Posts
Tuesday
According to the 2010 census, there are 8.95 million Uyghur people six years old and older in Xinjiang. But 96% of them have only a primary school education. In contrast, Han Chinese who live in Xinjiang have one of the highest educational levels in all of China. Consequently, ethnic problems in Xinjiang are deep-rooted and complicated. We pray that Chinese believers will pray fervently for the salvation of missions of ethnic minorities in China and try to understand their grievances.
Wednesday
Most Uyghur parents in southern Xinjiang refuse to send their children to schools that use Mandarin to teach them because they fear that the children will lose their traditions and identity. The educational system in China very strictly teaches Communism and atheism. We pray that Christian families will intentionally deepen their teaching of the Bible at home and pray for the spiritual growth of their children.
Thursday
Most of the children and youth in Uyghur loiter on the streets, and most are addicted to the internet and gambling. The few who do excel in their studies are sent by the government to top universities and later they will be employed by the government in managerial positions in their offices. The youth in Uyghur are envious of all things Western and fine but have a deep resentment for Chinese people. We pray that God will intervene and give wisdom to those who make the policies so His love can be shared with them in this generation or at least in two or three generations.
Friday
During the 1980's the Uyghur people changed their basic language to Arabic. There are Uyghur gospel tools such as radio broadcasts, the story of Jesus, and other audio evangelical tools. Although many Uyghur can speak and read Chinese, in South Xinjiang Mandarin is hardly used at all. We pray God will raise up Han believers who have passion and desire for these people to learn about God and will be willing to learn the culture, customs, and language of the Uyghur people.
Saturday
Currently, there are only about 800 Christians (from nine million total population) who meet for worship.These believers, however do not have a fixed meeting place so it is difficult to shepherd them. Uyghur converts face suspicion, rejection, and persecution from their families, the community, and even arrest by Chinese police. We praise God for their boldness in faith and lift up their safety and spiritual growth to the Lord.
Sunday
It is nearly impossible for outsiders (foreigners or Han Chinese) to share the gospel with the Uyghur people. Some Uyghur Christian workers have been imprisoned for their faith since they lack good platforms on which to share the gospel with their fellowmen. We pray for those who are trying to help Uyghurs through community projects or as English teachers and business people, that they will find good opportunities given by God to share the Good News and to strengthen those who are believers.
Monday
The greatest goal for parents in China is often to get their own child into college and not getting into college is considered a miserable failure and shame. Chinese parents will do nearly anything for the education of their children. For Christians, the intense pursuit of getting into college often means that the young people stop going to church or youth fellowship completely. Let us pray for continuing faith and church attendance for all of the young people who grew up in Christian homes in China.
星期二
最新的人口普查中，維族6歲以上的人約895萬，96%只有小學文化程度。相對來說，在新疆的漢人教育水平，卻是在全國排名前五名的。新疆種族關係緊張的問題是非常的複雜。我們為中國信徒能為百萬少數民族的靈魂得救禱告，也能嘗試體會他們生活中切身的感受和種種抱怨。
星期三
新疆最南地區的維吾爾族家長拒絕送子女上學接受普通話的教育，因為他們擔心孩子們可能會失去他們的傳統，他們的身份認同和語言文化。中國教育體制是教授無神論和共產黨理念。信徒家庭聖經真理教導與實踐必須在家庭生活中體現，讓我們一起為子女的靈性與成長禱告。
星期四
維族的入學率非常低，不少兒童和青少年流浪街頭、沉溺于網絡和賭博中。維族學生成績較優秀者會獲得政府重點提拔，送至最頂尖大學接受栽培，畢業後受聘於政府機構作階層管理。一般維吾爾青年很羨慕所有西方的事物，卻對中國有著深深的怨恨。讓我們為在上掌權者禱告，願他們在制定政策時能行公義，好憐憫以及存謙卑的心與主同行。
星期五
1980年，維族人改用阿拉伯文字為基礎文字，又從新翻譯部分的聖經。現有維語的福音工具是福音廣播節目、耶穌傳和一些福音研究的音頻文檔。儘管許多維吾爾人能說、讀中文，但在新疆南部地區，普通話卻不通用。求主興起漢族的信徒，更多關心吾爾族同胞的靈魂，願意學習他們的文化，習俗及語言。
星期六
目前九百萬的維吾爾人中只有大約八百位基督徒。他們的聚會點不固定，參加崇拜的人數，跟進與牧養都很困難。信了耶穌的維吾爾人，會受到家人的排斥、迫害並被族人棄絕，甚至遭公安的干擾。我們為這些信徒的勇氣感謝神，更是為他們的安全和靈命成長仰望禱告神。
星期日
外地人沒有管道，要想向維吾爾人傳福音幾乎是不可能的。一些維吾爾族的傳道人往往因著信仰被拘禁。讓我們為嘗試以社區項目和英語教學和商業管道來幫助維吾爾人生活的福音鬆土工作禱告。求主賜給他們有許多良好的機會見證祂自己，也能堅固及幫助維吾爾的信徒們。
星期一
中國家長最大的期望，就是盼望自己的兒女能考進理想的大學。如果無法考上，對某些家長而言是極大羞辱與失敗。我們特別在禱告中記念信徒的孩子，有不少孩子在四、五年級後便不再上教會，抓緊時間在家溫習功課。求主提醒父母要重視孩子的信仰過於他們的學業，又求神幫助孩子能持守信仰，愛慕真道，隨時隨事都仰望、信靠主。
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Prayer Request 3/21 - 3/27
Tuesday
A contest of poetry recitation, comprehension and appreciation is a runaway success on China’s national television. Viewers rave about the “near encyclopedic” knowledge of contestants and judges. We praise the Lord that many older Chinese believers were famous for being able to memorize lots of Bible verses because Bibles were not readily available. We pray that all believers, especially the younger ones will thirst after the Word of God.
