Prayer Request 12/26 - 1/1

Tuesday
Outside of China, it is common to hear the incorrect notion that government is bent on persecuting churches. Another misconception is that open and house churches are archenemies. The unpredictability of official policy toward churches is a sure thing in China. We pray for wisdom and grace for all the unregistered urban churches. We pray for their ministries to grow unhindered.
Wednesday
During the time of the destruction of crosses in Wenzhou, no churches were shut down. This was a government warning to churches not to gloat with giant crosses on top of their big church buildings. We pray that churches will not show off their buildings and wealth. We pray for good works be the salt and light of their community.
Thursday
In the past, there was the notion that house churches and government churches were enemies. Today, more dialogues and interactions between these two are taking place. We pray for growth and effective ministries for all churches in China, government and house churches alike. We praise God for their vibrant growth and ask the Lord for His continuing favor to increase their numbers.
Friday
Currently, politics are not the major problem facing urban churches. The most urgent question for these churches is whether they should be on their own as an independent church or to join other churches as a federation. Many churches in China have started to emphasize and distinguish their own theology. To this extent, other churches are considered Biblically wrong. May the Lord give us all His humility, heart and mind of unity in Christ.
Saturday
The Chinese government tolerates the large churches in big cities that claim hundreds of believers. They worship publically but are not registered with the government, thus they are illegal churches. We give thanks for these large churches in China. We pray that their love for the Lord will increase, maturing governing structure, and active community involvement will be the model for all churches.
Sunday
It is actually a huge task for the government to monitor, control, and close down urban churches in China, especially given their rapid growth. The Chinese government is very specific with that churches about not having financial ties to foreign entities. We pray for the protection and fruitfulness of works carried out by all foreign churches and mission agencies.
Monday
“Left behind” children is a social issue that is impossible to solve. First, rural parents need to go to cities to find work out of necessity. Then, the cost of education and living is so expensive in the cities and force the parents to leave their children behind. We pray for parents who are believers ​but are emotionally distant or even have very little communication with their children. May the Lord heal their brokenness in the relationship so they can once again fulfill their God-given role and duty.

星期二
在海外的地方，經常聽到政府強力迫害教會的說法，甚至也會聽到說教會是反政府，政府就來打壓他們了。另一個不少人認為的看法是，三自教會和地下教會完全格格不入，但這跟事實是有些不同。目前中國政府的宗教政策似乎很難預測。求主賜恩給未登記的教會，能有智慧地繼續發展神國事工。
星期三
在溫州的拆十字架事件中，政府的目的是對規模過大的教會施以小懲大戒，因為它們的發展得太大了，這些教堂頂上的巨型十字架對官方而言有點似在炫耀揚威。求主赦免過去有些教會炫耀自己建築物和財力的罪惡，並再次提醒我們，神看重工人過於工作，甚願神的兒女有好見證，成為社區的鹽和光。
星期四
過去有個觀點是，家庭教會和三自教會（受政府管控的、官方的)，兩者對立，水火不容。現在這兩者的對話、聯繫與互動比以往要好得多。我們為城市教會、三自和家庭教會禱告，求主使眾教會都有更多發展空間，事工更有果效。我們也為城市教會的興起感恩，求主繼續添加他們的人數及火熱愛主的心，繼續追求靈命成長。
星期五
當今城市里裡的家庭教會所面臨的主要問題並不是政治，而是教會想要自成一派，或是結盟。這是牧師們會最關心的問題，而不是擔心政治干預。近來不少教會開始標榜自己的神學，甚至認為其他教會的觀點是錯誤。求主將那賜人智慧和啟示的靈賞賜給我們，使我們真知道祂，並教導我們有顆謙卑受教並在主裡合一的心。
星期六
雖然有些教會規模巨大，數以百計信徒，也沒有註冊，實際是游走在法律邊緣的，然而政府仍會選擇容忍這類城市中的大型教會。我們特別為這些大型教會感恩，願他們有智慧繼續把握機會傳揚福音。又求主幫助他們在愛主的火熱心志，和相對成熟的教會行政體制，以及社區的參與等方面，都成為眾教會的榜樣。
星期日
因為目前城市教會在各地數量激增，故對中國政府而言，把所有教會都納入政府管控，或把它們全部關閉，都是一項巨大的工程。政府特別在意教會與國外有金錢方面的關係。我們為海外教會和宣教機構在中國的各項事工得蒙保守代禱，願主祝福多結果實。
星期一
中國目前的“留守兒童”是非常難以解決的社會問題。因為首先絕大多數父母在本地沒有發展的機會，都是迫於無奈必須外出打工，藉以改善生活 。接著是，城市裡生活成本太高，特別是教育和住房對外來人口的限制，使得父母無法把孩子帶出去。 我們要為信徒父母禱告，許多人跟子女的關係不親密、疏遠、甚至沒有聯絡。求主賜下親子關係的醫治，使家庭能回復至神所設定的角色與責任。

