Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Prayer Request 1/26 - 2/1

Tuesday
Taiwan recently​ elected her first female president in a landslide election. In her victory speech, the new president called for "humility, humility, and more humility". This is also the first time the Nationalist Party has lost its majority status in the legislative branch of government on the island. Every time an election takes place in Taiwan, churches are invariably affected by their political orientation. Let us pray for the unity of churches in Taiwan and that political sentiment will not affect the relationship between churches on both sides of the strait.
Wednesday
Urbanization​ has changed the economic and social expectations for marriage in China. Gao, fu, shuai (tall, rich. handsome) and bai, fu, mei (fair-skinned, rich, beautiful) have become the standard description for the perfect match. We pray for all of the first-generation Christians in China that they will seek God's will and understand His criteria as they desire to remain faithful to Biblical teaching regarding marriage and family.
Thursday
Without a steady job, a car, and an ​apartment a single man in the cities of China has little chance of finding a spouse. With the gender imbalance due to China's one-child policy, more men in China are unable to meet the economic requirements for marriage than ever before. Let us pray for the Christian men who do not meet these requirements that the Lord will give them a strong faith knowing that He loves them and He Who has given them purpose and meaning in life will also prepare a godly spouse for them.
Friday
For many Christian women in China the tension between Biblical teachings about relationships and the social pressure to find a mate is exacerbated by the relatively​ high ratio of women to men in the churches there. We pray for these sisters who face the dilemma of whether it is better to marry an unbeliever or remain single. May the Lord comfort them and give them joy as they face great pressure from their parents to marry before they are "too old".
Saturday
he five major rural house church groups in China have formally announced their dissolution with rapid​ urbanization given as the cause. Although some claimed they were able to transition successfully to the urban format, this has not been true. We really do not know what God has in mind for the rural churches in China but we beseech Him to revive them, not just in a superficial way of seeking for miracles but that they will be rooted in Biblical truth.
Sunday
​Many churches have problem of "direct sale", people's passion for God is polluted and the relationships between the brothers and sisters are tainted. ​People make friends to enlarge their base, not for evangelism. May the Lord remind each of us that "In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, ... covetous. ... having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
Monday
People who engage in "direct sale" all dream of striking it rich but the dream often bursts like a bubble since the vast majority of them cannot reach their quota/goal in time.​ Churches cannot prohibit their members from selling things to other members but we pray for wisdom and integrity of motives for each of us. "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth." (1 Corinthians 10:24)


星期二
台灣以壓倒性票數選出第一位女總統,在當選感言中她表達未來執政要「謙卑、謙卑、再謙卑」。自1949年以來,國民黨首次不再是國會多數黨。每次選舉台灣教會會眾的情緒畢竟都會受到影響,因為不同宗派和地域都會有不同的政治傾向。我們為台灣眾教會的合一祈求,求主也保守海峽兩岸的教會與事工互動能持續進行。
星期三
中國的城市化提高了婚姻伴侶的經濟與社會標準。完美的匹配是,男的是要 "高富帥"(高大,有錢,英俊),女的則是"白富美"(皮膚白皙,有錢和漂亮)。我們特別為中國第一代信主的年輕基督徒祈求,願他們在等候神所預備的伴侶時,多禱告尋求上帝的旨意,認識神的標準,從聖經真理中學習神對婚姻和家庭的旨意。
星期四
在中國城市裡的男人,如果沒有一份好工作,沒有汽車及一套房子,實在難找到個對象。一胎化造成的男多於女性別失現況,使得更多的中國男人無法達到結婚的經濟要求。我們為教會中沒有以上經濟條件的弟兄們禱告,求主堅定他們的信心,深深知道神愛他們,也賜給他們的生命有神美好的目的和意義,神會為他們預備愛主的配偶。
星期五
對許多教會姐妹來說,她們正面臨極大的張力,是要遵守聖經教導或是因著社會的壓力,就找個非基督徒嫁了,尤其是教會裡很明顯的是女多男少。我們要為面對這壓力的姐妹們祈求,求主安慰她們,賜給她們喜樂,也能有智慧應付來自父母親“趁早嫁人”的壓力。
星期六
中國五大農村家庭教會團隊正式宣布解散,因為城市化的衝擊,導致農村教會沒落。雖然有些團隊曾表示,已成功轉型為城巿化的家庭教會,但事實卻不然。未來神在農村教會的計劃是什麼,我們並不清楚。但求主再次興旺農村教會,不再是表面的火熱,或者求神蹟奇事,而是在真理上有根有基。
星期日
傳銷活動滲入教會,使得基督徒對神的渴慕和信靠容易被 "瑪門" 所代替。信徒之間純潔的屬靈關係被利益扭曲,令招呼新朋友的動機也從傳福音變成發展下線。求主使我們儆醒,末世必有危險的日子來到,人要專顧自己,貪愛錢財…不愛神,僅有敬虔的外貌,卻背了敬虔的實意,這等人我們務必要躲開。(提後3:1-5)
星期一
許多參加直銷的人都是財迷心竅,但那些發達夢實際上都是一個個泡影,因為很多人都不可能在既定時間內達到所規定的銷售數額。教會對於會友私下的買賣,也無權干涉。惟願主鑒察神兒女的心思意念,引導我們正直、有智慧,走在永生的道路上。「無論何人,不要求自己的益處,乃要求別人的益處。」(林前10:24)

