Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Prayer Request 7/25 - 7/31

Tuesday
In China, believers in cities come from all walks of life. Urban Christians are likely to have a ​more​ sustained, widespread and far-reaching impact on society than their counterparts in the villages. We specifically pray for Christians at management level in companies. If they can apply their faith in their daily interaction with their employees, through their life testimonies, they can leave a favorable impression of Christianity among their workers.
Wednesday
In China, some business owners and managers provide management training for their employees using Biblical concepts, some even invite pastors to give talks on issues of relationship. We pray that every Christian worker will become a great testimony for God, through their good interpersonal relationships, praise-worthy work performance,​ and​ bringing​ the gospel to people who would never enter a church.
Thursday
In China, urban churches are often in busy districts and the church buildings are often already a source of fascination and mystery to people walking by. Yet, most churches in the cities refuse to let visitors come in for a tour. We pray church leaders will find some creative ways to attract people into ​their churches, even organize people who serve as tour guide​s​ and answer questions as a way of evangelistic outreach.
Friday
Urban churches in China have better financial and organizational​ resource​s than those in the rural areas,​ and​ some of them are even able to plan and carry out large-scale charity or relief efforts in their cities. We pray that churches in China will always be a​ shining light in their communities, able to mobilize their members to be active in relief efforts, helping the​ disabled and elderly, living out the compassion of Jesus Christ.
Saturday
In China, some churches in cities have helped the poorer churches​ in the villages, sending pastors and people to preach and to train​ the people there​. Often, they also take books, curriculum and needed materials with them. We praise the Lord how city churches can help churches in villages, blessing them even by becoming a sister church to them, providing the resources and support they need.
Sunday
By 2012, half of China's population will live in cities. However, China's urbanization has lagged in its industrialization. Rural land is now under city control and being developed, but much of the infrastructure has lagged behind. We pray for wisdom as churches must cope with the shifting of residents from villages into cities, and the continuing erosion of rural church attendance. At​ the same time, churches in cities must have strategies to attract and keep rural believers now living in cities so they are not lost to follow-up.
Monday
In China, the process of massive urbanization has exposed a huge gap of inequality between urban and rural residents--the so-called hukou system. Historically, there is no dialogue, connection, or exchange of any kind between urban and rural churches in China.​ We pray more urban churches will care​ for​ and help preachers and believers in rural areas. Too many urban churches want to do world mission​s​ but ignore the need of gospel in villages only an hour or two away from their church.


星期二
城市教會的信徒來自各行各業,能夠深入社會的各層面,以各種各樣的方式對中國社會産生持續、廣泛,且深遠的影響。我們特別為管理層級的基督徒能起到這樣的作用禱告。求主幫助基督教企業家用基督教精神培訓和塑造企業員工,藉著好的生命見證,使他們的員工對福音生發羨慕的心。
星期三
在中國的職場裡,有些作領導的基督徒用基督教理念培訓和帶領員工,不僅取得良好果效,甚至還能邀請牧師來做相關講座。我們為每個基督徒祈求,求主保守他們擁有好的人際關係,在崗位上為神作美好的見證,使那些心硬的、難有機會接觸福音的人,也能聽聞福音,享沐主愛。
星期四
一般公開的城市教堂都處於市區的繁華地帶,矗立的教堂本身就對普通市民具有神秘感和吸引力, 但是許多教堂總是拒絕一般的參觀者。求主賜教會領袖靈活開放,有智慧吸引更多人進入教會,並能把握傳福音的好機會。
星期五
中國的城市教會有較強的經濟實力和組織能力,便於開展需要各方面協作的大型慈善與救助活動。求主賜我們百般智慧進入社區中,發揮影響力,成為社區中的明亮燈檯。願弟兄姊妹們參與救濟,助殘養老、賑災濟貧等方面的善事,切實活出主耶穌的憐憫慈愛。
星期六
中國有一些大城市教會定期和不定期組織牧師和信徒到農村教會講道、分享、交流,並提供書籍、培訓和物資上的幫助。感謝主使用更多城市教會願意去幫助農村教會。求主繼續祝福那些樂意幫助貧困地區的教會,實際關懷與支援有需要的信徒。願主親自記念悦納他們榮神益人的擺上
星期日
在2012年,中國城市化率已經突破50%。但是城市的基礎建設往往跟不上人口城市化的速度。求主賜智慧給眾教會,因應城市化的影響(人口遷徙方面),在農村的教會如何保持對留守信徒的牧養及城市教會能制訂適切的佈道策略,好叫進入城市的農村信徒能回到新的屬靈家庭,不至大量流失。
星期一
當前中國城市化發展造成「城市和農村戶籍」之間的不公平。實際而言,農村教會和城市教會並沒有什麽真正的溝通與交流。 求主興起更多城市教會來關心幫助貧窮農村的傳道人和信徒,而不是只喊著普世宣教,竟然忘卻了在一、兩小時路程以外,自己本身同胞手足的福音需要。

