Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Prayer Request 12/17 - 12/23

Tuesday
China has announced a curfew on online gaming for minors among new measures aimed at curbing video game addiction. The guidelines also place restrictions on the money minors can transfer to their online gaming accounts. During the summer vacation, many parents who are migrant workers will have their children join them in the cities. Children, however, simply play online games the whole time. We pray for God's mercy for parents who are believers and are separated from their children, that God will give them wisdom to know how to make up the long absences and the consequent difficulty of disciplining.
Wednesday
Under the new rules, gamers under 18 will be banned from playing online games between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. On weekdays, minors can only play for 90 minutes, while they may play up to three hours per day on weekends and public holidays. Many gaming addicts suffer a poor self-image, are introverted and are unsociable or are victims of bullying at school. We pray for healing for believers who have such children, and wisdom for parents to know how to discipline them and teach them self-control.
Thursday
China is the world's largest gaming market, accounting for a quarter of the world's revenue. The new rules were aimed at creating a "clear internet space" and "protecting the physical and mental health of minors." Many parents do not pay attention to or give importance to spending time with their children, so they buy mobile phones for kids and pay to recharge their games token. We ask God to enlighten believer parents that we must spend meaningful time with children, do things together and not forego playtime with children.
Friday
The new rules emphasize the responsibility of corporations that make games and also execute the government's duty to supervise the problem. Government units are required to study the rules and ensure that corporations abide by the requirements. Adolescents build friendships and feel a sense of accomplishment and belonging online. We pray that Christian parents will understand the influence of friends on their children and the importance of Christian friends. “But flee youthful lusts, and follow righteousness, faith, love, peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Tim. 2:22 MKJV)
Saturday
The administration in China is also working with police to set up a real-name registration system, and to enable gaming companies to check the identity of their users against the national database. The new guidelines are China's latest move in an ongoing campaign to increase the regulation of the gaming industry. Students with gaming addiction play all night long, are sleepy during classes and do poorly in their studies. We pray that believers can discipline effectively their children, build good self-discipline, have a good parent-child relationship and be able to talk about their faith in their conversations with their children.
Sunday
In August 2018, Beijing announced plans to limit the number of new online games to "reduce nearsightedness in children and adolescents." It also criticized a popular mobile game, "Honor of Kings", for allegedly causing addiction in young people in 2017. Parents can't simply prohibit children from playing online games, but are unwilling to spend time with them or involve and encourage children to be in real social interactions. We ask God to help parents to know how to raise a child to love the Lord, love people and have a healthy body and mind.
Monday
Addiction to gaming, known officially by WHO as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) in June 2018. IGD is diagnosed when an online gamer plays compulsively to the exclusion of other interests, including school and family life. And, men may be more susceptible to gaming addiction than women.We pray for children from Christian homes who are addicted to online games. May God's mercy come upon them, help their parents to change their teaching methods, and answer their prayers for healing. At the same time, we pray that churches will pay attention to the spiritual life of the believers' children and the temptations they face.

