Posts
Tuesday
Some of the open churches in the cities of China offer two or three Sunday services with hundreds in attendance at each service from the thousands of members they usually have. We pray for all of the churches in China that they will be able to worship freely without unnecessary hindrances and that they will become bright lamps in their communities as the Lord adds to them newly saved people.
Wednesday
Many churches in Jilin and Heilongjiang provinces have as many as four Sunday services, not only in Mandarin but in Korean. In these worship services, there are just as many seekers as believers. Churches in Korea support ethnic Koreans ministries in Northeast China. We thank the Lord for their zeal to lead Korean-speaking Chinese to Jesus. May this kind of passion and love be an example for all churches.
Thursday
Among the seekers in churches in China, many started coming to church out of curiosity or by invitation of friends. Many churches have a long line waiting outside before their Sunday worship services and lines are even longer on Easter and Christmas. We pray that the Holy Spirit will attract, touch, and enlighten the souls of all who come to church, and that they will come to know Jesus Christ. We too pray that churches will be effective in ministering to seekers in their midst.
Friday
Sunday worship services in China usually last an hour and a half with thirty minutes of preaching. Because of the time limit and the broad audiences, sermons tend to be only an overview or explanation of the truth rather than deep theology. Open churches do encourage their members to read the Bible daily and also give out magazines that contain testimonies. We pray more believers will hunger for God's Word, not merely listening to God's Word on Sunday but that they will live out the truth of the Word.
Saturday
In general, pastors in the Open (Three Self) churches do not have time nor venues to have a deep relationship with their flocks. We could say that there is basically no relationship between the pastors and their members/believers. We pray specifically for believers who attend only Sunday worship and have little interaction with fellow Christians. May the Lord safeguard their faith so they do not give up meeting together and will be willing to participate in the services and learn to serve together to build up the body of Christ.
Sunday
In every city in China, there are migrant workers, particularly in Shanghai, Guangdong, Fujian and other coastal cities that are prosperous. In these cities, churches for migrant workers are more mature and there are dedicated workers serving those migrant workers. We pray for those who serve the migrant workers who are very mobile so it is difficult to follow up. These people have many difficult family issues and sad personal stories. May the Lord have mercy on them and reward those who minister to them.
Monday
In China, in the urban churches, women outnumber men by three to one or even four to one. Similarly, and maybe even more drastically, there is evident disparity in the rural churches or those in smaller cities. We pray for a revival of men in the churches in China. May the Lord bring about a miraculous change among the male believers so they will have the zeal to witness and lead their friends, neighbors, and families to Christ.
星期二
中國一些大城市的公開教會中，每個主日都進行兩至三堂禮拜，每堂人數動輒上百，會友合起來達幾千人。我們為能自由聚會的教會獻上感恩；也禱告主大大使用祂的教會成為社區的明亮燈臺，為神活出有力的見證，使得救的人數天天加增。
星期三
中國的教堂使用率，最高的是在吉林、黑龍江省，許多教堂的主日禮拜多達四堂。他們不但有普通話禮拜，也有朝鮮語聚會， 信徒和慕道者的比例大約是 1 ：1 。朝鮮族的事工常有來自韓國教會的資助，我們來為他們領人歸主的火熱感恩，願眾教會也因著主愛，以及他們力行福音大使命的好榜樣，無論得時不得時，都樂意為主作工。
星期四
參加聚會的慕道友中，許多是出於好奇或被邀請初次踏進教會的。到了周末，有些公開教堂要排隊等候進入，遇到復活節或聖誕節，更是得排長龍。我們求主的靈吸引、感動、光照這些踏進教會者的心靈深處，叫他們為罪、為義、為終極的審判能自己反省悔悟。也為教會能實際地關心慕道友來祈求。
星期五
中國教會的主日崇拜一般一個半小時。由於時間、場地和會眾人數多等的限制，牧者講道對真理只能重點式概述或提醒復習，無法深入展開。公開教會一般也會鼓勵會友每日讀經，以及閱讀全國性的見證雜誌。願主賜信徒能渴慕神話語，不單單聽道，而是要把生命之道活出來。
星期六
中國三自/公開的教會，牧者實在無法與信徒有深入了解和交通，信徒之間也有同樣的情況。牧者對信徒進一步的牧養和信徒之間的交通都比較缺乏。我們特別為只是單單參加聚會卻沒有其他參與的信徒禱告，求神保守他們的信心，不停止聚會，願意更多投入教會，學習彼此配搭事奉，建立基督的身體。
星期日
中國每一個城市都有農民工。在上海、廣東和福建等沿海經濟發達的城鎮，民工教會發展比較快，也比較成熟。我們為服事農民工的教會禱告，有一批忠心的同工從事這項事工。由於農民工流動性大，跟進困難，也很難幫助他們的家庭問題。不少人遭遇坎坷，身心靈破碎，求主施恩憐憫這些困苦人，也賞賜服事的同工們有從神來的智慧、愛心和能力並記念他們的擺上。
星期一
中國教會會眾以姐妹居多，在城市教會中相當明顯。男女比例是 1：3甚至1：4。在沿海發達的城市尚且如此，其他城市的情況更可想而知。我們為中國教會的弟兄得蒙復興來仰望主，願神施行奇妙作為，激勵弟兄的靈命更新，有火熱見證，能帶領更多家人、朋友和鄰居信主蒙恩。
Monday, January 30, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Prayer Request 1/24 - 1/30
Tuesday
For forty days during the Chinese New Year, the annual spring migration takes place in China. Billions of people travel back to their home towns via all modes of transportation but train travel is the most common and in demand. We pray especially for Christians as they enjoy their reunions with their families. May the Lord give them a joyful time sharing what the Lord has done for them and the gospel with relatives who are still not believers.