Monday, July 17, 2017

Prayer Request 7/18 - 7/24

Tuesday
The conservative estimate of the "Left Behind" children in China is about sixty-one million or one in five of the children in the villages. Nearly all of the adults who are of working age have gone to work in the cities so only the old and very young are left behind. In general, few churches have the resources (especially the trained leaders) to minister to the children of believers and help them grow spiritually. We pray that more believers will see the seriousness of this crisis and at least try to address the needs.
Wednesday
In China, "Left Behind" children are often united with their parents only once a year. Although some parents do call or video chat, it is not uncommon that the long separation causes these children to feel estranged from and even unable to connect with their parents emotionally. Children need the attention of their parents. We pray for healing for families of believers that suffer poor and even broken parent-children relationships that they will claim their God-given role and responsibility to rear godly children.
Thursday
The "Left Behind" children in China struggle at school and also suffer higher rates of issues in the areas of mental health and behavioral problems in school than their counterparts. We pray for rural churches to be more involved in ministering to the children who are left behind. They can at least provide some comfort or emotional support. We pray, too, for Christians who can support various camps and Vacation Bible Schools specifically targeting the needs of the "Left Behind" children.
Friday
"Left Behind" children are literally creating an entire generation of Chinese who lack security and confidence with serious and potentially disastrous social consequences. We pray that in every church in China, God will raise up people who are loving, mature, and willing to reach out to those young people who come from broken homes, are academically challenged, and even troubled behaviorally.
Saturday
In China, the "Left Behind" children are usually under the care of their grandparents who can provide only daily meals for them but are really unable to help them with school work or anything else. Can the rural churches do anything to help these children of believers? We know the difficulties churches have to provide a meaningful children's ministry but we ask God to give wisdom and strength to those who are involved, to help these "Left Behind" children to know their heavenly Father and learn the Biblical way.
Sunday
Some of the "Left Behind" children in China have not seen their own parents for years so they have little memory of them and basically no meaningful parent-child relationship. We know that children who are without an intact family or healthy family relationship quickly drop out of a church. We pray that the Lord will remind us all that churches need to teach and stress family and parenting, not only in sermons but also in counseling.
Monday
In China, many of the "Left Behind" children spend the entire summer break in internet cafes because there are no adults to supervise them. These children pick up bad habits, and some are even raped. Not a few die in accidents. We pray for all of the summer camps and classes sponsored by churches and Christian groups that the Lord will touch the heart of children who do not live with their parents through these venues, that they will know Jesus at a young age and have hope for their lives.


