Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Prayer Request 10/27 - 11/2

Tuesday
The most polluted provinces in China according to a recent poll​ were Henan, Hubei and Hebei. Beijing ranked fourth. All of those areas have heavy industrial factories that rely on burning coal. Vehicle exhaust also contributes to pollution. ​Prosperity theology is polluting many churches in China with believers seeking God only for blessings, health, and wealth. We pray that each of us would seek to follow Jesus and participate in the suffering of His cross.​
Wednesday
The most polluted provinces in China according to a recent poll​ were Henan, Hubei and Hebei. Beijing ranked fourth. All of those areas have heavy industrial factories that rely on burning coal. Vehicle exhaust also contributes to pollution. ​Prosperity theology is polluting many churches in China with believers seeking God only for blessings, health, and wealth. We pray that each of us would seek to follow Jesus and participate in the suffering of His cross.​
Thursday
The three cleanest cities in China​,in order, were all in the far west: Linzhi in Tibet, Lijiang in Yunnan Province and Altay in Xinjiang. Prosperity theology teaches "name it and claim it", all you need is have enough faith. We pray that we do not twist the Bible, taking God's promise out of context to satisfy our needs.
Friday
A new law in China give employees a paid annual leave.​ Those who have worked a year but fewer than ten years get a 5-day leave. Those who have worked ten years but fewer than twenty, get a 10-day leave--all in addition to national holidays. As more and more people travel on their vacations, it will be harder to have plan church events for the whole church. We pray for ministries in the church that there will be planning and participation by more of the members.
Saturday
In 2008 a survey showed that 76% of the respondents in China had a desire to retire (the highest in Asia).​ The official age for retirement is 50 (female) and 55 (male). Many believers in China say they will serve God more after they retire. We pray this will not be a mere empty promise but that they will learn to serve with their spiritual gifts. We also pray that leaders in the church will find ways to encourage people to serve.
Sunday
According to a new survey of “stress level”, China is number one and Hong kong the fourth in the world. Shanghai and Beijing are leading cities for being “most stressful”. Church life in Shanghai and Beijing can also be described as “hurried”, “rushed for time”. We pray for the caring ministries in these urban churches, and for the spiritual health of believers so they would not be merely “Sunday Christians”.
Monday
Official report says that 25% of Chinese women have experienced domestic abuse. Almost 40% of Chinese women who are in a relationship or are married have experienced some form of abuse. Pray that social attitudes towards domestic violence would continue shifting and that awareness of rights would increase.


星期二
政府的空氣污染數據顯示, 在三百六十個城市中,逾九成在今年首三個月未能達到國家空氣質量標準。中國教會世俗化是當今最大的問題。求主幫助信徒知道神造人的目的是,榮耀祂、信靠祂和敬拜祂,我們當追求內在豐盛的生命,越更像主,過聖潔的生活,而非外在的「福氣」。
星期三
空氣污染最嚴重的省份是河南、湖北和河北,北京排名第四。這些地區都有依賴燃煤的重工業工廠。另外,汽車排氣也是污染的來源。 「成功神學」也污染了許多教會,信徒只求神的賜福,求健康、物質豐裕。求主校正信徒的價值觀,學習背起自己的十字架跟從主,捨己事主愛人。
星期四
空氣質量最好的三個城市均位於偏遠的西部地區,依次是西藏的林芝、雲南省的麗江和新疆的阿勒泰。成功神學鼓吹:「你可以擁有你所祈求的一切,關鍵在於你是否有信心。」求主幫助我們不曲解聖經的原意,或是斷章取義的來使用聖經,滿足自己的需要。
星期五
新的法例給予職工享受有薪年假。工作滿一年至十年者,年假五天;滿十年至二十年者,年假十天。這是國定假日之外的福利。隨著越來越多人外出旅遊,教會在安排聚會上也需有適當的調配,求主賜教會領袖智慧來牧養,教會事工在長假時能正常運作,能更多的肢體能參與聚會。
星期六
早在2008年的一次調查顯示:七成六的中國受訪者渴望退休,在亞洲是最高的。一般退休年齡是女性是五十歲,男性為五十五歲。不少信徒會說,退休之後就會有更多機會服侍神。求主鑑察人心,但願這不是信徒不願參與事奉的藉口,又願教會更多鼓勵弟兄姐妹操練屬靈的恩賜,好能彼此配搭服事。
星期日
最新調查結果:中國是目前世界上壓力最大的國家之一。中國及香港,分列全球第一和第四。其中,上海、北京都排在城市的前列。在上海和北京的教會生活,可以說是「來去匆匆」,「趕時間」。我們為城市教會的關懷事工禱告,又求主幫助信徒靈命持續成長,而不是做一個「星期天的基督徒」。
星期一
婦聯估計有25%的中國婦女經歷過家庭虐待,在交往中或婚姻中的女性有將近40%經歷過某種形式的虐待。讓我為社會能更關注家庭暴力禱告,也為教會當中的牧者能夠有智慧的來幫助家中有難處的肢體代禱。

