Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Prayer Request 10/25 - 10/31

Tuesday
Hong Kong's vibrant Christian community has long been a magnet for mainland Chinese visitors. Tens of thousands of people cross the border each year for Sunday school, seminars and mega church gatherings in this former British colony. Hong Kong enjoys greater freedoms, including religious liberties, than the mainland. We praise God for the vibrant churches, and their dedication to mission efforts not only to China, but the whole world.
Wednesday
In recent months, Chinese officials have barred mainland residents from attending some religious conferences in Hong Kong, increased oversight of mainland programs run by Hong Kong pastors, and issued warnings to outspoken leaders, causing some to reconsider their work in the mainland. We pray for the situation of increased restriction and monitoring of churches in Hong Kong. May the Lord give favor and protection to those who are involved.
Thursday
Christianity is China's fastest-growing religion, with at least 67 million followers, many of whom worship in independent house churches or unofficial churches, often with the acquiescence of the government. We pray for the churches in China, especially at this time when the government seems to be tightening control at home and restricting interaction with churches abroad. May the Lord protect all who are under increased scrutiny by officials.
Friday
Chinese Communist Party has long associated Christianity with subversive Western values, and over the past year, officials have accelerated efforts to demolish churches, shutter Christian schools, and remove crosses from churches. We pray for comfort and strengthening of spirit for all the churches who have experienced demolition and closure. May the Lord give them wisdom and patience as they express their feeling of frustration and disappointment.
Saturday
Chinese leaders have historically shown greater lenience toward Hong Kong, which is now home to about 850,000 Christians, 1,500 churches, a Christian newspaper and a Baptist university. Hong Kong Christian community is indeed unique and much blessed by the Lord. We pray that they will continue to be an example of love, unity and sending missionaries for all Chinese believers.
Sunday
About sixty percent of Hong Kong's churches have ministries inside China such as theological training. But spreading the gospel in the mainland can be difficult. Hong Kong residents are often treated as foreigners, and they are not permitted to establish churches, hand out pamphlets, proselytize or preach.
Monday
China had promised to give Hong Kong freedom to be "one country, two systems", the term used to describe the relationship between China and Hong Kong. We do not know how long Beijing will keep her promise of giving Hong Kong special treatment. We pray for the future of churches there and their contribution and influence to all Cantonese-speaking churches worldwide.


星期二
香港充滿活力的基督教社區,一直吸引著到訪香港的中國人。每年都有數以萬計的人跨越邊境前往這個前英國殖民地參加培訓、討論會和巨型教堂聚會活動。與內地相比,香港享有更多自由,包括宗教自由。我們為香港充滿活力的教會來讚美上帝,求主悦納他們努力完成大使命的奉獻精神,不僅祝福了中國,而且對整個世界産生深遠的影響。
星期三
近數月來,中國政府禁止居民前往香港參加一些宗教會議,也加強了對香港牧師在內地開展項目的監督,使得一些人在重新考慮他們在中國的事工。我們為香港教會受到更多的限制和監督的政治環境來代禱,願主保守並為他們開路。
星期四
基督教是中國增長最快的宗教,至少有6700萬信眾,其中很多人是在政府的默許之下,參加家庭教會或非官方教會。近來中國政府似乎加強對教會的控制和限制教會與國外的互動,我們為中國教會禱告,求主保守受到這些壓力的信徒們。
星期五
共產黨長期以來一直把基督教和顛覆性的西方價值觀聯繫在一起。過去一年裡,官員加大了拆除教堂、關閉基督教學校和拆卸十字架的力度。我們為被拆遷及關閉的教會禱告,求主安慰、堅定他們的信心。在他們經歷沮喪和失望的境遇時,滿有神賜的智慧和忍耐。
星期六
香港現在有85萬基督徒、1500座教堂、一份基督教報紙和一所浸信會大學。香港的教會和信徒確實是蒙神祝福的。我們為他們繼續在愛神、愛人,合一及宣教的熱忱各個方面,為所有中國信徒做美好的榜樣禱告。
星期日
香港大約60%的教會在內地有事工,神學培訓等。 香港居民常常被當作境外人士,不允許建教會、發放小冊子、傳教和佈道。我們為香港教會多年來支援中國教會感恩。願神記念他們為主擺上的愛心和努力,祝福所撒下的種子得到千百倍的收成。
星期一
中國雖然承諾香港享有自由權利,所謂的“一國兩制”- 用來形容中國與香港之間關係的一個短語。北京給香港特別待遇的承諾是否會繼續下去是個未知數。我們為香港教會的未來,以及他們的貢獻和在全球操粵語教會的影響力來禱告。

