Posts
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Prayer Request 4/25 - 5/1
Tuesday
Technically, education through junior high school is mandatory and free in China but the reality is often more complicated. As the child grows up, parents who lack social connections must pay repeatedly for better educational opportunities for that child. There are still many churches in China that do not have meaningful teaching or ministry for children or teens. We pray for believing parents that they will learn to shoulder their God-given responsibility to rear godly children.
Wednesday
All over China schools collect special fees that allow students who are not within their boundaries to attend that school. This creates a market for any parent who can afford to select a choice school and pay the exorbitant fees. It seems very unfair for parents to have children in a church which has no Sunday school or is unable to minister to their little ones. We pray that none of us, especially church leaders will be a stumbling block preventing the little ones to come to Jesus.
Thursday
Although officials in China have repeatedly banned the extra fees collected by some schools, variations of these abuses still persist. These illegal educational fees are especially onerous for the millions of struggling migrant workers from villages who now live in cities. Many Christian migrant workers who feel they have no time to care for their children's education and faith have stopped attending church and their children have drifted away from God. We pray for God's mercy and added faith so they all will turn back to trust the Loving Heavenly Father.
Friday
Bribery and political corruption are common in China, but it is particularly dispiriting when educators and school administrators lack integrity as they impose onerous fees on students. Christians also feel numb and even succumb to all the corruption around them. We pray the Body of Christ will remain pure and especially leaders in the church will always be above reproach.
Saturday
Often, teachers in China find ways to supplement their dismal salaries. Some teachers run cram schools on the side and encourage attendance by neglecting to teach their students a certain chunk of the content in the examination during the school day. Christian parents allow their children to be very busy by enrolling them in classes both day and night with no time left for church. May the Lord open their eyes so they will see the wonderful truth of "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."
Sunday
Many parents in China feel compelled to pay for and enroll their children in the teacher's cram school because they are afraid their child will miss critical lesson material or incur the wrath of the teacher. Christian parents also feel pressured to enroll their children in remedial classes. We pray that they will remember the most important thing is to teach children to fear the Lord, to know and to glorify Him.
Monday
At some top-ranked high schools, students with low admission scores can “buy” a few crucial points to gain admission. In an elite Beijing high school, students receive an extra point for each $4,800 their parents contribute to the school. We pray that churches in China will not be stingy in spending money on ministries to children and teenagers because they consider them "low or no return". May the Lord stir up more churches to start teaching their young ones seriously and meaningfully.
星期二
高中以前的中國教育應該是免費的義務教育，現實里卻往往十分複雜。隨著孩子漸漸長大，缺少人脈的父母必須一再地為更好的教育機會而掏錢。許多教會仍然沒有任何針對信徒第二代及孩童或青少年而設計的教導或事工。求主憐憫並幫助信徒家長挑起教養兒女的責任，為神培植出一批敬虔的後裔。
星期三
學校明打著「擇校」費的招牌收取額外的金錢，校費打開了賄款大門，讓孩子名正言順地就讀家庭戶口本上登記城區或市鎮之外的學校。教會沒有正規的兒童事工或主日學，對信徒家長而言也是「不公平」的。求主提醒眾信徒，尤其是教會的領袖們知道：「要讓小孩子到主那裏來，不要阻止他們」。
星期四
雖然政府多次禁止「擇校」費和其他不正當收費，但學校卻有各種巧法繞過禁令。對艱辛的千萬民工而言，這些不合理的教育費用無疑是百上加斤壓在他們肩頭和心上。許多基督徒民工進城之後，都停止聚會，孩子更是遠離神。他們為了賺錢已無法兼顧孩子的教育和信仰。求主施恩憐憫，加增他們信心，回轉投靠慈愛信實的天父。
星期五
雖然在中國人眼裡賄賂和政治腐敗是家常便飯，但是連教育工作者和學校都有這樣的道德缺失，就尤其令人失望。信徒對社會上的賄賂文化也會麻木，甚至自己也落入其中。願神潔淨「主的身子」，保守祂的教會竭力分別為聖。尤其是長執和傳道人，更要以更高的標準律己服事。
星期六
在現今「金錢才是王道」的文化氛圍中，老師們也有各樣方式來補貼微薄薪資。有些老師開設補習班，鼓勵學生付錢學習大量關鍵考試的內容，是正課有意省略不教的。而信徒家長讓子女忙碌到極點，不是上課就是補習，連上教會敬拜的時間也都沒有。求主開我們的眼睛，深信「敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端」的真實應許。
星期日
許多家長想到自己孩子可能會錯過關鍵的學科內容，或者惹來老師的忌恨，都覺得有必要花錢給孩子參加老師開設的補習課程。有些信徒家長會選擇給孩子補習，是怕在學習上吃虧。求主也提醒他們，教導子女敬畏神，認識祂、榮耀祂，才是人生最有價值的投資。
星期一
在一些排名靠前的高中裡，入學考試成績稍低的學生可以「買」到關鍵的幾分，如果家長為學校貢獻大筆的金錢，其子弟就能多得一分，提高到錄取分數線以上。求主幫助教會不要吝嗇花在兒童及青年事工上的經費，也不要認為眼前「沒有回報」就忽視甚或放棄兒童工作。願神感動興起更多教會開始開辦青少年事工。
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Prayer Request 4/18 - 4/24
Tuesday
China’s first national law against domestic violence was implemented in March, 2016. The law marked a significant advance of the country’s existing laws by legally defining domestic violence and extending legal protection to victims. Chinese churches are seldom able to address the issue of domestic violence. Pastors feel awkward and are inclined to dismiss it as unimportant or consider it as something a God-fearing woman would endure. We thank the Lord for laws offering real protection to those who are suffering abuse at homes.