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Prayer Request 1/19 - 1/25

Tuesday
For Chinese children and their devoted parents, education has long been seen as the key to getting ahead in a highly competitive society. But, money and guanxi (connection) are more important than grades for success. We ask for faith from God for Christian parents who worry about their children’s education. Knowing God will surely bless the descendents of the righteous. ​ May the​ Lord correct how we see ourselves that we are entrusted to raise godly children for Him.
Wednesday
In China everything has its price, from admission to the best schools and placement in​ top classes to leadership in Communist youth groups. Even seats in the front rows of classrooms or being selected to be the class monitor can be bought. Many Christian parents feel sad because they do not have the money to provide the best education for their children. May the Lord strengthen their faith in Him so they will know God will certainly provide what they need if they seek His kingdom first.
Thursday
Many of the illegal fees schools in China demand are collected as "voluntary donations". Educational bribery start as early as kindergarten. Parents know full well that such practices are illegal but they feel that unless they pay, their children will not get into a school. Chinese parents have no second thoughts about spending​ all of their money for their children's education. We pray that believers will understand that God requires us to rear godly children who love Him since this is His desire and pleasure.
Friday
The state-run educational system in China is being overrun by bribery and cronyism. which has broadened the gulf between the "haves" and the "have-nots" as Chinese families see their hopes for the future sold to the highest bidder. We pray for comfort for those parents whose children are deemed to be academic failures. May the Lord help them to accept their children as they are and encourage them to walk closely with God all of their lives.
Saturday
Corruption has invaded every part of society in China and the educational field is no exception. Corruption begins even before the first day a child goes to school because the competition for admission to elite schools has created a lucrative side business for school officials and others connected to them. May the Holy Spirit comfort those parents who feel hopeless since they do not have the money or connections to get their children into the best schools. We pray that churches will preach strongly on the fact that God is in control even in the places where there are great inequalities and that He has a plan for each one of our lives.
Sunday
Parents in China who have fewer direct connections have to bribe a chain of people so their child can be admitted into a kindergarten. The farther removed you are from the school, the more money you must pay to get in. Young parents do not want their children to get behind even when they are young. We pray that more churches will see the need to teach the Bible to the very young​ children and that parents themselves will be willing to get involved in children's ministries in the churches.
Monday
​The cost​ of education in China can rise as students get closer to college. The news media recently reported that the going bribery rate for admission to a high school linked to the renowned Renmin University in Beijing is $80,000 to $130,000 US dollars. ​One big reason for believers in China not to give to their church is worry that they will not have enough money for their children's education if they do. May the Lord have mercy on​ them so they will know how to trust Him and know that He will provide abundantly and realize they will lack nothing as they live in Jesus Christ.


