Posts
Tuesday
Gymnastics has always been a dominant sport for the Chinese Olympic team but they failed to score any gold or silver medals in Rio. This year they won the fewest number of gold medals they have won since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. It is only natural that Christians compare the attendance at their churches. Many churches in China feel inadequate and unable to evangelize due to their small size. May the Lord have mercy on us so we don't merely look at sizes but look on Him Himself.
Wednesday
Sports officials and coaches in China concluded that the Chinese team this year was too young and lacked experience. The level of competitiveness has slid significantly and their training was less than desirable. Many pastors enter ministry with theological training but lack interpersonal skill and maturity so they give up serving when they encounter setbacks. We pray especially for those who are having difficulty in ministry and the young pastors who are struggling with interpersonal issues.
Thursday
China sent more athletes to the Rio Olympics than any other country (410) but seventy percent of them were first-time participants with an average age of only twenty-four (the youngest Olympic team for China since 2008). When many young pastors begin serving in their churches, they must shoulder all of the responsibilities without having any mentor to guide them. May the Lord have mercy on churches so they will honor those who labor among them and value these young pastors who work hard to serve the Lord.
Friday
People in China have a "victim mentality" about the Rio Olympics. Eighty percent of those surveyed believe that the referees were biased against Chinese athletes but many of those same athletes publicly apologized to the nation with tears for their poor performance. Believers in China usually blame their pastor for a lack of growth in their church which is one reason churches have difficulty in finding a pastor. May the Lord have mercy on those churches that have turned cold or are without a shepherd and may we each one repent of the places where we have fallen.
Saturday
The authorities in China have announced a massive layoff in the coal mining and steel businesses which will leave 1.8 million people unemployed. We pray that believers will be sensitive and try to help those who are unemployed in their churches. There are many ways they can care for them materially but we pray the church will help them spiritually to walk closely with the Lord during this time of testing of their faith.
Sunday
Currently there are about twelve million people engaged in the coal and steel industry in China and recent layoffs account for almost 15% of the workers in those industries. Being unemployed and with limited financial means is very hard in China where "face" or one's image is very important. We pray that churches will be a place for not only those who are comfortably situated financially or "very blessed of God" but a place where all members of the body of Christ practice His love.
Monday
The economy in China is facing tremendous recessionary pressures with some companies struggling to keep alive and without job openings. With the new wave of graduates looking for work, job markets promise to be very tight. As the economy in China slows down, we pray that churches will play an important role in helping believers to trust the Lord and continue to give to God in good times and in bad times as well.
星期二
體操一向是中國隊的強勢項目，但在這次里約奧運會金牌銀牌數皆掛零。中國在里約奧運得到金牌，是1996年亞特蘭大奧運會以來奪金最少的一屆。有些信徒會暗暗比較教會人數，甚至許多小教會，會認為自己資源有限，沒有能力傳福音。求主憐憫我們，不看人數多寡，而是忠心將那份從神手中接過的恩賜，盡力獻上為主所用，讓人得著永生。
星期三
中體育局官員和教練總結今年的奧運戰果，認為中國隊今年太年輕，缺乏經驗；尤其有些項目水平大幅下滑是因運動員的培養與磨練不足。許多中國傳道人雖有一些神學裝備，但因年輕缺少處世做人經驗，不少在服事不順利時就放棄了。我們特別為在事奉人遇見困難，人際關係不佳的年輕牧者禱告，求主安慰和勉勵他們重新站起，能把他們的恩賜再如火挑旺起來。
星期四
今次里約奧運，中國派出超過410名運動員，是派出最多選手的國家，而其中七成選手是第一次參加奧運。選手平均年齡24歲，是近三屆奧運會以來最年輕的團隊。許多新訓練出來服事的傳道人，立刻要獨自擔當牧養的責任，沒有人在旁指導，遭遇的挑戰可想而知。求主恩待中國教會，敬重牧者，也愛護和扶持年輕願意服事的肢體。
星期五
中國人往往具有受害者的心態，80％以上的中國人認為奧運會的裁判員對中國有偏見。不少中國運動員因表現不佳而含淚向國家道歉。一般信徒將教會不增長歸咎於傳道人，許多教會沒有牧者，也歸因於此。我們為冷淡、沒有牧者的教會求神的憐憫，幇助他們悔改，回想從哪裏墜落的，從失落的地方重新得力站起來。
星期六
中國宣布將針對煤礦和鋼鐵業大舉裁員180萬，希望可以藉此解決產能過剩的問題，不少礦工未來得另謀生路。我們為信徒禱告，能不輕看那些下崗、沒有固定收入的肢體，並能成為神祝福的管道，除了在金錢上能幫助有需要的人外，也能關心扶持和安慰面臨信心考驗的人。
星期日
目前從事煤礦和鋼鐵業的勞工大約有 1,200萬人，這次裁員的人數佔了該產業 15%的人力。在中國人眼中，失業和經濟陷困是一件很沒臉的事，甚至喪失個人的尊嚴。求神幫助眾教會，不僅是那些生活無憂的人的聚集處，更是那些窮乏人得著溫暖的地方。願神的兒女能靠著主，敞開自己的生命成為別人祝福，活出基督的愛。
星期一
中國經濟正面臨巨大的衰退壓力，一些公司在生產和運作上都面臨困難，導致職缺不足。最近又剛加入一批畢業生，新鮮人忙著找工作也為就業市場帶來壓力。隨著中國經濟的放緩，我們為神的眾兒女禱告，惟願無論景況如何，都學習依靠神，繼續憑信心奉獻，在艱難中操練信心的功課。
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Prayer Request 8/23 - 8/29
Tuesday
Some of the churches in China have started Sunday schools for children but many still consider that a ministry with children is mere babysitting or story-telling so they do not support people to teach in Sunday school, nor do they provide resources for it. We pray for all of the children in the churches that God will bless them through the Sunday school, help them to know Him better and serve Him all of their lives by following Jesus.
