領袖為攻擊的目標。求主憐憫拯救那些落入異端的信徒，帶領他們看穿欺騙，走出邪教的控制，叫他們真正認識耶穌基督的真理，得到身心靈的自由和永恒的救恩。
星期五
許多農村的牧者和信徒由於對聖經真理的基礎缺乏認識，當邪教異端攻擊時，就不知所措。加上許多農村教會沒有什麽屬靈的資源可言，信徒不能分辨真理與異端的區別。求主保守牧者和信徒，能分辨邪教的虛假與欺騙。並求主賜給眾信徒智慧，能分辨真理並拒絕傳遞歪道，免得落入異端的教導，被披著羊皮的狼吞吃。
星期六
官方報告說，到2020年，中國的老年人口將達到2.48億。在2011年，全國有14個省，還缺欠養老金的支付，這數目在2012年，增長到19個省份。教會針對年老信徒的關懷工作，是個龐大的需要，已不是牧者一個人能做好的。我們為所有服侍老人的信徒感恩，神紀念他們的愛心。也求主興起更多能關顧年長者事工的弟兄姐妹，回應主對這些服事的呼召。
星期日
延遲 "強制55歲退休"的議題，在中國引發了極大的爭論。政府需要提供新的政策，准許在不同的行業中，有靈活的退休政策。面對不斷增長的高齡人口，尤其在尊重老人觀念減弱的今天，願主教導年輕信徒，要承擔照顧他們父母的責任，不單單是經濟上的，更是盡到在主裡的孝道，成為好基督徒的生命見證。
星期一
中國新中產階級雖熱愛時尚，但不是限量版的奢侈品包，而是一個乾淨清爽的髮型、健康的膚色以及得體的衣著。 新中產階級也熱愛環保和參與慈善項目。城市教會中的年輕專業人士家庭，一般都是夫妻倆忙碌工作，照顧孩子，還要忙教會。我們為這些年輕信徒夫婦的婚姻禱告，求主保守他們的家庭，不落入各樣的引誘和試探，更有智慧養育敬虔愛主的孩子。
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Prayer Request 9/15 - 9/21
TuesdayDespite apparent prosperity in China, there is a huge chasm between the rich and the poor and several hundred million people still live in poverty. These people live mainly in rural areas and especially in the arid regions of northwest China. Christians have benefitted from the economic boom as well as their frugal lifestyle and industriousness. We pray that the Lord will remind us that it is through His grace we enjoy the good lives we have and teach us that we should be His channel of blessing to others.
Wednesday
Unseen poverty is found alongside great wealth in cities of China--poor pensioners, the disabled, drug addicts, street children, and hordes of migrant workers live in slum areas in the suburbs of the big cities alongside the rich.Many churches in the cities of the East and in coastal provinces are very affluent. We pray these churches will be moved to support poor churches in the villages and become involved in reaching out to the poor in and near their cities.
Thursday
Mission planners face the huge challenge in how to evangelize the over one hundred million ethnic minorities who live in the western half of China. Han Chinese are now allowed to travel to previously inaccessible exotic regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang. Many churches have little interest in reaching out to the minorities. We pray that God will remove the apathy, prejudices, and feeling of superiority which still exist among so many Han Chinese believers and help them to be grieved over the untold millions of lost souls.
Friday
Due to the poor and inadequate living conditions found in those areas, there are truly very few Han Chinese who are willing to live humbly among ethnic minorities. Christians in China often speak in hyperbole and express lofty goals but they are unwilling to fulfill them. We pray that more Christians will begin to care for these people and share the gospel with the ethnic minorities who live near them.
Saturday
Many of the would-be missionaries from China who were planning to evangelize in Muslim countries in Central Asia and the Middle East have returned home. The key reasons for their failure to persevere are lack of adequate preparation and training as well as unrealistic goals. We lift up in prayer all those disappointed and disillusioned people and their sending churches. May the Lord comfort and renew them so they will not be bitter toward anyone but will continue to serve in their own churches.
Sunday
The vision of ‘Back to Jerusalem’ in its many forms did provide a powerful cause to encourage churches to pray, and to train Chinese missionaries. However, there are still many formidable barriers for churches in China to realize the fruit of cross-cultural missions. Ethnocentrism and pride are major hindrances to missionary efforts. We pray that churches in China will humble themselves, be willing to learn the languages and culture of other countries, and above all, to humbly learn and partner with western churches.