Wednesday
The new domestic violence laws allow close relatives to file a complaint on behalf of victims who may not be able to do so on their own. This would then allow police or women’s federations to request restraining orders from the local courts. We pray for a change in attitude toward abuse taking place in homes, including the attitude of police toward it so that the issue can be discussed and dealt with more openly and new laws enforced so that the lives of victims will improve.
Thursday
Although the new laws concerning domestic abuse represent significant progress in China, the deeply entrenched mindset is summed up in this idiom, "Don't wash your dirty linen in public." Domestic violence is even more prevalent in China's vast rural areas than in the cities. We pray for all who are experiencing violence but are unable to share their suffering with others. May the comfort of our Lord be with them because He is the Healer and the Deliverer of all who are oppressed and call on Him.
Friday
If the new domestic abuse laws are to have an impact in China, there must be a serious effort to change the traditional attitude and mindset of male dominance which is still very much alive and strong in the rural culture of China. There are many Christian men and even pastors who have issues of violence toward their family members. We pray for conviction by the Holy Spirit and a renewal of heart for these brothers as well as complete healing for their families. "My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:19, 20
Saturday
When a policeman in China receives a call to intervene in domestic violence, it is still not clear to what degree he should intervene or try to solve the problem. The effect of the law is greatly diminished if the local police fail to pay attention to such calls. We pray for wisdom for church leaders, not only in bringing awareness of spousal abuse to their churches but also an increased involvement in caring and counselling those who have marital problems and physical abuse at home.
Sunday
Churches in China must reconsider how they will respond to domestic violence. Some Chinese Christians have reported “My parents won’t become Christians because my sister’s husband beats her, and he claims that he’s a Christian.”We pray for conviction of the Holy Spirit on brothers whose temperaments are carnal and who commit sinful deeds because “God hates divorce and violence against one's wife.” (Mal 2:16) We pray that there will be prompt assistance and therapy for them and their families.
Monday
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon that believing ladies are repeatedly beaten by their unbelieving husbands. Many pastors in China would simply urge the victims to endure with love and patience, not considering their need for protection and refugee. It is true that the vast majority of pastors in China have little or no training in marital counseling. We pray for materials, curriculum, and actual training that would equip pastors so they can at least adequately handle the cases of domestic violence in their churches.
星期二
第一個針對家庭暴力的法例於2016年3月生效，是一大進步，從法律的層面定義家庭暴力侵犯人權，並為受害者提供法律的保障。基督徒對家暴常因難堪而閉口不言，亦有認為是他人隱私小事，更甚者是要求受虐的姐妹仍要一味地「順服」丈夫。感謝神讓新法明文保護家暴受虐者，也求主幫助信徒能夠正視此議題，知道正確處理有關困難。
星期三
經歷家暴的婦女有個共同點，就是她們無法脫離家暴的關係，或是無法透露她們承受的痛苦。新法律允許近親代替無法自行發聲的受害者提告，之後就可以由警方或婦女聯盟向法庭申請禁制令。求主改變中國人對家暴的態度(包括警方在內)，讓大眾關注問題的嚴重性，才有望解決這問題，確實地改善家人的生活。
星期四
雖然在法例上針對家庭暴力的條例已有改進，然而，最難改變的是「家醜不可外揚」的心態。這種隱瞞家庭暴力的態度在農村地區更是根深柢固。我們為那些正經歷暴力，又無法向其他人透露痛苦的人禱告。求主親自臨在，安慰這些遭苦害的人；因為神是不甘心使人受苦痛憂愁，願意施恩拯救，幫助這些人的神。
星期五
中國新家暴法律如要真有影響力，家庭暴力不能視為「家務事」，尤其是中國農村傳統大男人思想得要改變。弟兄們甚至傳道人ㄒ們也有大男人發怒即動手的問題。求聖靈光照指出我們的罪， 醫治那些在家人關係上有難處的家人。也時時彼此提醒“要快快的聽，慢慢的說，慢慢的動怒，因為人的怒氣並不成就神的義。(雅各1：19，20）
星期六
新的家暴法律執法時仍有一定的難度。警局收到家暴報案時，如何判斷施暴的程度？他們要解決問題到什麼程度？如果地方警局未能留意家庭暴力的問題，這個法律的功效就會大幅削弱。求主賜智慧給教會領袖，能提高信徒對家庭暴力的防範意識，並從關懷身邊的人及服侍對象作為開始，及早察覺家庭暴力的存在並有效處理發生後續的輔導。
星期日
