Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Prayer Request 2/26 - 3/4

Tuesday
A new era has arrived for the church in China. What are Chinese churches doing to prepare for and respond to this changing environment? In the past year, many churches have reported a dramatic rise in restrictions. We praise God because He is always with the Chinese believers and is close to them in times of trouble. We know that God uses trials and persecutions to bless and refine his Church, pruning and making them ready so they will bear more fruit.
Wednesday
The great majority of churches in China can be described as “traditional” in their style of worship. However, the newer churches in the cities offer contemporary worship and preaching that are popular and appealing to young Christians. The leaders of traditional churches are generally older and will need to plan for their eventual successor. We pray that God raises up new leaders, like Moses and Joshua to lead a new generation in their footsteps.
Thursday
Traditional churches in China are mostly patriarchal and the leaders are the sole decision makers. We are thankful for the faithful service of the older pastors whose labor will be rewarded by the Master. We pray for His blessing for them to continue to be effective even in their advanced age, and that the churches will appreciate their contribution. At the same time, we pray that the Lord will raise up younger leaders to serve.
Friday
The Chinese government regulates many aspects of private family life, including religion and pregnancy. Marriage and family are seen as a stabilizing force and the government wants to keep men and women in marriages. We pray for the spiritual well being of believers and their families who are going through a divorce, so they will rely on His grace to face many hurdles during this traumatic time. We pray for God’s comfort, lessening of their guilt and regret, and that He will enable them to continue to glorify God.
Saturday
In all the divorces in China, husbands and wives share a similar level of education. Divorce rates are higher among those who have a junior high education or lower. Nearly all cases involve child custody issues. Many Christian women in China have husbands who are unbelievers or not-so-strong Christians. They are indeed the so-called “spiritual single parents”. We pray that God will give them a powerful testimony at home, and answer their prayers for the salvation of their husbands and children.
Sunday
It will be helpful for churches in China to form smaller groups or fellowships, led by a trained coworker, for those who are divorced or going through a marital breakup.Each Christian couple has its own set of unique problems and different abilities in coping with stress and pain. We do pray specifically for their children, asking God for special mercy so they will not hate God but be able to hang onto their faith.
Monday
It is difficult to know how much of the current growth of urban churches is due to new conversions or ​ the ​influx of rural believers. Rural migrants are beginning to move and settle in the second- and third-tier cities​ in China​. City residents often look down​ on​ people from the countryside. We pray that churches will be ready to adjust and accommodate the rural believers, ministering to them without pride and prejudice.


星期二
在過去一年,中國教會進入了一個新時期,我們看見從當局來的限制和逼迫大幅度增加。中國教會如何預備及回應正在改變中的環境? 感謝神,「主曾說:我總不撇下你,也不丟棄你。」(來13:5) 神必與信徒同行(尤其在艱難的時刻)。求主在逼迫患難中祝福並煉淨祂的教會,使他們生命更豐富,更加有能力彰顯基督,結出更多豐碩果子。
星期三
中國教會的聚會多是傳統模式,近年一些新興的教會吸引了許多年輕信徒參加,因為有契合他們喜好的風格的敬拜讚美,而講台證道也較傳統教會生動、實用。傳統教會的領袖一般比較年長。求主賜教會忠心的接班人,如同摩西和約書亞一般,以前人為榜樣,注重承傳與開創性,帶領教會迎向新世代。
星期四
中國許多教會往往用「家長式」帶領教會,屬靈領袖有極大權柄。這樣的領袖在艱困時期特別能犧牲自己,照顧群羊。我們為老一輩傳道人的忠心擺上感恩,深知主必賞賜。求主賜他們身心靈健壯,教會亦不忘記他們的擺上。我們也為教會的傳承禱告,求神賜下合祂心意的工人,帶領會眾承接新世代的挑戰。
星期五
中國政府對個人家庭生活常施加管制,包括宗教信仰和生育計劃。婚姻和家庭被視為一種社會的穩定力量,政府希望男女保持婚姻關係。我們來為離婚信徒的靈命和家庭祈求,願他們能依靠神的恩典來面對失婚後的種種難題。又求神親自安慰這類信徒,無論在甚麼景況裡,都滿有屬天的喜樂與平安,並能繼續榮耀神。
星期六
在所有中國的離婚案件中,夫妻同為高學歷的離婚率要高於那些高、初中學歷的夫婦,而幾乎所有案例都牽涉到爭奪子女的撫養權歸屬。教會中有許多姐妹的丈夫在屬靈追求上與她們步伐不一致,甚至還有不少是未信的。她們真是所謂的 「屬靈的單親」。求主幫助她們在家中有美好的見證,以主的愛來愛丈夫和家人;又記念她們的丈夫、子女能早日得著救恩。
星期日
教會若能為離婚或正遇婚姻難題的肢體成立適合的小組或團契,並由受過訓練的同工在其中負責帶領,應該會對他們有很大的幫助。每一對基督徒夫妻的婚姻狀況不同,而每個基督徒身心靈能承受的壓力和痛苦的程度也都不一樣。我們特別為身經離異家庭的孩子禱告,求主賜下格外的憐憫和恩典,撫慰他們的傷痛,保守他們的信心,對神不產生怨恨而放棄信仰 。
星期一
當今中國城市教會的增長,很難知道多少是由於新人信主或農村信徒的湧入。近年農民工開始搬遷並在中國的二三線城市定居。城市原有居民經常看不起新遷入的農村人。我們祈禱教會能調整心態,為主準備好容納農村的信徒,按著神心意牧養他們,沒有不討神喜悦的自以為是的驕傲和偏見。