星期二
中國宣布了針對未成年人在線遊戲的宵禁措施,其中包括旨在遏制電子遊戲成癮的新措施。該指南還對未成年人可以轉入其在線遊戲帳戶的金額,進行了限制。暑假期間,很多在外打工的父母,都會讓孩子來到自己的城市相聚. 然而很多孩子來到城市,卻又中了 “網游” 的毒。求主憐憫與子女長期分離的信徒家長,賜下智慧知道如何正確和健康的彌補親情,和施行管教。
星期三
根據中國政府新規定,未滿18歲的遊戲玩家將被禁止在週日晚上10點與早上8點之間玩網絡遊戲。在週日,未成年人每天只能玩90分鐘,在周末和公共假期,每天最多可以玩3個小時。許多沉迷網游的人往往是個性自卑,沉默,不善交際,在學校也“常常被欺負”。我們為信徒有這樣孩子求上帝的醫治,也賜給家長有智慧來管教與養成孩子自律的好習慣。
星期四
中國是世界上最大的遊戲市場,佔全球收入的四分之一。新規定旨在創造一個“乾淨的互聯網空間”和“保護未成年人的身心健康”。有許多家長不重視與孩子一起的重要性,而是以金錢取代,給孩子買手機,給他們 遊戲的充值 錢 。求主光照信徒,在子女成長的過程中, 要真花時間與孩子在一起,做有意義的活動,自己也不推諉陪伴孩子玩樂的機會。
星期五
政府新的規定強調了網游公司的責任,並履行了政府監督問題的責任。並且會有政府部門研究規則,並確保公司遵守這些要求。中國年輕人在虛擬世界裡, 因著得分,結交朋友而得到成就感和歸屬感。 我們為信徒家長能關注孩子朋友的重要性,也用心為他們能有共同信仰的朋友來祈求,正如聖經上的教導 “逃避少年的私欲,同那清心禱告主的人追求公義、信德、仁愛、和平。”提後2:22。
星期六
政府與警方合作建立實名註冊系統. 並且使遊戲公司能夠依據國家數據庫檢查其用戶身份,旨在加強對遊戲行業的監管。喜歡玩手機的學生“晚上是會犯癮的”,於是白天上課就犯困,甚至在課堂上睡著,嚴重影響學業。我們為信徒家長能有效的管教子女禱告,不單是養成好的自律,也能有良好的親子關係,更是能談論信仰。
星期日
2018年8月,北京宣布了限制新網絡遊戲數量的計劃,以“減少兒童和青少年的近視”。它還批評了流行的手機遊戲“王者榮耀”,據稱該遊戲在2017年引起了大量年輕人的成癮。家長不能一味的禁止孩子玩網游,而不花時間跟孩子們一起,更是要帶孩子參與到更多現實社交中,在他們的成長中盡量多參與陪伴和關懷。 求主恩待信徒家長明白,如何養育孩子愛主,愛人,擁有健康的身心靈。
星期一
網路遊戲的沉迷,正式稱為互聯網游戲障礙(IGD),於2018年6月首次被加入世界衛生組織的國際疾病分類。當在線遊戲者強迫性玩遊戲而排除其他興趣,包括學校學習和家庭生活,就是淪為瘾 癖,而男性可能更容易患上游戲成癮。我們為沉迷於網游的信二代祈求,願神的憐憫臨到他們,幫助父母們改變教導方式,也垂聽他們求醫治的禱告。同時,也為教會關心信二代的靈命,正視他們受到的引誘。

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Prayer Request 12/10 - 12/16

Tuesday
In China, the average salary for those working in a tier-one city today is around 7000 RMB (approximately 980 USD) per month. However, a young pastor fresh out of seminary or Bible school might make only 1500 RMB (about 211 USD) per month. Poor financial compensation for pastors is one factor that could imperil the future of the churches of China. We pray that believers will care about how their pastors and their families are doing and whether they have adequate resources to live and support their children for a decent education.
Wednesday
Many pastors rely on donations from church members and relatives for food, clothing and rent money. As a result, pastors and their families live in constant worry about how they will provide for their families. A significant number of the marriages of Chinese pastors ended in separation and divorce because of financial strain. Let us pray for all the pastors especially when they face a huge decrease in offering or outside financial support because of the new religious policy.
Thursday
Historically, Chinese Christians have always insisted that material poverty means spiritual devotion for the church workers. Christians also believe that material things are “worldly” and even insist that a pastor’s salary should not be more than the poorest of the congregation. The Bible teaches us, "But let him who is taught in the Word share with the one teaching in all good things." (Gal 6:6 MKJV) We pray that believers will know the heart of God and not ignore the truth.
Friday
Some churches in China simply cannot afford to pay their pastor an adequate salary in rural churches or churches made up of predominantly migrant workers in the cities. The cost of living has risen sharply, especially in the rural regions, forcing many pastors and their families to scramble to make ends meet. It is difficult for small churches to support a pastor. We pray that larger churches will find ways to partner and support the smaller and struggling churches.
Saturday
It is considered shameful for a pastor to ask for an increase in compensation, since he will be seen as ungrateful and lack the correct motivation and integrity for church ministry. It is a disgrace that churches treat their pastors so poorly so they are unable to provide for their families (1 Tim. 5:8). We pray that churches will know the desire of God and provide adequate compensation for the workers so they can serve wholeheartedly.
Sunday
One ploy the evil one uses to distract a God-honoring pastor from following the call to shepherd and care for God’s people is to disrupt his family with financial insecurity and add strains to his marriage and family. We must pray for the pastors in China as they face pressure from the religious policy, misunderstanding of their members and even their own families. May the Lord safeguard their calling and strengthen their faith as they live in a harsh time.
Monday
The low salary of pastors in China is one big reason others are hesitant to enter full-time ministry. Many parents, even Christians are reluctant to let their daughters marry a future pastor because they know the financial hardship ahead. We pray for God's grace to all churches as they prepare their annual budgets, not only to include the improvement of their buildings but also improve the compensation for their pastoral staff.

