Posts
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Prayer Request 6/28 - 7/4
Tuesday
A growing number of Chinese are returning to China after studying or working overseas and some of them return with a new-found faith in Jesus Christ. We give thanks for those who have come to know the Lord while living abroad and have returned home to China. Pray that many more might follow in their footsteps and put their trust in Jesus.
Wednesday
Those who have returned to China as Christians have a great opportunity to share their new-found faith with friends and family who can see the change that has taken place in their lives. We pray that churches from which they are returning would be effective in training and discipleship to prepare them to return and integrate into the church in China. We pray, too, for wisdom for them as they face many ethical and moral issues in their return to China.
Thursday
Those Christians who have spent time abroad have seen church and ministry from a very different perspective from that which they saw when they lived in China. They usually find church in China more traditional and reserved than what they saw abroad so they tend to give "unwanted" suggestions for improvement. We pray for opportunities for these people to link with good churches in their home cities. At the same time we pray for their churches to receive them and continue to encourage them in faith.
Friday
Christians who have been abroad and returned to China may find it difficult to adapt to their old life as "new people". They have enjoyed their time in the church overseas but when they come back to China they are confronted with the limitations of life there. They also face many temptations and issues that challenge their Christian faith and Biblical values. We pray for strong faith and a close walk with Jesus for them so these returned Christians will remain rooted in God's Word, grow, and even share their faith.
Saturday
Unlike those in China, churches in the West are more democratic and transparent. Christians from China who are returning home need time to adjust, especially during fellowship times when people there do not warm up quickly to newcomers. We pray that these returnees will be prepared and able to fit in well to their newly-met Christian family and that the people already there will help them as they adjust.
Sunday
Although people who are returning to China from the West have no problem finding a church in their home cities, they find they usually are not fully accepted there and their suggestions are not taken seriously. It is our prayer that they will be able to share with their new church what they have learned about the church when they were overseas. We pray for trust and close friendship between the leaders of the churches and these new believers.
Monday
While the government is unlikely to begin tearing down crosses across China,local authorities are expected to begin scrutinizing the finances and foreign ties of churches. What has been happening in Zhejiang is a test. Zhejiang (especially in Wenzhou) has a higher percentage of Christians than other places in China. We pray that rather than flaunting their wealth and accomplishments by the majestic church buildings they erect, they will remember the poor churches and the needs of God's kingdom.
星期二
越來越多中國人在結束海外的學習和工作時選擇返回國發展，在他們當中有一些在國外剛信主的新信徒。我們為這些曾在海外生活時能認識主又回歸祖國的中國人獻上感謝。求主賜給更多人能跟隨他們的腳踪， 選擇人生最美的祝福: 接受救恩、相信耶穌。
星期三
在國外信主的信徒們，有很好的機會可以和親朋好友分享他們剛建立的信仰，也讓親友看到他們生命中奇妙的改變。我們求主幫助他們在回國之前，能得到充足有效的屬靈裝備與訓練及紮實的門徒培訓，更是在返國後有神的智慧來面對種種的道德難題及挑戰。
星期四
在海外的教會待過一段時間的信徒，不少人回到國內往往會有一種比較的心態，相對於海外的教會，覺得國內教會很傳統、過度保守，很難接受新的做法。他們也很快地發現，他們許多“好心的建議”不被接受。求主賜下機會，讓回國的信徒能與家鄉的教會建立連結。也為在當地教會能接納他們、繼續在信仰中鼓勵他們的人禱告。
星期五
回國的新信徒他們懷念在海外教會的生活，面對中國生活中的種種限制，還有各樣的引誘及對基督信仰和聖經價值觀的挑戰，很難用「新人」的身分來調適現今中國的生活型態。求主賜給他們信心堅定，緊緊跟隨主；繼續學習聖經真理，靈命成長，甚而能向周遭的人分享他們的信心見證。
星期六
與中國教會比較，西方教會講究民主和透明度。從國外回來的新信徒需要時間來適應，尤其是信徒之間的表達方式，也不像一般國外團契的開放和熱絡。求主幫助這些返國的信徒能調整他們的期待，以更多的謙卑和不帶批判的心態融入國内的教會，除了繼續得著靈命的餵養，也能在新的屬靈的家有服侍。
星期日
回國的信徒一般沒有什麼大問題找到教會，但是能否能融入其中，而他們善意的建議要被接納卻不容易。我們為他們能樂于分享在海外教會的經驗，也鼓勵當地的教會有開放的心胸。求主賜給他們和教會領袖之間，彼此有更深的信任和友誼，視他們是注入神家裡的一份正向新資源。
星期一
目前雖然中國政府沒有在全國各地拆除十字架的跡象，但是地方政府將開始審查教堂等宗教機構的財政及其與國外的關係 。在浙江省，尢其是溫州，基督徒的比例比較高。我們為信徒不以教會的建築宏偉華麗，成為炫耀財富和成就來禱告。願主幫助我們，總是記念那些身處貧窮困苦的肢體，也不忘記神國的需要。
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Prayer Request 6/21 - 6/26
Tuesday
Removal of crosses on the churches in China began in 2014, when the officials abruptly announced plans to demolish a church in Wenzhou, saying it had not received the proper building permits. Then the government began issuing orders for churches across the Zhejiang province to remove their crosses. We know God is in control of all things. We pray that churches will be refined and revived by these adversities. May the will of God be done, His churches be strengthened and believers once again rely totally on God not on their own strength and wealth.
