Prayer Request 5/29 - 6/4

Tuesday
Since 2014​, many churches in Zhejiang Province in China have had their crosses forcibly removed which caused a dire outlook for the gospel. But the great door for the good news was not shut even as churches throughout the whole land have reported increased interference or clampdown on them.The days ahead will definitely be challenging and we pray for the churches in China as they face a tightening of religious policy and regulation. We know that God is in control and He will care for His churches. May the Lord give comfort and bless all believers.
Wednesday
Those churches that had their crosses demolished are still very much active today. Their focus is no longer on their buildings, but they are​ much more willing to invest their resources in building up spiritual leaders. Churches are always about people rather than the building​s​. We pray that more churches will see the great need for building leaders and training co-workers in every aspect of ministry, and seriously equipping new and younger leaders.
Thursday
In the past few years, opportunities to publish Christian books have decreased in China. However, a lot more Christian contents are available through digital publishing, the effect of books has expanded enormously. As churches in China adapt to tightening regulations, we pray for the grace of God and boldness, that they will ​continue to obey God's​ calling and seek new opportunities for their churches.
Friday
The new generation of pastors in China has better education and resources. 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 highly educated or professionals. We pray for wisdom and vision for church leaders, to know how to minister to​ the younger and more ​educated believers, especially when they themselves do not have high education.
Saturday
In general, believers in the rural churches in China do not tithe regularly so their pastors must work to support themselves. Many of these people have given up serving in the churches and sought 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 needs of their children.
Sunday
Sunday Chinese people value greatly social status and higher education. Rather than praising the sacrifice and determination of young people who go into the ministry full-time, many look down on young pastors and consider them as "failures" in their lack of academic and career pursuit.​ We pray for young pastors who feel inadequate and even intimidated because of their youth, less education and work experience.
Monday
Young pastors in China have more formal theological training​ than the older ones. Often, they were recommended by their senior pastor to attend seminary. However, they face high expectations once they start serving. We pray that believers will respect their young pastors and not be critical or look down on them because of the​ir​ 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2014年浙江省的十字拆遷危機中，許多弟兄姊妹對基督教在中國的未來是非常悲觀的，但福音的大門也未關閉。前面的日子，教會必定有更多挑戰。我們為面臨壓力的中國教會禱告，求神親自安慰，賜下勇氣，深知不論如何，神是掌權的主。
星期三
信徒的信仰沒有因為十字架被拆毀而動搖，教會仍然常有聚集，他們的焦點不在建築物，乃是願意投入更多資源來建立屬靈的領袖。願主施恩，讓教會明白同工的培訓及栽培新一代領袖的重要，遠遠超過堂會的建築。
星期四
過去幾年，中國出版基督教書籍逐漸減少；然而，屬靈供應卻透過電子渠道越來越廣泛流通。因著宗教管制收緊，教會必須有智慧尋求機會。我們求神賜下恩典和力量，幫助信徒堅定遵守祂的呼召，也能有發展事工的新機會。
星期五
中國新一代教會領袖有較好的教育程度，亦得到較多的資源。與此同時，他們亦面對較大的挑戰，就是如何牧養高教育程度的會眾，以及在不斷變化的社會環境中為神國的事盡忠。我們為中國教會有許多受過高教育和白領的信徒感恩。我們也為教會領袖祈求智慧和異象，知道如何來服事年輕和高教育水平的信徒們。
星期六
一般而言，農村教會的弟兄姊妹經濟條件沒法負擔傳道人的生活，這也造成牧者需要帶職傳道才能維生。不少教會的傳道人為了更好的生活，放棄在農村的事奉到城市裡打工。我們為那些選擇留在農村里的牧者禱告，求主供應他們的需要，又賜下事奉的力量，讓他們看到神的手在教會中的工作。我們也為他們的配偶禱告，特別是他們孩子的教育需要。
星期日
中國人重視社會地位和教育程度。許多老觀念的肢體不珍惜年輕人的甘心擺上，反而輕看，認為不上進，甚至認為他們是在學業或事業上沒有成就才委身事奉主。我們為年輕的牧師者祈求，願神親自幫助他們，不要因教育程度和或是社會經歷不足而自卑，要在言語、行為、愛心、信心、清潔上，都作信徒的榜樣。
星期一
中國的年輕牧者有更多的機會接受正式的神學訓練。他們經常由他們的資深牧者引薦進入神學院，不過，他們一旦開始服事，就會面臨很高的期望。我們為年長的信徒懂得尊重教會年輕的牧者禱告，不要因為他們年輕或是缺乏經驗而批評或輕看。我們也為年長牧者禱告，求主幫助他們知道如何指導和培養寶貴的年輕領袖們。