Prayer Request 9/22 - 9/28

 Tuesday

Half of the people in China believe that sexual discrimination is real there and it is much harder for a woman to find a job than it is for a man. Even among the highly educated people, women who have a doctor's degree are considered odd. The idea of equality of women under Mao has given way to frustration and discrimination for many women. Let us pray for all the sisters serving in the churches that they will receive a double portion of the Spirit and serve joyfully with dedication and love.
Wednesday
Half of the young people in China say they have no religion at all. About 1/4 believe in Communism and another 1/10 believe in Buddhism, Christianity, or Islam. Although China's constitution guarantees religious freedom, Communism and atheism are universally taught at all levels in the educational system.We uplift all the children of believers and ask the Lord to safeguard His Word which they learned at home through the inspiration of their parents even though their schools that are often hostile to Christianity.
Thursday
People have pointed out that the extreme polarization of wealth in China is socially unstable and dangerous. According to the standard set by the government, a family making 60000 to 500,000 RMB yearly，an monthly income of at least 50,000 is considered a middle-class family. Such monthly is unheard of among Chinese pastors so by this definition Christianity in China is still a religion of the poor. Let us pray for the churches in China that the shepherds will be faithful in spite of the financial and spiritual poverty of many churches.
Friday
There is a big competition among municipalities to host the “official worship” of famous Chinese historical figures. Many of these public festival or events are elaborate, meant to promote awareness, tourism, investment, or pure financial interest. Chinese are embracing the practice of ancestral worship with a vengeance. Let us pray for this trend, for people to look to fill the spiritual void and to avoid any shortcut to divine blessing.
Saturday
Most of the youth in China struggle with uncertainty about their futures. Their parents are much more concerned about the grades and future lives of their children. A majority of the young people feel their parents care only about their grades and a great majority of the parents agree that academic performance is the most important thing to them. We pray that Christian parents will know that godly children are really the thing that pleases God.
Sunday
The Communist Party has strictly forbidden any of their members to participate in any religious activities. People say that one in three of the members are religious--most commonly Buddhist, Taoist, and Muslim, in minority regions. Let us pray for those Party members who are practicing Christians. They have much to lose once their faith and convictions are exposed. We pray for their faithfulness to God, their fellowship in their local church and their growth in Christ.
Monday
The Communist Party must wrestle with these key issues in forbidding its members to practice religion: 1. Is Guanyin (goddess of fertility) an object of art or a deity to worship? 2. Is Islam a lifestyle or a faith for all Muslim minorities in China? Many Christians display Bible verses or a picture of the Cross at home to proclaim their faith. We praise God for the boldness of these Christians and pray they may they always be a powerful testimony for the gospel to their neighbors.

星期二
超過一半中國人認為中國普遍存在性別歧視，其中女性找工作比男性困難就是一個明證。即便受過高等教育，擁有博士學位，女性也會被投以異樣的眼光。挫折及歧視取代了毛澤東年代高唱的男女平等待遇的理想。我們禱告主，幫助所有姊妹們能按著神賦予的恩賜服事教會，尊主為大，懷著感恩的心事主愛人。也從神獲得加倍的靈力，在委身事奉中享受與神同行時滿溢的喜樂與充實。
星期三
中國半數的年輕人聲稱自己沒有宗教信仰。大約有四份之一人信仰共產主義；另外有十份之一信奉佛教，基督教或回教。雖然中國的憲制保障宗教自由，然而共產主義和無神論思想卻無孔不入滲透整個教育體制。我們要為中國信徒的子女禱告，求主親自堅固祂自己的話語，幫助下一代能從父母身教、言教上學到真理，保守他們在抗拒基督信仰的學校環境中能持守信仰。
星期四
人們認爲中國貧富兩極化將使社會不安定。根據政府的標準，年收入六至五十萬人民幣便可歸類為中產階級。一年六萬，相等於月入五千，全中國幾乎很少傳道人是月薪五千元的。按上述標準，中國的基督教可説是窮人的信仰。我們為中國教會禱告，求神大大加力給神的僕人們。在經濟和靈命都貧乏的許多教會裏面忠心服事，仍能以主為樂，事奉滿有果效。
星期五
中國各地風行「公祭熱」，引發了「祖宗爭奪戰」。對歷史名人的爭奪，已成全國的潮流。無論是爲了推廣文化意識、促進旅遊、拉投資、建功德或商業利益，這些公共慶典大都辦得有聲有色。祭祖是華人根深蒂固的文化傳統，近年來拜祭活動更是越演越烈。可惜人們用這些方式求平安和祝福是枉然的，求主讓人看到獲得神真實祝福的正確途徑。
星期六
很多中國青少年對未知的前途感到憂慮。事實上父母比自己的孩子更加重視他們的學業成績和前途。超過一半的年輕學子認為父母只關注他們的學業成績，而絕大部分的父母也認為盯好孩子學業成績是他們最重要的任務。求主校正基督徒父母的目光，能明白培育出敬虔的下一代才是真正討神喜悅之處。
星期日
共産黨嚴禁黨員參與一切宗教活動。非正式統計約有三分之一的黨員有宗教信仰，其中最多信奉佛教、道教和伊斯蘭教（少數民族地區）。我們特別記念基督徒黨員，一旦信仰被公開，他們會蒙受極大的損失。我們禱告：為他們向神的忠心服事、在教會的團契、以及在主裏的成長向神求恩。
星期一
在中國若要全面禁止黨員涉及宗教活動，共産黨必須首先解決幾個課題：其一，觀世音是藝術雕像還是膜拜的神像？其二，伊斯蘭是回民的生活方式還是宗教信仰？許多基督徒在家中掛放聖經金句或十字架，表明自己的信仰。我們為這些家庭勇於公開信仰而感恩，求主保守並使用他們在街坊鄰里當中成爲福音最有力的見證。

