Prayer Request 6/25 - 7/1

Tuesday
The topics of "church authority" and "power" are very touchy in churches in China but the new generation of believers are a lot more vocal, demanding the right to know, decide, supervise, and remove leadership. Younger believers want to know who is in charge and openly question the cost of maintaining church unity. Church leaders tend to portray themselves as highly spiritual and sacrificial. We pray that each of us sees our own brokenness and sinfulness, we all need renewal and more faith, as we strive to please our Master.
Wednesday
When believers move from one church to the other, they create division in churches because their theological views are different and likely more radical. Conflicts ensue when their views are not accepted. Christ is the head of the church and the church is the body of Christ. Each of us is a member of the Body. We are called to build up His church, We ask the Lord to forgive our arrogance, strife, division and so often, the splitting of a church.
Thursday
When believers move about from one church to the other, conflicts follow. First, they are likely to be critical and not willing to serve. Second, they band together with like-minded people and split up a church. We pray that God strengthens His people and heals our divisiveness, so we have the heart of Jesus, always seeing others better than ourselves. ‘Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’ (Eph. 4:3)
Friday
When a church splits because of conflicts, deep suspicion lingers between the two affected congregations for a long time. If the gap is not bridged, a generation of believers will be deeply wounded. We know our Lord takes no pleasure in the strife and division among His people which cause the ministry to suffer, people to be discouraged and church growth slowed. May the Lord have mercy on us so we can learn true humility and unity in Christ.
Saturday
Newly established churches resulting from a split tend to have some "sheep stealing", although it is inevitable it always leaves a bad feeling for all concerned. Scandal in one church damages the reputation of many churches. Division within a church also confuses outsiders and affect those within. We pray that none of us will ever shame His Name and the Lord protect the weak believers from stumbling and stop attending church.
Sunday
Churches in China, especially the houses churches are known for vigorously insist that their own theology is orthodox and denounce others as apostasy. Such vicious attitude only hurts His body and corrupting of innocent believers. Once again, we pray for His sacrificial love and humility, so we can submit to one another and leave the devil no room for attacks.
Monday
"Once bitten, twice shy", After a church suffered split because of outsiders," a church becomes reluctant to change, especially in training new leaders, and much more conservative in theological thinking and all aspects of ministries. We pray that church leaders will be strategic and patient in nurturing their people. The Lord bless the churches abundantly so the power of the gospel is revealed through His churches in China.

