Prayer Request 8/27 - 9/2

Tuesday
As China grew richer, its people began to yearn for sophisticated smartphones, fresher food, and better health care, thus creating vast business opportunities for Western companies. Last year, China imported more than $22 billion worth of medical devices. We praise the Lord for the prosperity China has enjoyed. We pray for the Lord's mercy, that the believer's spiritual lives are not corroded by materialism and their faith in God will not diminish, and that churches will stand strong in times of testing and suffering. 
Wednesday
As China expands its social safety net and faces pressure to treat an aging population growing increasingly susceptible to chronic diseases, China will spend $1 trillion on health care annually by 2020. The aging trend of the churches in China is perhaps inevitable. We ask the Lord for an extra measure of grace for all elderly believers, raising up more volunteers who are retired, physically able and have a passion to minister to the older members in the churches. 
Thursday
In its time of great growth, China has often outstripped its ability to identify corruption or enforce its own laws. In some segments of its economy like health care, this has created a culture of bribery and corruption.Christians always feel helpless or stay distant from the issue of social corruption. We pray that there will be more believers to pray for their country and their leaders, as James 5:16 says: "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Friday
The nearly 1.4 billion people in China ultimately pay the price of rampant corruption. Salespeople have inflated prices for imported medical equipment to fund bribes and kickbacks. They have also refused to undercut each other's pricing, inflating prices for hospitals by fifty percent or even more. We pray that believers will see the urgent need to evangelize actively because only the gospel is the power of God that can change people's hearts and thus transform society. 
Saturday
Last year, China imported more than $22 billion worth of medical devices. Foreign companies dominate the market for CT scanners, M.R.I.s and other equipment that China needs to detect cancer and other chronic diseases. We pray that God will keep believers from falling into temptation and evil. The Holy Spirit reminds us all that we need the uncompromising spirit of Joseph and Daniel. We also pray for church leaders that they will fear God, have integrity and not be greedy.
Sunday
Corruption is endemic in the health care sector in China, one factor is the lower salaries for doctors and health care administrators compared with their counterparts in the private sector. There is a saying that "The reason Chinese people do not take bribes is that they have not had the opportunity". May the Lord grant us His righteousness and help us to say away from deceit and treachery and enable us to be more Christ-like, to bear witness for Him, and speak boldly for His truth.
Monday
Over the years, officials in China and other countries have been trying to eliminate corruption, especially in the medical system. Patients need to bribe doctors and hospitals just to see a specialist. Ultimately, it is the patients who pay much more for these practices. Believers must be a powerful testimony for Jesus by living out the way of the gospel. We pray that all Christians will have such influence, especially those who are healthcare workers and teachers. 

