Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Prayer Request 7/26 - 8/1

Tuesday
The living standard in both urban and rural churches in China has greatly improved. However, when it comes to spiritual growth, the giving of offerings and attendance at Bible courses there has been a weakening or even a lukewarm spirit in many.​ May the Lord guard His churches from the onslaught of materialism and affluence. May God help us each one to have a steadfast love for Him and never stop caring for the poor, weak and small churches.
Wednesday
House churches in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces are greatly influenced by Shanghai churches. In terms of church administration and governance, churches have adopted the “federation model”, meaning their churches are usually tightly banded. ​We pray that all pastors will have the heart of both a servant and a shepherd so they will be truly humble and exude the fragrance of our Lord, not just enjoy the respect others of others and expect it.
Thursday
Those who serve in churches, seminaries, and Bible schools in China receive little compensation. In second or third tier cities monthly wages are often less than $500 USD, but in the villages it can be as low as $150 USD or even less. We pray that Christians in China will value their pastors and care for the needs of their families so they can serve without worry or anxiety. "Nevertheless, the one who receives​ instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." (Gal.6:6 NIV)
Friday
In the impoverished provinces, believers still hold the idea that "poverty makes better pastors, so they will have more faith". Many churches spend on building, rather than increase ​the ​pastor's wage. ​Pastors are very busy serving in the church and often neglect their family time. We pray for God to bless them with a healthy family life, especially in the​ ​areas of marriage and parent-child relationship.​
Saturday
Pastors often feel guilt and shame along with the conflicting feeling of gratification​ when their children gain admission to a university because they know they are not able to afford the huge financial burden which that causes (tuition, board and room cost $3000. US yearly. )We pray that pastors will have faith knowing God will bless their children because they are following God's plan themselves. We pray that children of the pastors will also know that the Lord will provide for their needs because they are blessed.
Sunday
Many Chinese pastors or Bible teachers tend to focus only on the exposition of Bible, neglecting the application. They often do not incorporate real life applications in their sermon preparation. Imbalance of Biblical knowledge and application is evident among many Chinese believers. We pray that our faith is not merely knowledge but a transforming power of the Spirit that set​s​ us apart for His sake.
Monday
​Pastors in China tend to give the standard answer of "Have faith in God" whenever anyone (including themselves) struggles with doubts and​ questions. This answer has limited value. We pray that pastors will get training that will help them to observe, think, and make application from the Bible. May the Lord grant them sincerity and boldness to share their inadequacies and failure with those who struggle.


星期二
如今的教會,不論農村教會還是城市教會,越是生活富足,在信心、奉獻,聖經學習等各個方面上,就越看到長進。「軟弱」或「不冷不熱」成了教會常用的形容詞。 求主幫助我們,保守信徒在物質豐富的環境中,仍能持守對神的愛,不停止關心那些貧困的肢體和弱小的教會。
星期三
江浙一帶深受上海影響,地方性聯邦制雛形的“家庭教會”發展很普遍,在這些地區,教會彼此中有很密切的聯絡。我們為教會領袖們有愛群羊的心志禱告,不但如此也有僕人的心志,不只是喜愛被人尊重,而是真有謙卑,流露主的香氣。
星期四
在中國教會、神學院或聖經學校服事的牧人,金錢上的供應向來甚少,在大城市或許好一點,在二、三線地區則往往是每月在二、三千元以下,而在農村更少於一千元,甚至沒有。求主教導及提醒中國的信徒,教會與工人不是僱傭關係,「在道理上受教的,當把一切需用的供給施教的人。」(加6:6)
星期五
在一些偏遠省份,信徒仍存著牧者要刻苦服侍、鍛鍊心志的觀念,也有些教會寧花錢在建築物上而不支持牧者的生活需要,叫牧者的生活捉襟見肘。 牧者日復一日地忙於牧養服事,常犧牲了照顧家庭的時間,求主賜福牧者的家庭,額外恩待牧者的婚姻及親子關係能持續地健康成長。
星期六
若傳道人的子女考上大學,也不知是喜是悲,因為未必能支付龐大的學費(每年學費、宿費及生活費合需人民幣20,000元),讓他們深感對子女的虧欠。求主加添傳道人信心,知道神不虧待義人的後代,也叫傳道人的子女有同樣的信靠,深知自己是蒙福的,他們的一生在神手裡。
星期日
許多中國牧者或聖經老師在帶領查經時,只著重經文的解釋,卻忽略經文的生活應用,把當中的教導與實際處境分割。信徒在聖經知識與應用上常常失衡,求主幫助我們不要停留在頭腦上的知識,乃是擁有聖靈改造生命的力量,能靠主在這彎曲悖謬的世代中分別為聖。
星期一
許多中國傳道人面對信徒(甚至自己)遇上疑惑、困擾或掙扎時,往往只能提供「我們應對神有信心」的「標準答案」,這種回應未免過於籠統,對於靈命成長和信心突破的幫助有限。求主裝備牧者,使他們能善於觀察、思考和投入神的話語中,又賜他們真誠和膽量,勇於分享自己靠主在失敗中站起來的見證,讓人知道我們都是蒙恩的罪人,需要主耶穌天天來扶持。