Prayer Request 7/7 - 7/13

Tuesday
Dating TV shows are very popular in China, whether it is men choosing women or women choosing men. In the end, the two sides will successfully hold hands and date. It is unknown whether they can stay together later. These shows target unmarried young people. Marriage is instituted by God "the two leave their parents and be united as one." We pray for the blessing of God for believers, so they will understand and strive to commit wholeheartedly to each other, and honor each other.
Wednesday
Dating shows are very popular in China, one contestant famously said, "I would rather cry in a BMW, rather than being happy on a bicycle." She was an instant hit and became a dating show hostess herself.Divorce is an abomination to God and marriage is meant to be for life. Marriage is built on love, not tolerance so good communication and accepting one another is a must.We pray for the relationship of believers, especially those who are pastors and leaders in the church.
Thursday
Many consider dating shows a cheap form of entertainment, turning shame into cuteness, and treating the traditional value as a gimmick on the public stage.In many churches in China, women of marriageable age outnumber men significantly. We pray that they will pray and wait upon the Lord, and seek His will. We also pray that churches will have more teachings on discerning God 's will, and that there will be mature believers to provide sound advice.
Friday
When the Chinese meet, they ask about salaries, stocks owned, and how many apartments each has.So it is little wonder that dating shows are so fixated on how much one is worth financially since that is the common criterion. The same problem happens in churches, it is unfortunate that many sisters and brothers as well, make their marriage choices based on looks and wealth. We pray that there are more teachings to help young believers to value one's spirituality and walk with God.
Saturday
The host and guests of the dating show teased each other. It is fascinating how much they will do, or how low they act to please their audience and ratings. As we ask God to prepare a mate for us according to His will, we pray exactly as the Lord Jesus did, "Not our desire, but His." God may not respond to us immediately, and we wait patiently.
Sunday
The ideas of gold diggers and rich guys showing off, pretty much describe how Chinese in China think and it is the Chinese there's view of marriage today. Pre-marital sex and co-habitation are so common that they are great temptations for young believers.We pray that believers will remain pure, and churches will preach loudly Biblical values of chastity and respect for one's partner. Above all, we will all seek to please Him and wait for the companion God has prepared.
Monday
In China, the idea of love and sex is distorted by media, greatly misleading many young people. Sex is a taboo subject for Chinese in general and it is considered unspiritual to mention it in church.Young people in the church need to know what the Bible has to say about sex. We pray for boldness and wisdom for pastors and for God to protect them from the sin of fornication.

星期二
相親節目是電視真人秀類節目，節目對象未婚青年人，大部分以節目現場男選女，女選男的方式為主，最終雙方成功牽手約會成功，至於節目過後線下是否能走到一起，不得而知。婚姻是神親自設立的，“人要離開父母，與妻子連合，二人成為一體"。我們為信徒的婚姻祈求，夫妻雙方學習委身，體貼和尊重對方，建立為神的祝福的家庭。
星期三
相親節目在中國很受歡迎，節目中有參加者甚至說：「我寧願坐在寶馬車裡哭，也不願意坐在自行車上笑。」這名參加者更是一炮而紅，居然成為其他相親節目的主持人。輕言離婚是神所不喜悅的事，婚姻是一生一世的事。我們為信徒，尤其是傳道人和信徒領袖的夫妻關係禱告，雙方能好好地溝通和適應對方，那婚姻確實才是愛情的基礎，而不是以忍受度日。
星期四
“相親”類的節目變身成今日的真人秀娛樂，成為個性張揚，搏位出名的平台，甚至各種可能性甚至“把無恥當可愛，把有價值當噱頭”這種低俗價值放大的公共空間。許多教會中，適婚年齡的姐妹數倍於弟兄，甚至清一色教會裡都是姐妹，沒有弟兄。願適婚的弟兄姊妹在找配偶上，能有更多禱告，明白神的心意。 教會中也能有更多這類的教導，和成熟的信徒來幫助他們。
星期五
中國人見面就問工資多少，股票漲了沒，房子幾套，自然誕生這樣非寶馬不嫁的純作秀節目。教會中也有同樣的問題，有些姐妹（弟兄也同樣）也因卻各種錯誤的擇偶標準，如貪圖虛榮等，把神為她們預備的伴侶錯失了，然後卻說在信主的人中間沒有合適的對象，實在是可惜。求主興起教會有更多正確的教導，幫助年輕信徒不是只看人的外表和家道，而是重視是否敬虔愛主
星期六
相親節目主持人和嘉賓肆無忌憚地調侃，如火上澆油一般。為了賺取觀眾的眼淚，主持人和嘉賓自己竟然也入了戲，眼淚漣漣，煞是好看。但願信徒會尋求祂的心意，給我們預備合適的配偶照著主的方法向神祈求。神不一​​定馬上就給我們回應，仍須安靜在主裡面，耐心等候。
星期日
拜金女、炫富男的思想模式扭曲了婚姻觀、價值觀。加上婚前性行為和同居越來越普遍，年輕人甚至信徒也面對著極大的試探和考驗。求主憐憫，使用教會成為濁流中的清泉，宣揚持守貞潔、尊重伴侶的價值觀；並且幫助信徒明白聖經的教導，清心尋求神的心意，等候神所預備的最合適的良伴。
星期一
現今中國社會對『性』極為開放，媒體所描繪的戀愛和婚姻觀往往有偏差，誤導不少青年。中國人傳統上羞於談性，也錯誤的認為這個議題不屬靈，在會眾面前更是難以啓齒。教會年輕一代需要知道聖經對性的教導。 求主興起教牧同工有膽量與智慧宣講關於『性』的教導。更是保守傳道人，在性關係上不得罪神。