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Prayer Request 10/18 - 10/24

Tuesday
Since 2004, China’s divorce rate has risen for ten consecutive years. In 2013 more than 3.5 million couples applied for divorce. We recognize that this is not only a social problem; it is also a spiritual problem--a spiritual battle within the church for the families of believers. Many pastors do not think that messages on family issues are spiritual enough for their sermons. We pray for more Biblical and practical teaching on marriage in churches.
Wednesday
There have been various reasons given for an increase in divorce in China--money, property ownership, relationships. Some couples may also arrange divorces to avoid paying taxes, arrange household registration (hukou). or accomplish other ends. Pastors in China really do not have the time and training to provide marital counselling. Since divorce is no longer a stigma, many believers simply go ahead without informing their pastor. We pray churches will have better ways and means to minister to those who have marital difficulties.
Thursday
Some Chinese initiate a fake divorce in order to purchase a second home. That is because some cities in China prohibit one couple from owning more than one home. One way around this is for the couple to obtain a legal divorce, but to continue to live together. Cohabitation and premarital sex are no longer uncommon in churches in China. To speak against it is not popular and usually means that people are driven away from the church. We pray for wisdom, boldness, and sensitivity for all pastors in China who find it awkward to teach Biblical truth.
Friday
Chastity is no longer the only standard of virtue by which a Chinese woman is measured. Women can be very financially independent and in fact, many have opted to stay single or simply living together without marriage. Many churches have a large number of divorced sisters. Although they are generally accepted, it is not easy for them to be involved in the fellowship. We pray for more efforts intentionally ministering to those who are divorced to help them grow spiritually.
Saturday
“We marry for a good life and divorce for a better life” is the mantra for many Chinese couples now. They stress quality of life and marriage, rather than holding onto the traditional "stay-married no matter what" attitude. We pray for believers in China who are struggling with their marriages. May the Lord provide them with competent spiritual mentors who can guide them well. We pray, too, for healing for believers whose grown children are considering divorce.
Sunday
The internet has a huge impact on the attitude toward marriage and divorce in China. Liberal sexual attitudes and all kinds of online dating tools have paved the way for widespread premarital cohabitation and affairs in the marriage. We must be cognizant of Satan's schemes to destroy the marriages of believers. We pray for more teaching and resources on marriage and the family for both urban and rural churches.
Monday
Some reasons contributing to an increase of divorces in China are: marital strains of migrant workers, the capricious and unyielding approach of the one-child-only generation towards marital struggles, people waiting longer to get married, and greater convenience and rights protection in divorce cases. The marriages of even young Christian couples are at risk. We pray for wisdom, godly advice, and the healing power of God for many mature couples in the churches who serve as mentors and mediators for young couples in their churches.