基督徒也必須思考自己要對家庭暴力如何反應。教會中也有許多家暴的例子，有信徒說：「我的父母不願意信主，因為我姐姐的丈夫打她，而他是個基督徒。」求主光照這些弟兄的心，認罪悔改。求主引導和幫助家人能分辨施虐者的精神方面是否異常或有暴力傾向等，盡快給予治療。明瞭神的心意：「休妻的事和以強暴待妻的人都是我所恨惡的！」（瑪拉基2：16）
星期一
信主的姐妹被不信主的丈夫毆打的情形並不罕見。許多牧師只會叫受害者用愛和忍耐來回應，完全沒有考慮她們需要獲得即刻的人身保護和庇護所。絕大多數的牧者都沒有婚姻輔導的裝備，求主為教會充足預備這樣的人才、教材和實際的培訓，幫助牧者能對家暴受虐者採取起碼的合宜處置而照管好主的家。
China’s first national law against domestic violence was implemented in March, 2016. The law marked a significant advance of the country’s existing laws by legally defining domestic violence and extending legal protection to victims. Chinese churches are seldom able to address the issue of domestic violence. Pastors feel awkward and are inclined to dismiss it as unimportant or consider it as something a God-fearing woman would endure. We thank the Lord for laws offering real protection to those who are suffering abuse at homes.
Wednesday
The new domestic violence laws allow close relatives to file a complaint on behalf of victims who may not be able to do so on their own. This would then allow police or women’s federations to request restraining orders from the local courts. We pray for a change in attitude toward abuse taking place in homes, including the attitude of police toward it so that the issue can be discussed and dealt with more openly and new laws enforced so that the lives of victims will improve.
Thursday
Although the new laws concerning domestic abuse represent significant progress in China, the deeply entrenched mindset is summed up in this idiom, "Don't wash your dirty linen in public." Domestic violence is even more prevalent in China's vast rural areas than in the cities. We pray for all who are experiencing violence but are unable to share their suffering with others. May the comfort of our Lord be with them because He is the Healer and the Deliverer of all who are oppressed and call on Him.
Friday
If the new domestic abuse laws are to have an impact in China, there must be a serious effort to change the traditional attitude and mindset of male dominance which is still very much alive and strong in the rural culture of China. There are many Christian men and even pastors who have issues of violence toward their family members. We pray for conviction by the Holy Spirit and a renewal of heart for these brothers as well as complete healing for their families. "My beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God." James 1:19, 20
Saturday
When a policeman in China receives a call to intervene in domestic violence, it is still not clear to what degree he should intervene or try to solve the problem. The effect of the law is greatly diminished if the local police fail to pay attention to such calls. We pray for wisdom for church leaders, not only in bringing awareness of spousal abuse to their churches but also an increased involvement in caring and counselling those who have marital problems and physical abuse at home.
Sunday
Churches in China must reconsider how they will respond to domestic violence. Some Chinese Christians have reported “My parents won’t become Christians because my sister’s husband beats her, and he claims that he’s a Christian.”We pray for conviction of the Holy Spirit on brothers whose temperaments are carnal and who commit sinful deeds because “God hates divorce and violence against one's wife.” (Mal 2:16) We pray that there will be prompt assistance and therapy for them and their families.
Monday
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon that believing ladies are repeatedly beaten by their unbelieving husbands. Many pastors in China would simply urge the victims to endure with love and patience, not considering their need for protection and refugee. It is true that the vast majority of pastors in China have little or no training in marital counseling. We pray for materials, curriculum, and actual training that would equip pastors so they can at least adequately handle the cases of domestic violence in their churches.
