Posts
Tuesday
Many churches in China are considered very affluent but their pastors still live in poverty which gives the impression that churches there would rather spend big money on their church buildings but not on supporting their pastors financially. A lack of genuine respect for pastors is reflected in how they are poorly compensated and this is a big problem for the growth of churches in China. We pray for the revival of all churches and believers that they will first honor God's servants.
Wednesday
Some well-to-do Christian people in China demand that their pastors live by faith so they are poor which is really causing their pastors to be poor because they lack love for them. We pray that churches and believers will do their part to improve the living condition of their pastor because they should mutually serve one another.
Thursday
One reason Chinese pastors are poor is that Western missionaries who came years ago fostered it. In those days China was backward so the missionaries gave to the believers and did not teach them to give and support their pastors themselves. Now many of the churches are in a legal gray zone so the pastors cannot really have a legal status of being employed. We pray that people in the churches will honor those who serve the church with a compensation that is reasonable and decent.
Friday
Another reason for pastors in China being poor is that the older pastors have always lived that way so the Christians wrongly assume that all pastors should be poor and they even believe that God loves the poor more than the rich or that being poor makes one love God more highly. We pray that there will be believers in every church who would directly support their pastor, so their love for God’s servant is not merely in words but in action. Churches and believers should do their part in providing for their shepherd and respecting God's servant.
Saturday
In China, about fifteen percent of divorce petitions are due to domestic violence which is next to the top reason for divorce. Men are the overwhelming culprits, engaging in physical ting and verbal abuse. Most churches there are still "stuck" in deciding whether a divorce is Biblically sanctioned. We pray that churches will provide counseling, assist in temporary separation, or accompany the couple to tests, reports, and seeking legal aid.
Sunday
In general, rural believers in China do not tithe regularly and their pastors must work to support themselves. Many church workers have given up serving and sought work and better lives for their families in the cities. We pray for those pastors who have chosen to stay in their villages. May the Lord give them strength and passion to serve Him faithfully and fruitfully. We pray, too for their spouses and especially the educational need of their children.
Monday
It is a fact that there are more women than men among urban churches in China and among teenagers girls outnumber boys. This phenomenon is most likely due to their obedience and dependency on their parents. Very few churches have any program for youth and many refuse to go to church. We pray for wisdom and persistence for believer parents of teenagers, as they maintain a good relationship with their teens and continue to have a spiritual influence on them.
星期二
不少中國教會已經富起來了，但傳道人及牧者卻仍過著捉襟見肘的生活。「有錢建教堂，沒錢供應傳道人。」，這是國內一些教會的實況。教會不願供應傳道人生活的需要，其實是缺乏對傳道人應得的尊敬，這是中國教會發展的一大問題。求主復興教會和信徒們，也激勵信徒先要敬重神的工人。
星期三
中國生活富裕的信徒漠視傳道人的經濟需要，給予的「屬靈」解釋是：傳道人要靠信心來生活。傳道人生活貧困的現象，往往是信徒對聖經真理認知的偏差所致。求主幫助教會與信徒盡上他們的本份，改善傳道人的困境；又求神幫助傳道人與信徒之間能建立彼此服事、彼此體恤的關係。
星期四
在中國經濟落後的時期，西方傳教士在傳揚福音的同時也在物質上給予會眾幫助，不知不覺形成：到教會就是要「得到」的觀念；以致今天許多信徒對金錢奉獻仍然缺少操練。許多中國教會沒有註冊，他們的牧者也沒有法律和職業的保障。求主幫助眾教會敬重他們的牧者，按著神在他們的心裡的感動，成為神供應傳道人養生需要的管道。
星期五
老一代牧者一生愛主，一直甘心樂意過艱苦的生活。許多信徒誤認為傳道人經濟貧乏是「應該就是如此」，甚至認為主耶穌更愛窮人，貧窮才能愛主。求主興起教會中有奉獻心志的信徒給予牧者「一對一」的支援幫助，將關愛由言語化為實際的行動，盡教會與信徒敬重、照顧牧者當盡的本份。
星期六
中國夫妻申請離婚的原因，大約有15%是因為家暴，是離婚原因的第二位。其中，絕大多數是男性施暴 (毆打和辱罵)。許多教會領袖在遇到信徒家庭發生家暴時，還停留在討論是否應該離婚的階段。求神幫助教會能以實際行動落實支援受害者，例如：安排輔導者陪伴、安慰，協助暫時分居，陪同去驗傷、報警、尋求法律援助等。
星期日
一般而言，農村信徒的金錢奉獻並不多，以致牧者亦需要帶職事奉才能維生，甚至不少農村傳道人放棄服侍，到城市裡打工，尋找更好的生活。我們為那些選擇留在村裡的牧者禱告，求主自己加添力量和服事的火熱，使他們靠主繼續忠心擺上，也見到事奉的果效。我們也為他們的配偶和家庭禱告，尤其是他們最擔憂的子女教育的需要，求主供應他們一切的所需。
星期一
中國都市教會中的男女比例失衡是事實。9 - 18歲的少年中，也是女多男少，因著男孩和女孩在順從和依賴感上有性別差異。 有青少年事工的教會是佔少數，年輕人也覺得教會無聊。我們為有青少年的信徒家長祈求，願神加添他們智慧，持守他們有健康的親子關係，能繼續給子女們靈命上的正向影響。
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Prayer Request 12/11 - 12/17
Tuesday
Ethnic discrimination is still a big factor why even some of the best-educated Uighur and Tibetan migrants struggle to find work. Tibetans and Uighurs have distinct surnames which are different from the Han Chinese, and Uighurs appearances are quite different from the majority of Chinese. We know the ethnic discrimination is long-standing and deep-rooted, but such bias has badly hurt the efforts of churches to show love and to evangelize. We ask His forgiveness and may the Lord give us all humility and His love for others.
Wednesday
There are government programs trying to help some Uighurs, Tibetans and other minorities to obtain a better education. Affirmative-action policies can boost their chances of attending universities. Many Han Chinese consider it is unfair and a waste of time to help the ethnic minorities. This further perpetuates the resentment and discrimination against them. We pray for repentance and removal of our ethnic pride, as the Lord gives us a tender and compassionate heart for all lost souls.
Thursday
One scheme, known as the Xinjiang Class, sends thousands of Uighurs as well as Han Chinese from Xinjiang every year to other parts of China to complete their schooling. But it also encourages them to return. But, only half of the graduates actually return to Xinjiang. Not even the Han Chinese want to go live and work in Xingjian if they have a choice. We pray for believers who have vision and passion to go to Xingjiang, to strengthen the churches there and build friendship with local Muslims.
Friday
The government has made token efforts to create job opportunities for Uighurs on the coast, sending busloads of them to work in factories. But most employers are wary of hiring Muslims because of their distinct languages and diet. Such governmental schemes could be a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with Uighurs and we pray that churches will see it as their mission to connect with Muslim workers, establish friendships, and show God's love to them.
Saturday
Tibet is indeed hard soil for spreading the gospel since there are only a few thousand Tibetan Christians there (less than 0.2%). with only thirty to forty house churches where both Han Chinese and Tibetans worship together. There are gospel tracts and Bibles in the Tibetan language, including the Jesus film which is a good tool to use in sharing the gospel. Let us pray for believers in Tibet that the Lord will strengthen their faith and give them the courage to share Jesus with others.
Sunday
Tibetans are basically friendly and some well-educated Tibetans are even open to Christianity which provides a great opportunity for evangelism. In general, Tibetans outside of Tibet proper (places like Sichuan or Yunnan provinces) are far more receptive to the gospel than those in Tibet itself. Let us pray for Tibetan churches and pastors, as they reach out to their own people in their own language. We pray the Spirit of God moves mightily, opening the door of their hearts to accept Jesus and set them free from the deep spiritual darkness.
Monday
One reason some people suggest for the poverty of pastors in China is that some enter the ministry after a business or academic failure or illness so they feel inadequate for the job and are content to be poor. Churches in China teach very little of the truth of tithing, and some even wrongly believe that preaching on giving offerings is a sign of a lack of faith. We pray for the strong preaching of giving among all churches, so believers will know giving to God is a way to receive more blessing from Him.
星期二
疆民或藏民即便是教育程度較高的也很難在城市找到工作，主要原因是種族歧視。疆民或藏民在姓名上容易辨認，維族人的體貌特徵亦明顯有於漢人。 漢人輕視少數民族如維族和藏人等，並非一時三刻之事；令人遺憾在中國教會裡亦存相同的情況，以致沒能關注少數民族的福音需要。求主赦免我們，叫我們多體貼主的心，有祂的謙卑和對人的憐愛。
星期三
中國政府正致力讓維族、藏族及其他少數民族獲得更好的教育，以扶助他們獲得高等教育的機會。這些優惠的政策，在漢人眼中卻看為不公平和浪費，造成更多的歧視和厭惡。求主在人心裡動工，讓我們更柔和謙遜，除去自義式的種族優越感，知道每個人在神眼裡都是寶貴的，沒有誰比誰更優越，誰比誰更配得到神的祝福。
星期四
每年所謂的「新疆班」保證上萬的疆民（不僅有維族人，也包括新疆的漢族人）在其他省份完成大學，並鼓勵他們學成後返回新疆；但是僅有約半數「新疆班」的畢業生願意返回。漢人一般都不會搬到新疆居住或就業。我們為信徒禱告，求主賜下異象和熱忱，感動人願意遷到新疆，建立及鞏固那裡的教會，也盼能藉著友誼來向當地的居民分享信仰。
星期五
中國政府雖然看似已儘力為少數民族在沿海地區創造就業機會，讓他們能夠進入工廠工作；然而多數僱用單位卻因信仰不同的飲食和語言溝通困難而對加以提防。當少數民族離開原居地出外就業，這是向他們傳福音的大好機會。求主興起信徒，願意特别來關心城市裡的回民工人，分享神的愛。
星期六
西藏是一塊福音硬土，現在藏族只有數千名基督徒，信全族人口不足 0.2%。目前西藏境內約有三十所非公開的教會，信徒包括漢族和藏族。藏族已有藏文聖經、福音單張和小冊子，包括《耶穌傳》，這都是向藏民傳福音的好工具。求主大大加添西藏信徒信心與能力，賜給他們智慧及膽量向親友們分享基督耶穌。
星期日
藏民態度友善，一些受過大學教育的藏民更對基督信仰持開放態度，這是一個何等大的福音契機！尤其是在西藏以外（例如四川和雲南地區）的藏民比較容易接受福音。我們禱告：藏民教會及傳道人能充份發揮使用母語傳福音的便利；又願神的靈先在人心裡作工，打開人的心門，好讓他們願意接受耶穌，脫離屬靈的黑暗權勢。
星期一
中國傳道人普遍經濟較為拮据，其中一個原因是好些人是因生意失敗、學業無成、身體有病等才去做傳道，他們自覺貧困，也安於貧困。中國教會少有金錢奉獻的教導，甚至錯誤認為提及現實的經濟需要就是沒信心的表現。求主幫助傳道人按聖靈感動傳講真理，不偏執亦沒有忌諱，來幫助信徒明白奉獻給神，是蒙受神更多賜福之道。
Ethnic discrimination is still a big factor why even some of the best-educated Uighur and Tibetan migrants struggle to find work. Tibetans and Uighurs have distinct surnames which are different from the Han Chinese, and Uighurs appearances are quite different from the majority of Chinese. We know the ethnic discrimination is long-standing and deep-rooted, but such bias has badly hurt the efforts of churches to show love and to evangelize. We ask His forgiveness and may the Lord give us all humility and His love for others.
Wednesday
There are government programs trying to help some Uighurs, Tibetans and other minorities to obtain a better education. Affirmative-action policies can boost their chances of attending universities. Many Han Chinese consider it is unfair and a waste of time to help the ethnic minorities. This further perpetuates the resentment and discrimination against them. We pray for repentance and removal of our ethnic pride, as the Lord gives us a tender and compassionate heart for all lost souls.
Thursday
One scheme, known as the Xinjiang Class, sends thousands of Uighurs as well as Han Chinese from Xinjiang every year to other parts of China to complete their schooling. But it also encourages them to return. But, only half of the graduates actually return to Xinjiang. Not even the Han Chinese want to go live and work in Xingjian if they have a choice. We pray for believers who have vision and passion to go to Xingjiang, to strengthen the churches there and build friendship with local Muslims.
Friday
The government has made token efforts to create job opportunities for Uighurs on the coast, sending busloads of them to work in factories. But most employers are wary of hiring Muslims because of their distinct languages and diet. Such governmental schemes could be a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with Uighurs and we pray that churches will see it as their mission to connect with Muslim workers, establish friendships, and show God's love to them.
Saturday
Tibet is indeed hard soil for spreading the gospel since there are only a few thousand Tibetan Christians there (less than 0.2%). with only thirty to forty house churches where both Han Chinese and Tibetans worship together. There are gospel tracts and Bibles in the Tibetan language, including the Jesus film which is a good tool to use in sharing the gospel. Let us pray for believers in Tibet that the Lord will strengthen their faith and give them the courage to share Jesus with others.
Sunday
Tibetans are basically friendly and some well-educated Tibetans are even open to Christianity which provides a great opportunity for evangelism. In general, Tibetans outside of Tibet proper (places like Sichuan or Yunnan provinces) are far more receptive to the gospel than those in Tibet itself. Let us pray for Tibetan churches and pastors, as they reach out to their own people in their own language. We pray the Spirit of God moves mightily, opening the door of their hearts to accept Jesus and set them free from the deep spiritual darkness.
Monday
One reason some people suggest for the poverty of pastors in China is that some enter the ministry after a business or academic failure or illness so they feel inadequate for the job and are content to be poor. Churches in China teach very little of the truth of tithing, and some even wrongly believe that preaching on giving offerings is a sign of a lack of faith. We pray for the strong preaching of giving among all churches, so believers will know giving to God is a way to receive more blessing from Him.
星期二
疆民或藏民即便是教育程度較高的也很難在城市找到工作，主要原因是種族歧視。疆民或藏民在姓名上容易辨認，維族人的體貌特徵亦明顯有於漢人。 漢人輕視少數民族如維族和藏人等，並非一時三刻之事；令人遺憾在中國教會裡亦存相同的情況，以致沒能關注少數民族的福音需要。求主赦免我們，叫我們多體貼主的心，有祂的謙卑和對人的憐愛。
星期三
中國政府正致力讓維族、藏族及其他少數民族獲得更好的教育，以扶助他們獲得高等教育的機會。這些優惠的政策，在漢人眼中卻看為不公平和浪費，造成更多的歧視和厭惡。求主在人心裡動工，讓我們更柔和謙遜，除去自義式的種族優越感，知道每個人在神眼裡都是寶貴的，沒有誰比誰更優越，誰比誰更配得到神的祝福。
星期四
每年所謂的「新疆班」保證上萬的疆民（不僅有維族人，也包括新疆的漢族人）在其他省份完成大學，並鼓勵他們學成後返回新疆；但是僅有約半數「新疆班」的畢業生願意返回。漢人一般都不會搬到新疆居住或就業。我們為信徒禱告，求主賜下異象和熱忱，感動人願意遷到新疆，建立及鞏固那裡的教會，也盼能藉著友誼來向當地的居民分享信仰。
星期五
中國政府雖然看似已儘力為少數民族在沿海地區創造就業機會，讓他們能夠進入工廠工作；然而多數僱用單位卻因信仰不同的飲食和語言溝通困難而對加以提防。當少數民族離開原居地出外就業，這是向他們傳福音的大好機會。求主興起信徒，願意特别來關心城市裡的回民工人，分享神的愛。
星期六
西藏是一塊福音硬土，現在藏族只有數千名基督徒，信全族人口不足 0.2%。目前西藏境內約有三十所非公開的教會，信徒包括漢族和藏族。藏族已有藏文聖經、福音單張和小冊子，包括《耶穌傳》，這都是向藏民傳福音的好工具。求主大大加添西藏信徒信心與能力，賜給他們智慧及膽量向親友們分享基督耶穌。
星期日
藏民態度友善，一些受過大學教育的藏民更對基督信仰持開放態度，這是一個何等大的福音契機！尤其是在西藏以外（例如四川和雲南地區）的藏民比較容易接受福音。我們禱告：藏民教會及傳道人能充份發揮使用母語傳福音的便利；又願神的靈先在人心裡作工，打開人的心門，好讓他們願意接受耶穌，脫離屬靈的黑暗權勢。
星期一
中國傳道人普遍經濟較為拮据，其中一個原因是好些人是因生意失敗、學業無成、身體有病等才去做傳道，他們自覺貧困，也安於貧困。中國教會少有金錢奉獻的教導，甚至錯誤認為提及現實的經濟需要就是沒信心的表現。求主幫助傳道人按聖靈感動傳講真理，不偏執亦沒有忌諱，來幫助信徒明白奉獻給神，是蒙受神更多賜福之道。
Tuesday, December 04, 2018
Prayer Request 12/4 - 12/10
Tuesday
China is urbanizing at a rapid pace. In 2000 nearly two-thirds of its residents lived in the countryside. Today fewer than half do. Yet, Uighurs and Tibetans feel left out of China’s economic boom; ethnic discrimination is not helping. These two ethnic groups are perhaps the most difficult in terms of evangelism. We pray that churches will not give up in sharing the Gospel with them, starting with repentance of our own ethnic pride that Han Chinese are hardworking and they are not striving and trustworthy.
Wednesday
Uighurs and Tibetans are staying on their farms, often because discrimination against them makes it difficult to find work in cities. As ethnic discontent grows, so too does the discrimination, creating a vicious cycle. We pray for binding of the power of Satan, so the true light of Jesus Christ will come upon these two ethnic groups, and many more Uighurs and Tibetans will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.
Thursday
Some Tibetans prefer to stay in the fields but many feel excluded rom the benefits enjoyed by ethnic Han Chinese who make up more than ninety percent of China's population.We pray for those who serve among Tibetans and Uighurs and face fierce spiritual battles, persecution, loneliness, and fatigue. May the Lord strengthen their faith and add steadfastness, patience, and God's abiding love for im and His people.
Friday
There has been far less violence in Tibet than Xingjiang, but separatism in the region is no less a headache for China’s leaders. There are more than six million Tibetans in Tibet and four neighboring provinces. The proportion of farmers is nearly eighty percent. We pray that some of the well-educated Tibetans will become Christians first and share Jesus with their own people. There are some Tibetan churches outside of Tibet, we pray that they will be revived and be passionate about sharing Jesus with their own people.
Saturday
Neither Uighurs nor Tibetans enjoy ready access to the job market that has drawn tens of millions of Han to cities in recent years. They are unwelcome, and they know it. It can be said that Tibetans and Uighurs live in spiritual darkness and are most resistant to the Gospel. We pray more urgently for them so the salvation of Jesus will soon come to them.
Sunday
Part of the problem of Uighurs and Tibetans in being unable to fit in with Han Chinese is the languages. Uighurs and Tibetans brought up in the countryside and often have a very poor grasp of Mandarin, the official language of the land. There are so few Han Christians who really understand the culture and language of Uighurs and Tibetans. We pray for those who are seriously learning the language skills and are preparing more spiritual content in the languages of ethnic minorities.
Monday
The effort by the Chinese government to promote Mandarin in schools has encountered resistance in some ethnic regions where it is seen as an attempt to suppress native culture. In southern Xinjiang, where most Uighurs, many schools do not teach Mandarin at all. We pray for the easing of ethnic tension and antagonism toward Han Chinese in this vast region of China. Chinese churches cannot effectively do mission work outside of China, if they continue to ignore sharing the Gospel in their own backyard, in Xingjiang.