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Prayer Request 7/19 - 7/25

Tuesday
Believers in China can roughly be divided into these four groups. The first is the so-called "submitting" type. These churches are more readily accepting of the political realities and official mandates. They insist that the Bible teaches us to submit to those who lord over over us. Let us pray for favor for all churches in the eyes of the officials, the police, and those in charge of religious affairs.
Wednesday
A second major category of Christians in China is those who choose to be "low-profile". They see evangelism as the greatest mission, they would rather merely preach the Word of God and stay out of the politics. Let us pray particularly for churches that choose to be low-profile. May the Lord strengthen their leaders with a strong bond of fellowship and joy in training a new generation of leaders​ to continue their ministries as they preach what the Bible teaches.
Thursday
The “low-profile” Christians in China believe strongly that only the gospel of Jesus can change people and society but they prefer not to become involved in politics and even refuse to dialogue with the officials. It is too common that believers become comfortable, complacent and forget totally about sharing the Good news of Jesus. We pray that all Chinese believers will have the fervor to share Jesus Christ with their neighbors.
Friday
The so-called "constructive" type of believers in China ​are more likely involved in relief work, rural community health care, and outreach to families through education as well as their regular evangelistic efforts as a church than the other groups. We pray that this group of believers will lead the churches of China forward in the coming years so that people can see the love of God for them and Christians will also have more love for their neighbors.
Saturday
The so-called "constructive" type of Chinese believers, they are most likely involved in relief, rural community health care, and outreach to families through education in addition to the evangelistic efforts of a regular church. May the Lord give us more believers who are willing to live out their faith and be light and salt in the earth.
Sunday
The fourth category of Christians in China are the "prophetic" type who strongly believe that change is not in the heart​ alone but that social and political systems must also change. We commit them into God's hand and pray for wisdom knowing that God is in control and He will give us His wisdom.
Monday
The so-called "prophetic" type of Chinese Christians are also the ones who are most frustrated with ​the ​status quo. They want to see change quickly. ​We lift up our brothers and sisters who feel frustrated that​ there are few changes in the national policy toward religion and faith or that they are slow in coming. We pray for patience for them so they will look to God and see His hands move in mighty ways.


