Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Prayer Request 5/30 - 6/5


Tuesday
Children of the wealthy and those who have good connections in China enjoy enormous educational advantages over others there. They can buy their way into elite kindergartens, and primary schools as well as hire tutors that are beyond the reach of most families. Urban churches offer more and better children's programs than the rural churches do. We pray for more training and resources to equip Sunday school teachers and that parents will step up to teach the little ones.
Wednesday
Until quite recently, the only criterion for admission to college was the student's score on the gaokao (annual university entrance exam) administered to millions of students each summer. That, however​, tended to produce students who lacked diversity and to reward rote learning over creativity and talent. Christians in China tend to emphasize learning and memorizing the Bible which is wonderful but we pray that each of us would be not only a hearer of God's Word but also a doer of it. May the Lord give each of us a humble heart to live out His command to love our neighbors.
Thursday
Over the past decade, new policies in China gave some​ universities permission to consider adding new factors to their curriculum such as musical ability, athletic prowess or skill at learning foreign languages. However, these changes may open up more opportunity for corruption. ​Churches in China put great emphasis on uniformity and the status quo. We pray for believers and pastors who have vision and gifts enabling them to have nontraditional ministries. May​ ​the Lord bless them with fruit and make them great witnesses for Jesus Christ.​
Friday
Wealthy families in China have another alternative to sending their children to a school near home. Many now bypass the Chinese university system by sending their children to the United States or some other country for college and some go abroad for even high school.​ Big or urban churches can offer many programs or ministries, which small and rural churches can only dream of. We pray that small-church pastors in China will not be intimidated but continue to be faithful and fruitful with what the Master has entrusted ​to​ them.
Saturday
In China, the gaokao (annual university entrance exam) determines the​ fate of all students who want higher education and future success. But, the zhongkao (academic test for Junior High School students held each June) decides whether he or she can get into a good local high school. We pray for those from Christian families who are taking these two examinations this year, that ​the Lord will ​give them wisdom and strength, so they can handle the academic pressure and still grow spiritually.
Sunday
Central government funding for social services ​in China ​is often based on local household registration, or hukou figures, which do not account for migrants living in cities without an urban registration. This means, migrant workers are entitled to many social benefits. Christians from villages often find themselves unable to fit in​to​ churches in the city, some simply give up trying. We pray that more church leaders will welcome and reach out to the migrant believers in their communities and even launch ministries to care for them.
Monday
​In the churches in the cities of China, there are many unmarried young Christians. Traditionally, churches have preached against dating​ and marrying unbelievers and want the youth to find a potential mate inside the church. We lift up our prayers for all the young believers who are dating that the Lord will provide for them what their hearts desire. We pray, too, for faith and a healthy interpersonal relationship for those who continue to wait for God to bring His choice for them, especially for those sisters who are still single.