Wednesday
According to church members, officials put pressure on the most active members of the congregation. Some businessmen say their partners were pressured into canceling contracts with them. Others were told by their employers that they would lose their jobs if they continued to participate in protests. Unfortunately, much of the current policy toward Christianity can be traced back to the hostility toward religions during the Cultural Revolution. May the Lord have mercy on China, keeping His own people safe and give us faith that He has a great plan for the churches in China.
Thursday
The government of China said that it was enforcing building codes and that all structures had been affected, not just churches. The crosses have come down in waves, many local residents estimate the figure is now close to 1,700. Since 1978, Wenzhou churches have expanded as a result of the prosperity of believers and their willingness to give. We pray for churches in Wenzhou at this difficult time, so they will trust and depend on God alone giving all the glory to the Father, and continue to be the channel of blessing of many churches.
Friday
The numbers of crosses removed from churches died down in the end of 2015, but the local government is now making it clear that all of the crosses will be removed and unregistered churches appear vulnerable too. The demolition of Wenzhou churches (all are registered churches) gave ammunition to those who question the wisdom of registering with the government. We pray for His wisdom and unity for house churches who are considering registering and becoming open churches.
Saturday
Several pastors in Wenzhou region said they were under pressure to demonstrate their loyalty to the Communist Party. Some churches have begun Sunday preaching to promote “core socialist values” — a slogan meant to offer a secular belief system that bolsters the party’s legitimacy. As the number of Chinese Christians increases, the expectation of the society toward believers will also increase. We pray that Chinese Christians will no longer be marginalized socially, but instead, they will be more involved in society, and interact with society, becoming the light and salt of the nation.
Sunday
Some churches in Zhejiang have begun displaying their building permits, implicitly endorsing the government’s authority to approve or reject church construction, including crosses. Many express the sentiment that “we have to show that we are loyal Christians, or else we could face trouble.” We pray for our brothers and sisters, as they “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
Monday
While the government is unlikely to begin tearing down crosses across China,local authorities are expected to begin scrutinizing the finances and foreign ties of churches. What has been happening in Zhejiang is a test.Zhejiang (especially in Wenzhou) has a higher percentage of Christians than other places in China. We pray that rather than flaunting their wealth and accomplishments by the majestic church buildings they erect, they will remember the poor churches and the needs of God's kingdom.
星期二
2014年地方政府突然宣布計劃拆除溫州一座教堂，稱其未獲得相應的建築許可證。之後隨之而來的是大規模的全省教堂十字架拆除。我們知道萬事在神的掌管中，求主藉著這些困難和逆境，使神的家被煉淨，再次得著復興，唯願神的旨意成就，神的教會更強壯，信徒也更加依靠神。
星期三
某些信徒們表示政府近日常向活躍的教友施壓。一些基督徒商人也反應，他們的合作夥伴迫於壓力，取消了與他們簽訂的合同。也有一些人被僱主告知，如果他們不放棄參與”這些活動”，他們便會丟掉工作。文革前後政策造成的影響，使許多當代中國的精英缺少有關宗教的基本知識和宗教自由的基本常識。求主憐憫中國，以大能保守祂的教會，更仰望神的手親自成全祂自己的旨意。
星期四
浙江當局聲稱拆除教堂十字架只是執行建築規範，所有建築物都同受此規範，不僅限於教堂而已。據當地居民估計，政府已拆了接近1700個十字架。自1978年以來，教會的澎渤發展確實與溫州信徒的富裕和樂意奉獻大有關聯。我們為溫州教會禱告，求神幫助祂的兒女更多學習單一仰望主，將榮耀歸給父神，更叫他們的富裕繼續成為全國教會的祝福。
星期五
溫州拆十字架的風波雖然在2015年底平息了一陣子，但是當地政府已明確表示，所有十字架都要拆除，未登記的教會看來也無法倖免。拆十字架事件中， 所謂合法公開的教會十架也遭拆掉，使得曾打算「公開化」的家庭教會更疑惑不前。求神賜智慧給正考慮是否要註冊的家庭教會，使眾信徒能同心求問，教會不因此失去合一。
星期六
身處拆十字架風暴地區的多名牧者表示，他們面臨向黨表示忠誠的壓力。在某些教會裡，已經開始傳講「社會主義核心價值觀」的口號，增強共產黨的合法性。隨著中國基督徒人數的增加，社會對基督徒的期待也越來越高。我們為中國教會在社會上不再繼續地被邊緣化禱告，求主使用教會，為祂作光作鹽，成為祂祝福整個社會、國家的管道。
星期日
有些浙江教會開始展示教堂建築許可證，含蓄地認可政府批准或否決包括十字架在內的教堂建築的權力，「我們得表現出我們是向政府忠誠的基督徒，否則，我們就會遇到麻煩。」你們為主的緣故，要順服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王，或是君王所派罰惡賞善的臣宰（彼前 2：13-14）。我們在禱告中記念浙江的信徒們，堅信「神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。」
星期一
雖然中國政府不太可能馬上開始在全國各地拆除十字架，但是地方政府將開始審查教堂等宗教機構的財政及其與國外的關係 。在浙江省，尢其是溫州，基督徒的比例比較高。我們為信徒不以教會的建築宏偉華麗，成為炫耀財富和成就來禱告。願主幫助我們，總是記念那些身處貧窮困苦的肢體，不忘記神國的需要。
Removal of crosses on the churches in China began in 2014, when the officials abruptly announced plans to demolish a church in Wenzhou, saying it had not received the proper building permits. Then the government began issuing orders for churches across the Zhejiang province to remove their crosses. We know God is in control of all things. We pray that churches will be refined and revived by these adversities. May the will of God be done, His churches be strengthened and believers once again rely totally on God not on their own strength and wealth.