星期二
在中國的基督徒大致可歸納為四種類型,第一類屬「順服派」。他們堅持遵行聖經提到「順服在上掌權者」的看法,非常能接受現今的中國政治實況及謹守官方明文規定。我們來為眾教會禱告:願主因信徒認真執著於主的教導,而使他們在官員、警察和統管宗教事務的相關人員面前蒙恩。
星期三
第二類的中國基督徒是「低調派」。他們強調信徒最大的使命就是傳福音,選擇單單傳講神的話語,不討論政治。讓我們繼續為這些選擇低調行事的教會禱告:願神堅固教會的領袖,在傳講聖經的同時,能與年輕肢體們保持緊密的聯繫,更是樂意培育、裝備他們接棒作主事工。
星期四
所謂「低調派」的基督徒,他們相信惟獨福音能改變人心和社會,故不願太多參與政治,甚或拒絕與官員對話。有一種很普遍的現象,就是信徒一旦生活舒適,追求享受,就很容易忘記要與他人分享主耶穌的好消息。求主再次點燃中國信徒傳福音的熱情,提醒我們更積極與鄰舍分享真正能使人豐盛的救恩。
星期五
第三類的基督徒是「建設派」。他們較多來自城市教會,認為基督徒必須參與社會並與社區保持聯繫。他們勇於投入各項災難救援、社區健衛計劃,企圖透過教育方式和經常的教會活動來傳揚福音,影響區內各個家庭。我們祈求神引領「建設派」的信徒,以愛鄰舍的好生活見證,帶動中國教會邁步向前,建立明日愛神、愛人的蒙福社會。
星期六
「建設派」的基督徒,除積極傳福音外,更以參與賑災、扶貧和農村社區醫療工作,並透過教育工作接觸家庭,向人們傳福音。他們認為這是神的心意,是教會在社區中的重要使命。願神感動更多屬祂的兒女,有能力活出信仰,在世界作鹽作光,以廣傳神的救恩和流通恩慈為人生的最高目標。
星期日
第四類中國基督徒是屬「先知派」。他們強調:信徒不能單靠改變人心來處理社會的問題,更要著重改變人的價值觀和政治制度,才能達到和諧、蒙神喜悅的社會。我們將這類基督徒交託在主手中,並為他們禱告:求神管理他們的心,賜下智慧與信心,認定祂是所有智慧的源頭,昨日、今日、未來祂一直掌權。
星期一
屬「先知派」的中國基督徒在面對現今的世代時,往往感到沮喪,因為他們希望改變得更快。而在現實環境中,他們碰釘的機會也必然最多。我們來為那些因國家宗教政策改革進度緩慢而感到灰心的信徒祈求。求主恩待他們,賜給他們多有耐心,學習更多禱告仰望神的手作工。因為神的手總是以奇妙的方式和美善的策略引領著世界。

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Prayer Request 7/12 - 7/18

Tuesday
Since July 2009 there have been fourteen cults posted on the government website in China and their leaders are under arrest.​ There are other cults not listed officially but they are real and dangerous. Beijing actively suppresses the activities of cults and arrests their leaders. Cults are moving away from the villages to the smaller and mid-size cities. Their members often infiltrate a church by volunteering to visit members. We pray for alertness and wisdom for all churches to safeguard their sheep.
Wednesday
On the surface, it is good that the​ Chinese government has turned actively against cults, but the heavy-handed approach endangers some legitimate churches when government officials confuse the house churches with the cults. We pray specifically for those orthodox churches that are caught up in the government's sweep of cults that God will have mercy on them and strengthen them to boldly and lovingly share the gospel. May the Lord bless them with much fruit.​
Thursday
Because of the low level of education of the people in villages in China, cults are rampant there. Few farmers are literate enough to read the Bible so they lack spiritual knowledge and discernment making them easy prey for the cults.​ ​Many believers in rural areas are passionate but naïve and lack spiritual discernment. We pray for wise and capable spiritual leaders who are discerning and will protect these believers from false teachers who devour the weak sheep like raving wolves.​
Friday
People who live in the countryside in China lack doctors and medicine. Their level of spiritual attainment is also rather rudimentary. They seek healing and search for happiness and more money. There is really no spiritual depth or understanding of God. We pray for the mighty protection of the Holy Spirit for believers in these rural areas.​ May the Lord give them depth and a solid foundation in their faith as well as more teachers to help them discern what is false and what is true.
Saturday
In China many of the believers in rural areas do not have a real understanding of God. They accept any superstitious way of thinking that comes along and are easily drawn into it. A dire shortage of good pastors allows false teachers to lure unsuspecting believers into all sorts of heresies. Naive believers are often attracted to the cults because the members of those cults are very fervent, caring, and sharing. We pray that churches will be especially diligent in protecting their sheep and that they​ will teach them how to discern between cults and the truth.
Sunday
While the false and extreme teachings of cults are ravaging rural churches in China, in the big cities, foreign cults are stealing young and innocent believers from the urban churches. We pray for God's mercy for all the churches there. May the Lord raise up more spiritual watchmen who will stand in the gap by praying for young believers, alerting them to the danger, and warning them to flee from the deceptive practices of these cults.
Monday
Churches in China are facing a new wave of attacks from cults coming from North America. Their propagators are clean cut and polite so they attract young people by visiting their homes and conducting English classes in the big cities. We pray for spiritual alertness for all believers and for the calling of more prayer sentries. May the Lord protect and be merciful to all of those in urban churches. ​


