Posts
Tuesday
In China, laws reinforce sex discrimination. Legally, women must retire earlier than men, generally at age 60 for men and 50 or 55 for women. Women are expected to retire to care for the young, the sick and the old. Retired sisters who are able to serve are indeed God's special gift to churches in China. We pray for spiritual growth, selfless dedication of all these sisters, as the Lord uses them to bless and bring about a revival in their churches.
Wednesday
Divorce impacts children deeply and in turn, they themselves are more likely to divorce. There are higher rates of crime among children of single parent homes. These children also have much higher rates of mental illness and suicide. Let us pray specifically for the spiritual health of children of divorced families among churches in China, so they will know that the Heavenly Father loves them. May the special grace of God allow them to experience His love and to overcome their hurt and bitterness.
Thursday
In China, modern women have some economic independence that gives them a certain independence from their husbands. To millions of Chinese women, divorce is now not only a viable option but also a socially acceptable norm. We pray for the many single parents in churches throughout China, that the Lord will grant them wisdom and strength to shoulder the heavy load of child-rearing alone and that as they live out the love of God they will still have a spiritual influence on their children.
Friday
In China, poor students are very vulnerable and even victims in the pervasive culture of bribery. Parents not able to afford the education briberies feel their children are neglected and even ignored in school. They feel China's educational system is unfair to their children from the beginning. There is a large disparity between the wealthy and poor churches in China. We pray that the wealthy ones will help those that are small and poor. We pray, too, that churches will not despise the poor as well as the migrant workers who have little education because these prejudices are not pleasing to God.
Saturday
In China, parents worry that if they don't give a nice gift to the teacher of their children while the other parents will certainly do so, their children will be ignored by their teachers. This invariably leads to a fierce competition of buying a fancier present to give to teachers. Many pastors in China serve diligently but receive little affirmation and appreciation from their members so they become discouraged. May the Lord have mercy on churches so they will honor and love their shepherds who will then be well-cared for and enjoy the support of their members.
Sunday
In China, some parents are disgusted by the endemic bribery in all levels of education and feel they want to give up on the educational system. Some wealthy parents have decided to send their children abroad for education. Few Christian parents in China can afford to send their children to study abroad. We remember in prayer the educational needs of pastors' children and we pray that churches would assist their pastors in providing decent and quality education for their children.
Monday
In China, many migrant parents have a defeatist attitude so they blame others for their misery and often pay little attention to the emotional needs of their children who are left behind in the villages and have significant and obvious psychological issues. We pray for Christian migrant workers, so they will not be discouraged and lose faith in God. We pray for those parents who left children back in the village that they will pray fervently for the spiritual health of their children and do their very best to keep good communication with them.
星期二
女性的法定退休年齡早於男性，男性一般的退休年齡是60歲，女性50或55歲，中國法律似乎有歧視女性之嫌。因為社會認為女性應該照料家中的老幼和病患。退休的姊妹可以在教會中幫助各樣事工，是神給中國教會的一大禮物。我們為這類退休姊妹禱告，求主使她們的靈命越加成熟，更親切愛恩主，更緊貼跟從主。也求神悦納她們無私的擺上，為教會帶來復興。
星期三
離婚所衍生的問題嚴重地影響下一代。按統計顯示，離婚家庭的青少年，無論在犯罪率、患心理疾病率和自殺率都特別高。我們為已婚信徒禱告，求主幫助他們以神的原則建立基督化家庭。我們也為離婚信徒的子女禱告，求神額外施恩給這類孩子，叫他們身心靈健壯。能不落入苦毒中，常經歷神的愛，仍然深信天父是信實不改變。
星期四
現代的中國女性有相當的經濟能力，不再依靠丈夫，這對許多婦女而言，選擇離婚已沒有以往在經濟上失去依靠的顧慮；再者社會上亦普遍認為離婚不再是羞恥。教會中也有許多的單親姊妹，她們獨自挑起教養子女的重擔。我們來為所有單親信徒禱告，求主賜下智慧與能力，活出神的愛，也能在孩子身上有屬靈的影響力。
星期五
在中國的賄賂文化中，貧困的學生最容易受到傷害。無法給老師送禮的家長，常會覺得孩子被老師冷落，甚至遭到歧視。他們覺得打從孩子生下來開始，教育制度就對窮孩子不公平。我們禱告富裕的教會能實際幫助小教會。另一方面中國教會也有種種因貧富引起的問題，我們求主光照信徒的內心，除去那些不討神喜悅的事，例如看輕貧窮或較低教育水平的民工信徒。
星期六
有些家長沒送好禮物給孩子的老師，而其他家長卻送了，他們就會擔心老師不關照自己的孩子。這就造成惡性的循環。許多中國傳道人勞苦服事，卻多得不著弟兄姊妹的肯定，難免讓他們灰心和失落。求主幫助弟兄姊妹, 能敬重和愛護牧者，不但不虧欠他們，更是學習為他們禱告，與他們一起配搭服事。
星期日
一些家長認為能不受世俗主義及無神論影響的唯一辦法是完全不接受公立的教育。有經濟能力的家長選擇將孩子送去國外接受教育。但是這樣的家長在中國教會仍是少數。我們特別為傳道人子女的教育祈求，求主也讓教會知道如何分擔他們牧者的憂慮，能幇助他們子女受到質量好的教育。
星期一
有些終年為口奔馳的父母，埋怨命運作弄，怨天尤人，對子女的一切也不聞不問， 使「留守兒童」幼小的心靈上背著父母沉重的情緒包袱。求主恩待那些在外打工的農村信徒，不埋怨神亦不失去信心。懂得恒切為孩子的靈命禱告，堅持與不在身旁的孩子保持良好的溝通。
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Monday, August 21, 2017
Prayer Request 8/22 - 8/28
Tuesday
Farming was once the noblest profession in China but now farmers are in disarray. Frustrated by how little they earn, the ablest farmers have migrated to the cities leaving the rural district in the heartland hollow. The numbers of young believers and the church offerings have both declined precipitously in rural regions so we pray for both mercy and grace from God to come to those churches that have no pastor or cannot afford to have one. May the Lord give them revival.