星期二
第一個針對家庭暴力的法例於2016年3月生效，是一大進步，從法律的層面定義家庭暴力侵犯人權，並為受害者提供法律的保障。基督徒對家暴常因難堪而閉口不言，亦有認為是他人隱私小事，更甚者是要求受虐的姐妹仍要一味地「順服」丈夫。感謝神讓新法明文保護家暴受虐者，也求主幫助信徒能夠正視此議題，知道正確處理有關困難。
星期三
經歷家暴的婦女有個共同點，就是她們無法脫離家暴的關係，或是無法透露她們承受的痛苦。新法律允許近親代替無法自行發聲的受害者提告，之後就可以由警方或婦女聯盟向法庭申請禁制令。求主改變中國人對家暴的態度(包括警方在內)，讓大眾關注問題的嚴重性，才有望解決這問題，確實地改善家人的生活。
星期四
雖然在法例上針對家庭暴力的條例已有改進，然而，最難改變的是「家醜不可外揚」的心態。這種隱瞞家庭暴力的態度在農村地區更是根深柢固。我們為那些正經歷暴力，又無法向其他人透露痛苦的人禱告。求主親自臨在，安慰這些遭苦害的人；因為神是不甘心使人受苦痛憂愁，願意施恩拯救，幫助這些人的神。
星期五
中國新家暴法律如要真有影響力，家庭暴力不能視為「家務事」，尤其是中國農村傳統大男人思想得要改變。弟兄們甚至傳道人ㄒ們也有大男人發怒即動手的問題。求聖靈光照指出我們的罪， 醫治那些在家人關係上有難處的家人。也時時彼此提醒“要快快的聽，慢慢的說，慢慢的動怒，因為人的怒氣並不成就神的義。(雅各1：19，20）
星期六
新的家暴法律執法時仍有一定的難度。警局收到家暴報案時，如何判斷施暴的程度？他們要解決問題到什麼程度？如果地方警局未能留意家庭暴力的問題，這個法律的功效就會大幅削弱。求主賜智慧給教會領袖，能提高信徒對家庭暴力的防範意識，並從關懷身邊的人及服侍對象作為開始，及早察覺家庭暴力的存在並有效處理發生後續的輔導。
星期日
基督徒也必須思考自己要對家庭暴力如何反應。教會中也有許多家暴的例子，有信徒說：「我的父母不願意信主，因為我姐姐的丈夫打她，而他是個基督徒。」求主光照這些弟兄的心，認罪悔改。求主引導和幫助家人能分辨施虐者的精神方面是否異常或有暴力傾向等，盡快給予治療。明瞭神的心意：「休妻的事和以強暴待妻的人都是我所恨惡的！」（瑪拉基2：16）
星期一
信主的姐妹被不信主的丈夫毆打的情形並不罕見。許多牧師只會叫受害者用愛和忍耐來回應，完全沒有考慮她們需要獲得即刻的人身保護和庇護所。絕大多數的牧者都沒有婚姻輔導的裝備，求主為教會充足預備這樣的人才、教材和實際的培訓，幫助牧者能對家暴受虐者採取起碼的合宜處置而照管好主的家。
Tuesday, April 11, 2017
Prayer Request 4/11 - 4/17
Tuesday
In China, there is a widespread negative attitude toward Japan. Fewer than ten percent of the people think that Japan can be trusted and many young people who have had no experience with the wars still bear a strong hatred toward Japan. We pray that young Christians in China will understand what Jesus taught us about compassion and be able to live it out. He said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them." Matthew 5:44
Wednesday
In China, the patriotic education and propaganda of the government in the schools enforces a strong critical view of Japan politically so it is not easy to know how entrenched these resentful attitudes really are. The inability to overcome a nationalistic hatred toward Japan is truly a stumbling block to spiritual growth in the churches in China. May the Lord help each of us to "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
Thursday
To most students in China, Japan is not only seen as a very barbaric and cruel aggressor but this attitude fosters and allows them from a young age to hate Japan as a nation. May the Lord help each of us to be the "sons of peace" and display His mercy and kindness. May He help us to sow the seeds of love in places of hatred, and forgiveness where there are wounds so that we are able to love and pray for our enemies.
Friday
A survey shows that college students in China are unable to forgive the atrocities the Japanese committed during the Sino-Japanese war, especially the Rape of Nanking. When they talk about missions, the churches in China are often selective and choose only people they deem worthy of God's salvation which does not include the Japanese people. We pray that God will remove our inner darkness and bitterness so we will not be like Jonah who disregarded the compassion and love of God.
Saturday
Japan has been regarded as hard soil for the gospel to penetrate with only 0.2% of the population who are Christians. However, China and Japan are neighbors and share a similar Confucian culture. God can perform miracles even in hard soil. We remember in our prayers that God's grace and power can come and transform this island country.
Sunday
In the last half century, there have been great Christian revivals and growth in South Korea, China, and Indonesia which are Buddhist, Communist, and Muslim countries respectively.We praise the Lord for the miraculous growth of churches and believers in these Asian countries. We pray that churches there will learn from and compliment each other becoming a strong force of mission to other Asian countries.
Monday
In China, nationalist sentiment is less vehement toward Southeast Asian nations than that against Japan or the United States, even with the territorial dispute in the South China Sea and the workers' protest in Vietnam. The Chinese government quickly and preferentially clamps down on any negative sentiment toward its Southern neighbors.We pray that missionary efforts of the churches in China will not be driven by any sense of ethnic superiority but through humility and a profound appreciation of God's mercy and grace for them. We are called to share the gospel with all people in all nations and especially with our enemies.