Wednesday
Some pastors in China do have a vision for ministry among children so they have Sunday school in their churches and even age-specific classes for the children and retreats for the teachers. May the Lord remind all believing parents to focus on the spiritual health of their children the same way they demand their children do well academically.
Thursday
In China, the vast majority of children's Sunday school teachers are young females. What they lack in experience they make up by their passion and burden to lead the children to Jesus. We pray for the training of children's teachers, especially those who are interested but need coaching and need to learn the basics about teaching.
Friday
The churches in China need Sunday school curriculum very badly. Some teachers create their own simple lessons, some even have an illustrated booklet or teaching props. We pray for the supply of curriculum for Sunday school, teacher's guides, and teaching aids for the churches that need them so their Sunday schools can be more effective.
Saturday
In China overall, children's Sunday schools in the cities are improving. However, they greatly need people who can lead games, group activities, and retreats. Teachers in children's ministries need to improve their teaching skills as well. We pray especially for churches in smaller cities and towns where ministry to children is minimal that they will get basic training for their teachers.
Sunday
In China, many pastors and seminary students who serve in impoverished villages feel they must farm to support themselves. Although they are very poor, they still serve the Lord faithfully. We pray that many more Christians will support these poor church workers and truly appreciate the role and needs of a country pastor.
Monday
Since the economic reform in China a lot of money has gone to erect new church buildings but fewer funds have been invested in training pastors. Well-trained pastors and those who are better equipped are far more important than having beautiful buildings. We pray that believers in China will have a transformed mindset and see the great importance of theological education and the equipping of their pastors.
星期二
雖然不少中國教會開始有兒童主日學，但仍有許多教會欠缺重視，認為那是照顧孩子和說說故事的保姆工作，所以對主日學老師支持不足，甚至沒有提供場地和經費。我們來為中國教會的兒童事工禱告，求主藉著主日學，賜福給孩子們。幫助他們更認識神，打下基督信仰的根基，未來願意委身於神，一生事奉主。
星期三
一些中國牧者仍是有長遠目光的，他們極重視兒童主日學，建立了主日學大樓，容納更多不同年齡層的孩子分班上主日學；也舉辦各種主日學營會。我們為教會能支持兒童主日學事工的發展感恩，更是求主提醒信徒家長，關心孩子的靈命成長，如子女一般的學科教育一樣。
星期四
中國教會有不少年輕的兒童主日學老師，絕大多數是姐妹。她們雖然資歷淺，但對主日學事工極有負擔，熱心引導兒童到主面前。我們為主日學老師的培訓禱告，求主為渴望服侍的主日學事工的信徒開路，差遣有關的導師來有效訓練他們。
星期五
中國教會缺乏主日學教材，有些主日學老師自行設計簡單的課程，也會自己動手繪圖作為教材，或者用簡陋的物料自制教具。我們為主日學事工的資源供應禱告，求主賜下合適的主日學課本、老師課程及教具等，使孩童能透過這些輔助工具，對神的話有更深的認識，靈命根基成長穩固。
星期六
城市教會主日學的水平正不斷提高，急需的是更多會帶領遊戲、集體活動及各類營會的人力資源，來配搭主日學事工的發展；另一方面老師的教學技巧亦需要提昇。我們為主日學老師禱告，尤其在二、三線城鎮地區的教會，願主使用他們成為神教導孩童合用的器皿。也賜下智慧和愛心帶領繁重的教導工作，幫助他們將主日學的事工做得更完善。
星期日
中國不少偏遠地區農村的傳道人和神學生，除了農村種地的收入外，再沒有其他經濟來源。但他們在生活窘迫的壓力下，仍不改變服侍主的心，以堅定的信心全然忠心擺上。求主提醒神的兒女，要按著聖經的教導，在禱告和經濟上支持全職傳道人，讓牧者能專心為主作工。
星期一
中國改革開放以來，教會不少資源都投到建堂上，至於人材培育則相對較少。有些人認為教堂建築的效果是立竿見影，但人材培育是「百年樹人」的功夫，而且不一定培訓出精英。求主改變信徒這種俗世投資心態，能把焦點轉向永恒的事，多關心信仰的傳承，學習更多禱告，願意神的旨行能自由運作在地上，催促神的國早日降臨。
Some of the churches in China have started Sunday schools for children but many still consider that a ministry with children is mere babysitting or story-telling so they do not support people to teach in Sunday school, nor do they provide resources for it. We pray for all of the children in the churches that God will bless them through the Sunday school, help them to know Him better and serve Him all of their lives by following Jesus.
Wednesday
Some pastors in China do have a vision for ministry among children so they have Sunday school in their churches and even age-specific classes for the children and retreats for the teachers. May the Lord remind all believing parents to focus on the spiritual health of their children the same way they demand their children do well academically.
Thursday
In China, the vast majority of children's Sunday school teachers are young females. What they lack in experience they make up by their passion and burden to lead the children to Jesus. We pray for the training of children's teachers, especially those who are interested but need coaching and need to learn the basics about teaching.
Friday
The churches in China need Sunday school curriculum very badly. Some teachers create their own simple lessons, some even have an illustrated booklet or teaching props. We pray for the supply of curriculum for Sunday school, teacher's guides, and teaching aids for the churches that need them so their Sunday schools can be more effective.