星期二
富有且人脈廣泛的中國家庭的孩子,在教育方面享有巨大的優勢,他們可以進入上好幼兒園和小學學習,聘請優秀的家庭教師,這對於大多數中國家庭來說都是無法實現的。城鎮教會的兒童事工當然會比農村更豐富。我們為優質的主日學老師的培訓禱告,求主興起更多人才和資源,也興起更多的家長挑起教導自己教會第二代的重大責任。
星期三
高考成績至今仍然還是中國大學唯一的錄取標準,每年夏天都會有數百萬學生參加高考。但這往往會培養出缺乏多樣性的學生群體,鼓勵死記硬背,為考試而學,而不是激發創造力和栽培才能。傳統中國教會強調聖經知識和背誦,這是一件美事。求主幫助我們不但是聽道的人,且能行道。願神賜給我們都有謙卑受教的靈,能活出愛我們鄰舍的使命。
星期四
在過去十年中,新政策允許一些大學在錄取學生時考慮其他因素,比如音樂才能、運動專長或外語能力。但是這樣的改進又可能為富賈權貴子弟開方面之門,造成更多腐敗。中國教會向來重視一致性與維持現狀。我們特別為那些參與非傳統式服事的信徒和傳道人禱告,願神大大加添他們能力與恩賜,使他們所做的聖工大有果效和見證。
星期五
富裕的中國家庭還有另一個選擇:很多家長繞過中國體制,直接將孩子送到美國或其他國家上大學,甚至高中。城市和人多的教會有能力與資源提供許多不同的節目和事工,這都是小型教會或農村教會無法想像的。我們要為他們禱告,不灰心喪膽,而是忠心、盡力完成主人所交託我們的,深信質璞的屬靈生命的教導與承傳是討神喜悅的。
星期六
中國一年一度的高考,似乎決定了高中學生們一生的命運。但是,每年在六月舉行 給初三的學生的“中考”,更是決定學生是否能進入好的高中。我們為今年有子女要考高考、中考的信徒家庭禱告,求神不單是加添他們子弟們智慧,能順利考上理想高中,更是在壓力之中仍然能把神放在首位,有屬靈的追求。
星期日
中央是根據當地的戶籍登記,即戶口數據為社會服務撥款。可是這些數據並不算入在城市生活卻沒有城​​鎮戶口的外來人口,使得民工無法享用基本服務。外地信徒常會覺得他們無法融入當地教會,甚至就放棄聚會。求主興起教會領袖們,能關顧到這些主内肢體的屬靈需要,帶動教會實際地關心社區中的外地信徒群,甚至鼓勵發展民工事工,牧養同樣蒙主憐愛的羊。
星期一
在城市教會中,普遍存在大齡未婚青年信徒現象。由於強調信與不信的分別,教會一般教導信徒不會在信徒之外尋找自己的婚戀對象,而把目光投放在教會之內。我們為在交友階段的青年信徒祈求,願主為他們預備。我們也為仍然沒有找到合適對象的信徒禱告,尤其是姐妹們,能對神有信心,也有健康的人際關係。

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Prayer Request 5/23 - 5/29

Tuesday
Students from China who​ have studied abroad are returning to China and women comprise the majority of them. They return because jobs and prospects for marriage are hard to find abroad. A considerable number of these returnees have come to Christ while they were overseas. We give thanks for all of those who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus while they studied abroad--a result of the great sacrifice and seed sown by many Chinese churches overseas.
Wednesday
Based​on the experience of those in China who serve the returnees from abroad, at least three-fourths of them who professed to be Christians or even those who were baptized do not have a consistent spiritual life and many have fallen away. We pray for those who have recently returned to China that the Lord will keep them safe and connect them quickly with other Christians in their workplace or help them find a supportive church fellowship where they can continue to be discipled and grow in love for God.
Thursday
Highly educated Chinese who return to China from abroad face reverse culture shock and a myriad of problems in living in their homeland. It is difficult for them to get back into the Chinese way of life, especially for idealistic young people. ​It is absolutely crucial for returnees to connect with a local church fellowship. We pray those who led them to Christ will emphasize the importance of this ​to these new babes in Christ and help them to have personal devotion ​soon after conversion.
Friday
Students from China who have studied abroad face reverse culture shock which includes​ readjustment to issues of pollution, food safety, housing shortages and exorbitant housing costs, traffic problems, seeking medical help, problems in finding a mate and job, pressure at work, and the idea that "everything needs connection to get things done." ​We pray for the guarding of hearts and victory for Christians who return from abroad to China as they face tremendous financial and sexual temptations.​
Saturday
In China,​a key reason that so many Christians who return from abroad fall away is their own weak faith. Most of these people are perhaps new believers or newly baptized and merely believers--not disciples. Their lives have not been transformed. We pray that these Christians will quickly join a close-knit faith community, become connected and continue to be nurtured. This is not easy because existing churches are usually receptive to young people who have returned from abroad but have no idea of how churches in China operate.
Sunday
There is little done to help Chinese Christian returnees to prepare for their return to China. They may well have almost no understanding of the challenges they will face on their return, especially if they have not been Christians​ in China before. We pray that Christian believers and fellowship​s around them might help them to prepare well for their return to China,​ since​ this is the only way their faith can survive back in China.
Monday
It is not​ easy for Christians who return from abroad to China to find and join a church in this Communist-controlled country. There is also political pressure along with the fear of making their Christian identity public as well as objections from their unbelieving family members, and spiritual homesickness. We pray that those studying abroad will receive a good grounding in the faith and have the opportunity to think through the challenges they may face on their return. May the Lord have mercy on them so they will have boldness and make godly friends quickly.