星期二
近年來中國城市化發展迅速，2000年時，約三份二的總人口仍生活在農村地區，至今已降至二份一。然而，在中國經濟發展起飛的同時，維族人和藏族人卻倍感冷落，遭受歧視。維族和藏族是福音的硬土，我們為眾教會不放棄與他們分享福音禱告。求主先叫我們悔改，除去我們自身的優越感，不要論斷他人懶惰和不可靠，並生出歧視之心。
星期三
少數民族多數抵制城市化的時代潮流，且在城市中難找到工作，大多數人寧願留守家鄉務農。隨着民族不滿情緒日益加深，種族歧視也愈演愈烈，更加劇了這種惡性循環。懇求神捆綁從撒但而來的黑暗勢力，讓基督的真光臨到這兩個大族群，使更多回民和藏民早日歸主。
星期四
雖然好些藏民甘於務農，但絶大多數藏民認為自己遭到了排斥，以致無緣享受與漢族人（約佔中國90%的人口）同樣的好處。為在藏民和新疆作工的肢體禱告，他們面對激烈的屬靈爭戰，逼迫、孤單、身體疲勞等攻擊，切切記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦，因盼望我們主耶穌基督所存的忍耐。(帖前1:3)
星期五
雖然相比於新疆，西藏較少有攻擊事件發生，但該地區的分裂主義一直令官方十分頭疼。西藏及其四個鄰省約有超過六萬藏民，其中農民佔人口約百分之八十。 求主繼續施恩給那些擁有高學歷的藏民，讓他們先接受福音，再以他們的影響力去帶領其他藏族人歸主；也求主加力西藏以外的藏民教會，能在本族中見證主名。
星期六
維族人和藏族人在城市找工作遠比漢族人困難，他們深知自己不受歡迎，無法獲得與漢人相同的對待。藏族及穆斯林都是世界上生活在靈裡最黑暗之處的族群，亦是最難以改變的民族，求主提醒我們要更多為他們禱告，使他們早日認識主，離開黑暗走向光明。
星期日
對於少數民族而言，語言不通是他們與外界融合的一大問題。中國的官方語言是普通話，而疆民和藏民生活在農村地區，普通話表達能力相當有限。真正懂得維族和藏族的文化及語言的基督徒寥寥無幾，現時有些漢族信徒正努力學習，請記念他們的福音事工，也求主預備更多少數民族語言的屬靈資源。
星期一
雖然政府一直致力在校園推廣普通話，但一些地區卻抵制這樣的做法，認為推廣普通話是對當地文化的打壓。在疆民主要聚居的南疆地區，許多學校不教授普通話。我們為在新疆的民族緊張關係禱告，求主挪去累積的敵對仇恨。若中國教會不能學習在新疆國土上分享福音，在海外亦難以有效地宣教。
China is urbanizing at a rapid pace. In 2000 nearly two-thirds of its residents lived in the countryside. Today fewer than half do. Yet, Uighurs and Tibetans feel left out of China’s economic boom; ethnic discrimination is not helping. These two ethnic groups are perhaps the most difficult in terms of evangelism. We pray that churches will not give up in sharing the Gospel with them, starting with repentance of our own ethnic pride that Han Chinese are hardworking and they are not striving and trustworthy.
Wednesday
Uighurs and Tibetans are staying on their farms, often because discrimination against them makes it difficult to find work in cities. As ethnic discontent grows, so too does the discrimination, creating a vicious cycle. We pray for binding of the power of Satan, so the true light of Jesus Christ will come upon these two ethnic groups, and many more Uighurs and Tibetans will come to know Jesus as their personal Savior.
Thursday
Some Tibetans prefer to stay in the fields but many feel excluded rom the benefits enjoyed by ethnic Han Chinese who make up more than ninety percent of China's population.We pray for those who serve among Tibetans and Uighurs and face fierce spiritual battles, persecution, loneliness, and fatigue. May the Lord strengthen their faith and add steadfastness, patience, and God's abiding love for im and His people.
Friday
There has been far less violence in Tibet than Xingjiang, but separatism in the region is no less a headache for China’s leaders. There are more than six million Tibetans in Tibet and four neighboring provinces. The proportion of farmers is nearly eighty percent. We pray that some of the well-educated Tibetans will become Christians first and share Jesus with their own people. There are some Tibetan churches outside of Tibet, we pray that they will be revived and be passionate about sharing Jesus with their own people.
Saturday
Neither Uighurs nor Tibetans enjoy ready access to the job market that has drawn tens of millions of Han to cities in recent years. They are unwelcome, and they know it. It can be said that Tibetans and Uighurs live in spiritual darkness and are most resistant to the Gospel. We pray more urgently for them so the salvation of Jesus will soon come to them.
Sunday
Part of the problem of Uighurs and Tibetans in being unable to fit in with Han Chinese is the languages. Uighurs and Tibetans brought up in the countryside and often have a very poor grasp of Mandarin, the official language of the land. There are so few Han Christians who really understand the culture and language of Uighurs and Tibetans. We pray for those who are seriously learning the language skills and are preparing more spiritual content in the languages of ethnic minorities.
Monday
The effort by the Chinese government to promote Mandarin in schools has encountered resistance in some ethnic regions where it is seen as an attempt to suppress native culture. In southern Xinjiang, where most Uighurs, many schools do not teach Mandarin at all. We pray for the easing of ethnic tension and antagonism toward Han Chinese in this vast region of China. Chinese churches cannot effectively do mission work outside of China, if they continue to ignore sharing the Gospel in their own backyard, in Xingjiang.
星期二
近年來中國城市化發展迅速，2000年時，約三份二的總人口仍生活在農村地區，至今已降至二份一。然而，在中國經濟發展起飛的同時，維族人和藏族人卻倍感冷落，遭受歧視。維族和藏族是福音的硬土，我們為眾教會不放棄與他們分享福音禱告。求主先叫我們悔改，除去我們自身的優越感，不要論斷他人懶惰和不可靠，並生出歧視之心。
星期三
少數民族多數抵制城市化的時代潮流，且在城市中難找到工作，大多數人寧願留守家鄉務農。隨着民族不滿情緒日益加深，種族歧視也愈演愈烈，更加劇了這種惡性循環。懇求神捆綁從撒但而來的黑暗勢力，讓基督的真光臨到這兩個大族群，使更多回民和藏民早日歸主。
星期四
雖然好些藏民甘於務農，但絶大多數藏民認為自己遭到了排斥，以致無緣享受與漢族人（約佔中國90%的人口）同樣的好處。為在藏民和新疆作工的肢體禱告，他們面對激烈的屬靈爭戰，逼迫、孤單、身體疲勞等攻擊，切切記念他們因信心所做的工夫，因愛心所受的勞苦，因盼望我們主耶穌基督所存的忍耐。(帖前1:3)
星期五
雖然相比於新疆，西藏較少有攻擊事件發生，但該地區的分裂主義一直令官方十分頭疼。西藏及其四個鄰省約有超過六萬藏民，其中農民佔人口約百分之八十。 求主繼續施恩給那些擁有高學歷的藏民，讓他們先接受福音，再以他們的影響力去帶領其他藏族人歸主；也求主加力西藏以外的藏民教會，能在本族中見證主名。
星期六
維族人和藏族人在城市找工作遠比漢族人困難，他們深知自己不受歡迎，無法獲得與漢人相同的對待。藏族及穆斯林都是世界上生活在靈裡最黑暗之處的族群，亦是最難以改變的民族，求主提醒我們要更多為他們禱告，使他們早日認識主，離開黑暗走向光明。
星期日
對於少數民族而言，語言不通是他們與外界融合的一大問題。中國的官方語言是普通話，而疆民和藏民生活在農村地區，普通話表達能力相當有限。真正懂得維族和藏族的文化及語言的基督徒寥寥無幾，現時有些漢族信徒正努力學習，請記念他們的福音事工，也求主預備更多少數民族語言的屬靈資源。
星期一
雖然政府一直致力在校園推廣普通話，但一些地區卻抵制這樣的做法，認為推廣普通話是對當地文化的打壓。在疆民主要聚居的南疆地區，許多學校不教授普通話。我們為在新疆的民族緊張關係禱告，求主挪去累積的敵對仇恨。若中國教會不能學習在新疆國土上分享福音，在海外亦難以有效地宣教。
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Prayer Request 11/27 - 12/3
Tuesday
China's government has imposed many religious restrictions in the past. The new rulings further these restrictions and are tightly enforced. Several churches in Henan have banned minors (18 years old and under) from attending church and some have canceled youth worship. We believe that God will protect His church and the faith of all the young ones in the church. We pray that God will use parents and others in the church, with new ways to encourage young people to love the Lord and serve as their example in service.
Wednesday
China is especially sensitive about the following groups coming in contact with religions: the Communist Party members, minors and college students. In the past two years, Party members were repeatedly warned against believing in any religion, this is now strictly enforced. For millenniums, Christian faith has continued, not dependent on the efforts of churches but by the teaching and parental modeling. We pray for godly friends for the young believers and children of believers, to seek holiness together and to encourage one another in loving the Lord.
Thursday
In the past few years, house churches have debated whether to register with the government and become a legal meeting point (not a legitimate church). Now, registered churches are required to comply with the new and stricter religious regulations. Many if not most of the house churches worship in a rented apartment. The new regulations impose a heavy fine on the landlords, which will likely force them to cancel the leases and evict the churches. We pray for faith and courage for all churches in this predicament, so they will find ways to adapt.
Friday
In banning the minors from entering churches, China’s government is equating churches with places of prostitution because it stipulates that no minors can enter a place of worship or participate in any form of religious activity. China’s law forbids converting anyone under the age of 18, but the new religious regulations go further and ban minors from entering churches. May the Lord have mercy on churches in China, through these seeming setbacks, finding ways to witness even in difficult political circumstances.
Saturday
As the new religious regulations are implemented, it, in reality, gives the local official control over the approved religious organizations. Pastors were arrested for violating just one of the many regulations. Since 2018, some churches were closed because mothers carried babies into the church worship service. The mood of Christians in China can change because the official religious policy can change overnight. The Lord reminds us all that we should never boast in the numbers of church attendance and the beautiful structure, but rather trust Him only with greater faith.
Sunday
Christianity has expanded rapidly in China, but the growth is uneven in some ways. Zhejiang, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Fujian are the so-called Christian provinces where there are many believers. Therefore, local officials in charge of religious affairs there are under some pressure to enforce the new religious regulations. We pray for all churches in these five provinces, asking God to open a way for them and that they will have joy even in persecution. Through these difficulties, comes new opportunity and even greater fervor to be His witness.
Monday
The Chinese authorities have tightened Internet control, restricted especially online selling of Bible. Of the sacred text of China's five major religions, only the Bible cannot be sold in public which reflects the long-standing opposition to limiting Christianity. The Bible asks us to pray for those in power. We know our God is on the throne and in control of the hearts and minds of all authorities. God will cleanse His church, reveal His purpose and magnify Himself in what we do for Him.
星期二
中國今年二月起施行的新宗教政策其實並非全新的，許多限制一直存在，差別在於現時更嚴格執行。河南省有好幾家教會已禁止十八歲以下者進入禮拜堂，青少年崇拜亦已停止。許多教會的青少年事工都因新宗教政策受影響。我們深信神能保守教會和第二代的信心，我們切切仰望主，使用父母和教會的長輩，靠主用諸般智慧和身教，繼續鼓勵青少年愛主，也成為他們事奉神的榜樣。
星期三
新宗教政策下，有幾類群體是政府加強控制和不希望其接觸宗教，這包括共產黨員、未成年人士及大學生。近兩年尤其強調共產黨員不能信教，雖然過去就有限制，但這幾年管控較嚴格。幾千年來，信仰的傳承並不是靠教會，而是信徒靠著基督，用言傳與身教來使神的道傳開。求主為年輕一代預備相同信仰的良友，一起追求聖潔，彼此勉勵成長及愛主。
星期四
中國家庭教會過去幾年曾為是否向政府登記為合法的聚會點而糾結（不算是合法的教會）。現在，已登記的教會也一定要遵守嚴格的行政法規。許多家庭教會的聚會場地是租借的。在新政策下，房東會因租借場地給教會而面對重大罰款，迫使他們停止租借。我們為沒有註冊的家庭教會禱告，求主加添他們信心和膽量，能找到應變的方法，繼續聚集敬拜主。
星期五
令人遺憾的新規定是將宗教等同於色情製品，並規定任何未成年人士都不得進入禮拜場所或參加任何形式的宗教活動。中國的法律一直不許可向十八歲以下人士傳教，而新宗教政策再進一收緊 ，禁止十八歲以下人士進入宗教場所。求主額外施恩給中國教會，在這艱難時刻，禱告先於行動，切切仰望主，剛強壯胆，在困境中繼續為主發光。
星期六
新的宗教法規，使官方許可的宗教團體受當地官員的支配。如果違背其中一條法則，神職人員也被抓捕。2018年宗教法執行後，有些教會只是因為母親抱著嬰兒參加禮拜而被關閉。中國的宗教政策，往往一夜間就有變動，信徒的心境也大受影響。求主再次提醒我們，不能以教會人數，建築物的宏偉來誇口，而是專一依靠神，仰望主自己。
星期日
雖然中國基督教發展快，卻也有不均現象，如浙江、河南、江蘇、安徽、福建等可算是基督教大省，信徒人數較多，因此當地政府宗教局幹部也有些壓力，要想一些方法做治理。我們為這些基督教大省的教會祈求，求主為他們開路，落在百般試煉中，都以為大喜樂；也能因著這些難處，叫信徒靈命扎根更深，珍惜光陰更火熱為主作見證。
星期一
中國當局正加強網路控制，限制網上售賣聖經。中國五大宗教經典中，只有基督教的聖經不能在書店公開販賣，這反映當局更想限制基督教的發展。求主提醒神的眾兒女，要為一切在位執政者禱告，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事地度日。「王的心在耶和華手中，好像隴溝的水隨意流轉。」我們深信神在寶座上掌權，君王的心思也在祂手中。祂必潔淨教會，彰顯祂的作為，興旺祂喜悅的人為祂所作的善工。
China's government has imposed many religious restrictions in the past. The new rulings further these restrictions and are tightly enforced. Several churches in Henan have banned minors (18 years old and under) from attending church and some have canceled youth worship. We believe that God will protect His church and the faith of all the young ones in the church. We pray that God will use parents and others in the church, with new ways to encourage young people to love the Lord and serve as their example in service.
Wednesday
China is especially sensitive about the following groups coming in contact with religions: the Communist Party members, minors and college students. In the past two years, Party members were repeatedly warned against believing in any religion, this is now strictly enforced. For millenniums, Christian faith has continued, not dependent on the efforts of churches but by the teaching and parental modeling. We pray for godly friends for the young believers and children of believers, to seek holiness together and to encourage one another in loving the Lord.
Thursday
In the past few years, house churches have debated whether to register with the government and become a legal meeting point (not a legitimate church). Now, registered churches are required to comply with the new and stricter religious regulations. Many if not most of the house churches worship in a rented apartment. The new regulations impose a heavy fine on the landlords, which will likely force them to cancel the leases and evict the churches. We pray for faith and courage for all churches in this predicament, so they will find ways to adapt.
Friday
In banning the minors from entering churches, China’s government is equating churches with places of prostitution because it stipulates that no minors can enter a place of worship or participate in any form of religious activity. China’s law forbids converting anyone under the age of 18, but the new religious regulations go further and ban minors from entering churches. May the Lord have mercy on churches in China, through these seeming setbacks, finding ways to witness even in difficult political circumstances.
Saturday
As the new religious regulations are implemented, it, in reality, gives the local official control over the approved religious organizations. Pastors were arrested for violating just one of the many regulations. Since 2018, some churches were closed because mothers carried babies into the church worship service. The mood of Christians in China can change because the official religious policy can change overnight. The Lord reminds us all that we should never boast in the numbers of church attendance and the beautiful structure, but rather trust Him only with greater faith.
Sunday
Christianity has expanded rapidly in China, but the growth is uneven in some ways. Zhejiang, Henan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Fujian are the so-called Christian provinces where there are many believers. Therefore, local officials in charge of religious affairs there are under some pressure to enforce the new religious regulations. We pray for all churches in these five provinces, asking God to open a way for them and that they will have joy even in persecution. Through these difficulties, comes new opportunity and even greater fervor to be His witness.
Monday
The Chinese authorities have tightened Internet control, restricted especially online selling of Bible. Of the sacred text of China's five major religions, only the Bible cannot be sold in public which reflects the long-standing opposition to limiting Christianity. The Bible asks us to pray for those in power. We know our God is on the throne and in control of the hearts and minds of all authorities. God will cleanse His church, reveal His purpose and magnify Himself in what we do for Him.
星期二
中國今年二月起施行的新宗教政策其實並非全新的，許多限制一直存在，差別在於現時更嚴格執行。河南省有好幾家教會已禁止十八歲以下者進入禮拜堂，青少年崇拜亦已停止。許多教會的青少年事工都因新宗教政策受影響。我們深信神能保守教會和第二代的信心，我們切切仰望主，使用父母和教會的長輩，靠主用諸般智慧和身教，繼續鼓勵青少年愛主，也成為他們事奉神的榜樣。
星期三
新宗教政策下，有幾類群體是政府加強控制和不希望其接觸宗教，這包括共產黨員、未成年人士及大學生。近兩年尤其強調共產黨員不能信教，雖然過去就有限制，但這幾年管控較嚴格。幾千年來，信仰的傳承並不是靠教會，而是信徒靠著基督，用言傳與身教來使神的道傳開。求主為年輕一代預備相同信仰的良友，一起追求聖潔，彼此勉勵成長及愛主。
星期四
中國家庭教會過去幾年曾為是否向政府登記為合法的聚會點而糾結（不算是合法的教會）。現在，已登記的教會也一定要遵守嚴格的行政法規。許多家庭教會的聚會場地是租借的。在新政策下，房東會因租借場地給教會而面對重大罰款，迫使他們停止租借。我們為沒有註冊的家庭教會禱告，求主加添他們信心和膽量，能找到應變的方法，繼續聚集敬拜主。
星期五
令人遺憾的新規定是將宗教等同於色情製品，並規定任何未成年人士都不得進入禮拜場所或參加任何形式的宗教活動。中國的法律一直不許可向十八歲以下人士傳教，而新宗教政策再進一收緊 ，禁止十八歲以下人士進入宗教場所。求主額外施恩給中國教會，在這艱難時刻，禱告先於行動，切切仰望主，剛強壯胆，在困境中繼續為主發光。
星期六
新的宗教法規，使官方許可的宗教團體受當地官員的支配。如果違背其中一條法則，神職人員也被抓捕。2018年宗教法執行後，有些教會只是因為母親抱著嬰兒參加禮拜而被關閉。中國的宗教政策，往往一夜間就有變動，信徒的心境也大受影響。求主再次提醒我們，不能以教會人數，建築物的宏偉來誇口，而是專一依靠神，仰望主自己。
星期日
雖然中國基督教發展快，卻也有不均現象，如浙江、河南、江蘇、安徽、福建等可算是基督教大省，信徒人數較多，因此當地政府宗教局幹部也有些壓力，要想一些方法做治理。我們為這些基督教大省的教會祈求，求主為他們開路，落在百般試煉中，都以為大喜樂；也能因著這些難處，叫信徒靈命扎根更深，珍惜光陰更火熱為主作見證。
星期一
中國當局正加強網路控制，限制網上售賣聖經。中國五大宗教經典中，只有基督教的聖經不能在書店公開販賣，這反映當局更想限制基督教的發展。求主提醒神的眾兒女，要為一切在位執政者禱告，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事地度日。「王的心在耶和華手中，好像隴溝的水隨意流轉。」我們深信神在寶座上掌權，君王的心思也在祂手中。祂必潔淨教會，彰顯祂的作為，興旺祂喜悅的人為祂所作的善工。
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Prayer Request 11/20 - 11/26
Tuesday
Half of the people in China believe that sexual discrimination is real there and it is much harder for a woman to find a job than it is for a man. Even among the highly educated people, women who have a doctor's degree are considered odd. The idea of equality of women under Mao has given way to frustration and discrimination for many women. Let us pray for all the sisters serving in the churches that they will receive a double portion of the Spirit and serve joyfully with dedication and love.
Wednesday
Half of the young people in China say they have no religion at all. About 1/4 believe in Communism and another 1/10 believe in Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Although China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Communism and atheism are universally taught at all levels in the educational system. We uplift all the children of believers and ask the Lord to safeguard His Word which they learned at home through the inspiration of their parents even though their schools that are often hostile to Christianity.
Thursday
People have pointed out that the extreme polarization of wealth in China is socially unstable and dangerous. According to the standard set by the government, a family making 60000 to 500,000 RMB yearly，an monthly income of at least 50,000 is considered a middle-class family. Such monthly is unheard of among Chinese pastors so by this definition Christianity in China is still a religion of the poor. Let us pray for the churches in China that the shepherds will be faithful in spite of the financial and spiritual poverty of many churches.
Friday
There is a big competition among municipalities to host the “official worship” of famous Chinese historical figures. Many of these public festival or events are elaborate, meant to promote awareness, tourism, investment, or pure financial interest. Chinese are embracing the practice of ancestral worship with a vengeance. Let us pray for this trend, for people to look to fill the spiritual void and to avoid any shortcut to divine blessing.
Saturday
Most of the youth in China struggle with uncertainty about their futures. Their parents are much more concerned about the grades and future lives of their children. A majority of the young people feel their parents care only about their grades and a great majority of the parents agree that academic performance is the most important thing to them. We pray that Christian parents will know that godly children are really the thing that pleases God.
Sunday
The Communist Party has strictly forbidden any of their members to participate in any religious activities. People say that one in three of the members are religious--most commonly Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim, in minority regions. Let us pray for those Party members who are practicing Christians. They have much to lose once their faith and convictions are exposed. We pray for their faithfulness to God, their fellowship in their local church and their growth in Christ.