Wednesday
Many have said that the contemporary Chinese language has become blunt and vulgar. A poetry contest on national television breathes a fresh air of civility and awakens an awareness of cultural self-confidence which is exactly what the officials in China desire. There are many translations of the Bible in English but the Union Version in Chinese is still loved and preferred by many. We pray for efforts to translate into more modern language and an acceptance of such a translation of the Bible so young people can read and understand the Word of God.
Thursday
Nationally televised poetry contests drill the contestants on their recitation and appreciation of ancient Chinese poems. Although many participants are young, they definitely have a deep grasp of these classical Chinese poems and culture.Chinese believers have a special fondness for the Union Version of their Bible which is already more than a century old. Although it is prosaic, it is also archaic in the vocabulary it uses. We pray that younger believers will not only understand the Word of God, but like the Berean believers in the Bible, they will thirst to know more.
Friday
The government says that ninety percent of the people in China have some health insurance, but the under-financed state programs leave many patients covering the bulk of their medical costs themselves. The worry about losing all of their savings in case of illness is one big reason believers in the rural church there do not give money to their church. We pray for faith and trust in the Lord for every one of us.
Saturday
Bribing medical personnel is illegal in China and the government has repeatedly warned the people but bribery is simply getting worse. Hongbao (red envelopes with money in them) typically yield $160 to $800 and are particularly common or required gifts before surgeries. A Christian in China faces difficult ethical and even legal conundrums daily so we pray for wisdom and faith to do the right thing that will please and honor the Lord.
Sunday
In China, one has to "buy" a doctor's effort to save the life of a person, Bribing a doctor is to get the physician to perform the surgery to the best of his/her ability. Trying to buy favor is very much a Chinese way of life. For a Christian to go against the social norm even in the face of losing out requires much courage and faith. We ask the Lord to give us the desire to honor Him.
Monday
The infant mortality rate in rural China has always been 2.5 times larger that what it is in the cities. In 2010, the average mortality rate in an average village was one in ten. Many people in rural China have a fatalistic view of life since they know their children will never be well off. We pray for all of the believers in villages in China that the Lord will give them purpose and that they will realize He has the best for them so they will serve Him with joy.
星期二
近期電視節目《中國詩詞大會》爆紅，參賽者的才華有如「行走詩詞庫」，評委的學識亦淵博，令節目被喻為娛樂界一股清流。感謝神，老一代中國信徒著重把神的話藏在心裡，都能熟背許多經文。求主賜給眾信徒 (尤其是教會年輕一代) 能同樣渴慕神話語，以致能;運用神的話來分辨現今世代似是而非的謬誤歪理。
星期三
許多人認為現代中國人的語言變得直白粗鄙，央視《中國詩詞大會》選手重新喚起眾人對中華文化的肯定， 亦符合官方要傳達的正能量。英文聖經有許多翻譯本，中文聖經還是和合本一枝獨秀。求主幫助眾聖徒用心研讀神的話，能參考不同譯本，叫我們更明白神的心意。又將那賜人智慧和啟示的靈賞賜我們，使我們真認識祂。
星期四
電視的詩詞大會考驗選手對古詩詞的背誦及賞析。參賽者年紀雖輕卻淡定自若，相信是古典詩詞的浸染和洗禮之功。中國教會喜愛的和合本聖經，已有百年歷史，文字雖優美，但對部份年輕人來說，有些用字較為艱澀。求主幫助年輕信徒像聖經提及的 "庇哩亞人" 一樣，甘心領受真道，天天考查聖經，要更深切曉悟神的心意和真理。
星期五
政府聲稱 90%巿民有某種醫療保險，但資金不足的國家醫保導致很多病人需要自己支付大部分醫療費用。許多信徒不奉獻的原因之一，就是擔心一旦生病需要支付龐大醫藥費，所以必需未雨綢繆。我們為每個信徒禱告，將神的物歸給神，操練學習全然信靠神，堅心仰賴主的帶領與供應。
星期六
在中國，給醫生送紅包是非法的，政府也多次警告，但是賄賂醫務人員的問題不但沒有改善，反而越更嚴重。大手術前送紅包幾乎是必要的，金額從1000元到5000元不等。中國的基督徒每天都會面對道德上的難題，甚至是合法與否的困境。求主賜信徒智慧和信心，能做對了討神喜悅及榮耀祂的抉擇。