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Prayer Request 2/19 - 2/25

Tuesday
The ratio of female to male people in churches in China is usually two to one and sometimes even higher but this disparity is the opposite of society in general. Women also outnumber men in seminary training and many of them minister effectively and faithfully. We pray for all the women pastors, for strength, a close walk with God and powerful teaching.
Wednesday
In the past twenty years there has been a huge migration of young people into the cities of China, especially among those who are highly educated and also those who are in construction. Both of these groups have more males than females in them. Churches, however, have remained with mostly women members and lack an appeal to younger men. We pray that church leaders will intentionally create programs and meetings that attract men and build up their ministry to men.
Thursday
The disparity between men and women in the churches In China creates a problem as believers look for a mate. Men can marry a wife who is less educated than he is but it takes great courage for a woman to marry a husband who is less accomplished than she is. This is indeed a tough problem for the churches. We pray that many mature sisters or pastor's wives can provide good teaching and advice for the young ladies who are struggling with the decision of whether to date unbelievers or not.
Friday
In China, marrying a wife who is more accomplished than the husband creates certain problems when the couple wants to apply the Biblical principle of the wife obeying her husband. It is difficult when the husband is an unbeliever and the wife is active in the church. We remember in prayer all the sisters whose husbands are not believers. May the Lord give them faith along with an extra measure of patience and steadfastness in prayer so the salvation of their spouses will come soon.
Saturday
In the churches in China there are more women than men and they are often more involved and committed than the men. They are usually more decisive and creative and in the long run attract more women members to come. May the Lord richly bless all of the Mary's and Martha's in the churches of China. We pray, too, for unity among all of the sisters so they will serve without jealousy or competition.
Sunday
Since women outnumber men in the churches in China, worship, praise, and all ceremonies tend to become more feminine. The culture tends to be warm, highly personal, and tender. We praise God for what the ladies have contributed to the growth of the churches, especially during the days of persecution. We pray for these unsung and not fully appreciates heroes. May the Lord bless each of them as they serve Him and give selflessly.
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
今天中國教會的姊妹跟弟兄比例普遍是2比1男,甚至5比1;與整個社會基本平衡的性別相比下,構成強烈反差。在神學培訓班中,也是女多於男。我們為女傳道在神家中有忠心、美好的服侍感恩。也求神加添她們身心靈力量,與主更親密,滿有主的恩典牧養與教導群羊。
星期三
過去二十多年,中國城市迅速膨脹,主要是青壯年湧入城市引起的,其中受過高等教育的青年和從事建築等行業的較低文化程度的打工者,基本上都是男多女少。然而,中國教會内普遍現象是姊妹偏多,以致年輕男性少能在教會找到同性朋輩。我們為教會領袖們禱告,求神賜他們智慧籌劃適合男性的聚會,也能鞏固教會的弟兄團契。
星期四
教會內未婚姊妹在婚配上有很大的難題。通常的觀念是,男子可以娶學歷和收入不如自己的人,女子要想「下嫁」卻需要很大勇氣,而男子面臨「高攀」抉擇時,也有很多障礙。教會中懸殊的性別比例是牧養的難題。我們為教會有成熟的姊妹或師母的參與,針對未婚姊妹們在交友、戀愛及婚姻的事上,給予確切的忠告和有效的輔導。
星期五
男弱女強的婚姻使夫妻不容易形成合乎聖經的家庭秩序。當然,夫妻中只有一方信主向來是牧養中的難題,特別是妻子熱心事奉主,而丈夫不信時,尤為艱難。我們為丈夫是未信的姊妹禱告, 求神將更多的信心與耐心加給她們,叫她們不灰心,仍恒切祈求,願主感動丈夫的心,早日得著救恩 。
星期六
婦女在教會中不僅人數居多,而且也往往相比弟兄更加投入教會。她們對神單純,願意付代價擺上自己,而且有創意和親和力,因此也就帶領更多女性到教會。願神使用眾多 "馬大" 和 "馬利亞" 般的姊妹們,在教會中充份發揮其恩賜,在主裡同心合意興旺福音,沒有任何嫉妒與競爭。
星期日
城市教會由於會衆女性偏多,在詩歌、崇拜、見證和禮儀等方面的安排也明顯較陰柔,教會文化注重和追求營造出溫馨、個人化、温情的氛圍。姊妹向來在中國教會的成長裡扮演了極重要的角色,尤其是在被迫害的日子。但是她們的貢獻和擺上卻常被忽略。 求主記念她們的忠心,也大大賞賜她們的事奉及無私的擺上。
星期一
都市教會中的男女比例失衡是事實。在 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。中國的教會較少有青少年事工,年輕人也覺得教會無聊。我們要為青年信徒家長祈求,求神加添他們智慧,保持健康的親子關係,能繼續給子女們屬靈的影響。