星期二
當中國人的生活更加富裕，人們渴求智慧型手機、熱愛新鮮食品，以及尋求優質的醫療保健，這為西方企業創造了巨大的商機。去年中國進口了總值超過220億美元的醫療設備。我們為中國人經濟日益充裕向神感恩之餘，也求主憐憫信徒，不因物質享受而侵蝕靈命成長，對神的信心不減少，也保守教會能在苦難和試煉中站立得穩。
星期三
政府正致力擴大社會保障系統，因為預測前面將有越來越多患慢性疾病的老年人口。到2020年，中國每年花在醫療保健上的錢將達到1兆美元。教會的老齡化是必然的趨勢，求主恩待所有年長信徒，也興起教會中已退休卻體健仍有精力的信徒，分擔關懷教會老人的責任，彌補牧者的不足。
星期四
經濟增長的同時也帶官僚腐敗。在一些行業中比如醫療保健，就已經形成了一種行賄和腐敗的文化。基督徒面對社會種種腐敗現象總有無可奈何的感受，或者避而不談。求主興起更多信徒為自己的國家以及領袖懇切禱告。誠如提摩太前書2:1-2 "我勸你，第一要為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝；為君王和一切在位的，也該如此，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事地度日。"
星期五
14億的中國老百姓默默承擔着的腐敗代價 。為了支付賄賂和回扣，銷售人員故意提高醫療設備的定價，還拒絕削價競爭，導致醫院為設備支付的價格高出50%，甚至更多。為了社會真正的公義能彰顯，求主感動更多信徒積極傳揚福音，因為福音是神的大能，能夠改變人心。聖靈來叫世人為罪、為義、為審判，自己責備自己。
星期六
中國去年進口了總值超過220億美元的醫療設備 ，為了檢測癌症和其他慢性疾病，中國亟需電腦掃描機、核磁共振掃描儀等相關設備，而外國公司主控著這塊商機十足的市場。願聖靈提醒我們要有像約瑟和但以理的心志，正直純良不向俗世妥協。也求主不叫我們遇見試探；救我們脫離凶惡。我們更為教會的領袖有敬畏神、正直的心和不貪戀錢財禱告。
星期日
中國的醫療保健行業普遍腐敗，原因之一是與私營部門的同齡人相比，醫生和衛生保健管理人員的工資偏低。有人說：「沒有收賄賂的人是因為他們還沒有機會。」求主賜我們有公義正直和清潔的良心，不做詐騙取巧的事。 更是能效法主耶穌，為真理作見證，大膽為真理發聲。
星期一
多年來，中國和其他國家的官員一直試圖消除腐敗，尤其是中國醫藥界制度裡的腐敗。病人看病都需要賄賂醫生和醫院，直接後果是病人要掏出更多的錢。基督徒需要有生活的見證，活出福音的榜樣。我們特別為基督徒的醫護人員和老師來禱告，求主帮助他們能凝聚成清流，發揮匡正社會風氣的影響力。

Prayer Request 8/20 - 8/26

Tuesday
"Will our young people admit they are Hong Kong people? Will they still love Hong Kong. We might be losing the entire generation of our young people!” A Hong Kong pastor said with great sadness in a protest. Overseas Chinese communities are also deeply divided over the recent events in Hong Kong. We pray that churches in Hong Kong will have a good testimony in the turmoil. 
Wednesday
"Police should not treat hundreds of thousands of young people as enemies, and label them as cockroaches to be exterminated" ; "Young people can persist in their demands...But don't let hatred harden hearts and anger covers rational mind ." A Hong Kong pastor appealed. And, we also pray that the young Christians will not lose faith in their society and the government, but will see themselves more willing to transform the society by sharing the gospel.
Thursday
For more than three decades, China enforced its “one child” policy harshly, imposing fines and in some cases abortions and sterilizations. The government only relented in 2016 after experts anticipated the demographic issues that the country is now facing. The one-child generation are now grandparents themselves and they have the responsibility to help with caring for their grandchildren. We pray that believing grandparents will teach the little ones to know the Lord Jesus from an early age and show them the great love of God, even though the parents are no longer attending church.
Friday
Some proposals to increase the birth rate in China are to end financial penalties for babies born out of wedlock and lowering the legal age of marriage. Others would ban discrimination against mothers and mothers-to-be in the workplace and would expand or extend parental. Churches need to help young believers and couples who face the pressures of life to grow spiritually, even though many churches find themselves unable to do so. We pray that God will raise more resources and matured elders in the churches who can help the young couples and make Jesus Christ the head of their homes.
Saturday
Becoming pregnant during the beginning phase of their career is troublesome for many young Chinese women.. Nearly one third of the pregnant women changed jobs or never returned to work after giving birth. About half of the women say pregnancy negatively affects their career. Many parents of young women discourage their daughters from having more than one child because they will lose good jobs. We pray for younger sisters to have wisdom, to seek God's will and plan in their lives. May the Lord enables them to overcome difficulties, the stress of family and work and be filled with His joy.
Sunday
Virtually all families in China can now have two children, but the anticipated baby boom did not materialize. Births have dropped precipitously, falling by 12 percent in 2018. The trend has prompted dire warnings that China faces a graying population and a dwindling workforce in the decades ahead. With the newly imposed law churches cannot have children's Sunday School, churches there face a similar future. We must pray that Christian parents understand that it is their responsibility to raise up godly children for the Lord, and not be expecting other people or churches to do the teaching
Monday
In a conservative society like China’s, single mothers remain stigmatized, though perhaps less so than before. In many provinces, for example, a child can only receive a hukou , a residence permit if their parents’ marriage was registered. Churches in China are not very conservative and often, even condemning. We pray that all those who are brokenhearted or despised who are seeking forgiveness and love of Jesus, will find acceptance and compassion through His people.

