Posts
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。
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
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。
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