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。