星期二
「我們年青一代還會不會再承認他們是香港人？他們還會不會愛香港這個地方？我們會失去整代年輕人。」一位香港牧師面對近日香港年青人抗議行動時痛心地說。海外華人社區對香港發生的事件有不同的看法，甚至彼此對立。我們為香港的教會禱告，能在混亂中，有清心靠主，仰望神的帶領，活出美好的見證。
星期三
「警察，不可以將數十萬的年輕人當成敵人，標籤他們為蟑螂來消滅。」「年輕人可以堅持訴求。。。，但不要讓仇恨在心裡植根，讓憤怒掩蓋理智。」一位香港牧者呼籲。我們也為年輕的信徒禱告，不對社會或政府失去信心，而是在這人心躁動的日子裡，把握機會分享信仰。
星期四
中國人口專家預期「二胎政策」一實施，生育率就會顯著提高，甚至有人擔心提高過快。然而自2016年實施以來，實際統計顯示，比最低估計的還低得多。有人把中國的獨生子女稱為「小皇帝」，集全家寵愛於一身，還任性霸道，沒有生活自理能力。求主幫助信徒父母(祖父母) 能引領子女(孫兒女) 來到主面前，從小明白聖經，敬畏神，又明白主的大愛。
星期五
中國正面臨人口危機，有種種提案，例如結束對非婚生子女的經濟處罰、降低法定結婚年齡、禁止在工作場所歧視母親和孕婦，並擴大父親陪產假範圍等等。求主幫助教會能指引年輕信徒夫婦如何面對生活的壓力，經營婚姻與教養子女，以致在生活上見證神兒女與別不同的生命。求主興起更多資源，並資深的屬靈長輩有主的恩典成為年輕人的榜樣。
星期六
對於很多中國女性而言，在事業上升期懷孕意味著苦心經營的一切都要推倒重來。大約有三份一女性在生育後換工作或者沒有回歸職場，將近五成女性因為生育錯過職業機會。許多父母也不鼓勵女兒多生，因為她們會因懷孕而失去好工作。我們為年輕姊妹禱告，求神賜她們智慧，尋求神在她們生命中的旨意和計劃，也能勝任各樣職位的要求與壓力，滿有屬天的喜樂。
星期日
自開放二胎後，雖然幾乎所有家庭都可以生育兩個孩子，但預期的嬰兒潮不僅沒有實現，反而過去兩年的出生率急劇下降(2018年下降了12%)。這趨勢敲起警鐘 — 中國未來將面臨人口老齡化和勞動力不斷減少的局面。教會也反映社會現象，尤其現今政府限制不能有主日學的教導之後，教會亦出現斷層。我們再次為信徒家長禱告，求神幫助他們明白教養兒女是他們的責任，神把孩子託付他們管理和教導，而不是隨其自然或是指望教會
星期一
雖然現今中國社會風氣已開放不少，但單親媽媽仍然受到歧視，儘管可能比以前少了。在許多省份，孩子只有在父母結婚登記後才能獲得居住許可，即戶口。中國教會向來保守，縱使是特殊情況，也難以例外看待。求神施恩給失望及被社會鄙視的人禱告，願他(她)們能因著信徒的接納和憐憫，尋找到主耶穌的赦罪的愛。