星期二
在孩子的心目中,以及一心為孩子的家長眼裡,教育一直是在競爭激烈的中國社會中開啟上升之門的鑰匙。但是,在現今的中國教育制度裡,錢和關係甚至比成績更重要。信徒同樣會為子女的教育和前途擔憂。求主校正弟兄姊妹的眼光,認清自己只是孩子的「托管」者,父母的重責是為主培育敬虔的後裔,深知神必祝福、保守義人的後代。
星期三
在中國教育環境裡,幾乎什麼都有價碼。從入學、進重點班到當團幹部,就連靠近黑板的座位和班長職位都可以用錢來買。 許多信徒家長感嘆自己沒有足夠經濟能力,不能給孩子最好的教育或升學條件。求主堅固信徒家長對主的信心,先求神的國和神的義,仰望主的信實帶領。
星期四
許多學校費用都是校方明目張膽要求家長的「自願捐款」。教育賄賂現像在孩子進入幼兒園之前就已經開始了。家長當然知道這是不合法,但是要是不出錢,孩子就上不了學,或是遭受到比較不好的待遇。花錢在子女教育上是家長認為天經地義的責任。求主幫助信徒明白、教養子女敬虔愛主更是重要,這才是真正討主喜悅的擺上。
星期五
中國的公立教育體系盛行賄賂和走後門現象。由於有這種腐敗現象,中國家庭眼看著他們對未來的期望都被出賣給了有錢,有關係的人,貧富之間的鴻溝也越來越大。願主安慰那些對子女的成就或升學機會不看好的信徒家長,求主幫助他們接納子女,更是能用屬靈的價值觀來鼓勵孩子一生行在神的心意中。
星期六
腐敗滲透中國每個角落,教育界也不例外。甚至孩子還沒上一天學,這種事情就已經開始了,因為精英學校的入學競爭給學校領導及其關係戶開闢了一個利潤豐厚的副業。求聖靈賜下安慰,挪去信徒家長的無奈感,又願每個教會也能常常提醒信徒,世界雖然有很多不公不義,但神一直掌權,祂在我們的子女生命中也有美好的計劃與帶領。
星期日
沒有人脈關係的家長需要賄賂一連串的人,才能讓孩子被幼兒園錄取。跟學校的關係越疏遠,要送的錢越多,才能有門路。年輕信徒家長也怕「孩子輸在起跑線上」。求神幫助教會看見信徒第二代從小需要有聖經教導的重要性,家長也要負起責任,積極參與教會兒童事工。
星期一
在越接近高考的教育階段,家長花費可能會越高。最近中國媒體報導,要入讀著名的北京人大附中,現行的賄賂費用從8萬美元到13萬美元不等。為子女預備教育費用,是信徒不願奉獻的一大原因。求神憐憫我們,叫我們知道如何單單依靠祂,神必照祂榮耀的豐富,在基督耶穌裏,使我們一切所需用的都充足。

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Prayer Request 1/12 - 1/18

Tuesday
Life expectancy in China has lengthened dramatically, rising an average of 8.5 years since 1990. Shanghai had the highest life expectancy in China in 2013, 80.2 years for men and 85.2 ​for women. This is an increase of ​six years from 1990. ​We give thanks to God for the enormous improvement in the health of people in China and pray for those caring for the elderly in every church there. May the Lord raise up more people who will look after and visit the older believers.​
Wednesday
In addition to the leap in life expectancy, there has been a significant drop in child mortality​ in China​. Between 1996 and 2013, the mortality rate for Chinese children under ​five decreased by 70%. ​Many churches still have little or no meaningful ministries for children. With the abolishment of the one-child policy, we pray that churches will be ready to begin by training workers to begin and expand their children's and youth ministries.​
Thursday
There has been a sizeable shift in the pattern in the cause of death in China​--away from infectious diseases to non-communicable ones with the notable exception of HIV. ​Churches also have many people with chronic illness. We ask God to help the people in the churches not only to pray for the healing of the sick in their churches but to also extend helping hands to them--especially to those non-Christian families.
Friday
More years of life were lost to stroke, heart disease, and cancers in 2013 than 1990. Road injuries have also become a top ten cause of death in every single province in mainland China. We pray for traveling mercy and safety for believers in their travel to work and ​back ​home. We specifically lift up pastors who shepherd ​flocks and preach at different meeting places. ​May ​the Lord protect their going in and out.
Saturday
Chinese in the less-developed regions of China like Xinjiang, Qinghai, and Guangxi have double the burden of infectious diseases, road injury, stomach cancer, and cerebrovascular disease (the main cause of stroke) than those elsewhere.​ We pray for churches and believers in these regions. We know they are small and weak, both physically and often spiritually as well. May the Lord grant them revival and strengthen them.
Sunday
Chinese people make up the largest number of tourists in the world which is expected to double to 200 million by 2020. Many countries are dropping their visa requirement to attract Chinese tourists.​ We pray churches will grasp the opportunity to share the gospel with Chinese tourists visiting their cities and invite them to come to their services.
Monday
Last year forty million tourists from China inundated Hong Kong but unfortunately they did not find a welcome there because the locals were angered by their outlandish spending in stores that sold luxury goods, malls, and even in the restaurants.​ We pray that local believers​ in every country​ will welcome Chinese tourists, in a way that facilitates the​ sharing of the Gospel, without discrimination.