Wednesday
In some regions of China, especially the larger villages, it is not unusual to find large church buildings built for a congregation of hundreds of people and even have fully equipped but often vacant training center. Many rural churches spent money on buildings but refuse to hire pastors. We pray that rural Christians will be good stewards of God’s resources, and they should invest not only in the facility but also the people.
Thursday
In China, farm output remains high, but rural living standards have stagnated compared with the cities, and few in the countryside see their future there. Income of urbanites are more than three times of rural residents, making China one of the most unequal societies in the world. Most rural churches are left with old people, children and women, but they still need a full time staff to minister to them. We pray that rural believers would not feel defeated and despondent, incapable of serving God, but rather trusting Him to do great things for them.
Friday
Farms in China are too small to generate large profits, about 1.6 acres on average, compared with 400 acres in the United States. Yet it is difficult to consolidate these farms into larger, more efficient operations because Chinese farmers lease land from the government. The majority of Christians in China are still farmers. We pray for revival of all of the rural churches, especially those under the attack of cults and those that are led astray by extreme teachings.
Saturday
Privatizing farmland would allow market forces to create bigger farms. But, land privatization is completely taboo, because the Party was born and came to power on the premise of destruction of large and wealthy farmers. We pray for those who remain in the rural churches, especially pastors and lay leaders, that the Lord will help them not to become discouraged, but to serve the flocks God entrusted to them with all of their minds, hearts and strength.
Sunday
Land privatization can exacerbate inequality by concentrating land in the hands of a few while leaving many rural families without farms to fall back on if they hit hard times in the cities. Such a scenario is a political minefield for the Communist Party. As villages urbanize, the idyllic lifestyle of the old ways disappears and church attendance has dropped as well. We pray for adaptation and a more purposeful ministry approach so rural believers will still have the close fellowship they once did.
Monday
Recently, an experiment is underway in parts of China, called “liuzhuan” (turning over), which stops short of privatization of farmland but gives farmers land-use rights that they can transfer to others in exchange for a rental fee. Many are not optimistic about the future of rural churches in China but we are confident that God can bring revival to them and we pray that the people in those churches will once again serve the Lord greatly.
星期二
士、農、工、商曾是中國四大行業，但是現今農民因為掙錢太少，那些年輕力壯的鄉民紛紛搬到城市，致使中國農村地區一片凋零。農村年輕強壯的人口劇減，教會奉獻也減少，我們為那些沒有傳道人的教會向神求憐憫與恩典，願信徒經歷神的保守與供應，能活出美好見證，繼續為神作工。
星期三
在中國一些地區，尤其是較大的鄉村，近百戶的信徒能奉獻建造百萬元的教堂，並設有配套的培訓中心。許多農村雖有教堂，但是卻不願花錢聘請全職牧者。求主賜智慧給農村信徒領袖，懂得如何投放金錢，不僅投放資源在建築物身上，更是要投放在人身上。
星期四
中國農產量仍然很高。然而，與城市相比，農村的生活水平一直停滯不前，很少人能在農村看到自己的未來。中國城鄉收入差距三倍，使中國成了世界上最不平等的社會之一。求主給中國農村教會有專職同工，提供老人、兒童及婦女的實際服務與牧養。求主更要幫助農村信徒不僅僅是看到自己的欠缺，以為無法為主做大事，而是學習更多依靠、仰賴神，相信神能為他們成就大事。
星期五
中國個人農田的面積太小，無法有高收益。農田的平均面積為1.6英畝 （美國是400英畝）。由於農民並不擁有土地，所以不能合併為面積更大、更有效率的耕種。 農村信徒佔中國信徒的大多數。我們為農村教會在沒落中能再次復興迫切禱告，求主拯救和保守教會不受異端和邪教攻擊，幫助信徒有屬靈的分辨力，認識主的聲音。
星期六
農田私有化可以讓市場力量創造出面積更大的農田。但是，對於共產黨而言，這完全是個禁忌，因為當初革命的基礎就是打倒大地主。我們為留在農村教會的傳道人和信徒領袖們禱告，求神幫助他們不灰心，而是更盡心盡力地服侍神所託付他們的羊群。
星期日
農田私有化是個政治上的雷區，可能加劇城鄉不平等。土地集中在少數人手裡，使許多農民失去土地。倘若這些農村人在城市裡遇到困難，回到家鄉也沒有土地耕種養生。鄉村生活逐漸城市化，生活習慣和作息不再是以往靜態的日出而作日入而息，教會的聚會人數正不斷減少。我們為農村教會的牧養禱告，求主給傳道及教會領袖有智慧作出合適的調整，與弟兄姐妹繼續有親密的交通。
星期一
最近中國在一些地區展開一項試驗，名為「流轉」。雖然沒有實現土地私有化，但卻把土地使用權交給了農民。農民可以通過轉移土地使用權來獲取租金。許多人不看好農村教會的前途，但我們相信神復興教會有祂自己
Farming was once the noblest profession in China but now farmers are in disarray. Frustrated by how little they earn, the ablest farmers have migrated to the cities leaving the rural district in the heartland hollow. The numbers of young believers and the church offerings have both declined precipitously in rural regions so we pray for both mercy and grace from God to come to those churches that have no pastor or cannot afford to have one. May the Lord give them revival.