Prayer Request 8/13 - 8/19

Tuesday
China has about three to five million children between one to fourteen years with autism. A shortage of specialists and a lack of a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment facilities are the key problems. We pray for Christian parents of children with developmental or learning disabilities who are often ignored or discriminated. We pray that God will strengthen their faith and spirit, and enable them to experience His mercy and grace every day.
Wednesday
Although China began treatment of people with autism in the mid-1980s, it is only in the last ten years that more attention has been given to this group of people. Parents tend to seek medical help only after the child is one or two years old and that is past the optimal period for treatment. Chinese parents brag about their children and give thanks to God. But, it is much harder when a child is “abnormal”. We pray for His comfort, peace, and the ability to comfort others, especially when they have doubts about God’s love and purpose for giving them a handicapped child.
Thursday
In China, delayed diagnosis due to a lack of understanding of the disorder is a common problem among families with autistic children. As a result, many children have missed out on the critical early intervention period. We pray for the parents of all special-needs children that God removes guilt and the accusations of the evil one. May the Lord give them extra mercy and strength to help their children build social skills, to endure under the pressure and demands of parenting, and to experience growth in their marriage.
Friday
Only a small fraction of autistic children in China undergo rehabilitation in a formal institution since there are very few facilities and a dire shortage of teachers. Children born with disabilities are often discarded and handicapped children suffer discrimination everywhere. We pray that God provides people who are experienced and trustworthy to help these children and their parents and that the Lord comforts them, and that they will trust God that He will help them every day
Saturday
An average Chinese family has only one or two children because of the high cost of education. Families with an “abnormal” child face even greater pressure because there is practically no special-needs education program available. We give thanks to God for families who have and chose to raise up special-needs children themselves. We pray that their time, effort and love will bring great satisfaction and reward from the Lord, giving glory to Jesus Christ.
Sunday
About one-third of Chinese women have experienced lowered wages and another third were demoted after giving birth. Employers are reluctant to hire women to avoid paying the mandatory two paid maternity leaves. Women who are of an age to bear children suffer discrimination at work in China. We pray specifically that God gives young Christian mothers strength and spiritual growth as they shoulder the heavy responsibilities of caring for their families and work, plus taking care of parents on both sides of the family.
Monday
As the government increase its censorship, the entertainment industry in China has no choice but to comply with tightening restrictions. Last year, regulators shut down over 6,000 websites and over two million online accounts and social media groups. Artists are self-censoring to protect themselves. The Bible clearly tells us that we are all sinners and only the salvation of Jesus Christ can bring about a true change in our lives. We pray that God will add to churches in China the numbers of saved daily as they stand firm in their faith.