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Prayer Request 10/20 - 10/26

Tuesday​In urban churches in China, there are the following major groups of believers: college students and young intellectuals or professionals, middle-aged or older traditional believers, those who are laid off and migrant workers. We praise God for the growth of churches in cities, and we pray for pastors who can minister to people of vastly different background​s​, especially those who are young and highly educated.
Wednesday
College students and young intellectuals are often open-minded but ask difficult and probing questions about the meaning of life. When they are invited, they are more willing to come and explore what the church has to offer than those in other groups. ​We pray for good spiritual grown in young believers in the churches and their involvement in ministry, that they will be not only believers but givers also. May the Lord call some of them to serve Him full time.​
Thursday
With the influx of many college students and graduates, urban churches in China are definitely younger and better educated than before. It is a good thing that young believers prefer lively worship, sermons that are more relevant and practical. We pray that churches can ​provide for ​their needs, feed them with solid spiritual food and provide them great examples of faith.
Friday
​Among the professionals in the urban churches in China, there are those who have returned from studying abroad, as well as well-educated​ local believers who have jobs with good incomes and are in a very respectable social position. Clearly, there is a huge disparity in education and income within urban churches. We pray that there will be no discrimination or favoritism in the Body of Christ, ​but ​rather there will be mutual caring and edification of all believers.
Saturday
China has sent 400,000 students to study abroad. Nearly 160,000​ of them have returned and it is estimated that ten to twenty percent of them have come home Christians. Although this group is relatively small, they are very influential since they have had experience in churches abroad and are able to give larger offerings than local people. We pray these people will have humble hearts and be willing to serve.
Sunday
Another large group of believers in the urban churches in China is composed of middle-aged or older Christians, many of whom are retired. Most have a Christian family background and generally they are committed and devout Christians. We praise God for these believers who are literally the backbone of the church ministries in caring for others and in visitation. May the Lord grant them strength to help their pastors to care for those who are in need and weak.
Monday
​Some of the believers in the urban churches of China are those who have visited their children abroad, have become Christians​ and were baptized there. When they return home, they usually look for a house church to attend. These people are usually very accomplished before they go abroad but need to learn Biblical truths. We pray for continuing spiritual growth in this group of believers. May the Lord use their experience abroad to help their churches in China.