Monday
The Communist Party must wrestle with these key issues in forbidding its members to practice religion: 1. Is Guanyin (goddess of fertility) an object of art or a deity to worship? 2. Is Islam a lifestyle or a faith for all Muslim minorities in China? Many Christians display Bible verses or a picture of the Cross at home to proclaim their faith. We praise God for the boldness of these Christians and pray they may they always be a powerful testimony for the gospel to their neighbors.
星期二
超過一半中國人認為中國普遍存在性別歧視，其中女性找工作比男性困難就是一個明證。即便受過高等教育，擁有博士學位，女性也會被投以異樣的眼光。挫折及歧視取代了毛澤東年代高唱的男女平等待遇的理想。我們禱告主，幫助所有姊妹們能按著神賦予的恩賜服事教會，尊主為大，懷著感恩的心事主愛人。也從神獲得加倍的靈力，在委身事奉中享受與神同行時滿溢的喜樂與充實。
星期三
中國半數的年輕人聲稱自己沒有宗教信仰。大約有四份之一人信仰共產主義；另外有十份之一信奉佛教，基督教或回教。雖然中國的憲制保障宗教自由，然而共產主義和無神論思想卻無孔不入滲透整個教育體制。我們要為所有中國信徒的子女禱告，求主親自堅固祂自己的話語，幫助下一代能從父母身教、言教上學到真理，保守他們在抗拒基督信仰的學校環境中能持守信仰。
星期四
人們認爲中國貧富兩極化將使社會不安定。根據中國政府的標準，年收入六至五十萬人民幣便可歸類為中產階級。一年六萬，相等於月入五千，全中國幾乎很少傳道人是月薪五千元的。按上述標準，中國的基督教可説是窮人的信仰。我們為中國教會禱告，求神大大加力給神的僕人們。在經濟和靈命都貧乏的許多教會裏面忠心服事，仍能以主為樂，事奉滿有果效。
星期五
中國各地風行「公祭熱」，引發了「祖宗爭奪戰」。對歷史名人的爭奪，已成全國的潮流。無論是爲了推廣文化意識、促進旅遊、拉投資、建功德或商業利益，這些公共慶典大都辦得有聲有色。祭祖是華人根深蒂固的文化傳統，近年來拜祭活動更是越演越烈。可惜人們用這些方式求平安和祝福是枉然的，求主讓人看到獲得神真實祝福的正確途徑。
星期六
在中國，很多青少年對未知的前途感到憂慮。事實上父母比自己的孩子更加重視他們的學業成績和前途。超過一半的年輕學子認為父母只關注他們的學業成績，而絕大部分的父母也認為盯好孩子學業成績是他們最重要的任務。求主校正基督徒父母的目光，能明白培育出敬虔的下一代才是真正討神喜悅之處。
星期日
共産黨嚴禁黨員參與一切宗教活動。據説三分之一的黨員有宗教信仰，其中最多信奉佛教、道教和伊斯蘭教（少數民族地區）。我們特別記念基督徒黨員，一旦信仰被公開，他們會蒙受極大的損失。我們禱告：為他們向神的忠心服事、在教會的團契、以及在主裏的成長向神求恩。
星期一
若共産黨要全面禁止黨員涉及宗教活動，必須首先解決幾個課題：其一，觀世音是藝術雕像還是膜拜的神像？其二，伊斯蘭是回民的生活方式還是宗教信仰？許多基督徒在家中掛放聖經金句或十字架表明自己的信仰，我們為這些家庭勇於公開信仰而感恩。求主保守並使用他們在街坊鄰里當中成爲福音最有力的見證。
Half of the people in China believe that sexual discrimination is real there and it is much harder for a woman to find a job than it is for a man. Even among the highly educated people, women who have a doctor's degree are considered odd. The idea of equality of women under Mao has given way to frustration and discrimination for many women. Let us pray for all the sisters serving in the churches that they will receive a double portion of the Spirit and serve joyfully with dedication and love.
Wednesday
Half of the young people in China say they have no religion at all. About 1/4 believe in Communism and another 1/10 believe in Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Although China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Communism and atheism are universally taught at all levels in the educational system. We uplift all the children of believers and ask the Lord to safeguard His Word which they learned at home through the inspiration of their parents even though their schools that are often hostile to Christianity.
Thursday
People have pointed out that the extreme polarization of wealth in China is socially unstable and dangerous. According to the standard set by the government, a family making 60000 to 500,000 RMB yearly，an monthly income of at least 50,000 is considered a middle-class family. Such monthly is unheard of among Chinese pastors so by this definition Christianity in China is still a religion of the poor. Let us pray for the churches in China that the shepherds will be faithful in spite of the financial and spiritual poverty of many churches.
Friday
There is a big competition among municipalities to host the “official worship” of famous Chinese historical figures. Many of these public festival or events are elaborate, meant to promote awareness, tourism, investment, or pure financial interest. Chinese are embracing the practice of ancestral worship with a vengeance. Let us pray for this trend, for people to look to fill the spiritual void and to avoid any shortcut to divine blessing.
Saturday
Most of the youth in China struggle with uncertainty about their futures. Their parents are much more concerned about the grades and future lives of their children. A majority of the young people feel their parents care only about their grades and a great majority of the parents agree that academic performance is the most important thing to them. We pray that Christian parents will know that godly children are really the thing that pleases God.
Sunday
The Communist Party has strictly forbidden any of their members to participate in any religious activities. People say that one in three of the members are religious--most commonly Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim, in minority regions. Let us pray for those Party members who are practicing Christians. They have much to lose once their faith and convictions are exposed. We pray for their faithfulness to God, their fellowship in their local church and their growth in Christ.
Monday
The Communist Party must wrestle with these key issues in forbidding its members to practice religion: 1. Is Guanyin (goddess of fertility) an object of art or a deity to worship? 2. Is Islam a lifestyle or a faith for all Muslim minorities in China? Many Christians display Bible verses or a picture of the Cross at home to proclaim their faith. We praise God for the boldness of these Christians and pray they may they always be a powerful testimony for the gospel to their neighbors.
星期二
超過一半中國人認為中國普遍存在性別歧視，其中女性找工作比男性困難就是一個明證。即便受過高等教育，擁有博士學位，女性也會被投以異樣的眼光。挫折及歧視取代了毛澤東年代高唱的男女平等待遇的理想。我們禱告主，幫助所有姊妹們能按著神賦予的恩賜服事教會，尊主為大，懷著感恩的心事主愛人。也從神獲得加倍的靈力，在委身事奉中享受與神同行時滿溢的喜樂與充實。
星期三
中國半數的年輕人聲稱自己沒有宗教信仰。大約有四份之一人信仰共產主義；另外有十份之一信奉佛教，基督教或回教。雖然中國的憲制保障宗教自由，然而共產主義和無神論思想卻無孔不入滲透整個教育體制。我們要為所有中國信徒的子女禱告，求主親自堅固祂自己的話語，幫助下一代能從父母身教、言教上學到真理，保守他們在抗拒基督信仰的學校環境中能持守信仰。
星期四
人們認爲中國貧富兩極化將使社會不安定。根據中國政府的標準，年收入六至五十萬人民幣便可歸類為中產階級。一年六萬，相等於月入五千，全中國幾乎很少傳道人是月薪五千元的。按上述標準，中國的基督教可説是窮人的信仰。我們為中國教會禱告，求神大大加力給神的僕人們。在經濟和靈命都貧乏的許多教會裏面忠心服事，仍能以主為樂，事奉滿有果效。
星期五
中國各地風行「公祭熱」，引發了「祖宗爭奪戰」。對歷史名人的爭奪，已成全國的潮流。無論是爲了推廣文化意識、促進旅遊、拉投資、建功德或商業利益，這些公共慶典大都辦得有聲有色。祭祖是華人根深蒂固的文化傳統，近年來拜祭活動更是越演越烈。可惜人們用這些方式求平安和祝福是枉然的，求主讓人看到獲得神真實祝福的正確途徑。
星期六
在中國，很多青少年對未知的前途感到憂慮。事實上父母比自己的孩子更加重視他們的學業成績和前途。超過一半的年輕學子認為父母只關注他們的學業成績，而絕大部分的父母也認為盯好孩子學業成績是他們最重要的任務。求主校正基督徒父母的目光，能明白培育出敬虔的下一代才是真正討神喜悅之處。
星期日
共産黨嚴禁黨員參與一切宗教活動。據説三分之一的黨員有宗教信仰，其中最多信奉佛教、道教和伊斯蘭教（少數民族地區）。我們特別記念基督徒黨員，一旦信仰被公開，他們會蒙受極大的損失。我們禱告：為他們向神的忠心服事、在教會的團契、以及在主裏的成長向神求恩。
星期一
若共産黨要全面禁止黨員涉及宗教活動，必須首先解決幾個課題：其一，觀世音是藝術雕像還是膜拜的神像？其二，伊斯蘭是回民的生活方式還是宗教信仰？許多基督徒在家中掛放聖經金句或十字架表明自己的信仰，我們為這些家庭勇於公開信仰而感恩。求主保守並使用他們在街坊鄰里當中成爲福音最有力的見證。
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Prayer Request 11/13 - 11/19
Tuesday
Pyramid schemes (known in Chinese as ‘chain selling’), are almost an epidemic, especially in rural areas where education levels are low. People are selling all sorts of products to their friends. We pray for all believers, as we are warned that, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. “ (1Ti 6:10)
Wednesday
Pyramid schemes flourish in parts of China. The schemes prey on the vulnerable, typically young people and the elderly, with the promise of employment or lucrative returns for direct sales of products like cosmetics or health supplements. Unfortunately, not a few churches have a problem of recruiting and selling products among their members. We pray for churches to know how to approach this problem, lest the house of the Lord become a marketplace and worse, a den of thieves.
Thursday
Pyramid schemes in China were criminalized in 2005, but they are still booming. People are attracted to them because of the rapid increase in the cost of living, especially the housing costs. Victims are assured of great fortune if they recruit more investors into the operation. We pray that many believers will find true contentment in Jesus and not be fooled by the lure of a quick fortune.
Friday
Pyramid schemes give the illusion to naive people that they can get rich quickly without risk. Pyramid schemes rely on attracting a constant stream of new investors. Victims have sunk everything they have – borrowing money and even selling their houses – on the promise of even bigger returns. Let us pray for those believers who are caught up in all these schemes, so they will awake from their foolish pursuits, be free from the trapping of greed and repent of their sin of the love of money.
Saturday
China has embarked on a series of measures to curb extremist activities to counter internal threats. To enhance the already-strict controls over Muslims and Christians, the government is now banning religious groups from accepting foreign financial aid. We pray that China's government will have the wisdom to check the spread of extremism and cults to ensure the national security, but grant Christians to worship freely. We pray for all in authority, whether in high places of decision making or as the local officials.
Sunday
Under China's tightened religious regulations, all religious groups must register with the government. Previously, unregistered groups were forbidden to host any kind of worship, this ban now includes all schools. Providing facilities to unregistered religious activities will be fined heavily. We pray for the divine protection of the church in China so that Christians can worship in safety. We too pray that believers will persevere and experience His joy in trials and tribulations. We pray, too that believers will persevere and experience the joy of the Lord in their trials and tribulations.
Monday
Young pastors in China have more formal theological training in comparison to their predecessors. They are usually recommended by their senior pastor to attend seminary. However, they do face high expectations once they have completed their training and start serving.We pray that believers will respect their young pastors and not be critical or despise them because of their youth and lack of experience. We pray, too that older pastors will know how to mentor and promote the precious young leaders.
星期二
在中國，金字塔式騙局 (華人又稱此為層壓式推銷) 越來越流行，尤其在教育程度較低的農村地區更傳播得快，而朋友圈在所難免地成為直銷渠道。我們來為信徒禱告，願聖靈提醒眾人，貪財是萬惡之根。有人貪戀錢財，就被引誘離了真道，用許多愁苦把自己刺透了。（提前 6:10)
星期三
層壓式推銷在中國教育程度低的地區迅速蔓延。這套推銷方法以弱勢者為獵物 ( 尤其是年輕人和長者 )，以直接銷售產品（例如化妝品或健康補品）來換取回報，它更保證有一份豐厚的收入。在神的家中也有很多信徒利用主內肢體的親密情誼，到處拉人加入，成為買賣的對象。願神自己來潔淨祂的教會，賜傳道人智慧來糾正與處理，不叫教會成為圖利的地方，甚至成為賊窩。
星期四
層壓式推銷之所以在中國快速盛行，與整體生活費用飆升有關(尤其居住費用)，誘使許多人加入。層壓式推銷的吸引力在於操作簡單：受害者惑於獲得保證，如能召募更多投資者加入，他們就可以獲得更多的財富。求主幫助眾人能在主耶穌裡找到真正的滿足，不要被快速致富的誘惑所欺騙。
星期五
層壓式推銷在無知的百姓心中建立了一個幻影，讓他們以為只要不斷吸引新的投資者加入，便可以不冒任何風險而快速致富。受害者不惜投上一切財產、賣掉房子，甚至舉債，以為投上越多，獲利越大。我們為落在這些騙局中的信徒禱告，求主叫他們從無知的物慾追求中悔改，承認自己貪愛錢財的罪，並快快轉離。
星期六
北京當局近日為「遏制極端主義」並處理眼中的內部威脅，對穆斯林和基督徒更加強化了本已嚴厲的管控，包括禁止宗教團體接受外國捐款。求主給中國政府有智慧遏制極端主義與異端邪教，維護國家安全。又為執政的，以及地方執行官員禱告，求主賜他們分辨的智慧，不致叫誠實正直的信徒遭災。
星期日
在中國收緊的宗教法規下，宗教團體必須向政府登記，未登記的團體即禁止開設禮拜場所，如今也禁止設立學校。此外，提供場地給這類違法的宗教活動者，都會被嚴厲罰款。求神親自保守中國教會，無論是聚會的安全或場地使用都有神的護佑，信徒在試煉與壓迫中，堅定不移、不灰心失望，仍有神所賜的喜樂平安。
星期一
中國年輕一代的傳道人有更多正規的神學訓練；一般而言，他們是受主任牧師推薦接受神學裝備的。可是，一旦他們開始教會的侍奉，就會面臨很高的期望。求主教導信徒曉得敬重教會年輕的牧者，不能看輕他們，也不能因著他們尚缺少經驗就批評或藐視。也求主幫助年長的牧者，知道如何以愛心和恩慈來為主指導和培育這批神所寶貴的年輕領袖。
Pyramid schemes (known in Chinese as ‘chain selling’), are almost an epidemic, especially in rural areas where education levels are low. People are selling all sorts of products to their friends. We pray for all believers, as we are warned that, “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. “ (1Ti 6:10)
Wednesday
Pyramid schemes flourish in parts of China. The schemes prey on the vulnerable, typically young people and the elderly, with the promise of employment or lucrative returns for direct sales of products like cosmetics or health supplements. Unfortunately, not a few churches have a problem of recruiting and selling products among their members. We pray for churches to know how to approach this problem, lest the house of the Lord become a marketplace and worse, a den of thieves.
Thursday
Pyramid schemes in China were criminalized in 2005, but they are still booming. People are attracted to them because of the rapid increase in the cost of living, especially the housing costs. Victims are assured of great fortune if they recruit more investors into the operation. We pray that many believers will find true contentment in Jesus and not be fooled by the lure of a quick fortune.
Friday
Pyramid schemes give the illusion to naive people that they can get rich quickly without risk. Pyramid schemes rely on attracting a constant stream of new investors. Victims have sunk everything they have – borrowing money and even selling their houses – on the promise of even bigger returns. Let us pray for those believers who are caught up in all these schemes, so they will awake from their foolish pursuits, be free from the trapping of greed and repent of their sin of the love of money.
Saturday
China has embarked on a series of measures to curb extremist activities to counter internal threats. To enhance the already-strict controls over Muslims and Christians, the government is now banning religious groups from accepting foreign financial aid. We pray that China's government will have the wisdom to check the spread of extremism and cults to ensure the national security, but grant Christians to worship freely. We pray for all in authority, whether in high places of decision making or as the local officials.
Sunday
Under China's tightened religious regulations, all religious groups must register with the government. Previously, unregistered groups were forbidden to host any kind of worship, this ban now includes all schools. Providing facilities to unregistered religious activities will be fined heavily. We pray for the divine protection of the church in China so that Christians can worship in safety. We too pray that believers will persevere and experience His joy in trials and tribulations. We pray, too that believers will persevere and experience the joy of the Lord in their trials and tribulations.
Monday
Young pastors in China have more formal theological training in comparison to their predecessors. They are usually recommended by their senior pastor to attend seminary. However, they do face high expectations once they have completed their training and start serving.We pray that believers will respect their young pastors and not be critical or despise them because of their youth and lack of experience. We pray, too that older pastors will know how to mentor and promote the precious young leaders.
星期二
在中國，金字塔式騙局 (華人又稱此為層壓式推銷) 越來越流行，尤其在教育程度較低的農村地區更傳播得快，而朋友圈在所難免地成為直銷渠道。我們來為信徒禱告，願聖靈提醒眾人，貪財是萬惡之根。有人貪戀錢財，就被引誘離了真道，用許多愁苦把自己刺透了。（提前 6:10)
星期三
層壓式推銷在中國教育程度低的地區迅速蔓延。這套推銷方法以弱勢者為獵物 ( 尤其是年輕人和長者 )，以直接銷售產品（例如化妝品或健康補品）來換取回報，它更保證有一份豐厚的收入。在神的家中也有很多信徒利用主內肢體的親密情誼，到處拉人加入，成為買賣的對象。願神自己來潔淨祂的教會，賜傳道人智慧來糾正與處理，不叫教會成為圖利的地方，甚至成為賊窩。
星期四
層壓式推銷之所以在中國快速盛行，與整體生活費用飆升有關(尤其居住費用)，誘使許多人加入。層壓式推銷的吸引力在於操作簡單：受害者惑於獲得保證，如能召募更多投資者加入，他們就可以獲得更多的財富。求主幫助眾人能在主耶穌裡找到真正的滿足，不要被快速致富的誘惑所欺騙。
星期五
層壓式推銷在無知的百姓心中建立了一個幻影，讓他們以為只要不斷吸引新的投資者加入，便可以不冒任何風險而快速致富。受害者不惜投上一切財產、賣掉房子，甚至舉債，以為投上越多，獲利越大。我們為落在這些騙局中的信徒禱告，求主叫他們從無知的物慾追求中悔改，承認自己貪愛錢財的罪，並快快轉離。
星期六
北京當局近日為「遏制極端主義」並處理眼中的內部威脅，對穆斯林和基督徒更加強化了本已嚴厲的管控，包括禁止宗教團體接受外國捐款。求主給中國政府有智慧遏制極端主義與異端邪教，維護國家安全。又為執政的，以及地方執行官員禱告，求主賜他們分辨的智慧，不致叫誠實正直的信徒遭災。
星期日
在中國收緊的宗教法規下，宗教團體必須向政府登記，未登記的團體即禁止開設禮拜場所，如今也禁止設立學校。此外，提供場地給這類違法的宗教活動者，都會被嚴厲罰款。求神親自保守中國教會，無論是聚會的安全或場地使用都有神的護佑，信徒在試煉與壓迫中，堅定不移、不灰心失望，仍有神所賜的喜樂平安。
星期一
中國年輕一代的傳道人有更多正規的神學訓練；一般而言，他們是受主任牧師推薦接受神學裝備的。可是，一旦他們開始教會的侍奉，就會面臨很高的期望。求主教導信徒曉得敬重教會年輕的牧者，不能看輕他們，也不能因著他們尚缺少經驗就批評或藐視。也求主幫助年長的牧者，知道如何以愛心和恩慈來為主指導和培育這批神所寶貴的年輕領袖。
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Prayer Request 10/30 - 11/5
Tuesday
The new religious regulations single out and levy heavy fines on landlords who rent to unregistered house churches. Geographically, China is huge and enforcement of law varies in degree from place to place. It is difficult to predict how local officials will implement these new religious regulations. In the past, house churches worshiped at homes of believers, rather than in public. It is not known whether they will return to worshipping at homes again. No matter where they worship, we pray that God will give them much faith and love, and the number of people saved will grow.
Wednesday
The new religious regulations will restrict any Chinese citizen from participating in religious activities abroad. In the past, it was possible to attend special meetings or training overseas as part of leisure travel. It is not clear how this new restriction will be enforced. Many Chinese students study theology in overseas seminaries. We ask the Lord for protection for them and their families and that He will enable them to finish their training and be equipped to be God’s servants and bless the churches they will serve.
Thursday
In the past, churches in China have had few if any meaningful programs for children and thus many parents chose to keep their children at home. Such a common practice led to very few children in church and believers’ children with little spiritual knowledge.We pray that churches will not allow their young ones to drift away, helping parents to know the heart of God, to teach their children to know God from a young age and so they will not stray from God.