Wednesday
According to church members, officials put pressure on the most active members of the congregation. Some businessmen say their partners were pressured into canceling contracts with them. Others were told by their employers that they would lose their jobs if they continued to participate in protests. Unfortunately, much of the current policy toward Christianity can be traced back to the hostility toward religions during the Cultural Revolution. May the Lord have mercy on China, keeping His own people safe and give us faith that He has a great plan for the churches in China.
Thursday
The government of China said that it was enforcing building codes and that all structures had been affected, not just churches. The crosses have come down in waves, many local residents estimate the figure is now close to 1,700. Since 1978, Wenzhou churches have expanded as a result of the prosperity of believers and their willingness to give. We pray for churches in Wenzhou at this difficult time, so they will trust and depend on God alone giving all the glory to the Father, and continue to be the channel of blessing of many churches.
Friday
The numbers of crosses removed from churches died down in the end of 2015, but the local government is now making it clear that all of the crosses will be removed and unregistered churches appear vulnerable too. The demolition of Wenzhou churches (all are registered churches) gave ammunition to those who question the wisdom of registering with the government. We pray for His wisdom and unity for house churches who are considering registering and becoming open churches.
Saturday
Several pastors in Wenzhou region said they were under pressure to demonstrate their loyalty to the Communist Party. Some churches have begun Sunday preaching to promote “core socialist values” — a slogan meant to offer a secular belief system that bolsters the party’s legitimacy. As the number of Chinese Christians increases, the expectation of the society toward believers will also increase. We pray that Chinese Christians will no longer be marginalized socially, but instead, they will be more involved in society, and interact with society, becoming the light and salt of the nation.
Sunday
Some churches in Zhejiang have begun displaying their building permits, implicitly endorsing the government’s authority to approve or reject church construction, including crosses. Many express the sentiment that “we have to show that we are loyal Christians, or else we could face trouble.” We pray for our brothers and sisters, as they “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.” (1 Peter 2:13-14)
Monday
While the government is unlikely to begin tearing down crosses across China,local authorities are expected to begin scrutinizing the finances and foreign ties of churches. What has been happening in Zhejiang is a test.Zhejiang (especially in Wenzhou) has a higher percentage of Christians than other places in China. We pray that rather than flaunting their wealth and accomplishments by the majestic church buildings they erect, they will remember the poor churches and the needs of God's kingdom.