星期二
「權威」和「權柄」在中國教會一直是敏感的議題，新一代信徒要求有知情權、決策權、監督權、彈劾權，教會往往會面臨分化危機。也有的教會在非關乎真理的範疇上非黑即白，仍要求大家保持一致性才算稱為合一。老一輩教會領袖強調標榜屬靈生命，犧牲擺上。求主憐憫我們，看得見自己的軟弱與破碎，更新信徒的靈命，相信我們按著主心意所做的一切，絕不會徒然，最終必得著天上主人的獎賞。
星期三
游離基督徒是指那些游走一個又一個教會卻不願意委身的肢體，意見強的游離基督徒容易帶來教會分裂。當他們所持觀點與新教會不同，又過於激進，未能得到教會的認同，繼而產生衝突。基督是教會的頭，教會是基督的身子，並且我們各自作肢體。肢體雖多，仍是一個身子；更要各盡其職，建立基督的身體。求主赦免並幫助我們改正各持己見，彼此爭鬧，結黨紛爭，分門別類，使基督的身子分裂的錯誤。
星期四
游離基督徒常會引發教會衝突，給教會帶來兩種現象：一、留下卻總是唱反調，不能積極投入教會服事中。二、因衝突而離開，與志同道合者成立新教會。求主加力屬祂的人，靠著主修補教會的分裂；又幫助我們以基督耶穌的心為心，看別人比自己強，凡事謙虛、溫柔、忍耐，用愛心互相寬容，用和平彼此聯絡，竭力保守聖靈所賜合而為一的心。(弗4:3)
星期五
因衝突而離開的現象使新建立的教會與原教會之間產生嫌隙，是短期內無法解決的教會爭端。若破口沒有修補，至少一代人會活在這種陰影裡。這是許多中國家庭教會經歷的。教會無論是紛爭、分黨分派或分裂都會叫主傷心，使信徒灰心，致聖工受攔阻，教會不能增長。求主憐憫我們，真有祂的謙卑，願意竭力追求在主裡的合一。
星期六
因分裂而新成立的教會，總是會有一些「拉羊」的現象，是傳統教會所不齒的，也造成無法彌補的虧損。每個信徒都是基督的肢體，「一榮俱榮、 一損俱損」，教會之間的紛爭不僅讓教外人士困惑，更會絆倒教內會衆。但願神的名不受虧損，脆弱的信徒不因此跌倒而遠離神。我們也禱告新教會能成為福音的新出口，新社區的明亮燈台。
星期日
神學觀點不同也存在於中國教會之間，但弟兄姊妹間彼此攻擊的情況比西方更列，堅持自己的神學觀點是何等的「正統」。無論在教內或是教外，這種「同門之爭」只能敗壞人信心而不能建造信徒的靈命。求神使眾教會都能靠主愛謙卑在主面前，做到捨己，彼此順服，以致魔鬼沒有可以乘機攻擊神家的任何破口。
星期一
游離基督徒現象往往導致某些教會更不願考慮革新。可謂「一朝被蛇咬，十年怕井繩」，受過分裂之苦的教會，不管在人才培養、神學思想、信仰宣告、福音工作等教會事工上，都更趨於保守。求主幫助教會領袖，在信徒造就方面滿有策略與忍耐，叫人靈命得著建造成長。又求主賜福眾教會，能藉着中國眾教會的齊心努力，將福音大能在世界各角落彰顯出來。

Prayer Request 6/18 - 6/24

Tuesday
There are some closures of churches in China as a result of mergers and pastors being laid off or resigned. These led to the discussion of how churches should plan and care for unemployed pastors and the financial impacts on their families. We pray for faith in God and new directions for pastors who have been in ministry a long time and now are without work, especially those who are in their middle age. May the Lord raise up believers to care for God’ servants. 
Wednesday
It can be said that churches in China no longer have a shortage of pastors. The reality is that there are many pastors who are not serving and are unfortunately disrespected by believers because they have not fulfilled the Lord’s calling to ministry. We pray that none of us will be quick to judge or harden our hearts saying: "Go in peace, be warm and be filled"(James 2:16); ignoring or refusing to help others in need. 
Thursday
To provide financial security for their pastors, churches in China should at least contribute to the government-sponsored retirement plan for those who serve full-time. Churches should offer the basic benefits available to employees in other professions. The Bible teaches us to love one another, and we ask God to remind us that we cannot claim to love God, but refuse to love and care for those who serve Him. Let us honor God by first honoring His workers.
Friday
Churches should not overlook the welfare of their shepherds or consider it as unimportant. No churches should ever shrink away from this financial responsibility, by telling them to "Have faith, just trust God for your living expenses.” We pray that no believer or church leader would ever say, "God will take care of you." and then refuse to care for the needs of those who are or have been shepherding them.
Saturday
The challenge of shepherding a church in China is a daunting task because believers are often very critical whether of each other or even their pastors.often very critical, prone to verbally attack each other's and their pastors included. Many believers have deep emotional wounds or a hurtful upbringing. We pray for healing and the transformation by the Holy Spirit for these believers in every facet of their lives. May His Name be praised and our lives renewed daily by His love.
Sunday
Although China no longer has a shortage of pastors, there is still a lack of those who are well-equipped and adequately trained. Too many believers are merely church attendees and badly need spiritual and physical caring. Pastors who try to meet the spiritual needs in their churches are overwhelmed by the enormous emotional, relational and family problems many believers suffer. We pray that each church will do its best to help with healing and build healthy families.
Monday
The poison of the Cultural Revolution still has deep roots among the churches in China. Church leaders are spiritually lonely, but will not share their inadequacy or feeling with their co-workers in fear of being savagely judged. It is said that many lack management ethics, and care only about their respectability and the appearance of holiness. We pray for God’s mercy for His churches and HIs servants in China because we are all sinners saved by grace. May the Lord revive His churches, not merely in numbers of members but with a deep love for Him and spiritual leaders becoming transparent and with a servant's heart.