Monday
Perhaps with proper training and practical on-the-field experience gained from working with Muslims, Tibetans or other minorities inside China, Chinese missionaries can be more effective and more adapt in sending out missionaries to other countries. We pray that more churches in China will preach about missions and prepare their young people for missionary work. May the Lord give young believers good models of dedication and service in the churches and may many of them be inspired to be missionaries.
星期二
中國面臨巨大貧富懸殊的挑戰，雖然經濟發達，卻仍有數千萬人生活在貧窮之中；他們主要居住在農村，尤其在西北偏遠的乾旱地區。基督徒們也獲益於經濟成長，加上節儉及工作努力，生活素質大大改善。求主幫助我們堅立，明白我們的福氣惟獨從神而來，並幫助我們樂意成為祂賜福眾人的管道。
星期三
中國城市的富庶也伴隨著「隱藏」的貧窮─靠撫恤金生活的貧窮人、殘障者、吸毒者和街頭遊童，尤其是大批的外地工人「被放逐」到市郊的貧民區居住。許多沿岸地區城市教會都相當富有。求主激動富有的教會，樂意分享他們的資源，成農村教會的「好鄰舍」。也繼續在關懷農村及都市貧窮人的事工上彰顯主的恩慈。
星期四
如何向分佈於西北地區超過一億的少數民族傳福音是中國教會一大挑戰。現今漢族人能進入已往不能去的異地，例如西藏和新疆。求主挪去我們內在的偏見和文化及種族優越感，這往往是漢人信徒普遍有的。許多教會對少數民族宣教意願冷淡，求主火熱我們的心，能更多為失喪靈魂憂傷。
星期五
漢人基督徒有負擔又願意謙卑住在貧窮環境中，樂於融入外族文化（例如西藏或穆斯林維吾爾族）的仍然不多。求主幫助更多弟兄姊妹，不只是高言大志，空談普世宣教，而是更願意開始行動，向身邊在社區中的少數民族分享主耶穌的福音。
星期六
好些願意前往西北地區及中東地區國家向少數民族傳福音的宣教士，往往由於不夠充足的準備與訓練和不切實際的期待，陸續離開了這些工場。我們要用禱告托住這些灰心的宣教士和他們的教會，求主安慰和復興他們，不留下苦毒，且願意繼續在自己的教會服事。
星期日
「回歸耶路撒冷」的異象及口號，的確成為中國教會禱告、訓練和宣教行動的強大趨動力，然而巨大的障礙仍然存在， 未能見到跨文化宣教的果效。民族優越感和驕傲，總是成為我們在宣教上嚴重的阻礙，求主幫助我們謙卑自己，虛心學習其他語言和文化，也能學習和西方教會彼此配搭。
星期一
弟兄姊妹若有向國內穆斯林及西藏等少數民族當中事奉的經驗，再加上適當的訓練，可望能在未來數十年中，在普世宣教的大使命中 扮演重要的角色。求主幫助中國教會能有效傳遞宣教異象，並裝備年輕信徒積極參與宣教。
Wednesday
Unseen poverty is found alongside great wealth in cities of China--poor pensioners, the disabled, drug addicts, street children, and hordes of migrant workers live in slum areas in the suburbs of the big cities alongside the rich.Many churches in the cities of the East and in coastal provinces are very affluent. We pray these churches will be moved to support poor churches in the villages and become involved in reaching out to the poor in and near their cities.
Thursday
Mission planners face the huge challenge in how to evangelize the over one hundred million ethnic minorities who live in the western half of China. Han Chinese are now allowed to travel to previously inaccessible exotic regions such as Tibet and Xinjiang. Many churches have little interest in reaching out to the minorities. We pray that God will remove the apathy, prejudices, and feeling of superiority which still exist among so many Han Chinese believers and help them to be grieved over the untold millions of lost souls.
Friday
Due to the poor and inadequate living conditions found in those areas, there are truly very few Han Chinese who are willing to live humbly among ethnic minorities. Christians in China often speak in hyperbole and express lofty goals but they are unwilling to fulfill them. We pray that more Christians will begin to care for these people and share the gospel with the ethnic minorities who live near them.