Prayer Request 12/19 - 12/25

Tuesday
The Chinese government tolerates urban churches so long as they are not political, not growing too big and too fast, and not connected with foreign entities. We praise God for the many pastors and leaders who have become well educated and acquired social recognition and status. We pray that they attract and shepherd the growing ranks of a highly educated population more effectively.
Wednesday
Recently, there have been many instances of urban church leaders interviewed by the policies. The message seems to be clear that the government is watching closely. They know the existence and what’s happening in their churches. Many urban churches in China require their pastors to have formal theological training and formally ordained. We pray for better and more comprehensive training for all pastors in China.
Thursday
Many church leaders in the cities have good educations and are are highly respected. To a certain degree, the Chinese government also recognize their respectability and arresting them offer little benefits. We pray for continued support of supplies and spiritual transformation for all who are studying in the Tree Self system and also in the house church-affiliated seminaries and Bible schools.
Friday
City pastors in China have more social status and savvy to communicate with officials. Their ability and approach have significantly eased tension and fear between churches and the government. We pray for vibrant spiritual lives for all believers in China, whether they are in open-churches or house churches. We pray they can live out their love for God and can lead their friends and neighbors to know Jesus.
Saturday
In China, many urban churches refuse to join the Three-self Patriotic Movement, believing this is contrary to the Biblical mandate that Christ is the Head of the Church and hand the authority of their churches to the Communist Party. Every house church must struggle with the decision of to register with the government. We pray for their discussion and decision-making process。 May the Lord grant them peace as they earnestly seek His guidance.
Sunday
Among the unregistered churches in China’s cities, a majority of their pastors accept that government has legal authority in regulating churches. To them, they are willing to register if the government can provide concrete guidelines and policies. We pray that every church in China will have a clear vision to share the gospel and concrete steps to grow their ministries. We pray that every church seek opportunities to reach outside their walls to share God’s word.
Monday
As China urbanizes, many rural church leaders leave to work in the cities. Once they are gone, their churches quickly lose the tight-knit team spirit and become prey to the ravaging cults, especially those in more isolated regions. We pray for God's mercy that more churches will put an emphasis on the teaching of truth and help believers mature. We pray they are able to discern what is from God and what is of man and know how to resist the cults.


星期二
對政府而言，只要城市教會不搞政治、規模沒有發展得過快、過大，也沒有涉及外國，政府似乎也就睜一隻眼閉一隻眼。感謝神，許多城市教會的牧者開始有大學學歷，也有些社會地位和影響力，求主使用他們幫助教會能吸引和牧養更多高學歷背景的會友。
星期三
近來城市中的教會領袖被「請喝茶」（指被安全部門人員約見談話）的情況大幅增加。官方的策略似乎就是一直盯著點他們，知道他們是什麼人，以及在什麼地方。許多城市教會也開始要求傳道人有正規神學訓練，也要求他們正式被按立。我們為中國教會發展出更全備的訓練體制禱告。
星期四
新興的中國城市教會，其領袖通常受過良好教育，在社會上是受人敬重的。政府某種程度上也尊重這些人，如強把這些教會關停，對政府也沒什麼好處。我們來為中國的傳道人代禱，不論他們在三自或是家庭教會的神學院和聖經學院受造就，都能得著聖經的扎實訓練與完備的靈命朔造，學習忠心事奉。
星期五
當今的城市教會牧師們，有一些社會地位，比較懂得與政府溝通，消緩官方担心他們是反政府的疑慮。我們為他們有智慧應對合宜感恩，也為中國信徒禱告。求主保守他們不論是三自或家庭教會的，都能追求靈命成長，真實活出主的愛，以美好的生活見証引領他們的親友和鄰居來認識耶穌，得著永生的福份。
星期六
不少中國城市教會不願參加三自愛國運動，認為這樣做就違反了教會應以基督為首的聖經原則，也等於把最高權威讓位給共產黨領導的三自愛國運動了。所有家庭教會都要面對是否要向政府註冊的問題。我們為他們的討論過程禱告，求主回應他們在神面前尋求，並在主裡得著出人意外的平安。
星期日
大多數未註冊的中國城市教會領袖是承認世俗權威對管理宗教事務有其合法性。如果這種權威能有明確又合理的法規來規範和執行的話，他們是願意向政府直接註冊的。求主賜每個中國教會都有傳福音的異象，不僅對內有計劃來發展事工，也能突破教會有形的四堵牆，有對外展開的機會和策略。
星期一
隨著中國鄉鎮城市化，許多農村教會的骨幹力量都遷徙到城市打工，他們看到城市的情況，以前的團隊觀念自然而然瓦解了。但是許多異端卻選擇在更偏遠的農村建立團隊型的教會。求主帮男教會有更多真理教導，使信徒靈命能更加成熟，有屬靈的洞察力，能分辨哪些是出自人的作為，哪些才是主的心意，並能靠主敗壞異端的計謀，得勝有餘。