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Prayer Request 2/12 - 2/18

Tuesday
In the past, the average life expectancy in the southern part of China has been at least five years longer than that of people in the North. This discrepancy is attributed to the widespread use of coal in the northern provinces and the serious pollution which it cost in devastating the health of people there. There are also many differences between house churches in the northern and southern China. In general, churches in the north usually members of a larger group. Let us pray for these churches, the Lord give them unity of hearts, to spread the gospel, to accept and build up one another, and the Body of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday
Scandals involving food and drugs have endangered the lives of many children in China. The most recent one involved hundreds of thousands of children who received faulty vaccines. The news angered the public, rattled confidence in the government and amplified frustration with the health care system.We need to pray for the spiritual health of all the children of believers in China. May the Lord remind all parents to fulfill their responsibilities, not only praying for their children but also teaching them to know the Word of God from a young age.
Thursday
The current health system cannot adequately support China's population of more than one billion people. Hospitals can no longer meet the needs of the public. The large gaps and inequalities threaten to undermine China's progress, social stability, and financial health. Churches in China are also struggling to meet the need of the growing number of believers. Again, we beseech the Lord to protect His churches in this difficult time, strengthen and comfort those who are oppressed and even forced to change their practice of faith.
Friday
The Chinese government said the “two-children” policy is working. While the total number of births dipped to 17.2 million last year, however the percentage of families with two children has climbed from 36 percent in 2013 to 51 percent today. We pray for believer families with two or more children specifically that the Lord will help these parents to teach their children to know God at an early age as well as learning to pray to Him, especially in this time of many restrictions of children going to church.
Saturday
Experts warn it will be difficult to change people’s reproductive behavior. The Chinese government needs to provide more support to families planning to have a second child by providing more child welfare, such as early education, maternal and child health care. Many Christian parents do not want their children to become a pastor because the life of a church worker is hard and they very likely will not be able to support their parents financially when the parents are old. We pray that believers will honor their parents and even be able to lead them to believe in Jesus.
Sunday
Grandparents on both sides are expected to help with childcare in China, especially with the one-child generation. Many see this is as an exchange or a requirement for the parents to receive support from their children when they are old. We pray that Christian parents will spend both quality and quantity time with their children and help them to know the love of God, especially families with only one believer or spiritually strong parent. May the Lord grant them strong faith, help them to trust His faithfulness, and be joyful in all things.
Monday
In China, young couples are hesitant to have a second child because their parents can only help with the caring for grandkids if they have good health. Maternal grandparents also pressure their daughter to work outside of the house and not to stay at home caring for children. We pray that believer parents can effectively manage their home, especially when they are both the only-child. The Lord gives them wisdom and grace in handling the stress of honoring their aging parents and caring for their children.