Wednesday
In some regions of China, especially the larger villages, it is not unusual to find large church buildings built for a congregation of hundreds of people and even have fully equipped but often vacant training center. Many rural churches spent money on buildings but refuse to hire pastors. We pray that rural Christians will be good stewards of God’s resources, and they should invest not only in the facility but also the people.
Thursday
In China, farm output remains high, but rural living standards have stagnated compared with the cities, and few in the countryside see their future there. Income of urbanites are more than three times of rural residents, making China one of the most unequal societies in the world. Most rural churches are left with old people, children and women, but they still need a full time staff to minister to them. We pray that rural believers would not feel defeated and despondent, incapable of serving God, but rather trusting Him to do great things for them.
Friday
Farms in China are too small to generate large profits, about 1.6 acres on average, compared with 400 acres in the United States. Yet it is difficult to consolidate these farms into larger, more efficient operations because Chinese farmers lease land from the government. The majority of Christians in China are still farmers. We pray for revival of all of the rural churches, especially those under the attack of cults and those that are led astray by extreme teachings.
Saturday
Privatizing farmland would allow market forces to create bigger farms. But, land privatization is completely taboo, because the Party was born and came to power on the premise of destruction of large and wealthy farmers. We pray for those who remain in the rural churches, especially pastors and lay leaders, that the Lord will help them not to become discouraged, but to serve the flocks God entrusted to them with all of their minds, hearts and strength.
Sunday
Land privatization can exacerbate inequality by concentrating land in the hands of a few while leaving many rural families without farms to fall back on if they hit hard times in the cities. Such a scenario is a political minefield for the Communist Party. As villages urbanize, the idyllic lifestyle of the old ways disappears and church attendance has dropped as well. We pray for adaptation and a more purposeful ministry approach so rural believers will still have the close fellowship they once did.
Monday
Recently, an experiment is underway in parts of China, called “liuzhuan” (turning over), which stops short of privatization of farmland but gives farmers land-use rights that they can transfer to others in exchange for a rental fee. Many are not optimistic about the future of rural churches in China but we are confident that God can bring revival to them and we pray that the people in those churches will once again serve the Lord greatly.
星期二
士、農、工、商曾是中國四大行業，但是現今農民因為掙錢太少，那些年輕力壯的鄉民紛紛搬到城市，致使中國農村地區一片凋零。農村年輕強壯的人口劇減，教會奉獻也減少，我們為那些沒有傳道人的教會向神求憐憫與恩典，願信徒經歷神的保守與供應，能活出美好見證，繼續為神作工。
星期三
在中國一些地區，尤其是較大的鄉村，近百戶的信徒能奉獻建造百萬元的教堂，並設有配套的培訓中心。許多農村雖有教堂，但是卻不願花錢聘請全職牧者。求主賜智慧給農村信徒領袖，懂得如何投放金錢，不僅投放資源在建築物身上，更是要投放在人身上。
星期四
中國農產量仍然很高。然而，與城市相比，農村的生活水平一直停滯不前，很少人能在農村看到自己的未來。中國城鄉收入差距三倍，使中國成了世界上最不平等的社會之一。求主給中國農村教會有專職同工，提供老人、兒童及婦女的實際服務與牧養。求主更要幫助農村信徒不僅僅是看到自己的欠缺，以為無法為主做大事，而是學習更多依靠、仰賴神，相信神能為他們成就大事。
星期五
中國個人農田的面積太小，無法有高收益。農田的平均面積為1.6英畝 （美國是400英畝）。由於農民並不擁有土地，所以不能合併為面積更大、更有效率的耕種。 農村信徒佔中國信徒的大多數。我們為農村教會在沒落中能再次復興迫切禱告，求主拯救和保守教會不受異端和邪教攻擊，幫助信徒有屬靈的分辨力，認識主的聲音。
星期六
農田私有化可以讓市場力量創造出面積更大的農田。但是，對於共產黨而言，這完全是個禁忌，因為當初革命的基礎就是打倒大地主。我們為留在農村教會的傳道人和信徒領袖們禱告，求神幫助他們不灰心，而是更盡心盡力地服侍神所託付他們的羊群。
星期日
農田私有化是個政治上的雷區，可能加劇城鄉不平等。土地集中在少數人手裡，使許多農民失去土地。倘若這些農村人在城市裡遇到困難，回到家鄉也沒有土地耕種養生。鄉村生活逐漸城市化，生活習慣和作息不再是以往靜態的日出而作日入而息，教會的聚會人數正不斷減少。我們為農村教會的牧養禱告，求主給傳道及教會領袖有智慧作出合適的調整，與弟兄姐妹繼續有親密的交通。
星期一
最近中國在一些地區展開一項試驗，名為「流轉」。雖然沒有實現土地私有化，但卻把土地使用權交給了農民。農民可以通過轉移土地使用權來獲取租金。許多人不看好農村教會的前途，但我們相信神復興教會有祂自己
Monday, August 14, 2017
Prayer Request 8/15 - 8/21
Tuesday
Churches in China are profoundly affected by the rapid economic development there which is seen most obviously in the compensation which pastors receive. The great liberal attitude of the society also deeply affects the spiritual life of pastors and believers alike. We praise God for the economic prosperity in China and how so many churches are also involved in the construction and remodeling of their buildings. We pray for revival for the alarming decline in attendance many churches are experiencing.
Wednesday
Church leaders in larger Chinese cities have not been exactly generous in their salary packages for their pastors. There are still plenty of believers who hold the view that pastors must be poor in order to have faith in God or be spiritual. We pray that churches will see how wrong it is to treat God’s servants as their slaves, not respecting their calls from God and that they are forsaking their secular jobs.