Saturday
Many of the would-be missionaries from China who were planning to evangelize in Muslim countries in Central Asia and the Middle East have returned home. The key reasons for their failure to persevere are lack of adequate preparation and training as well as unrealistic goals. We lift up in prayer all those disappointed and disillusioned people and their sending churches. May the Lord comfort and renew them so they will not be bitter toward anyone but will continue to serve in their own churches.
Sunday
The vision of ‘Back to Jerusalem’ in its many forms did provide a powerful cause to encourage churches to pray, and to train Chinese missionaries. However, there are still many formidable barriers for churches in China to realize the fruit of cross-cultural missions. Ethnocentrism and pride are major hindrances to missionary efforts. We pray that churches in China will humble themselves, be willing to learn the languages and culture of other countries, and above all, to humbly learn and partner with western churches.
Monday
Perhaps with proper training and practical on-the-field experience gained from working with Muslims, Tibetans or other minorities inside China, Chinese missionaries can be more effective and more adapt in sending out missionaries to other countries. We pray that more churches in China will preach about missions and prepare their young people for missionary work. May the Lord give young believers good models of dedication and service in the churches and may many of them be inspired to be missionaries.
星期二
中國面臨巨大貧富懸殊的挑戰，雖然經濟發達，卻仍有數千萬人生活在貧窮之中；他們主要居住在農村，尤其在西北偏遠的乾旱地區。基督徒們也獲益於經濟成長，加上節儉及工作努力，生活素質大大改善。求主幫助我們堅立，明白我們的福氣惟獨從神而來，並幫助我們樂意成為祂賜福眾人的管道。
星期三
中國城市的富庶也伴隨著「隱藏」的貧窮─靠撫恤金生活的貧窮人、殘障者、吸毒者和街頭遊童，尤其是大批的外地工人「被放逐」到市郊的貧民區居住。許多沿岸地區城市教會都相當富有。求主激動富有的教會，樂意分享他們的資源，成農村教會的「好鄰舍」。也繼續在關懷農村及都市貧窮人的事工上彰顯主的恩慈。
星期四
如何向分佈於西北地區超過一億的少數民族傳福音是中國教會一大挑戰。現今漢族人能進入已往不能去的異地，例如西藏和新疆。求主挪去我們內在的偏見和文化及種族優越感，這往往是漢人信徒普遍有的。許多教會對少數民族宣教意願冷淡，求主火熱我們的心，能更多為失喪靈魂憂傷。
星期五
漢人基督徒有負擔又願意謙卑住在貧窮環境中，樂於融入外族文化（例如西藏或穆斯林維吾爾族）的仍然不多。求主幫助更多弟兄姊妹，不只是高言大志，空談普世宣教，而是更願意開始行動，向身邊在社區中的少數民族分享主耶穌的福音。
星期六
好些願意前往西北地區及中東地區國家向少數民族傳福音的宣教士，往往由於不夠充足的準備與訓練和不切實際的期待，陸續離開了這些工場。我們要用禱告托住這些灰心的宣教士和他們的教會，求主安慰和復興他們，不留下苦毒，且願意繼續在自己的教會服事。
星期日
「回歸耶路撒冷」的異象及口號，的確成為中國教會禱告、訓練和宣教行動的強大趨動力，然而巨大的障礙仍然存在， 未能見到跨文化宣教的果效。民族優越感和驕傲，總是成為我們在宣教上嚴重的阻礙，求主幫助我們謙卑自己，虛心學習其他語言和文化，也能學習和西方教會彼此配搭。
星期一
弟兄姊妹若有向國內穆斯林及西藏等少數民族當中事奉的經驗，再加上適當的訓練，可望能在未來數十年中，在普世宣教的大使命中 扮演重要的角色。求主幫助中國教會能有效傳遞宣教異象，並裝備年輕信徒積極參與宣教。
Tuesday, September 08, 2015
Prayer Request 9/8 - 9/14
TuesdayChina has a large film industry and the second-biggest box office in the world, but few people outside the country have ever watched a movie released from China. We pray for wisdom for all believers, especially the young ones, so they can discern the hidden messages and unbiblical value system in all the media we are exposed to everyday.