星期二
2014年地方政府突然宣布計劃拆除溫州一座教堂，稱其未獲得相應的建築許可證。之後隨之而來的是大規模的全省教堂十字架拆除。我們知道萬事在神的掌管中，求主藉著這些困難和逆境，使神的家被煉淨，再次得著復興，唯願神的旨意成就，神的教會更強壯，信徒也更加依靠神。
星期三
某些信徒們表示政府近日常向活躍的教友施壓。一些基督徒商人也反應，他們的合作夥伴迫於壓力，取消了與他們簽訂的合同。也有一些人被僱主告知，如果他們不放棄參與”這些活動”，他們便會丟掉工作。文革前後政策造成的影響，使許多當代中國的精英缺少有關宗教的基本知識和宗教自由的基本常識。求主憐憫中國，以大能保守祂的教會，更仰望神的手親自成全祂自己的旨意。
星期四
浙江當局聲稱拆除教堂十字架只是執行建築規範，所有建築物都同受此規範，不僅限於教堂而已。據當地居民估計，政府已拆了接近1700個十字架。自1978年以來，教會的澎渤發展確實與溫州信徒的富裕和樂意奉獻大有關聯。我們為溫州教會禱告，求神幫助祂的兒女更多學習單一仰望主，將榮耀歸給父神，更叫他們的富裕繼續成為全國教會的祝福。
星期五
溫州拆十字架的風波雖然在2015年底平息了一陣子，但是當地政府已明確表示，所有十字架都要拆除，未登記的教會看來也無法倖免。拆十字架事件中， 所謂合法公開的教會十架也遭拆掉，使得曾打算「公開化」的家庭教會更疑惑不前。求神賜智慧給正考慮是否要註冊的家庭教會，使眾信徒能同心求問，教會不因此失去合一。
星期六
身處拆十字架風暴地區的多名牧者表示，他們面臨向黨表示忠誠的壓力。在某些教會裡，已經開始傳講「社會主義核心價值觀」的口號，增強共產黨的合法性。隨著中國基督徒人數的增加，社會對基督徒的期待也越來越高。我們為中國教會在社會上不再繼續地被邊緣化禱告，求主使用教會，為祂作光作鹽，成為祂祝福整個社會、國家的管道。
星期日
有些浙江教會開始展示教堂建築許可證，含蓄地認可政府批准或否決包括十字架在內的教堂建築的權力，「我們得表現出我們是向政府忠誠的基督徒，否則，我們就會遇到麻煩。」你們為主的緣故，要順服人的一切制度，或是在上的君王，或是君王所派罰惡賞善的臣宰（彼前 2：13-14）。我們在禱告中記念浙江的信徒們，堅信「神是我們的避難所，是我們的力量，是我們在患難中隨時的幫助。」
星期一
雖然中國政府不太可能馬上開始在全國各地拆除十字架，但是地方政府將開始審查教堂等宗教機構的財政及其與國外的關係 。在浙江省，尢其是溫州，基督徒的比例比較高。我們為信徒不以教會的建築宏偉華麗，成為炫耀財富和成就來禱告。願主幫助我們，總是記念那些身處貧窮困苦的肢體，不忘記神國的需要。
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Prayer Request 6/14 - 6/20
Tuesday
A recent television ad rekindled the debate concerning whether Chinese are racists. The attitude of Chinese people toward other ethnicities is complicated but without doubt, Chinese people consider themselves superior in Asia.Many Chinese Christians hold the view that Chinese people are uniquely called and qualified to complete the world mission. It is our prayer that we know what the LORD requires of us. “To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)
Wednesday
The vast majority of Chinese will vehemently deny they are racially discriminating, but Chinese people refer to Africans as “black devils”, blurting out brazenly insults on other darker-skinned ethnic groups. Chinese Christians will consider sharing the gospel with only people they deem with a good work ethic or civilized. We pray for the removal of pride and prejudice from our churches and may the Lord and His grace humble us before Him.
Thursday
Chinese people are truly more open and blatant in their racial discrimination than Westerners. The vast majority of Chinese are afraid of black people, believing they carry infectious diseases and so on. Chinese Christians speak grandly of world mission but are in fact, reaching only Chinese abroad and not working cross-culturally. We pray for the fledgling effortsof missionaries sent by many Chinese churches.
Friday
When it comes to discrimination against darker-skinned races, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are all the same. They all prefer fair-skinned domestic helpers. When choosing English teachers, they all want white people with blond hair. We praise God for some churches and believers who are reaching out to hundreds of thousand of domestic helpers, sharing their churches or doing personal evangelism, especially to the growing numbers of Muslim domestic helpers.
Saturday
When describing other people groups, Chinese lack sensitivity. They will say, farmers are unsophisticated, Tibetans are dirty, Uighurs are thieves, Africans are ugly, even Southeast Asians are lazy people. We pray especially for urban churches, that the Lord will help them be willing to accept and invite the migrant workers from villages who live near their churches and above all, make them feel comfortable and loved likeathome.
Sunday
According to figures in 2011, there were only about 600,000 foreigners living in China, only a few are black and most are in Guangzhou as merchants. Only a very, very few Chinese have direct contact with black people. The official news purposely paints the human plight abroad negatively and reinforces Chinese pride. We pray that some churches in China will start to pray for the work and may the Lord soften the hearts of each of us and fill us with His compassion.
Monday
Cosmetic whitening products are very popular in Asia where being fair-skinned is considered beautiful. Chinese people feel that "being fair makes up for any ugliness". Chinese people have often equated people with darker skin as being lazy or having a lack of education. This kind of bias causes their evangelism to be selective and hurts their outreach efforts. We pray for changed hearts and that they truly understand God's unconditional love.