Saturday
In China overall, children's Sunday schools in the cities are improving. However, they greatly need people who can lead games, group activities, and retreats. Teachers in children's ministries need to improve their teaching skills as well. We pray especially for churches in smaller cities and towns where ministry to children is minimal that they will get basic training for their teachers.
Sunday
In China, many pastors and seminary students who serve in impoverished villages feel they must farm to support themselves. Although they are very poor, they still serve the Lord faithfully. We pray that many more Christians will support these poor church workers and truly appreciate the role and needs of a country pastor.
Monday
Since the economic reform in China a lot of money has gone to erect new church buildings but fewer funds have been invested in training pastors. Well-trained pastors and those who are better equipped are far more important than having beautiful buildings. We pray that believers in China will have a transformed mindset and see the great importance of theological education and the equipping of their pastors.
星期二
雖然不少中國教會開始有兒童主日學，但仍有許多教會欠缺重視，認為那是照顧孩子和說說故事的保姆工作，所以對主日學老師支持不足，甚至沒有提供場地和經費。我們來為中國教會的兒童事工禱告，求主藉著主日學，賜福給孩子們。幫助他們更認識神，打下基督信仰的根基，未來願意委身於神，一生事奉主。
星期三
一些中國牧者仍是有長遠目光的，他們極重視兒童主日學，建立了主日學大樓，容納更多不同年齡層的孩子分班上主日學；也舉辦各種主日學營會。我們為教會能支持兒童主日學事工的發展感恩，更是求主提醒信徒家長，關心孩子的靈命成長，如子女一般的學科教育一樣。
星期四
中國教會有不少年輕的兒童主日學老師，絕大多數是姐妹。她們雖然資歷淺，但對主日學事工極有負擔，熱心引導兒童到主面前。我們為主日學老師的培訓禱告，求主為渴望服侍的主日學事工的信徒開路，差遣有關的導師來有效訓練他們。
星期五
中國教會缺乏主日學教材，有些主日學老師自行設計簡單的課程，也會自己動手繪圖作為教材，或者用簡陋的物料自制教具。我們為主日學事工的資源供應禱告，求主賜下合適的主日學課本、老師課程及教具等，使孩童能透過這些輔助工具，對神的話有更深的認識，靈命根基成長穩固。
星期六
城市教會主日學的水平正不斷提高，急需的是更多會帶領遊戲、集體活動及各類營會的人力資源，來配搭主日學事工的發展；另一方面老師的教學技巧亦需要提昇。我們為主日學老師禱告，尤其在二、三線城鎮地區的教會，願主使用他們成為神教導孩童合用的器皿。也賜下智慧和愛心帶領繁重的教導工作，幫助他們將主日學的事工做得更完善。
星期日
中國不少偏遠地區農村的傳道人和神學生，除了農村種地的收入外，再沒有其他經濟來源。但他們在生活窘迫的壓力下，仍不改變服侍主的心，以堅定的信心全然忠心擺上。求主提醒神的兒女，要按著聖經的教導，在禱告和經濟上支持全職傳道人，讓牧者能專心為主作工。
星期一
中國改革開放以來，教會不少資源都投到建堂上，至於人材培育則相對較少。有些人認為教堂建築的效果是立竿見影，但人材培育是「百年樹人」的功夫，而且不一定培訓出精英。求主改變信徒這種俗世投資心態，能把焦點轉向永恒的事，多關心信仰的傳承，學習更多禱告，願意神的旨行能自由運作在地上，催促神的國早日降臨。
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Prayer Request 8/16 - 8/22
Tuesday
Taiwan has a large gay community and is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of LGBT rights. Many have expected Taiwan to be the first Asian country to sanction same-sex marriage. We pray for God’s mercy for all who practice a homosexual lifestyle. May the Lord convict all of us that we are all sinners saved by His grace. “As it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one;” Rom 3:10 （MKJV)
Wednesday
The island of Taiwan's annual gay pride parade is the biggest in Asia. Taiwan is also considered the most gay-friendly country in Asia. We pray for all Chinese churches that they will not only teach Biblical truth and speak against all kinds of sin but will put these teachings into action in their communities.
Thursday
Homosexuality is still controversial with people in the older generation and gay marriage is opposed by politically influential, socially conservative, and Christian groups so many LGBT people won't "come out" to their parents or employers. We pray for young people from Christian families who are in a homosexual relationship or any other relationship that is not pleasing to God. We pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them and bring about repentance.
Friday
A poll in 2013 showed that 75% of Christians opposed legalization of same-sex marriage while only a slight majority of Buddhists, Taoists, and the greater portion of the public were in favor of it. LGBT supporters accuse Christians of hating them. We pray that believers will speak the truth in love and above all clearly proclaim "We do not hate you. We love you because Jesus loves all of us."
Saturday
LGBT groups advance their causes in a well-organized and determined fashion but in contrast, the majority of the churches in China still do not even mention the topic of sex in the church and choose not to speak of any political issues in the pulpit. We pray the Lord will awake every sleeping church that is content with isolating itself within the four walls of its church building. May the Lord help each Christian to be a light in a dark world.
Sunday
Chengdu and Chongqing in Sichuan province are known as China's most gay-friendly cities. Other cities with many migrants are more diverse culturally and the attitude of locals toward gays is usually "none of my business". A vast majority of churches in China avoid talking about sex or related topics, considering it unspiritual. We pray that churches will teach clearly and boldly in every area of the lives of people so believers will know what God's will is for their lives and bodies.