星期二
在中國有地區教會遭當局關閉後，牧者的家庭生活和經濟都受到影響。引發了信徒探討教會應更多關顧失業的牧者，以及如何為該等情況未雨綢繆。求主施恩給在教會事奉、獻上青春的傳道人，加添他們信心和引領他們有新的服事方向。同時也感動弟兄姊妹關心神的僕人經濟所需，尤其是中年牧者不易找到另一個服事工場。
星期三
現今教會「牧者荒」的情況已沒有過去嚴重，甚至出現許多牧者沒有全職服事的工場。求主提醒信徒不可冷淡對待目前沒服事工場的牧者，或將他們推到社會上去，再重新選擇謀生的差事。求神打破我們的冷漠，不是只說： 「平平安安的去吧！願你們穿得暖，吃得飽」；卻狠着心不供給他們身體所需用的。（雅 2:16）
星期四
對於牧者的經濟需要，有些信徒認為：「神掌管一切，神家的事情，自然有神來管」或是「神是他們的保證」。求神校正信徒的觀念，要重視全職牧者的生活保障和退休福利問題，起碼比照一般專業人士的規格，以解決牧者的後顧之憂。神吩咐屬信徒要彼此相愛，求主光照我們，若連看見的弟兄也不愛，如何愛看不見的神？願我們藉著關懷牧者來彰顯基督的愛。
星期五
「遠看像乞丐，近看像農民，走到跟前一看，才發現是教會的傳道人」這是不少教會牧者的光景！牧者的生活保障問題不是小事情，也關係到教會的發展，影響長遠的事工策略。求主施恩憐憫，讓信徒屬靈看見：供應牧者養生所需是會衆的權利和義務，更積極幫助教會傳道人真正改善生活現況，並協助失業牧者度過難關。
星期六
在中國牧會的挑戰是艱鉅的。信徒因為背景的關係較易攻擊並尖銳地指責別人，甚至直指傳道人的不是。有些信徒及牧者曾在教會裡受到攻擊，心靈受傷，求主親自醫治他們，以信心重新站立起來。又求主的靈來改變那些屬肉體信徒的言行，治死他們的老我，活出成熟的屬靈生命。願主的名隨事被高舉，信徒天天被神的愛更新。
星期日
雖然中國「牧者荒」已經緩解，可是仍然缺乏具有良好裝備和優質培訓的牧者。加上太多信徒只是參加聚會而已，少有人關心牧者身心靈的需要，這些都是教會長遠發展的隱憂。個人的感情和人際問題，加上種種家庭情況，使得牧者想幫助信徒靈命，也覺得疲憊無力。我們為教會的成長禱告：求神在這些年間，復興祢的作為，加力給衆教會面對挑戰。
星期一
過去的傷害深植在人心深處，教會領袖掌大權的個人形象，很難與同工分享自己的軟弱，他們沒有屬靈的同伴，孤軍奮戰。求主憐憫教會及祂的僕人都是蒙恩的罪人，許多的軟弱有待增強。但願教會的復興不在數字上，而在信徒的屬靈品質提昇；幇助我們真有愛主的火熱，教會領袖們也能坦誠分享以僕人的心態來服侍。