星期二
最近一個中國廣告，引起中國人是否有種族歧視的議題。中國人對種族的態度非常複雜，至少在亞洲，中國人認為他們的文化是最優越的。不少中國基督徒認為，神對中國人有獨特的呼召，是完成福音傳遍天下的最後一棒託付。求主幫助我們眞知道神的心意：只要你行公義，好憐憫，存謙卑的心，與你的神同行。(彌6：8)
星期三
雖然絕大多數的中國人會堅決否認自己有種族歧視，但是卻動輒以「黑鬼」來稱呼非洲人，或肆無忌憚地脫口攻擊其他深膚色人種。當分享福音時，信徒往往會先考慮對方是否努力工作或有否文化教養。求主挪去教會中存有的傲慢與偏見，立志謙卑在主面前事奉，不讓我們所有的自義阻擋了神國度的拓展。
星期四
中國百姓的種族歧視態度，事實上遠比西方人公開和明目張膽。再者，中國人對黑人還存在著恐懼心態，怕有傳染病等等。 信徒提到普世宣教往往會口沫橫飛，但實際上，所謂的 "國外"宣教，並不是跨文化，而僅是向旅外的同胞而已。求主恩待中國剛起步的宣教行動，尤其是差派華人的宣教士。
星期五
對深膚色人種的態度，兩岸三地的華人其實都一樣。在挑選外籍傭人，皮膚白的遠比皮膚黑的吃香；學習英文的老師，也是要求金髮白皮膚的。不少港台教會已經服事當地幾十萬的外籍勞工，尤其是家庭傭工們，感謝神，他們開放教會或做個人佈道，特別是向不斷增加的穆斯林勞工分享福音，求主繼續祝福他們的擺上。
星期六
當描述其他族裔時，中國人常常缺少敏感度，經常衝口而出什麼農村人素質差、西藏人髒、新疆人愛偷、非洲人醜陋，以及東南亞人懶惰等等。我們特別為中國城市教會禱告，願神賜他們樂意向身邊的農民工來分享神的愛，先是尊重與接納，再真誠邀請，讓他們能真實感受到教會是個充滿著神愛溫暖的家。
星期日
2011年約有六十萬外籍人士住在中國，當中有少數是黑人，大多數都是在廣州經商。只有少數中國人有與黑人直接相處的經驗。經政府審查過的電視節目裡，常刻意強調中國的優秀和外國人的短處或失敗。求主幫助中國至少有一些教會，開始為海外宣教禱告，在面對不同文化與膚色的人時，多有主的視野與恩慈、憐憫。
星期一
中國人的審美觀是「一白遮百醜」。美白產品在亞洲十分暢銷，在亞洲，白晳就是美。不少中國人刻板地認為深膚色一定是懶惰或沒受過太高教育，這種偏見實在大大減低了教會傳福音的果效。求主改變我們狹隘的心態，能體會明白神無條件愛世人的心腸，為主奪回失喪的靈魂。
A recent television ad rekindled the debate concerning whether Chinese are racists. The attitude of Chinese people toward other ethnicities is complicated but without doubt, Chinese people consider themselves superior in Asia.Many Chinese Christians hold the view that Chinese people are uniquely called and qualified to complete the world mission. It is our prayer that we know what the LORD requires of us. “To do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8)
Wednesday
The vast majority of Chinese will vehemently deny they are racially discriminating, but Chinese people refer to Africans as “black devils”, blurting out brazenly insults on other darker-skinned ethnic groups. Chinese Christians will consider sharing the gospel with only people they deem with a good work ethic or civilized. We pray for the removal of pride and prejudice from our churches and may the Lord and His grace humble us before Him.
Thursday
Chinese people are truly more open and blatant in their racial discrimination than Westerners. The vast majority of Chinese are afraid of black people, believing they carry infectious diseases and so on. Chinese Christians speak grandly of world mission but are in fact, reaching only Chinese abroad and not working cross-culturally. We pray for the fledgling effortsof missionaries sent by many Chinese churches.
Friday
When it comes to discrimination against darker-skinned races, China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are all the same. They all prefer fair-skinned domestic helpers. When choosing English teachers, they all want white people with blond hair. We praise God for some churches and believers who are reaching out to hundreds of thousand of domestic helpers, sharing their churches or doing personal evangelism, especially to the growing numbers of Muslim domestic helpers.
Saturday
When describing other people groups, Chinese lack sensitivity. They will say, farmers are unsophisticated, Tibetans are dirty, Uighurs are thieves, Africans are ugly, even Southeast Asians are lazy people. We pray especially for urban churches, that the Lord will help them be willing to accept and invite the migrant workers from villages who live near their churches and above all, make them feel comfortable and loved likeathome.
Sunday
According to figures in 2011, there were only about 600,000 foreigners living in China, only a few are black and most are in Guangzhou as merchants. Only a very, very few Chinese have direct contact with black people. The official news purposely paints the human plight abroad negatively and reinforces Chinese pride. We pray that some churches in China will start to pray for the work and may the Lord soften the hearts of each of us and fill us with His compassion.
Monday
Cosmetic whitening products are very popular in Asia where being fair-skinned is considered beautiful. Chinese people feel that "being fair makes up for any ugliness". Chinese people have often equated people with darker skin as being lazy or having a lack of education. This kind of bias causes their evangelism to be selective and hurts their outreach efforts. We pray for changed hearts and that they truly understand God's unconditional love.