Prayer Request 12/12 - 12/18

Tuesday
China churches have caught “mission fever” and sent out some missionaries to foreign countries. This is a beginning phase because there is much more for their sending churches and the new missionaries will learn. We praise God as more churches earnestly sending out missionaries. Many leaders speak of a grand vision for China as the largest missionary-sending country. We pray for all leaders and missionaries recruited and trained to have the humility and true compassion of Jesus.
Wednesday
The first wave of China missionaries is mostly from village churches. Nervous, they find it challenging to cope and fit in with cultural differences. Often, they stay in their dorms, preferring to be with their own group and not to go out unless it is necessary. We pray for all young missionaries to trust the Lord’s grace when they face cultural shock. May the Lord provide supervisors who will inspire and help them quickly adapt to all cultural differences.
Thursday
Marital issues can be damaging for China’s missionaries, especially for those from villages who married early. It is easy for couples to give up because they lack counseling that prepares them for living abroad. Relationships and spiritual burn out when they are unable to cope with a vast cultural gap and the stress of ministry. May the Lord have mercy on all who serve as a couple, or family, in churches and abroad. We pray for the unity of hearts and minds, so they will not fall into the snares of the evil one. May the Lord bless them with effective mentors and counselors to help them wherever they serve.
Friday
Missionary couples fight over parenting issues, especially the education of their children. Some cannot resolve their problems, even with intensive counseling, are sent home and may end up divorcing. Rural pastors in China also face similar parenting issues, because few education options exist for children where they serve. We pray that churches can respectively help with these issues, either financially or by providing suitable alternatives. May the Lord richly strengthen the faith of all rural pastors and missionaries in China and bless their children.
Saturday
Wives of pastors and missionaries naturally worry the most about their children’s education. If a good education is not provided for the families, negative emotions will surface, as well as, complaints toward their husbands and the sending churches. Many rural pastors and missionaries give up serving once their children enter school age, partly because Chinese parents stress the education of their children. We pray that their churches and mission agencies can provide good resources and options to retain more workers for God’s Kingdom.
Sunday
Missionaries sent from China usually admit they lack the gift of language because they struggle and fear to learn and practice a new language. Many want to give up because they are unable to master basic conversation. We pray for the gift of tongues for Chinese missionaries. May the Lord give them the determination to learn like Western and Korean missionaries, who do not give up until they master the language.
Monday
Missionaries sent out from China reflect their culture and ethnic mindset. They are cordial, but not humble. Self-centered, they do not work well as a team and are unable to express their firm conviction. But worse, missionaries from China guard a strong sense of ethnic superiority. We all need to be molded by the Holy Spirit, so we can present Jesus Christ appropriately by our words and our actions. May the Lord give us the transformation needed to be His good and faithful servant.