Monday
Gays in Mainland China face great pressure. Once parents discover their children are gay, many chose to disown them. Many gay men in China choose to conform to the social norm of marriage and start a family. We pray for believers when their children stray away from God and live in sinful relationships. May the Lord grant them His unconditional love to accept and love their prodigal children and never give up praying for them come to God.
星期二
台灣擁有亞洲最大的同志社群，也是亞洲最先爭取LGBT（Lesbians女同性戀）權益的地方。許多人認為台灣很有可能最早通過同性婚姻合法化。我們為同性戀者禱告，求恩主憐憫他們。又求主提醒我們都只是蒙恩的罪人，並不比任何人優越，「就如經上所記：沒有義人，連一個也沒有。」(羅 3：10）
星期三
台灣每年10月舉辦一年一度的同志遊行，參與及支持的人數逐年增多。2015年舉行的同志遊行吸引超過78,000人參與，雖然規模不及歐洲國家，但也成為亞洲規模最大的爭取同志權益活動。求主幫助華人教會對同性戀有合宜的態度，雖然不認同同性戀行為，卻應該支持有心改變的人，幫助他們能認識福音而帶來機會和希望。
星期四
雖然台灣在性平等是亞洲最前衛，但是在老一輩中依然極具爭議性，同性婚姻也遭到立法的阻擋。許多人仍選擇對父母或雇主隱瞞性向。我們為來自基督徒家庭的年輕人禱告，求主幫助他們逃避一切淫行（不僅是同性戀），活出神的心意。
星期五
根據2013年一項民意調查顯示，75％的台灣基督徒反對同性婚姻合法化，但半數以上的佛教徒和道教徒，以及大多數老百姓卻贊成。求主幫助信徒能持守真道、也有愛心，能正面地回答：「 教會的立場是恨惡同性戀的罪，愛同性戀者，甚願幫助同性戀者認識真神。」
星期六
同性戀勢力是有計劃有組織的步步推進。絕大多數華人教會少有提及「性」的議題，一般教會持守政教分離的原則下，亦不會在講壇上碰觸政治議題。求主喚醒衆多沉睡的教會，不要將自己孤立在教會的四面牆內，而是要做燈臺上的光，照亮黑暗的世界。
星期日
隨著西部大開發的步伐加快，外來人口加大，文化多元，再加上當地人思想開放，所以對同性戀的理解程度很先進，不排斥另類群體，四川省被稱為「中國GAY都」。絕大多數中國教會閉口不談性或相關的議題，認為這都不屬靈。求主幫助教會能在各方面能正確和清晰地教導信徒聖經的真理，過討主喜悅的人生。
星期一
中國的同性戀者面對很大壓力，很多家長發現自己的孩子是同性戀後，選擇的是將其「掃出家門」。許多同志還是會選擇「回歸主流」— 與異性結婚，建立家庭。我們為信徒父母禱告，當他們知道子女得罪神，有不討神喜悅的行為時，願主親自安慰他們的心，並賜他們力量，用主的愛和智慧來輔導孩子，幫助他們脫離黑暗。
Taiwan has a large gay community and is one of the most progressive places in Asia in terms of LGBT rights. Many have expected Taiwan to be the first Asian country to sanction same-sex marriage. We pray for God’s mercy for all who practice a homosexual lifestyle. May the Lord convict all of us that we are all sinners saved by His grace. “As it is written: "There is none righteous, no not one;” Rom 3:10 （MKJV)
Wednesday
The island of Taiwan's annual gay pride parade is the biggest in Asia. Taiwan is also considered the most gay-friendly country in Asia. We pray for all Chinese churches that they will not only teach Biblical truth and speak against all kinds of sin but will put these teachings into action in their communities.
Thursday
Homosexuality is still controversial with people in the older generation and gay marriage is opposed by politically influential, socially conservative, and Christian groups so many LGBT people won't "come out" to their parents or employers. We pray for young people from Christian families who are in a homosexual relationship or any other relationship that is not pleasing to God. We pray that the Holy Spirit will convict them and bring about repentance.
Friday
A poll in 2013 showed that 75% of Christians opposed legalization of same-sex marriage while only a slight majority of Buddhists, Taoists, and the greater portion of the public were in favor of it. LGBT supporters accuse Christians of hating them. We pray that believers will speak the truth in love and above all clearly proclaim "We do not hate you. We love you because Jesus loves all of us."
Saturday
LGBT groups advance their causes in a well-organized and determined fashion but in contrast, the majority of the churches in China still do not even mention the topic of sex in the church and choose not to speak of any political issues in the pulpit. We pray the Lord will awake every sleeping church that is content with isolating itself within the four walls of its church building. May the Lord help each Christian to be a light in a dark world.
Sunday
Chengdu and Chongqing in Sichuan province are known as China's most gay-friendly cities. Other cities with many migrants are more diverse culturally and the attitude of locals toward gays is usually "none of my business". A vast majority of churches in China avoid talking about sex or related topics, considering it unspiritual. We pray that churches will teach clearly and boldly in every area of the lives of people so believers will know what God's will is for their lives and bodies.
Monday
Gays in Mainland China face great pressure. Once parents discover their children are gay, many chose to disown them. Many gay men in China choose to conform to the social norm of marriage and start a family. We pray for believers when their children stray away from God and live in sinful relationships. May the Lord grant them His unconditional love to accept and love their prodigal children and never give up praying for them come to God.