星期二
最近一個中國廣告，引起中國人是否有種族歧視的議題。中國人對種族的態度非常複雜，至少在亞洲，中國人認為他們的文化是最優越的。不少中國基督徒認為，神對中國人有獨特的呼召，是完成福音傳遍天下的最後一棒託付。求主幫助我們眞知道神的心意：只要你行公義，好憐憫，存謙卑的心，與你的神同行。(彌6：8)
星期三
雖然絕大多數的中國人會堅決否認自己有種族歧視，但是卻動輒以「黑鬼」來稱呼非洲人，或肆無忌憚地脫口攻擊其他深膚色人種。當分享福音時，信徒往往會先考慮對方是否努力工作或有否文化教養。求主挪去教會中存有的傲慢與偏見，立志謙卑在主面前事奉，不讓我們所有的自義阻擋了神國度的拓展。
星期四
中國百姓的種族歧視態度，事實上遠比西方人公開和明目張膽。再者，中國人對黑人還存在著恐懼心態，怕有傳染病等等。 信徒提到普世宣教往往會口沫橫飛，但實際上，所謂的 "國外"宣教，並不是跨文化，而僅是向旅外的同胞而已。求主恩待中國剛起步的宣教行動，尤其是差派華人的宣教士。
星期五
對深膚色人種的態度，兩岸三地的華人其實都一樣。在挑選外籍傭人，皮膚白的遠比皮膚黑的吃香；學習英文的老師，也是要求金髮白皮膚的。不少港台教會已經服事當地幾十萬的外籍勞工，尤其是家庭傭工們，感謝神，他們開放教會或做個人佈道，特別是向不斷增加的穆斯林勞工分享福音，求主繼續祝福他們的擺上。
星期六
當描述其他族裔時，中國人常常缺少敏感度，經常衝口而出什麼農村人素質差、西藏人髒、新疆人愛偷、非洲人醜陋，以及東南亞人懶惰等等。我們特別為中國城市教會禱告，願神賜他們樂意向身邊的農民工來分享神的愛，先是尊重與接納，再真誠邀請，讓他們能真實感受到教會是個充滿著神愛溫暖的家。
星期日
2011年約有六十萬外籍人士住在中國，當中有少數是黑人，大多數都是在廣州經商。只有少數中國人有與黑人直接相處的經驗。經政府審查過的電視節目裡，常刻意強調中國的優秀和外國人的短處或失敗。求主幫助中國至少有一些教會，開始為海外宣教禱告，在面對不同文化與膚色的人時，多有主的視野與恩慈、憐憫。
星期一
中國人的審美觀是「一白遮百醜」。美白產品在亞洲十分暢銷，在亞洲，白晳就是美。不少中國人刻板地認為深膚色一定是懶惰或沒受過太高教育，這種偏見實在大大減低了教會傳福音的果效。求主改變我們狹隘的心態，能體會明白神無條件愛世人的心腸，為主奪回失喪的靈魂。
Tuesday, June 07, 2016
Prayer Request 6/7 - 6/13
Tuesday
Over the past two years, authorities in China’s Zhejiang Province have torn down crosses from 1,200 to 1,700 churches, sometimes after violent clashes with worshipers trying to stop them. Many Christians felt disappointed but they were afraid of resisting because of possible retaliation by the authorities, so they chose to be silent. Let us remember them, especially the believers in Zhejiang in our prayer.
Wednesday
The cross-removal campaign has thus far been limited to Zhejiang Province, home to one of China’s largest and most vibrant Christian populations. But people familiar with the government’s deliberations say this may set the stage for a new, nationwide effort to more strictly regulate Christianity. The new leadership in China wants to have tighter control of the society. As believers, we should redouble our effort to pray for churches and believers in China. May the Lord give us all a fresh sense of urgency to preach the Word and share the gospel, even in times of persecution.
Thursday
The newest Chinese religious policy, urges the ruling Communist Party to “resolutely guard against overseas infiltrations via religious means,” and warned that religions in China must “Sinicize,” or become Chinese. Many churches have strong ties with churches abroad. In these days of uncertainty for Christians and their churches, we pray for safety and effective ministries for all who have ties with churches abroad or are receiving assistance from overseas.
Friday
The government in China has long feared that Christianity would undermine the authority of the Party. Many of the lawyers for human rights in China are Christians and many dissidents have said they are influenced by the idea that rights are God-given. Many Christians do admire the boldness of those who champion for those wrongly imprisoned, but they are ambivalent themselves as to whether to be vocal or silent. May the Lord give us boldness to share our faith. We pray for safety for those who speak loudly of their strong conviction for justice.
Saturday
In recent decades, the Communist Party had tolerated a religious renaissance in China, allowing most Chinese to worship as they choose and even encouraging the construction of churches, mosques and temples, despite regular crackdowns on unregistered congregations. Recent crackdowns on churches confirmed the government's view of Christianity as a foreign religion. To change that “foreign” perception, we must pray that believers in China can have a powerful and constant testimony to their friends and families and even in their communities.