星期日
在中國，要想救活一條命就得「收買」醫生-送紅包。其目的是讓醫生盡力做好手術，確保醫生會認真治療。中國人的慣性常是想盡辦法走捷徑。基督徒要想分別為聖，毅然放棄垂手可得的利益，的確需要對神持守極大的信心和忠心。我們求主幫助每一位神的兒女，用眞實行動榮耀祂。
星期一
中國農村的新生兒死亡率一直是城市死亡率的2.5倍，2010年新生兒死亡率在農村為10‰。農村居民往往有悲觀的宿命想法：我們的子女一輩子也不能翻身。求主施恩憐憫農村信徒，幫助他們仰望耶穌，體認人生真正的豐盛，不在乎物資上是否富裕，而是今世能活出信仰，以致能堅定、喜樂地服侍主。
A contest of poetry recitation, comprehension and appreciation is a runaway success on China’s national television. Viewers rave about the “near encyclopedic” knowledge of contestants and judges. We praise the Lord that many older Chinese believers were famous for being able to memorize lots of Bible verses because Bibles were not readily available. We pray that all believers, especially the younger ones will thirst after the Word of God.
Wednesday
Many have said that the contemporary Chinese language has become blunt and vulgar. A poetry contest on national television breathes a fresh air of civility and awakens an awareness of cultural self-confidence which is exactly what the officials in China desire. There are many translations of the Bible in English but the Union Version in Chinese is still loved and preferred by many. We pray for efforts to translate into more modern language and an acceptance of such a translation of the Bible so young people can read and understand the Word of God.
Thursday
Nationally televised poetry contests drill the contestants on their recitation and appreciation of ancient Chinese poems. Although many participants are young, they definitely have a deep grasp of these classical Chinese poems and culture.Chinese believers have a special fondness for the Union Version of their Bible which is already more than a century old. Although it is prosaic, it is also archaic in the vocabulary it uses. We pray that younger believers will not only understand the Word of God, but like the Berean believers in the Bible, they will thirst to know more.
Friday
The government says that ninety percent of the people in China have some health insurance, but the under-financed state programs leave many patients covering the bulk of their medical costs themselves. The worry about losing all of their savings in case of illness is one big reason believers in the rural church there do not give money to their church. We pray for faith and trust in the Lord for every one of us.
Saturday
Bribing medical personnel is illegal in China and the government has repeatedly warned the people but bribery is simply getting worse. Hongbao (red envelopes with money in them) typically yield $160 to $800 and are particularly common or required gifts before surgeries. A Christian in China faces difficult ethical and even legal conundrums daily so we pray for wisdom and faith to do the right thing that will please and honor the Lord.
Sunday
In China, one has to "buy" a doctor's effort to save the life of a person, Bribing a doctor is to get the physician to perform the surgery to the best of his/her ability. Trying to buy favor is very much a Chinese way of life. For a Christian to go against the social norm even in the face of losing out requires much courage and faith. We ask the Lord to give us the desire to honor Him.
Monday
The infant mortality rate in rural China has always been 2.5 times larger that what it is in the cities. In 2010, the average mortality rate in an average village was one in ten. Many people in rural China have a fatalistic view of life since they know their children will never be well off. We pray for all of the believers in villages in China that the Lord will give them purpose and that they will realize He has the best for them so they will serve Him with joy.