Prayer Request 3/17 - 3/23

Tuesday
Many in China were very savvy consumers. The viral epidemic had turned them into online buyers, even to buying groceries from the neighborhood markets. Online purchases transcend any restriction of movement. We pray that churches will begin to brainstorm how to provide spiritual feeding and equipping online, in addition to the Sunday preaching.
Wednesday
The viral epidemic caused all the churches to be not able to have normal worship and pastors unable to meet the members. Many churches did the only option possible by conducting services online or using social media. We pray that churches in China will put effort into sharing, communicating with the media. Most importantly, producing quality and solid spiritual content that will nourish their members and benefit other churches too.
Thursday
During the lock-down in China, believers could only contact each other via social media. But, only a few churches could provide teaching online or have the ability or experience of sharing their teaching online. We pray that more pastors will be able to use the internet and social media effectively in their ministry，and there will be a revival among believers because of these useful tools.
Friday
Preaching must be practical and spiritually relevant because many preachers in China give the impression of speaking from an ivory tower. Followers will naturally look for online content if they feel unfed spiritually, especially young believers. We pray that leaders and believers will see how to use all kinds of media, text, voice, and video to get the word of God to believers.
Saturday
During the viral epidemic in China, the only businesses operating profitably have been those able to get orders online and deliver to customers. May the gracious God give church leaders who possess vision and ability to teach, and believers who are mature and willing to serve. Just as Paul said, “ And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Tim 2:2 NIV)
Sunday
Of course, churches are not take-out restaurants or businesses, but we must be innovative (not imitating) in how to lead people to Jesus.We pray for His wisdom for churches in preaching the gospel, leading people to Christ and building up His Body. We must reach out to more people, lest we are marginalized and our light ceases to shine.
Monday
In the past, inviting friends and relatives to church meetings has been the way of evangelism in China. But, the new religious policies and the viral epidemic have shut this door. In China, the only viable and effective way of ministry now is to care in a small group and conduct one-to-one discipleship. We pray that many believers will emerge well-equipped and deeply love the Lord.

星期二
許多中國人雖然已經是網絡消費的老手，但是沒想到一次疫情，連日常到附近商場、超市、菜場採購食物，都換成以網絡代替出行。雖然人身自由受制，幸好網絡卻仍能暢通無阻。求神幫助祂的眾兒女無論在甚麼景況下，都有彼此相愛的心，使眾人能認出我們是祢的門徒。又求主給教會帶領者智慧，除了主日講台证道之外，教會還可以怎樣利用現代網絡科技提供信徒和慕道朋友充足的靈糧和屬靈裝備？
星期三
這次新冠肺炎疫情令教會無法正常聚會，許多牧者甚至不能與信徒相見；也有教會使用社交媒體或進行線上聚會。顯然，網絡聚會成為當下基督徒唯一可行的「聚集」方式。求主幫助教會在資訊、溝通和媒體上下功夫，最重要是內容要紮實；有屬靈份量的內容不但能造就自己教會的信徒，更因資源共享而能幫助各地的肢體在主裡一起同心互勉, 一起成長。
星期四
中國信徒因疫情被迫隔離留在家中，只能使用互聯網與外界聯繫，可惜並沒有多少教會能有能力和經驗即時提供網絡上的屬靈資源。在這次疫災中，也試驗出好些信徒的實際靈命狀況：平日少有靈修和禱告，也沒有獨立追求成長的習慣。求主興起中國教會在運用互聯網等社交媒體， 幫助信徒靈命增長，例如網上牧養、講道、相交，甚至佈道。又提醒信徒切實將神的話行出來，「好比一個聰明人，把房子蓋在磐石上，雨淋、水沖、風吹，撞著那房子，房子總不倒塌，因為根基立在磐石上。」(太7:24-25)
星期五
些得不到飽足的信徒（特別新一代信徒），有人會虛弱無力，有人會在網上尋找其他資源，這都不是教會希望看到的。求主藉著這次人看為的禍患，提醒和光照屬靈領袖和信徒的心，並興起人曉得如何用諸般智慧，或文字或語音或錄音，使神的話能暢通無阻，供應群羊。
星期六
經歷這次疫情，很多企業才發現「線上獲客」能力的本質。由於客人不能進門，而那些仍能持續營業的，正是那些能接受網上訂單，也能做到把貨物送到客戶門前的公司。求主施恩給眾教會，為神家預備更多有遠見的領袖，積極栽培那些善於教導人的主僕 ，又興起靈命成熟，甘心擺上的信徒承擔職事。「你在許多見證人面前聽見我所教訓的，也要交託那忠心能教導別人的人。」(提後2：2)
星期日
教會雖然不是一間餐廳或一門生意，然而如何吸引人來接受福音？我們也可以有智慧參考現今社會上企業有效經營的模式（注意：是參考，不是照搬）。讓我們牢記教會的責任是傳揚福音，領人歸主，建立基督的身體，求主時常提醒我們不要倚靠人的聰明，乃要仰賴祢所賜的智慧，務求接觸更多靈魂，不被社區邊緣化，不做斗底下的燈。
星期一
邀請親朋到教會參加聚會的傳福音方式在中國一直以來都行之有效。然而在新宗教政策和當前的疫情下，這道門被迫關上了。現時，將牧養化整為零，以小組形式互相關懷，和做一對一的門訓，是最有效和最實際的方式。我們祈求主藉著現今這樣的考驗，興起更多有好裝備，堅定愛主的信徒，同心協力為主作工。