Friday
Since 2014, many churches in Zhejiang Province have had their crosses forcibly removed. The outlook for churches was dire then but the great door of the Gospel was not shut. Churches throughout China have reported increased interference or clamp down, and more crosses have been removed in other provinces. We pray for churches in China as they face the tightening of religious policy and regulations. May the Lord give comfort and a bonus to all believers. We know that God is in control and He will safeguard His churches.
Saturday
Those churches that had their crosses demolished are still very much active today. Their focus is no longer on their buildings, but the are much more willing to invest their resources in building up spiritual leaders. A church is always about people rather than the building. We pray that more churches will see the great need of building leaders and training co-workers in every aspect of ministry, and seriously equipping new and younger leaders.
Sunday
In the past few years, opportunities to publish Christian books have decreased significantly in China. However, a lot more Christian materials are available through digital publishing, so the effect of Christian books has in fact expanded enormously. As churches in China adapt to tightening regulations, we pray for the grace of God and boldness to obey His calling and seek new opportunities for their churches.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China has better education and resources for training. At the same time, they face huge challenges in how to pastor a more educated congregation and in a changing social environment. We praise God for many believers in urban churches who are quite well-educated or professionals. We pray for wisdom and vision for church leaders, and that they will know how to minister to the younger and more educated believers, especially when they themselves do not have a high education.
星期二
新的宗教事務條例懲罰出租聚會地點給家庭教會的房東。中國幅員太大，各地執法嚴謹程度未必一致，地方政府如何執法難以預測。過去政府對家庭教會的限制比較寬鬆，現今新例給家庭教會帶來許多阻撓。求主加添他們信心和愛心，不論前途如何，對主仍是一樣火熱。求主也繼續把得救的人數加給他們。
星期三
新的宗教事務條例規定人民不能到境外參加宗教活動。過去日子，弟兄姊妹因「自由行」或免簽證能到海外參加特會或培訓，但現下條例規定則變成違法，後續如何管控還需觀察。不少中國神學生在海外神學院接受訓練，求主保守他們能完成神學裝備，做一個合神心意的工人，成為神使用的器皿，都人得著益處。
星期四
教會如果沒有適合兒童的聚會，信徒多半便不會帶子女上教會，以致許多信徒的第二代失卻在教會受造就的機會。求主提醒教會不要再錯過下一代，也幫助信徒父母明白神的心意，教導孩子從小認識神，到老也不偏離。
星期五
在2014年浙江省的十字拆遷危機中，當時沒有人對基督教未來活動的空間樂觀，但福音的大門並未關閉。然而，這一年來，在其他省份裡，有更多教會的十字架也被拆掉。我們為面臨巨大壓力的中國教會禱告，祈求神親自安慰，賜下勇氣，叫愛祂的子民深信神知道他們的患難，在受苦的時候仍然至死忠心，祂必將生命的冠冕賜給他們。
星期六
那些被拆毀十字架的禮拜堂，至今仍然繼續有聚會。很明顯的是，他們事工的重點，不再是教堂的建築，而是更願意將資源投入領袖的培養及同工的建立。願主施恩，讓教會明白同工的培訓和栽培新一代的領袖是何等重要，這價值遠遠超過富麗堂皇的建築物。
星期日
過去幾年，中國出版基督教書籍的大大減少；然而，通過網路等電子媒介，信徒可以獲得更多基督信仰的內容，電子信仰產品的影響力已經大大擴展。因著宗教管制嚴謹，中國教會的事工空間日益減少。我們為中國教會向神求恩典和剛強的心，能繼續在逆境中，持守神的呼召，用諸般智慧把神的道傳開。
星期一
中國新一代教會領袖比他們的前輩有更好的教育和訓練的資源，可是，也面對更大的挑戰，不僅牧養一個高教育文化的會眾群，同時，也處在巨大變化的社會環境裡。我們為教會許多受過高等教育和專業人士禱告，求主幫助他們謙卑受教。又求主賜教會領袖有智慧和異象，曉得如何牧養這些年輕又有高文化的信徒，尤其牧者沒有同樣的背景，更額外需要主額外恩典。
The new religious regulations single out and levy heavy fines on landlords who rent to unregistered house churches. Geographically, China is huge and enforcement of law varies in degree from place to place. It is difficult to predict how local officials will implement these new religious regulations. In the past, house churches worshiped at homes of believers, rather than in public. It is not known whether they will return to worshipping at homes again. No matter where they worship, we pray that God will give them much faith and love, and the number of people saved will grow.
Wednesday
The new religious regulations will restrict any Chinese citizen from participating in religious activities abroad. In the past, it was possible to attend special meetings or training overseas as part of leisure travel. It is not clear how this new restriction will be enforced. Many Chinese students study theology in overseas seminaries. We ask the Lord for protection for them and their families and that He will enable them to finish their training and be equipped to be God’s servants and bless the churches they will serve.
Thursday
In the past, churches in China have had few if any meaningful programs for children and thus many parents chose to keep their children at home. Such a common practice led to very few children in church and believers’ children with little spiritual knowledge.We pray that churches will not allow their young ones to drift away, helping parents to know the heart of God, to teach their children to know God from a young age and so they will not stray from God.
Friday
Since 2014, many churches in Zhejiang Province have had their crosses forcibly removed. The outlook for churches was dire then but the great door of the Gospel was not shut. Churches throughout China have reported increased interference or clamp down, and more crosses have been removed in other provinces. We pray for churches in China as they face the tightening of religious policy and regulations. May the Lord give comfort and a bonus to all believers. We know that God is in control and He will safeguard His churches.
Saturday
Those churches that had their crosses demolished are still very much active today. Their focus is no longer on their buildings, but the are much more willing to invest their resources in building up spiritual leaders. A church is always about people rather than the building. We pray that more churches will see the great need of building leaders and training co-workers in every aspect of ministry, and seriously equipping new and younger leaders.
Sunday
In the past few years, opportunities to publish Christian books have decreased significantly in China. However, a lot more Christian materials are available through digital publishing, so the effect of Christian books has in fact expanded enormously. As churches in China adapt to tightening regulations, we pray for the grace of God and boldness to obey His calling and seek new opportunities for their churches.
Monday
The new generation of pastors in China has better education and resources for training. At the same time, they face huge challenges in how to pastor a more educated congregation and in a changing social environment. We praise God for many believers in urban churches who are quite well-educated or professionals. We pray for wisdom and vision for church leaders, and that they will know how to minister to the younger and more educated believers, especially when they themselves do not have a high education.
星期二
新的宗教事務條例懲罰出租聚會地點給家庭教會的房東。中國幅員太大，各地執法嚴謹程度未必一致，地方政府如何執法難以預測。過去政府對家庭教會的限制比較寬鬆，現今新例給家庭教會帶來許多阻撓。求主加添他們信心和愛心，不論前途如何，對主仍是一樣火熱。求主也繼續把得救的人數加給他們。
星期三
新的宗教事務條例規定人民不能到境外參加宗教活動。過去日子，弟兄姊妹因「自由行」或免簽證能到海外參加特會或培訓，但現下條例規定則變成違法，後續如何管控還需觀察。不少中國神學生在海外神學院接受訓練，求主保守他們能完成神學裝備，做一個合神心意的工人，成為神使用的器皿，都人得著益處。
星期四
教會如果沒有適合兒童的聚會，信徒多半便不會帶子女上教會，以致許多信徒的第二代失卻在教會受造就的機會。求主提醒教會不要再錯過下一代，也幫助信徒父母明白神的心意，教導孩子從小認識神，到老也不偏離。
星期五
在2014年浙江省的十字拆遷危機中，當時沒有人對基督教未來活動的空間樂觀，但福音的大門並未關閉。然而，這一年來，在其他省份裡，有更多教會的十字架也被拆掉。我們為面臨巨大壓力的中國教會禱告，祈求神親自安慰，賜下勇氣，叫愛祂的子民深信神知道他們的患難，在受苦的時候仍然至死忠心，祂必將生命的冠冕賜給他們。
星期六
那些被拆毀十字架的禮拜堂，至今仍然繼續有聚會。很明顯的是，他們事工的重點，不再是教堂的建築，而是更願意將資源投入領袖的培養及同工的建立。願主施恩，讓教會明白同工的培訓和栽培新一代的領袖是何等重要，這價值遠遠超過富麗堂皇的建築物。
星期日
過去幾年，中國出版基督教書籍的大大減少；然而，通過網路等電子媒介，信徒可以獲得更多基督信仰的內容，電子信仰產品的影響力已經大大擴展。因著宗教管制嚴謹，中國教會的事工空間日益減少。我們為中國教會向神求恩典和剛強的心，能繼續在逆境中，持守神的呼召，用諸般智慧把神的道傳開。
星期一
中國新一代教會領袖比他們的前輩有更好的教育和訓練的資源，可是，也面對更大的挑戰，不僅牧養一個高教育文化的會眾群，同時，也處在巨大變化的社會環境裡。我們為教會許多受過高等教育和專業人士禱告，求主幫助他們謙卑受教。又求主賜教會領袖有智慧和異象，曉得如何牧養這些年輕又有高文化的信徒，尤其牧者沒有同樣的背景，更額外需要主額外恩典。
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Prayer Request 10/23 - 10/29
Tuesday
Churches in China have improved much in the past two decades, especially in the qualities of pastors and their preaching, but some problems persist. Houses churches usually put great emphasis on spirituality to the extreme of denouncing anything else as secular and evil. We pray for the powerful preaching of Biblical truth balanced with their own life testimonies.
Wednesday
In urban churches in China, there are many new believers who are young and need attention from their pastors. This increases the workload of pastors because there are fewer properly trained and full-time pastors to start with. We pray for wisdom for urban pastors so they could train those who are able to teach and to care, and build up a team of coworkers.
Thursday
A typical pastor in China has an enormous and exhausting workload. They often answer tens of phone calls for guidance daily, in addition to their busy schedule of caring, follow up, visitation, preaching and evangelism. Pastors are not supermen. They have families and need to care for their aging parents. We pray for wisdom so they will have both a balanced ministry and family life.
Friday
Pastors in China are stretched thin physically and emotionally because they usually have multiple congregations at different meeting points. They have no time for personal pleasures and exercise. Also, they are under constant stress because of the tenuous political and security concerns. We pray for God's special grace for His servants. We pray, too that believers would appreciate and value their pastors and families, expressing often their thanks of their pastors in concrete and practical ways.
Saturday
In China, pastors cannot enjoy the social benefit and health coverages like regular employees because house churches are not deemed legal entities and they often do not possess the proper “hukou” - residency permit required for social benefits. We remember the labor of all pastors and their family's needs. We pray that churches will step up to meet their needs, showing love and care for their shepherds, rather than wrongly demanding pastors to live by faith.
Sunday
Many pastors in China are spiritually overextended. Among the house churches, there are few or no resources to help with spiritual renewal. A time of rest or sabbatical is practically unheard of. We pray for many pastors who feel spent and nearly burnt out. May the Lord have mercy on them, giving renewal and revival to them and their families.
Monday
In China, the pastor's wife is perhaps the loneliest person in the church. Traditional machismo and a low view of the pastor's wife, many only see them as helpers and some even ignore their roles. Many pastor's wives are literally silent or in the shadow. We pray that God comforts them, letting them know their sacrifice is treasured by Him. We pray, too that churches will see the spiritual gifts they possess and encourage them to serve accordingly to build up the house of God.
星期二
中國教會經過近二十年的發展，傳道人的生命素質和講台訉息的質量已有很大提升，但許多明顯的問題仍然存在。過去家庭教會特別著重靈命的追求，十分強調聖俗兩極化，易流於極端屬靈而無法融入現實生活。求主賜牧者秉忠心有力地傳講聖經的真理，更能以自己的生命見證來平衡所傳的道。
星期三
城市新興教會的第一代基督徒比例較高，且亦以青年居多，需要牧者關照處極多，牧養的需要量非常大。另一方面，傳道人總比例較低，而受過裝備的全職傳道人更是不足，許多講台服事是由帶職事奉的弟兄姊妹承擔的。求主賜牧者智慧，將神的教訓交託那些忠心善教導的人，培養他們分擔牧養、關懷的責任，而不需一人挑起教會所有的重擔。
星期四
許多中國牧者往往每天要接幾十個輔導電話，再加上個人關懷、探訪跟進、宣講話語和傳揚福音等工作，常常使他們筋疲力竭。牧師不是超人，他們也需要在家中盡上孝親、教養子女、聯繫配偶等人倫責任。求主賜他們智慧，能有平衡的事奉與美滿和樂的家庭，讓生命和生活都成為喜樂、蒙福的見證。
星期五
中國傳道人普遍有身心靈透支的情況 ，由於聚會點太多和分散，事工繁忙，致使疲於奔命，且身體又缺乏鍛練。另一方面，政治環境及安全因素導致傳道人心理承受重壓。願主恩待祂的僕人，感動羊群知道體貼珍惜牧者和他們家人的擺上，學習常以實際方式來表達對他們的感激。
星期六
由於戶籍制度及家庭教會尚未有合法的身份，導致家庭教會傳道人的醫保和福利都嚴重缺乏，造成許多神僕均承受極不公的對待。我們再次記念中國傳道人的辛苦服侍，還要擔心子女的教育。求主感動教會在財物上供應傳道人，將關愛化為實際的行動，盡上會眾當盡的本份，而不是一味要求他們靠信心生活。
星期日
中國傳道人的靈性嚴重透支，尤其家庭教會的牧者。面對各方面的資源不足，安息年制度不健全，再加上能為教會守望的屬靈長輩亦嚴重缺乏，致使他們瀕臨耗盡的危機。許多牧者處於只出不進的狀態，沒有休假，也沒有靈命更新，非常危險。 求主施恩憐憫，醫治他們的身、心靈和家庭關係，願神的靈來復興他們和他們的家庭。
星期一
中國牧者的妻子(師母)或許是教會中最孤獨的角色。因為華人文化的大男子主義或教會看師母角色的偏差，許多人都忽略師母的作用或視其擺上為理所當然。許多師母處於隱於背後，默默無聲服事的狀態，求主安慰她們，知道自己的擺上是神所寶貴，所悅納的。我們禱告：教會能肯定師母的恩賜及擺上，讓她們能按著神的心意參與服事，共建神家。
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Prayer Request 10/16 - 10/22
Tuesday
Half of the people in China believe that sexual discrimination is real there and it is much harder for a woman to find a job than it is for a man. Even among the highly educated people, women who have a doctor's degree are considered odd. The idea of equality of women under Mao has given way to frustration and discrimination for many women. Let us pray for all the sisters serving in the churches that they will receive a double portion of the Spirit and serve joyfully with dedication and love.
Wednesday
Half of the young people in China say they have no religion at all. About 1/4 believe in Communism and another 1/10 believe in Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Although China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Communism and atheism are universally taught at all levels in the educational system.We uplift all the children of believers and ask the Lord to safeguard His Word which they learned at home through the inspiration of their parents even though their schools that are often hostile to Christianity.
Thursday
People have pointed out that the extreme polarization of wealth in China is socially unstable and dangerous. According to the standard set by the government, a family making 60000 to 500,000 RMB yearly，an monthly income of at least 50,000 is considered a middle-class family. Such monthly is unheard of among Chinese pastors so by this definition Christianity in China is still a religion of the poor. Let us pray for the churches in China that the shepherds will be faithful in spite of the financial and spiritual poverty of many churches.
Friday
There is a big competition among municipalities to host the “official worship” of famous Chinese historical figures. Many of these public festival or events are elaborate, meant to promote awareness, tourism, investment, or pure financial interest. Chinese are embracing the practice of ancestral worship with a vengeance. Let us pray for this trend, for people to look to fill the spiritual void and to avoid any shortcut to divine blessing.
Saturday
Most of the youth in China struggle with uncertainty about their futures. Their parents are much more concerned about the grades and future lives of their children. A majority of the young people feel their parents care only about their grades and a great majority of the parents agree that academic performance is the most important thing to them. We pray that Christian parents will know that godly children are really the thing that pleases God.
Sunday
The Communist Party has strictly forbidden any of their members to participate in any religious activities. People say that one in three of the members are religious--most commonly Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim, in minority regions. Let us pray for those Party members who are practicing Christians. They have much to lose once their faith and convictions are exposed. We pray for their faithfulness to God, their fellowship in their local church and their growth in Christ.
Monday
The Communist Party must wrestle with these key issues in forbidding its members to practice religion: 1. Is Guanyin (goddess of fertility) an object of art or a deity to worship? 2. Is Islam a lifestyle or a faith for all Muslim minorities in China? Many Christians display Bible verses or a picture of the Cross at home to proclaim their faith. We praise God for the boldness of these Christians and pray they may they always be a powerful testimony for the gospel to their neighbors.
星期二
超過一半中國人認為中國普遍存在性別歧視，其中女性找工作比男性困難就是一個明證。即便受過高等教育，擁有博士學位，女性也會被投以異樣的眼光。挫折及歧視取代了毛澤東年代高唱的男女平等待遇的理想。我們禱告主，幫助所有姊妹們能按著神賦予的恩賜服事教會，尊主為大，懷著感恩的心事主愛人。也從神獲得加倍的靈力，在委身事奉中享受與神同行時滿溢的喜樂與充實。
星期三
中國半數的年輕人聲稱自己沒有宗教信仰。大約有四份之一人信仰共產主義；另外有十份之一信奉佛教，基督教或回教。雖然中國的憲制保障宗教自由，然而共產主義和無神論思想卻無孔不入滲透整個教育體制。我們要為中國信徒的子女禱告，求主親自堅固祂自己的話語，幫助下一代能從父母身教、言教上學到真理，保守他們在抗拒基督信仰的學校環境中能持守信仰。
星期四
人們認爲中國貧富兩極化將使社會不安定。根據政府的標準，年收入六至五十萬人民幣便可歸類為中產階級。一年六萬，相等於月入五千，全中國幾乎很少傳道人是月薪五千元的。按上述標準，中國的基督教可説是窮人的信仰。我們為中國教會禱告，求神大大加力給神的僕人們。在經濟和靈命都貧乏的許多教會裏面忠心服事，仍能以主為樂，事奉滿有果效。
星期五
中國各地風行「公祭熱」，引發了「祖宗爭奪戰」。對歷史名人的爭奪，已成全國的潮流。無論是爲了推廣文化意識、促進旅遊、拉投資、建功德或商業利益，這些公共慶典大都辦得有聲有色。祭祖是華人根深蒂固的文化傳統，近年來拜祭活動更是越演越烈。可惜人們用這些方式求平安和祝福是枉然的，求主讓人看到獲得神真實祝福的正確途徑。
星期六
很多中國青少年對未知的前途感到憂慮。事實上父母比自己的孩子更加重視他們的學業成績和前途。超過一半的年輕學子認為父母只關注他們的學業成績，而絕大部分的父母也認為盯好孩子學業成績是他們最重要的任務。求主校正基督徒父母的目光，能明白培育出敬虔的下一代才是真正討神喜悅之處。
星期日
共産黨嚴禁黨員參與一切宗教活動。非正式統計約有三分之一的黨員有宗教信仰，其中最多信奉佛教、道教和伊斯蘭教（少數民族地區）。我們特別記念基督徒黨員，一旦信仰被公開，他們會蒙受極大的損失。我們禱告：為他們向神的忠心服事、在教會的團契、以及在主裏的成長向神求恩。
星期一
在中國若要全面禁止黨員涉及宗教活動，共産黨必須首先解決幾個課題：其一，觀世音是藝術雕像還是膜拜的神像？其二，伊斯蘭是回民的生活方式還是宗教信仰？許多基督徒在家中掛放聖經金句或十字架，表明自己的信仰。我們為這些家庭勇於公開信仰而感恩，求主保守並使用他們在街坊鄰里當中成爲福音最有力的見證。
Half of the people in China believe that sexual discrimination is real there and it is much harder for a woman to find a job than it is for a man. Even among the highly educated people, women who have a doctor's degree are considered odd. The idea of equality of women under Mao has given way to frustration and discrimination for many women. Let us pray for all the sisters serving in the churches that they will receive a double portion of the Spirit and serve joyfully with dedication and love.
Wednesday
Half of the young people in China say they have no religion at all. About 1/4 believe in Communism and another 1/10 believe in Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Although China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Communism and atheism are universally taught at all levels in the educational system.We uplift all the children of believers and ask the Lord to safeguard His Word which they learned at home through the inspiration of their parents even though their schools that are often hostile to Christianity.
Thursday
People have pointed out that the extreme polarization of wealth in China is socially unstable and dangerous. According to the standard set by the government, a family making 60000 to 500,000 RMB yearly，an monthly income of at least 50,000 is considered a middle-class family. Such monthly is unheard of among Chinese pastors so by this definition Christianity in China is still a religion of the poor. Let us pray for the churches in China that the shepherds will be faithful in spite of the financial and spiritual poverty of many churches.