星期二
當前中國自閉症患者中，0至14歲的兒童患者數量在300-500萬之間。專業人才的匱乏和缺少一套成熟、完整的診療設備和護健體系，是中國在自閉症治療領域面臨的關鍵問題。我們要為有發育或學習障礙的孩子之信徒禱告，這樣的孩子經常被忽視或受歧視，教養上更是艱難。願神加添他們力量，作他們隨時的幫助，也堅定他們信心，天天經歷神的憐憫和恩典。 
星期三
中國在1980年代中後期開始涉足自閉症康復領域，而自閉症患者真正引起重視是在最近十年裡。過去，當孩子在一兩歲後出現一些「不正常」狀況，家人才會考慮求醫，但很可能已錯過最佳治療期。 中國家長喜歡拿孩子的成就出來炫耀，當然基督徒父母也會感謝神。然而，那些有殘障或發育不正常孩子的家長亦會懷疑神沒有祝福他們。求神親自安慰這些家長，平復他們心靈，更能以同理心和經驗去幫助有相同遭遇的家庭。
星期四
" 後知後覺 " 是中國不少自閉症兒童家庭的普遍狀況，很多孩子因為家人對自閉症徵況不清楚而錯過了最佳治療期。我們要為患病兒童的父母禱告，求主幇助他們除去內疚和惡者的控告，在面對沈重的照顧和教育壓力下，仍然滿有從神來的愛和力量去幫助兒女建立社交能力，更是赐下格外多的忍耐、體諒來保守和堅固他們夫妻彼此的關係。
星期五
雖然自閉症兒童數量龐大，然而真正能接受正規機構進行康復治療的自閉症兒童依然是極其少數。除了因為自閉症康復機構有限外，更為嚴峻的是師資缺乏的問題。天生殘疾的孩子在中國往往被棄養，而有殘障的孩子會遭遇歧視。求神預備有經驗的人幫助這些孩子及其父母。求主教導家長有智慧處理來自長輩的責備，並幫助他們堅信主恩足用，祂必看顧屬祂的人。
星期六
當普遍中國家庭都只養育一個或兩個孩子時， 一般家長都不願多生孩子，因教育費用不菲。尤其對有所謂「不正常」孩子的家長而言，確實有極大的壓力，加上中國的特殊教育還在初始階段，甚至算是還未起步。我們要為那些甘心樂意照顧「不正常」孩子的父母感恩，神叫他們經歷主的安慰與獎賞，看見時間、金錢和心力去照顧孩子不是浪費和無義意的投資，而是更深經歷神的恩典，大大彰顯神的榮耀。
星期日
中國女性有1/3 在生產後薪資下降，36%被降職。僱主大多不願承擔給女性員工兩次帶薪產假的經濟負擔。因此，相比於沒有孩子的同儕，育齡婦女更難被僱用或得到晉陞機會。我們要為育有孩子的姊妹禱告，求神加添她們力量，保守她們的靈命成長。 不單能把自己家庭照顧好，還能兼顧工作，也與雙方的長輩們相處融洽。
星期一
中國網路監管機構去年關了六千多家網站，封鎖了二百多萬在線帳號和社群媒體群組。娛樂業別無選擇，只能聽命，藝人們也要為了自保而自我審查。聖經很清楚地教導，我們都是罪人，只有耶穌基督的救恩才能真正改變人性，使人重生。求主將得救的人數繼續加給中國的教會，信徒們也能堅持他們的信仰，成為社會的光和鹽。

Prayer Request 8/6 - 8/12

Tuesday
Christians have been a visible part of the recent political activities in Hong Kong. They have provided food and shelter at demonstrations and condemning efforts by the police to break them up. Many in the crowds have embraced the teachings and messages of Christianity. In the past, Chinese churches have shied away from politics and even issues of social justice. We pray that God will speak to us all, ”what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” （Micah 6:8）
Wednesday
Christian protesters have spoken of “loving thy neighbor” and winning a battle of “good versus evil.” Youth groups have held prayer circles to call for peace and redemption for the police. A hymn called “Sing Hallelujah to the Lord” has become an unofficial anthem of the demonstrations. We pray for all the Christian youth and students, that they will know the Scriptures and the heart of God, to love our neighbors as ourselves, and above all, have the burden for the lost souls and passion for social justice. 
Thursday
Hong Kong’s Christians have long played an important role in issues like religious freedom, democracy, and human rights. Although Catholics and Protestants make up only about one in nine people in this city of 7.5 million, the influence of Christianity in the protest has been striking, providing a source of inspiration and solace. We praise God for churches in Hong Kong and for raising up more prayer warriors, to “first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Tim 2:1-2)
Friday
“We believe in upholding justice. Our faith gives us our courage, confidence, and hope against this evil government power.” a pastor said. “I am very certain that Jesus would not have stayed home enjoying the air-conditioning. He would have been out here helping people and marching.” a young believer said. The Lord helps to know that we are called to be the light and salt of the world. Knowing clearly that we are God’s people but also adhere to Paul's teachings, obey the rulers God has permitted, respect, obey and intercede on their behalf (Romans 13:1-8).
Saturday
Christians’ influence is all the more noticeable as Chinese officials have tightened controls over religious life in the mainland. Many Christians said they saw the beginning of severe restrictions on religious freedom, especially the freedom of speech. Let us pray specifically for Chinese churches in countries under antagonism, oppression or under restrictions imposed by other religions. May they be courageous like the early Christians who lived under great stress and oppression, but were always able to keep their faith.
Sunday
Hong Kong, which was a hub for Christian missionaries under British rule, is now home to about 850,000 Christians and more than 1,500 churches. Many members of the middle and upper classes are Christians or studied at church-run schools. We praise the Lord that Christians still enjoy a very good reputation in the Hong Kong society. We pray that believers will continue to have a great testimony and be rich in good deeds and give glory to our God.
Monday
The prominence of Christianity in the recent events in Hong Kong has lent legitimacy and protection to the participants, helping them go up against government officials. Some protesters who gathered were advised to sing hymns because religious assemblies are more difficult for the police to break up. The Lord reminds us that we all should love and serve Him, always “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)