Prayer Request 6/11 - 6/17

Tuesday
The development of rural churches in China is very different. In the North, churches are very prevalent while in the South they are relatively scarce because of the cultural differences. We pray that believers in both regions will have a firm foundation built on God's Word and a deep commitment to Him, that they will grow daily in their faith to be spiritually mature people and be fit for the Master's service, not live as babies in Christ.
Wednesday
Sociologists say, "Chinese peasants choose a religion or belief that meets their daily needs and helps them in what they lack in life and relationship. Christianity meets their needs." We pray specifically for pastors who are serving in the rural churches who are trying their best to care for the emotional and spiritual needs of their flocks, despite the fact that there are not enough of these pastors and the needs are very great.
Thursday
When Christian churches started in villages in China, the early converts were fellow villagers, neighbors, relatives, and friends. What was taught to converts were the basic truths of God Who brings healing and comforts. Only God is eternal and everything else is transient. And, God has predestined all things but prayers bring about salvation. In the past, there were many miraculous signs and wonders among the rural churches in China. We continue to pray for the mighty works of the Holy Spirit and at the same time a real hunger for His Word and growing deeper in the foundation of faith.
Friday
Ancestral worship and the passing on of the family name are the beliefs that matter the most to the peasants in the southern part of China, where ancestral memorial pagodas and elaborate graves dot the landscape. These values and practices are deeply entrenched and are very difficult to change. Most of the churches in southern China are in the cities. We pray that urban churches will redouble their evangelistic efforts to the villages near them, and not simply give up because of resistance and rejections.
Saturday
Farmers in southern China rejected Christianity because it preached against ancestral worship and regarded their ancestors as devils, claiming the power of the Lord Jesus would satisfy all their needs. Believers in the city often overlook and ignore the fact that there are so many villages around them where people have not heard of Jesus Christ. We pray that God will always remind us that we cannot simply ignore our own "Samaria". We also pray that all Chinese believers can give good explanations of why we discourage the practice of ancestral worship.
Sunday
Success theology had a great impact on Chinese churches. It offered a gospel stripped of the Cross and sufferings, substituted it with the false promises of easy lives, healings on demand, a good university, a plum job, and prosperity. Churches in China face the temptations of the prosperity gospel. We pray that our Lord will preserve our pure love for Him, not just for the material riches. And, that we will persist in our love for the Lord in all adversities and testings. We should not ask only for blessings, but love the one whom all blessings flow.
Monday
No matter how many believers there are in China today, less than five percent of the population is Christian. There are 2,300 provincial and municipal cities in China, and only one-third of them have any churches. In the western part of China, there are very few Christians. We pray for churches in China to stand firm in a time of persecution. And, to have an even greater faith in the Lord in the harsher days ahead, knowing His return is coming, just as the night is the darkest before the dawn.

星期二
農村家庭教會在南北兩地的發展並不均衡，北方農村家庭教會盛行，南方卻相對緩濟不前，原因在於文化上的差異。社會學家認為，北方農民選擇基督教，是因為“耶穌厲害”，把耶穌叫做「主」。我們來為兩地信徒禱告，求神幫助大家對神的認識和委身都是有根有基，信心日漸漸成長，不停留作屬靈的嬰孩，能長大成人，成為神能使用的器皿。
星期三
社會學家認為，「農民選擇某種宗教或信仰形式，目的是滿足日常生活所需，彌補他們在生活、人際關係的缺乏，而基督教正好滿足到他們。」我們為牧者能夠盡全力地關心信徒身、心、靈的需要禱告，雖然服事人手有限，資源亦缺乏，但仍按著主交託的，忠心服事，讓眾人得益，叫神得榮。
星期四
當家庭教會在中國農村裡建立起來，傳道者都是本村本族的人，甚至是鄰居和親朋好友。他們大多知道各人狀況，容易解答農民的困惑，撫慰他們受傷的心靈。例如告訴農民：世間一切都是虛幻，只有神是永恆的；或者生活現況是神安排的，只要禱告，神就會拯救。過去農村教會有許多的神跡奇事，求主繼續作工，也願信衆不是衹是追求神蹟奇事，而是在神話語上扎根，讓信仰有根有基。
星期五
祖先崇拜和傳宗接代，是中國南方農民最主要的信仰。這個信仰涉及到農民活著的意義，較為根深蒂固及很難改變。在南方農村，我們依然可以看到高大的宗祠和鱗次櫛比的祖墳山，這些都是農民信仰的載體。南方的教會大多數都在城裡，我們禱告教會不因向農村傳福音所遇的阻攔和抵制而灰心，求神繼續引領衆信徒，打開農村福音大門，搶救靈魂。
星期六
當基督教徒進村傳教，南方的農民多表厭惡，覺得基督教排斥他們的祖先，將祖先視為「魔鬼」。即使傳道人宣稱主耶穌的力量偉大，能滿足農民的需求，農民也不會為了「小利」而放棄祖先信仰。城市的信徒常在傳福音上省略離他們不遠的農村，而到遠處去宣教。求主賜我們智慧，對執著祖先崇拜的人有清楚而合理的解釋，不忽略身邊的「撒瑪利亞」。
星期日
成功神學對中國教會影響很大。它是抽去十字架的福音，宣稱信主後就不會遇到困難和身體疾病，考上好的大學、工作順利和賺大錢。當今教會面臨許多壓力，求主保守我們對祂純全專一的愛，願意明白祂的心意。深信神允許各樣逆境的發生，正是考驗、建造就我們靈命，願我們不是只愛主的祝福，而是更愛賜福的主。
星期一
中國至今仍然少於5個百分點是基督徒。2300個省市級的城市，卻只有三分之一的城市有可看見的聚會點。至於中國的西部地區，基督徒就更少了。我們禱告：為中國教會在日益增強的逼迫中能站立得穩，求主堅固衆信徒在越艱難的日子裡，信心越增強，面對黎明之前的黑暗，知道主回來的日子近了，越充滿堅定的盼望。