星期二
台灣擁有亞洲最大的同志社群，也是亞洲最先爭取LGBT（Lesbians女同性戀）權益的地方。許多人認為台灣很有可能最早通過同性婚姻合法化。我們為同性戀者禱告，求恩主憐憫他們。又求主提醒我們都只是蒙恩的罪人，並不比任何人優越，「就如經上所記：沒有義人，連一個也沒有。」(羅 3：10）
星期三
台灣每年10月舉辦一年一度的同志遊行，參與及支持的人數逐年增多。2015年舉行的同志遊行吸引超過78,000人參與，雖然規模不及歐洲國家，但也成為亞洲規模最大的爭取同志權益活動。求主幫助華人教會對同性戀有合宜的態度，雖然不認同同性戀行為，卻應該支持有心改變的人，幫助他們能認識福音而帶來機會和希望。
星期四
雖然台灣在性平等是亞洲最前衛，但是在老一輩中依然極具爭議性，同性婚姻也遭到立法的阻擋。許多人仍選擇對父母或雇主隱瞞性向。我們為來自基督徒家庭的年輕人禱告，求主幫助他們逃避一切淫行（不僅是同性戀），活出神的心意。
星期五
根據2013年一項民意調查顯示，75％的台灣基督徒反對同性婚姻合法化，但半數以上的佛教徒和道教徒，以及大多數老百姓卻贊成。求主幫助信徒能持守真道、也有愛心，能正面地回答：「 教會的立場是恨惡同性戀的罪，愛同性戀者，甚願幫助同性戀者認識真神。」
星期六
同性戀勢力是有計劃有組織的步步推進。絕大多數華人教會少有提及「性」的議題，一般教會持守政教分離的原則下，亦不會在講壇上碰觸政治議題。求主喚醒衆多沉睡的教會，不要將自己孤立在教會的四面牆內，而是要做燈臺上的光，照亮黑暗的世界。
星期日
隨著西部大開發的步伐加快，外來人口加大，文化多元，再加上當地人思想開放，所以對同性戀的理解程度很先進，不排斥另類群體，四川省被稱為「中國GAY都」。絕大多數中國教會閉口不談性或相關的議題，認為這都不屬靈。求主幫助教會能在各方面能正確和清晰地教導信徒聖經的真理，過討主喜悅的人生。
星期一
中國的同性戀者面對很大壓力，很多家長發現自己的孩子是同性戀後，選擇的是將其「掃出家門」。許多同志還是會選擇「回歸主流」— 與異性結婚，建立家庭。我們為信徒父母禱告，當他們知道子女得罪神，有不討神喜悅的行為時，願主親自安慰他們的心，並賜他們力量，用主的愛和智慧來輔導孩子，幫助他們脫離黑暗。
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
Prayer Request 8/9 - 8/15
Tuesday
There are only twenty-one seminaries with college level studies that are openly operated in China and their graduates all combined cannot meet the needs of the tens of millions of believers found there.We pray for the leaders of the churches in China that they will see the importance of training more workers to effectively shepherd and lead their churches.
Wednesday
It is important that China produce new leaders who are able to minister in a scholarly way, possess management skills, have social responsibility, and a sense of mission. We know God is able to raise up workers who seek His own heart and we pray that churches will humble themselves in supporting their pastors.
Thursday
Heresies and false teachings are two of the grave dangers present in the church in China. One causes believers to be drawn away from the truth and potentially lose their salvation while the other causes the destruction of churches. May the Lord raise up preachers who can speak His word boldly and accurately and who can teach others how to discern the truth. May He protect all gifted and charismatic preachers so they do not fall into temptation.
Friday
Another key reason for the rash of cults in China is surprisingly the lack of denomination. After the Communist take-over, mainland China broke all ties with churches overseas and cut off contact between the church and orthodox Christian traditions. Believers in China pride themselves on being "post-denominational" and often look down on others who do not share their Biblical view. We pray for humility for all believers and unity among all churches based on God's love.
Saturday
Once a church deviates from orthodox doctrine and loses the checks and balance mechanism, splits and extreme teaching tend to take over. Many cults take on terminologies and features of traditional Chinese religions. Although mature Christians find many of the claims cults make ridiculous. many naïve people believe them. We pray especially for the many rural believers who have little education and cannot read the Bible for themselves.
Sunday
All of the heresies and cults in China have their roots in Henan province. Some suggest that the churches in Henan have sent out many preachers to plant churches but many of these workers lack solid theological training and instead they lead their sheep astray. We pray for solid Bible training for all of the pastors in China and a willingness to learn as well as humility for those who are being trained now.
Monday
Cults and heresies are widespread in China and that has something to do with the policy of the government. The persecution of people in the house churches has forced them to worship secretly and allowed them to be a breeding ground for extremism and unorthodox teachings. Officials in charge of religious matters often cannot tell whether a teaching is Biblical or not and many good churches are mistaken for cults. We pray for those people in the faithful house churches who face wrongful persecution.