星期二
中國人的平均壽命(預期壽命)已經大幅提高,自1990年以來,平均增加了8.5年。2013年時,上海人的平均壽命最長,男性為80.2歲,女性為85.2歲,比1990年增加了約6歲。近年來中國人的健康領域大有進步,我們感謝神。我們也為教會中年長的事工禱告,求主興起更多願意幫助、參與老人探訪關懷服事的信徒們。
星期三
除了平均壽命大幅提高之外,兒童死亡率也大幅降低。在1996年至2013年,中國五歲以下兒童的死亡率降低了70%.現今許多中國教會仍沒有真正的兒童事工,新的生育政策准許養兩個孩子,必定會帶給教會超大的幼兒潮。求主幫助眾教會有遠觀與計劃,開始培訓兒童主日學及青少年事工的同工,為因應和拓展神國度的需要作好準備。
星期四
中國人的死亡原因也有明顯的改變,從以感染性疾病為主改變為非傳染性疾病,但是艾滋病除外。教會裡也有不少身體軟弱、需要長期照顧的肢體。求主幫助教會不單單是為有病痛的人禱告,更是能實際伸手幫助他們的家庭,得到身體、精神及靈性上的關顧。尤其是有不信的家人,這些幫助更顯迫切。
星期五
從1990 到2013年,更多的中國人死於中風、心臟病和癌症,而車禍在各省份中也躍為十大死亡原因之一。我們為信徒在路途旅遊有平安禱告,尤其是要進進出出照顧不同聚會點的傳道人,願神保守、看顧他們每天出入的平安及奔波于途的辛勞。
星期六
中國境内生活在低度開發地區(例如新疆、青海和廣西)的人民,在感染疾病、道路交通的傷害及胃癌和腦血管疾病(中風的主要原因)等方面的負擔加倍。在開發程度較低地區的信徒和教會,通常規模比較小和嬴弱,更是需要我們的迫切代求。願神賜下復興的靈火,強壯他們的身心靈各方面的狀況。
星期日
現今中國人是全球最大的出國觀光客來源,據估在2020年時,中國觀光客可望加倍至2億人。各國政府正考量免除簽證,希望能在中國觀光客的花費中分得一杯羹。求主幫助海外各地的眾教會,抓住機會能與中國觀光客們分享福音,吸引他們前往當地的教會,更加了解基督教信仰,早日得著救恩。
星期一
去年有超過4000萬中國觀光客湧進香港,在奢侈品店、購物中心、餐廳和飯店大肆消費。但是中國旅客在香港,卻面對當地人的怒氣,而非熱情接待與歡迎。求主幫助海外的基督徒,能把握神帶給眾信徒"現今"的機會誠摯接待中國觀光客,有機會分享信仰, 讓他們能親嘗主愛的滋味。