星期二
保守估計中國至少有六千一百萬「留守孩童」,即在農村每五個孩子當中就有一個。農村裡有能力賺錢的年輕人都進城打工,留下來的都是老人和小孩。 一般教會鮮有提供相對的事工,尤其是缺乏受過裝備的同工來領導、幫助信徒的孩子靈命成長,信仰便難以傳至下一代。求神憐憫與施恩,興起弟兄姊妹能看見這承傳的危機,積極回應這個急迫的需要。
星期三
中國的留守兒童一年最多和外出打工的父母見上一次面,雖然平日也能藉著電話或視頻聯繫,但孩子與父母長時間分離,感情自然生疏,有些甚至已認不得父母了。對兒童而言,不論留守在農村或遷入城市,父母的關注都極其重要。我們求主憐恤那些親子關係疏離、不和,甚至破裂的家庭,求主醫治和修合彼此親情的傷痕,使家長能恢復神托負的身份與責任 -養育敬虔的後裔。
星期四
中國的「留守兒童」在學校裡遇到壓力挫折時,有較高機率出現精神問題,而他們在同輩中出現更多行為問題。求神幫助教會懂得如何關愛留守兒童,特別是農村的孩子。藉著分享神的愛和關懷,補足他們缺少父母在身旁的關懷。求主感動更多信徒願意支援兒童夏令營、聖經班等善工,讓孩子尤其是「留守兒童」,即時得着生命的餵養。
星期五
「留守兒童」是“對人缺乏安全感和信任的一整代人" 將對中國社會產生巨大的影響,更可能是一個潛在的災難性的影響。求主感動各教會滿有愛心的成熟信徒們,願意為主走出去,關懷那些家庭不美滿,學業表現也不優秀,甚至有行為問題的年輕孩子。
星期六
「留守兒童」的父母無奈地把孩子交給祖父母看管。老人家除了餵飽孩子,根本無法監督幫助孩子的學習。推展有内涵的農村兒童事工實在不容易,農村教會能在這方面擔當什麼救援的角色嗎?求主幫助參與教會兒童主日學的同工們,有智慧帶領孩子們認識天父上帝,一生走在義路上。
星期日
有的父母進城打工與孩子多年不見,致使孩子幾乎遺忘了父母的面貌,更談不上摯親之情。失去家庭溫暖的孩子很難持續來教會參與活動,這是悲哀的事實。我們求主提醒教會要更多以聖經原則來教導家庭和指導親子教育,不單單是在講台宣講,並能提供實際的家庭輔導。
星期一
每年暑假期間,由於長時間缺乏家人的照顧和督導,不少「留守兒童」因而流連網吧、染上惡習、甚至發生嚴重的意外。我們為每年暑假,教會及機構在各地舉行夏令營、暑期班禱告。 求神觸摸改變這些幼小心靈,使他們從小就能在主裡建立正確而積極的人生觀,一生蒙主護佑、賜福。

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Prayer Request 7/11 - 7/17

Tuesday
In China, many migrant workers take their children with them to the cities where they work. These children are called "migrant children" and one in four of the children there ​belongs to this group. Because they do not have a residency permit (hukou), these children can attend only expensive private schools. Urban churches often claim their resources are inadequate to care for migrant workers and their children. We pray for some churches that will try their best to reach out to these children with after-school programs and Bible stories.
Wednesday
In 2000, forty-two million children were affected by the migration of workers in China from the villages to the cities. By 2013, 106 million(or thirty-eight percent) of the people were affected. For every child who moved to the city with​ parents, there were two children left behind in the villages. Rural churches are losing believers, not only the adults but also the young ones. The future of rural churches seems bleak and dire. We pray for faith, wisdom and vision for church leaders, so they can have strategies and direction in place for rural churches.
Thursday
Under the greatly hated hukou system in China, families from villages cannot change their status and become city residents.​​ Because of this, their children face unfair treatment and discrimination when they move to the cities. We pray for faith for all of the Christian migrant families not to give up on God in the cities but be able to grow stronger as families and quickly find a spiritual home in their new neighborhood.​
Friday
In China, children of migrants can't go to public schools even if they were born in the cities. Private school education is often the only option for migrant families and is prohibitively expensive. Many migrant workers can't afford to keep their children in big cities because the rent is high and the wages are low. It is very difficult for migrants to fit in, to feel accepted and comfortable in city churches. We pray that urban believers will have more compassion and generosity and urban churches will not consider migrant ministries are so unproductive.
Saturday
In China, children of migrants end up having a poorer education than other children because many are unable to afford the prices private schools charge and they are not eligible to attend public schools. Many quit school and​ ​begin working early, hence the higher school dropout rates for these children. We pray specifically for young Christian who drop out​ of school. May the Lord comfort them, add to their faith, and help them to know that God does love them and is with them and He will open a door for their employment.
Sunday
In China, some migrant parents deem “it is useless to study” because they can work hard and make even more money than college graduates. Many migrant parents are ambivalent and cannot provide guidance for ​their ​children’s education. We pray Christian parents will never have the attitude of “I’ll let my kids decide on what they believe”. All believers should know “children are ​a ​heritage from God”. All of us need to​ be an​ example for our children and pray for them without ceasing.
Monday
In China, the prevalent attitude among youth is “If you can study, then study. If you cannot, go find a job and make just as much money ​as you can​.” It is a fact that rural youth receive poorer education and worse grades than their city counterparts in China. ​We lift up the children of migrant workers who are believers, praying for their physical and spiritual health. May the Lord draw them to Himself, remove the self-pity and self-defeat that is so common among them, and help them to love and seek to obey the Lord.​