星期二
中國的離婚率自2004年以來連續10年遞增。2013年,全國共有350多萬對夫妻辦理離婚手續。離婚不僅是一個社會問題,也是教會內部和信徒家庭當中的屬靈爭戰。講台上有關合神心意的婚姻及家庭的信息不多,也有牧者感覺此生活議題好像不夠屬靈。求主給中國教會更多著力於以聖經為根基的實踐性婚姻與家庭教導。
星期三
導致中國離婚率高的原因很多,有些和夫妻間相處的關係有關。有一些和金錢及財産有關。舉例來說,他們為了「避稅、辦理戶口等原因」而離婚。國内受過完整輔導婚姻的傳道人中實在太少了,加上社會觀念上離婚不再是恥辱,以至於許多信徒就直接辦理離婚,也不通知牧師。求主幫助中國教會能有更好而有效的方式,協助婚姻有困難的家庭。
星期四
有些夫妻假離婚,以便購買第二棟房子。這是因為中國有部分城市禁止一對夫妻擁有一棟以上的房子。避開這種法規限制的方法之一,就是夫妻合法離婚,但仍繼續住在一起。同居和婚前性行為在中國教會已不再是大驚小怪的事了;而傳道人要教導合神心意的婚姻是有困難的,多半只會使當事人離開教會。我們為所有牧者們有膽量,恩慈和智慧以聖經的真理來輔導會眾在婚姻聖潔上蒙神保守、賜福禱告。
星期五
當今中國社會,貞操不再是人們評價女性純良的唯一標準,女士也能選擇單身或同居,不必依靠男人的經濟支持。許多教會中多有離婚的姐妹,雖然她們能被弟兄姊妹接納,但是在信徒深度的交通及事工的投入方面,多少還有隔閡。我們為教會能更有策略地輔導和造就,幫助她們靈命成長來禱告。
星期六
「結婚是為了過得很好,而離婚是為了過得更好。」這是當今許多中國夫妻們的信念。相對於過去比較保守的婚姻觀念,現代人的中國人更加注重生活品質和婚姻幸福感。我們要為眾多在婚姻中掙扎的弟兄姊妹代求,求神為他們預備能給予輔導,提醒的屬靈長輩。更為這些正在經歷父母離異的孩子禱告,求神保守與醫治。
星期日
網路對於中國人的婚姻和離婚的態度有著重要的影響。中國人性觀念的『開放』和社交媒體中的『交友工具』,為婚前同居、婚後出軌有高度的相關。我們必需知道撒旦正無所不用其極的要破壞信徒的婚姻和家庭。求主為中國教會,不單單是城市教會,也在農村教會中,預備更多婚姻及家庭的教導及資源。
星期一
導致中國離婚率增加有不少原因:如異地工作對夫妻情感關係的衝擊、獨生一代在婚姻問題中的「任性」與「不肯讓步」、晚婚、便利的離婚手續和權益的改進等。教會裡既使是年輕夫妻,在關係互動上也有很多問題。我們為教會中有成熟的夫妻能以神賜的智慧,屬靈的忠告,經歷的分享來輔導年輕夫婦,更求聖靈保守並大能醫治教會年輕、有各種需要的家庭。

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Prayer Request 10/11 - 10/17

Tuesday
Since 2004, China’s divorce rate has risen for ten consecutive years. In 2013 more than 3.5 million couples applied for divorce. ​We recognize that this is not only a social problem; it is also a spiritual problem--a spiritual battle within the church for the families of believers. Many pastors do not think that messages on family issues are spiritual enough for their sermons. We pray for more Biblical and practical teaching on marriage in churches.​
Wednesday
There have been various reasons given for an increase in divorce in China--money, property ownership, relationships. Some couples may also ​arrange divorces to avoid paying taxes, arrange household registration (hukou). or accomplish other ends. Pastors in China really do not have the time and training to provide marital counselling. Since divorce is no longer a stigma, many believers simply go ahead without informing their pastor. We pray churches will have better ways and means to minister to those who have marital difficulties.
Thursday
Some Chinese initiate a fake divorce in order to purchase a second home. That is because some cities in China prohibit one couple from owning more than one home. One way around this is for the couple to obtain a legal divorce, but to continue to live together. ​Cohabitation and premarital sex are no longer uncommon in churches in China. To speak against it is not popular and usually means that people are driven away from the church. We pray for wisdom, boldness, and sensitivity for all pastors in China who find it awkward to ​teach Biblical truth.
Friday
Chastity is no longer the only standard of virtue​ by which​ a Chinese woman is measured. Women can be very financially independent and in fact, many ​have ​opted to stay single or simply​ living together without marriage. Many churches have a large number of divorced sisters. Although they are generally accepted, it is not easy for them to be involved in the fellowship. We pray for more​ efforts intentionally ministering to those who are divorced to help them grow spiritually.
Saturday
“We marry for a good life and divorce for a better life” is the mantra for many Chinese couples now. They stress quality of life and marriage, rather than holding onto the traditional ​"​stay-married no matter what​"​ attitude. We pray for believers in China who are struggling with their marriages. May the Lord provide them with competent spiritual mentors who can guide them well.​ We pray, too, for healing for believers whose grown children are considering divorce.
Sunday
The internet has a huge impact on the attitude toward marriage and divorce in China. Liberal sexual attitudes and all kinds of online dating​ tools have paved the way for widespread premarital cohabitation and affairs in the marriage. We must be cognizant of Satan's schemes to destroy the marriages of believers. We pray for more teaching and resources on marriage and the family for both urban and rural churches.
Monday
Some reasons contributing to ​an​ increase of divorces in China are: marital strains of migrant workers, the capricious and unyielding approach of the one-child-only generation towards marital struggles, people waiting longer to get married, and greater convenience and rights protection in divorce cases. The marriages of even young Christian couples​ are at risk. We pray for wisdom, godly advice, and the healing power of God for many mature couples in the churches who serve as mentors and mediators for young couples in their churches.