Prayer Request 3/3/ - 3/9

Tuesday
As the Protestant Christianity moved into inland China, Wuhan (Hanko) was the very first port back in 1861. John Griffith, an English missionary was the first missionary to enter the inland provinces. He preached the gospel in China for 55 years and returned to England only three times.Many "firsts" had happened in 2020. For the first time, cities and millions were locked down, neighbors monitoring each other and the inability to meet for worship, plus the unprecedented discrimination against Hubei people. We praise God for the compassionate responses of Christians, the responses we know, and communication via WeChat.
Wednesday
Griffith John was known for his extensive travels in the interior of China, Hubei, Hunan, and Sichuan. In 1857, he was granted the privilege of preaching freely in the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (an unrecognized rebellious state in Qing Dynasty).Let's continue to pray for the healing of the epidemic in China. God called the Israelite "stiff-necked" because they repeatedly turned away from Him. We pray that our kinsmen will turn away from sins and come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior, and believers will once again be revived, especially in the interior China provinces.
Thursday
The other major contribution of John Griffith was his writing and translation. He studied the language and was able to speak and write fluently. His eloquent preaching and mastery of Chinese language was very popular and often attracted a large audience. Although churches in China are not able to meet publicly and regularly during the crisis, prayers and sermons have filled the online media. Prayer is the privilege that God gives to each of His children. We pray that believers will continue to be strong prayer warriors, interceding for others, not depend on our own strength, nor boasting about our church buildings or numbers of believers.
Friday
John Griffith wrote and printed many Chinese gospel tracts used by all foreign missionaries to help them bridge their gap of communicating in Chinese. (A 1899 statistic shows that 80% of tracts used in China were written and printed by his sending mission society). Churches in China are under duress and believers are frightened. May the Spirit of God convict us all, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." 2 Chron. 7:14 (KJV)
Saturday
In Wuhan there was a great influx of population in recent years. The net rate of increase of young people is now second only to Shenzhen. Wuhan is the one city in China which has the most people from other provinces in it and it ranks number seven in terms of urban vitality in the world. Students and young people should bring a lot of vitality to churches, but because of the severe limitations imposed on campus ministry and inability to attract young professionals and young families, churches have been stagnant. We pray that gospel work in Central China will grow because of the many urgent prayers for them.
Sunday
As tens of millions of people were locked in their homes, information continued to stream via the smartphones. In this epidemic, we have witnessed the special power of WeChat. We pray that God will continue to raise up people who can share the gospel, witness and equip believers on this mobile platform. Believers need peace from God, especially in times of great trouble. It is imperative for the church to preach the gospel, preach the doctrine of sin, leading our kinsmen to repentance, to seek refuge in Christ, and to enjoy peace through the redemption of Jesus Christ.
Monday
The Central South Theological Seminary in Wuhan is the only four-year seminary in the region. Since 1985, more than 700 have graduated and many have served in central and southern China. More than 300 were ordained, more than 120 were teachers, and 170 were elders. Many of them became Lianghui ( members of government churches' ruling bodies) or officials in charge of religious affairs. Let us pray for the great need for the workers of the gospel, especially good shepherds in China. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pet.5:3-4 NLT)

星期二
武漢是中國內陸省份中，基督教(新教)最早傳入的地點。1861年漢口開埠，來自英國的宣教士楊格非來到漢口，是第一個進入中國內陸省份的宣教士。他在中國傳福音五十五年，只有三次回國述職。2020庚子年一開初，中國便發生許多個「第一次」，第一次封城封村，民眾閉門不出，因疫情無法聚集，還有前所未有針對地域性的歧視。求主叫我們的心緊緊靠主，不要被現今景況奪去心中的平安。我們感謝主，仍能使用互聯網通訊軟件，使弟兄姊妹相互聯絡、彼此關心和代求，基督的愛也藉此彰顯。
星期三
楊格非以在廣闊的中國內地旅行佈道而聞名。他1857前往南京，獲得在太平天國境內自由傳教的權利。他也是第一個進入湖北、湖南、四川三個省份的新教傳教士。求主憐憫武漢這座城市，當地人民因為嚴重的疫情而陷入恐慌、不安與無助當中，求神施恩阻斷疫情繼續擴散。我們深信即使「洪水泛濫之時，耶和華坐著為王。」(詩29:10)，求祢賜下力量和平安給屬祢的人。神稱以色列人民為「 硬著頸項的百姓」，因為他們不斷地悖逆神。讓我們繼續為中國百姓遠離罪惡、願意接受耶穌基督為救主恒切禱告。
星期四
楊格非擁有出色的演講、佈道、翻譯方面的恩賜，被譽為「華中宣教之父」和「街頭佈道家」。他能夠熟練地使用中文，說、寫都非常流利。來到中國的宣教士必須花多年的功夫，才能有效地分享福音。雖然各處教會因疫情無法正常聚會，可是禱告文和勉勵的信息仍然能在網上流傳，幫助信徒在主裡相交，繼續屬靈的追求。禱告是神給予祂兒女的特權，求主幫助中國信徒經歷這次災難後，成為禱告勇士，不依靠自己力量，不再誇耀教會的建築或信徒的人數，而是謙遜跟隨主的脚步，親眼見證神的大能作為。
星期五
楊格非專門編印佈道單張與小冊子供外出傳教時派發，以補外國傳教士漢語不精通的弱點。據1899年統計，全國基督教所用的街頭佈道文字材料，八成都是由楊格非所屬的差會印刷。近年來，因著種種限制和恐懼，信徒的心漸漸冷淡，許多教會沒有成長。願聖靈光照我們，謙卑地來到主面前，懇求主眷顧我們的城市、我們的土地。讓我們彼此提醒和代禱: 「這稱為我名下的子民，若是自卑、禱告、尋求我的面，轉離他們的惡行，我必從天上垂聽，赦免他們的罪，醫治他們的地。」(代下7:14)
星期六
武漢近年來對外來人口的吸附作用日漸增強，年輕人口淨增率現僅次於深圳排名全國第二，是全國吸引外來人口最多的城市之一，城市活力排名全球第七。近期因為校園事工空間受到極大的縮限，教會無力吸引年輕信徒，推展家庭事工也有很多困難，教會整體氣氛變得昏沉。求主親自幫助內地信徒在黑暗中看到光明，仍然保持信心和鬥志不灰心氣餒，「 趁著白日，我們必須作那差我來者的工；黑夜將到，就沒有人能作工了。」(約9:4)
星期日
中國數座城市因疫情如千萬人口的武漢般被封，人們雖然不能出門，但是藉著互聯網路，資訊仍可不斷。在這個非常時期，求神的醫治大能和憐憫臨到各地，在眾人心靈軟弱之時賜下力量；在憂懼之時賜下屬天的平安。教會此時當務之急是切切禱告，並傳揚福音，引領同胞悔改歸正，投奔到基督這個真正能蔭庇人的避難所，享受基督救贖帶來的真平安。我們又求主繼續興起更多能分享福音的平台，繼續栽培、建立信徒。
星期一
中南神學院是武漢目前唯一四年制的神學院。自1985 年開辦以來有七百多名畢業生，主要在中南部地區服侍，當中有三百多人被按立為牧師，一百二十餘人擔任教師，一百七十餘人擔任長老，其中也有不少擔任三自、兩會和政府宗教代表。 求神賜給中國福音工人和合神心意的牧者，在特定的時期回應神的恩召。「牧養在你們中間神的群羊，按著神旨意照管他們；不是出於勉強，乃是出於甘心；也不是因為貪財，乃是出於樂意；也不是轄制所託付你們的，乃是作群羊的榜樣。」(彼前5:3-4)