星期二
近期電視節目《中國詩詞大會》爆紅，參賽者的才華有如「行走詩詞庫」，評委的學識亦淵博，令節目被喻為娛樂界一股清流。感謝神，老一代中國信徒著重把神的話藏在心裡，都能熟背許多經文。求主賜給眾信徒 (尤其是教會年輕一代) 能同樣渴慕神話語，以致能;運用神的話來分辨現今世代似是而非的謬誤歪理。
星期三
許多人認為現代中國人的語言變得直白粗鄙，央視《中國詩詞大會》選手重新喚起眾人對中華文化的肯定， 亦符合官方要傳達的正能量。英文聖經有許多翻譯本，中文聖經還是和合本一枝獨秀。求主幫助眾聖徒用心研讀神的話，能參考不同譯本，叫我們更明白神的心意。又將那賜人智慧和啟示的靈賞賜我們，使我們真認識祂。
星期四
電視的詩詞大會考驗選手對古詩詞的背誦及賞析。參賽者年紀雖輕卻淡定自若，相信是古典詩詞的浸染和洗禮之功。中國教會喜愛的和合本聖經，已有百年歷史，文字雖優美，但對部份年輕人來說，有些用字較為艱澀。求主幫助年輕信徒像聖經提及的 "庇哩亞人" 一樣，甘心領受真道，天天考查聖經，要更深切曉悟神的心意和真理。
星期五
政府聲稱 90%巿民有某種醫療保險，但資金不足的國家醫保導致很多病人需要自己支付大部分醫療費用。許多信徒不奉獻的原因之一，就是擔心一旦生病需要支付龐大醫藥費，所以必需未雨綢繆。我們為每個信徒禱告，將神的物歸給神，操練學習全然信靠神，堅心仰賴主的帶領與供應。
星期六
在中國，給醫生送紅包是非法的，政府也多次警告，但是賄賂醫務人員的問題不但沒有改善，反而越更嚴重。大手術前送紅包幾乎是必要的，金額從1000元到5000元不等。中國的基督徒每天都會面對道德上的難題，甚至是合法與否的困境。求主賜信徒智慧和信心，能做對了討神喜悅及榮耀祂的抉擇。
星期日
在中國，要想救活一條命就得「收買」醫生-送紅包。其目的是讓醫生盡力做好手術，確保醫生會認真治療。中國人的慣性常是想盡辦法走捷徑。基督徒要想分別為聖，毅然放棄垂手可得的利益，的確需要對神持守極大的信心和忠心。我們求主幫助每一位神的兒女，用眞實行動榮耀祂。
星期一
中國農村的新生兒死亡率一直是城市死亡率的2.5倍，2010年新生兒死亡率在農村為10‰。農村居民往往有悲觀的宿命想法：我們的子女一輩子也不能翻身。求主施恩憐憫農村信徒，幫助他們仰望耶穌，體認人生真正的豐盛，不在乎物資上是否富裕，而是今世能活出信仰，以致能堅定、喜樂地服侍主。
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Prayer Request 3/14 - 3/20
Tuesday
For million of women in China, square dancing in public has turned out to be an inexpensive and highly popular way to exercise. The Olympic fever in 2008 made public dancing a social norm and a new phenomenon. It is a great blessing when women can serve together in a church. May the Lord grant us a heart like that of Christ as we pray for unity in the church--not to compete or compare, forming cliques but rather to be humble and always to see others as better than we are.
Wednesday
As China urbanizes and people from villages move to cities, women are participating and socializing in the venue of public dancing. Many of these ladies are about fifty to sixty years old. One of the hallmarks of the churches in China is the abundance of many sisters who are retired but are still in only their fifties. We ask the Lord to raise up among them many who will selflessly serve their churches like Mary and Martha who served Jesus.
Thursday
Most of the "Da ma" (Chinese aunts) in China have experienced the Cultural Revolution.They were fervent politically in their youth as Mao's Red Guards and they did hard labor in the countryside along with raising havoc. The Cultural Revolution seriously scarred churches in China leaving believers with an ugly tendency to contest and challenge their leaders. We pray that the Lord will grant us His love and humility to accept, to believer, to hope, and to bear all things so we can all serve together in unity.
Friday
"Da ma" (Chinese aunts) are famous for expressing their opinions and refusing to accept the suggestions of others. In their younger days they were the revolutionaries who followed the orders of the Party that had little respect for privacy or personal ideas. There is still a great deal of critical spirit in the churches of China. Unity among churches is often mentioned but there are still conflicts and residual hurts that cripple many churches. We pray again for unity and humility for ourselves as well as them.
Saturday
People who live near the public dancing places in China complain bitterly about the loud noise that comes from them. There is much tension between the "Da ma" (Chinese aunts) and the neighbors necessitating new rules to control the noise. In the churches in China, it is common to see people lashing out over some inconsequential matter, too. May the Lord have mercy, enlighten us, and remove all the filth. the evils of our old selves and give us soft hearts the obey the truths that will deliver our souls from sin.
Sunday
Domestic violence is widespread in China but it is largely seen as a private matter. Victims have been unable to speak out about it or report it to the police because they faced pressure from their family, shame, and even the indifference of the police. We pray that Christians who suffer domestic abuse will find special comfort from the Lord. We praise God for believers who quietly provide comfort, assistance and even shelter for sisters who suffer abuse at home.
Monday
Traditionally in Chinese society, physical violence toward a wife and children are viewed as a private matter, neighbors and even relatives will usually not interfere or intervene. The new law against domestic violence will definitely spur changes and at least promote open discussion about abusive men. We pray that churches will devote more time to teaching how to be godly men, true spiritual leaders at home, and fathers who do not discourage the family and live emotionally detached lives.