星期二
目前中國留學生回國就業是個極大的趨勢,女性比例高於男性,佔59.16%。主要是由於在海外找工作、擇偶等都相對困難。歸國學人當中,不少人在國外時信了耶穌。我們要為所有在海外時認識基督的中國學生向主獻上感恩,尤其是海外華人教會多年忠心辛勤的擺上,是他們播撒的種子所結出的果實,願主記念和保守福音的果效能深遠流長。
星期三
根據許多參與服事海歸信徒的同工的經驗,至少有75%的人在回國時是信耶穌、甚至受過洗的。由於沒有持續的屬靈生活,有很多人已經離開了信仰。 我們為最近回國的年輕基督徒祈求,求主帶領他們的平安,能加入支持他們靈命成長的教會團契,持續在愛主及信心上有所長進,也在門徒訓練上得到充份的造就。
星期四
受過海外教育熏陶的海歸們,帶著滿腔的理想,回國時往往面對著逆向的本土文化衝擊,他們要重新適應種種中國原本的社會問題。返國的海歸信徒,加入當地教會是持續信仰成長必要的一步。求主提醒帶領他們信主的屬靈父母,能快快幫助他們靈性的成熟,也教導這些主裡的嬰兒,快快有自己的靈修生活,能自己汲取神的靈糧,生發不摇動的信心。
星期五
回國海歸會面對的逆向文化衝擊的挑戰,包括回到中國遭遇的各類問題,例如污染、食品安全、離譜的居家費用、交通、取得醫療的困難,工作壓力,和“一切都要靠關係”的現實環境。信耶穌的海歸回國後,一定會經歷更多的錢財和性慾的引誘。求主保守他們的心懷意念,藉著信靠主和真理,能有力量勝過世界的考驗。
星期六
大批在國外信主的海歸,他們回國後信仰流失的主要原因,往往是自己的信仰不夠成熟。這些基督徒多半是剛受洗、甚至還是慕道的,並沒有紮實的信仰根基,生命也沒有真正的改變。我們要為這些新信徒能快快地找到合適他們的教會與團契禱告。一般的教會還不太能接納這些年輕且剛回國的新信徒。求主幫助兩方彼此都有很好的適應。
星期日
在國外信主的海歸,尤其是出國前沒有接觸過教會的新信徒,根本沒有心理準備回國後如何在中國持續他們的信仰。由於毫不了解回中國後,持守信仰的種種艱難挑戰,以致容易流失。我們來為還在海外求學的基督徒學生禱告。求主使他們身旁的基督徒與團契,能夠幫助他們做好心理準備如何應對回國後的挑戰,裝備他們在回國後能持守信仰。
星期一
新的基督徒回到現今中國的大環境,通常很難找到合適的教會融入其中。同時還有政治壓力:害怕公開他們的基督徒身分及來自不信主的家人的反對,他們會有‘屬靈的鄉愁’以及各種靈裡的水土不服。求主讓這些學生能有紮實的信仰基礎,並有機會思考回國後可能面對的各種挑戰。 願主加添他們的信心和膽量,也有一群追求神的義的屬靈良友。