Thursday
In the past, pastors in China often served as volunteers in the churches or at least received a very low wage as they started out. Their main concern was how they could serve their churches and be involved in evangelism and caring. Let us remember these old or retiring pastors in our prayers that the Lord will provide for their needs in retirement and that they will know God will not forget their faithful service, work of faith, and labor of love years ago. (I Thess. 1:3)
Friday
The new generation of pastors in China often inquire first about their salary, insurance, and vacation package, very much like they would in a secular job. Some believers consider these young pastors as unspiritual people and that they are treating church ministry as a regular job. We pray that churches in China will withstand the onslaught of materialism, that believers will love the Lord and care for their shepherd, loving the pastor and not simply demanding hard work with little wages.
Saturday
The younger generation of believers in China see nothing wrong with pastors who demand adequate salaries to support their families. Some pastors in China dabble in multi-level marketing to supplement their incomes but those are harshly criticized. We pray that churches will value those who are laborers for Christ and not treat them as slaves. We also pray for faith for pastors to trust God to provide and know the Master rewards richly those who serve Him.
Sunday
As the older generation of pastors or seminary teachers retire in China, there are younger faculty members who are only thirty or forth years old. They have had better training theologically than the other ones but they are lacking in pastoral experience and spiritual depth. Older pastors often consider praying before actually doing something while the younger pastors do not. We pray this new generation of pastors will not only have Biblical knowledge but will also practice the presence of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China who grew up during a time of prosperity held a vastly different view about sacrifice, serving, and commitment than their predecessors did. We pray that the older pastors will be willing to mentor and guide the younger ones by giving these younger ones opportunity and room to try out their newer ideas.
星期二
經濟高速發展給中國教會帶來各樣衝擊，傳道人的工資問題最為明顯。日益開放的社會環境對教牧及信徒的屬靈生命也有極大的影響。我們為經濟繁榮感謝神，特別是許多教會能夠重建或改修；然而，我們也看到不少弟兄姊妹明顯對主冷淡了，甚至教會開始荒涼，求神施恩，再次復興。
星期三
有些中國大城市的教會領袖，在處理牧者一些實際生活問題方面上(尤其是經濟記念)，仍然很吝嗇。有些弟兄姊妹還持著上一代對物質的看法，認為傳道人要貧窮才屬靈，才算是憑信依靠神。求主校正教會錯誤觀念，不要以為神僕是因為失業才做傳道，他們乃是放下一切回應神的呼召。
星期四
過去傳道人開始在教會服侍，常常是先成為教會義工，或願意拿很低、甚至不夠糊口的工資。他們甘心擺上，期望神使用自己來關心肢體及這地區的福音需要。我們為老一代的傳道人或是將要退休的禱告，願神為他們預備所需要的養老費用，深知神不虧待他忠心的僕人；我們記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦 （帖前 1：3）。
星期五
現今新一代同工到教會事奉，先談工資、保險和假期等福利，有些信徒認為這些年輕同工視牧職為世俗工作，與社會上一般工作的面試已無差異，認為他們不屬靈。願神保守中國教會在物質主義衝擊中，仍能站立得穩。信徒愛主，也愛牧者，常常關心神僕的需要，而不是一味地要求傳道人要在經濟上憑信心過活。
星期六
有些新一代信徒認為牧者也有家庭，也應有較好的生活條件。有些牧者做傳銷來幫補家計，也遭受一些批評。求主幫助教會尊重和愛惜在教會裡服侍的同工，不應將他們看為自己的僕人一般。求主賜傳道人有信心，知道應該仰望神的供應，也堅定相信一切的好處不在神以外，而神為人所預備的亦超過我們的所求所想。
星期日
當老一輩傳道人或神學院的老師們陸續退休後，年約三、四十歲年輕一輩的漸多，他們的學識較多、學位較高，但牧會經驗及屬靈生命卻較淺。老一輩傳道人凡事禱告交託，但部分年輕牧者在這方面仍需多加操練。求主賜新一代牧者，除了有知識學問外，更有單純向主，忠心服事的心，學習對付老我，效法主捨己的愛。
星期一
年輕一代的傳道人，是在社會經濟快速發展的時代成長，他們的價值觀， 對受苦、事奉、委身等觀念跟上一代牧者有顯著的不同。我們為新一代傳道人有老一輩牧者的指導禱告。求主幫助老一輩能給予新一代傳道人機會及發揮的空間，讓他們實踐從神所領受的，使神的道薪火相傳。
Churches in China are profoundly affected by the rapid economic development there which is seen most obviously in the compensation which pastors receive. The great liberal attitude of the society also deeply affects the spiritual life of pastors and believers alike. We praise God for the economic prosperity in China and how so many churches are also involved in the construction and remodeling of their buildings. We pray for revival for the alarming decline in attendance many churches are experiencing.
Wednesday
Church leaders in larger Chinese cities have not been exactly generous in their salary packages for their pastors. There are still plenty of believers who hold the view that pastors must be poor in order to have faith in God or be spiritual. We pray that churches will see how wrong it is to treat God’s servants as their slaves, not respecting their calls from God and that they are forsaking their secular jobs.
Thursday
In the past, pastors in China often served as volunteers in the churches or at least received a very low wage as they started out. Their main concern was how they could serve their churches and be involved in evangelism and caring. Let us remember these old or retiring pastors in our prayers that the Lord will provide for their needs in retirement and that they will know God will not forget their faithful service, work of faith, and labor of love years ago. (I Thess. 1:3)
Friday
The new generation of pastors in China often inquire first about their salary, insurance, and vacation package, very much like they would in a secular job. Some believers consider these young pastors as unspiritual people and that they are treating church ministry as a regular job. We pray that churches in China will withstand the onslaught of materialism, that believers will love the Lord and care for their shepherd, loving the pastor and not simply demanding hard work with little wages.