星期二
低成本的廣場舞很快成為中國大媽們最流行的鍛煉身體方式。2000年代末期，為迎接2008年北京奧運會做準備，中國政府推出全民健身計劃，公眾對廣場舞的興趣進一步升溫。教會中的姊妹熱心服事是教會極大的祝福，求主保守教會有合一的心，不爭兢、不攀比、不結黨，存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強，以基督的心為心來榮神益人。
星期三
隨著中國快速城鎮化，來城市務工的鄉村女性最先參加的活動往往就是廣場舞。大部分廣場舞愛好者都是有點年紀的女性，年齡介於五十至六十歲之間。中國教會的特色之一是有許多五十來歲卻已經退休的姊妹群。求主在她們之間興起更多人願意回應神的愛，為群羊無私擺上，如馬大和馬利亞服事主一般的心志。
星期四
大多數中國大媽都曾經歷文革，年輕時都狂熱地參與過集體政治運動，例如當過紅衛兵，上山下鄉、批鬥等等運動。她們一般有相當強烈的主見。文革的經歷嚴重影響中國教會，彼此不服的後遺症至今仍無法復原。求主保守教會在主裡合一，肢體之間在主愛中凡事包容、凡事相信、凡事盼望、凡事忍耐，謙卑地彼此搭配服事。
星期五
許多大媽樂於發表自己的意見，卻彼此不服。這些大媽由於自身經歷，往往只服從國家意志，不太尊重隱私或個人意志，崇尚集體主義，高舉黨的主權。現今中國教會中，仍然有批鬥的痕跡。教會雖然高舉合一，但是會眾間個性衝突，不願原諒，常造成教會無法團結一致。我們為教會合一祈求，願主賜給我們真正的謙卑，願意遵行主教導，以愛彼此接納、順服。
星期六
廣場大媽跳舞的噪音引起附近居民抱怨，影響睡眠，也打擾孩子做作業。彼此間的關係緊張，造成許多地方官員擬法規來限制擾民。中國教會畢竟也受到種種政治文化影響，會众常為小事就破口指責，彼此攻擊。求主憐憫，幫助我們脫去一切污穢和盈餘的邪惡，存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，乃是能救我們靈魂的道。
星期日
家暴的情況在中國相當普遍，可是卻僅被視為隱私。受害者一直無法訴諸於口或是舉報，因為他們往往要面對家庭壓力、鄰里的羞辱和警方的冷漠。求主親自成為各地家庭暴力受害者的安慰者。我們特別為那些默默安慰、幫助，甚至提供避難所給受害者的信徒感謝神，求主賜下智慧愛心並記念所擺上的努力。
星期一
體罰(其實是毆打)配偶或兒女一向被視為私人家庭事務，鄰舍或親友都不太介入。雖然大家習以為常，但的確需要改進。新法律必然會引發何謂好男人的建設性討論。求主幫助中國教會對促進家人關係有更多教導，幫助弟兄成為合神心意的男人，能成為一家的屬靈領袖，而不是冷漠和暴躁的丈夫和父親。
For million of women in China, square dancing in public has turned out to be an inexpensive and highly popular way to exercise. The Olympic fever in 2008 made public dancing a social norm and a new phenomenon. It is a great blessing when women can serve together in a church. May the Lord grant us a heart like that of Christ as we pray for unity in the church--not to compete or compare, forming cliques but rather to be humble and always to see others as better than we are.
Wednesday
As China urbanizes and people from villages move to cities, women are participating and socializing in the venue of public dancing. Many of these ladies are about fifty to sixty years old. One of the hallmarks of the churches in China is the abundance of many sisters who are retired but are still in only their fifties. We ask the Lord to raise up among them many who will selflessly serve their churches like Mary and Martha who served Jesus.
Thursday
Most of the "Da ma" (Chinese aunts) in China have experienced the Cultural Revolution.They were fervent politically in their youth as Mao's Red Guards and they did hard labor in the countryside along with raising havoc. The Cultural Revolution seriously scarred churches in China leaving believers with an ugly tendency to contest and challenge their leaders. We pray that the Lord will grant us His love and humility to accept, to believer, to hope, and to bear all things so we can all serve together in unity.
Friday
"Da ma" (Chinese aunts) are famous for expressing their opinions and refusing to accept the suggestions of others. In their younger days they were the revolutionaries who followed the orders of the Party that had little respect for privacy or personal ideas. There is still a great deal of critical spirit in the churches of China. Unity among churches is often mentioned but there are still conflicts and residual hurts that cripple many churches. We pray again for unity and humility for ourselves as well as them.
Saturday
People who live near the public dancing places in China complain bitterly about the loud noise that comes from them. There is much tension between the "Da ma" (Chinese aunts) and the neighbors necessitating new rules to control the noise. In the churches in China, it is common to see people lashing out over some inconsequential matter, too. May the Lord have mercy, enlighten us, and remove all the filth. the evils of our old selves and give us soft hearts the obey the truths that will deliver our souls from sin.
Sunday
Domestic violence is widespread in China but it is largely seen as a private matter. Victims have been unable to speak out about it or report it to the police because they faced pressure from their family, shame, and even the indifference of the police. We pray that Christians who suffer domestic abuse will find special comfort from the Lord. We praise God for believers who quietly provide comfort, assistance and even shelter for sisters who suffer abuse at home.