Sunday
It is estimated that there are now about 60 million Christians in China. Many attend churches registered with the government, but at least half worship in unregistered churches, often with local authorities looking the other way. Many of the congregations in house churches in China are still debating whether to become legal by registering with the government. We pray for all of those who are struggling with this decision that the Lord gives them wisdom and a vision for their ministries.
Monday
Many Christians in Zhejiang Province thought that since they had had no problems with the authorities for years their churches were welcomed by the government. The prosperity and relative tolerance of the past thirty years gave a false impression that Beijing welcomed all Christian churches. We thank the Lord for the growth of churches in Zhejiang in numbers of believers and also church buildings. We know it is for God’s glory and He will protect His church and believers even in this time of darkness.
星期二
浙江當局過去兩年拆除了約1200到1700所教堂上的十字架。有時由於教徒試圖阻止拆除十字架，還發生了暴力衝突。許多基督徒雖感到沮喪和無奈，但擔憂反抗會帶來報復，只好保持沉默。我們要在禱告中記念他們，尤其是面臨壓力的浙江眾信徒，求主親自保守、堅固他們。
星期三
雖然拆除十字架的運動只限於浙江省 (這是中國最大、最有活力的基督教信徒群體之一)，但有些人士認為這些舉動實為將來全國性的宗教管制作準備。中國新一代領導要更嚴格掌控社會。求主常提醒我們，應該更加倍為中國教會和信徒禱告。「不是倚靠勢力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠我的靈方能成事」。又求主賜我們把握機會廣傳神的真道，在迫害中仍保有喜樂的靈與傳福音的迫切感。
星期四
最新的宗教政策是「堅決抵禦境外利用宗教進行滲透」，要宗教必須「中國化」，也就是說要變成純粹中國的東西。許多中國教會與國外的教會關係密切。在這政策改變的日子，信徒和教會與國外的關係必定會受影響。我們為接受海外支援的教會祈求，願主保守他們的事工不致停頓，並持守真理「靈巧像蛇」，有智慧作出適切的調整。
星期五
政府長期以來擔憂基督教會削弱黨的權威：許多中國人權律師是基督教徒；好些異議人士亦表示自己是受 "上帝賜予普世人基本權利"這一思想的影響。 許多基督徒欣賞那些有勇氣為無辜受害者說話的人，但他們卻不知道自己是否應表態或沉默接受現實。求主除去我們膽怯的心，趁著白日多作主工，更是為那些有膽量為正義說話的人，求神的憐憫和保守。
星期六
共產黨近幾十年來容忍了中國的宗教復興風潮。政府雖然對未註冊的教會進行經常性的打擊，但仍允許大多數中國人按照自己的選擇做禮拜，甚至曾鼓勵過教堂、清真寺和寺廟的營建。最近的十字架拆除措施，讓人覺得政府對基督教仍持有是" 外來宗教"的看法。求主改變中國人這種根深蒂固的偏見，更賜信徒有美好的見證，先從自己的家人和朋友切實做起，然後能更深入自己的社區。
星期日
據估中國目前約有六千萬基督徒。許多是加入了在政府登記註冊的教會，但至少有一半基督徒仍在未曾登記註冊過的教會聚會，地方政府對此往往睜一眼閉一眼。許多會眾仍在為是否要通過向政府註冊成為合法教會而議論著利與弊。我們求主賜他們智慧權衡得失，更是有擴展事工的異象與策略。
星期一
許多浙江基督徒以為「多年來，我們與當局相處沒有問題，政府也歡迎我們的教堂。」。過去30年的經濟繁榮和政府沒有太多的干涉，給了他們錯誤的印象，以為政府不再干涉教會。我們要為多年浙江信徒人數增加、靈命不斷成長，以及教堂建築堂皇而感恩，願將一切榮耀歸給祂！也深信主的旨意不會被攔阻，神必會保守祂自己的教會，在黑暗的日子裡，眷顧祂所愛的羊群。
Over the past two years, authorities in China’s Zhejiang Province have torn down crosses from 1,200 to 1,700 churches, sometimes after violent clashes with worshipers trying to stop them. Many Christians felt disappointed but they were afraid of resisting because of possible retaliation by the authorities, so they chose to be silent. Let us remember them, especially the believers in Zhejiang in our prayer.
Wednesday
The cross-removal campaign has thus far been limited to Zhejiang Province, home to one of China’s largest and most vibrant Christian populations. But people familiar with the government’s deliberations say this may set the stage for a new, nationwide effort to more strictly regulate Christianity. The new leadership in China wants to have tighter control of the society. As believers, we should redouble our effort to pray for churches and believers in China. May the Lord give us all a fresh sense of urgency to preach the Word and share the gospel, even in times of persecution.
Thursday
The newest Chinese religious policy, urges the ruling Communist Party to “resolutely guard against overseas infiltrations via religious means,” and warned that religions in China must “Sinicize,” or become Chinese. Many churches have strong ties with churches abroad. In these days of uncertainty for Christians and their churches, we pray for safety and effective ministries for all who have ties with churches abroad or are receiving assistance from overseas.