Prayer Request 2/25 - 3/2

Tuesday
All the casinos in Macau were forced to close during the viral epidemic. It is illegal to gamble in China except for Macau Special Administrative Region. Since the return of Macau to China in 1999, it has become the world's largest gaming center. Chinese love to gamble which has destroyed countless families. We intercede for believers whose family members are gamblers. May the Lord set them free from the bondage of sin and save them. We also pray that churches will speak up against addictions and other social ills.
Wednesday
The viral outbreak and closures of cities have wreaked havoc on the education systems of China at all levels, forcing schools to close. The Education ministry quickly demanded schools to provide a study plan and curriculum to keep the 190 million elementary and middle school students busy during the suspension period. Children of believers have not been able to attend church for a couple of years because of the new religious policy. We pray that parents will teach the Bible stories to their own children, pray with them and spend time to tell what the Lord has done in their families.
Thursday
The Ministry of Education encourages extra-curricular reading and exercise, and online tutoring if possible, but it warned that elementary school students should not spend too much time online. The Education Television channel will launch a special program for students, which was used in the SARS epidemic in 2003. There is very little Christian parenting content online, making things worse so the majority of parents falsely believe that their children should decide on their religion once they are older. We pray that all of us will know God wants us to raise godly children for Him.
Friday
Schools in China will resume at different times differently from place to place. Some provinces, including Liaoning and Sichuan, may plan to reopen primary and secondary schools soon, while other provinces such as Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Guangdong have postponed the start date to at least March. We do not know when children and young people can return to church. We pray that there will be many parents like “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” Heb 11:23 (NIV)
Saturday
At the present time, most churches in China no longer have Sunday school for children. Some pastors with Christian educational training have started curriculum for parents, and organizing parenting conferences to raise the awareness of parents as far as spiritual growth of their children. We pray that God will raise up more resources to help parents, equipping more pastors to teach parents to instruct Biblical values to their children. Believer parents must assume the responsibility of nurturing their children.
Sunday
In China, education is highly competitive. In Guangzhou the number of children in a school said to prepare children for elementary school has doubled. Parents are willing to pay tens of thousands of yuans to get a space in this elite school. We pray specifically for Christian parents as they also feel the same pressure to push children to get ahead. May the Lord add to their faith so they will trust Him not only to provide what they need but also for His best plan for their children
Monday
In the past, little attention was given to helping parents teach their children Bible lessons and foster spiritual growth at home. Now, churches in China are not able to have children's ministries of any kind. Some pastors are trying to prepare materials for parents to use with their children. We pray that God will use all the pastors and ministries alike to design and create suitable curriculum as well as making them available to help parents in China to teach and communicate God’s love to their children. Parents must be taught and do the teaching themselves. “You shall teach them diligently to your children” (Duet 6:7)