星期二
全中國公開的神學院達到大專程度約有21所，信徒人數以千萬估計，而神學訓練的資源卻非常貧乏。求主幫助教會領袖看見神學訓練的重要，鼓勵更多的弟兄姊妹裝備自己，能更有效地牧養及帶領羊群。
星期三
中國的神學教育，急需培養一批「擁有牧養能力、具學術研究、懂教會管理、負社會責任、帶時代使命」的教會領袖。求主按其心意預備工人。我們為眾信徒願意常為牧者禱告，成為他們有力的後盾來代禱。
星期四
中國教會面對異端和錯誤教導時，有兩個主要的危險：第一、信徒被帶入歧途，在罪中迷失。第二、教會遭迫害與摧殘。求神興起工人，幫助弟兄姊妹在神話語上紮根，能分辨真道，清楚講解神的話語。求神保守自己的群羊。
星期五
異端邪教猖狂的另一個主要原因，是共産黨執政後，中國教會中斷與海外教會的所有聯繫，使教會無法接觸信仰純正的教導。有些信徒以中國教會沒有宗派之分而自豪，並且看不起那些與他們神學觀點有異的信徒。求主赦免我們的自義，賜下謙卑的心，幫助信徒在主裡合一，叫教會得著建造。
星期六
若教會缺少教義和自省，就容易分裂和偏差，且失去對抗異端的能力，造成種種基督信仰和傳統民間宗教結合的奇怪東西。 雖然成熟的基督徒對異端邪教的荒謬覺得可笑，但是很多天真的人卻篤信不疑。我們為農村教育程度不高的信徒信徒禱告，不被欺騙。
星期日
許多中國的異端邪教都和河南省有關。有些家庭教會派出傳道人，卻沒有堅實的神學基礎，自己對信仰就是一知半解，很容易就迷失。我們為神的工人在神的話語上更紮實，能分解真理，為主打美好的打仗禱告。
星期一
政府計對異端邪教的政策，亦牽連一般的家庭教會。家庭教會多半沒有公開聚會，很容易成為異端的滋生地。管理宗教的官員分不清正統和異端，一些的家庭教也不幸被誤認為邪教。我們為那些忠心愛主，卻受到逼迫的家庭教會祈求神額外的保守與扶持。
There are only twenty-one seminaries with college level studies that are openly operated in China and their graduates all combined cannot meet the needs of the tens of millions of believers found there.We pray for the leaders of the churches in China that they will see the importance of training more workers to effectively shepherd and lead their churches.
Wednesday
It is important that China produce new leaders who are able to minister in a scholarly way, possess management skills, have social responsibility, and a sense of mission. We know God is able to raise up workers who seek His own heart and we pray that churches will humble themselves in supporting their pastors.
Thursday
Heresies and false teachings are two of the grave dangers present in the church in China. One causes believers to be drawn away from the truth and potentially lose their salvation while the other causes the destruction of churches. May the Lord raise up preachers who can speak His word boldly and accurately and who can teach others how to discern the truth. May He protect all gifted and charismatic preachers so they do not fall into temptation.
Friday
Another key reason for the rash of cults in China is surprisingly the lack of denomination. After the Communist take-over, mainland China broke all ties with churches overseas and cut off contact between the church and orthodox Christian traditions. Believers in China pride themselves on being "post-denominational" and often look down on others who do not share their Biblical view. We pray for humility for all believers and unity among all churches based on God's love.
Saturday
Once a church deviates from orthodox doctrine and loses the checks and balance mechanism, splits and extreme teaching tend to take over. Many cults take on terminologies and features of traditional Chinese religions. Although mature Christians find many of the claims cults make ridiculous. many naïve people believe them. We pray especially for the many rural believers who have little education and cannot read the Bible for themselves.
Sunday
All of the heresies and cults in China have their roots in Henan province. Some suggest that the churches in Henan have sent out many preachers to plant churches but many of these workers lack solid theological training and instead they lead their sheep astray. We pray for solid Bible training for all of the pastors in China and a willingness to learn as well as humility for those who are being trained now.
Monday
Cults and heresies are widespread in China and that has something to do with the policy of the government. The persecution of people in the house churches has forced them to worship secretly and allowed them to be a breeding ground for extremism and unorthodox teachings. Officials in charge of religious matters often cannot tell whether a teaching is Biblical or not and many good churches are mistaken for cults. We pray for those people in the faithful house churches who face wrongful persecution.
星期二
全中國公開的神學院達到大專程度約有21所，信徒人數以千萬估計，而神學訓練的資源卻非常貧乏。求主幫助教會領袖看見神學訓練的重要，鼓勵更多的弟兄姊妹裝備自己，能更有效地牧養及帶領羊群。
星期三
中國的神學教育，急需培養一批「擁有牧養能力、具學術研究、懂教會管理、負社會責任、帶時代使命」的教會領袖。求主按其心意預備工人。我們為眾信徒願意常為牧者禱告，成為他們有力的後盾來代禱。
星期四
中國教會面對異端和錯誤教導時，有兩個主要的危險：第一、信徒被帶入歧途，在罪中迷失。第二、教會遭迫害與摧殘。求神興起工人，幫助弟兄姊妹在神話語上紮根，能分辨真道，清楚講解神的話語。求神保守自己的群羊。
星期五
異端邪教猖狂的另一個主要原因，是共産黨執政後，中國教會中斷與海外教會的所有聯繫，使教會無法接觸信仰純正的教導。有些信徒以中國教會沒有宗派之分而自豪，並且看不起那些與他們神學觀點有異的信徒。求主赦免我們的自義，賜下謙卑的心，幫助信徒在主裡合一，叫教會得著建造。
星期六
若教會缺少教義和自省，就容易分裂和偏差，且失去對抗異端的能力，造成種種基督信仰和傳統民間宗教結合的奇怪東西。 雖然成熟的基督徒對異端邪教的荒謬覺得可笑，但是很多天真的人卻篤信不疑。我們為農村教育程度不高的信徒信徒禱告，不被欺騙。
星期日
許多中國的異端邪教都和河南省有關。有些家庭教會派出傳道人，卻沒有堅實的神學基礎，自己對信仰就是一知半解，很容易就迷失。我們為神的工人在神的話語上更紮實，能分解真理，為主打美好的打仗禱告。
星期一
政府計對異端邪教的政策，亦牽連一般的家庭教會。家庭教會多半沒有公開聚會，很容易成為異端的滋生地。管理宗教的官員分不清正統和異端，一些的家庭教也不幸被誤認為邪教。我們為那些忠心愛主，卻受到逼迫的家庭教會祈求神額外的保守與扶持。
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Prayer Request 8/2 - 8/8
Tuesday
The most populous provinces in China are Guangdong (106 million), Shandong (95 million), Henan (94 million), and Sichuan (87 million). Henan is also the bastion of house churches in China but they have suffered a great decline recently due to divisions, attacks by cults, and loss of young people. We lift up the believers in Henan for their growth into an unwavering faith in the Lord and revival in each church.