Friday
The government in China has long feared that Christianity would undermine the authority of the Party. Many of the lawyers for human rights in China are Christians and many dissidents have said they are influenced by the idea that rights are God-given. Many Christians do admire the boldness of those who champion for those wrongly imprisoned, but they are ambivalent themselves as to whether to be vocal or silent. May the Lord give us boldness to share our faith. We pray for safety for those who speak loudly of their strong conviction for justice.
Saturday
In recent decades, the Communist Party had tolerated a religious renaissance in China, allowing most Chinese to worship as they choose and even encouraging the construction of churches, mosques and temples, despite regular crackdowns on unregistered congregations. Recent crackdowns on churches confirmed the government's view of Christianity as a foreign religion. To change that “foreign” perception, we must pray that believers in China can have a powerful and constant testimony to their friends and families and even in their communities.
Sunday
It is estimated that there are now about 60 million Christians in China. Many attend churches registered with the government, but at least half worship in unregistered churches, often with local authorities looking the other way. Many of the congregations in house churches in China are still debating whether to become legal by registering with the government. We pray for all of those who are struggling with this decision that the Lord gives them wisdom and a vision for their ministries.
Monday
Many Christians in Zhejiang Province thought that since they had had no problems with the authorities for years their churches were welcomed by the government. The prosperity and relative tolerance of the past thirty years gave a false impression that Beijing welcomed all Christian churches. We thank the Lord for the growth of churches in Zhejiang in numbers of believers and also church buildings. We know it is for God’s glory and He will protect His church and believers even in this time of darkness.
星期二
浙江當局過去兩年拆除了約1200到1700所教堂上的十字架。有時由於教徒試圖阻止拆除十字架，還發生了暴力衝突。許多基督徒雖感到沮喪和無奈，但擔憂反抗會帶來報復，只好保持沉默。我們要在禱告中記念他們，尤其是面臨壓力的浙江眾信徒，求主親自保守、堅固他們。
星期三
雖然拆除十字架的運動只限於浙江省 (這是中國最大、最有活力的基督教信徒群體之一)，但有些人士認為這些舉動實為將來全國性的宗教管制作準備。中國新一代領導要更嚴格掌控社會。求主常提醒我們，應該更加倍為中國教會和信徒禱告。「不是倚靠勢力，不是倚靠才能，乃是倚靠我的靈方能成事」。又求主賜我們把握機會廣傳神的真道，在迫害中仍保有喜樂的靈與傳福音的迫切感。
星期四
最新的宗教政策是「堅決抵禦境外利用宗教進行滲透」，要宗教必須「中國化」，也就是說要變成純粹中國的東西。許多中國教會與國外的教會關係密切。在這政策改變的日子，信徒和教會與國外的關係必定會受影響。我們為接受海外支援的教會祈求，願主保守他們的事工不致停頓，並持守真理「靈巧像蛇」，有智慧作出適切的調整。
星期五
政府長期以來擔憂基督教會削弱黨的權威：許多中國人權律師是基督教徒；好些異議人士亦表示自己是受 "上帝賜予普世人基本權利"這一思想的影響。 許多基督徒欣賞那些有勇氣為無辜受害者說話的人，但他們卻不知道自己是否應表態或沉默接受現實。求主除去我們膽怯的心，趁著白日多作主工，更是為那些有膽量為正義說話的人，求神的憐憫和保守。
星期六
共產黨近幾十年來容忍了中國的宗教復興風潮。政府雖然對未註冊的教會進行經常性的打擊，但仍允許大多數中國人按照自己的選擇做禮拜，甚至曾鼓勵過教堂、清真寺和寺廟的營建。最近的十字架拆除措施，讓人覺得政府對基督教仍持有是" 外來宗教"的看法。求主改變中國人這種根深蒂固的偏見，更賜信徒有美好的見證，先從自己的家人和朋友切實做起，然後能更深入自己的社區。
星期日
據估中國目前約有六千萬基督徒。許多是加入了在政府登記註冊的教會，但至少有一半基督徒仍在未曾登記註冊過的教會聚會，地方政府對此往往睜一眼閉一眼。許多會眾仍在為是否要通過向政府註冊成為合法教會而議論著利與弊。我們求主賜他們智慧權衡得失，更是有擴展事工的異象與策略。
星期一
許多浙江基督徒以為「多年來，我們與當局相處沒有問題，政府也歡迎我們的教堂。」。過去30年的經濟繁榮和政府沒有太多的干涉，給了他們錯誤的印象，以為政府不再干涉教會。我們要為多年浙江信徒人數增加、靈命不斷成長，以及教堂建築堂皇而感恩，願將一切榮耀歸給祂！也深信主的旨意不會被攔阻，神必會保守祂自己的教會，在黑暗的日子裡，眷顧祂所愛的羊群。
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