星期二
中國的離婚率自2004年以來連續10年遞增。2013年,全國共有350餘萬對夫妻辦理離婚手續。離婚不僅是一個社會問題,也是教會內部和信徒家庭屬靈的爭戰。講台上有關合神心意的婚姻及家庭的信息不多。求主給中國教會更多以聖經為根基的婚姻與家庭教導。
星期三
導致離婚率高的原因很多,有一些和夫妻間的關係有關。有一些和金錢及財産有關。舉例來說,他們為了「避稅、辦理戶口等原因」而離婚。受過完整輔導婚姻的傳道人中實在太少了,加上離婚不再是恥辱,許多信徒就直接辦理離婚,也不通知牧師。求主幫中國教會能有更好的方式協助婚姻有困難的家庭。
星期四
有些夫妻假離婚,以便購買第二棟房子。這是因為中國有部分城市禁止一對夫妻擁有一棟以上的房子。避開這種限制的方法之一就是夫妻合法離婚,但是繼續住在一起。同居和婚前性行在中國教事會不再是大驚小怪。但是傳道人要教導合神心意的婚姻是有困難的,多半只會使當事人離開教會。我們為牧者有膽量,恩慈和智慧來輔導他們。
星期五
當今中國社會,貞操不再是人們評價女性純良的唯一標準,女士也能選擇單身或同居,不必依靠男人的經濟支持。許多教會中多有離婚的姐妹,雖然她們能被弟兄姊妹接納,但是在信徒深度的交通及事工的投入,多少還有隔閡。我們為教會能輔導和造就,幫助她們靈命成長。
星期六
「結婚是為了過得很好,而離婚是為了過得更好。」相對於過去比較保守的婚姻觀念,現代人的中國人更加注重生活品質和婚姻幸福感。為眾多在婚姻中掙扎的中國信徒祈求,神為他們預備能給予輔導,提醒的屬靈長輩。我們也為信徒家長,他們的孩子經歷婚姻困難,求神的醫治。
星期日
網路對於中國人的婚姻和離婚的態度有重要的影響。中國人性觀念的『開放』和社交媒體中的『交友工具』,為婚前同居、婚後出軌有高度的關係。撒旦要破壞信徒的婚姻家庭,這是我們必需知道的。求主為中國教會,不單單是城市教會,也在農村教會中,預備更多婚姻及家庭的教導及資源。
星期一
有不少原因導致中國離婚率增加:如異地工作夫妻情感關係的衝擊、獨生一代在婚姻問題中的「任性」與「不肯讓步」、晚婚、離婚手續和權益改進等。教會裡的年輕夫妻關係也大有問題。我們為教會中有成熟的夫妻能輔導年輕的,神賜智慧,屬靈的忠告,經歷的分享,聖靈醫治教會年輕的家庭。