星期二
在中國一線城市工作的人的平均工資約為每月7000元人民幣(約980美元)。但是,剛從神學院或聖經學校畢業的年輕傳道人每月只有1500元人民幣(約211美元)。牧者的經濟支持不足,教會未來的發展亦會受影響。我們為信徒能關心牧者的家庭生活禱告,求主供應他們日用的飲食,以及其子女能接受應有的教育。
星期三
許多中國傳道人因著收入太少,需要信徒或自己家人的捐助才能維持生活。的確,傳道人的家庭沒有經濟的保障,常常要為養家而操心。不少中國傳道人的婚姻因著經濟壓力導致分居或離婚。讓我們為傳道人禱告,尤其那些正面臨政府極大限制的牧者。好些教會因著外在的壓力造成教會奉獻大量的減少,求主加添我們信心!
星期四
從昔日至今,中國教会多半只給牧者微薄的物質津貼,以示他們是敬虔愛主的工人。許多基督徒認為物質是「世俗的」,所以牧者應該為上帝的緣故棄絕精美的物質。某些教會主張傳道人的收入不應超過教會中最貧窮的人。聖經教導我們 「道理上受教的,當把一切需用的供給施教的。」(加拉太 6:6) 求主憐憫,將真理顯明出來,修正門徒的觀念。
星期五
有些中國教會根本無法給牧者經濟上的記念,例如某些農村教會或主要由農民工組成的城市教會。為此,在中國的生活成本急劇上升的情況下,許多牧師及其家人仍在努力維持基本的生計。小教會要供應一位牧者的需要的確很不容易,求神感動其他較富足的教會設法扶持財力較弱的教會。
星期六
傳道人若要求加薪,會被看為可恥的,因為大部份信徒會覺得他們對上帝以及兄弟姐妹所提供的東西不感恩。更何況要求加薪也引起了關於牧者的正直及其動機的問題。如果教會讓牧者不能照顧到他的親人,就是背了真理,比不信的人還不好(提前5:8)求主幫助教會看見神的心意,給傳道人合理的經濟支持,以致在服事不致分心。
星期日
讓牧者脫離敬畏神,放棄起初的呼召和群羊的最好方法就是阻擾傳道人的家庭。當財務上的不安全感持續困擾牧者的婚姻和家庭時,傳道人自然難以專心牧會。我們實在需要為中國教會牧者的家庭禱告,許多牧者正面對政府的壓力、兄弟姐妹和家庭的不諒解,求主憐憫,保守他們事奉的心志,堅固他們的信心,靠主面對艱難的日子。
星期一
由於牧者的薪酬通常很低,令許多考慮全職服事的人卻步。有些父母(甚至是基督徒父母)都不願意將自己的女兒嫁給未來的牧者,因為他們知道未來的經濟困難。求主施恩給教會,在編年度預算時有健全的信心,對硬體的設施大有信心之餘,也不忽略將同工的薪資一起仰望神的供應。

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

Prayer Request 12/3 - 12/9

Tuesday
The authorities in China are now monitoring teachers and students with religious beliefs, secretly threatening them with termination and expulsion, or facing prosecution. The goal is to eliminate religious beliefs on all campuses. Much if not all of the student ministries throughout China has come to a halt and those involved have left China. We pray for God’s comfort for those who had given their lives in leading and discipling students. May the Lord reward their efforts and help them to continue to serve Him.
Wednesday
Anti-religion measures in all colleges in China include those that officially prohibit teachers and students from having religious beliefs. Regular and random inspections are carried out to ensure no religious activities take place on campus. As the foreign missionaries have retreated, their Chinese coworkers are scattered because of lack of leadership and financial support. Perhaps the Lord is teaching us a difficult lesson and we pray that local churches in China will step up to fill this gap.
Thursday
Officials in China have also recruited many student informants to report any suspicious religious conversations and gatherings at the schools. Under the multi-pronged strategy, many university professors are punished or dismissed, and students are forced to give up their faith or face expulsion. It is easy to denounce those who are the Judas believers. When college students are blacklisted by the Party, they forfeit any possibility for social advancement. We pray for His mercy and abiding love for those who were threatened and even forced to renounce their faith.
Friday
Once students are caught engaging in religious activities, school authorities and parents are informed, students are threatened to renounce their faith, face termination or be blacklisted for future employment. More and more students are fearful and refuse to attend Bible studies and church meetings. We know the work of God will continue, just like in the time of the Cultural Revolution half a century ago. We remember those who persist in serving Him and ask the Lord to protect and bless their sacrifices.
Saturday
The Chinese government has different methods of suppressing different religions. For the Christian religion, the authorities have pushed the strategy of "replace churches with entertainment places and replace beliefs with traditional culture".The goal of the government is clear, that is replacing the God of the Christian faith with the Communist ideology. A few years ago, many had naively thought Christianity would become mainstream socially and welcomed in China. We lift up all the believers in China in our prayer, knowing His plan will prevail.
Sunday
Once Christians in China are all in the Three-self churches, the official policy is to convert churches into community or cultural centers, and force the Christians to abandon their faith in God and accept the traditional culture.Memories of the Cultural Revolution are still fresh among the older believers. We pray that they would share their experience and their abiding faith with younger Christians, lead them in prayer and strengthen them.
Monday
Some churches were forced to sell their buildings and when they refuse, officials threatened to sell it cheaply if churches continue to resist. Under threat, churches will have to give in. Nowadays, these church buildings have become a recreation hall for the villagers and believers are without a place of worship. We pray for God’s comfort for believers who have lost their church buildings, knowing that they are the Body of Christ and not the building.