星期二
14個中國官方指名的邪教從2009 七月在官方網站上公佈後,也抓捕他們的領袖。但還有其他沒名列其中,但真實存在且極具危險性的邪教存在。異端已經明顯地轉移陣地開展到中小城市,他們的成員往往熱心投入教會關懷事工,藉探訪信徒贏得人心。求主保守城市信徒不落入他們的詭祕計俩,而教會領袖也有智慧多有警戒,守護羊群平安。
星期三
政府積極對付邪教,似乎是有助與正統教會,但是當政府官員把家庭教會和邪教混為一談時,就會危及教會。我們特別為那些無端遭遇逼迫,聚會受到影響的家庭教會禱告。求主恩待他們,不灰心,更是愛主,滿有傳福音的火熱;願神賜福他們的事工滿得果效。
星期四
異端邪教在農村猖狂橫行,最大的原因是鄉村的基督徒教育程度低落。沒有多少人認得字,可以閱讀聖經。也因缺少屬靈知識,對真正的信仰真理認識不足,很容易受蠱令他們走上岐途。農村的弟兄姐妹在思想上比較單純,熱情但缺少真理上的辨別力,求主保護他們,差遣有智慧善於分辨真假的屬靈長輩,能教導他們免得被豺狼吞吃。
星期五
鄉村地區普遍缺乏醫生和醫藥資源。許多信徒所追求的,或說他們的信心,只是追求病痛得癒,生活快樂和有更多錢財,根本沒有屬靈根基和對神的正確認識。求聖靈用大能保護農村家庭教會​​的眾弟兄姐妹,叫他們在真理上有根有基,預備人來教導他們,並賜下分辨諸靈的恩賜。
星期六
農村地區信徒往往辨別知識缺乏,一旦迷信思想的破罗口出現,就易落入引誘。農村也缺少能分辨真理的牧者,導致假先知有機會引誘信徒進入異端。無知的信徒常被異端的親切與傳教的熱心所吸引。求主保守眾教會,警醒地看守羊群,教導信徒如何辨別異端,小心披著羊皮的惡狼混入。
星期日
農村教會飽受異端邪教的侵襲,使得教會發展艱難。在大城市裡,來自外國的異端,也在年輕人群中做攪擾混亂的工作,吸引天真無知的信徒誤入歧途。願神大大憐憫中國教會,興起更多能為眾教會守望,站立在破口的禱告勇士,呼喊年輕信徒不被異端各樣的虛假所欺騙。
星期一
中國的教會正面對新一波挑戰,來自北美的「洋」異端在國内各地大肆發展。他們衣著乾淨整齊、擧止文明,站在城市街頭發放傳單或在小區拜訪,吸引不少人去參加他們的英文學習班及聚會。求主提昇我們屬靈的警覺度,能竭力保守真道;又願更多信徒成為禱告的精兵,同心求主憐憫和保守中國的城市教會。