Wednesday
When a movie is made in China, film censorship rules dictate that crime stories must be free of crime, ghost tales cannot show ghosts and Chinese corrupt politicians can’t be crooked. The Chinese government is extremely sensitive about how the nation is portrayed. We can say Chinese entertainment is clean, but we all know how corrupt Chinese society is. We pray for guarding of hearts of all believers, so we will not only have a religious façade but rather a clean spirit.
Thursday
No one can start making a film in China without submitting the plot to the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SGAPPRFT), an agency that controls media but is best known (and feared) as a committee of censorship. Many good Christian contents, books and movies are unable to receive official approval and be available openly. We pray for more content for personal devotion, Bible study tools and commentaries for believers in China.
Friday
Movies with sex scenes or depictions of “excessive drinking, smoking and other bad habits” are forbidden in China. Any content that is “propagating passive or negative outlook on life, worldview and the value system” is also banned. Obviously, people in China have access to all kinds of pornographic and violent material despite the bans. We pray for Christian parents who are concerned about how this will affect their children. May the Lord give them a good parent-child relationship so they can express their care and concern.
Saturday
China will censor or reject the storyline of a movie for being "unscientific" because it features time travel. It automatically bans any "historical untruth" which often means presenting past events inconsistently according to the official version of Chinese history.Officials in China are suspicious of Christianity because it has too much foreign influence and connection with the outside. We pray that churches will have a wonderful testimony in their communities, living out the love of Jesus, and dispelling the image that Christianity is a foreign religion.
Sunday
In any movies released in China, the bad guy cannot be Chinese. Any crime movie must not be initiated within China’s borders. All Chinese policemen and soldiers must be good guys. Government employees may never be corrupt and there are no prostitutes in China. The Bible says that we are all sinners. May the Spirit of God always convict us so that we do not become conceited thinking we are better than others.
Monday
At least half of the movies shown in Hong Kong now are produced in in co-operation with China, so they are subject to the rules China imposes on them. Because of this, Hong Kong makes only "Kung Fu" films or uses stories that took place before 1949. Recently Christians in Hong Kong were divided into pro-Beijing, pro-democracy, and neutral camps. We pray for unity of the churches in Hong Kong and that mission agencies would not lose their passion to help churches inside China.
星期二
中國擁有一個龐大的電影工業，以及世界第二大的電影票房，但中國電影在中國以外的地區很少能看到。求主賜眾信徒智慧，能夠明白也能分辨電影及各樣媒體灌輸的潛藏信息和許多似是而非、不合聖經真理的價值觀，尤其是教會年輕一代信徒的信仰根基不致被誤導而動搖。
星期三
中國的電影審查規則，以及中國政府對其國家形象的描繪是極度敏感的。相對於其他國家的大眾傳播媒體，罪案故事裡是沒有罪犯會認罪，鬼故事亦沒有真魔鬼，壞政客也會心悔改。中國的媒體算是非常「乾淨」的，但是社會風氣則完全不同。求主保守我們的心懷意念，不是只有敬虔的外表與言語，而是要有清潔的靈。
星期四
任何人想要在中國拍電影，首先要把劇情提交給國家新聞出版廣電總局，這個單位負責管理政府的媒體。許多很好的基督教書籍、電影無法得到批准公開出版。我們為中國信徒能有更多屬靈書籍、參考書及材料可供閱讀和學習來禱告。
星期五
在中國電影裡，性愛場面或「過分表現酗酒、吸煙及其他陋習」是不能接受的。「宣揚消極、頽廢的人生觀、世界觀和價值觀」亦是被禁止的。「道高一尺、魔高一丈」，年輕人總能透過管道找到不好的內容來觀看。信徒家長會擔心孩子被黃色、暴力內容影響，我們為家長與孩子禱告，求主加給他們在平日有良好的親子溝通，父母與子女能交流積極的人生觀和合乎真理的價值觀。
星期六
一部電影遭禁的理由，可能是一個故事情節裡被認定為「不科學」，因為其中涉及「時間旅行」。或者「違背歷史史實」，這意味着他們禁止呈現不是官方版本的歷史陳述。在官方眼中，基督教有太多國外的影響。我們為教會在自己的社區中有美好的生命見證禱告，信徒都能將主耶穌的愛真實地流露出來，而不是一群所謂的「洋教徒」。
星期日
在中國發行的電影裡，犯罪一定不是在中國境內發起，如果涉及國際犯罪，壞人一定不能是華人。所有穿制服的角色必須是好人，官員不能也不會腐敗，並且也不會有妓女的。聖經說「世人都犯了罪」，願聖靈常常光照我們時時儆醒，省察是否還有一些隱而未現的罪没有清理。免得我們自欺，甚至以為我們肯定比別人優秀、聖潔而受虧損。
星期一
香港電影至少有一半是和中國影商合拍的，也需要接受北京當局的規範。這正解釋了為什麼中港合作的影片都是武俠片，或是發生在新中國成立前的故事。近來，香港信徒分成了幾派，一是支持北京政策的，一是追求民主的，還有持中立態度的。我們為香港眾教會的合一及宣教機構不失去傳福音的火熱來禱告。
Wednesday
When a movie is made in China, film censorship rules dictate that crime stories must be free of crime, ghost tales cannot show ghosts and Chinese corrupt politicians can’t be crooked. The Chinese government is extremely sensitive about how the nation is portrayed. We can say Chinese entertainment is clean, but we all know how corrupt Chinese society is. We pray for guarding of hearts of all believers, so we will not only have a religious façade but rather a clean spirit.