Wednesday
Seventy percent of the train travel in China during the Spring Festival originates from the Beijing-Shanghai-Guangzhou and the southeastern coastal provinces. Forty percent of train tickets are sold from Guangdong province alone. Church ministries also take a break at this time as people return to their homes or go traveling. We pray for rest and revival for all of the church leaders. May the Lord give them vision and direction for their churches for the new year.
Thursday
As people take trains to go home for the Chinese New Year, the most popular destinations are Hunan (13%). Hubei (13%), Henan (9%), Sichuan (8%), Jiangxi and Chongqing. These provinces provide the factories for workers in China. Many Christians who work in cities have drifted away from God because of busyness or other excuses. We pray as they return to their home churches during the Spring Festival, God will grant them a revival and stir them to walk closely with the Lord once again.
Friday
In China, Steinway sees potential and huge market in what it calls the “tiger mom” phenomenon, middle-class parents willing to spend small fortunes to produce high-achieving children with musical talent. By some estimates, the country has as many as 40 million piano students, compared with six million in the United States. We pray Christian parents who give their children music training will also teach them to serve the Lord humbly with the talent God gives us and not merely seeking vainglory.
Saturday
As it pushes to remake the country into a cultural superpower, the Chinese government has encouraged students to take up the piano by building concert halls and investing in music education. Among the country's wealthy families, arts have become spiritual fulfillment and a status symbol. Music is a part of church ministry. We pray for song leaders and musicians as they serve with their heart, mind and strength in leading people to worship God every week.
Sunday
Many Chinese intellectuals who have been converted while they were abroad are influenced by rational thinking so they believe in only what they can see with their eyes and can understand rationally. When these people speak in church they can influence many people. Let us pray for this dangerous trend of rejecting the miraculous work of God and rationalizing the Christian faith. These are people who pride themselves on intellectualizing Christian faith but leave out God's sovereignty.
Monday
Many highly educated Chinese espouse "Rational Christianity", which refutes God's sovereignty and people who are affected by it reject all the supernatural works performed by the Holy Spirit. This kind of thinking holds the key to the future growth of churches in China. May the Lord bless believers so they can have a complete understanding of Christian truth and true faith in God and His grace. May He also give them unity so they will not criticize others carelessly.
星期二
為期40天的2017年春運已經開始了，幾十億遊子要回家過年。尤其是鐵路運輸特別擁擠，一票難求。我們特別為返鄉的肢體代禱，願主賜他們與家人有美好的團聚，不僅能分享主在他們過去一年所成就的一切，更能把握機會與未信的親戚朋友分享福音。
星期三
春運火車票的始發站，七成以上集中在北京、上海、廣州一線以及東南沿海地區。特別是廣東省，作爲中國外來人口最多的地區 (佔四成春運火車票)，需求量最大，搶票難度較高。許多教會的事工因弟兄姊妹回鄉過年或旅遊而停頓。求主賜眾教會領袖的身心靈有休息及復興的時段，讓他們重新得力，從神得著新一年的異象與方向。
星期四
中西部地區都是中國勞動力輸出大省。春運火車車票中，終點站最多的是湖南（13%）、湖北（13%）、河南（9%）、四川（8 %）、江西和重慶等省份。許多到城市工作的信徒，往往因著忙碌和種種藉口而放棄追求主，以致靈命枯乾。當他們在春節期間回到老家的教會時，求神復興他們，激動他們再次親近主，立志與祂同行。
星期五
在中國，中產階級父母願意花錢把有音樂天賦的孩子培養成才，即所謂的 "虎媽現象"。有估計認為在中國裡，學鋼琴的孩子有四千萬人，差不多是美國的七倍 (美國只有600萬)。求主幫助信徒家長給孩子音樂訓練不是出於虛榮，而是願意裝備孩子成為神所使用的人，將來在教會能參與敬拜讚美、服事神的聖工。
星期六
政府致力將中國重塑為文化大國，因此鼓勵學生學習鋼琴，又興建音樂廳，並投資音樂教育。對於富有的家庭來說，藝術已經成為一種充實精神生活的來源，以及一種社會地位的象徵。音樂也是教會服事之一，我們為帶領詩歌，預備崇拜的每一位禱告，求主使用他們每周都能盡心、盡性、盡力的敬拜神。
星期日