Friday
There is a big competition among municipalities to host the “official worship” of famous Chinese historical figures. Many of these public festival or events are elaborate, meant to promote awareness, tourism, investment, or pure financial interest. Chinese are embracing the practice of ancestral worship with a vengeance. Let us pray for this trend, for people to look to fill the spiritual void and to avoid any shortcut to divine blessing.
Saturday
Most of the youth in China struggle with uncertainty about their futures. Their parents are much more concerned about the grades and future lives of their children. A majority of the young people feel their parents care only about their grades and a great majority of the parents agree that academic performance is the most important thing to them. We pray that Christian parents will know that godly children are really the thing that pleases God.
Sunday
The Communist Party has strictly forbidden any of their members to participate in any religious activities. People say that one in three of the members are religious--most commonly Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim, in minority regions. Let us pray for those Party members who are practicing Christians. They have much to lose once their faith and convictions are exposed. We pray for their faithfulness to God, their fellowship in their local church and their growth in Christ.
Monday
The Communist Party must wrestle with these key issues in forbidding its members to practice religion: 1. Is Guanyin (goddess of fertility) an object of art or a deity to worship? 2. Is Islam a lifestyle or a faith for all Muslim minorities in China? Many Christians display Bible verses or a picture of the Cross at home to proclaim their faith. We praise God for the boldness of these Christians and pray they may they always be a powerful testimony for the gospel to their neighbors.
星期二
超過一半中國人認為中國普遍存在性別歧視，其中女性找工作比男性困難就是一個明證。即便受過高等教育，擁有博士學位，女性也會被投以異樣的眼光。挫折及歧視取代了毛澤東年代高唱的男女平等待遇的理想。我們禱告主，幫助所有姊妹們能按著神賦予的恩賜服事教會，尊主為大，懷著感恩的心事主愛人。也從神獲得加倍的靈力，在委身事奉中享受與神同行時滿溢的喜樂與充實。
星期三
中國半數的年輕人聲稱自己沒有宗教信仰。大約有四份之一人信仰共產主義；另外有十份之一信奉佛教，基督教或回教。雖然中國的憲制保障宗教自由，然而共產主義和無神論思想卻無孔不入滲透整個教育體制。我們要為中國信徒的子女禱告，求主親自堅固祂自己的話語，幫助下一代能從父母身教、言教上學到真理，保守他們在抗拒基督信仰的學校環境中能持守信仰。
星期四
人們認爲中國貧富兩極化將使社會不安定。根據政府的標準，年收入六至五十萬人民幣便可歸類為中產階級。一年六萬，相等於月入五千，全中國幾乎很少傳道人是月薪五千元的。按上述標準，中國的基督教可説是窮人的信仰。我們為中國教會禱告，求神大大加力給神的僕人們。在經濟和靈命都貧乏的許多教會裏面忠心服事，仍能以主為樂，事奉滿有果效。
星期五
中國各地風行「公祭熱」，引發了「祖宗爭奪戰」。對歷史名人的爭奪，已成全國的潮流。無論是爲了推廣文化意識、促進旅遊、拉投資、建功德或商業利益，這些公共慶典大都辦得有聲有色。祭祖是華人根深蒂固的文化傳統，近年來拜祭活動更是越演越烈。可惜人們用這些方式求平安和祝福是枉然的，求主讓人看到獲得神真實祝福的正確途徑。
星期六
很多中國青少年對未知的前途感到憂慮。事實上父母比自己的孩子更加重視他們的學業成績和前途。超過一半的年輕學子認為父母只關注他們的學業成績，而絕大部分的父母也認為盯好孩子學業成績是他們最重要的任務。求主校正基督徒父母的目光，能明白培育出敬虔的下一代才是真正討神喜悅之處。
星期日
共産黨嚴禁黨員參與一切宗教活動。非正式統計約有三分之一的黨員有宗教信仰，其中最多信奉佛教、道教和伊斯蘭教（少數民族地區）。我們特別記念基督徒黨員，一旦信仰被公開，他們會蒙受極大的損失。我們禱告：為他們向神的忠心服事、在教會的團契、以及在主裏的成長向神求恩。
星期一
在中國若要全面禁止黨員涉及宗教活動，共産黨必須首先解決幾個課題：其一，觀世音是藝術雕像還是膜拜的神像？其二，伊斯蘭是回民的生活方式還是宗教信仰？許多基督徒在家中掛放聖經金句或十字架，表明自己的信仰。我們為這些家庭勇於公開信仰而感恩，求主保守並使用他們在街坊鄰里當中成爲福音最有力的見證。
Tuesday, October 09, 2018
Prayer Requeset 10/9 - 10/15
Tuesday
China is aging at an alarming rate. She has 150 million people who are over sixty-five years old (about 10.8 % of the population) so for every one hundred people in China eleven of them are over sixty-five years old. The graying phenomenon is particularly pronounced among the rural churches in China. Although this poses a great challenge to church workers, we trust God has a great plan for the churches in China and He can still bring about a revival.
Wednesday
China is the only country in the world with more than 100 million elderly people. Over the past decade, the number of people over eighty years old in China has almost doubled to more than twenty million. Many pastors consider that ministry to elderly people is a waste of time and produces no benefit for church growth. We pray for all who share the gospel with elderly people who are not believers that the Lord will give them the bountiful joy of seeing lost souls saved.
Thursday
As young people leave home to work in the cities, the number of elderly people living on their own has grown to fifty percent. Among them, 33 million are disabled or at least partially so. Many older believers have become homebound and simply cannot get to church. We thank the Lord for those who visit, taking food to share and pray with them. As Jesus has said, “They have done it unto Him”.
Friday
China has established a basic social pension system. Currently, there are 58 million retirees who receive state pensions (a mere 4.5% of the population) and the new rural social pension should cover 60% of all the counties. Many Chinese start to collect a pension when they are fifty-five years old. We pray for this age group of believers who have much time and are able to help out with ministry in the church that God and the leaders in the church will inspire them to serve in their respective places of worship.
Saturday
In 2010，one elderly person was supported by five working-age people in China. A new estimate says that the ratio will drop to three people of working age to support each elderly person by 2020. There are older believers who are able to visit and care for other elderly people in their church. We pray that God raises up more of them to be a great blessing to their church and a wonderful example for young believers.
Sunday
The traditional Chinese value of "raise children to provide retirement” has become untenable under the one-child policy. Young couples must now care for four elderly parents because they are the only children in their families. Many elderly believers live in terrible loneliness, their children are far away and the church is essentially their family. We pray that young believers will treat them with respect and show them tenderness, being willing to spend time with them.
Monday
Many elderly Chinese are accepting the idea of going to a nursing home. Only 1.8% of the elderly population in China lives in a nursing home compared with 2-3% in a developing country. There is usually a long waiting list to get in. Unfortunately, sometimes churches must care for elderly people who are neglected and even "abandoned". May the Lord richly bless those who reach out to those elderly people in need showing them the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
星期二
中國從1999年起加速進入高齡化社會。中國65歲以上老年人超過1.5億人，在2016年就已占總人口的10.8%，也就是每100個中國人裡，就有11個65歲以上的老人。農村教會的老齡化是明顯的事實，對農村傳道人更是巨大的挑戰，維持牧會確實不易。我們深信神對中國教會的未來有祂美好的計劃，願神的僕人繼續做好管家的本份，按時分糧，等候復興的到來。
星期三
中國成為目前世界上唯一老年人口超過一億的國家。近十年裡，八十歲以上高齡老人增加了近一倍，總人數已經超過二千萬。有不少傳道人覺得做老人事工對教會成長沒有直接的實質上的好處。求主校正有這樣心思的肢體，更求記念那些積極關心年長信徒及向社區中老人傳福音的弟兄姐妹。願神賜給他們更多參與靈魂得救的喜樂。
星期四
隨著年輕人外出工作，父母與子女異地居住，中國城鄉中的空巢老人越來越多，現在幾乎高於一半的家庭；其中失能、半失能老年人數多達三千三百萬。許多年長信徒無法出門，更不能參加聚會，往往困守家中。我們為那些恆常去探訪、分享食物，也陪長者讀經和禱告的肢體獻上感恩，因為他們的愛心，就是做在主的身上。
星期五
雖然中國向來有基本的農村社會養老保險，但是能領取養老金的人數只有占人口的 4.5%（5170萬人）。現時在新政策下，百分之六十的農村都有養老保險。 許多人過了五十五歲就在拿養老金。我們祈求主，感動這些年紀尚有可為的信徒，在有時間和精力下，能多作主工，參與教會各樣的事工。願教會領袖能激勵他們，在教會有更多的參與和服事。
星期六
按2010 年人口比例，每五個中國勞動人口負擔一個老人。預測到2020年，約三個勞動人口負擔一個老人，至2030年，約二點五個勞動人口要負擔1個老人。教會中也有不少精力充沛的長者，可以去探望關懷其他的老人，且能分享救恩。求主興起更多有這樣心志的弟兄姐妹，成為教會的祝福和年輕信徒的榜樣。
星期日
在一胎制下，傳統的「養兒防老」觀念已經變成異想天開的事。兩個獨生子女組成的家庭要承擔四個或以上老人的養老，無論在經濟上還是精力上，都給年輕人「難以承受之重」的責任和壓力。許多年長的信徒非常孤單，他們的孩子在外地打工，教會肢體就是他們實質上的家人。我們求神幫助年輕信徒們，尊重教會的長者，關心他們如同自己的父母。
星期一
老年人已逐漸開始接受搬入院養老的方式，但中國社會養老服務實在遠遠不足，往往有長長一串等候名單。中國養老床位總數僅佔老年人口的1.8%，低於發展中國家2%至3%的水平。教會常常需要照顧那些被家人忽視，甚至「拋棄」的老人。願神大大的祝福那些為長者們伸出援手的信徒們的擺上，感謝他們以耶穌的愛及憐憫來關心照顧這些長者。
China is aging at an alarming rate. She has 150 million people who are over sixty-five years old (about 10.8 % of the population) so for every one hundred people in China eleven of them are over sixty-five years old. The graying phenomenon is particularly pronounced among the rural churches in China. Although this poses a great challenge to church workers, we trust God has a great plan for the churches in China and He can still bring about a revival.
Wednesday
China is the only country in the world with more than 100 million elderly people. Over the past decade, the number of people over eighty years old in China has almost doubled to more than twenty million. Many pastors consider that ministry to elderly people is a waste of time and produces no benefit for church growth. We pray for all who share the gospel with elderly people who are not believers that the Lord will give them the bountiful joy of seeing lost souls saved.
Thursday
As young people leave home to work in the cities, the number of elderly people living on their own has grown to fifty percent. Among them, 33 million are disabled or at least partially so. Many older believers have become homebound and simply cannot get to church. We thank the Lord for those who visit, taking food to share and pray with them. As Jesus has said, “They have done it unto Him”.
Friday
China has established a basic social pension system. Currently, there are 58 million retirees who receive state pensions (a mere 4.5% of the population) and the new rural social pension should cover 60% of all the counties. Many Chinese start to collect a pension when they are fifty-five years old. We pray for this age group of believers who have much time and are able to help out with ministry in the church that God and the leaders in the church will inspire them to serve in their respective places of worship.
Saturday
In 2010，one elderly person was supported by five working-age people in China. A new estimate says that the ratio will drop to three people of working age to support each elderly person by 2020. There are older believers who are able to visit and care for other elderly people in their church. We pray that God raises up more of them to be a great blessing to their church and a wonderful example for young believers.
Sunday
The traditional Chinese value of "raise children to provide retirement” has become untenable under the one-child policy. Young couples must now care for four elderly parents because they are the only children in their families. Many elderly believers live in terrible loneliness, their children are far away and the church is essentially their family. We pray that young believers will treat them with respect and show them tenderness, being willing to spend time with them.
Monday
Many elderly Chinese are accepting the idea of going to a nursing home. Only 1.8% of the elderly population in China lives in a nursing home compared with 2-3% in a developing country. There is usually a long waiting list to get in. Unfortunately, sometimes churches must care for elderly people who are neglected and even "abandoned". May the Lord richly bless those who reach out to those elderly people in need showing them the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.
星期二
中國從1999年起加速進入高齡化社會。中國65歲以上老年人超過1.5億人，在2016年就已占總人口的10.8%，也就是每100個中國人裡，就有11個65歲以上的老人。農村教會的老齡化是明顯的事實，對農村傳道人更是巨大的挑戰，維持牧會確實不易。我們深信神對中國教會的未來有祂美好的計劃，願神的僕人繼續做好管家的本份，按時分糧，等候復興的到來。
星期三
中國成為目前世界上唯一老年人口超過一億的國家。近十年裡，八十歲以上高齡老人增加了近一倍，總人數已經超過二千萬。有不少傳道人覺得做老人事工對教會成長沒有直接的實質上的好處。求主校正有這樣心思的肢體，更求記念那些積極關心年長信徒及向社區中老人傳福音的弟兄姐妹。願神賜給他們更多參與靈魂得救的喜樂。
星期四
隨著年輕人外出工作，父母與子女異地居住，中國城鄉中的空巢老人越來越多，現在幾乎高於一半的家庭；其中失能、半失能老年人數多達三千三百萬。許多年長信徒無法出門，更不能參加聚會，往往困守家中。我們為那些恆常去探訪、分享食物，也陪長者讀經和禱告的肢體獻上感恩，因為他們的愛心，就是做在主的身上。
星期五
雖然中國向來有基本的農村社會養老保險，但是能領取養老金的人數只有占人口的 4.5%（5170萬人）。現時在新政策下，百分之六十的農村都有養老保險。 許多人過了五十五歲就在拿養老金。我們祈求主，感動這些年紀尚有可為的信徒，在有時間和精力下，能多作主工，參與教會各樣的事工。願教會領袖能激勵他們，在教會有更多的參與和服事。
星期六
按2010 年人口比例，每五個中國勞動人口負擔一個老人。預測到2020年，約三個勞動人口負擔一個老人，至2030年，約二點五個勞動人口要負擔1個老人。教會中也有不少精力充沛的長者，可以去探望關懷其他的老人，且能分享救恩。求主興起更多有這樣心志的弟兄姐妹，成為教會的祝福和年輕信徒的榜樣。
星期日
在一胎制下，傳統的「養兒防老」觀念已經變成異想天開的事。兩個獨生子女組成的家庭要承擔四個或以上老人的養老，無論在經濟上還是精力上，都給年輕人「難以承受之重」的責任和壓力。許多年長的信徒非常孤單，他們的孩子在外地打工，教會肢體就是他們實質上的家人。我們求神幫助年輕信徒們，尊重教會的長者，關心他們如同自己的父母。
星期一
老年人已逐漸開始接受搬入院養老的方式，但中國社會養老服務實在遠遠不足，往往有長長一串等候名單。中國養老床位總數僅佔老年人口的1.8%，低於發展中國家2%至3%的水平。教會常常需要照顧那些被家人忽視，甚至「拋棄」的老人。願神大大的祝福那些為長者們伸出援手的信徒們的擺上，感謝他們以耶穌的愛及憐憫來關心照顧這些長者。
Tuesday, October 02, 2018
Prayer Request 10/2 - 10/8
Tuesday
Most Chinese churches still teach that when an abused sister seeks a divorce, she commits adultery. Some preachers even go as far as to say that abused women cannot divorce, and she must endure persecution and suffer for the Lord and for righteousness, to conquer evil with good. We pray for women in churches suffering domestic violence. May the Lord open a door for them. We pray that churches can actually help the victim by involving the police, and not criticizing them with the Bible. May the Lord help us to accept, care, love, heal and help them with concrete actions.
Wednesday
Domestic violence happens in every church, but many churches still teach that victims should never consider divorce. Sometimes, the husbands involved are church leaders. Victims of domestic violence are afraid to call the police or inform their church to save face. May the Lord have mercy on us. Christian men cannot be double-faced at home or in church, nor can they excuse themselves for lack of control of their temper. We pray for the Spirit of God to bring repentance, help them to be truly born again, and know the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
Thursday
On March 1, 2016, the first anti-domestic violence law was formally implemented in China. Domestic violence refers to the physical and mental infringement of family members by beating, binding, mutilation, restriction of personal liberty, and frequent verbal abuse and intimidation. The church is the House of God, the Body of Christ. So, churches should function as the city of refuge and a haven of love. We ask God to give church leaders wisdom in how to help all victims of domestic abuse, not only in their church but also in their community.
Friday
After the implementation of the "Anti-Domestic Divorce Act". the number of reported victims has increased greatly as more family members, classmates, colleagues, or bystanders call the police to report abuse. Officially, one person dies of domestic violence every day in China. There is still much room for improvement in how a church can help victims of domestic violence. We pray God will raise up pastors who deeply care about the family and can preach strongly on helping men to love the Lord. "The Lord hates the one who mistreats and divorces his wife" (Mal. 2:16)
Saturday
The "Anti-domestic violence law" also includes all kinds of beatings, such as parents hitting children, parental abuses, hitting husbands, boyfriend beating girlfriend (those in cohabitation), ex-husbands hitting ex-wives (divorced but living together). There are also many believers who are enduring restriction of personal freedom, those who suffer frequent intimidation. We pray for them and pray the Lord gives them strength and protection. We pray that they will have wisdom knowing how to protect themselves and their children.
Sunday
In the past three years, cities in Northeast China's Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning Provinces actually had a higher percentage of divorces than cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.We pray for believers who are seeking divorce because of infidelity. We pray they will not give up their marriages so easily, but will rather seek the will of God with much prayer. May the Lord comfort them in the time of disappointment and hopelessness.
Monday
According to experts, the Chinese government’s efforts to reduce divorce stems from the Confucian belief that a stable society is made up of wholesome families. “Only through tens of thousands of harmonious families can the whole society achieve harmony.” We pray that God will surround those who are considering divorce with Christians, to accept them, giving them time and space to heal. And, when they are ready to open up, believers will listen attentively, with patience, pray with them and provide them with appropriate advice or assistance.
星期二
中國許多教會在面對姊妹遭家暴時，仍然認為離婚「若不是為淫亂的緣故，就是犯姦淫」，甚至說絕對不能離異，應當看為是為主忍受逼迫，為義受苦，要以善勝惡。我們為經歷家暴的肢體禱告，求神為她們開路，而教會也能給予實質幫助及法律諮商，而非一味的以經文批判。求主幫助神的兒女以實際行動來接納、關懷、愛護、醫治和陪伴。
星期三
教會裡有家暴的情況，並不是鳳毛麟角，然而，許多教會仍然教導絕不可離婚。有時施暴的丈夫竟是教會的領袖，受家暴的姊妹為了面子和子女，不敢報警或在教會公開真相。求主憐憫及聖靈提醒弟兄，不能在家和教會做兩面人，也不能以控制不住自己為藉口傷害人。但願神的靈叫人悔改重生，靠著主犧牲捨己的愛，活出彼此切實相惜相愛。
星期四
中國從2016年3月1日起正式實施首部《反家暴法》。其中明訂"家庭暴力"是指家庭成員之間以毆打、捆綁、殘害、限制人身自由，以及經常性謾罵、恐嚇等方式實施的身體、精神等侵害行為。教會是神的家，基督的身體，也是神設立的理所當然的「逃城」- 愛的蔭庇處。求神賜屬靈領袖聰明智慧，能更積極介入，實際幫助教會中和社區中的家暴受害者。
星期五
《反家庭暴力法》實施後，受暴者報警率飆升，許多是受害者的親人、鄰居、同學、同事或旁觀者代為報警 。據統計，平均每天超過一人因家暴致死。教會在如何有效幫助家暴受害者方面，還有很大改進空間。求主興起關懷家庭事工的信徒和牧者，能給予適切的幫助與輔導；更求主憐憫，教導弟兄做一個真正的大丈夫，成為合神心意的男人。「休妻的事和以強暴待妻的人，都是我所恨惡的。」（瑪 2:16）
星期六
《反家暴法》包括了各樣毆打行為，比如家長打孩子、兒子打父母、老婆打老公、男友打女友（同居關係）、前夫打前妻（兩者離婚後不分家）。現今仍有不少信徒在婚姻關係中被限制人身自由，遭經常性謾罵，恐嚇，或冷漠忽視。我們為他們禱告，求主加添力量，也保護他們身心安全、健康，同時，也有屬天智慧知道如何保護好自己和孩子們。
星期日
從城市及省份來看，近3年離婚率最高的城市並非集中在北京或廣深等大城市，而是黑龍江省。而吉林、遼寧等東北地區的離婚率也相對較高。我們為面對因外遇要離婚的信徒們禱告，在極度的失望中，求主幫助夫妻先不輕易放棄，不管事情看起來多麼無望，彼此都能嘗試努力挽回，不斷擺上禱告、做神喜悅的事。
星期一
專家說，中國政府關注和防止離婚源於儒家信仰，篤信一個穩定的社會要由完整的家庭組成。「只有千千萬萬個家庭細胞和諧了，才能實現全社會的和諧。」求主為有意離婚者的周邊，都預備有愛心的基督徒，提供接納與陪伴，並給他們時間和空間，當他們願意敞開分享時，用心傾聽，一起禱告，也能有合適的諮商輔導或相關的協助。
Most Chinese churches still teach that when an abused sister seeks a divorce, she commits adultery. Some preachers even go as far as to say that abused women cannot divorce, and she must endure persecution and suffer for the Lord and for righteousness, to conquer evil with good. We pray for women in churches suffering domestic violence. May the Lord open a door for them. We pray that churches can actually help the victim by involving the police, and not criticizing them with the Bible. May the Lord help us to accept, care, love, heal and help them with concrete actions.