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Prayer Request 5/16 - 5/22

Tuesday
In China,the High School Entrance Examination is also known as the junior high school graduation exam, which is commonly referred to as the “zong kao”. There is even ​an ​entrance examination to get into better kindergartens. We pray for faith in God for Christian parents, so they will firmly know that children are ​a ​gift from God and He has a special plan for each one of them.
Wednesday
Getting into a good high school is critical for Chinese students as the first step into a good college. The month of May is the high school entrance examination time in China and is therefore the most stressful time for their parents. We pray for Christian families who have teens taking the entrance examinations this year. May the Lord give them strength and patience as parents who will help their teens prepare for the exams in this mentally grueling time.​
Thursday
The High School Entrance Examination is composed of exams in language, mathematics, English, physics, chemistry, sports, and health. There are also open book exams for history and ethics. In Xinjiang, non-Han students can use both textbooks and dictionaries for the language part. We pray for wisdom and stamina for students from Christian families as they prepare for the entrance examinations. We pray, too, that they will know the true meaning of "The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. " (Prov. 9:10)
Friday
Students from China who​ have studied abroad are returning to China and women comprise the majority of them. They return because jobs and prospects for marriage are hard to find abroad. A considerable number of these returnees have come to Christ while they were overseas.We give thanks for all of those who came to a saving knowledge of Jesus while they studied abroad--a result of the great sacrifice and seed sown by many Chinese churches overseas.
Saturday
​Every June in China, gaokao, the university entrance exam, determines the fate of all students who seek higher education or a lifetime of success which in China is equated with and dependent on academic success, namely doing well on the entrance examinations at all levels.​Parents in China are under great pressure to help their children have academic success We pray for faith for Christian parents and that they will always remember to teach their children that God will honor their desire if they put God first in their lives.​
Sunday
Some churches in China have become stagnant in attendance and ministries, their members feel disappointed and even stopped attending church. Many gave the reasons of leadership not attuned to suggestion and lacking impetus for improvement. We pray for God’s mercy, giving wisdom to the leaders to seek His will and help their believers to work together, building up one another, and have the diligence awaiting His imminent return.
Monday
China’s Internet has become increasingly mobile driven. Ninety-two percent​ of the 710 million internet users there now use their mobile phones to access the web for shopping, chatting with friends, or seeking information, entertainment, or just social messaging.We pray for the Christian content sent and received on the cell phone by believers, that all of these messages and articles will be edifying and lead people to intercede for others as well as to meditate on God's word and promote deeper and closer fellowship.


星期二
中國的高級中等學校招生考試,又稱初級中等教育畢業考試,簡稱中考,是九年義務教育完結前的畢業考試。中國學生學習的過程就是不斷的考試,現在甚至連入讀幼兒園都要經過考試!求主幫助信徒父母,不要把孩子的學業成功當作父母人生的唯一成就,孩子不達標就歸咎自己。願神在祂兒女心中動工,校正父母的眼光,並堅定相信神在每一個孩子身上都有獨特又美好的計劃。
星期三
每年五月是中考季節。中考是決定上好大學所邁出的第一步,中考跟高考,幾乎決定著孩子的未來, 這也是家長們最緊張的時期。我們為今年有孩子面臨中考和高考的信徒家庭禱告,這是孩子和家長最艱難的日子,求主加添父母力量和耐心,又幫助孩子忠心和專心,盡本份應考。
星期四
中考是由語文、數學、英語、物理、化學和體育與健康組成;歷史和思想品德則設置為開卷考試。在新疆的中考,非漢族學生考語文時可以用教科書和字典。求神賜信徒考生智慧和體力,在準備和應試期間,能從容發揮。更幫助他們真切明白:「敬畏耶和華是智慧的開端,認識至聖者便是聰明。」(箴言9:10)
星期五
目前中國留學生在海外畢業後回國就業是個大的趨勢,其中海歸女性比例高於男性,佔59.16%。主要是由於在海外找工作、擇偶等都相對困難。歸國學人當中,不少人在國外時接受了基督。我們要為所有在海外時認識基督的中國學生向主獻上感恩,尤其是海外華人教會多年忠心辛勤的擺上,是他們播撒的種子所結出的義果,願主記念和保守福音的果效能深遠流長。
星期六
中國的「高考」是大學入學考試,每年六月決定著莘莘學子能否進入優質高等教育。在中國,大家都默認一個人自出娘胎,就要準備面對各級入學考試,而考試成敗就是一生命運的關鍵。雖然中國家長確實要面對孩子升學的壓力,但我們求主幫助父母看見自己更該給孩子屬靈和道德的教育,使他們懂得怎樣「先求神的國和義」神會把我們一生所需用的都豐富預備。
星期日
一些中國教會用諸多藉口不思改進,領袖不接受意見,人數沒有增長,事工無法推動等等情況,信徒亦會灰心冷淡,停止聚會。求主憐憫教會,賜給牧者智慧,謙遜尋求神的心意,也幫助信徒學習彼此同心合意,配搭服事,與眾聖徒一同建造基督的身體,儆醒等候主再來。
星期一
中國的網路已經越來越多地由傳統電腦轉到移動裝置,在7.1 億中國網民中,超過92%人使用手機上網、網上購物、與朋友聊天,使用微博和微信等獲取信息和娛樂。我們為在手機上傳播基督教信息,信徒所傳送的信息禱告。求神使用這些內容幫助信徒,彼此代禱,思考神的話語,也讓弟兄姊妹之間有更密切的聯繫和深入的交通。