在中國城市教會中，不少是在國外信主的知識分子，他們的信仰偏重理性思辨，較信服眼睛所能見到的。他們在教會中發表的意見能影響許多人。我們求主幫助中國教會信徒不落入「理性基督教」的錯誤影響裡，將信仰過於知識化、理性化。要常被提醒我們的信仰是憑著信心，不是憑著眼見，不要錯過經歷神大能奇妙作為的機會。
星期一
有些中國的知識分子接受的是所謂「理性基督教」，那是在駁斥神的主權。受它影響的人拒絕接受聖靈現今仍在工作的真實性，這種理論更嚴重影響中國城市教會未來的成長！願主親自啟示祂的話，賜信徒一雙屬靈的眼睛，能全面透澈地認識真理，相信永恒神的恩典和奇妙的作為。又求主保守信徒的心，不因這些理論發表而彼此批評和攻擊。
For forty days during the Chinese New Year, the annual spring migration takes place in China. Billions of people travel back to their home towns via all modes of transportation but train travel is the most common and in demand. We pray especially for Christians as they enjoy their reunions with their families. May the Lord give them a joyful time sharing what the Lord has done for them and the gospel with relatives who are still not believers.
Wednesday
Seventy percent of the train travel in China during the Spring Festival originates from the Beijing-Shanghai-Guangzhou and the southeastern coastal provinces. Forty percent of train tickets are sold from Guangdong province alone. Church ministries also take a break at this time as people return to their homes or go traveling. We pray for rest and revival for all of the church leaders. May the Lord give them vision and direction for their churches for the new year.
Thursday
As people take trains to go home for the Chinese New Year, the most popular destinations are Hunan (13%). Hubei (13%), Henan (9%), Sichuan (8%), Jiangxi and Chongqing. These provinces provide the factories for workers in China. Many Christians who work in cities have drifted away from God because of busyness or other excuses. We pray as they return to their home churches during the Spring Festival, God will grant them a revival and stir them to walk closely with the Lord once again.
Friday
In China, Steinway sees potential and huge market in what it calls the “tiger mom” phenomenon, middle-class parents willing to spend small fortunes to produce high-achieving children with musical talent. By some estimates, the country has as many as 40 million piano students, compared with six million in the United States. We pray Christian parents who give their children music training will also teach them to serve the Lord humbly with the talent God gives us and not merely seeking vainglory.
Saturday
As it pushes to remake the country into a cultural superpower, the Chinese government has encouraged students to take up the piano by building concert halls and investing in music education. Among the country's wealthy families, arts have become spiritual fulfillment and a status symbol. Music is a part of church ministry. We pray for song leaders and musicians as they serve with their heart, mind and strength in leading people to worship God every week.
Sunday
Many Chinese intellectuals who have been converted while they were abroad are influenced by rational thinking so they believe in only what they can see with their eyes and can understand rationally. When these people speak in church they can influence many people. Let us pray for this dangerous trend of rejecting the miraculous work of God and rationalizing the Christian faith. These are people who pride themselves on intellectualizing Christian faith but leave out God's sovereignty.
Monday
Many highly educated Chinese espouse "Rational Christianity", which refutes God's sovereignty and people who are affected by it reject all the supernatural works performed by the Holy Spirit. This kind of thinking holds the key to the future growth of churches in China. May the Lord bless believers so they can have a complete understanding of Christian truth and true faith in God and His grace. May He also give them unity so they will not criticize others carelessly.