星期二
中國人普遍對日本持負面態度，信任日本的中國人不到10%。連沒有親身經歷過中日戰爭的年輕人，對日本也有強烈的反感。我們來為中國年輕基督徒禱告，求主讓我們知道主耶穌所教導、示範的愛的真意：「只是我告訴你們，要愛你們的仇敵，為那逼迫你們的禱告。」(太 5:44)，並靠著主的力量活出信仰。
星期三
在學校裡，國家宣傳和愛國主義教育都傾向把批評日本變為正確的政治立場，所以我們很難知道中國人心中對日本所持的負面態度，究境有多麼根深蒂固。有些中國信徒無法克服民族主義帶來的仇恨，成為屬靈成長路上的障礙。願恩主憐憫我們不要以惡報惡，且能「以善勝惡」。（羅 12:21）以神的全能與恩慈視野看待眾罪人的不完全，和悔改重生的新契機。
星期四
對大多數中國人而言，日本不僅是一個普通的侵略者形象，且是一個非常野蠻和殘酷的形象。這使得他們從小就蔑視和排斥日本。求神幫助我們每個人，能在主耶穌的憐憫和恩慈下做祂和平之子，在憎恨之處播下主的愛，在傷痕之處播下主寬恕，以致能「愛你們的仇敵，為那逼迫你們的禱告。」
星期五
在一項調查中，中國大學生表達無法原諒日本在中國所犯下的罪行。在年輕一代的中國人心目中，南京大屠殺的陰影似乎永遠也揮不去。中國教會提及普世宣教，幾乎都帶有選擇性，只選那些他們認為值得拯救的族類，少有想去日本傳福音的。 求主光照我們裡頭的黑暗，幫助我們除去內心的苦毒，以舊約先知約拿為鑑戒，不要漠視神愛世人的心腸。
星期六
日本被其他國家的基督徒評為「福音硬土」，至今基督徒人口僅有0.2％而已。日本是中國最近的鄰國，也有著同受孔孟儒家思想薰陶的文化背景。 儘管日本一向被視為福音的硬土，然而在神凡事都能！我們要切切記念這個族群， 深信神的作為及施恩的膀臂亦可觸及這片土地。
星期日
近半世紀以來，南韓、中國和印尼的基督徒人口和教會均有大增長。南韓原是佛教或無神論國家，中國屬共產主義、無神論，而印尼則是穆斯林國家。我們為神在這幾個國家裡興起祂的子民來感恩，這實在是極大的神蹟。但願韓國、中國和印尼的教會在主裡彼此學習，在亞洲成為神國度宣教的大軍。
星期一
中國人對東南亞國家的民族主義情緒，比針對日本或美國的更輕。所以儘管有南海爭議、越南抗議者殺害中國工人等等事件，但因民間激進活動的「供應」源頭相對較少，也較容易被中國政府壓制。我們為中國教會祈禱，求主使傳道工作不受種族優越感所矇蔽，而是出於謙卑，因著神的憐憫和恩典所驅使。求主再次提醒我們：祂揀選我們，是要宣揚祂奇妙的作為，無分國界與種族。
In China, there is a widespread negative attitude toward Japan. Fewer than ten percent of the people think that Japan can be trusted and many young people who have had no experience with the wars still bear a strong hatred toward Japan. We pray that young Christians in China will understand what Jesus taught us about compassion and be able to live it out. He said, "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them." Matthew 5:44
Wednesday
In China, the patriotic education and propaganda of the government in the schools enforces a strong critical view of Japan politically so it is not easy to know how entrenched these resentful attitudes really are. The inability to overcome a nationalistic hatred toward Japan is truly a stumbling block to spiritual growth in the churches in China. May the Lord help each of us to "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21
Thursday
To most students in China, Japan is not only seen as a very barbaric and cruel aggressor but this attitude fosters and allows them from a young age to hate Japan as a nation. May the Lord help each of us to be the "sons of peace" and display His mercy and kindness. May He help us to sow the seeds of love in places of hatred, and forgiveness where there are wounds so that we are able to love and pray for our enemies.
Friday
A survey shows that college students in China are unable to forgive the atrocities the Japanese committed during the Sino-Japanese war, especially the Rape of Nanking. When they talk about missions, the churches in China are often selective and choose only people they deem worthy of God's salvation which does not include the Japanese people. We pray that God will remove our inner darkness and bitterness so we will not be like Jonah who disregarded the compassion and love of God.
Saturday
Japan has been regarded as hard soil for the gospel to penetrate with only 0.2% of the population who are Christians. However, China and Japan are neighbors and share a similar Confucian culture. God can perform miracles even in hard soil. We remember in our prayers that God's grace and power can come and transform this island country.