Monday, May 08, 2017

Prayer Request 5/9 - 5/15

Tuesday
Churches in China cannot ignore domestic violence. People who abuse have often been victims of abuse themselves in their childhood, thus forming a vicious cycle which goes on and on. We pray that faith in Jesus Christ will end this chain of suffering and bring blessing to those who repent and receive His grace. God gives us His power so we "recompense not evil for evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17, 21).
Wednesday
As long as churches in China avoid talking about the existence of spousal abuse and refuse to speak of it as a sin, Christian families will continue to suffer and brothers in the church will remain weak. We pray for wisdom and understanding for church leaders so they can provide pastoral care for those suffering from domestic violence. We pray for spiritual cleansing of men in churches and that through them revival will begin.
Thursday
Laws provide protection for victims of domestic violence but they lack any power to solve marital problems. If we want to resolve domestic violence, we must focus on building up marriages. This is especially true for Christian couples. We pray for an awareness of the need for premarital counselling and the availability of marriage courses to help prepare those planning to be married and strengthen current marriage relationships in China. Much more is needed to teach couples to apply the love of Christ in their marriages than is now being done.
Friday
The majority of believers in churches in China are women. Finding an available Christian male to marry is rather difficult so many of the sisters resort to relationships with unbelievers and even marry them. We pray for those who are still waiting for God's provision and know that God is good. We pray, too, for those who are dating or have married . unbelievers. May the Lord answer their prayers and bring salvation to their boyfriends and husbands.
Saturday
There is a huge uneven distribution of medical resources in China. Rural areas lack preventive and basic health care, and farmers try not see doctors for minor illness, but end up unable to afford serious illness. Many kinds of disparities are very obvious between the rural and urban churches in China. We again pray for His comfort and assurance for rural churches, not to be disappointed but be fervent once again.
Sunday
It is very common for rural families in China to borrow large sums of money to get medical care and then have to give us the education of their children to pay it back. Becoming "dirt poor" because of illness causes much family discord and even breakups. We pray for poor and even impoverished rural believers in China. May the Lord have mercy on them, give them grace, answer their prayers, and grant them great faith and joy.
Monday
Almost all villages in China have a simple clinic owned and run by a country doctor who has only a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, and thermometer. Likewise, an average rural church lacks many resources that city churches take for granted. We pray that the more wealthy churches will assist and strengthen the weaker and poor churches, many of which are merely an hour away from them by car.