星期二
為期40天的2017年春運已經開始了，幾十億遊子要回家過年。尤其是鐵路運輸特別擁擠，一票難求。我們特別為返鄉的肢體代禱，願主賜他們與家人有美好的團聚，不僅能分享主在他們過去一年所成就的一切，更能把握機會與未信的親戚朋友分享福音。
星期三
春運火車票的始發站，七成以上集中在北京、上海、廣州一線以及東南沿海地區。特別是廣東省，作爲中國外來人口最多的地區 (佔四成春運火車票)，需求量最大，搶票難度較高。許多教會的事工因弟兄姊妹回鄉過年或旅遊而停頓。求主賜眾教會領袖的身心靈有休息及復興的時段，讓他們重新得力，從神得著新一年的異象與方向。
星期四
中西部地區都是中國勞動力輸出大省。春運火車車票中，終點站最多的是湖南（13%）、湖北（13%）、河南（9%）、四川（8 %）、江西和重慶等省份。許多到城市工作的信徒，往往因著忙碌和種種藉口而放棄追求主，以致靈命枯乾。當他們在春節期間回到老家的教會時，求神復興他們，激動他們再次親近主，立志與祂同行。
星期五
在中國，中產階級父母願意花錢把有音樂天賦的孩子培養成才，即所謂的 "虎媽現象"。有估計認為在中國裡，學鋼琴的孩子有四千萬人，差不多是美國的七倍 (美國只有600萬)。求主幫助信徒家長給孩子音樂訓練不是出於虛榮，而是願意裝備孩子成為神所使用的人，將來在教會能參與敬拜讚美、服事神的聖工。
星期六
政府致力將中國重塑為文化大國，因此鼓勵學生學習鋼琴，又興建音樂廳，並投資音樂教育。對於富有的家庭來說，藝術已經成為一種充實精神生活的來源，以及一種社會地位的象徵。音樂也是教會服事之一，我們為帶領詩歌，預備崇拜的每一位禱告，求主使用他們每周都能盡心、盡性、盡力的敬拜神。
星期日
在中國城市教會中，不少是在國外信主的知識分子，他們的信仰偏重理性思辨，較信服眼睛所能見到的。他們在教會中發表的意見能影響許多人。我們求主幫助中國教會信徒不落入「理性基督教」的錯誤影響裡，將信仰過於知識化、理性化。要常被提醒我們的信仰是憑著信心，不是憑著眼見，不要錯過經歷神大能奇妙作為的機會。
星期一
有些中國的知識分子接受的是所謂「理性基督教」，那是在駁斥神的主權。受它影響的人拒絕接受聖靈現今仍在工作的真實性，這種理論更嚴重影響中國城市教會未來的成長！願主親自啟示祂的話，賜信徒一雙屬靈的眼睛，能全面透澈地認識真理，相信永恒神的恩典和奇妙的作為。又求主保守信徒的心，不因這些理論發表而彼此批評和攻擊。
Monday, January 16, 2017
Prayer Request 1/17 - 1/23
Tuesday
Educators in China are working to reinforce traditional gender roles and values in the classroom. They worry that a shortage of male teachers has produced a generation of timid, self-centered and effeminate boys. Historically, women believers have outnumbered males three to one in the churches of China. We pray churches will redouble their efforts to engage in evangelism with men. We pray, too, that ministry leaders will intentionally reach out and disciple young men for Jesus Christ.
Wednesday
While in China boys outnumber girls as a result of the longstanding one-child policy and a cultural preference for sons, they consistently lag in academic performance. Boys consistently trail girls on college entrance exams, and disparities in academic achievement emerge as early as third grade. Many boys drop out of churches because they feel church is boring, they have no friends there, or they are scolded by their teacher for being noisy and mischievous. We pray the Lord will give wisdom and patience in reaching not just the good children but all of them and help them to know Jesus at a young age.
Thursday
China is aggressively recruiting male teachers as the news media warns of a need to "salvage masculinity in schools". In Fuzhou, colleges and universities are relaxing rules for admission and offering full scholarships and teaching jobs to young men. Teaching a Sunday school class in China is predominantly a task that is given to the ladies of the church. We pray God will raise up godly men who see how important it is for the boys in the church to have a good role model of loving God and serving sacrificially.
Friday
Some parents in China worry about the prospects their sons have in an uncertain economy so they put their hopes in male role models who they think teach lessons on assertiveness, courage and sacrifice. Many Christian parents feel they have less spiritual influence on their sons than on their daughters. May each of us pray consistently for our children to walk closely with the Lord and refuse to give up praying even if they reject our reminders and warnings.
Saturday
While men are scarce among the ranks of public school teachers worldwide, the gender imbalance is especially pronounced in China, where women occupy four out of five teaching positions in urban areas. We praise the Lord that many churches have started Sunday school for children now but there is a need for more training since the turnover of teachers is serious. We pray for ministry that will be suitable for teenagers and preteens, as well.
Sunday
In China there are about 270 million students in kindergarten through 12th grade with about 15 million teachers, many of them male, but in the churches, there are very few pastors who will consider having a man serving in children's ministry or teaching the young ones. We pray that this erroneous and harmful attitude will change since we know that Jesus rebuked His disciples because they wanted to prevent the little ones from coming to Him.
Monday
A major obstacle to recruiting male teachers in China as in other parts of the world is the modest wages they receive. While the law in China dictates that pay for teachers should be in step with that of public servants, traditionally Chinese men would rather be a public servant than a teacher. The prevailing attitude in the church there is that men are expected to teach adults and women are to teach the children. We praise God for all who faithfully serve as teachers whether men or women. May the Lord grant them wisdom and insight and make their teaching practical and impacting.