星期二
澳門所有博彩經營場所以及其他娛樂設施，為減低新型冠狀病毒傳播的風險，關閉營業15天。中國境內除了澳門之外，其他博彩活動一概違法。澳門在1999年回歸中國，近年已成為世界上最大型的博彩中心。中國人好賭，賭博摧毀了無數家庭。我們特別為有嗜賭家人的信徒禱告，求主施恩拯救，使人能從賭癮中釋放，得著真正能叫人心靈滿足的救恩。幫助癮君子和病態賭徒，扶持他們與神及教會建立密切的關係。又求主興起信徒在社會舆論上為防治瘾癖和其他不公議題發聲。
星期三
病毒疫情已使中國的各級學校陷入混亂。教育部發布通知，敦促省級教育部門統一部署，為呆在家裡的學生製定詳細的學習計劃，設法讓中國1.9億的中、小學生在停課期間保持學習狀態。因著新的宗教政策，信徒的孩子已經不能參加教會聚會有兩年之久了。我們為父母能將神的話殷勤教導子女禱告，願意刻意安排時間與孩子一起讀經、禱告，也講述神在他們家中的作為。
星期四
教育部鼓勵課外閱讀和體育鍛煉，如果可能的話，還鼓勵網上輔導，不過另一方面也提醒小學生不該花太多時間在互聯網上。中國教育電視台有特別節目開播給學生們，該平台在2003年SARS期間也有類似的運作。網上對於如何幫助兒女愛主的資訊，幾乎寥寥無幾，更糟的是許多信徒家長錯誤認為孩子有選擇宗教的自由，讓他們成人之後自己選擇。求主憐憫，叫我們知道祂的心意是要從我們得著敬虔的後裔。
星期五
關於復課時間，目前中國各省情況不一。有些可能計劃二月下旬重新開放中、小學，而上海、浙江和廣東等則已將開學日期定為不早於3月。我們不知何時何日孩子們才能合法地與父母一同參加教會聚會。我們向天父懇求，有更多如同摩西父母一樣有堅定信心的信徒家長。「摩西生下來，他的父母見他是個俊美的孩子，就因著信，把他藏了三個月，並不怕王命。」(來11：23)
星期六
現在中國教會大都已經不能辦兒童主日學，一群完成基督教教育課程的傳道人已開展家長教育事工，如組織家長會，提升家長教養孩童信仰成長的意識；開辦家長課堂，教導父母如何在家中具體實踐兒童屬靈教育。求主賜福家長教育事工，帶領傳道人能裝備家長，幫助孩童建立基督教價值觀；並求主加力給家長，在教養孩童上滿有主的恩典與能力。
星期日
中國的教育競爭大，廣州某幼小銜接班去年的報讀人數激增兩倍。還有家長為了給孩子報讀「突擊班」，不惜交納上萬元的培訓費。我們特别為信徒家長禱告，在面對孩子升學壓力時，對神的信心不減少，不僅要相信神必為孩子的教育有足夠的預備，也深信祂在每個孩子身上都有最美好, 最獨特的計劃。
星期一
中國教會過去忽略幫助信徒父母教導子女聖經和注重培育信二代的靈命成長。現在因政策令教會不能有兒童主日學和任何孩童事工，有些牧者惟有開始供給家長教導子女的資源。求主使用牧者和信徒領袖所設計的內容，幫助信徒家長能傳授和傳達基督的信仰，這原是家長當盡的本分。「我今日所吩咐你的話都要記在心上，也要殷勤教訓你的兒女。」（申 6：7）願我們都為屬靈的承傳盡心盡力。

Prayer Request 2/18 - 2/24

Tuesday
During this viral epidemic, there was rampant discrimination against Hubei people which is an indictment of the pride of Chinese people. Churches in China also have much discrimination by the urban churches toward those from the countryside, making them unwelcome and contributing to their loss of faith. Christians cannot despise people. We pray that God will give us a new heart, “have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2: 4 NIV) We ask God to have compassion for us and we must show compassion to others.
Wednesday
People in China are deeply poisoned by the Cultural Revolution, with a tendency to criticize and challenge others. Discussions in a church are often very tense, challenging and highly critical of others, to the point of “you are totally wrong, unbiblical, unspiritual or even labeling others "You do not love the Lord.” "Others despise or discriminate, but I don’t! " Many will say. "Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD" (Lamentation 3:20). We pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit in our motives and conversations, so that we may be pleasing to Him.
Thursday
The Lord Jesus reminded us, "Judge not lest ye be judged." (Matt. 7: 1) We delight in finding fault or what’s wrong in other people. We love to be critical people and are proud of it. We pray that believers will reflect and be changed in this epidemic. We pray that the mercy and love of God will not be mere words, but they will put them into action, and this will start in our church, living our true acceptance and loving one another.
Friday
In the past ten years, the Chinese church has begun to participate in world missions. This is a wonderful start, and indeed we are grateful to God! However, there is still much national superiority and even arrogance that "Chinese will finish what the Westerners and Koreans started” or “Chinese will take the gospel back to Jerusalem", and have even boasted that "China is a great country for missions." Satan's biggest attack on the church is to seduce and test church leaders to make them proud. May the Holy Spirit illuminate us and we ask the Lord to deal with our pride.
Saturday
The tightened religious policy has brought great pain to all churches in China, but we know it is a way that God cleanses, prunes and refines His saints. We pray for all in the suffering, " If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” (1 Cor:26-27) Again, we ask God to help us, to pray steadfastly, with humility and a clear mind, be wise and observant in all things. “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6: 8 NIV).
Sunday
Chinese are very proud people, and Chinese Christians have even falsely believed that "God will use the Chinese to fulfill the Great Commission." We pray that the experience of this epidemic will make us see how insignificant and fragile we are truly understand that "Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." (Lament. 3:22-23) May the Spirit of God reveal to us that we need to rid the virus in our own hearts.
Monday
We are sinners under His grace, if it was not by God’s grace, we would still all be under His wrath and judgment. Although this is something we all know and has become our mantra, let us all be reminded, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) On the day of His Judgment, we will be separated as believers and nonbelievers. So, we ask God to help us not to boast or be self-righteous, rather take delight in seeing how others love and have faith in Him, and spur us to imitate them.