星期二
中國教會不能不承認家暴的問題嚴重。有些受虐者可能同時是受虐者,承受某一方施予的暴力,又同時透過傷害別人來轉移本身的痛苦。願每一個基督徒的家庭,都成為神祝福的管道。求主施恩幫助屬神的人,能以信仰的力量終止暴力的循環,不再「以惡報惡」,乃能「以善勝惡」(羅12:17-21)
星期三
當教會閉口不談家暴的可怕,也不將家暴當作神不喜悅的罪。信徒家庭就會繼續地軟弱,教會的弟兄們也無法復興。求主興起更多教會領袖,有智慧和憐憫的同理心,來為家暴受害者提供教牧關懷。但願神親自潔淨自己的教會, 復興從認罪悔改開始。
星期四
雖然目前中國的法律為家暴的受害者提供了保障,但它沒有能力解決婚姻問題。如果要解決家庭暴力,就必須著眼於建造健全的婚姻, 尤其是教會中的家庭。求主幫助教會提供婚前和婚後輔導,使他們明白進入婚姻後,雙方關係及日常生活上可能遇到的轉變,並學習如何以基督的愛來共同面對、接受和調適這些轉變。
星期五
中國信徒當中,姊妹仍然佔大多數,她們要在信徒內尋找對象是蠻困難的。有些姊妹開始與未信者交往,甚至成家。我們為正等候神預備的姊妹禱告,我們相信神的預備是最美好的。同時,我們也為那些與未信者交往或結婚的姊妹禱告,願神憐憫,成全她們的禱告,感動他們的男朋友或丈夫早日認識神,同心携手共奔天路。
星期六
中國醫療資源分佈極為不均,尤其在農村裡,農民對預防和保健的知識十分薄弱,往往小病忍着不理,拖成大病更沒經濟能力去診治。農村和城市教會之間的差距,在每一件事上都是明顯的。我們求神提醒祂的眾兒女,儘管在成長背景、教育程度、生活模式等等上南轅北轍,但因著基督的救贖,都把我們變成一個以基督為首的身體了,讓我們都能學習彼此關顧。
星期日
在農村家庭裡,因病而負債,導致下一代失去受教育的機會是常有的事。因病返貧的困擾更使得很多農村家庭失去和睦,甚至家破人亡。求主憐憫和恩待貧困的農村信徒,不要忘懷窮乏人憑信心的求告,更使困苦人的指望與喜条不致永遠落空。
星期一
每個中國村子都會有幾個衛生室,是鄉村醫生個人開的,提供基本醫療設備,大多仍然是三十年前的老三樣:診器、血壓計和體溫表。農村教會的資源也遠遠不如城市教會,有些只相隔一個鐘頭車程的,已有極大的差距。求主感動富裕的城市教會,能有神的國度異象,向有需要的教會表達愛心,並支援和協助貧窮的教會發展所需。

Monday, May 01, 2017

Prayer Request 5/2 - 5/8

Tuesday
For more than three decades , mandatory placement of an IUD was the most important tool used by the government of China to limit couples to having only one child and nearly all new mothers were required to have one after the birth of her first child. In the churches in China, women have been outnumbering men three to one for years. We pray for God's mercy for those sisters whose husbands are not believers. May the Lord give them a great testimony at home so their husbands will be saved soon and have a desire to know God better.
Wednesday
It is already a year after they abandoned the "one-child" policy in China and Beijing is hoping to make it up to millions of women by removing their IUDs free of charge. However, there has been no hint of an apology so there has been incredulous outrage. Many couples there wanted to have a son instead of a daughter. We pray that parents who are Christians will know that children are an inheritance from God--whether daughter or son. And we pray they will know it is their duty to lead their children to God and raise godly children for Him.
Thursday
While IUDs in other countries can often be removed with the tug of their strings in a doctor's office, surgery us usually required in China because most devices there were designed to be more permanent--some with shortened strings and others with no strings at all. We pray for the comfort of Chinese couples who are infertile or have lost their children. May the Lord give them joy, the ability to be spiritual parents, and through them bless the young ones in their churches.
Friday
In China, women often have the same IUD from soon after childbirth until menopause since those used there offer birth control for much longer than those used elsewhere. Sisters are able to serve in the churches only after their children are grown or have left home. We pray for all of these older mothers who not only labor without complaint. but also give a wonderful example to the younger mothers.
Saturday
In the early 1980s, China began demanding that women be fitted with an IUD after one child and sterilized after they had two. Those who refused risked that their children would be denied access to public schools and health insurance. Civil servants and state employees who refused lost their jobs. The number of children in the churches in China will definitely increase now that the one-child policy has ended. We pray that they will have the vision and urgency to minister to this new crop of children and will not let them wander and become lost spiritually.
Sunday
In the past, local officials in China were required to meet their target birth-control goals leading some to impose forced sterilization and even abortions on some women. All of this left a bad image for the birth-control policy there. We pray that churches will invest in training teachers for children's ministries and that believers will see why Jesus invited the children to come to Him. We pray they will also see how important it is that children learn what the Bible says and that they will be saved while they are still small.
Monday
Many parents in China are annoyed that they do not have time to pick up their children from school at 3:30 in the afternoon but have to leave them with childcare agencies even though many of these services that care for children after school are operating illegally. Very few churches in China have quality child care during worship services for various reasons. We pray that more leaders will see the need and importance of providing child care and ministry to children in their churches and not feel the little ones are a bother and burden to the adults.
 