星期二
中國的教育學者們正努力提昇教室内以男性為主的傳統教師形象與尊崇價值。他們擔心目前課堂裡普遍缺乏男教師的現象，會造成下一代男孩傾向怯懦、自我中心及“缺乏男子氣概“ 。中國教會一向是姐妹人數遠超弟兄，幾乎是三對一的比例。求主感動教會更加關注弟兄的福音工作，教會的領袖和同工也更關心和刻意栽培年輕的弟兄。
星期三
因著計劃生育政策以及傳統重男輕女的觀念，造成中國陽盛陰衰的性別失衡現象。男生的學業表現往往相對落後，男女生從小學三年級開始，就出現學習成績的差異。 在高考中，男孩的成績也落後於女孩。許多男孩長大一點就不去教會，因為覺得教會無聊，沒有朋友或是不想接受主日學老師訓示。求神賜給我們智慧及耐心設計出適合不同性別、性向的教學内容，不是單單要求有乖孩子，而是帶領每一個孩童來到主面前，從小就認識主耶穌，以致一生蒙福，不會偏行己路。
星期四
新聞媒體警告，學校需要「搶救男人氣概」；與此同時，中國各地正在積極招募男性教師。福州市的高校為了鼓勵男性成為教師，對年輕男性放鬆了錄取標準，並特別給予全額獎學金和教學崗位。教會的主日學教師，幾乎清一色是姐妹在服侍。求主興起愛主的弟兄們回應呼召，看見教會中的男孩子需要有愛主的大哥哥和長輩們，成為他們愛主和不求回報服事的楷模。
星期五
中國有些父母擔心兒子們在不確定的經濟環境中的前程，於是寄望一些陽剛男性的典範，認為這些榜樣可以幫助男孩學會勇敢、不卑不亢和犧牲精神。許多中國信徒家長自認自己對兒子沒有太多的屬靈影響力，不像對女兒一般。求主幫助信徒家長都能為子女守望禱告，按著神的心意養育子女，好叫他們緊緊跟隨主，也絕不灰心失望，放棄關心那些已離開羊群的子女，為他們恒切代禱。
星期六
全世界教育界都缺乏男性教師，而這種教師性別的不平衡在中國格外突出。在一些城市地區，每五個教師崗位，只有一個是由男性擔任。我們感謝神，近年來有很多教會開始注重兒童主日學，但是老師們需要更多培訓，也要能訓練出更多新的老師來填補停教的崗位。求主賜給教會領導智慧，能為青少年提供適合他們需要的教導和活動設計。
星期日
中國從幼兒園到高中三年級，有一千五百萬名教師，二億七千萬名學生。極少數的中國牧師們會推薦弟兄去負責與兒童有關的服事。求主調整校正教會帶領者的眼光，不要以為弟兄不適合教導兒童又或看為大材小用。因為主耶稣曾訓斥門徒：讓孩童到我這裡來，不要攔阻他們。兒童需要不同性別的言教和身教楷模，好幫助他們健全長成神和人都喜悦的品格和身量。
星期一
阻撓更多男性願意進入教育行業的是中國教師菲薄的薪資（和世界各地的情形相同）。中國法律雖然規定，教師薪資不得低於其他公務員的薪資。不過大多數男仕寧入公門當公務員，也不選擇當老師。 中國教會的傳統和慣例，就是姐妹負責 『帶孩子』教孩童，弟兄帶成人查經。我們為所有忠心負責教導的男性、女性信徒們感恩，願神賜他們智慧及教導恩賜，能幫助一心尋求主的人，更深認識神並活出神的話語，一生蒙福。
Educators in China are working to reinforce traditional gender roles and values in the classroom. They worry that a shortage of male teachers has produced a generation of timid, self-centered and effeminate boys. Historically, women believers have outnumbered males three to one in the churches of China. We pray churches will redouble their efforts to engage in evangelism with men. We pray, too, that ministry leaders will intentionally reach out and disciple young men for Jesus Christ.
Wednesday
While in China boys outnumber girls as a result of the longstanding one-child policy and a cultural preference for sons, they consistently lag in academic performance. Boys consistently trail girls on college entrance exams, and disparities in academic achievement emerge as early as third grade. Many boys drop out of churches because they feel church is boring, they have no friends there, or they are scolded by their teacher for being noisy and mischievous. We pray the Lord will give wisdom and patience in reaching not just the good children but all of them and help them to know Jesus at a young age.
Thursday
China is aggressively recruiting male teachers as the news media warns of a need to "salvage masculinity in schools". In Fuzhou, colleges and universities are relaxing rules for admission and offering full scholarships and teaching jobs to young men. Teaching a Sunday school class in China is predominantly a task that is given to the ladies of the church. We pray God will raise up godly men who see how important it is for the boys in the church to have a good role model of loving God and serving sacrificially.
Friday
Some parents in China worry about the prospects their sons have in an uncertain economy so they put their hopes in male role models who they think teach lessons on assertiveness, courage and sacrifice. Many Christian parents feel they have less spiritual influence on their sons than on their daughters. May each of us pray consistently for our children to walk closely with the Lord and refuse to give up praying even if they reject our reminders and warnings.