星期二
不少民工帶著孩子到城市打工,他們的孩子被稱為「流動兒童」, 每四名城鎮兒童中就有一名是流動兒童。因為沒有城市戶口,他們不能進入公立學校,只能上昂貴的私立學校。許多城鎮教會雖有心幫助他們,但卻缺乏資源。求主感動教會能憑愛心繼續擺上,深信神必能用「五餅二魚」,使「流動兒童」得著適切的課後輔助,讓孩子認識神的話語。
星期三
受人口流動影響的兒童總數從2000年的4272萬人增加到2013年的1.06億,佔中國兒童總數的38%。其中流動兒童和留守兒童的比率是1 對2。農村信徒流失,不單是成人,也包括兒童。「教會的新一代在哪裡?」是迫切的危機。我們求主加添信心和智慧給當地的教會領袖,幫助他們有異象,亦有應對的策略。
星期四
因著中國的戶口制度,大多數農民工無法改變他們的戶籍,當他們遷移時,孩子會在新環境中遭遇到各種困難和歧視。我們來為信主的農民工家庭禱告,求主加添他們信心,在新落脚的城巿裡不失去信仰,更鞏固和睦的家庭,也願主為他們就近預備合宜的屬靈之家。
星期五
即使民工的孩子在城巿出生,也不能去當地的公立學校就讀,私校是唯一的選項。大城巿的租金高,工資低,私立學校的學費昂貴,往往令他們養不起孩子。來自農村教會的民工,也很難在新城市裡找到能被接納的教會。求主更多提醒我們,滿有基督的憐憫和接納,教會也不應持有「民工事工沒有回報」的錯誤觀念。
星期六
「流動兒童」由於民辦學校收費較高,加之部分大齡流動兒童過早進入勞動市場,使得流動兒童的輟學率高於當地同齡兒童。 我們為輟學的青少年信徒禱告,求主親自安慰鼓勵並堅定他們的信心,相信永活的神愛他們,必與他們同在,也為他們的工作開路。
星期日
有些打工父母認為自己用勞力掙的錢可能比大學生還多,所以認為「讀書無用」。往往對子女沒有明確的要求,順其自然。求主幫助信徒家長,決不有「愛不愛神,都任由孩子」的心態,乃是認定「子女是神所賜的產業」,父母的職責是培育出敬虔愛主的後裔。願我們天天為孩子能親近神來祈求,以身教做成愛主的榜樣。
星期一
「能讀書就讀,讀不好去打工也能賺錢」的觀念在中國青少年中間極其普遍。農村教會的青少年教育程度及成績明顯不如城巿。我們來為民工信徒的子女有健康的身心靈祈求,他們當中多有自卑、自憐和頽廢的心態。求主親自吸引他們,叫他們愛慕追求認識主,也順服主的教誨。

Tuesday, July 04, 2017

Prayer Request 7/4 - 7/10

Tuesday
Throughout​ China, there are many impressively modern airports but she also has some of the world's worst flight delays and missed connections. China is also famous for having angry and unrulely passengers on its airlines. We thank the Lord for the way churches in China have grown in spite of the many difficulties they face. However, we also diligently beseech the Lord to undertake in the significant increase of strife and division among them even while cults and other extreme teachings are rampant and growing worse.
Wednesday
China has begun a huge airport building project that could give the country 60 more airports beyond the current total of about 200 by 2020. We praise the Lord for many beautiful new church buildings throughout the country. We pray that these will be much more than destinations but place​s​ of worship where people come and receive the salvation of Jesus Christ, setting them free from the bondage of sin.​
Thursday
Less than a decade ago, the newly-built international terminal at Beijing's old airport was widely lauded as the symbol of China's industrial might and political​ power. Last year, however, the old airport had to handle nearly ninety million passengers which was ten million more than it was built for. We pray for humility for the rapidly-growing urban churches in China and for God's comfort for the declining rural churches. May we each be like the church of Philadelphia in Revelation--"Behold, I put before you an open door and no one can shut it." (3:7)
Friday
As Chinese pockets have deepened and leisure time has grown, so has the flood of air traffic in China. Chinese airlines ferried 440 million passengers in 2015, with that number expected to grow to 1.19 billion by 2034.​We praise God for the new wealth and ability to travel for believers in China. Churches used to host special meetings during holidays but the attendance at such meetings has dropped greatly because people are out traveling. We pray that prosperity does not lead to spiritual poverty for churches in China.​
Saturday
Airports in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing are notorious for flight delays. Those in Xiamen, Guangzhou, Kunming, and Beijing were not far behind. This year airports in Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing were not allowed to add more flights until they could improve their record for late flights. Many churches in China are facing bottlenecks in their ministries and some are not even growing at all. We pray for the fire of revival among them and that they will once again become passionate about sharing the gospel in their communities.
Sunday
In China, an over-investment in the heavy industrial sector has led to an oversupply of goods, severe competition, lower prices, and the dumping of goods to foreign countries. This has created a vicious cycle where the government has to subsidize factories that are losing money. Some believers in China have profited much from the stock market and real estate. We pray for their walk with the Lord and that​ they will know "The blessing of the Lord makes a person rich, and He adds no sorrow with it." (Prov. 10:22 NLT) We also pray that none of us will become ​like ​the foolish rich man in Jesus’s parable.
Monday
In China, hundreds of millions of people still live in rural areas with few prospects for jobs. Competition to get into universities is fierce, and competition for good jobs after college can be fiercer. The Lord has mercy on us, so we learn to truly love one another, because He first loved us and so others will know Him by our love. We pray the Lord will correct the way we judge a person by their profession and the work they do.