星期二
中國一股「宣教熱」席捲海外！不少剛起步投身宣教的教會仍處於摸索階段。中國宣教士需要多方學習，也要避免一些舊有錯誤，方能有效切合「熱潮」的需求。過去有不少牧者宣稱中國將會成為宣教大國的異象，近年中國教會已真正開始差遣宣教士，我們為此感恩。求主賜教會領袖們及眾宣教士有謙卑、憐憫又能體貼主的心，能跟随聖靈的帶領奪回失喪的靈魂。
星期三
第一波的中國宣教同工幾乎都來自農村，他們對宣教地文化的差異往往出現畏怯、排斥、逃避的情形，不易融入其中。平時除要辦事外出和參與事工外，大都躲在租住的房內或與同工的小圈子享受自己的「小天地」。求主恩待這些第一次到外國的同工，能有教會和差會督導和協助同工來改善他們事奉的困境，協助他們更快適應工場文化的挑戰和衝擊，投入宣教事奉更有果效。
星期四
「夫妻關係」是中國宣教同工一大問題，因為他們來自農村，年紀尚輕就結婚，婚前沒有任何輔導。進入工場後，夫妻常有衝突，加上異文化衝擊和事奉壓力，更使他們身心靈易顯出枯乾。求主憐憫所有牧者夫婦及宣教士夫婦，幫助他們同心同行，彼此扶持走顺事奉的路，又保守他們不落入惡者的詭計。求主預備屬靈長輩來關懷、輔導他們建立蒙神賜福的婚姻。
星期五
中國宣教士夫妻衝突多從親子教育引發，如夫妻責任擔當與分工不和諧，導至婚姻破裂。不少宣教士夫妻儘管已獲輔導及幫助，仍不見果效，只能回國療傷，甚至最終分開。中國農村傳道人和宣教士也都有子女教育的難題，因所服事地區缺乏相關的教育資源與選項。願主感動教會關心也實際承擔這些心頭的難處。我們知道神必定獎賞他們的擺上，也信實地為他們的子女負責。
星期六
教會的師母或宣教士的妻子，很自然會為子女教育擔心，尤其對孩子入讀的學校若安排不理想，其愛子之心就轉化為憂慮，負面情緒易導致靈性低潮，亦會埋怨丈夫、差會等。許多農村傳道人和宣教士多有為了孩子教育而放棄服侍。我們為教會和差會能即時解決這些問題，為神國保留珍貴的人才來切切禱告。
星期日
宣教士自覺未有足夠的外國語言恩賜和技巧，學習時較為被動和缺乏操練，亦怕鬧笑話而產生厭學心理，甚至想放棄。這情況影響宣教士與服侍對象的溝通，達不到事奉果效。我們來為中國宣教士禱告，求主賜下與事奉相當的能力與毅力，效法韓國及西方宣教士們的榜樣，以刻苦精神來學習當地語言，放膽嘗試溝通，盡所能的擺上為主使用。
星期一
宣教士會受其民族性格和傳统文化影響， 雖然表現彬彬有禮，但內裏亦存虚僞。有時會太過自我中心，不能做好團隊服侍的角色，不容易表達明確立場，且有強烈的「種族優越感」。這些不足處都需要聖靈的陶造，好叫我們表裡如一，流露出主耶穌的生命。願神更新我們成為祂所喜悅，忠心良善的僕人，聚焦神國度的大使命。

Prayer Request 12/5 - 12/11

Tuesday
In an impoverished county in Jiangxi, thousands of Christians have swapped posters of Jesus displayed in their homes for portraits of the President, in order to receive poverty-relief assistance offered by the local government. Nearly all of the churches in China will have special services for Christmas and people will invite their unchurched friends. We pray that God will use this annual evangelistic meeting to help many to come to know the greatest Present God has given to us.​
Wednesday
In North America, sales of tickets for movie theaters​ have dropped dramatically but in China people flock to theaters. China is busy building theaters faster than they are able to fill them with movies and it is estimated that movie ticket sales there will overtake those in the U. S. by 2020.Even though many of the pastors in China preach against going to movies, their church members watch many movies. We pray that churches can openly discuss the worldviews and values presented in movies and how the Biblical view is different.
Thursday
What makes a Hollywood movie a blockbuster in China? The answer to this intriguing question is ​that it is ​action-packed, with big stunts, simple plots, and beautiful actors ​which​ are all helpful in bridging the cultural divide. Young people and their culture are certainly driven by the Hollywood mentality​. We pray churches in China will at least try to understand young people and their culture, rather than denouncing or rejecting it outright. We pray that messages preached in churches will be culturally relevant to the young people.
Friday
A blockbuster foreign movie in China cannot be subversive because China has no rating system. Instead, it censors sex, violence and overly political content. To attract the​ Chinese audience, Hollywood purposely put famous Chinese actors and cities in their films. Chinese churches traditionally consider secular entertainment and movies as sinful. We pray for wisdom for all pastors so they will help believers ​to dissect and discern​ the messages and worldview in the popular culture.
Saturday
Chinese theaters are ordered to play one of four government-issued videos before every movie. Audiences are required to watch a short video promoting “socialist core values”, courtesy of Communist Party propaganda. ​Most young Chinese people consider Christianity as boring and detached from the social mainstay. We pray that churches and pastors will intentionally engage the younger generation with Biblical teachings rather than rejecting and ignoring everything young people like.​
Sunday
In China, government propaganda videos shown before every movie feature A-list celebrities saying “No matter what you do, as long as you don’t disappoint our country, our society, our people and your family, then you are helping to realize the Chinese dream.” ​There are Chinese celebrities who are Christians, share their testimony openly​ and profess to honor God above all. Young Christians there need a mainstream role model badly. We praise God for the boldness and testimonies these people live out.
Monday
Recently China has shut down many popular gossip blogs to create a "healthy, uplifting environment for mainstream opinion" as well as helping people to resist sensational celebrity coverage. In the past, Mr. Xi has called on artists to use their talents to serve the nation and "disseminate contemporary Chinese values."​​ Christian contents online or in the social media are closely monitored by the censors as well. We pray for wisdom and discernment for believers so they will know what is orthodoxy and what are of the cults and erroneous teaching.