Saturday
While men are scarce among the ranks of public school teachers worldwide, the gender imbalance is especially pronounced in China, where women occupy four out of five teaching positions in urban areas. We praise the Lord that many churches have started Sunday school for children now but there is a need for more training since the turnover of teachers is serious. We pray for ministry that will be suitable for teenagers and preteens, as well.
Sunday
In China there are about 270 million students in kindergarten through 12th grade with about 15 million teachers, many of them male, but in the churches, there are very few pastors who will consider having a man serving in children's ministry or teaching the young ones. We pray that this erroneous and harmful attitude will change since we know that Jesus rebuked His disciples because they wanted to prevent the little ones from coming to Him.
Monday
A major obstacle to recruiting male teachers in China as in other parts of the world is the modest wages they receive. While the law in China dictates that pay for teachers should be in step with that of public servants, traditionally Chinese men would rather be a public servant than a teacher. The prevailing attitude in the church there is that men are expected to teach adults and women are to teach the children. We praise God for all who faithfully serve as teachers whether men or women. May the Lord grant them wisdom and insight and make their teaching practical and impacting.
星期二
中國的教育學者們正努力提昇教室内以男性為主的傳統教師形象與尊崇價值。他們擔心目前課堂裡普遍缺乏男教師的現象，會造成下一代男孩傾向怯懦、自我中心及“缺乏男子氣概“ 。中國教會一向是姐妹人數遠超弟兄，幾乎是三對一的比例。求主感動教會更加關注弟兄的福音工作，教會的領袖和同工也更關心和刻意栽培年輕的弟兄。
星期三
因著計劃生育政策以及傳統重男輕女的觀念，造成中國陽盛陰衰的性別失衡現象。男生的學業表現往往相對落後，男女生從小學三年級開始，就出現學習成績的差異。 在高考中，男孩的成績也落後於女孩。許多男孩長大一點就不去教會，因為覺得教會無聊，沒有朋友或是不想接受主日學老師訓示。求神賜給我們智慧及耐心設計出適合不同性別、性向的教學内容，不是單單要求有乖孩子，而是帶領每一個孩童來到主面前，從小就認識主耶穌，以致一生蒙福，不會偏行己路。
星期四
新聞媒體警告，學校需要「搶救男人氣概」；與此同時，中國各地正在積極招募男性教師。福州市的高校為了鼓勵男性成為教師，對年輕男性放鬆了錄取標準，並特別給予全額獎學金和教學崗位。教會的主日學教師，幾乎清一色是姐妹在服侍。求主興起愛主的弟兄們回應呼召，看見教會中的男孩子需要有愛主的大哥哥和長輩們，成為他們愛主和不求回報服事的楷模。
星期五
中國有些父母擔心兒子們在不確定的經濟環境中的前程，於是寄望一些陽剛男性的典範，認為這些榜樣可以幫助男孩學會勇敢、不卑不亢和犧牲精神。許多中國信徒家長自認自己對兒子沒有太多的屬靈影響力，不像對女兒一般。求主幫助信徒家長都能為子女守望禱告，按著神的心意養育子女，好叫他們緊緊跟隨主，也絕不灰心失望，放棄關心那些已離開羊群的子女，為他們恒切代禱。
星期六
全世界教育界都缺乏男性教師，而這種教師性別的不平衡在中國格外突出。在一些城市地區，每五個教師崗位，只有一個是由男性擔任。我們感謝神，近年來有很多教會開始注重兒童主日學，但是老師們需要更多培訓，也要能訓練出更多新的老師來填補停教的崗位。求主賜給教會領導智慧，能為青少年提供適合他們需要的教導和活動設計。
星期日
中國從幼兒園到高中三年級，有一千五百萬名教師，二億七千萬名學生。極少數的中國牧師們會推薦弟兄去負責與兒童有關的服事。求主調整校正教會帶領者的眼光，不要以為弟兄不適合教導兒童又或看為大材小用。因為主耶稣曾訓斥門徒：讓孩童到我這裡來，不要攔阻他們。兒童需要不同性別的言教和身教楷模，好幫助他們健全長成神和人都喜悦的品格和身量。
星期一
阻撓更多男性願意進入教育行業的是中國教師菲薄的薪資（和世界各地的情形相同）。中國法律雖然規定，教師薪資不得低於其他公務員的薪資。不過大多數男仕寧入公門當公務員，也不選擇當老師。 中國教會的傳統和慣例，就是姐妹負責 『帶孩子』教孩童，弟兄帶成人查經。我們為所有忠心負責教導的男性、女性信徒們感恩，願神賜他們智慧及教導恩賜，能幫助一心尋求主的人，更深認識神並活出神的話語，一生蒙福。
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Prayer Request 1/10 - 1/16
Tuesday
Currently the mandatory retirement age in China is 60 for men and 50 for women with 55 for those in the management level. Experts believe the average retirement age in China is less than 55. There are many believers who are barely over fifty and retired. We pray that many of them will help out in the churches. May the Lord use their strength and stamina to be a great blessing in their respective churches.