Saturday
The younger generation of believers in China see nothing wrong with pastors who demand adequate salaries to support their families. Some pastors in China dabble in multi-level marketing to supplement their incomes but those are harshly criticized. We pray that churches will value those who are laborers for Christ and not treat them as slaves. We also pray for faith for pastors to trust God to provide and know the Master rewards richly those who serve Him.
Sunday
As the older generation of pastors or seminary teachers retire in China, there are younger faculty members who are only thirty or forth years old. They have had better training theologically than the other ones but they are lacking in pastoral experience and spiritual depth. Older pastors often consider praying before actually doing something while the younger pastors do not. We pray this new generation of pastors will not only have Biblical knowledge but will also practice the presence of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China who grew up during a time of prosperity held a vastly different view about sacrifice, serving, and commitment than their predecessors did. We pray that the older pastors will be willing to mentor and guide the younger ones by giving these younger ones opportunity and room to try out their newer ideas.
星期二
經濟高速發展給中國教會帶來各樣衝擊，傳道人的工資問題最為明顯。日益開放的社會環境對教牧及信徒的屬靈生命也有極大的影響。我們為經濟繁榮感謝神，特別是許多教會能夠重建或改修；然而，我們也看到不少弟兄姊妹明顯對主冷淡了，甚至教會開始荒涼，求神施恩，再次復興。
星期三
有些中國大城市的教會領袖，在處理牧者一些實際生活問題方面上(尤其是經濟記念)，仍然很吝嗇。有些弟兄姊妹還持著上一代對物質的看法，認為傳道人要貧窮才屬靈，才算是憑信依靠神。求主校正教會錯誤觀念，不要以為神僕是因為失業才做傳道，他們乃是放下一切回應神的呼召。
星期四
過去傳道人開始在教會服侍，常常是先成為教會義工，或願意拿很低、甚至不夠糊口的工資。他們甘心擺上，期望神使用自己來關心肢體及這地區的福音需要。我們為老一代的傳道人或是將要退休的禱告，願神為他們預備所需要的養老費用，深知神不虧待他忠心的僕人；我們記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦 （帖前 1：3）。
星期五
現今新一代同工到教會事奉，先談工資、保險和假期等福利，有些信徒認為這些年輕同工視牧職為世俗工作，與社會上一般工作的面試已無差異，認為他們不屬靈。願神保守中國教會在物質主義衝擊中，仍能站立得穩。信徒愛主，也愛牧者，常常關心神僕的需要，而不是一味地要求傳道人要在經濟上憑信心過活。
星期六
有些新一代信徒認為牧者也有家庭，也應有較好的生活條件。有些牧者做傳銷來幫補家計，也遭受一些批評。求主幫助教會尊重和愛惜在教會裡服侍的同工，不應將他們看為自己的僕人一般。求主賜傳道人有信心，知道應該仰望神的供應，也堅定相信一切的好處不在神以外，而神為人所預備的亦超過我們的所求所想。
星期日
當老一輩傳道人或神學院的老師們陸續退休後，年約三、四十歲年輕一輩的漸多，他們的學識較多、學位較高，但牧會經驗及屬靈生命卻較淺。老一輩傳道人凡事禱告交託，但部分年輕牧者在這方面仍需多加操練。求主賜新一代牧者，除了有知識學問外，更有單純向主，忠心服事的心，學習對付老我，效法主捨己的愛。
星期一
年輕一代的傳道人，是在社會經濟快速發展的時代成長，他們的價值觀， 對受苦、事奉、委身等觀念跟上一代牧者有顯著的不同。我們為新一代傳道人有老一輩牧者的指導禱告。求主幫助老一輩能給予新一代傳道人機會及發揮的空間，讓他們實踐從神所領受的，使神的道薪火相傳。
Tuesday, August 08, 2017
Prayer Request 8/8 - 8/14
Tuesday
The foreign media reports that God is doing amazing things in China by raising up people who love God among people in the Three-Self churches--many brothers and sisters who love God deeply and want to serve Him. Give thanks for all of these churches that are experiencing this revival of the Holy Spirit. It is our prayer that their fervor and commitment to God will be long-lasting and will impact their churches.
Wednesday
In the past, every sermon that the pastor preached in a Three-Self church had to be approved by government authorities. Topics concerning healing, miracles, signs and wonders were out of the question but it isn't that way any more. People today have accepted these topics.
Thursday
In the past young people in China were not allowed to attend the open churches so there were mostly old women who went. Preaching about the power of the Holy Spirit was forbidden as well as preaching about the end times and repentance.Praise the Lord for the wonderful report of the good news among Three-Self churches. May the fire of revival burn in all churches in China, not only in cities but also in villages and towns.
Friday
The Holy Spirit is transforming lives of church members in the Three-Self churches in China. Exciting reports of cell groups expanding, more people attending church, and more people going outside of the church walls into society keep coming in.Praise the Lord! Prosperity and busyness of city living have made many believers lukewarm in their faith. May the Spirit of the Lord stir the hearts of many, convicting them to commit to the Lord even more.
Saturday
Open churches and most official Three-Self churches have the advantage of being able to be involved in charitable work in the community. Some of them operate orphanages and care centers for the elderly and even yearly camps for students. We lift our prayers for these churches that are able to serve their communities with orphanages, care centers for the elderly, and education camps. May the Lord use these venues to give them people who will accept Jesus as their personal Savior.
Sunday
Revival is happening in some of the Three-Self churches in China. In some of the bigger churches in major cities long lines form of people waiting to get into the services and some churches baptize hundreds of people regularly. We must give God the glory for His mighty work. We pray for revival for churches in China whether they are Three-Self or house churches, especially churches in villages.
Monday
The number of Christians in China is growing rapidly especially among Three-Self churches. It means Christ is starting to play an active role in China’s society and that’s good in many ways. We pray that Christians whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ will be bold in sharing the gospel with others, that churches in China will no longer be marginalized and that they will even have an impact on society.