Tuesday, January 05, 2016

Prayer Request 1/5 - 1/11

Tuesday
The massive and tragic landslide in Shenzhen tells the dark side of the story of migrant workers in China who seek better lives in the cities. Often they become casualties in their pursuit of survival and hope for a brighter future. It is a fact that rural churches there are declining rapidly because of the exodus of young people. We pray for God's mercy for all rural believers that they will not lose faith but will redouble their efforts to teach youth to know and love the Lord from a very young age.
Wednesday
Guangdong Province, including Shenzhen, has for decades drawn its blue collar work force from migrants from villages and small towns in poor areas in China. Many of the victims in China's urban disasters were migrant workers. The large number of migrant workers in Guangdong presents new opportunities for ministry since they are generally poor and poorly-educated people. We pray for those churches that target migrants and their families that the Lord will bless them with much fruit.
Thursday
Shenzhen has a population of more than eighteen million and more than eighty percent of them are migrants from the countryside who do not have local permanent residence permits. We pray for the physical and psychological needs of hundreds of millions of migrant workers in China as well as their poor relationships with their children since many of them are separated for long periods. May the Lord have mercy on on those who are believers.
Friday
Many restless Chinese teenagers from rural areas leave their homes to look for work elsewhere and as a consequence lose touch with their families or see them only rarely, such as during the Lunar New Year holiday. We pray specifically for young people who have grown up in rural churches but no longer practice their faith in the cities. May the Lord have mercy on them, answer their prayers, and bring them back into the fellowship of believers.
Saturday
Although factory jobs are still easy to find in China, the cost of living has been rising steadily. Many workers are unable to return home even during the holidays because their employers owe them back wages. There have been numerous incidences of migrant workers protesting to demand reasonable and better working conditions. We pray for the improvement of their plight but we also pray that churches will treat God's servants (their pastors) better as well.
Sunday
Many urban churches in China lack strong Biblical teaching​ so the believers do not know the truth well. These churches emphasize teachings on prayer and meditation and focus only on having a good personal relationship with Jesus. ​We pray for these churches that the Lord will grant them faith with a love, hunger, and thirst for His word so they will know how to discern the truths in the Bible.​
Monday
​Urban churches in China are small and loosely organized so believers meet as small groups. Many​ of the believers previously attended the Three-Self churches but they left and began meeting in homes and gradually became independent churches. This kind of church has no spiritual leader and no full-time workers to serve in it so it is in danger of becoming a club for believers. We pray that the emphasis will be on teaching God's word along with the preaching of the gospel, not merely fellowship.


星期二
深圳巨大山體滑坡事件,描述了上億中國農民工,離鄉背井,盼望在城市找到更美好未來故事的黑暗一面。他們往往成為災變中傷亡最慘重的一群。年輕一代進城,造成了中國農村教會快速大失血是個事實。求主恩待農村教會的信徒們,不致喪失信心,而是深刻知道更加倍把握時機,幫助他們的下一代從小就認識主,一生愛上帝。
星期三
廣東省,包括深圳,一直以來吸引著大批中國貧困地區的人們,遠離農村和小城鎮,到大都市從事藍領工作。但與中國最近的一些災難情況一樣,許多遇難者都是農民工。廣東省湧入的大量農民工,也是教會事工的大好機會。雖然一般他們的經濟及教育水平都偏低。我們要為向民工傳福音,關注民工家庭的教會和事工禱告,求神賜給他們美好的果子。
星期四
深圳1800多萬人口中80%以上是流動人口,沒有當地的永久居留證,其中包括許多來自農村的人。 我們為上億的民工流徙各地,他們生、心理的需要禱告,尤其要關懷身為基督徒的民工們。他們常年與子女、親人分離所帶來的種種心理和家庭問題,求主加倍施恩慈、憐悯和看顧。
星期五
許多外出找工作,不安寂寞的中國農村青少年,往往離家後就與家人失去聯繫。或甚少回家與親人見面,往往只在農曆新年假期才得短暫相聚。 我們特別為在農村教會長大,卻在城市中失落了信仰的年輕人禱告,願主憐憫他們,聆聽他們的祈求,將他們領回主的懷抱,與主內肢體相親,能在教會當中蒙神保守與祝福。
星期六
雖然工廠工作仍比較容易找到,但許多農民工所在城市的生活費用也在不斷上升。他們說還有加重他們困難的原因,而過年過節也不能回老家,因為他們的老闆拖欠工資。常有工人抗議報酬過低,要求改善工作環境的事件,我們為民工能得到合理待遇禱告,也同樣為教會中神的僕人,他們的待遇能得以改善來祈求、仰望神。
星期日
不少城市教會缺乏真理的教導,所以信徒對神的話一知半解。教會領袖認為信徒只要有恒常靈修、禱告生活,以及與神有比較好的個人關係,就已足夠了。我們為這些教會能追求靈命更成熟來禱告。求神將那賜人智慧和啟示的靈賞給他們,使他們真知道祂;又願主親自吸引他們,賜下渴慕神話語的心,使他們在真理上有根有基。
星期一
現時城市教會的特點就是規模小且分佈鬆散,信徒聚會以小組為單位。很多人離開三自教會後就開始自己在家中聚會,慢慢的就視自己為一個獨立的教會。這樣的教會通常沒有屬靈的領袖,也沒有全職的工人來主領服事,規畫發展。教會往往變得越來越「俱樂部化」。求主幫助他們追求聖經教導,也看重傳福音,而不是單單享受信徒間的團契生活而已 。