Wednesday
The population of China is greying rapidly. It is estimated that ratio of working and retired is 3 to 1 now, but will be 2:1 in another 20 years. Many churches in China do not have a full-time pastors and the ministry is totally dependent on volunteers who are retired. We pray they will rise up to be watchmen for the flock and caretakers for those who are elderly. May the Lord reward them.
Thursday
In comparison with the retirement age of sixty-five in other nations, the age of retirement in China is very young. As the problem of aging population worsens, delaying the age for retirement is an inevitable policy decision. One huge challenge in the churches in China is how to mobilize retired believers to help in the churches. We pray that many more of these people will be equipped Biblically, become mature spiritually, and be willing to serve the Lord humbly.
Friday
Ninety-five percent of the respondents to a survey in China opposed delaying the official retirement age, so the government will implement reform on a gradual basis--extending the age for retirement a few months each year. Many retired believers are involved in the care of their grandchildren. We pray that these Christian grandparents will have a powerful influence and witness to the little ones, especially when their parents are so busy or unbelievers.
Saturday
Although official figures show that there is a current positive balance financially in government coffers, the government of China faces tremendous pressure to pay the cost of social security which is the main reason for their wanting to postpone the age of official retirement. Rural churches in China are now composed mostly of elderly people and children with no young people. We pray for the revival of the churches in the villages. May the Lord raise up people who are older but still able to teach the Bible and continue the ministries in these churches.
Sunday
China has a very grave problem with the graying of its population. By the end of 2014, China had 212 million people over the age of sixty--15.5% of its total population.In every church in China there are numbers of elderly believers, many of whom live alone or are very poor. We pray that more retired people will get involved in ministry to seniors, not only meeting their physical and social needs, but helping them to grow spiritually.
Monday
Nearly half of those who are sixty or over in China live alone and it is reported that a quarter of them are lonely and that nearly one-fourth of them live below the poverty line. Elderly believers who live alone definitely depend on the care of the church. We praise the Lord for believers and churches who reach out to the lonely elderly people and know that their kindness will be rewarded by God.
星期二
中國的退休年齡是男60歲，女50歲，女幹部是55歲。專家認為中國的實際退休年齡不到55歲。教會中有好些信徒才過五十歲就退休了，我們為這些退休肢體禱告，求主感動他們能積極投入教會的服事，叫神能使用他們充沛的體力和經歷，成為眾人的祝福。
星期三
中國人口加速老齡化。現今在職人員與退休人員數量之比為3:1，20年後這個比例將達到2:1。許多教會沒有全職牧者，教會事工推展都是由退休的弟兄姐妹承擔，我們為他們著實能成為神家的守望者來祈求，特別是能關懷教會年老的肢體。願主親自賞賜他們的忠心擺上。
星期四
相對外國65歲左右退休的措施，中國人的退休年齡偏低，因此面臨更嚴峻的人口老齡化問題，延遲退休將會是必然的選擇。如何動員已退休的信徒投入各項事工，是中國教會一大挑戰。求主興起更多退休的肢體，願意受更多裝備，在靈命上有更深的成熟度，心態上更謙卑地為主使用。
星期五
據一項調查顯示，95%的受訪者表示反對延遲退休。因此中國推行漸進改革的方式，每年只延長幾個月的退休時間。許多退休信徒都會照顧孫兒女，我們要特别為基督徒祖父母禱告(尤其子女是十分忙碌或未信的)，求主幫助他們在孫輩當中，有美好的屬靈榜樣和見證，「將祢的能力指示下代，將祢的大能指示後世的人。」(詩71:18)
星期六
中國面臨巨大的社保支付壓力，使當局不得不考慮推遲退休的政策。雖然官方數字表明養老保險基金收支平衡，但無可否認未來必面臨超支壓力。農村在過去 20 年成為只剩下老人與孩童的「空城」。我們來為農村教會的復興祈求，求主興起年長能教導真理的信徒，為主牧養看顧羊群。
星期日
中國是老齡化最嚴重的國家之一。截至2014年底，中國60歲以上老年人口已經達到2.12億，佔總人口15.5%。每個教會的年長信徒都不斷增多，也有一些貧困甚至沒有家人關心照顧的。我們為教會能對退休的肢體有實際的關懷禱告，不單是注意到他們身心的需要，也能幫助他們在靈命上不斷進深。
星期一
在中國，六十歲以上的長者近五成是所謂的「空巢老人」，其中近四分之一老人有孤獨感，且活在貧困線之下。教會中獨居的長者極需要信徒的關心。我們為參與老人事工的信徒和教會感恩，他們在這些人身上所做的，就是做在主身上，主必喜悦他們手中的工作。
Currently the mandatory retirement age in China is 60 for men and 50 for women with 55 for those in the management level. Experts believe the average retirement age in China is less than 55. There are many believers who are barely over fifty and retired. We pray that many of them will help out in the churches. May the Lord use their strength and stamina to be a great blessing in their respective churches.