星期二
現今城市教會的會衆主要有以下幾種:大學在校生與青年知識份子及專業人士、中老年傳統基督徒、下崗工人和民工。 我們為城市教會的興起感恩,求主賜牧者智慧與能力,好能牧養那些來源多元,尤其是年輕和高知識的會衆。
星期三
大學生和年青知識份子往往比較思想開放,敢於思考和探索人生的價值與意義;也因此,他們大多願意接觸教會和認識真理。我們為年輕信徒在教會中有穩健的靈命成長祷告,求神激励他们能參與教會的服事。也從他們當中呼召出願意獻身全職事奉的肢體。
星期四
由於大量大學生和年輕專業人士的湧入,令城市教會越來越年輕且高學歷,教會整體素質也提高不少。年輕信徒喜歡活潑的崇拜,也希望信息與生活能多有連接,這都是好事。我們為教會不但能明白他們的需要,更是把握機會以屬靈的乾糧餵養他們,給他們美好的信心榜樣。
星期五
在城市教會裡,有不少是海歸派人士。他們通常是受過高等教育,有較高社會地位的專業人士,不僅有穩定工作,也有優厚的收入。城市教會中,會眾之間的教育和收入差距可能很大,求主提醒教會不輕看那些教育水平低的弟兄姊妹,讓教會活出基督的身體,互相扶持體諒,在愛中彼此建立。
星期六
中國改革開放以來,約有四十多萬人出國深造,其中約有十六萬人回來報效祖國。在這些海歸中,約 10 %到 20 %是在國外時成爲基督徒。雖然這類人的數目不算多,但是具有相當的影響力,他們有國外的經驗,經濟能力也較佳。求主賜他們謙卑心來服事中國教會。
星期日
城市教會還有一個比較大的群體是中老年基督徒,不少是退休的普通市民。他們有基督徒家庭的背景,一般都比較虔誠與堅定。這批信徒是教會服侍的主幹,能參與探訪及關懷,我們為此感恩。求主加他添們力量,又幫助傳道人關心那些有需要的和軟弱的肢體。
星期一
城市教會有一類群體是近年信主的,其中有子女或親戚在國外,他們在出國探親時信主受洗,回來再尋找教會。求主幫助他們繼續在靈命上成長,也將他們在國外經歷的教會生活,幫助教會。這批人都有相當的成就,但是需要真理上的栽培,求主大大使用他們。

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Prayer Request 10/13 - 10/19

Tuesday
Ministries to college students have sprung up in the larger cities of China in recent years. Students, pastors, and the churches themselves have started​ them. We pray for fellowship and mutual support in these Bible studies as well as fellowship between the groups. Often because of theological differences, theses groups have no fellowship at all and even become outright hostile toward each other.
Wednesday
Leaders in the ministry to college students take great pride in having large groups. At the beginning of the school year they go to the freshmen dorms to find new students for their groups and try to find those who are already Christians so a good number of the newcomers in these ministries are Christians who have been ministered to by other churches for many years. May the Lord help us not to be prideful in counting numbers but rather, rejoice with all who serve the young people whether in churches or colleges.
Thursday
Nearly half of those who accept Jesus in the college ministries have had prior contact with the gospel. As a result, we can see that college ministries are literally a continuation of ministries of all the local churches. We pray specifically for the Christian college students from Christian homes. May the Lord give them godly friends and a fellowship/church so they can fit in well, especially those who are now serving as leaders in their college fellowship groups.
Friday
The legendary Chinese pastors, Wang Ming-dao and John Song both have roots in the college student ministry and it is fair to say that college student ministries have laid the foundation for today's overseas Chinese churches.​Those leaders in college who have been trained and equipped will be the leaders of the church tomorrow. We pray for more people to get involved in this ministry and for more churches to devote resources to reaching these students for Christ.
Saturday
Sadly, many churches in China have no interest in reaching college students. They say, "The college ministry is an expense and they do not stay long term." It is little wonder that many college ministries find no support in local churches.​ We pray for more churches to catch the vision of being involved in a ministry to college students and then be revived themselves as they reach out to these young people. We truly believe​ that the students they raise up will be key leaders in the church in the future.
Sunday
In early September, college fellowship groups organize outreach teams to comb the dormitories for newly-arrived freshmen for their groups. It is not uncommon to have a "race to grab new students". We are thankful for the zeal young Christians have in reaching out to share the gospel with their fellow students and we pray they will find many souls hungry for the Lord.
Monday
In China, one has to 'buy' a doctor's effort to save lives.'' ​​ 'The goal is to bribe the physicians to perform the surgery to the best of their ability. Chinese love to give gifts, in the hope of currying favor or building relationship.We pray that churches will not despise the migrant workers, or in fact, all those believers without higher education, because they cannot really contribute to ministries, but rather accept and care about them with the love of God.
 