Thursday
No one can start making a film in China without submitting the plot to the State General Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SGAPPRFT), an agency that controls media but is best known (and feared) as a committee of censorship. Many good Christian contents, books and movies are unable to receive official approval and be available openly. We pray for more content for personal devotion, Bible study tools and commentaries for believers in China.
Friday
Movies with sex scenes or depictions of “excessive drinking, smoking and other bad habits” are forbidden in China. Any content that is “propagating passive or negative outlook on life, worldview and the value system” is also banned. Obviously, people in China have access to all kinds of pornographic and violent material despite the bans. We pray for Christian parents who are concerned about how this will affect their children. May the Lord give them a good parent-child relationship so they can express their care and concern.
Saturday
China will censor or reject the storyline of a movie for being "unscientific" because it features time travel. It automatically bans any "historical untruth" which often means presenting past events inconsistently according to the official version of Chinese history.Officials in China are suspicious of Christianity because it has too much foreign influence and connection with the outside. We pray that churches will have a wonderful testimony in their communities, living out the love of Jesus, and dispelling the image that Christianity is a foreign religion.
Sunday
In any movies released in China, the bad guy cannot be Chinese. Any crime movie must not be initiated within China’s borders. All Chinese policemen and soldiers must be good guys. Government employees may never be corrupt and there are no prostitutes in China. The Bible says that we are all sinners. May the Spirit of God always convict us so that we do not become conceited thinking we are better than others.
Monday
At least half of the movies shown in Hong Kong now are produced in in co-operation with China, so they are subject to the rules China imposes on them. Because of this, Hong Kong makes only "Kung Fu" films or uses stories that took place before 1949. Recently Christians in Hong Kong were divided into pro-Beijing, pro-democracy, and neutral camps. We pray for unity of the churches in Hong Kong and that mission agencies would not lose their passion to help churches inside China.
星期二
中國擁有一個龐大的電影工業，以及世界第二大的電影票房，但中國電影在中國以外的地區很少能看到。求主賜眾信徒智慧，能夠明白也能分辨電影及各樣媒體灌輸的潛藏信息和許多似是而非、不合聖經真理的價值觀，尤其是教會年輕一代信徒的信仰根基不致被誤導而動搖。
星期三
中國的電影審查規則，以及中國政府對其國家形象的描繪是極度敏感的。相對於其他國家的大眾傳播媒體，罪案故事裡是沒有罪犯會認罪，鬼故事亦沒有真魔鬼，壞政客也會心悔改。中國的媒體算是非常「乾淨」的，但是社會風氣則完全不同。求主保守我們的心懷意念，不是只有敬虔的外表與言語，而是要有清潔的靈。
星期四
任何人想要在中國拍電影，首先要把劇情提交給國家新聞出版廣電總局，這個單位負責管理政府的媒體。許多很好的基督教書籍、電影無法得到批准公開出版。我們為中國信徒能有更多屬靈書籍、參考書及材料可供閱讀和學習來禱告。
星期五
在中國電影裡，性愛場面或「過分表現酗酒、吸煙及其他陋習」是不能接受的。「宣揚消極、頽廢的人生觀、世界觀和價值觀」亦是被禁止的。「道高一尺、魔高一丈」，年輕人總能透過管道找到不好的內容來觀看。信徒家長會擔心孩子被黃色、暴力內容影響，我們為家長與孩子禱告，求主加給他們在平日有良好的親子溝通，父母與子女能交流積極的人生觀和合乎真理的價值觀。
星期六
一部電影遭禁的理由，可能是一個故事情節裡被認定為「不科學」，因為其中涉及「時間旅行」。或者「違背歷史史實」，這意味着他們禁止呈現不是官方版本的歷史陳述。在官方眼中，基督教有太多國外的影響。我們為教會在自己的社區中有美好的生命見證禱告，信徒都能將主耶穌的愛真實地流露出來，而不是一群所謂的「洋教徒」。
星期日
在中國發行的電影裡，犯罪一定不是在中國境內發起，如果涉及國際犯罪，壞人一定不能是華人。所有穿制服的角色必須是好人，官員不能也不會腐敗，並且也不會有妓女的。聖經說「世人都犯了罪」，願聖靈常常光照我們時時儆醒，省察是否還有一些隱而未現的罪没有清理。免得我們自欺，甚至以為我們肯定比別人優秀、聖潔而受虧損。
星期一
香港電影至少有一半是和中國影商合拍的，也需要接受北京當局的規範。這正解釋了為什麼中港合作的影片都是武俠片，或是發生在新中國成立前的故事。近來，香港信徒分成了幾派，一是支持北京政策的，一是追求民主的，還有持中立態度的。我們為香港眾教會的合一及宣教機構不失去傳福音的火熱來禱告。
Tuesday, September 01, 2015
Prayer Request 9/1 - 9/7