Wednesday
The population of China is greying rapidly. It is estimated that ratio of working and retired is 3 to 1 now, but will be 2:1 in another 20 years. Many churches in China do not have a full-time pastors and the ministry is totally dependent on volunteers who are retired. We pray they will rise up to be watchmen for the flock and caretakers for those who are elderly. May the Lord reward them.
Thursday
In comparison with the retirement age of sixty-five in other nations, the age of retirement in China is very young. As the problem of aging population worsens, delaying the age for retirement is an inevitable policy decision. One huge challenge in the churches in China is how to mobilize retired believers to help in the churches. We pray that many more of these people will be equipped Biblically, become mature spiritually, and be willing to serve the Lord humbly.
Friday
Ninety-five percent of the respondents to a survey in China opposed delaying the official retirement age, so the government will implement reform on a gradual basis--extending the age for retirement a few months each year. Many retired believers are involved in the care of their grandchildren. We pray that these Christian grandparents will have a powerful influence and witness to the little ones, especially when their parents are so busy or unbelievers.
Saturday
Although official figures show that there is a current positive balance financially in government coffers, the government of China faces tremendous pressure to pay the cost of social security which is the main reason for their wanting to postpone the age of official retirement. Rural churches in China are now composed mostly of elderly people and children with no young people. We pray for the revival of the churches in the villages. May the Lord raise up people who are older but still able to teach the Bible and continue the ministries in these churches.
Sunday
China has a very grave problem with the graying of its population. By the end of 2014, China had 212 million people over the age of sixty--15.5% of its total population.In every church in China there are numbers of elderly believers, many of whom live alone or are very poor. We pray that more retired people will get involved in ministry to seniors, not only meeting their physical and social needs, but helping them to grow spiritually.
Monday
Nearly half of those who are sixty or over in China live alone and it is reported that a quarter of them are lonely and that nearly one-fourth of them live below the poverty line. Elderly believers who live alone definitely depend on the care of the church. We praise the Lord for believers and churches who reach out to the lonely elderly people and know that their kindness will be rewarded by God.
星期二
中國的退休年齡是男60歲，女50歲，女幹部是55歲。專家認為中國的實際退休年齡不到55歲。教會中有好些信徒才過五十歲就退休了，我們為這些退休肢體禱告，求主感動他們能積極投入教會的服事，叫神能使用他們充沛的體力和經歷，成為眾人的祝福。
星期三
中國人口加速老齡化。現今在職人員與退休人員數量之比為3:1，20年後這個比例將達到2:1。許多教會沒有全職牧者，教會事工推展都是由退休的弟兄姐妹承擔，我們為他們著實能成為神家的守望者來祈求，特別是能關懷教會年老的肢體。願主親自賞賜他們的忠心擺上。
星期四
相對外國65歲左右退休的措施，中國人的退休年齡偏低，因此面臨更嚴峻的人口老齡化問題，延遲退休將會是必然的選擇。如何動員已退休的信徒投入各項事工，是中國教會一大挑戰。求主興起更多退休的肢體，願意受更多裝備，在靈命上有更深的成熟度，心態上更謙卑地為主使用。
星期五
據一項調查顯示，95%的受訪者表示反對延遲退休。因此中國推行漸進改革的方式，每年只延長幾個月的退休時間。許多退休信徒都會照顧孫兒女，我們要特别為基督徒祖父母禱告(尤其子女是十分忙碌或未信的)，求主幫助他們在孫輩當中，有美好的屬靈榜樣和見證，「將祢的能力指示下代，將祢的大能指示後世的人。」(詩71:18)
星期六
中國面臨巨大的社保支付壓力，使當局不得不考慮推遲退休的政策。雖然官方數字表明養老保險基金收支平衡，但無可否認未來必面臨超支壓力。農村在過去 20 年成為只剩下老人與孩童的「空城」。我們來為農村教會的復興祈求，求主興起年長能教導真理的信徒，為主牧養看顧羊群。
星期日
中國是老齡化最嚴重的國家之一。截至2014年底，中國60歲以上老年人口已經達到2.12億，佔總人口15.5%。每個教會的年長信徒都不斷增多，也有一些貧困甚至沒有家人關心照顧的。我們為教會能對退休的肢體有實際的關懷禱告，不單是注意到他們身心的需要，也能幫助他們在靈命上不斷進深。
星期一
在中國，六十歲以上的長者近五成是所謂的「空巢老人」，其中近四分之一老人有孤獨感，且活在貧困線之下。教會中獨居的長者極需要信徒的關心。我們為參與老人事工的信徒和教會感恩，他們在這些人身上所做的，就是做在主身上，主必喜悦他們手中的工作。
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