星期二
三十多年來,宮內節育器是政府限制只生一個孩子的最重要工具,所有女性在生完一個孩子之後,都被要求在子宮內放置節育器。在中國教會裡,姊妹人數向來是弟兄的三倍。我們為丈夫是不信的姊妹禱告,求神憐憫、幫助她們在家中有美好的見證,使她們的弟兄早日得救,生發一個願意認識神的心。
星期三
在放棄一胎政策一年多後,政府想用免費取出宮內節育器的方式來補償數百萬婦女;但是,政府這樣舉措卻不帶任何道歉意味,引起了人民的質疑與憤怒。中國傳統觀念重男輕女,許多夫妻盼望有兒子卻不能如願。我們為信徒家長禱告,求主校正他們的觀念:不論男女,都是神賜的產業,家長的責任是把孩子領到神的面前,為主教養出敬虔的後裔。
星期四
在其他國家,宮內節育器通常可以在門診取出,醫生只需使用附在節育器上的小繩兒就能將其拉出;然而,通常在中國卻要做手術,因為當初中國大多數宮內節育器的設計或改造,是為了讓其不容易取出來。我們為不能生育,或是失去孩子的信徒禱告,求主親自安慰他們,又賜他們靠主常常喜樂,更能在神的家裡做愛主的屬靈家長,成為教會年輕肢體的祝福。
星期五
在一胎政策下的中國,婦女通常在分娩後不久就會放置宮內節育器,一個宮內節育器就用到絕經期為止。通常教會中花很多時間事奉的姊妹,很多是孩子已經長大、不在身邊的。我們為她們感恩,不單在教會事工上參與,也成為年輕母親們愛神、服事人的好榜樣。
星期六
1980 年代,婦女生了一個孩子之後必須放置宮內節育器,生了兩個孩子後要做絕育手術。拒絕如此做的人要承擔子女無法讀書和無醫療保險的風險,若是公務員更可能失去職位。中國取消一胎制後,教會的兒童數目必定會大量增加,我們為教會有異象來服事新生孩童們禱告,求主幫助教會知道如何牧養這批孩童們,不叫第二代流失。
星期日
過去,計劃生育的指標成為地方官員政績評估之一,導致一些官員有強迫管區內婦女做節育手術及墮胎的情況。求主為教會預備兒童事工的導師及教學資源,賜眾人效法主愛人的心腸,真願意將小孩子領到主面前,讓他們從小明白聖經,因信基督耶穌而有得救的智慧。
星期一
許多中國家長為了下午3點半孩子放學之後,需要接送到孩童照顧處而煩惱。 這些課後托兒服務很多都不是合法經營的。由於種種原因,極少的中國教會在主日崇拜時能提供優良的孩童看顧。求主賜給更多教會領袖有異象和負擔,看見孩童事工的需要和重要性,不將孩童看顧當作麻煩事和重擔。