Sunday
In the last half century, there have been great Christian revivals and growth in South Korea, China, and Indonesia which are Buddhist, Communist, and Muslim countries respectively.We praise the Lord for the miraculous growth of churches and believers in these Asian countries. We pray that churches there will learn from and compliment each other becoming a strong force of mission to other Asian countries.
Monday
In China, nationalist sentiment is less vehement toward Southeast Asian nations than that against Japan or the United States, even with the territorial dispute in the South China Sea and the workers' protest in Vietnam. The Chinese government quickly and preferentially clamps down on any negative sentiment toward its Southern neighbors.We pray that missionary efforts of the churches in China will not be driven by any sense of ethnic superiority but through humility and a profound appreciation of God's mercy and grace for them. We are called to share the gospel with all people in all nations and especially with our enemies.
星期二
中國人普遍對日本持負面態度，信任日本的中國人不到10%。連沒有親身經歷過中日戰爭的年輕人，對日本也有強烈的反感。我們來為中國年輕基督徒禱告，求主讓我們知道主耶穌所教導、示範的愛的真意：「只是我告訴你們，要愛你們的仇敵，為那逼迫你們的禱告。」(太 5:44)，並靠著主的力量活出信仰。
星期三
在學校裡，國家宣傳和愛國主義教育都傾向把批評日本變為正確的政治立場，所以我們很難知道中國人心中對日本所持的負面態度，究境有多麼根深蒂固。有些中國信徒無法克服民族主義帶來的仇恨，成為屬靈成長路上的障礙。願恩主憐憫我們不要以惡報惡，且能「以善勝惡」。（羅 12:21）以神的全能與恩慈視野看待眾罪人的不完全，和悔改重生的新契機。
星期四
對大多數中國人而言，日本不僅是一個普通的侵略者形象，且是一個非常野蠻和殘酷的形象。這使得他們從小就蔑視和排斥日本。求神幫助我們每個人，能在主耶穌的憐憫和恩慈下做祂和平之子，在憎恨之處播下主的愛，在傷痕之處播下主寬恕，以致能「愛你們的仇敵，為那逼迫你們的禱告。」
星期五
在一項調查中，中國大學生表達無法原諒日本在中國所犯下的罪行。在年輕一代的中國人心目中，南京大屠殺的陰影似乎永遠也揮不去。中國教會提及普世宣教，幾乎都帶有選擇性，只選那些他們認為值得拯救的族類，少有想去日本傳福音的。 求主光照我們裡頭的黑暗，幫助我們除去內心的苦毒，以舊約先知約拿為鑑戒，不要漠視神愛世人的心腸。
星期六
日本被其他國家的基督徒評為「福音硬土」，至今基督徒人口僅有0.2％而已。日本是中國最近的鄰國，也有著同受孔孟儒家思想薰陶的文化背景。 儘管日本一向被視為福音的硬土，然而在神凡事都能！我們要切切記念這個族群， 深信神的作為及施恩的膀臂亦可觸及這片土地。
星期日
近半世紀以來，南韓、中國和印尼的基督徒人口和教會均有大增長。南韓原是佛教或無神論國家，中國屬共產主義、無神論，而印尼則是穆斯林國家。我們為神在這幾個國家裡興起祂的子民來感恩，這實在是極大的神蹟。但願韓國、中國和印尼的教會在主裡彼此學習，在亞洲成為神國度宣教的大軍。
星期一
中國人對東南亞國家的民族主義情緒，比針對日本或美國的更輕。所以儘管有南海爭議、越南抗議者殺害中國工人等等事件，但因民間激進活動的「供應」源頭相對較少，也較容易被中國政府壓制。我們為中國教會祈禱，求主使傳道工作不受種族優越感所矇蔽，而是出於謙卑，因著神的憐憫和恩典所驅使。求主再次提醒我們：祂揀選我們，是要宣揚祂奇妙的作為，無分國界與種族。
Monday, April 03, 2017
Prayer Request 4/4 - 4/10
Tuesday
Xinjiang has given many headaches to the Beijing government. China fears an increasing number of attacks by the local Muslim Uyghur people there against the Han Chinese who are in the majority in the rest of China. There is a great deal of distrust, if not downright prejudice against the Muslim people from Xingjian found in the average Chinese person. We pray that Chinese believers will not have that same attitude and stereotype because the feeling of the superiority of Han people really permeates many churches in China.
Wednesday
Since 1949, Uyghur dominance in the province of Xinjiang has been shrinking. In that year Han Chinese people made up only six percent of the population but now it stands at over forty percent. Encouraged by Beijing, more Han Chinese are now migrating into Xinjiang. We pray for believers in Xinjiang because they have more exposure and contact with Muslims than those in churches in other places. May the Lord give these Christians boldness and compassion to share the gospel to their neighbors, both the Han Chinese and the Muslim minorities.