星期二
目前香港史上規模最大的政治運動中，基督徒也參與在其中，他們幫助分發食物、提供休息處，並對警方暴力驅散及暴徒隨機攻擊地鐵站旅人的舉動都予以譴責。許多未信的參與者都因此有機會接觸基督的信仰和福音。求主光照我們能更貼近社會動脈，遵行主心意 「世人哪，耶和華已指示你何為善。他向你所要的是什麼呢？只要你行公義，好憐憫，存謙卑的心，與你的神同行。」（彌 6:8）
星期三
香港反送中活動在場的基督徒會說「愛你的鄰舍」，贏下一場「善惡」之戰。青年人圍圈一起祈禱，祈願和平。名為《唱哈利路亞讚美主》(Sing Hallelujah to the Lord)的讚美詩，已成為此次活動的一首非正式頌歌。我們為年輕肢體和學生們禱告，願他們不單有聖經知識，更認識神的心意，活出屬天子民的本質，愛鄰舍，對失喪的靈魂大有負擔，關心社會公義 ，盡上地上公民的責任。
星期四
有些香港基督徒持續在政治上扮演重要角色，包括維護宗教自由、民主制度和人權等議題。儘管在750萬的人口中，天主教徒和基督教徒僅佔九分之一，但在最近的政治活動中，信徒持續感召和安撫眾人，扮演著重要的角色。我們為香港的教會感恩，更是求神在眾教會興起禱告的勇士，「為萬人懇求、禱告、代求、祝謝；為君王和一切在位的，也該如此，使我們可以敬虔、端正、平安無事的度日。」（提前 2:1-2）
星期五
"我們相信秉持正義幫助我們用信心和勇氣抗拒政府的邪惡力量"，一位牧師說；"我相信耶稣也不會待在家裡吹冷氣" 一位年輕的信徒如此表達。 求主幫助我們知道，我們是被揀選成為世上的光和鹽。 明白我們是神的子民，也能堅持保羅的教導，服從神托付執政掌權者的權柄，甚至恭敬，懼怕並為他們祈禱（羅馬書13：1-8）。
星期六
在官方對宗教活動收緊控制之後，基督徒的影響更加顯著起來。許多基督徒表示，他們認為這些法律的改變將導致嚴格限制宗教自由，剝奪我們的言論自由。 我們為在各地的教會禱告，尤其是在敵對、壓逼的無神論政府統治下的信徒代求，願神的兒女如同初期的信徒一般，在巨大的權勢和壓力下，仍能以信心活出基督信仰的生命。
星期日
香港在英國統治時期曾是基督教宣教中心，現在有大約85萬基督徒和1500多座教堂。許多中上層階級的人都是基督徒，或者曾在教會學校接受教育。我們感謝神，因為基督徒在香港社會上仍然享有很好的名聲。求主幫助信徒繼續有美好的見證，也在各樣的善事上，成為多人的榜樣，將榮耀歸給神。
星期一
很多基督徒在參加最近香港的政治活動時，看見有極多的同行者，深感震撼，但其後竟發現遊行似乎並不能改變政府的決定，在憤怒與無助的感受下問：「除了祈禱以外，我還可以作甚麼?」求主幫助信徒認定「洪水氾濫的時候； 耶和華坐著為王」，在表達對公義的訴求的同時，內心仍然要警覺自己不是去操控環境，去改變局勢，而是堅信至終的發展仍在掌管歷史的主手中。