星期二
近數十年來,南方人的平均壽命至少比北方人長五年,其中最大原因是北方地區廣泛使用煤炭,導致嚴重污染,對健康造成毀滅性影響。中國北方與南方的家庭教會也有許多不同。一般而言,北方的家庭教會通常是團隊式帶領。我們為這些團隊式的教會禱告,求主幫助他們竭力保守合一的心,在主裡同心興旺福音,凡事包容、彼此建立,讓神的家得以茁壯成長。
星期三
過去幾年食、藥醜聞層出不窮,危及中國民眾健康。最近,數十萬兒童被發現接種了問題疫苗,激怒了公眾,動搖了人們的信心,並加劇了人們對醫療系統的疑慮和不滿。我們為信徒的兒女的靈命健康禱告,父母要為主盡上培育敬虔後裔的神聖責任,不單是為孩子禱告,更要教導他們從小認識神的話語,一生蒙福。
星期四
現今的醫療系統不足以支撐接近中國十四億的人口,醫院已經無法滿足公眾的需求。貧富極大的差距和權益分配的不平等,威脅著中國的進步、社會的穩定和財政體制的健康。中國教會也在盡力提供更多服事來回應信徒的需求。我們懇求恩主保守祂的教會,加能賜力。又求主安慰受壓迫、甚至被迫害而放棄信仰的小羊。
星期五
政府表示「二孩」政策正在起作用。雖然去年的總出生人數下降至1720萬,但有兩個孩子的家庭比例從2013年的36%攀升至今天的51%。我們為有兩個孩子的信徒家庭禱告,求主使用父母(尤其在新宗教事務條例實行下)從小幫助孩子認識神,也能學習禱告,操練依靠、仰望神。
星期六
專家稱,改變人們的生育行為是很困難的。政府需要給生第二胎的家庭更多支持,並投放更多兒童福利:包括增進幼兒早期教育和母嬰健康。許多家長不願意自己孩子成為教會的傳道人,因為中國的傳道人生活艱苦,沒有經濟能力奉養他們,更不能期望孩子能給他們養老。求主提醒信徒要孝敬,更能帶領未信父母認識耶穌基督,得著永生的盼望。
星期日
讓父母幫忙照顧自己的孩子在中國是很普遍的事。獨生子女們認為父母幫助照顧孫輩是理所當然,不然父母老了就得不著他們回報的照顧。求主幫助信徒能有效管理時間,與子女的相處不僅有質也有量,好讓孩子能從父母身上感受天父的大愛。我們特別為家長中還有一方未信主或靈命軟弱的家庭禱告,求主賜下堅定的信心,知道神的信實從沒有改變,凡事仰望主的帶領,靠主常常喜樂。
星期一
雖然父母可以幫助照料孫子女,但因老人體力有限,常會力不從心。為此,許多夫妻在考慮到有限的人力物力下,不打算要第二胎。女方的家長也不希望自己的女兒一輩子在家照顧孩子,而是能在外工作,擁有經濟的獨立能力及職業的成就感。求主幫助信徒夫婦有計劃地管理自己的家,尤其雙方均是獨生子女的,更有主的恩典既能照料年邁的父母,也能關心子女的成長需要。

Tuesday, February 05, 2019

Prayer Request 2/5 - 2/11

Tuesday
In the past two decades, hundreds of thousands of young Chinese have studied abroad every year. Some of them became Christians, but less than 20% of those who returned to China have continued to worship and study the Bible. A whopping 80% of the returning Christians have stopped their practice of faith. We pray for good soil for the seed of the gospel to grow, and for more effective discipleship to prepare the new converts in coping with the trials and temptations they will face back in China.
Wednesday
It is difficult for those who became Christians abroad to adapt back to China because the lifestyles are radically different. The longer they stay abroad, the more integrated and shaped by their foreign peers they become. Their life-styles preferences, language, and the idea of liberty and value of human rights are all changed.We praise God for the efforts of local churches to reach out to Chinese students, and pray the Lord gives them much fruit and continues to strengthen the new converts with solid spiritual food so they know the will of God fully before they return.
Thursday
After studying abroad and returning to China, students discover that their lives, tastes, convictions, and identity are incompatible with the locals. Even the Christian returnees find it difficult to fit in with churches in China. Many believers who return are not mentally prepared for and do not know how to keep their faith in the difficult times they face. We beseech God to provide them mature believers to mentor and guide them, helping these spiritual infants by giving practical advice and encouraging them to grow in the Word of God.
Friday
After many years of persecution, people in the churches of China are often skeptical of people who claim to be Christians but are outside of their own system and do not welcome them into their churches. At the same time, people returning from abroad have high expectations for the churches they are going to and hope to find a church that is equally warm and welcoming as those they found overseas and invariably they are disappointed. We ask the Lord for mercy and to raise up people who are willing to better prepare these young Christians who are going back to China so they will make a good connection with believers there and reduce the tragic loss of so many newborn believers.
Saturday
Young Christians who return to China from abroad find it difficult to make new Christian friends or even feel accepted by a church there due to their age, education, and social status. Usually, they will give up after visiting two or three churches that all cause them to feel the same way. For returnees to continue in faith, they must have a close-knit group of Christian friends to support each other and be able to trust and accept one another. We pray for more believers in China who can care for and encourage the young believers who have recently returned from abroad.
Sunday
Many of the believers who return from abroad to China attend the open church for the first month after they get back. Then they become very busy, often working overtime at their jobs. Since they do not have Christian friends, they quickly give up their faith. We ask the Lord to give every believer who returns to China the spirit of Daniel and his friends so they will not defile themselves but have the courage to refuse any demand that is contrary to their faith. May God raise up disciples among them who will love Him and be passionate about the spiritual condition of other returnees.
Monday
There are great differences between churches in China and those abroad. It is impossible and unreasonable to measure the churches in China with the expectations for overseas churches. However, the majority of the young Christians returning home do not realize this fact. We ask the Lord to give wisdom to the overseas church and help many returnees to get connected with suitable churches before moving back. We pray, too, that God will raise up believers in China to care for the very new and young believers.
 