星期二
有外國媒體報導三自教會當中許多弟兄姐妹非常火熱參與事工。我們為經歷聖靈復興的教會感恩，並禱告主幫助這些熱心的信徒能持續這份感動，回應主的愛而願意毫無保留地擺上。
星期三
過去三自傳道人的每一篇信息都必須經過當局審查；現在似乎有關傳講關於醫治、神蹟、奇事等主題的限制沒那麼嚴格。讓我們為中國教會傳道人能忠心的傳講主耶穌救恩不住的代禱。
星期四
過去青少年根本不能參加三自教會的聚會，教會只有老人和女人。講台上多半不講神蹟奇事，也不能談論末日或分享認罪悔改的信息。雖然講台有限制,感謝主，上帝也在各地的三自教會中也行了許多的奇妙的事，願主點燃復興的火，不僅是在大城巿中，也在城鎮農村，讓神州成為廣蒙主恩的大地。
星期五
感謝主！許多在三自教會中聚會的肢體, 也經歷了聖靈的工作, 生命因此改變了，細胞小組一直增長，也有更多慕道朋友被吸引。城巿的繁忙生活和富裕，易使不少信徒對主的心漸漸冷淡，願主的靈攪動人心，願意更親近主，明白在這個世界上，什麼也不能擁有，唯有與神的關係，可以帶進永恆。
星期六
在官方政策下，三自教會比家庭教會更有機會公開地走出教會的圍牆，進入社區進行扶貧救助等慈惠工作。有些教會開設孤兒院和長者照顧中心，甚至能進入校園舉辦學生營會。我們為有社服服務、孤兒院、長者照顧等等的教會禱告，願主幇助他們在慈惠工作中常流露主愛，抓緊機會分享信仰，領人歸主。
星期日
一些大城巿三自教會要排長隊進去教堂中敬拜，有的甚至每月舉行上百人的聯合浸禮。我們為神大能作為感恩。求主幫助神的眾兒女常常竭力多做主工，無論是在城市或是農村當中，知道自己的勞苦在主裏面不是徒然的。
星期一
中國的基督徒人數正在快速增加。當達到一個比例之後, 基督徒更能在的社會中扮演重要的角色。求主幫助生命被主轉變的信徒，讓他們能大膽地傳講主耶穌的福音。也求主幫助教會不再是被社會邊緣化的群體，而是能在世界當中發揮巨大而深遠影響力的光和鹽。
The foreign media reports that God is doing amazing things in China by raising up people who love God among people in the Three-Self churches--many brothers and sisters who love God deeply and want to serve Him. Give thanks for all of these churches that are experiencing this revival of the Holy Spirit. It is our prayer that their fervor and commitment to God will be long-lasting and will impact their churches.
Wednesday
In the past, every sermon that the pastor preached in a Three-Self church had to be approved by government authorities. Topics concerning healing, miracles, signs and wonders were out of the question but it isn't that way any more. People today have accepted these topics.
Thursday
In the past young people in China were not allowed to attend the open churches so there were mostly old women who went. Preaching about the power of the Holy Spirit was forbidden as well as preaching about the end times and repentance.Praise the Lord for the wonderful report of the good news among Three-Self churches. May the fire of revival burn in all churches in China, not only in cities but also in villages and towns.
Friday
The Holy Spirit is transforming lives of church members in the Three-Self churches in China. Exciting reports of cell groups expanding, more people attending church, and more people going outside of the church walls into society keep coming in.Praise the Lord! Prosperity and busyness of city living have made many believers lukewarm in their faith. May the Spirit of the Lord stir the hearts of many, convicting them to commit to the Lord even more.
Saturday
Open churches and most official Three-Self churches have the advantage of being able to be involved in charitable work in the community. Some of them operate orphanages and care centers for the elderly and even yearly camps for students. We lift our prayers for these churches that are able to serve their communities with orphanages, care centers for the elderly, and education camps. May the Lord use these venues to give them people who will accept Jesus as their personal Savior.
Sunday
Revival is happening in some of the Three-Self churches in China. In some of the bigger churches in major cities long lines form of people waiting to get into the services and some churches baptize hundreds of people regularly. We must give God the glory for His mighty work. We pray for revival for churches in China whether they are Three-Self or house churches, especially churches in villages.
Monday
The number of Christians in China is growing rapidly especially among Three-Self churches. It means Christ is starting to play an active role in China’s society and that’s good in many ways. We pray that Christians whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ will be bold in sharing the gospel with others, that churches in China will no longer be marginalized and that they will even have an impact on society.