Monday
Traditionally in Chinese society, physical violence toward a wife and children are viewed as a private matter, neighbors and even relatives will usually not interfere or intervene. The new law against domestic violence will definitely spur changes and at least promote open discussion about abusive men. We pray that churches will devote more time to teaching how to be godly men, true spiritual leaders at home, and fathers who do not discourage the family and live emotionally detached lives.
星期二
低成本的廣場舞很快成為中國大媽們最流行的鍛煉身體方式。2000年代末期，為迎接2008年北京奧運會做準備，中國政府推出全民健身計劃，公眾對廣場舞的興趣進一步升溫。教會中的姊妹熱心服事是教會極大的祝福，求主保守教會有合一的心，不爭兢、不攀比、不結黨，存心謙卑，各人看別人比自己強，以基督的心為心來榮神益人。
星期三
隨著中國快速城鎮化，來城市務工的鄉村女性最先參加的活動往往就是廣場舞。大部分廣場舞愛好者都是有點年紀的女性，年齡介於五十至六十歲之間。中國教會的特色之一是有許多五十來歲卻已經退休的姊妹群。求主在她們之間興起更多人願意回應神的愛，為群羊無私擺上，如馬大和馬利亞服事主一般的心志。
星期四
大多數中國大媽都曾經歷文革，年輕時都狂熱地參與過集體政治運動，例如當過紅衛兵，上山下鄉、批鬥等等運動。她們一般有相當強烈的主見。文革的經歷嚴重影響中國教會，彼此不服的後遺症至今仍無法復原。求主保守教會在主裡合一，肢體之間在主愛中凡事包容、凡事相信、凡事盼望、凡事忍耐，謙卑地彼此搭配服事。
星期五
許多大媽樂於發表自己的意見，卻彼此不服。這些大媽由於自身經歷，往往只服從國家意志，不太尊重隱私或個人意志，崇尚集體主義，高舉黨的主權。現今中國教會中，仍然有批鬥的痕跡。教會雖然高舉合一，但是會眾間個性衝突，不願原諒，常造成教會無法團結一致。我們為教會合一祈求，願主賜給我們真正的謙卑，願意遵行主教導，以愛彼此接納、順服。
星期六
廣場大媽跳舞的噪音引起附近居民抱怨，影響睡眠，也打擾孩子做作業。彼此間的關係緊張，造成許多地方官員擬法規來限制擾民。中國教會畢竟也受到種種政治文化影響，會众常為小事就破口指責，彼此攻擊。求主憐憫，幫助我們脫去一切污穢和盈餘的邪惡，存溫柔的心領受那所栽種的道，乃是能救我們靈魂的道。
星期日
家暴的情況在中國相當普遍，可是卻僅被視為隱私。受害者一直無法訴諸於口或是舉報，因為他們往往要面對家庭壓力、鄰里的羞辱和警方的冷漠。求主親自成為各地家庭暴力受害者的安慰者。我們特別為那些默默安慰、幫助，甚至提供避難所給受害者的信徒感謝神，求主賜下智慧愛心並記念所擺上的努力。
星期一
體罰(其實是毆打)配偶或兒女一向被視為私人家庭事務，鄰舍或親友都不太介入。雖然大家習以為常，但的確需要改進。新法律必然會引發何謂好男人的建設性討論。求主幫助中國教會對促進家人關係有更多教導，幫助弟兄成為合神心意的男人，能成為一家的屬靈領袖，而不是冷漠和暴躁的丈夫和父親。
Tuesday, March 07, 2017
Prayer Request 3/7 - 3/13
Tuesday
Everywhere in China in the early morning or evening people occupy public places to square dance. Those who participate in the dances are mostly middle-aged women who organize themselves in a military-like formation. The vast majority of churches in China are very low key. We pray for those churches that have tried to distribute gospel tracts in the streets. May the Lord give them wisdom as they share Jesus boldly and may there be much fruit.
Wednesday
The affectionate term for all of those retired middle-aged women who like to dance to loud music in large groups in parks and public squares in every city in China is "da ma" (literally Chinese aunt). Women outnumber men in the churches in China and they are the backbone of all the ministries. China also has the largest number of female pastors in the world. We praise God for all of the sisters who serve in their churches. May the Lord bless each one of them abundantly.
Thursday
Residents near the venues where ladies dance to loud music in China complain bitterly since they are fed up with the daily noise and music blasting from the large loud speakers. In the Three-Self churches, nearly a quarter of all the pastors are women. We pray for insight and the teaching of God’s Word as they lead and feed their flocks. We pray, too, for their families and especially those of the single women pastors, that they will understand.
Friday
In China there are about one hundred million "Da ma" (Chinese aunts)--a huge block of consumers. Collectively they decide what their families will spend. They do things in droves, certainly in entertaining, dancing, vacations, and even in speculating on real estate. Nearly seventy percent of believers in China are women, many retired. They can help in the church in just about any ministry, especially in those churches without pastors. We praise the Lord for all of the sisters who serve their churches unselfishly.