Tuesday, July 05, 2016

Prayer Request 7/5 - 7/11

Tuesday
Traffic accidents are common in China, with more than 250,000 traffic related deaths yearly. Long-distance buses are popular as a cheap way of travelling between cities. Competition between bus firms can be fierce, but there are plenty of safety concerns. Many church workers must travel between meeting points far away or in other provinces. We pray for those who travel frequently, not only for their physical safety but also protection from all temptations.
Wednesday
Cults are particularly active on​ college campuses in China where students lack Biblical and theological understanding and are easily led astray. Some cults are very aggressive, well-trained, and good in recruiting students. ​Most​ campus fellowship groups do not cross paths with each other because there is competition involved but cults exploit these gaps in communication and steal new Christians from them. We pray that campus ministries will evaluate their strategies and co-operate to keep the cults away from the young people.
Thursday
Cults among college students have mushroomed, ​ and​ they have branches on​ different campuses. Their expansion and growth build on their appeal to students. Urban churches must be alarmed and warn their young people. Some students with a ​church background believe falsely they are with ​an ​orthodox church group but are actually ​in ​cults. We must pray that churches will teach their youth how to discern ​which groups are ​cults and not become their victims.
Friday
Trafficking of children has a long history in China,​ so​ it is often not seen as a crime but rather a tradition. We pray for the protection of children across the country and ​that​ churches will really focus on the spiritual health of the little ones. We pray for a change in the attitude that enables child trafficking. May the Lord raise up more churches who will speak against such evil.
Saturday
Child trafficking has become a major concern in China, as traffickers seek to profit off from​ a growing demand for healthy babies from potential adoptive parents in China and beyond. We thank the Lord for believers who are involved in orphanages and caring for​ handicapped children. The Lord sustain their strength, add to them the love of Jesus Christ and provide all the resources they need.
Sunday
Whenever a city in China open​s​ up a safe-harbor to accept abandoned babies, it invariably quickly shuts​ down, because so many parents drop off their unwanted babies and overwhelm the system. ​ The most common reason parents leave their babies is that they are too poor to pay for their medical care when they get sick.​ We pray for the needs​ of all the orphanages​ run by Christians or churches. May the​ Lord richly reward them because what they have done is for Jesus Christ Himself.
Monday
Many rural believers fall ​victim to cults because they know little of what they believe and there is a dearth of well-qualified church leaders​ who can discern orthodoxy. So many churches have been destroyed by cults, and even their leadership kidnapped. We must pray for all the believers trapped in cults,​ that​ the Lord ​will ​lead them out of their captivity, and ​they will ​be free again in the Truth.


星期二
中國一年有25萬人死於道路交通事故。長途大巴士因為費用相對便宜,是很受歡迎的交通方式。但巴士公司之間的競爭激烈,也常有車禍傷亡。許多傳道人需要常常出門往返於遠距離的聚會點,甚至穿梭在不同城市服事。求主保守他們的腳步,賜給他們出入交通的安全,更是保守他們的心思意念,免受各樣的試探和引誘。
星期三
異端在中國校園中非常活躍,且他們訓練有素,積極地接觸學生群,甚至比基督徒還要火熱。學生普遍地對聖經真理陌生,神學知識匱乏,很容易被迷惑。由於各校園的事工往往互不聯絡,甚至彼此搶羊,因而造成異端趁機而入,吸引剛信主的學生走岔。求主保守各地校園的事工,能在防備異端上多有反省及合作,不讓披羊皮的狼得逞。
星期四
異端在大學生群體中發展急速,許多城市的大學已有分支,他們的發展模式較有迷惑性,這是值得城市教會警惕的地方。有來自基督教家庭的大學生誤以為參加正統團契活動,卻不知已落入異端中。求主幫助眾教會牧者和領袖,積極教導信徒分辨似是而非的謊假信仰,特別幫助年輕信徒打穩真道根基,免受迷惑。
星期五
長久以來一直存在著兒童被誘拐、當做商品出售的現象,綁架和販賣兒童在中國是積弊多年的問題。求主保護中國的孩童,教會更是要關心小孩子的靈命成長。也求主改變人們默視社會上持續發生走私兒童事件的心態,願更多教會積極出聲,強烈反對如此敗行。
星期六
兒童走私已經成為嚴重的社會問題。走私者能夠藉此牟利,全因在國內外均有巿場,越來越多有能力認養孩童的父母需要健康的嬰兒。感謝神,感動一些基督徒參與孤兒院和殘疾兒童的事工,求主大大加添他們力量,賜他們有主耶穌的愛,並供應他們一切的需用。
星期日
每當開闢新的僻護所來接收棄嬰, 往往是被迫迅速關閉,因太多家長將孩子棄置,最常見的理由是無法承擔殘疾嬰兒的醫療費用。因而造成收養機構的照顧人力、財力資源與設施無法負荷。我們為基督徒或教會舉辦的孤兒院禱告,求神大大地賜福他們,因為他們所做的,都是做在主身上。
星期一
農村家庭教會因為缺乏有扎實真理裝備,能分辨真道的帶領者,信徒往往受異端迷惑而流失。許多教會遭受異端毁壞,甚至連領袖亦被「綁架」。我們要為陷入異端的信徒祈求,求神開啟他們的眼睛,引領他們走出迷惑,再次得著真理和自由。