星期二
有外國媒體報導三自教會當中許多弟兄姐妹非常火熱參與事工。我們為經歷聖靈復興的教會感恩，並禱告主幫助這些熱心的信徒能持續這份感動，回應主的愛而願意毫無保留地擺上。
星期三
過去三自傳道人的每一篇信息都必須經過當局審查；現在似乎有關傳講關於醫治、神蹟、奇事等主題的限制沒那麼嚴格。讓我們為中國教會傳道人能忠心的傳講主耶穌救恩不住的代禱。
星期四
過去青少年根本不能參加三自教會的聚會，教會只有老人和女人。講台上多半不講神蹟奇事，也不能談論末日或分享認罪悔改的信息。雖然講台有限制,感謝主，上帝也在各地的三自教會中也行了許多的奇妙的事，願主點燃復興的火，不僅是在大城巿中，也在城鎮農村，讓神州成為廣蒙主恩的大地。
星期五
感謝主！許多在三自教會中聚會的肢體, 也經歷了聖靈的工作, 生命因此改變了，細胞小組一直增長，也有更多慕道朋友被吸引。城巿的繁忙生活和富裕，易使不少信徒對主的心漸漸冷淡，願主的靈攪動人心，願意更親近主，明白在這個世界上，什麼也不能擁有，唯有與神的關係，可以帶進永恆。
星期六
在官方政策下，三自教會比家庭教會更有機會公開地走出教會的圍牆，進入社區進行扶貧救助等慈惠工作。有些教會開設孤兒院和長者照顧中心，甚至能進入校園舉辦學生營會。我們為有社服服務、孤兒院、長者照顧等等的教會禱告，願主幇助他們在慈惠工作中常流露主愛，抓緊機會分享信仰，領人歸主。
星期日
一些大城巿三自教會要排長隊進去教堂中敬拜，有的甚至每月舉行上百人的聯合浸禮。我們為神大能作為感恩。求主幫助神的眾兒女常常竭力多做主工，無論是在城市或是農村當中，知道自己的勞苦在主裏面不是徒然的。
星期一
中國的基督徒人數正在快速增加。當達到一個比例之後, 基督徒更能在的社會中扮演重要的角色。求主幫助生命被主轉變的信徒，讓他們能大膽地傳講主耶穌的福音。也求主幫助教會不再是被社會邊緣化的群體，而是能在世界當中發揮巨大而深遠影響力的光和鹽。
Tuesday, August 01, 2017
Prayer Request 8/1 - 8/7
Tuesday
Churches in China are profoundly affected by the rapid economic development there which is seen most obviously in the compensation which pastors receive. The great liberal attitude of the society also deeply affects the spiritual life of pastors and believers alike. We praise God for the economic prosperity in China and how so many churches are also involved in the construction and remodeling of their buildings. We pray for revival for the alarming decline in attendance many churches are experiencing.
Wednesday
Church leaders in larger Chinese cities have not been exactly generous in their salary packages for their pastors. There are still plenty of believers who hold the view that pastors must be poor in order to have faith in God or be spiritual. We pray that churches will see how wrong it is to treat God’s servants as their slaves, not respecting their calls from God and that they are forsaking their secular jobs.
Thursday
In the past, pastors in China often served as volunteers in the churches or at least received a very low wage as they started out. Their main concern was how they could serve their churches and be involved in evangelism and caring. Let us remember these old or retiring pastors in our prayers that the Lord will provide for their needs in retirement and that they will know God will not forget their faithful service, work of faith, and labor of love years ago. (I Thess. 1:3)
Friday
The new generation of pastors in China often inquire first about their salary, insurance, and vacation package, very much like they would in a secular job. Some believers consider these young pastors as unspiritual people and that they are treating church ministry as a regular job. We pray that churches in China will withstand the onslaught of materialism, that believers will love the Lord and care for their shepherd, loving the pastor and not simply demanding hard work with little wages.
Saturday
The younger generation of believers in China see nothing wrong with pastors who demand adequate salaries to support their families. Some pastors in China dabble in multi-level marketing to supplement their incomes but those are harshly criticized. We pray that churches will value those who are laborers for Christ and not treat them as slaves. We also pray for faith for pastors to trust God to provide and know the Master rewards richly those who serve Him.
Sunday
As the older generation of pastors or seminary teachers retire in China, there are younger faculty members who are only thirty or forth years old. They have had better training theologically than the other ones but they are lacking in pastoral experience and spiritual depth. Older pastors often consider praying before actually doing something while the younger pastors do not. We pray this new generation of pastors will not only have Biblical knowledge but will also practice the presence of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China who grew up during a time of prosperity held a vastly different view about sacrifice, serving, and commitment than their predecessors did. We pray that the older pastors will be willing to mentor and guide the younger ones by giving these younger ones opportunity and room to try out their newer ideas.
星期二
經濟高速發展給中國教會帶來各樣衝擊，傳道人的工資問題最為明顯。日益開放的社會環境對教牧及信徒的屬靈生命也有極大的影響。我們為經濟繁榮感謝神，特別是許多教會能夠重建或改修；然而，我們也看到不少弟兄姊妹明顯對主冷淡了，甚至教會開始荒涼，求神施恩，再次復興。
星期三
有些中國大城市的教會領袖，在處理牧者一些實際生活問題方面上(尤其是經濟記念)，仍然很吝嗇。有些弟兄姊妹還持著上一代對物質的看法，認為傳道人要貧窮才屬靈，才算是憑信依靠神。求主校正教會錯誤觀念，不要以為神僕是因為失業才做傳道，他們乃是放下一切回應神的呼召。
星期四
過去傳道人開始在教會服侍，常常是先成為教會義工，或願意拿很低、甚至不夠糊口的工資。他們甘心擺上，期望神使用自己來關心肢體及這地區的福音需要。我們為老一代的傳道人或是將要退休的禱告，願神為他們預備所需要的養老費用，深知神不虧待他忠心的僕人；我們記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦 （帖前 1：3）。
星期五
現今新一代同工到教會事奉，先談工資、保險和假期等福利，有些信徒認為這些年輕同工視牧職為世俗工作，與社會上一般工作的面試已無差異，認為他們不屬靈。願神保守中國教會在物質主義衝擊中，仍能站立得穩。信徒愛主，也愛牧者，常常關心神僕的需要，而不是一味地要求傳道人要在經濟上憑信心過活。
星期六
有些新一代信徒認為牧者也有家庭，也應有較好的生活條件。有些牧者做傳銷來幫補家計，也遭受一些批評。求主幫助教會尊重和愛惜在教會裡服侍的同工，不應將他們看為自己的僕人一般。求主賜傳道人有信心，知道應該仰望神的供應，也堅定相信一切的好處不在神以外，而神為人所預備的亦超過我們的所求所想。
星期日
當老一輩傳道人或神學院的老師們陸續退休後，年約三、四十歲年輕一輩的漸多，他們的學識較多、學位較高，但牧會經驗及屬靈生命卻較淺。老一輩傳道人凡事禱告交託，但部分年輕牧者在這方面仍需多加操練。求主賜新一代牧者，除了有知識學問外，更有單純向主，忠心服事的心，學習對付老我，效法主捨己的愛。
星期一
年輕一代的傳道人，是在社會經濟快速發展的時代成長，他們的價值觀， 對受苦、事奉、委身等觀念跟上一代牧者有顯著的不同。我們為新一代傳道人有老一輩牧者的指導禱告。求主幫助老一輩能給予新一代傳道人機會及發揮的空間，讓他們實踐從神所領受的，使神的道薪火相傳。
Churches in China are profoundly affected by the rapid economic development there which is seen most obviously in the compensation which pastors receive. The great liberal attitude of the society also deeply affects the spiritual life of pastors and believers alike. We praise God for the economic prosperity in China and how so many churches are also involved in the construction and remodeling of their buildings. We pray for revival for the alarming decline in attendance many churches are experiencing.