Saturday
The dance craze in China began probably in the 1990's as tens of millions of state-owned companies laid off workers and caused many women to be instantly unemployed. Public dancing became an obvious and cheap way to get exercise and socialize. We pray that churches will care for and equip the retired sisters to serve there more effectively. May the Lord grant them wisdom and humility as they learn to serve and become a true blessing in their churches.
Sunday
China recently passed a new law which legally defines domestic violence and requires police intervention. This law mandates that when reported, the local courts must rule on restraining orders within two days. Those who are convicted can then be sentenced to an imprisonment of up to seven years. Praise God for this positive step the Chinese government is taking against domestic violence. We pray especially for families in the church that are struggling with marital discord and abusive relationships. May the Lord have mercy on them and may the churches themselves be able to help them in various ways.
Monday
The official government report says that one in four women in China has suffered domestic abuse. Almost 40% of the women in China who are married or are in a relationship, have experienced some form of abuse.We pray that the church in China will confront the issue of violence at home head on--male and female pastors alike will preach against such violence and help those who are victims of abuse.
星期二
中國到處可見的「廣場舞大軍」，幾乎佔據了每個城鎮的公共空間。無論晨昏，許多中年女性都聚在一起，按照傳統軍事會操的方塊隊形列陣練舞。絕大多數中國教會是相當低調的，不會公開表態信仰。我們為那些嘗試在街上分發福音單張的弟兄姊妹禱告，求主賜他們智慧與靈巧，勇敢與人分享信仰的福音, 也能播撒好種子，並且結實櫐櫐。
星期三
「廣場舞大媽」通常指成群的中年女性，她們在各地公園及廣場上集結，隨著震耳欲聾的音樂起舞。中國女性信徒多，而且都踴躍參與教會各項事工。中國女傳道、女牧師的比率，或許是世界第一。我們為每一位在教會服事的姊妹感恩，願她們都得著上好的福份，在主裡得著永恒的獎賞。
星期四
對於居民來說(尤其是廣場附近的居民)，大媽每天的聚集，音箱音量已造成環境污染，不僅是妨礙了公共安寧，更是長期佔用了大眾廣場或公園的運作空間。在三自教會裡 ，女牧者占全國牧師的四分一，家庭教會也有許多女傳道。求主啟迪她們，能正確分解神的話語，餵養羊群。也求主祝福她們的家庭，尤其是記念單身女傳道的許多難處和需要。
星期五
估計中國大媽人數超過一億，她們掌握家庭的經濟大權，做任何事都成群結隊，娛樂、跳舞、旅遊，甚至結隊炒賣樓房、股票。中國教會女性信徒占七成，許多已經退休，能有更多空閒投入教會各樣服事，尤其是在沒有專職牧師的教會，這是中國教會特別的祝福，感謝神！求神記念她們無私的擺上。
星期六
席捲全中國的廣場舞熱潮，其源起追溯1990年代，數千萬國企員工下崗，大批中國大媽失業。大媽們渴望追求健康及娛樂，卻缺乏公共設施及資源。她們時間多，但錢不多。廣場舞成為惠而不費的鍛鍊、交際上佳選項。求主幫助教會關顧那些已退休且能參與服事的姊妹們，給予真理裝備與培養她們教導能力。求主賜智慧和謙卑的心給她們，能成為教會的祝福。
星期日
中國開始制定第一條關於家暴的法律，正式定義家庭暴力，警方必須正式回應家庭暴力的舉報，法庭要在兩天內發佈禁制令。一經定罪，最高可被判處七年徒刑。感謝主，中國政府開始正視家庭暴力的問題。我們為面對夫妻不和，甚至有家暴難題的信徒夫妻禱告，求神施恩憐憫，又賜教會有智慧能給予實際的幫助與輔導。
星期一
根據官方的婦聯估計，有25%的中國婦女曾經歷家庭虐待。而在交往中或婚姻裡的女性，也有接近四成者曾經歷某種形式的虐待。我們為社會能更關注家庭暴力來禱告，又為牧者(包括男和女的傳道)能有神的話語有力地防範相關的家暴，並用主的愛實際地幫助家中有難處的受虐肢體。
Everywhere in China in the early morning or evening people occupy public places to square dance. Those who participate in the dances are mostly middle-aged women who organize themselves in a military-like formation. The vast majority of churches in China are very low key. We pray for those churches that have tried to distribute gospel tracts in the streets. May the Lord give them wisdom as they share Jesus boldly and may there be much fruit.
Wednesday
The affectionate term for all of those retired middle-aged women who like to dance to loud music in large groups in parks and public squares in every city in China is "da ma" (literally Chinese aunt). Women outnumber men in the churches in China and they are the backbone of all the ministries. China also has the largest number of female pastors in the world. We praise God for all of the sisters who serve in their churches. May the Lord bless each one of them abundantly.