Wednesday
Domestic violence happens in every church, but many churches still teach that victims should never consider divorce. Sometimes, the husbands involved are church leaders. Victims of domestic violence are afraid to call the police or inform their church to save face. May the Lord have mercy on us. Christian men cannot be double-faced at home or in church, nor can they excuse themselves for lack of control of their temper. We pray for the Spirit of God to bring repentance, help them to be truly born again, and know the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ.
Thursday
On March 1, 2016, the first anti-domestic violence law was formally implemented in China. Domestic violence refers to the physical and mental infringement of family members by beating, binding, mutilation, restriction of personal liberty, and frequent verbal abuse and intimidation. The church is the House of God, the Body of Christ. So, churches should function as the city of refuge and a haven of love. We ask God to give church leaders wisdom in how to help all victims of domestic abuse, not only in their church but also in their community.
Friday
After the implementation of the "Anti-Domestic Divorce Act". the number of reported victims has increased greatly as more family members, classmates, colleagues, or bystanders call the police to report abuse. Officially, one person dies of domestic violence every day in China. There is still much room for improvement in how a church can help victims of domestic violence. We pray God will raise up pastors who deeply care about the family and can preach strongly on helping men to love the Lord. "The Lord hates the one who mistreats and divorces his wife" (Mal. 2:16)
Saturday
The "Anti-domestic violence law" also includes all kinds of beatings, such as parents hitting children, parental abuses, hitting husbands, boyfriend beating girlfriend (those in cohabitation), ex-husbands hitting ex-wives (divorced but living together). There are also many believers who are enduring restriction of personal freedom, those who suffer frequent intimidation. We pray for them and pray the Lord gives them strength and protection. We pray that they will have wisdom knowing how to protect themselves and their children.
Sunday
In the past three years, cities in Northeast China's Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning Provinces actually had a higher percentage of divorces than cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.We pray for believers who are seeking divorce because of infidelity. We pray they will not give up their marriages so easily, but will rather seek the will of God with much prayer. May the Lord comfort them in the time of disappointment and hopelessness.
Monday
According to experts, the Chinese government’s efforts to reduce divorce stems from the Confucian belief that a stable society is made up of wholesome families. “Only through tens of thousands of harmonious families can the whole society achieve harmony.” We pray that God will surround those who are considering divorce with Christians, to accept them, giving them time and space to heal. And, when they are ready to open up, believers will listen attentively, with patience, pray with them and provide them with appropriate advice or assistance.
星期二
中國許多教會在面對姊妹遭家暴時，仍然認為離婚「若不是為淫亂的緣故，就是犯姦淫」，甚至說絕對不能離異，應當看為是為主忍受逼迫，為義受苦，要以善勝惡。我們為經歷家暴的肢體禱告，求神為她們開路，而教會也能給予實質幫助及法律諮商，而非一味的以經文批判。求主幫助神的兒女以實際行動來接納、關懷、愛護、醫治和陪伴。
星期三
教會裡有家暴的情況，並不是鳳毛麟角，然而，許多教會仍然教導絕不可離婚。有時施暴的丈夫竟是教會的領袖，受家暴的姊妹為了面子和子女，不敢報警或在教會公開真相。求主憐憫及聖靈提醒弟兄，不能在家和教會做兩面人，也不能以控制不住自己為藉口傷害人。但願神的靈叫人悔改重生，靠著主犧牲捨己的愛，活出彼此切實相惜相愛。
星期四
中國從2016年3月1日起正式實施首部《反家暴法》。其中明訂"家庭暴力"是指家庭成員之間以毆打、捆綁、殘害、限制人身自由，以及經常性謾罵、恐嚇等方式實施的身體、精神等侵害行為。教會是神的家，基督的身體，也是神設立的理所當然的「逃城」- 愛的蔭庇處。求神賜屬靈領袖聰明智慧，能更積極介入，實際幫助教會中和社區中的家暴受害者。
星期五
《反家庭暴力法》實施後，受暴者報警率飆升，許多是受害者的親人、鄰居、同學、同事或旁觀者代為報警 。據統計，平均每天超過一人因家暴致死。教會在如何有效幫助家暴受害者方面，還有很大改進空間。求主興起關懷家庭事工的信徒和牧者，能給予適切的幫助與輔導；更求主憐憫，教導弟兄做一個真正的大丈夫，成為合神心意的男人。「休妻的事和以強暴待妻的人，都是我所恨惡的。」（瑪 2:16）
星期六
《反家暴法》包括了各樣毆打行為，比如家長打孩子、兒子打父母、老婆打老公、男友打女友（同居關係）、前夫打前妻（兩者離婚後不分家）。現今仍有不少信徒在婚姻關係中被限制人身自由，遭經常性謾罵，恐嚇，或冷漠忽視。我們為他們禱告，求主加添力量，也保護他們身心安全、健康，同時，也有屬天智慧知道如何保護好自己和孩子們。
星期日
從城市及省份來看，近3年離婚率最高的城市並非集中在北京或廣深等大城市，而是黑龍江省。而吉林、遼寧等東北地區的離婚率也相對較高。我們為面對因外遇要離婚的信徒們禱告，在極度的失望中，求主幫助夫妻先不輕易放棄，不管事情看起來多麼無望，彼此都能嘗試努力挽回，不斷擺上禱告、做神喜悅的事。
星期一
專家說，中國政府關注和防止離婚源於儒家信仰，篤信一個穩定的社會要由完整的家庭組成。「只有千千萬萬個家庭細胞和諧了，才能實現全社會的和諧。」求主為有意離婚者的周邊，都預備有愛心的基督徒，提供接納與陪伴，並給他們時間和空間，當他們願意敞開分享時，用心傾聽，一起禱告，也能有合適的諮商輔導或相關的協助。
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Prayer Request 9/25 - 10/1
Tuesday
Shopping in China has slowed down along with the economy. The stock market and currency there have slumped and the trade war between China and President Trump has left many people feeling pessimistic. This recent downgrade of the "consumption culture" can be a potentially worrisome development. When people feel “less rich”, they often give less to their church. It is our prayer that every Christian will：“ In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ” (1 Thess. 5:18)
Wednesday
Consumer spending in China has not stopped but on the streets and on the internet, people are talking about cutting back on spending in ways both large and small. Young people talk about reducing their spending, and perhaps the most worrisome for the leaders, is the reluctance of the young people to have children. Many have worried about the prevalent attitude of over-consumption. Let us pray that young Christians will learn to put God and His work first. We pray they will care about God's work and His kingdom rather than their own needs.
Thursday
The talk among young people in China is about how to buy things cheaply from online vendors and save money. Retail sales this year have grown at their slowest pace in more than a decade. Wages in the private sector are growing at their slowest pace since the global financial crisis. There are several reasons believers do not give as much as in the past. One reason is they have little confidence in how the money is used. Financial transparency is difficult when the church itself is “illegal”. We pray for the financial need of every church, for the pastor’s salaries and ministry operation.
Friday
There are several factors which are driving down spending among young people in China. The cost of education is escalating and housing has become unaffordable for many in first-tiered cities like Beijing. Even many people who have high salaries are concerned because they do not expect their salaries to increase as they have in the past. Middle age believers in China do not give to their church as much as they should because they want to save for retirement and pay for an apartment for their children. We pray that God will change our hearts so we can fully trust Him for all our needs. （Matt. 6:21）
Saturday
Many young professionals in China do not expect their salaries to rise very much. In the past decade pay raises of fifteen to twenty percent a year weren't uncommon in fast-growing industries. Now people can hope for only a mere five percent. It is difficult to pastor and build up a church ministry when the members do not give financially. Let us remember the smaller and poorer churches, especially those in the countryside. May the Lord give them courage, strength, and vision to do great things--to see people coming to know Jesus and grow in Him even though they lack money.
Sunday
Young people are under pressure to get married, own an apartment, and ultimately pay for their parents' secure retirement. These requirements preclude the young people's being able to give sacrificially to the Lord's work or being able to answer His call to work for Him. We pray that God will call more people who are willing to work wholeheartedly for Him.
Monday
For some young people in China, their main financial worry is to save money for retirement. This is more important than even having a child. Others are saying, "No" to bigger households which is a problem for the central government who are already worried about the problem of aging in the land and the dwindling population. We know God is able to raise up young people who are gifted and also love the Lord above all things. We pray for believers who would resist the temptation and expectation of material wealth, but rather focus spiritual things, serving the church and His people.
星期二
中國的經濟正在放緩，消費也隨之降溫。股市暴跌、貨幣貶值，以及中美貿易戰等等都讓許多人對前景悲觀。最近中國的「消費降級」文化是一個令人擔憂的問題。當信徒覺得自己「不那麼富裕」時，也因缺少信心而對教會的奉獻減少。求主幫助神的兒女，學習交託主，並靠主凡事謝恩，知道這是神在基督耶穌裡向我們所定的旨意。(帖前5:18)
星期三
雖然中國的經濟正放緩，但並不意味大眾的消費支出會停止。現時在街頭和互聯網上，談論更多的是關於大大小小的削減，而年輕人談論減少開支，首當其衝的也許是中國領導人最擔心的問題－不生孩子。過去不少人擔心中國過度的消費，尤其憂慮富裕的年輕一代的金錢觀。我們為年輕信徒禱告，求主親自吸引他們，甘心將將神放在首位，更多關心教會，以致普世的需要，而不單是自己的需求。
星期四
中國經濟表面上看起來似乎很強勁，事實上今年的零售額增長速度為十多年來最緩慢的。私營部門的工資增長速度為自全球金融危機以來最慢。現時年輕人談的是如何買便宜貨和多省錢。中國信徒奉獻不多，原因之一是對教會如何使用金錢沒有信心。當今大環境下，教會沒有合法地位與健全管理制度，難有財務透明。我們來為每個教會的財政需要、傳道人的薪資和事工運作禱告，求神供應教會各樣的需要。
星期五
一些長期因素拉低了年輕人的支出。除了教育成本上漲外，像北京這樣的一線城市的住房，對許多人來說已經負擔不起了。許多高收入者也感到焦慮，認為將來薪資不再會如過去一樣年年上漲 。中國教會的中年信徒也不太願意奉獻，因為他們要為自己的退休儲蓄，並為子女結婚時的房子買單。求主調整我們的心態，叫我們能完全信靠祂，不為明天憂慮，將神的物歸給神。(太6:21)
星期六
過去十年，在中國快速增長的行業中，每年加薪15%到20% 的並不罕見。現今年輕的專業人士已不再期望工資上漲太多，每年能有5％的加薪已不錯了。當信徒不願意奉獻，教會的牧養和事工推動就更艱難。我們要在禱告中記念弱小和貧窮的教會，尤其是農村教會。願神賜給他們事奉主的能力、勇氣和異象，成為神所要用的人，作成神感動他們做的工，引領更多人認識主。
星期日
現今許多年輕人都面臨很大壓力－趕快結婚、擁有一套房子，並最終能給予父母足夠的養老保障。如此沈重的期望及壓力，也阻止了許多年輕信徒能無後顧之憂來回應神的呼召服侍祂。我們求主興起更多堅心回應祂呼召，憑著信心踏出憂慮，願意為主擺上一切的信徒。
星期一
現今不少年輕人擔心自己將來退休後生活和經濟情況。雖然他們的父母會提醒他們趕快生孩子，但是他們認為這是次要。這對於擔心人口老齡化現象的中國政府來說是一個大問題。我們相信神必能為祂自己興起愛主又有恩賜的年輕人來事奉。我們來為信徒禱告，求主幫助祂眾兒女能靠主勝過物質的引誘，注目永恒，願意服侍教會和神的子民。
Tuesday, September 18, 2018
Prayer Request 9/18 - 9/24
Tuesday
Churches for migrant workers are a new phenomenon in China. They serve Christians from rural areas who have moved into the city but are unable to fit into the urban churches. They are established with a vision and burden to help rural believers retain their faith as they live in the cities. May the Lord have mercy on millions of rural young Christians who have some Biblical knowledge but have a rather shallow spiritual foundation and are the so-called "migrant workers" that they will be able to resist temptation and not stop attending church.
Wednesday
Churches for migrant workers are basically churches in the cities catering to rural believers who have moved there. These churches are not connected with rural nor those in the cities. We pray that churches in the villages will see the huge loss of their young believers once they move into cities. May the Lord raise up people to teach the youth what it meant to be like Daniel who was away from home but was still able to resist temptations and refuse to defile himself but continue to walk closely with Jesus.
Thursday
In theory, traditional rural churches can continue to minister to believers in the cities from these churches through migrant churches. However, the vast majority of migrant workers who go to the cities do not stay there permanently. Ninety percent of the migrant workers say they plan to return to their village homes eventually. Farmers and urban residents are inherently different and they do not mix well even in a church setting. We pray that people in churches will not look down on those who are poor and lowly but will be willing to accept them with God's love.
Friday
In reality, migrant workers in China cannot return to their homes in the villages for two reasons. First, their land is lost and with the extensive use of agricultural machinery, they will be penniless. Secondly, it is hard to revert back to the lifestyle of a villager once one has lived in the city. Migrant churches lack manpower and resources. We beseech the Lord for the vision to save the terrible fact of millions of rural believers drifting away from faith in cities and to stem the decline of rural churches in China.
Saturday
In China, migrants will most likely move back to towns near their village homes. When they return, they can function as God’s army landing in these smaller cities, equipped with a church and city-living experience. We should be excited for the prospect of Christians returning to smaller cities. We pray that they will provide the impetus to evangelize China as "returnees" from abroad have helped the city churches there.
Sunday
In China many of the urban believers work in factories and are potentially and logically the best people to invite others to come to church. We pray that God will move people in both the city and town churches to catch the vision and burden to share the gospel with migrant workers by being active in evangelizing and having strategies to preach and conduct services with them in mind as well as speaking at their level.
Monday
In China, migrant workers are perhaps the saddest segment of the population. They are basically trapped in cities, with little hope of a better future, unable to buy a home. We pray for Christian migrant workers in the cities in China that the Lord will help them to keep their faith, find a spiritual home, and not fall into temptation. We also pray that the Lord will hear their prayer to walk closely with Him and give them the desire to stay in the city.
星期二
在中國的民工教會是一種新興的教會。進城的農民信徒把故鄉的根拔起遷居城市，卻很難扎入城市教會的新土裡。為了不讓這些信徒流失，一些有異象和負擔的民工信徒開始建立自己的教會。求主恩待百萬農村青少年的靈命，他們在家鄉教會曾領受一些聖經知識，但靈命基礎初淺，一旦離家到了城裡工作，成為所謂農民工，就少有能持守信仰，抵擋引誘，且許多也不再參加聚會。求主引領他們找到屬靈的新家。
星期三
地點坐落在城市中的民工教會基本成員來自農村；民工教會的興起，與傳統農村家庭教會或新型城市家庭教會都沒什麼聯繫。求主幫助教會領袖看見青年信徒進城打工後易流失的問題，從而著重培育青年信徒的靈命；又求主打發工人教導年輕人，如同但以理一樣，在新環境裡諸多試探中不玷污自己，且持續與主保持親密交通，緊緊跟隨主。
星期四
理論上，透過民工教會，傳統農村家庭教會可以將自己的生命觸角伸進城市。但是，進入大城市的民工，絕大多數不會在城巿永久留居，九成民工表示最終要返回家鄉。農民與城市居民差異極大，就是在城鎮的教會中一起聚會，也難以深入交流。求主憐憫，幫助教會不輕看貧窮弱小的肢體，願意跨出自己的固有圈子，突破隔閡。
星期五
失和農業機械的廣泛使用，農村不再需要密集式人力耕作。其次，他們一旦過慣了城市的生活，很難重新適應農村生活形態 。民工教會基本成員來自農村，但他們的事工缺少人力和金錢。求主恩待中國教會，賜下異象，如何挽回百萬不再聚會的農村信徒，以及挽救傳統農村教會的沒落，大量信徒的流失。
星期六
返鄉農民最終很可能只能歸回接近故鄉的縣鎮，而他們從大都市獲得的福音與文化的優勢，會使他們成為縣鎮福音化運動中的空降兵。求主使用「城歸」信徒，在故鄉附近的城鎮帶動福音的工作，如同「海歸」基督徒在城市家庭教會中所起的作用。
星期日
在中國的城市教會中，有很多信徒是從事藍領工作的，他們是帶領其他工廠民工來教會的好助手。求主興起城鎮教會的信徒們，能回應神的大使命，有異象和心志向農民工傳福音。以健全的佈道策略，做好佈道的工作。特別是有活潑的聚會氣氛和愛心關懷能吸引他們，配合他們不同的背景和程度，幫助他們融入神的大家庭。
星期一
農民工或許是中國社會族群中最悲哀的一群，大部分人被迫滯留在城市裡，卻無法長期居留，也買不起城市的房子。我們為來廣大的農民工信徒祈求，在生活忙碌又人生地不熟的環境裡，盡快到找到能落腳的教會。也求主保守他們的信心，不落入各樣的試探，成就信徒的心願，不遠離神和祂的保守及祝福。
Tuesday, September 11, 2018
Prayer Request 9/11 - 9/17
Tuesday
Some churches in China impose restrictions on the pastor's wife or ignore her roles which depresses her and impairs the pastor's service also. Pastors should protect and promote their wives and teach the church to respect them, not to take the wives for granted. We pray for believers who will pray and care more for their pastor's family. As more sisters befriend their pastor's wife and encourage women in churches to serve together, they can bring about revival in their churches.
Wednesday
The pastor's wife is very important because she stands guard with the pastor to provide counseling and care for the women in the church whether they are married or single. Many single women in the church are pressured to marry non believers, partly because there are no eligible brothers available. We pray for God's comfort and joy for them, having the wisdom to fend off pressure from their unbelieving parents.
Thursday
In China, there are many indigenous heretical groups with names like "Eastern lightning", "Disciples", "Three servants", "Ling ling jiao", "Cold water", "Crier", and "King". These heresies have much influence on the rural churches but are less a threat to the more educated urban churches. May the Lord have mercy on those believers who have fallen victim to the cults and deliver them from deceit and bondage. We pray the truth of Jesus Christ will set them free and give them the true salvation of the mind and soul.
Friday
In rural China, many pastors and believers are ignorant of or lack basic Biblical truths, and they are easily swayed by false doctrines spread by the cults. Lack of spiritual teaching means that believers are easy prey for the cults and heresies. We pray that our Lord will give them the wisdom to discern what the false is and not to spread it.
Saturday
Many heretical groups and cults lure church leaders with bribery or sex. They also intimidate pastors with bodily harm. It takes a long time and great effort, through counseling and orthodox teaching, to recover from the ravage of wolves. We pray for wisdom for believers to discern truth from falsehood and to prevent the savage attacks by the cults. We also ask the Lord to comfort His children when their church suffers turmoil, vicious lies, and a split, knowing that our Lord is on His throne.
Sunday
In many parts of China, heresies and cults are rampant, many have infiltrated the local churches and forced believers to leave. Despite official suppression, cults are still active. We pray for pastors and believers to possess the basic Biblical truth. Many leaders are content to have a large congregation, but fail to provide the solid teaching and lack faithful workers who desire to do His will.