星期二
中國這次爆發的新型病毒中，湖北人被歧視是非常普遍的，也顯出中國人自傲的本性。 中國教會裡也有輕看、甚至歧視的情況。城市信徒與外來的農民工格格不入，令外來信徒覺得城市教會不歡迎他們，導致農村信徒在城市流失。為何基督徒，教會也會輕看別人呢？求主校正信徒的心態，不偏心待人，或用惡意斷定人。（雅2:4) 求主賜給我們柔軟的心，當我們祈求神的憐憫，也應該以基督的心為心, 成為恩慈的管道去憐憫人。
星期三
中國人受到文革的影響，總是愛批判别人。 即使在教會中的討論，也常是彼此不服，滿了火藥味。 總認為自己比別人正確，見解更高明，更屬靈，甚至任意貼上他人不愛主的罪名。「別人輕看、歧視人， 我可沒有！」你我可能會這樣辯解。 「我們當深深考察自己的行為，再歸向耶和華。」（哀3:20），求神提醒祂的子民，必須常常在聖靈裡自省平日的行事為人，做一個得蒙神喜悅的人。
星期四
主耶穌提醒我們，「你們不要論斷人，免得你們被論斷。」（太7:1 ） 是的，挑毛病、找錯處、好批評是我們通有的劣性，但願基督徒在這次疫疾災難中顯出神的憐憫和慈愛，不是把愛人如己掛在嘴邊而不伸出援手，更不是站在道德的制高點上指責，而要以實際行動活出真正的彼此相愛和接納。
星期五
過去十年，中國教會開始參與普世宣教，這是個美好的開始，確實是我們要向神感恩的! 但是，中國教會很多時候還是以民族優越感為出發，認為中國教會可以很快地完成西方與韓國教會做不到的偉蹟，因為中國人比任何其他種族更適合把福音「傳回耶路撒冷」，甚至誇耀我們已經是「宣教的大國」。 撒旦對教會最大的攻擊就是引誘、試探教會領袖，使他們自高自傲。求聖靈光照我們，求主對付我們的驕傲與自義。
星期六
近幾年因政府宗教政策帶來的信心試煉與考驗，中國教會雖然是受到極大的打擊，但亦是神允許環境中的試煉來潔淨祂的聖徒。 我們應該為所有在受苦中的教會祈求，「若一個肢體受苦，所有的肢體就一同受苦；若一個肢體得榮耀，所有的肢體就一同快樂。 你們就是基督的身子，並且各自作肢體。」(林前12：26-27) 願神引領並幫助祂的兒女，能儆醒謹守，虛心清醒，作個聰明通達人，明白自己的道路，心存謙卑，與神同行（彌六8）。
星期日
中國人是自豪的民族，中國的基督徒也已「上帝需要中國人來完成祂的大使命」來誇耀。求主藉著這次的疫情災難，叫我們承認自己是多麼的渺小，一切享有的平安皆來自神的恩典和保守。 「我們不致消滅，是出於耶和華諸般的慈愛；是因祂的憐憫不致斷絕。你的誠實極其廣大！」(哀3:22-23) 願聖靈光照我們，求主先醫治我心中的病毒！也讓我們願意不再靠自己，讓基督在我們身上作工。
星期一
我們都是蒙恩的罪人，要不是神的恩典臨到我們，我們還在神的怒氣與審判之下。雖然，這些道理是基督徒都知道的，也常掛在口邊，求主再次提醒我們：並要以恩慈相待，存憐憫的心，彼此饒恕，正如神在基督裡饒恕了你們一樣。（弗4:32）當審判的那日，在神的眼中只有信與不信的人。求主幫助我們不要自誇更不要自義，而是真心欣賞別人對主的信心和愛心，並以此為榜樣，願意起而效法。

Prayer Request 2/4 - 2/10

Tuesday
Churches in Wuhan face huge challenges and testing of faith because of the security of meetings and witness of faith, now, the ongoing viral infection. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” (Jer. 29:11 NIV). We believe in God’s promises and He permitted these trials, not to destroy us, but to build us up, therefore, we suffer with the people in this city and to intercede on behalf of the people of this city. (The entire contents are excerpts of an open letter from a pastor in Wuhan to his congregation)
Wednesday
Adversities come our way as a way to show us of His love to us, believers are not exempted, but we are not judged as others. Adversities are rather,opportunities to be close to God, to purify our souls and to share the gospel."Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?... nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord". (Rom 8:35-39 MKJV)
Thursday
Christ is with us as we face the epidemic, but He is not affected by it and we are protected. If we die in this epidemic, we continue to be His witnesses and it is an opportunity to enter His glory.The epidemic in Wuhan cannot separate us from the love of Christ, who is our Lord Jesus Christ. How comforting these words are to us who are one with Christ. So, brothers and sisters, I encourage you to be strong in the love of Christ!
Friday
If we experience death and dying more because of this epidemic, we can understand the Bible better. We will also know the deeper and closer love of Christ that draws us closer to God. Like our Lord Jesus, Who experienced cruel death because of His faith we will be raised by God from death. He is now waiting for us at God's right hand. (Acts 2:32-26 MKJV) This is not only a visible disaster but also an invisible spiritual battle. Be ready to fight for your own heart and then fight for the souls of this city.
Saturday
Jesus said not one sparrow falls to the ground outside your Father’s care (Matt. 10:29). Is it not in God's will that millions in Wuhan face the epidemic? What the city is experiencing now, are we, the believers much like Abraham to Sodom and Jonah to Nineveh? If you lack the burden to pray, ask the Lord to give you a desire to love the unsaved souls and to pray earnestly; if you cannot weep, ask the Lord to give you tears, because we know that only the mercy of the Lord can save this city.
Sunday
Let us all be tormented like Lot for the wickedness of our city (2 Pet. 2: 7), and pray for Sodom as earnestly as Abraham (Gen. 18: 23-33). Jonah preached unwillingly to Nineveh and the Nineveh repented and was saved. We must be like Abraham and Jonah to Wuhan, pray that this city will reconcile with God and beseech His mercy, so the city will receive peace because of our prayers and witness here.
Monday
I believe it is a mission that God has called us to live in Wuhan, so we must pray for peace for this city, for all the infected people, all the medical personnel, officials at all levels and all the people who live nearby. Let us turn our eyes upon the Lord Jesus., not be anxious about our safety, and not lose heart, but pray in His name. We should utilize social media to share the gospel and comfort our minds and those of our relatives. Let us remember that our lives are not in our hands and we should trust our God Who is faithful.