TuesdaySome of the biggest victims of the stock market crash have been ordinary Chinese people. Two thirds of new investors in the Chinese stock market didn't complete high school. Many have bought stocks with borrowed money. Greed makes people do irrational things and even Christians fall prey to this same predicaments. We pray that this stock market crash will wake them up. We are reminded of the word from Colossians 3:5--"Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world."
Wednesday
The Chinese stock market has slumped dramatically recently, taking down many investors including many Christians. The attitude of the investors has been wanting to get rich quickly rather than disciplined investing. Greedy people try to get rich quickly but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. (Proverbs 28:22) May the Lord enlighten and search our hearts to see if we have been blinded by our greed.
Thursday
In China this year 7.49 million people graduated from college--an increase over the 7.27 million in 2014 and 6.99 million in 2013. Every year these grads face fierce competition to land a job. College education no longer guarantees a good paying job for young people in China. We pray for those college graduates who are Christians and are still looking for work. May the Lord give them faith and keep them walking close to Him.
Friday
Although house churches have grown remarkably in the past four decades, they have now entered a crucial period where they need to define their own theology, their approach to pastoral care, and their method of governing the church. Many are now turning to denominations to find answers since personal interpretation of the Bible along with leaders who are not held accountable open the churches to abuses. We pray especially for believers in groups under these charismatic leaders . May the Lord grant them discernment and genuine, vibrant spiritual growth.
Saturday
Essentially, each person in a house church believes what the leader teaches which often leads to an over- emphasis on personal gifts, charisma, and authority. Members of house churches desire more inter-church fellowship but prefer not to have the simplified statements of faith held by denominations. Many members of these churches are now educated and have become professionals so they are less likely to accept the "iron fist" management style of their pastor. We pray for unity in the church and also humility for both leaders and pastors along with the young members who attend.
Sunday
People in the house churches often debate about the need to join a denomination and wonder if that would be good or bad for evangelism, church planting, and the united effort to send out missionaries from the churches of China. They question whether denominations have their place in China. We thank the Lord for denominations because they have poured a tremendous amount of resources and manpower into helping house churches. We pray for God's will to be done in the churches in China. May the name of Jesus be glorified and may there be true unity and humility in each of the churches there.
Monday
In the Three-self Church in Jiangxi Province there are two sessions of the so-called "chairman" and half of the presidents are women which gives them a ministry in the church. The saying is that the women are "half the sky" which gives effective strength to the ministry and develops positive factors not only in Jiangxi but in other places as well. We pray for all of the grandmothers, mothers and unmarried young ladies that God will help them to be lively spiritual models and gain spiritual strength from God's word to teach other believers and be a blessing to the church.