Monday
Churches in China have benefited from the South Korean missionaries, but the heresies and extreme teachings from South Korea have also done much damage to many churches in China in recent years. False teachings from Korea have been particularly active in major cities, attracting students and even intellectuals. We ask the Lord to corrupt the trickiness of these wolves in sheep's clothing. May the Lord protect His own sheep that they "will be no longer infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." Ephesians 4:14
星期二
有些教會長期對牧者的妻子寄予無形的壓力和冷落，易導致她們抑鬱，更使牧者的服事大打折扣。因此，不僅傳道人需更關心愛顧自己的妻子，教會也要防止將師母「落單」，要敬重師母，而不是希望「買一贈一」。求主興起更多信徒去關心傳道人家庭，尤其是師母。讓更多姊妹成為師母的屬靈同伴，藉著姊妹們的熱心參與，使教會整體一同成長。
星期三
許多中國教會的師母都有很重的服事：一方面照顧事奉忙碌的丈夫和家庭，另一面亦要輔導、關心教會中已婚和未婚的姊妹。教會裡許多姊妹都面臨極大的張力，尤其教會女多男少，是要堅持按神心意還是因社會壓力而與不信的人結合。我們要為面對這壓力的姐妹們禱告，求主安慰她們，賜下喜樂，也能有智慧應付父母「趁早嫁人」的壓力。
星期四
中國自生的異端邪教有「東方閃電」、「門徒會」、「三班僕人」、「靈靈教」、「冷水教」、「呼喊派」、「被立王」等。這些異端對農村教會和城鄉結合地區影響力比較大，對知識分子群體影響較小。求主憐憫拯救那些落入異端的信徒，帶領他們脫離邪教的控制與欺騙，讓他們真正認識耶穌基督的真理，得到身心靈的自由和永恒的救恩。
星期五
在中國農村很多傳道人和信徒由於不明白或是缺乏基要真理的教導，很容易被邪教的歪理迷惑。因著信徒缺少屬靈教導，往往成為異端邪教擄掠的對象。求主憐憫廣賜信徒們智慧，能分別何謂錯誤的教導，而不是老被欺騙甚至將其謬道輾轉傳播，也能預備更多靈性紮實的信徒彼此守望，堅守真理。
星期六
許多異端行賄教會領袖們，或以色財引誘教會帶領人，或恐嚇殺害不從者，軟硬兼施最後達成目的。被異端衝擊過的教會，需要經過相當長時間的牧養和教導才能扭轉康復過來。求主賜信徒智慧，能分辨真理並拒絕傳遞歪道，免得落入異端的陷阱，被披著羊皮的狼吞吃。又求主安慰祂的兒女，當教會受盡困難，內爭分裂，離經叛道時，讓他們看見耶和華仍然坐著為王 ，神一直掌權。
星期日
中國有許多地方的異端邪教猖獗，甚至滲透佔領教會，造成信徒離開。儘管政府予以壓制，邪教仍然活躍。我們為牧者和信徒都有基本聖經真理知識禱告。願我們儆醒禱告，彼此提醒：教會不是以人數多為滿足，而是有堅固真理的教導為根基，且有忠心遵行神旨意的信徒為柱石，一同建成的堡壘。
星期一
韓國宣教士曾為中國教會做出很多貢獻，但來自韓國的異端和極端對中國教會的破壞也不少。近年，活躍於各大城市的各式各樣韓國異端，吸引了不少學生，甚至高知識分子的興趣。求主敗壞魔鬼的詭計，喚醒中國教會要警醒守望。「使我們不再作小孩子，中了人的詭計和欺騙的法術，被一切異教之風搖動，飄來飄去，就隨從各樣的異端。」(弗4:14)
Some churches in China impose restrictions on the pastor's wife or ignore her roles which depresses her and impairs the pastor's service also. Pastors should protect and promote their wives and teach the church to respect them, not to take the wives for granted. We pray for believers who will pray and care more for their pastor's family. As more sisters befriend their pastor's wife and encourage women in churches to serve together, they can bring about revival in their churches.
Wednesday
The pastor's wife is very important because she stands guard with the pastor to provide counseling and care for the women in the church whether they are married or single. Many single women in the church are pressured to marry non believers, partly because there are no eligible brothers available. We pray for God's comfort and joy for them, having the wisdom to fend off pressure from their unbelieving parents.
Thursday
In China, there are many indigenous heretical groups with names like "Eastern lightning", "Disciples", "Three servants", "Ling ling jiao", "Cold water", "Crier", and "King". These heresies have much influence on the rural churches but are less a threat to the more educated urban churches. May the Lord have mercy on those believers who have fallen victim to the cults and deliver them from deceit and bondage. We pray the truth of Jesus Christ will set them free and give them the true salvation of the mind and soul.
Friday
In rural China, many pastors and believers are ignorant of or lack basic Biblical truths, and they are easily swayed by false doctrines spread by the cults. Lack of spiritual teaching means that believers are easy prey for the cults and heresies. We pray that our Lord will give them the wisdom to discern what the false is and not to spread it.
Saturday
Many heretical groups and cults lure church leaders with bribery or sex. They also intimidate pastors with bodily harm. It takes a long time and great effort, through counseling and orthodox teaching, to recover from the ravage of wolves. We pray for wisdom for believers to discern truth from falsehood and to prevent the savage attacks by the cults. We also ask the Lord to comfort His children when their church suffers turmoil, vicious lies, and a split, knowing that our Lord is on His throne.
Sunday
In many parts of China, heresies and cults are rampant, many have infiltrated the local churches and forced believers to leave. Despite official suppression, cults are still active. We pray for pastors and believers to possess the basic Biblical truth. Many leaders are content to have a large congregation, but fail to provide the solid teaching and lack faithful workers who desire to do His will.
Monday
Churches in China have benefited from the South Korean missionaries, but the heresies and extreme teachings from South Korea have also done much damage to many churches in China in recent years. False teachings from Korea have been particularly active in major cities, attracting students and even intellectuals. We ask the Lord to corrupt the trickiness of these wolves in sheep's clothing. May the Lord protect His own sheep that they "will be no longer infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." Ephesians 4:14
星期二
有些教會長期對牧者的妻子寄予無形的壓力和冷落，易導致她們抑鬱，更使牧者的服事大打折扣。因此，不僅傳道人需更關心愛顧自己的妻子，教會也要防止將師母「落單」，要敬重師母，而不是希望「買一贈一」。求主興起更多信徒去關心傳道人家庭，尤其是師母。讓更多姊妹成為師母的屬靈同伴，藉著姊妹們的熱心參與，使教會整體一同成長。
星期三
許多中國教會的師母都有很重的服事：一方面照顧事奉忙碌的丈夫和家庭，另一面亦要輔導、關心教會中已婚和未婚的姊妹。教會裡許多姊妹都面臨極大的張力，尤其教會女多男少，是要堅持按神心意還是因社會壓力而與不信的人結合。我們要為面對這壓力的姐妹們禱告，求主安慰她們，賜下喜樂，也能有智慧應付父母「趁早嫁人」的壓力。
星期四
中國自生的異端邪教有「東方閃電」、「門徒會」、「三班僕人」、「靈靈教」、「冷水教」、「呼喊派」、「被立王」等。這些異端對農村教會和城鄉結合地區影響力比較大，對知識分子群體影響較小。求主憐憫拯救那些落入異端的信徒，帶領他們脫離邪教的控制與欺騙，讓他們真正認識耶穌基督的真理，得到身心靈的自由和永恒的救恩。
星期五
在中國農村很多傳道人和信徒由於不明白或是缺乏基要真理的教導，很容易被邪教的歪理迷惑。因著信徒缺少屬靈教導，往往成為異端邪教擄掠的對象。求主憐憫廣賜信徒們智慧，能分別何謂錯誤的教導，而不是老被欺騙甚至將其謬道輾轉傳播，也能預備更多靈性紮實的信徒彼此守望，堅守真理。
星期六
許多異端行賄教會領袖們，或以色財引誘教會帶領人，或恐嚇殺害不從者，軟硬兼施最後達成目的。被異端衝擊過的教會，需要經過相當長時間的牧養和教導才能扭轉康復過來。求主賜信徒智慧，能分辨真理並拒絕傳遞歪道，免得落入異端的陷阱，被披著羊皮的狼吞吃。又求主安慰祂的兒女，當教會受盡困難，內爭分裂，離經叛道時，讓他們看見耶和華仍然坐著為王 ，神一直掌權。
星期日
中國有許多地方的異端邪教猖獗，甚至滲透佔領教會，造成信徒離開。儘管政府予以壓制，邪教仍然活躍。我們為牧者和信徒都有基本聖經真理知識禱告。願我們儆醒禱告，彼此提醒：教會不是以人數多為滿足，而是有堅固真理的教導為根基，且有忠心遵行神旨意的信徒為柱石，一同建成的堡壘。
星期一
韓國宣教士曾為中國教會做出很多貢獻，但來自韓國的異端和極端對中國教會的破壞也不少。近年，活躍於各大城市的各式各樣韓國異端，吸引了不少學生，甚至高知識分子的興趣。求主敗壞魔鬼的詭計，喚醒中國教會要警醒守望。「使我們不再作小孩子，中了人的詭計和欺騙的法術，被一切異教之風搖動，飄來飄去，就隨從各樣的異端。」(弗4:14)
Tuesday, September 04, 2018
Prayer Request 9/4 - 9/10
Tuesday
Most people with mental disorders in China never receive treatment. There is a stigma attached to such ailments. Some think that people with psychiatric conditions are possessed by evil spirits. Many people in the church still see mental illness as either devil possession or merely a medical problem. We pray that churches will be willing to reach out and care about these people showing love and compassion and helping them to grow spiritually.
Wednesday
Many Chinese people see mental disorders as a sign of weakness and regard them as socially contagious people. A relative of someone with a serious disorder may find it hard to get married. Families sometimes have their kin treated far from home to hide the "shame" of their condition or even keep them hidden at home. Very few of the pastors in China have any training or even the time to care for people with mental illness. May the Lord give mercy and strength to the families of those thus afflicted. We pray that family members can find a support system among believers.
Thursday
China is woefully ill-equipped to treat mental conditions. The psychiatric system was largely dismantled after the Communists seized power in 1949. Under Mao, those who displayed symptoms of depression risked being viewed as traitors to the socialist cause, which was supposed to fill everyone with enthusiasm. Today, depression can be easily managed by medications. We pray that the Great Physician, the Lord Jesus will heal of those who are weary and heavy-burdened.
Friday
Few Chinese were diagnosed with depression until the early 1990s. By then China's health system was beginning to lose state funding. Hospitals were having to support themselves, and psychiatric services were not seen as money-makers.Caring for those with mental illness can never be a task for pastors only. We pray that more believers will rise up to minister to those who are mentally ill in churches and provide practical help, in love and with the love of Jesus.
Saturday
The taboo against mental illness is fading and attitudes are beginning to change in China. Outpatient visits have increased by more than ten percent each year.The use of antidepressants is rising fast and young educated urbanites are increasingly using the Internet to seek help privately for their mental health problems. Churches in China are still hesitant to accept those who are “different and disabled”, but believers cannot love preferentially. So, we pray the Lord helps us to help all who need the healing of the Great Physician, with His compassion and thus overcome our fear of these precious people.
Sunday
In China, under the new religious regulations, finances of religious groups will be greatly scrutinized. Theology students who study abroad could be monitored more closely. And people who rent or provide space to illegal churches may face heavy fines. Much of the transactions in churches are not transparent or properly recorded, easily become the evidences of government’s accusation of financial impropriety. We pray for integrity of all church leaders in how they handle church finance, so they will be “above reproach...dishonest in business dealing.” (Titus 1:7)
Monday
Many unregistered churches rent their meeting places while the landlord turns a blind eye, but under the new policy, they will be highly reluctant to lease to churches. Many house churches have tried to apply for the official registration with the government but have not been successful at all. We pray for these churches, so they will make the best decision and their faith in the Lord will not be shaken.
星期二
大多數中國精神病患者從未接受治療。這種疾病往往被社會大眾污名化，有些人甚至認為精神病患者是被邪靈所附。不少教會仍然簡單化地看待精神疾病是屬靈問題，或理解為醫學問題。求主幫助教會願意接觸和關心憂傷的心靈，給予精神病患者愛和憐憫，以及提供屬靈上的幫助。
星期三
不少人認為精神疾病是患者意志力薄弱的表現，並認為是社會性的傳染病：患有嚴重失調的人的親屬可能很難結婚。家庭有時會把他們的親人送到遠方，去隱藏他們病情的「恥辱」，或者把他們藏在家裡。一般教會牧者沒有心理資訊的知識的裝備，更缺時間去幫助精神患者。求主憐憫添力量給家中有此病患者的信徒，幫助他們能體諒患者的波動情緒，並聯同其他信徒形成支援系統來幇助患者和家屬。
星期四
中國嚴重缺乏治療精神病的條件。1949年共產黨掌權之後，便廢除精神病學系統。在毛澤東帶領下，期望每一個人都熱切崇拜社會主義，而那些表現出抑鬱症狀的人則被視為叛徒。現今，抑鬱症患者已可用藥物控制病情，治療過程也並不複雜。懇求我們偉大的醫生主耶穌，能親自撫平憂鬱的心靈，也供應病患適切的醫護幇助。
星期五
在上世紀九十年代以前，很少人被診斷患有抑鬱症，這全因那時的衛生部缺乏國家的經濟支持；醫院為要養活自己，不得不放棄被視為「不能賺錢」的精神病服務。 關心教會中在心理健康方面有需要的人，這絕不是牧者一人能獨自承當的。求主興起各教會，呼召人願意付上愛心與時間，關注這個社群需要的肢體，能給予實質上的幫助。
星期六
中國人近來終於意識到心理疾病不能一味忌諱不談，態度亦有所轉變。精神病患門診人次每年增長超過10％，抗抑鬱藥的使用亦正迅速上升。也有越來越多年輕及受過教育者使用互聯網尋求心理輔導。有些教會還是無法完全接納 「異常」和「有殘障」的人。求主幫助弟兄姊妹體會主愛人的心腸，越過人的軟弱去幫助憂傷的靈魂。
星期日
在新的宗教政策之下，已經向政府登記宗教團體的財務會受到更加嚴格的審查。前往海外學習的神學生也會受到更嚴密的監控。中國教會過去沒有設立健全的會計制度，往往無法通過政府審查。求主幫助眾教會的領袖手潔心清，經得起神與人的檢驗，做「神的管家，必須無可指責……不貪無義之財。」(多1：7）
星期一
過去，房東出租給沒有註冊的家庭教會，可以裝著不知道其用途。但在新的宗教法之下，向非法教會出租或提供空間的人，可能會面臨巨額罰款。有些教會曾嘗試租用或購置會堂，但每每受到政府的干擾，合約不明不白地被終止了。我們為各地未登記的家庭教會禱告，求主保守他們，帶領他們在這樣艱難的環境下，知道該如何調整。
Most people with mental disorders in China never receive treatment. There is a stigma attached to such ailments. Some think that people with psychiatric conditions are possessed by evil spirits. Many people in the church still see mental illness as either devil possession or merely a medical problem. We pray that churches will be willing to reach out and care about these people showing love and compassion and helping them to grow spiritually.
Wednesday
Many Chinese people see mental disorders as a sign of weakness and regard them as socially contagious people. A relative of someone with a serious disorder may find it hard to get married. Families sometimes have their kin treated far from home to hide the "shame" of their condition or even keep them hidden at home. Very few of the pastors in China have any training or even the time to care for people with mental illness. May the Lord give mercy and strength to the families of those thus afflicted. We pray that family members can find a support system among believers.
Thursday
China is woefully ill-equipped to treat mental conditions. The psychiatric system was largely dismantled after the Communists seized power in 1949. Under Mao, those who displayed symptoms of depression risked being viewed as traitors to the socialist cause, which was supposed to fill everyone with enthusiasm. Today, depression can be easily managed by medications. We pray that the Great Physician, the Lord Jesus will heal of those who are weary and heavy-burdened.
Friday
Few Chinese were diagnosed with depression until the early 1990s. By then China's health system was beginning to lose state funding. Hospitals were having to support themselves, and psychiatric services were not seen as money-makers.Caring for those with mental illness can never be a task for pastors only. We pray that more believers will rise up to minister to those who are mentally ill in churches and provide practical help, in love and with the love of Jesus.
Saturday
The taboo against mental illness is fading and attitudes are beginning to change in China. Outpatient visits have increased by more than ten percent each year.The use of antidepressants is rising fast and young educated urbanites are increasingly using the Internet to seek help privately for their mental health problems. Churches in China are still hesitant to accept those who are “different and disabled”, but believers cannot love preferentially. So, we pray the Lord helps us to help all who need the healing of the Great Physician, with His compassion and thus overcome our fear of these precious people.
Sunday
In China, under the new religious regulations, finances of religious groups will be greatly scrutinized. Theology students who study abroad could be monitored more closely. And people who rent or provide space to illegal churches may face heavy fines. Much of the transactions in churches are not transparent or properly recorded, easily become the evidences of government’s accusation of financial impropriety. We pray for integrity of all church leaders in how they handle church finance, so they will be “above reproach...dishonest in business dealing.” (Titus 1:7)
Monday
Many unregistered churches rent their meeting places while the landlord turns a blind eye, but under the new policy, they will be highly reluctant to lease to churches. Many house churches have tried to apply for the official registration with the government but have not been successful at all. We pray for these churches, so they will make the best decision and their faith in the Lord will not be shaken.
星期二
大多數中國精神病患者從未接受治療。這種疾病往往被社會大眾污名化，有些人甚至認為精神病患者是被邪靈所附。不少教會仍然簡單化地看待精神疾病是屬靈問題，或理解為醫學問題。求主幫助教會願意接觸和關心憂傷的心靈，給予精神病患者愛和憐憫，以及提供屬靈上的幫助。
星期三
不少人認為精神疾病是患者意志力薄弱的表現，並認為是社會性的傳染病：患有嚴重失調的人的親屬可能很難結婚。家庭有時會把他們的親人送到遠方，去隱藏他們病情的「恥辱」，或者把他們藏在家裡。一般教會牧者沒有心理資訊的知識的裝備，更缺時間去幫助精神患者。求主憐憫添力量給家中有此病患者的信徒，幫助他們能體諒患者的波動情緒，並聯同其他信徒形成支援系統來幇助患者和家屬。
星期四
中國嚴重缺乏治療精神病的條件。1949年共產黨掌權之後，便廢除精神病學系統。在毛澤東帶領下，期望每一個人都熱切崇拜社會主義，而那些表現出抑鬱症狀的人則被視為叛徒。現今，抑鬱症患者已可用藥物控制病情，治療過程也並不複雜。懇求我們偉大的醫生主耶穌，能親自撫平憂鬱的心靈，也供應病患適切的醫護幇助。
星期五
在上世紀九十年代以前，很少人被診斷患有抑鬱症，這全因那時的衛生部缺乏國家的經濟支持；醫院為要養活自己，不得不放棄被視為「不能賺錢」的精神病服務。 關心教會中在心理健康方面有需要的人，這絕不是牧者一人能獨自承當的。求主興起各教會，呼召人願意付上愛心與時間，關注這個社群需要的肢體，能給予實質上的幫助。
星期六
中國人近來終於意識到心理疾病不能一味忌諱不談，態度亦有所轉變。精神病患門診人次每年增長超過10％，抗抑鬱藥的使用亦正迅速上升。也有越來越多年輕及受過教育者使用互聯網尋求心理輔導。有些教會還是無法完全接納 「異常」和「有殘障」的人。求主幫助弟兄姊妹體會主愛人的心腸，越過人的軟弱去幫助憂傷的靈魂。
星期日
在新的宗教政策之下，已經向政府登記宗教團體的財務會受到更加嚴格的審查。前往海外學習的神學生也會受到更嚴密的監控。中國教會過去沒有設立健全的會計制度，往往無法通過政府審查。求主幫助眾教會的領袖手潔心清，經得起神與人的檢驗，做「神的管家，必須無可指責……不貪無義之財。」(多1：7）
星期一
過去，房東出租給沒有註冊的家庭教會，可以裝著不知道其用途。但在新的宗教法之下，向非法教會出租或提供空間的人，可能會面臨巨額罰款。有些教會曾嘗試租用或購置會堂，但每每受到政府的干擾，合約不明不白地被終止了。我們為各地未登記的家庭教會禱告，求主保守他們，帶領他們在這樣艱難的環境下，知道該如何調整。
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Prayer Request 8/28 - 9/3
Tuesday
In the past Chinese believers have been quite faithful to their churches. However, in recent years there has been a lot more church-hopping and even some splits in the urban churches. The apostle Paul admonished. "If it be possible, be at peace with all people." We pray for the humility of Christ for all of the churches in China as well as that church leaders will listen to and consider the ideas of their members and be willing to take their suggestions.
Wednesday
The so-called "disconnected Christians" in China left their churches because of dissatisfaction with the leadership or disagreement with the practices of their church and "hopped" over to another church. Many churches in China boast a large attendance, but only a small percentage participate in fellowship groups or are committed to serve. We pray for more dedicated believers for every church, and many who will be both “listeners to and doers of the Word”, rather than merely attendees in church services.
Thursday
Some “disconnected” Christians are actually in a new city because of work and are searching for a new church. They are not committed to a local church and often do not have a regular church life, until they are settled down. We want to pray specifically for this group of believers. May the Lord keep their hearts and minds, so they do not fall prey to temptations and be able to continue to walk closely with Jesus Christ.
Friday
Because of political circumstances, churches in China have always been reserved or suspicious towards newcomers or believers from other churches. They felt the need to “observe” and “be observed”, so this invariably led to fewer believers being accepted or trusted. We pray that God will give the church leaders the wisdom to distinguish between "wheat" and "tares" , and enable them to build up a co-worker team to serve.