星期二
中國有世界最先進的機場,但也有世界上最嚴重的航班延誤和轉機延誤問題。憤怒及不守規矩的乘客在中國的航空旅行中比比皆是。感謝神一直保守中國教會在難處中仍然不斷成長;然而教會內爭鬥與分裂,以及異端叛逆卻也不斷增多, 讓我們更多為中國教會儆醒守望禱告。
星期三
中國正進行宏大的機場建設項目,到2020年,中國將在目前約二百個機場的基礎上再建成六十個機場。我們為中國許多城市擁有雄偉的教堂建築感恩;求主藉著這些聚會點,引領人來到神面前,使那些被罪惡綑綁的人得著釋放,發揮真正在社區中發光發熱的燈臺作用,而不是徒有美麗的建築。
星期四
不足十年前,北京機場新建的國際航站樓被讚譽為工業實力和政治實力的象徵。去年,首都機場接納近九千萬乘客 ,比原設計容量多出一千萬。 在中國城市教會不斷成長的同時,農村教會卻繼續沒落,異端猖狂。求主施恩憐憫,城巿教會不以人數自傲;農村教會亦不灰心喪志,讓我們都像非拉鐵非教會一樣,竭力遵守主的道,因為主為我們開了一扇門,就無人能將它關閉。(啓三:7)
星期五
隨著中國人收入增加,休閑時間增長,中國的航空交通也越來越繁忙。2015年,中國航空公司接載了4.4億乘客,預計到2034年將增至11.9億。中國擁有世界最密集和先進的高鐵系統,也同樣是絡繹不絕。感謝主,信徒有經濟能力外遊,這都是好事。過去許多教會會在假期時舉行特會,現在往往因參加人數銳減甚至要取消。讓我們為中國教會不因物質富裕就靈命冷淡來代禱。
星期六
中國的航班經常誤點,導致令人沮喪的延誤,尤以上海、杭州和南京的機場最嚴重,厦門、廣州、昆明和北京的機場也相去不遠。今年,中國的航空監管機構禁止北京、上海和南京的機場增加航班,直到它們能夠提高準點率為止。許多中國教會在事工上,也遇見瓶頸,人數不僅沒增長甚至還減少了。 我們求主復興,再次點燃向社區傳福音的火熱。
星期日
中國的過度投資讓重工業生產出的商品供過於求,逼得工廠最後只得削價競爭,大量傾銷到別國。國家又得補助工廠的損失,造成惡性循環。不少信徒在股市和房地產賺了一筆。我們來為他們的靈命禱告,願神幫助信徒們謹慎自己的心,不要被錢財迷惑綑綁,成為耶穌比喻中的愚昧財主。又求主提醒我們,認清一切好處不在神之外,神所賜的福亦不會加上憂慮。(箴10:22)
星期一
中國數以億計的人口現今仍然生活在農村地區,幾乎沒有工作機會。年輕人要考入好的大學,競爭非常激烈;畢業後要找份好工更是要過關斬將,難上加難。求主憐憫我們,學習彼此相愛,因為神先愛我們,讓人認出我們就是基督的門徒。也求主修正神兒女的價值觀,不輕看教會中那些世人眼裡沒有所謂好工作或職業的弟兄姐妹。