Wednesday
In terms of people with college education, the city of Beijing ranks first in China with 31%, Shanghai, 22% and Tianjin 17%. Surprisingly, Xinjiang is 6th with 10% of the population having a college education. We thank the Lord for the rapid growth of urban churches in China, especially among the well-educated. Ministering to a busy and intellectual congregation is a challenging task. We pray, too, for the need of pastors who are well educated to shepherd these churches.
Thursday
Because many migrant workers in China take their children with them to work in the cities, these children are called "migrant children". One in four children in the cities is a migrant child but these children can attend only the expensive private schools because they do not have a residency permit (hukou) there. Urban churches often claim they have few resources to care for migrant workers and their children. We pray that some of the churches will do what they can to reach out the to these children with after-school programs and Bible stories.
Friday
Many migrant workers who earn low wages blame it on their poor luck and vent their frustration on their children which then deeply affects the school work and psychological well-being of the children. Let us pray for wisdom and faith for believing parents, especially those who are poor or do not have good jobs that the Holy Spirit will remind them of God's promise that He is merciful and shows kindness to those who love Him and that He will bless their families.
Saturday
Although rural migrants earn more in cities than those who stay in the countryside, they are excluded from many of the social welfare benefits and subsidized housing projects often reserved for registered urban residents. Rural churches suffer because of the lack of younger and working believers who can give financially. We pray that they will trust in the Lord who supplies everything they need for their ministries.
Sunday
Young migrant workers in Guangdong are typically thirty-five years old and younger with an average of ten years of schooling so they are better educated than the national average of only eight years--junior high school. Young migrant workers usually return home after a few years, if they are properly discipled, they can return to their province and bless the churches back home. We pray for those migrant workers who are being trained and equipped now.
Monday
For those who go to Guangdong Province for work, Shenzhen is the top choice, followed by Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Huizhou, in descending order. Many of the churches in Guangdong province specifically target migrant workers. We pray for them that despite this huge challenge of turnover of believers in their churches, the Lord will give them grace upon grace and the fervor to win new souls.
星期二
中國人口最多的省份是廣東省1.06億，其次是山東省（9千5百萬），河南（9千4百萬）和四川 (8千7百萬）。河南是家庭教會的大本營，然而近年因內部紛爭、邪教入侵和年輕人外流等等問題，使教會的增長及屬靈情況日走下坡。讓我們為河南的信徒禱告，求主在至聖的信仰真道上堅立他們，幫助他們常在主裏禱告，活在祂的愛中，以致信徒的質和量能漸見增長，教會得著復興。
星期三
擁有大專學歷的人口比率，北京市是全國最高（31％），其次是上海(22％)和天津(17％)。出人意料的是，新疆排名第六，百分之十居民擁有大專程度。我們為中國的城市教會迅速成長和越來越多知識份子信主感恩。牧養忙碌的白領上班族對任何牧者來說都是個挑戰，我們求主賜教會合用的工人，忠心又有見識，懂得按時候分糧，使主的羊健康成長。
星期四
不少民工帶著孩子到城市打工，他們的孩子被稱為「流動兒童」, 每四名「城鎮兒童」中就有一名是「流動兒童」。因為沒有城市戶口，他們只能上昂貴的私立的學校。許多城鎮教會感嘆，他們根本沒有幫助外地打工群的能力。我們求主興起弟兄姐妹，學習倚靠主，竭盡所能幫助外來民工家庭適應城巿的生活，幫助「流動兒童」的功課，並教導聖經的真理。
星期五
一些沒有掙得什麼錢的打工父母，認為是命運不好，常常怨天尤人，對子女的一切不聞不問，又不負責任；致使孩子的心靈上背負著父母沉重的情緒包袱，嚴重影響他們的正常學習和健康成長。我們為貧窮或工作不順利的信徒家長禱告，求主扶持，使他們絕不要因為太灰心、太累或太生氣，以致沒有明智地管教孩子。又求主幫助他們抓緊神的應許，堅信祂為祂所愛的人預備最好。
星期六
儘管農民工在城市裡掙的錢比鄉下多，但他們享受不到很多社會福利及住房補貼項目，因這些通常是留給有城鎮戶口的居民。農村教會缺少年輕力壯、有能力奉獻的信徒，使教會在人、財上嚴重短缺。我們為所有憑信心事奉的農村教會感恩，求主叫他們不灰心喪志，繼續恒久靠主，深信信實的神必供應祂自己的教會。
星期日
廣東省外來民工以35歲以下的年輕人為主，平均受教育年限為10年，超過全國成年人平均受教育年限(8年,即初中三程度)，外來民工的文化教育程度正逐步提高。許多民工是出來打工幾年後就返回自己的省份，若這些民工信主，就能將福音帶到其他省份去。求主幫助那些接受培訓的民工，有美好的靈性和裝備，好能在神所預備的崗位上為主作工。
星期一
對來廣東省打工的人來說，最理想的城市是深圳，其次是廣洲，再者是佛山、東莞、珠海、中山、惠州等。我們為深圳和廣洲的教會禱告，雖然流動性大，牧人跟進亦大有挑戰，但許多教會仍以外地工人為傳福音對象，求主恩上加恩，力上加力，無論得時不得時，總是盡力救人。
The most populous provinces in China are Guangdong (106 million), Shandong (95 million), Henan (94 million), and Sichuan (87 million). Henan is also the bastion of house churches in China but they have suffered a great decline recently due to divisions, attacks by cults, and loss of young people. We lift up the believers in Henan for their growth into an unwavering faith in the Lord and revival in each church.