Saturday
“Disconnected” believers often left their churches because of difference in opinions or theological stands. They moved between churches and even started new fellowships or churches. New churches started in such circumstances often face considerable challenges. We pray specifically for them and ask God to give them visions and strategies, so they can overcome the bitterness brought about by separation, and remain true to the Bible and fervent for spreading the Gospel.
Sunday
There are also believers who have left churches due to their dissatisfaction with the church system. Young Christians advocate personality and assertiveness. They are not willing to “listen” and are more willing to be free. Therefore, when the church is managed by the system, it will inevitably create tension. The church must do its utmost to preserve the spirit of oneness that comes from the Holy Spirit. We pray for humility for both leaders and the believers under them. We pray that all of us will love the Lord.
Monday
Christians in China are greatly influenced by popular culture and what they see online about churches overseas. The internet allows them to see what other churches are doing so they are no longer content with the traditional style of worship in their churches. We pray that believers will not simply imitate the appearance and style of worship of other churches but will be deeply motivated by the enthusiasm of others and have a willingness to serve the Lord.
星期二
過去的中國信徒大都是長期忠心待在自己的教會。近年來，城市教會也出現許多游離基督徒和教會分裂的現象。使徒保羅曾衷心教導信徒：「若是能行，總要盡力與眾人和睦。」我們為中國教會禱告，求主賜我們眾人都有祂的謙卑，教會領袖也能聆聽並接受弟兄姊妹的想法，願意採納他人善意的建言。
星期三
游離基督徒往往由於不滿教會的制度或不同意教會的作法，或因為意見不合，而離開自己的教會，在不同的教會間穿梭。許多教會雖然會眾人數多，但參加團契並委身投入服事的卻寥寥無幾。求主賜眾教會有更多能委身的信徒，實踐聽道並行道，而不是存著「坐花轎上天堂」的心態，僅僅止於出席會堂崇拜而已。
星期四
有些游離基督徒是因為搬遷，在定居之處找到聚會的場所，還要幾年之後，才能成為當地教會固定的成員。但這批游離的基督徒，不能委身於當地教會，就很難有規律的教會生活，靈性的成長就易停窒。我們特別紀念這樣的信徒，求主保守他們的心懷意念，能遠離引誘，也能有不間斷的讀經禱告生活。
星期五
中國教會由於政治情況，對新人或是來自外地其他教會的慕道者或信徒，總是存著留心和不信任的態度，採取「多觀察」和有所保留的理念，導致有心服事的信徒也不容易被接納。求主賜教會領袖和同工有分辨「麥子」與「稗子」的智慧，以開放的心態願意與愛主的弟兄姊妹組建一個強而有力的團隊，同心建造神家。
星期六
游離的基督徒，常是與弟兄姊妹間的意見不合和對神學的見解不同。他們一直在教會間遊走，或者與他人共同組建教會。因分裂而成立的新教會在成長中往往會有相當的挑戰。我們來特別為他們禱告，求神賜他們異象與策略，能勝過分裂帶來的苦毒，忠心持守真理，不失去傳福音的熱誠。
星期日
教會中也常有對教會制度不滿而選擇離開的信徒。青年基督徒往往提倡標榜個性和主見，不樂意“聽從”，願意爭取更多自由，所以當教會用制度來管理的時候，必然產生張力。歷代使徒們勸勉教會要竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。我們為領袖和信徒都有謙卑的心、牧者和群羊多有愛主的心來禱告。
星期一
基督徒受到流行文化的影響，也受到海外教會的影響，從互聯網唾手可得的信息，使中國基督徒不再滿足於傳統教會的崇拜。我們為信徒禱告，許多時候不是一味地抄襲他人事工的方法、模式，而是能更深入學習愛主的熱忱，願意委身服事的心態。
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
Prayer Request 8/21 - 8/27
Tuesday
Urban churches in China face external pressure from the government and overwhelming secularism but the root problem that shakes them from within is a shallow theological and inadequate administrative structure. Superficially, urban churches are growing in numbers but we pray for a revival of believers in the cities. Many people are merely going to church but not getting involved in serving God in their churches.
Wednesday
A real hidden crisis in the churches of China is a lack of unity. Every church cares about its own and not about speaking with another church whether it is a TSPM or house, urban or rural, evangelical or charismatic church. God forgives our pride, our boasting, and false humility. We pray for a spirit of unity for all churches, always seeing what we can learn from others, generous in giving our praise and spurring one another in love for the Lord.
Thursday
There is not only lack of unity between churches but also within a church. It is very common in China to have strife between co-workers. People are critical, judgmental, and denounce one another. We pray for church leaders who criticize or attack other churches or pastors for being unspiritual. It is sad that younger believers will imitate their exact behaviors and harbor a critical spirit. “Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.”（Eph.5:21)
Friday
Unity of churches in China is not calling for each one to have the same theology, system of worship, or church administration. True unity is expressed in many forms but oneness in truth, in God's spirit, and in mission. Unfortunately, false humility and spiritual pride abound. These are not pleasing to our Lord so we pray that all the leaders will imitate our Lord and model His sacrificial love for the members of their church. "For we being many are one bread and one body." (l Cor. 10:17)
Saturday
The greatest hidden crisis and danger churches in China have is the issue of pride, and believers are prideful of the rapid growth and booming ministries of their churches. This is the same way Chinese are very nationalistic and proud of China’s economic and militarily might. We pray for true humility for all believers in China, so they will stand firm before the Lord Jesus.
Sunday
Another hidden crisis of churches in China is the issue of ambition. Some church leaders put enormous emphasis on numeric growth of members and meeting points. It is said, politics within churches are just as bad as outside. The merciful Lord forgives all of us so we pray that churches in China will have a pure, simplistic approach and a clean heart so a great revival can come. "And I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." (Jer. 3:15)
Monday
A hidden problem among churches in China is the fast approach to faith. Ministries are done quickly, but the price we are paying is making the truth of God shallow, superficial and all too practical. We praise God for a large number of conversions, but the follow-up and discipleship of new believers are much harder. We pray that God will raise up more teachers willing to disciple, mentor and follow up these baby Christians.
星期二
當前中國城市教會正面臨嚴峻的考驗。外在的壓力、世俗的誘惑，固然會動搖教會；然而最致命的問題卻是隱藏於教會自身 — 根基不穩固，結構不合理。表面上，城市教會人數大有增多，可是我們要為信徒靈命扎實，經歷復興來祈求。不是只有參加聚會，而是更願意參與教會事工和委身投入服侍。
星期三
中國教會自身隱藏的危機之一是有目共睹的彼此間不同心、分門別類、各自為政。三自教會與家庭教會，城市教會與農村教會，福音派與靈恩派之間的以自我為中心，互不相容。求主赦免我們的驕傲，挪去祂不喜悅的自誇、虛假的謙卑。幫助教會之間有合一的靈，能看見別人的可取之處進而學習、讚美，並且能愈發熱心愛主，同心協力興旺福音。
星期四
在有些教會内部裡，同工間相咬相吞，彼此論斷指責、缺乏寬容與接納。我們要為中國教會領袖禱告，當他們責備某些教會情況、批評某傳道人不屬靈時，年輕的信徒往往也會依樣畫葫蘆，仿傚他們的苛責與不接納的行徑，滋長隨意批評論斷的心態，對靈性造成極大的虧損。求主教導我們： 當存敬畏基督的心，彼此順服。（弗5:21）
星期五
教會的合一並不是指所有教會都要有同樣的神學觀、制度或一致的聚會形式。其實教會的多樣化也是富有創意的神的美意。真正的合一，應是在真理裡的合一，在聖靈裡的合一和在使命裡的合一。外在顯露的虛假謙卑，屬靈上的驕傲，都不是主耶穌所喜悅的。求主讓眾教會都願真心效法祂自己，有大牧者犧牲的愛。「我們雖多，仍是一個餅，一個身體。」（林前10：17）
星期六
中國教會隱藏的危機之一就是驕傲。當教會急速增長，事工越來越興盛的時候，中國教會也受到「驕傲」的隱形大軍猛烈的攻擊。有些信徒自詡中國經濟強大、國力強盛，也覺得中國教會頗有可誇之處。我們再一次求主賜給教會「謙卑的斗篷」，以致將來在主的審判台前能站立得穩。
星期日
教會自身隱藏另一個危機之一是野心。許多教會世俗化地發展人際關係的手段，在中國教會隨處可見。 有些教會領袖更將發展教會作為滿足自己野心的目標，自豪於人數增長與事工的效果。求主憐憫赦免我們的自義和不足，願中國教會都能保持當初單純、質樸、潔淨的心，以此迎接大復興。「我也必將合我心的牧者賜給你們。他們必以知識和智慧牧養你們。」（耶 3:15）
星期一
中國教會自身還有一個隱藏的危機就是信仰速食化。現在的中國社會似乎越來越追求「快」了。在神家中流行起速食的代價，就是使主的真道變得膚淺、表面和所謂的「實用」。感謝主，近年信主人數的確增長很多，然而信徒靈命的跟進、栽培及門徒訓練都是極重要的建造工程。我們禱告主興起更多有負担的師資，願意輔助靈命幼嫩的主内肢體。
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Prayer Request 8 /14 - 8/20
Tuesday
Since the new religious policy was implemented in China, many house churches have been shut down due to their "illegal religious activities". Christianity is now perceived of as a political danger which is vulnerable to "foreign infiltration" so it is tightly controlled. This crackdown has caused believers to be scattered and some have even left their churches or ministries. We pray for continuing love and fervor for those who now worship in smaller groups in their homes. May the Lord use them to take the gospel to more people and places (Acts 8:1-4)
Wednesday
The new religious policy in China allows house churches to be registered in their neighborhoods. However, many overzealous local officials are forcing house churches to join the Three-self churches, rather than simply register with the authorities (and technically be able to worship openly). We know there are always many difficulties involved in complying to the laws of the land. Many church leaders have strong personal convictions and have had bad experiences. We pray these people would have wisdom and vision as well as favor with the authorities.
Thursday
As the religious policy in China tightens, some house churches are forced to relocate. Local officials often threaten the landlords to "get rid of the tenants engaged in illegal activities" lest they themselves face fines or seizure of property, so they would either cancel the lease or raise the rent steeply so a house church could no longer afford it. Many churches have to meet in smaller groups at homes, rather than together in their rented facilities. Let us pray for churches who are debating the very thorny question of whether to register with the authorities in order to worship legally. May the Lord give them peace and faith in these difficult days.
Friday
The new religious policy has also deeply affected student ministries on many college campuses in China. There is a lot more pressure from teachers than in the past, and school officials specifically warn students not to attend these small Bible study groups. In general, there has been a drop in attendance. Many young people come to know about Christ for the first time through campus ministries. We pray for boldness and strength for both the leaders and the students. May the Lord reward their dedication and bless them with a good harvest of souls.
Saturday
Even as the religious policy tightens in China, many believers have shown resilience in dealing with pressure and continue to rely on the Lord. More and more people have realized the importance of discipleship through families and small fellowship groups and sharing the truth orally, instead of relying on books and handouts. We pray that Christian parents will realize that it is the responsibility of parents to rear godly children and not delegate that responsibility to God Himself or to the churches or Sunday schools. May there be a revival of family worship in the homes of Chinese believers.
Sunday
China's divorce laws state that residential property is not regarded as jointly owned and does not need to be divided equally in the event of a divorce. Instead, whoever paid for the apartment or house is the legal owner and gets to keep it in its entirety. The divorce rate in China is rising and in churches too. We pray for more Christian families to bear witness for Christ in this time of high divorce rates and “quick marriage, quick divorce” among the young people. We specifically pray for Christian fathers to wake up and take up their God-given responsibilities for their families.
Monday
The law in China now readily grants a divorce if evidence of physical violence, abuse, or abandonment can be proven and interventions have failed. We pray that churches will attempt to provide at least some teaching on preserving marriages. Pastors are often overwhelmed with many ministry demands, and we ask the Lord to raise up mature older believers whom young couples can model and seek for guidance and encouragement.
星期二
自從新宗教政策實施以來，更多的家庭教會因著“非法宗教活動”被關閉。基督教似乎比其他宗教更有政治危險性，由於易受 “外國滲透”，而受到官方更嚴密管制。教會被關門，導致信徒分散，有些信徒甚至放棄信仰。我們為那些分散在家中，以小組方式崇拜的信徒禱告，求神保守他們，愛主更深，多有火熱，也因著信徒被分散，將福音傳給帶更多的人（使徒行傳8：1-4）。
星期三
新的宗教法要求家庭教會註冊。然而，許多地方官員過於熱心，強迫家庭教會加入三自教會，而不是單單的註冊登記（就能公開的崇拜）。向政府註冊和按照法規上報教會活動，對不少信徒是很難接受的。不少教會領袖對註冊有堅定看法和個人經歷，我們為教會領袖有智慧，事工異象，更是能在官員眼中蒙恩。
星期四
隨著宗教政策的收緊，有些家庭教會被迫搬遷。地方官員也會威脅房東終止 “從事非法活動的房客”，不然就被罰款或扣押。因此，房東會急著取消租約，或是大幅提高租金，迫使教會放棄活動。許多教會需要放棄租用的房子，改成以小組在家中聚會。我們為那些正在討論是否要註冊的家庭教會禱告，求主賜給他們平安和信心。
星期五
中國新施行的宗教法，也深深地影響了許多大學校學生的事工。來自教師和學校當局的壓力，警告學生不要參加任何聖經學習小組和聚會，這都使出席人數下降。大學團契是許多中國年輕人第一次認識基督教的地方。我們為學生事工帶領人和在團契中信主的學生，能更有膽量和能力祈求。特別為新學年的預備，求神祝福報答他們的侍奉與擺上。
星期六
因著中國新的宗教法，更多信徒也在學習如何在壓力中，緊緊依靠神。因著政策收緊，信徒也要接受在家中聚會的方式，通過小組和家庭聚會，操練門徒訓練和用口語分享真理，而不是一味依賴書籍和講義。我們為基督徒父母能重新認知家長有責任培養孩子敬虔愛主，而不是將上帝託付的責任推卸給教會或兒童主日學。求主喚醒和復興所有中國信徒的家庭，再次重視家中的信仰生活。
星期日
中國離婚法規定，房產在離婚時不被視為共同擁有財產，不需要平均分配。相反的，房產是誰買的就是合法擁有者，可以完全保留。中國的離婚率在上升，而在教會信徒中也是如此。在這個離婚普遍和年輕人“閃電結婚，閃電離婚”的時代，我們為有更多的信徒家庭能高舉基督，為神作見證。特别要為身為基督徒的父親覺醒，能挑起神託付男人在家中應有的責任來禱告。
星期一
在家庭暴力的問題上，如果一方能證實自己身體遭暴力、虐待或被遺棄，且曾嘗試尋求調停仍無效，新的中國婚姻法會批准離異。 求主幫助教會能提供適當的婚姻輔導。傳道人可能無法兼顧教會各方面的需要，求主使用更多靈命成熟的年長肢體，能成為年輕夫婦效法的榜樣，也能以恩慈給予輔導和鼓勵。
Since the new religious policy was implemented in China, many house churches have been shut down due to their "illegal religious activities". Christianity is now perceived of as a political danger which is vulnerable to "foreign infiltration" so it is tightly controlled. This crackdown has caused believers to be scattered and some have even left their churches or ministries. We pray for continuing love and fervor for those who now worship in smaller groups in their homes. May the Lord use them to take the gospel to more people and places (Acts 8:1-4)
Wednesday
The new religious policy in China allows house churches to be registered in their neighborhoods. However, many overzealous local officials are forcing house churches to join the Three-self churches, rather than simply register with the authorities (and technically be able to worship openly). We know there are always many difficulties involved in complying to the laws of the land. Many church leaders have strong personal convictions and have had bad experiences. We pray these people would have wisdom and vision as well as favor with the authorities.
Thursday
As the religious policy in China tightens, some house churches are forced to relocate. Local officials often threaten the landlords to "get rid of the tenants engaged in illegal activities" lest they themselves face fines or seizure of property, so they would either cancel the lease or raise the rent steeply so a house church could no longer afford it. Many churches have to meet in smaller groups at homes, rather than together in their rented facilities. Let us pray for churches who are debating the very thorny question of whether to register with the authorities in order to worship legally. May the Lord give them peace and faith in these difficult days.
Friday
The new religious policy has also deeply affected student ministries on many college campuses in China. There is a lot more pressure from teachers than in the past, and school officials specifically warn students not to attend these small Bible study groups. In general, there has been a drop in attendance. Many young people come to know about Christ for the first time through campus ministries. We pray for boldness and strength for both the leaders and the students. May the Lord reward their dedication and bless them with a good harvest of souls.
Saturday
Even as the religious policy tightens in China, many believers have shown resilience in dealing with pressure and continue to rely on the Lord. More and more people have realized the importance of discipleship through families and small fellowship groups and sharing the truth orally, instead of relying on books and handouts. We pray that Christian parents will realize that it is the responsibility of parents to rear godly children and not delegate that responsibility to God Himself or to the churches or Sunday schools. May there be a revival of family worship in the homes of Chinese believers.
Sunday
China's divorce laws state that residential property is not regarded as jointly owned and does not need to be divided equally in the event of a divorce. Instead, whoever paid for the apartment or house is the legal owner and gets to keep it in its entirety. The divorce rate in China is rising and in churches too. We pray for more Christian families to bear witness for Christ in this time of high divorce rates and “quick marriage, quick divorce” among the young people. We specifically pray for Christian fathers to wake up and take up their God-given responsibilities for their families.
Monday
The law in China now readily grants a divorce if evidence of physical violence, abuse, or abandonment can be proven and interventions have failed. We pray that churches will attempt to provide at least some teaching on preserving marriages. Pastors are often overwhelmed with many ministry demands, and we ask the Lord to raise up mature older believers whom young couples can model and seek for guidance and encouragement.
星期二
自從新宗教政策實施以來，更多的家庭教會因著“非法宗教活動”被關閉。基督教似乎比其他宗教更有政治危險性，由於易受 “外國滲透”，而受到官方更嚴密管制。教會被關門，導致信徒分散，有些信徒甚至放棄信仰。我們為那些分散在家中，以小組方式崇拜的信徒禱告，求神保守他們，愛主更深，多有火熱，也因著信徒被分散，將福音傳給帶更多的人（使徒行傳8：1-4）。
星期三
新的宗教法要求家庭教會註冊。然而，許多地方官員過於熱心，強迫家庭教會加入三自教會，而不是單單的註冊登記（就能公開的崇拜）。向政府註冊和按照法規上報教會活動，對不少信徒是很難接受的。不少教會領袖對註冊有堅定看法和個人經歷，我們為教會領袖有智慧，事工異象，更是能在官員眼中蒙恩。
星期四
隨著宗教政策的收緊，有些家庭教會被迫搬遷。地方官員也會威脅房東終止 “從事非法活動的房客”，不然就被罰款或扣押。因此，房東會急著取消租約，或是大幅提高租金，迫使教會放棄活動。許多教會需要放棄租用的房子，改成以小組在家中聚會。我們為那些正在討論是否要註冊的家庭教會禱告，求主賜給他們平安和信心。
星期五
中國新施行的宗教法，也深深地影響了許多大學校學生的事工。來自教師和學校當局的壓力，警告學生不要參加任何聖經學習小組和聚會，這都使出席人數下降。大學團契是許多中國年輕人第一次認識基督教的地方。我們為學生事工帶領人和在團契中信主的學生，能更有膽量和能力祈求。特別為新學年的預備，求神祝福報答他們的侍奉與擺上。
星期六
因著中國新的宗教法，更多信徒也在學習如何在壓力中，緊緊依靠神。因著政策收緊，信徒也要接受在家中聚會的方式，通過小組和家庭聚會，操練門徒訓練和用口語分享真理，而不是一味依賴書籍和講義。我們為基督徒父母能重新認知家長有責任培養孩子敬虔愛主，而不是將上帝託付的責任推卸給教會或兒童主日學。求主喚醒和復興所有中國信徒的家庭，再次重視家中的信仰生活。
星期日
中國離婚法規定，房產在離婚時不被視為共同擁有財產，不需要平均分配。相反的，房產是誰買的就是合法擁有者，可以完全保留。中國的離婚率在上升，而在教會信徒中也是如此。在這個離婚普遍和年輕人“閃電結婚，閃電離婚”的時代，我們為有更多的信徒家庭能高舉基督，為神作見證。特别要為身為基督徒的父親覺醒，能挑起神託付男人在家中應有的責任來禱告。
星期一
在家庭暴力的問題上，如果一方能證實自己身體遭暴力、虐待或被遺棄，且曾嘗試尋求調停仍無效，新的中國婚姻法會批准離異。 求主幫助教會能提供適當的婚姻輔導。傳道人可能無法兼顧教會各方面的需要，求主使用更多靈命成熟的年長肢體，能成為年輕夫婦效法的榜樣，也能以恩慈給予輔導和鼓勵。
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