Thursday
For hundreds of years, the Uyghur people have had a tense relationship with Beijing. Recent problems in Xinjiang have caused China to be unfriendly and even persecute its own Muslim citizens. Churches in China have long bragged that Chinese are the ideal missionaries in a Muslim world but this perceived advantage has been lost rapidly. We pray that churches in China will have the humility to learn from Western and Korean churches as they begin and organize their missionary efforts.
Friday
New laws have been put into place in Xinjiang, China making it illegal for men under sixty to grow beards, those under eighteen to pray in mosques along with encouraging women not to wear head scarves. Uyghurs, however are culturally more like the people of Central Asia than their fellow Han citizens to the east. We pray the Lord will give all Han Christians cultural sensitivity removal of ethnic superiority, and a spirit of compassion like Jesus Christ.
Saturday
In the past, churches in China have focused on training but in the last two years, it is clear that they urgently need to develop a model of a healthy church. When the administrators of the church promote unhealthy, unbiblical ideas, ministries are done with only people and tradition in mind. We pray God will raise up leaders after His own heart in the churches in China and that they will not be seeking for large churches or complete control of the church for themselves.
Sunday
Currently, the Three-self churches in China do not offer a healthy model such as the churches in China need. Although they are large in numbers, they are still not strong. We pray for believers in the TSPM churches that they will have the ability and opportunities to help the weaker and smaller churches to reach out to their communities and boldly proclaim the name of Jesus publicly.
Monday
It is said that officials in China know well all the meeting points of the church groups in China but often leave the worshippers alone. We pray for peace and room for ministry for each and every church in China and ask the Lord to help the believers to have good testimonies. We pray, too, that churches will continue to have a good relationship with the local officials.
星期二
新疆一直是北京當局相當頭痛的地區。一般漢人和新疆的穆斯林之間存有許多偏見與猜忌。政府擔心當地維吾爾人對漢族的襲擊事件有所增加。求主挪去弟兄姊妹對穆斯林的刻板印象和不友好態度，因為自義的優越感都不是神所喜悅的。
星期三
自1949年以來，維吾爾人在新疆全省的優勢有所萎縮。 1949年漢族只占新疆總人口的6％，現在已達40％以上。在官方鼓勵下有更多的漢族人遷移到新疆。我們特別為新疆的漢人信徒代禱， 求主加添他們有勇氣和憐憫分享福音，不單單是向漢人的鄰居，因為他們對穆斯林有更多的接觸和了解，也走向社區中穆斯林的異族同胞。
星期四
數百年來，維吾爾人一直與執政當局的關係緊張。新疆近年來出現的問題已經導致政府的對當地的高度監管。華人教會自認自己是面對穆斯林世界最合適的宣教士，但這種優勢正在迅速消失中。求主賜給我們謙卑，效法西方和韓國教會和組織，當初支持他們的宣教士走向地極的愛心。
星期五
新疆維吾爾自治區人大常委會3月29日通過《新疆維吾爾自治區去極端化條例》，遭到禁止的行為包括："以非正常蓄鬍鬚、起名渲染宗教狂熱"，"自己或強迫他人穿戴蒙面罩袍、佩戴極端化標誌。"維吾爾族人在文化上像中亞的人。我們求主給漢人基督徒在文化上有敏感性，節制自己種族優越感的流露，願常被耶穌基督的恩慈憐憫所充滿。
星期六
中國教會過去注重「培訓」，近一、兩年則關注到最重要是如何發展出一個「健康教會模型」。教會體制普遍不健全，有許多行政措施不符合聖經，而是以人、以傳統為主。求主自己興起合祂心意的領袖們，不是為著謀私權勢，也不是追求人數多，而是為主的國度盡心盡意盡力，讓主恩满溢全地。
星期日
中國教會亟須發展的「健康教會模型」， 目前在三自教會中並沒有看到。我們為三自教會的信徒祈求，能夠更有空間和能力來幫助弱小的教會，關心社區的需要，並勇敢公開為主做見證。
星期一
有不少人認為政府官員及地方的公安，一直以來對各小區内家庭教會的聚會點情況非常清楚，只是暫時不予干涉而已。我們為各地教會聚會點不受干擾代禱，求主賜信徒有美好的見證，在社區中作光和鹽， 幫助他們有智慧的跟執政掌權者打交道。
Xinjiang has given many headaches to the Beijing government. China fears an increasing number of attacks by the local Muslim Uyghur people there against the Han Chinese who are in the majority in the rest of China. There is a great deal of distrust, if not downright prejudice against the Muslim people from Xingjian found in the average Chinese person. We pray that Chinese believers will not have that same attitude and stereotype because the feeling of the superiority of Han people really permeates many churches in China.