Wednesday
In terms of people with college education, the city of Beijing ranks first in China with 31%, Shanghai, 22% and Tianjin 17%. Surprisingly, Xinjiang is 6th with 10% of the population having a college education. We thank the Lord for the rapid growth of urban churches in China, especially among the well-educated. Ministering to a busy and intellectual congregation is a challenging task. We pray, too, for the need of pastors who are well educated to shepherd these churches.
Thursday
Because many migrant workers in China take their children with them to work in the cities, these children are called "migrant children". One in four children in the cities is a migrant child but these children can attend only the expensive private schools because they do not have a residency permit (hukou) there. Urban churches often claim they have few resources to care for migrant workers and their children. We pray that some of the churches will do what they can to reach out the to these children with after-school programs and Bible stories.
Friday
Many migrant workers who earn low wages blame it on their poor luck and vent their frustration on their children which then deeply affects the school work and psychological well-being of the children. Let us pray for wisdom and faith for believing parents, especially those who are poor or do not have good jobs that the Holy Spirit will remind them of God's promise that He is merciful and shows kindness to those who love Him and that He will bless their families.
Saturday
Although rural migrants earn more in cities than those who stay in the countryside, they are excluded from many of the social welfare benefits and subsidized housing projects often reserved for registered urban residents. Rural churches suffer because of the lack of younger and working believers who can give financially. We pray that they will trust in the Lord who supplies everything they need for their ministries.
Sunday
Young migrant workers in Guangdong are typically thirty-five years old and younger with an average of ten years of schooling so they are better educated than the national average of only eight years--junior high school. Young migrant workers usually return home after a few years, if they are properly discipled, they can return to their province and bless the churches back home. We pray for those migrant workers who are being trained and equipped now.
Monday
For those who go to Guangdong Province for work, Shenzhen is the top choice, followed by Guangzhou, Foshan, Dongguan, Zhuhai, Zhongshan and Huizhou, in descending order. Many of the churches in Guangdong province specifically target migrant workers. We pray for them that despite this huge challenge of turnover of believers in their churches, the Lord will give them grace upon grace and the fervor to win new souls.
星期二
中國人口最多的省份是廣東省1.06億，其次是山東省（9千5百萬），河南（9千4百萬）和四川 (8千7百萬）。河南是家庭教會的大本營，然而近年因內部紛爭、邪教入侵和年輕人外流等等問題，使教會的增長及屬靈情況日走下坡。讓我們為河南的信徒禱告，求主在至聖的信仰真道上堅立他們，幫助他們常在主裏禱告，活在祂的愛中，以致信徒的質和量能漸見增長，教會得著復興。
星期三
擁有大專學歷的人口比率，北京市是全國最高（31％），其次是上海(22％)和天津(17％)。出人意料的是，新疆排名第六，百分之十居民擁有大專程度。我們為中國的城市教會迅速成長和越來越多知識份子信主感恩。牧養忙碌的白領上班族對任何牧者來說都是個挑戰，我們求主賜教會合用的工人，忠心又有見識，懂得按時候分糧，使主的羊健康成長。
星期四
不少民工帶著孩子到城市打工，他們的孩子被稱為「流動兒童」, 每四名「城鎮兒童」中就有一名是「流動兒童」。因為沒有城市戶口，他們只能上昂貴的私立的學校。許多城鎮教會感嘆，他們根本沒有幫助外地打工群的能力。我們求主興起弟兄姐妹，學習倚靠主，竭盡所能幫助外來民工家庭適應城巿的生活，幫助「流動兒童」的功課，並教導聖經的真理。
星期五
一些沒有掙得什麼錢的打工父母，認為是命運不好，常常怨天尤人，對子女的一切不聞不問，又不負責任；致使孩子的心靈上背負著父母沉重的情緒包袱，嚴重影響他們的正常學習和健康成長。我們為貧窮或工作不順利的信徒家長禱告，求主扶持，使他們絕不要因為太灰心、太累或太生氣，以致沒有明智地管教孩子。又求主幫助他們抓緊神的應許，堅信祂為祂所愛的人預備最好。
星期六
儘管農民工在城市裡掙的錢比鄉下多，但他們享受不到很多社會福利及住房補貼項目，因這些通常是留給有城鎮戶口的居民。農村教會缺少年輕力壯、有能力奉獻的信徒，使教會在人、財上嚴重短缺。我們為所有憑信心事奉的農村教會感恩，求主叫他們不灰心喪志，繼續恒久靠主，深信信實的神必供應祂自己的教會。
星期日
廣東省外來民工以35歲以下的年輕人為主，平均受教育年限為10年，超過全國成年人平均受教育年限(8年,即初中三程度)，外來民工的文化教育程度正逐步提高。許多民工是出來打工幾年後就返回自己的省份，若這些民工信主，就能將福音帶到其他省份去。求主幫助那些接受培訓的民工，有美好的靈性和裝備，好能在神所預備的崗位上為主作工。
星期一
對來廣東省打工的人來說，最理想的城市是深圳，其次是廣洲，再者是佛山、東莞、珠海、中山、惠州等。我們為深圳和廣洲的教會禱告，雖然流動性大，牧人跟進亦大有挑戰，但許多教會仍以外地工人為傳福音對象，求主恩上加恩，力上加力，無論得時不得時，總是盡力救人。
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