星期二
江西省政府將以實施脫貧政策為由，說服當地信徒，將家中的耶穌像與其他宗教擺飾，換置成國家主席的肖像。很多城市和農村教會都會趁著聖誕節舉行佈道會，求主引導弟兄姊妹邀請家人朋友出席，藉此談論聖誕的意義，讓更多人接觸福音，接受神給我們最大的禮物，願主大大祝福這些聚會也記念弟兄姊妹的忠心擺上！
星期三
近年，北美電影業的發展停滯不前，反而中國電影市場發展快速增長。中國票房營收預計到2020年極可能取代美國成為全球最大電影市場。大多數的華人牧師仍然反對看電影，但不少弟兄姊妹仍卻照看如儀。求主幫助教會能開始從聖經的觀點，以開放的心態來討論電影中的世界觀和價值體系，成為與會眾及未信者論道、對話的切入點。
星期四
好萊塢的影片為何能在中國賣座呢？首先，大型製作的動作片配合著許多特技，內容不複雜又有美麗的明星是必要的元素，這樣才能彌合中西文化的鴻溝。無疑，年輕人和他們的文化是模仿外片和被好萊塢所驅動的。我們禱告：中國教會能更多嘗試了解現今年輕人的觀點和他們的文化，而不是一味的拒絕、排斥。求主幫助教會傳講的信息更能吸引年輕人，能切合他們實際的需要。
星期五
由於中國沒有電影評級體系，審核電影時會切掉任何有關暴力、性和過度政治內容的片段；故此，在中國播放的外國大片絕不會有任何顛覆性。最近在中國賣座的好萊塢電影都有中國名演員，也有在中國城市拍攝。傳統中國教會將娛樂和電影視為俗世的，罪惡的。求主賜牧者智慧，能幫助信徒解讀和辨識流行文化所表達的信息和世界觀。
星期六
電影院已接到命令，在每次放映正片之前，需播放四段政府發行的影片之一。看一段宣傳「社會主義核心價值觀」的短片， 接受一些共產黨的宣傳。對於年輕人而言，基督教是死板無聊，與社會主流脫節。我們再次為中國教會禱告，特別是牧者能刻意親近年輕一代，在講台服事時，願意從聖經角度來對世俗文化作出回應，而不是忽視年輕人的聲音。
星期日
國家製作的短片常由有一線明星出演。短片中有一句是：「不管你是什麼職業，只要對得起國家、社會、民族、家人，你就是在給中國夢的實現助力。」有一些名人是基督徒，他們也常公開分享他們的信仰，將神放在首位。我們為他們的勇氣和生命見證感恩，中國的青年基督徒實在需要這些主流的榜樣。
星期一
最近，政府為了要有「健康向上的主流輿論環境」，關閉了一些深受歡迎的娛樂八卦微信公眾號。國家主席也曾呼籲藝術家們用自己的才華為國家服務，「傳播中國當代價值觀」。在線或在社交媒體上的基督教內容，也遭受密切監視。我們為信徒有智慧及有辨別能力祈求，願主的靈保守我們，能正確分辨什麼內容是正統的，什麽是邪教和錯誤的教導。