星期二
中國股市暴跌的最大受害者是一般的老百姓。三分之二的新投資者是高中以下學歷，而且多是借錢買股的人。發財的慾望使人喪失理性，信徒也不可幸免地免落入了同樣的陷阱裡。求主藉著這次的震盪喚醒信徒，貪婪就與拜偶像一樣，心智和靈魂都被擄掠了去。（西3:5）
星期三
近來中國的股市狂瀉，多人財務被套牢，有不少基督徒也參與其中。很多人炒股抱著猶如賭博般的投機心態，只想要急速發財，而不是有規劃的投資。「要急速發財，卻不知窮乏必臨到他身。」（箴28：22）求主光照我們，先省察自己內心是否被貪婪所蒙蔽，並從新調校眼光，不被世界裡的急功好利所迷惑。
星期四
中國的高校畢業生人數由2013年的699萬，2014年的727萬，增幅至本年度的749萬。高校畢業生逐年的增加，就業競爭日益激烈。現今中國的大學教育不再保證畢業後有份高薪的工作。我們為高校畢業的基督徒禱告，求主為他們預備合適的工作，尤其記念那些已經待業多時的，願神加添信心耐心等候，也能更親近神，與神同行。
星期五
中國家庭教會四十年來大幅成長，也進入神學、牧養和建制轉型的關鍵期。很多教會意識自己的不足，也渴望從宗派傳統中，得到成熟的信仰告白、牧養和治理體系。我們為家庭教會的領袖禱告，求主賜他們智慧和謀略在神的家裡盡忠服事，幫助教會成長成熟，滿有基督的身量。又賜信徒智慧認識真道，在愛中彼此建立，靈命活潑成長。
星期六
家庭教會一向沒有信仰的規範，會眾一般跟從教會帶領者對聖經的領受，容易高舉恩賜主義、個人魅力、領導的權力。家庭教會信徒期待更多教會之間的聯繫，但反對宗派信仰的簡化。現今許多家庭教會信徒已受過高等教育和專業訓練，不太接受帶領者的「鐵腕」管理模式。我們禱告神幫助教會能團結合一，彼此以謙卑束腰，在主面前做個忠心、合神心意的好管家，與年輕一代信徒和睦相容。
星期日
對當今中國家庭教會而言，宗派問題是一個容易帶來爭論的議題。宗派對於家庭教會是傳福音、建造教會及教會合一宣教的助力還是阻力？宗派在中國教會的存在有價值嗎？不同的宗派曾為中國教會提供了大量的資源和培訓，幫助了許多的家庭教會，我們感謝神！ 願主的名大得榮耀，滿足祂的心，不論是家庭教會或是三自，都能在主裡有真正的團結與謙卑。
星期一
江西省的三自教會，在所謂兩會的主席、會長中有一半是女性；婦女成了教會事工的「半邊天」，這不單是江西教會，也是全國教會各項事工發展的生力量、積極因素。我們特別為所有做祖母、做媽媽、未婚的女傳道人禱告，求神加給她們活潑的靈命，愛主愛人的心，給她們恩典去供應主的豐富，成全聖徒，讓她們成為主祝福教會的管道。
Wednesday
The Chinese stock market has slumped dramatically recently, taking down many investors including many Christians. The attitude of the investors has been wanting to get rich quickly rather than disciplined investing. Greedy people try to get rich quickly but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty. (Proverbs 28:22) May the Lord enlighten and search our hearts to see if we have been blinded by our greed.
Thursday
In China this year 7.49 million people graduated from college--an increase over the 7.27 million in 2014 and 6.99 million in 2013. Every year these grads face fierce competition to land a job. College education no longer guarantees a good paying job for young people in China. We pray for those college graduates who are Christians and are still looking for work. May the Lord give them faith and keep them walking close to Him.
Friday
Although house churches have grown remarkably in the past four decades, they have now entered a crucial period where they need to define their own theology, their approach to pastoral care, and their method of governing the church. Many are now turning to denominations to find answers since personal interpretation of the Bible along with leaders who are not held accountable open the churches to abuses. We pray especially for believers in groups under these charismatic leaders . May the Lord grant them discernment and genuine, vibrant spiritual growth.