星期二
中國開放以來,許多年輕人有機會到海外升學,現時每年有數十萬學生到海外留學。有些留學生在海外信主,但只有兩成左右的人在回國後繼續到教會敬拜和查經,八成的人再沒有持續的信仰生活。我們祈求福音的種子能撒在好土裡並發芽成長,結出百倍果實。求主為在國外信主的海歸們預備,讓他們能得到好質量的門徒訓練,並幫助他們面對國內的種種試煉與試探時得勝有餘。
星期三
留學生在國外生活連帶生活模式都會改變。他們受朋輩、生活行為、語言、追求自由的思想、人權價值等塑造其身分,在外國時間愈長,融入當地社會愈深。這類留學生返國後,發覺自己很多方面都與本土格格不入,信主海歸在參加中國的教會也適應困難。我們為努力向中國留學生傳福音的教會感恩,求主加力增添他們的果子,也能餵養這些新信徒屬靈的乾糧,在回國前裝備他們,更明白神的心意與帶領。
星期四
留學生返回中國後,發覺自己的生活、品味、信念、身分認同等與祖國大相徑庭,而回流返國的基督徒在參加中國的教會時也有適應困難的問題。許多海外信主的,在回國之前沒有充份的心理準備,未察覺持守信仰的艱難。求主使用關心他們的屬靈長輩,能實際幫助這些屬靈嬰兒,並願意繼續以各樣方法栽培建造他們。
星期五
中國教會經過多年的迫害,許多教會對新來者持懷疑態度,並不輕易信任或流露熱烈歡迎之情。而海歸信徒亦對國内教會抱有很高期望,想尋找像外國教會一樣溫暖熱情的教會,結果往往大大失望。求主憐憫,興起更多海外信徒能協助裝備好歸國的信徒,包括如何能提前與國內信徒接軌,取得聯絡。好叫如此多的新信徒在信仰的考驗上能順利適應,匯成為一股新生力軍。
星期六
因著與中國教會中信徒在年齡、教育和社會階層存在巨大差距,海歸可能較難於結交朋友或有歸屬感,如果他們造訪了兩、三間教會都出現同一情況,就會放棄。求主興起更多國內信徒能關心和鼓勵這些剛回國的年輕信徒。幫助他們在信仰裡持續堅定地走下去,讓他們可以與相熟的基督徒同伴組成緊密團體,在互相信任及接納下彼此支援。
星期日
許多在國外信主的留學生,回國最初一個月會去參加幾次三自教會,但找到工作後,因為工作忙碌,經常加班,也沒有屬靈的朋友,很快地就會失去信仰生活。求主賜給每個歸國的信徒,都有但以理和他敬虔的朋友同樣的心智,不願玷污自己,也有膽量拒絕違背信仰的要求。又願神親安慰祂的兒女,在感到孤單寂寞的時候,感受到有主的陪伴與同行的真實。
星期一
國內和國外的教會有極大不同,期望國內教會像海外的一樣是不可能也不合理的。可是絕大多的年輕海歸信徒卻不明白這樣的現實。 求主賜海外教會有恩典和智慧,能預先為回國信徒取得合適國内教會的聯絡。求主也興起國內信徒有恩慈為主來關心在海外信主的幼苗。