Prayer Request 6/4 - 6/10

Tuesday
China's top long-term problem is a housing bubble--the soaring prices for homes that made landlords rich but shattered the dreams of forming a family for young people. The increase in the price of houses has gone on for forty-four months and is the strongest annual gain since July 2017. Young people in China now expect their parents to buy their first home for them which puts great strain and conflict on the family. We pray for the families that encounter this problem, that the Lord gives them wisdom and discernment and that this will not be a stumbling stone for good family relationships.
Wednesday
Seventy percent of China's "Millennial Generation" (22-37 years old) has a house which is the highest percentage in the world. However, in the first-tier cities of "Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen", many young people actually do not have their own houses. We pray specifically for the young believers in China that the Lord will give them faith and contentment in what they have. We pray, too, that they grow spiritually to maturity, especially in their relationship with their parents.
Thursday
In most cities in China, it is the price of the home that makes homeowners rich, but young people are priced out of ownership. Family spending is constrained by the heavy burden of the home mortgage payment, and the stagnant real estate market dampens the willingness of consumers to spend. Urban believers in China are more prosperous now and many own multiple homes. We pray that they will be faithful stewards of what the Lord has given them and a channel of blessing to their churches. “Charge the rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God,” (1Ti 6:17) 
Friday
Soaring prices put homes beyond the reach of the average citizen in China which hurts long-term growth prospects far more than the Sino-American trade war did. Even worse is the soaring price of homes in major Chinese cities which is due to the land policies of the local government which favors rich landlords. Believers and their pastors in China are inevitably affected by high home prices. We pray that God reminds us to focus on Him rather than things of this world and we pray, too for those pastors, that the Lord would be merciful to them and supply all their needs, especially their housing.
Saturday
Young parents in China plan every stage of education for their children, to get into the best kindergartens, primary schools, and even universities. They also start saving for their college education and career and even the future spouse, saving to buying a home and plan to babysit for the grandchildren. We pray for the believer parents to honor Jesus above their children, knowing it is their duty to raise children to know the Lord from a young age and walk in His path.
Sunday
In the ghost cities in China, there are luxury villas, skyscraper apartments, lakes, parks, and large-scale road networks, but the only thing missing is the residents. Vacant apartments belong to wealthy landlords who plan to sell them at a higher price one day. We pray that God gives each of us contentment, knowing ‘to whom much is given, much will be required’ (Luke 12:48) and that we will be willing to serve and to give joyfully. We also pray for each of us that we will strive to have “godliness with contentment which is great gain.” (1Ti 6:6)
Monday
A survey says that in Beijing forty percent of those younger than thirty purchased their home with money from their parents. About thirty percent of university graduates live in a space smaller than 215 square feet. Many newlyweds or cohabiting couples see living in Beijing as being there to work and do not plan to purchase an apartment. More and more young people have chosen to rent and have no plans to buy a house before marriage because they do not want to burden their parents. We pray that God will help young Christians to honor Him above all and seek His will in their lives, so they can serve the Lord together with their mates.