星期二
近些年學生事工如雨後春筍般出現在中國的大中城市,有的是學生自發組織而成的,有的是城市中一些教會開拓的,有的是傳道人有負擔自己獨立建立的。求主賜給學生事工多有聯繫、溝通,相互間能有資源共享,不要因為某些神學觀點不同,導致“各自為政”,甚至彼此攻擊。
星期三
很多大學生團契的帶領人,很容易為自己的事工成就沾沾自喜。如在新學期開學之時,他們通過去新生宿捨一一打聽的方式,找到一定數量的基督徒學生。今天的大學生團契的成長,其實有很多都是諸多教會主日學的辛苦栽培。 求主叫我們不以我們的人數自誇。因為神給我們恩典收割,與那些別人辛苦的撒種,澆灌,一起歡樂。
星期四
大學學生事工信主的,其實超過一半以上是“他人撒種,我們收割”。大學生團契,而是像接力一樣,接過教會主日學的學生來牧養。我們特別紀念大學生來自信徒家庭,求主保守他們能有愛主的朋友,有歸屬感的教會。特別為是在主日學中長大的學生來禱告,神大大地使用他們。
星期五
著名的傳道人王明道、宋尚節等都受到學生事工的極大影響,他們後來也成為中國教會的中流砥柱。學生事工也深深地奠定了今日海外的華人教會。今天的大學生信主,受造就,得裝備,將來必然會成為教會的主體人群。求主興起更多人參與大學生事工,也為教會能關心大學生事工來祈求。
星期六
今天很多教會不願參與大學生的福音工作,甚至說:“大學生事工沒有奉獻,他們不在教會停留太久”。這樣的短見,自然會導致大學生團契另起爐灶。我們為更多教會參與到學生事工中來禱告,盡應盡的責任,為教會的複興獻出一份力量。 讓今天的學生能被神使用成為明天教會的精兵!
星期日
每年九月新生報到,很多團契都會組織隊伍傳福音,“掃樓”(逐個寢室尋找信徒),在掃的過程中有些同學會被兩三個團契同一天多次掃到,容易出現搶奪生源。我們為團契成員有傳福音的火熱禱告與感恩,願主賜給他們喜樂,帶領更多的學生悔改信主。
星期一
醫生本來的責任是救人,但是許多人相信要「收買」醫生,讓醫生盡力做好手術。當然,中國人愛送禮,多少就是買通關係的惡習。求主幫助城巿教會絕不輕看外地來的勞工,和教育水平不高的信徒,雖然他們在教會並沒有「貢獻」,但是因著神的愛,能接納、樂意關心他們。

Tuesday, October 06, 2015

Prayer Request 10/6 - 1012

TuesdayThe Chinese Communist Party considers all religion capable of being organized and connected with outside powers to challenge its own authority to rule. Let us continue to pray for the churches in China because of the uncertain policy of the government toward them. May the Lord have mercy so that believers in Jesus are not seen as a threat to the government but as a positive influence.
Wednesday
China is extremely cautious in her approach toward any organized religions, because of the possible connection with religious entities abroad, creating and possessing untoward influence and control. “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Prov. 21:1 (NIV) Let us pray for all levels of officials who are in charge of executing religious policies and actions. We pray for favor for believers in their eyes.
Thursday
The Chinese government has given up restricting religions, instead it grants believers a certain freedom of worship but still controls them with bureaucracies. However, the recent demolition of church building in Wenzhou shows how the government can apply restrictions whenever it wants to. We do thank the Lord for giving Christians more freedom, and we pray that churches will use these windows of opportunity to be His witness and spread the gospel.
Friday
Religion is not a high-priority issue for the Chinese government; it has its own long list of urgent matters. When Christians live out their lives as the light and salt of the world, they can exert a powerful influence in society, business and even in politics. As Christians become active and effective when the government allows, people will look to Christianity for answers. We pray churches will go into the “world”, living out the love of Christ and care for the needs of people in the community.
Saturday
Some churches in China , especially those in rural areas, are caught between following Biblical teaching and traditional practices. Some lack Biblical training and do not even reject customs that are not Biblical. We pray that rural pastors will know and teach the truth of the Bible, and honor God above all. May all pastors have wisdom, teaching their flocks how to honor God more than the traditions of man.
Sunday
Customs vary from region to region in China. When a parent dies, a pious son must kowtow so others will attend and help with funeral arrangements. In many places, funerals are held by a Taoist monk. Many Christians in China do not know whether to bury their parents with Christian rites or Taoist practice. We pray churches can always help their members know how to resolve these conflicts of Biblical teaching and local practices. We pray for a good testimony for all believers.
Monday
The divorce rate among Christians in China has shot up sharply reflecting that of society as a whole which creates single-parent families with neglected children and causes churches to lose a good opportunity to be a shining testimony for God. We pray for more marriage counselors. May the Lord help us to honor the sacred marriage covenant and may He help all pastors as they counsel believers not to give up quickly on their own marriages.