Thursday
Residents near the venues where ladies dance to loud music in China complain bitterly since they are fed up with the daily noise and music blasting from the large loud speakers. In the Three-Self churches, nearly a quarter of all the pastors are women. We pray for insight and the teaching of God’s Word as they lead and feed their flocks. We pray, too, for their families and especially those of the single women pastors, that they will understand.
Friday
In China there are about one hundred million "Da ma" (Chinese aunts)--a huge block of consumers. Collectively they decide what their families will spend. They do things in droves, certainly in entertaining, dancing, vacations, and even in speculating on real estate. Nearly seventy percent of believers in China are women, many retired. They can help in the church in just about any ministry, especially in those churches without pastors. We praise the Lord for all of the sisters who serve their churches unselfishly.
Saturday
The dance craze in China began probably in the 1990's as tens of millions of state-owned companies laid off workers and caused many women to be instantly unemployed. Public dancing became an obvious and cheap way to get exercise and socialize. We pray that churches will care for and equip the retired sisters to serve there more effectively. May the Lord grant them wisdom and humility as they learn to serve and become a true blessing in their churches.
Sunday
China recently passed a new law which legally defines domestic violence and requires police intervention. This law mandates that when reported, the local courts must rule on restraining orders within two days. Those who are convicted can then be sentenced to an imprisonment of up to seven years. Praise God for this positive step the Chinese government is taking against domestic violence. We pray especially for families in the church that are struggling with marital discord and abusive relationships. May the Lord have mercy on them and may the churches themselves be able to help them in various ways.
Monday
The official government report says that one in four women in China has suffered domestic abuse. Almost 40% of the women in China who are married or are in a relationship, have experienced some form of abuse.We pray that the church in China will confront the issue of violence at home head on--male and female pastors alike will preach against such violence and help those who are victims of abuse.
星期二
中國到處可見的「廣場舞大軍」，幾乎佔據了每個城鎮的公共空間。無論晨昏，許多中年女性都聚在一起，按照傳統軍事會操的方塊隊形列陣練舞。絕大多數中國教會是相當低調的，不會公開表態信仰。我們為那些嘗試在街上分發福音單張的弟兄姊妹禱告，求主賜他們智慧與靈巧，勇敢與人分享信仰的福音, 也能播撒好種子，並且結實櫐櫐。
星期三
「廣場舞大媽」通常指成群的中年女性，她們在各地公園及廣場上集結，隨著震耳欲聾的音樂起舞。中國女性信徒多，而且都踴躍參與教會各項事工。中國女傳道、女牧師的比率，或許是世界第一。我們為每一位在教會服事的姊妹感恩，願她們都得著上好的福份，在主裡得著永恒的獎賞。
星期四
對於居民來說(尤其是廣場附近的居民)，大媽每天的聚集，音箱音量已造成環境污染，不僅是妨礙了公共安寧，更是長期佔用了大眾廣場或公園的運作空間。在三自教會裡 ，女牧者占全國牧師的四分一，家庭教會也有許多女傳道。求主啟迪她們，能正確分解神的話語，餵養羊群。也求主祝福她們的家庭，尤其是記念單身女傳道的許多難處和需要。
星期五
估計中國大媽人數超過一億，她們掌握家庭的經濟大權，做任何事都成群結隊，娛樂、跳舞、旅遊，甚至結隊炒賣樓房、股票。中國教會女性信徒占七成，許多已經退休，能有更多空閒投入教會各樣服事，尤其是在沒有專職牧師的教會，這是中國教會特別的祝福，感謝神！求神記念她們無私的擺上。
星期六
席捲全中國的廣場舞熱潮，其源起追溯1990年代，數千萬國企員工下崗，大批中國大媽失業。大媽們渴望追求健康及娛樂，卻缺乏公共設施及資源。她們時間多，但錢不多。廣場舞成為惠而不費的鍛鍊、交際上佳選項。求主幫助教會關顧那些已退休且能參與服事的姊妹們，給予真理裝備與培養她們教導能力。求主賜智慧和謙卑的心給她們，能成為教會的祝福。
星期日
中國開始制定第一條關於家暴的法律，正式定義家庭暴力，警方必須正式回應家庭暴力的舉報，法庭要在兩天內發佈禁制令。一經定罪，最高可被判處七年徒刑。感謝主，中國政府開始正視家庭暴力的問題。我們為面對夫妻不和，甚至有家暴難題的信徒夫妻禱告，求神施恩憐憫，又賜教會有智慧能給予實際的幫助與輔導。
星期一
根據官方的婦聯估計，有25%的中國婦女曾經歷家庭虐待。而在交往中或婚姻裡的女性，也有接近四成者曾經歷某種形式的虐待。我們為社會能更關注家庭暴力來禱告，又為牧者(包括男和女的傳道)能有神的話語有力地防範相關的家暴，並用主的愛實際地幫助家中有難處的受虐肢體。
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