星期二
飆升的房價使地產商變得富裕，卻打破了年輕人組建家庭的夢想。2018年12月中國的房地產價格已連續44個月上漲，是自2017年7月以來最強勁的年度漲幅，房地産泡沫可能是當局在不久的將來需要面對的一大挑戰。現今許多年輕一代理所當然地期待父母能幫購第一棟房子，這也無形中造成兩代家庭之間許多張力和衝突。求主恩待有這類壓力的信徒家庭，賜給家長和年輕人滿有智慧處理，不要成為妨礙家人和睦關係的絆腳石。
星期三
有約七成中國「千禧一代」名下有房，比例高居全球首位。可是，在「北上廣深」這些一線城市，很多人其實是沒有自己的房子的。我們特別來為年輕一代信徒禱告，求主加添他們信心，無論在甚麼景況下都可以知足。求主幫助他們在靈命上不斷成長、成熟，尤其是能與父母擁有良好的關係和活出主的見證。
星期四
在中國一些城市，住房擁有者的大部分財富是和房屋密切掛鉤的，高不可攀的房價令年輕人只得望之興嘆。 債務負擔正在約束著衆多家庭的預算，同時房產價值停滯更令許多家庭的消費意願下降。雖然城市信徒遠比二、三十年前富裕得多，有些人甚至擁有多套房子。求主提醒我們不自高，不依靠無定的錢財 （提前六17），而是忠心做神的好管家，讓神赐的恩典成為教會的祝福。
星期五
飆升的房價已超出了一般中國人的能力範圍，這對國家經濟長期增長前景造成的傷害遠遠超過中美貿易戰。更糟糕的是，中國主要城市的房價飆升並非偶然，而是地方政府土地政策的產物，它有利於富裕的地產商卻苦了普羅大眾。信徒難免亦受房地產高企所影響，這也影響某些傳道人的生活。求主提醒我們，能更多定睛在我們的主身上。又為那些全職牧者禱告，求主憐憫並供應他們一切需用。
星期六
年輕父母會為孩子安排各種學前教育，設法上最好的幼兒園、小學，甚至要操心到孩子考大學。大學畢業後，要為孩子找工作。找好工作還要到處張羅找對像，找好對像要為孩子買房。有了第三代，還要替孩子承擔起養育孫子的責任。我們來為信徒家長禱告，叫他們以基督為主，將子女交在神手中，讓神來引領，也教導孩子從小認識主，走在神喜悅的路上。
星期日
豪華別墅、摩天公寓大樓、湖泊、公園和規模龐大的公路網路--這一切在中國的鬼城中可謂司空見慣，但其中唯獨缺少的就是居民。空置公寓多屬於富裕的房東，他們希望有一天能以更高的價格出售。求主賜給我們知足的心，並曉得神多給誰就向誰多取，好叫我們都願意投入事奉，甘心奉獻。我們也為屬神的人禱告，認定「敬虔加上知足便是大利」（提前六6）。
星期一
有調查數據顯示，在北京，40%的90後買房都是依靠父母資助，約三成90後大學畢業生居住面積不足20平方米。無數新婚夫妻或同居情侶都只是把北京作為他們奮鬥的據點，不願承擔房奴的壓力。 越來越多年輕人選擇了租房，並沒有打算買了房子再結婚，也不想給家庭增添負擔。 求主幫助年輕基督徒，知道如何將主放在生命的首位，尋求神在他們人生的計劃與引領，與配偶同心事奉主。