星期二
對中國政府來說宗教不僅關乎個人道德或靈性的決擇這麼單純。他們認為有組織的宗教能夠集結支持、建造連結關係,且有可能建立與政府對立(至少是不配合)的權力中心。中國的宗教政策仍不明朗,非常需要信徒持續的禱告。求主施恩憐憫,讓政府不視基督徒為潛在的威脅,而是一群對社會各階層均有正面影響力的善良公民。
星期三
中國政府對於宗教採取謹慎的態度,是因為擔心宗教組織的發展 (尤其是來自海外的宗教組織) ,會讓其對群眾擁有過大的影響力或操控力。「君王的心在主手中,就好像河道裡的水,隨他意而流轉。」(箴21:1當代譯本)。我們來為制定、負責和執行宗教政策的官員禱告,求主引導他們的決策,能善待神的子民。
星期四
中國政府已經放棄嚴格控制宗教, 而以法規取代全面限制,讓基督徒也擁有某些程度的自由。然而最近溫州教會拆十字架的事件反映,地方政府仍然會給信徒各種難處。我們為近年中國教會多了一點空間感恩,求主幫助信徒能夠把握這種自由所帶來的契機,成為好的見證人,將福音廣傳。
星期五
宗教並非領導人的優先考量事項,他們還有很長一份問題清單要處理。當基督徒在生活中「做光做鹽」時,他們就能在社會、企業,甚至在政治上發揮影響力。在政府許可的空間裡,教會能成為人民尋求人生解答的對象。 求主賜信徒智慧、膽量,而不是採取「出世」的態度,各人都願意在社區中流露基督的愛,並關心鄰舍的身、心靈的需要。
星期六
有些中國教會常常處於應遵守聖經真理或奉行傳統風俗的拉扯之中,特別是農村教會。有些教會因缺乏真理的教導,盲目跟隨民間風俗,做出不合神心意的事。求主幫助農村教會的牧者能教導純正真理,以尊主為大為最高原則,並且有智慧引導信徒以聖經原則處理各類似是而非的民間風俗等問題。
星期日
中國各地都有自己的風俗,例如:父母離世後,孝子必須向參與喪禮的人叩頭,不然就沒有人來幫忙處理喪事;又有好些地方的喪事都是在道場舉行或是請道士來辦理。傳統習俗往往給信徒帶來壓力,無所依從。求主幫助教會,在面對與信仰有衝突的傳統習俗時,能給予信徒正確的指導,信徒亦能靠主做美好的見證。
星期一
隨著社會的發展及開放,信徒的離婚率也越來越高,很多家庭破裂,造成不少單親家庭;孩子因缺乏照顧而流浪街頭亦有所聞,失卻了神兒女的見證。我們為弟兄姊妹不斷加增的婚姻問題來禱告。求主幫助信徒能尊重神所設立的婚姻。也求主使用牧者的輔導,讓信徒能有效處理家庭難處,絕不輕易放棄婚姻,得享神應許的美滿家庭生活。