Wednesday, October 05, 2016

Prayer Request 10/4 - 10/10

Tuesday
Many rural churches in China are without pastors and many more lack clear vision, direction, and planning. There are even more churches that think all they need is committed people and financial resources to be able to grow. We pray for those churches that are still “all talk but no action”. May the Lord revive them so they will have real spiritual growth rather than mere superficial spirituality.
Wednesday
Although the number of churches in China has increased rapidly, the number of pastors for those churches has not grown in proportion. Pastors are overworked with little time for their children, spouses, or even for God. Unfortunately, their families often do not appreciate their dedication to God. We pray for wisdom for all pastors so they will know how to balance church ministries with the needs of their families since we know that their family should be the best source of love and support for pastors.
Thursday
In recent years there have been more pastors from China or their children going abroad for study than ever before. This has caused the pastors to be separated from their families and suffer from poor communication for long periods of time. Let us pray for the pastors of families that are separated from each other that they will have quality time together, intimacy, and improved communication when they do get together. Pray that above all God would protect them from the attack of the evil one
Friday
Public education in China is rooted in atheism and there are few opportunities for Christian education since very few churches offer kindergartens or preschools.Young Christian parents in China consider preschool education to be a necessity because they are afraid their children will “fall behind” in school. We pray these parents will know that God has entrusted their children to them and it is their responsibility to teach the children that Jesus loves them.
Saturday
In the past decade, some believers in China began exploring the possibilities of church school or home schooling and the feasibility of a Christian-based education. We pray for wisdom for churches as they explore faith-based options as compared to the government educational system. We pray, too, that Christian parents will help their children who begin to question their faith in school.
Sunday
Under the existing policy, church-sponsored schools are not recognized in China. The homeschooling option is still immature and lacks a good curriculum as well as official approval and recognition. We pray churches will be more diligent in providing a healthy Sunday school program which will help parents who are believers to know it is their responsibility to rear godly children.
Monday
Churches in China have recently been hosting all kinds of training classes such as those for volunteers, praise and worship, Sunday school teachers, and even on legal issues. We thank the Lord for all of those who have received training. May they be able to serve even more effectively in their church by using their spiritual gifts and their commitment. May the Lord use them to bless and revive the church.


星期二
許多中國農村的鄉鎮教會缺乏牧者帶領。教會基本上沒有異象、目標和事工計劃可言。絕大部分的教會,自認為教會只要有錢及委身的人就夠了! 求主幫助那些仍然停留在喊口號的教會,能踏實地組織策略性的、持久的工作,投身宣教服侍,不是只有表面屬靈,卻沒有實質的屬靈生氣。
星期三
中國教會數量快速發展,可是傳道同工增長比例卻相差甚遠。同工都十分忙碌,沒時間留給子女、配偶,甚至沒有時間親近神,導致容易耗盡,也不獲家人諒解。求主賜智慧給中國的傳道人,能在管理神的家和自己的家上懂得尋求神的帶領,使家庭成為最佳得力和鼓勵的愛之窩。
星期四
近幾年來,傳道同工的子女出國留學或同工本人赴海外進修的越來越多,也形成家庭成員分隔各方的情況,容易出現溝通的隔閡。求主保守分隔的同工家庭,使他們能抓緊優質時間(quality time)作良好溝通,讓家庭成員願意多走一步,保持跟家人間親密互動,不給惡者留地步。
星期五
中國的教育以無神論主導,下一代能接受基督化教育的機會不多,只有少許教會開設幼兒園。年輕信徒家長往往忙碌於尋求優質的幼兒教育,擔心孩子教育輸在起跑線上。求主幫助他們曉得孩子是神託付父母管理的產業,絕不要忘記於神賦于的使命是要親自教導孩子認識主耶穌的救恩。
星期六
近十年,在中國教會中開始有人探討教會辦學或家庭學校(home school)的模式,以作為探索基督化教育出路的可行性。求主賜智慧給教會,能在中國教育政策下,為信徒下一代開拓接受基督化教育的新契機,尤其有智慧幫助因與學校傳授觀點不同而對信仰有懷疑的孩子們。
星期日
在中國現行政策下,教會註冊辦學的空間仍然有限。至於家庭學校,也要面對教材資源、課程組織與學校或考試銜接,以及獲取政府和社會認可等等難題。求天父提醒教會要殷勤作兒童主日學的服侍,讓兒童和青少年能從小認識、跟隨主!更不忘記父母有責任教導子女敬虔愛主。
星期一
近來,中國各地教會不約而同辦培訓班,形式多樣;有義工培訓、聖樂培訓、教職人員培訓,及法制教育等。我們為接受培訓的信徒們感恩,求主大大使用,在他們聚會處參與服侍,並與其他肢體有美好的配搭,共建神家。又求主藉著他們彰顯主的榮美,成為各人所屬教會的祝福,帶來復興。