Saturday
Essentially, each person in a house church believes what the leader teaches which often leads to an over- emphasis on personal gifts, charisma, and authority. Members of house churches desire more inter-church fellowship but prefer not to have the simplified statements of faith held by denominations. Many members of these churches are now educated and have become professionals so they are less likely to accept the "iron fist" management style of their pastor. We pray for unity in the church and also humility for both leaders and pastors along with the young members who attend.
Sunday
People in the house churches often debate about the need to join a denomination and wonder if that would be good or bad for evangelism, church planting, and the united effort to send out missionaries from the churches of China. They question whether denominations have their place in China. We thank the Lord for denominations because they have poured a tremendous amount of resources and manpower into helping house churches. We pray for God's will to be done in the churches in China. May the name of Jesus be glorified and may there be true unity and humility in each of the churches there.
Monday
In the Three-self Church in Jiangxi Province there are two sessions of the so-called "chairman" and half of the presidents are women which gives them a ministry in the church. The saying is that the women are "half the sky" which gives effective strength to the ministry and develops positive factors not only in Jiangxi but in other places as well. We pray for all of the grandmothers, mothers and unmarried young ladies that God will help them to be lively spiritual models and gain spiritual strength from God's word to teach other believers and be a blessing to the church.
星期二
中國股市暴跌的最大受害者是一般的老百姓。三分之二的新投資者是高中以下學歷，而且多是借錢買股的人。發財的慾望使人喪失理性，信徒也不可幸免地免落入了同樣的陷阱裡。求主藉著這次的震盪喚醒信徒，貪婪就與拜偶像一樣，心智和靈魂都被擄掠了去。（西3:5）
星期三
近來中國的股市狂瀉，多人財務被套牢，有不少基督徒也參與其中。很多人炒股抱著猶如賭博般的投機心態，只想要急速發財，而不是有規劃的投資。「要急速發財，卻不知窮乏必臨到他身。」（箴28：22）求主光照我們，先省察自己內心是否被貪婪所蒙蔽，並從新調校眼光，不被世界裡的急功好利所迷惑。
星期四
中國的高校畢業生人數由2013年的699萬，2014年的727萬，增幅至本年度的749萬。高校畢業生逐年的增加，就業競爭日益激烈。現今中國的大學教育不再保證畢業後有份高薪的工作。我們為高校畢業的基督徒禱告，求主為他們預備合適的工作，尤其記念那些已經待業多時的，願神加添信心耐心等候，也能更親近神，與神同行。
星期五
中國家庭教會四十年來大幅成長，也進入神學、牧養和建制轉型的關鍵期。很多教會意識自己的不足，也渴望從宗派傳統中，得到成熟的信仰告白、牧養和治理體系。我們為家庭教會的領袖禱告，求主賜他們智慧和謀略在神的家裡盡忠服事，幫助教會成長成熟，滿有基督的身量。又賜信徒智慧認識真道，在愛中彼此建立，靈命活潑成長。
星期六
家庭教會一向沒有信仰的規範，會眾一般跟從教會帶領者對聖經的領受，容易高舉恩賜主義、個人魅力、領導的權力。家庭教會信徒期待更多教會之間的聯繫，但反對宗派信仰的簡化。現今許多家庭教會信徒已受過高等教育和專業訓練，不太接受帶領者的「鐵腕」管理模式。我們禱告神幫助教會能團結合一，彼此以謙卑束腰，在主面前做個忠心、合神心意的好管家，與年輕一代信徒和睦相容。
星期日
對當今中國家庭教會而言，宗派問題是一個容易帶來爭論的議題。宗派對於家庭教會是傳福音、建造教會及教會合一宣教的助力還是阻力？宗派在中國教會的存在有價值嗎？不同的宗派曾為中國教會提供了大量的資源和培訓，幫助了許多的家庭教會，我們感謝神！ 願主的名大得榮耀，滿足祂的心，不論是家庭教會或是三自，都能在主裡有真正的團結與謙卑。
星期一
江西省的三自教會，在所謂兩會的主席、會長中有一半是女性；婦女成了教會事工的「半邊天」，這不單是江西教會，也是全國教會各項事工發展的生力量、積極因素。我們特別為所有做祖母、做媽媽、未婚的女傳道人禱告，求神加給她們活潑的靈命，愛主愛人的心，給她們恩典去供應主的豐富，成全聖徒，讓她們成為主祝福教會的管道。
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