星期二
官方現正全面監視有宗教信仰的師生,並暗中進行開除學籍、工作等措施,再伴隨其他迫害威脅,意圖全面斬除一切校園內的宗教信仰。校園事工被逼停止,一些做學生福音工作的宣教士也無奈地離開中國。我們相信神的恩典沒有離開內地教會,在變幻的時局中,願眾聖徒堅心信靠我們這位掌管一切、永不改變的神。也求神安慰那些盡忠服事學生的神僕,願主記念並親自賞賜他們的勞苦,並繼續事奉祂。
星期三
中國政府在各大學展開全面反宗教運動,在檯面上正式禁止師生有任何宗教信仰,同時相關部門人員不定期到學校巡査,以確保校園完全沒有宗教活動。隨著外國宣教士的撤離,同工也因缺乏領導和經濟支援而分散。求神在這艱難的時刻裡,幫助我們學習更深的信靠祂,祂的道路和作為往往非我們能明白或看透,不論如何,總要順服。
星期四
官方招募「間諜學生」舉報可疑言論,在多措並舉的策略下,許多大學教授遭解雇和迫害,學生則被迫放棄信仰或遭到開除。校園裡的基督徒被告發後,政府往往將其列入黑名單,喪失個人發展的機會。我們為那些受到威脅甚至被迫放棄信仰的信徒禱告,求主施恩給他們,在四面受敵,心裡作難時不致失望,遭逼迫卻不被丟棄,身上常帶著耶穌的死,使耶穌的生也顯明在他們身上。 (林後4:8-10)
星期五
宗教局一旦獲知學生從事宗教活動便會通知校方及家長,以事業前景作為要脅,要求學生放棄信仰。越來越多學生因害怕而拒絕參加校園 查經班和教會聚會。我們深信神永遠掌權, 祂的手仍看顧中國教會,就像半個世紀前文革時期一樣。「求祢這些年間復興你的作為、在這些年間顯明出來、在發怒的時候、以憐憫為念。」(哈3:2)
星期六
政府針對不同宗教施行不同的打壓手段,對於基督教,中國當局力推「以娛樂場所代替教堂、用傳統文化取代信仰」的策略,力求用共產主義意識形態取代基督信仰的核心—「神」。新一代教會領袖都是文革後出生與成長的一群,特別是在大城市教會成長的一代,對外聯繫與學習的機會多,求神使用他們較為廣闊的視野,能放下傳統的包袱,以靈巧又有創意的形式繼續發展福音事工。
星期日
當基督徒都只能在三自教會中聚會時,官方可能會將教會轉變成為社區或文化中心,並迫使信徒以傳統文化來取代對上帝的信仰。過去文化大革命的記憶在老信徒中仍然歷歷在目。求主給這些年長信徒有機會, 向年輕信徒見證信實的神曾如何保守他們,並引導年輕信徒以禱告來堅定自己的信心。
星期一
中國政府強行迫使教會售賣聚會建築, 一些教會一開始不肯出讓教堂,這時官員便會介入談判,威脅若不簽字廉售,便會找藉口把教堂拆掉,在重重威脅之下,教會最終只得讓步。如今這些教堂已成為村民玩樂的場所,而信徒們卻陷入無處聚會的困境。教會最大的挑戰從來不是來自外在環境,而是教會內部。求神幫助教會在面對「中國化」政策越來越嚴峻時,神的眾兒女愈堅信,更同心。