Wednesday
Since 1949, Uyghur dominance in the province of Xinjiang has been shrinking. In that year Han Chinese people made up only six percent of the population but now it stands at over forty percent. Encouraged by Beijing, more Han Chinese are now migrating into Xinjiang. We pray for believers in Xinjiang because they have more exposure and contact with Muslims than those in churches in other places. May the Lord give these Christians boldness and compassion to share the gospel to their neighbors, both the Han Chinese and the Muslim minorities.
Thursday
For hundreds of years, the Uyghur people have had a tense relationship with Beijing. Recent problems in Xinjiang have caused China to be unfriendly and even persecute its own Muslim citizens. Churches in China have long bragged that Chinese are the ideal missionaries in a Muslim world but this perceived advantage has been lost rapidly. We pray that churches in China will have the humility to learn from Western and Korean churches as they begin and organize their missionary efforts.
Friday
New laws have been put into place in Xinjiang, China making it illegal for men under sixty to grow beards, those under eighteen to pray in mosques along with encouraging women not to wear head scarves. Uyghurs, however are culturally more like the people of Central Asia than their fellow Han citizens to the east. We pray the Lord will give all Han Christians cultural sensitivity removal of ethnic superiority, and a spirit of compassion like Jesus Christ.
Saturday
In the past, churches in China have focused on training but in the last two years, it is clear that they urgently need to develop a model of a healthy church. When the administrators of the church promote unhealthy, unbiblical ideas, ministries are done with only people and tradition in mind. We pray God will raise up leaders after His own heart in the churches in China and that they will not be seeking for large churches or complete control of the church for themselves.
Sunday
Currently, the Three-self churches in China do not offer a healthy model such as the churches in China need. Although they are large in numbers, they are still not strong. We pray for believers in the TSPM churches that they will have the ability and opportunities to help the weaker and smaller churches to reach out to their communities and boldly proclaim the name of Jesus publicly.
Monday
It is said that officials in China know well all the meeting points of the church groups in China but often leave the worshippers alone. We pray for peace and room for ministry for each and every church in China and ask the Lord to help the believers to have good testimonies. We pray, too, that churches will continue to have a good relationship with the local officials.
星期二
新疆一直是北京當局相當頭痛的地區。一般漢人和新疆的穆斯林之間存有許多偏見與猜忌。政府擔心當地維吾爾人對漢族的襲擊事件有所增加。求主挪去弟兄姊妹對穆斯林的刻板印象和不友好態度，因為自義的優越感都不是神所喜悅的。
星期三
自1949年以來，維吾爾人在新疆全省的優勢有所萎縮。 1949年漢族只占新疆總人口的6％，現在已達40％以上。在官方鼓勵下有更多的漢族人遷移到新疆。我們特別為新疆的漢人信徒代禱， 求主加添他們有勇氣和憐憫分享福音，不單單是向漢人的鄰居，因為他們對穆斯林有更多的接觸和了解，也走向社區中穆斯林的異族同胞。
星期四
數百年來，維吾爾人一直與執政當局的關係緊張。新疆近年來出現的問題已經導致政府的對當地的高度監管。華人教會自認自己是面對穆斯林世界最合適的宣教士，但這種優勢正在迅速消失中。求主賜給我們謙卑，效法西方和韓國教會和組織，當初支持他們的宣教士走向地極的愛心。
星期五
新疆維吾爾自治區人大常委會3月29日通過《新疆維吾爾自治區去極端化條例》，遭到禁止的行為包括："以非正常蓄鬍鬚、起名渲染宗教狂熱"，"自己或強迫他人穿戴蒙面罩袍、佩戴極端化標誌。"維吾爾族人在文化上像中亞的人。我們求主給漢人基督徒在文化上有敏感性，節制自己種族優越感的流露，願常被耶穌基督的恩慈憐憫所充滿。
星期六
中國教會過去注重「培訓」，近一、兩年則關注到最重要是如何發展出一個「健康教會模型」。教會體制普遍不健全，有許多行政措施不符合聖經，而是以人、以傳統為主。求主自己興起合祂心意的領袖們，不是為著謀私權勢，也不是追求人數多，而是為主的國度盡心盡意盡力，讓主恩满溢全地。
星期日
中國教會亟須發展的「健康教會模型」， 目前在三自教會中並沒有看到。我們為三自教會的信徒祈求，能夠更有空間和能力來幫助弱小的教會，關心社區的需要，並勇敢公開為主做見證。
星期一
有不少人認為政府官員及地方的公安，一直以來對各小區内家庭教會的聚會點情況非常清楚，只是暫時不予干涉而已。我們為各地教會聚會點不受干擾代禱，求主賜信徒有美好的見證，在社區中作光和鹽， 幫助他們有智慧的跟執政掌權者打交道。
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