Wednesday
Church leaders in larger Chinese cities have not been exactly generous in their salary packages for their pastors. There are still plenty of believers who hold the view that pastors must be poor in order to have faith in God or be spiritual. We pray that churches will see how wrong it is to treat God’s servants as their slaves, not respecting their calls from God and that they are forsaking their secular jobs.
Thursday
In the past, pastors in China often served as volunteers in the churches or at least received a very low wage as they started out. Their main concern was how they could serve their churches and be involved in evangelism and caring. Let us remember these old or retiring pastors in our prayers that the Lord will provide for their needs in retirement and that they will know God will not forget their faithful service, work of faith, and labor of love years ago. (I Thess. 1:3)
Friday
The new generation of pastors in China often inquire first about their salary, insurance, and vacation package, very much like they would in a secular job. Some believers consider these young pastors as unspiritual people and that they are treating church ministry as a regular job. We pray that churches in China will withstand the onslaught of materialism, that believers will love the Lord and care for their shepherd, loving the pastor and not simply demanding hard work with little wages.
Saturday
The younger generation of believers in China see nothing wrong with pastors who demand adequate salaries to support their families. Some pastors in China dabble in multi-level marketing to supplement their incomes but those are harshly criticized. We pray that churches will value those who are laborers for Christ and not treat them as slaves. We also pray for faith for pastors to trust God to provide and know the Master rewards richly those who serve Him.
Sunday
As the older generation of pastors or seminary teachers retire in China, there are younger faculty members who are only thirty or forth years old. They have had better training theologically than the other ones but they are lacking in pastoral experience and spiritual depth. Older pastors often consider praying before actually doing something while the younger pastors do not. We pray this new generation of pastors will not only have Biblical knowledge but will also practice the presence of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China who grew up during a time of prosperity held a vastly different view about sacrifice, serving, and commitment than their predecessors did. We pray that the older pastors will be willing to mentor and guide the younger ones by giving these younger ones opportunity and room to try out their newer ideas.
星期二
經濟高速發展給中國教會帶來各樣衝擊，傳道人的工資問題最為明顯。日益開放的社會環境對教牧及信徒的屬靈生命也有極大的影響。我們為經濟繁榮感謝神，特別是許多教會能夠重建或改修；然而，我們也看到不少弟兄姊妹明顯對主冷淡了，甚至教會開始荒涼，求神施恩，再次復興。
星期三
有些中國大城市的教會領袖，在處理牧者一些實際生活問題方面上(尤其是經濟記念)，仍然很吝嗇。有些弟兄姊妹還持著上一代對物質的看法，認為傳道人要貧窮才屬靈，才算是憑信依靠神。求主校正教會錯誤觀念，不要以為神僕是因為失業才做傳道，他們乃是放下一切回應神的呼召。
星期四
過去傳道人開始在教會服侍，常常是先成為教會義工，或願意拿很低、甚至不夠糊口的工資。他們甘心擺上，期望神使用自己來關心肢體及這地區的福音需要。我們為老一代的傳道人或是將要退休的禱告，願神為他們預備所需要的養老費用，深知神不虧待他忠心的僕人；我們記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦 （帖前 1：3）。
星期五
現今新一代同工到教會事奉，先談工資、保險和假期等福利，有些信徒認為這些年輕同工視牧職為世俗工作，與社會上一般工作的面試已無差異，認為他們不屬靈。願神保守中國教會在物質主義衝擊中，仍能站立得穩。信徒愛主，也愛牧者，常常關心神僕的需要，而不是一味地要求傳道人要在經濟上憑信心過活。
星期六
有些新一代信徒認為牧者也有家庭，也應有較好的生活條件。有些牧者做傳銷來幫補家計，也遭受一些批評。求主幫助教會尊重和愛惜在教會裡服侍的同工，不應將他們看為自己的僕人一般。求主賜傳道人有信心，知道應該仰望神的供應，也堅定相信一切的好處不在神以外，而神為人所預備的亦超過我們的所求所想。
星期日
當老一輩傳道人或神學院的老師們陸續退休後，年約三、四十歲年輕一輩的漸多，他們的學識較多、學位較高，但牧會經驗及屬靈生命卻較淺。老一輩傳道人凡事禱告交託，但部分年輕牧者在這方面仍需多加操練。求主賜新一代牧者，除了有知識學問外，更有單純向主，忠心服事的心，學習對付老我，效法主捨己的愛。
星期一
年輕一代的傳道人，是在社會經濟快速發展的時代成長，他們的價值觀， 對受苦、事奉、委身等觀念跟上一代牧者有顯著的不同。我們為新一代傳道人有老一輩牧者的指導禱告。求主幫助老一輩能給予新一代傳道人機會及發揮的空間，讓他們實踐從神所領受的，使神的道薪火相傳。
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