星期二
武漢教會聚會的安全、信仰的見證、成員被傳染的可能，都對我們構成巨大挑戰，我們面臨著信心的試煉。 憑著主的應許相信，祂向我們所懷的是賜平安的意念，不是降災禍的意念（耶29:11）祂許可試煉臨到，不是要拆毀我們，而是要建立我們。不僅要和這座城市裡的人同受苦難，更是要成為守望勇士, 為這座人心惶惶的城市與神和好來禱告。（以上內容是來自一位武漢牧師的公開信）
星期三
患難臨到我們，是上帝愛我們的一種方式，基督徒雖和世人一樣面對患難，但患難對他們而言不再是審判，而是更多親近上帝，潔淨靈魂，見證福音的機會。誰能使我們與基督的愛隔絕呢？難道是患難麼？是困苦麼？是逼迫麼？是飢餓麼？是赤身露體麼？是危險麼？是刀劍麼？…然而，靠著愛我們的主，在這一切的事上已經得勝有餘了。無論是死，是生, 是天使 ，是掌權的 ，是有能的 ，是現在的事 ，是將來的事 ，是高處的, 是低處的 ，是別的受造之物 ，… 都不能叫我們與神的愛隔絕；這愛是在我們的主基督耶穌裡的（羅 8:35-39）。
星期四
基督在這座城市裡和我們一同面臨瘟疫，瘟疫不能傷害祂，也必不能傷害我們，若我們在瘟疫中死去，仍然是基督的見證，更是進入祂榮耀的機會。武漢市的瘟疫也不能使我們與基督的愛隔絕，這愛是在我們的主基督耶穌裡的。這話是何等地安慰我們，我們跟基督已經成為一體了。所以弟兄姐妹，我鼓勵你們靠基督的愛剛強！
星期五
如果我們在瘟疫裡更深地體驗死亡，理解福音，也會更深地經歷基督的愛，與上帝也更加接近。好像我們的主耶穌，祂因信經歷了殘酷無比的死亡，上帝卻使他從死裡復活，使祂坐在自己的右邊（徒2:32-36）。這不僅是一場看得見的災難，更是一場看不見的屬靈的爭戰，先要為你的心爭戰，然後為這座城市的靈魂爭戰。
星期六
一隻麻雀掉在地上都須上帝允許（太10:29），武漢市這麼多的生命面臨瘟疫，豈不更在上帝的旨意裡？我們所經歷的，豈不像從前亞伯拉罕面對所多瑪，約拿面臨尼尼微？如果你沒有禱告的負擔，求主賜給你愛靈魂、懇切禱告的心；如果你沒有哭泣，就求主賜你眼淚。因為我們深知，唯有仰望主的憐憫，才是這座城市的拯救。
星期日
但願我們都像羅得那樣為所在的城市憂傷（彼後 2:7），像亞伯拉罕那樣懇切地為所多瑪代禱（創18:23-33）。約拿勉強傳福音給尼尼微，尼尼微城就悔改得救了。我們就是這個城市的亞伯拉罕和約拿，我們要替基督求這座城市與上帝和好，也要替這座城市呼求上帝的憐憫，叫整座城市因我們的禱告和見證得平安。
星期一
我相信，這就是上帝呼召我們生活在武漢的信徒的使命，我們要為這座城市求平安，為感染的病人求平安，為戰鬥在一線的醫護人員求平安，為各級政府工作人員求平安，為武漢市的所有百姓求平安！請你把眼光轉移到主耶穌那裡，不再為自己的安危擔心，也不再彷徨失措，而要奉主耶穌的名禱告。我們也可以通過網路，用福音引導和安慰親朋好友，提醒他們生命不在自己手中，要把生命交托給信實的上帝。

Prayer Request 1/28 - 1/3

Tuesday
To rid Christianity from society, the Communist regime began last year to require all provinces and municipalities to shut down and renovate religious sites. through coercion and inducement, forcing house believers to join the Three-self churches. Many house churches have debated whether to register with the government in the past decades. Those debates seem moot in retrospect now. We pray for church leaders that they will have wisdom in maneuvering the labyrinths of restrictions and repeated inspections by the officials.
Wednesday
The authorities have taken anti-religious activities and missions near the school as illegal activities since last year. In addition to saying it is evil, the action is investigated and punished. Colleges were once the most active and exciting Christian ministries. Now they face bitter coldness. We pray for God's comfort for those who have lost their jobs, apartment leases, and been expelled from the schools. May the Lord supply their needs and they know that He remembers their great sacrifices.
Thursday
Millions of Chinese attended boarding nurseries and preschools after the Communist revolution in 1949, when large-scale systems of institutional care were established to relieve parents to participate in the revolutionary activities or to work. Many churches in China can no longer have programs for children. We pray that believer parents will seriously teach their children about Jesus Christ and to read the Bible for themselves before they enter the atheistic educational system.
Friday
Chinese who were born from 1948 to early 2000 were deeply affected by the common practice of sending children to boarding schools at a very young age. They are the generations of people who run China today. Our parenting skills are usually a reflection or a copy of those of our parents. We pray for Christian parents so they will seek what God desires of us and never honor our own children more than honoring God.
Saturday
In China, parents have no second thoughts about sending their children to a boarding school, although it is less common now to send children below the age of six than it used to be. Even many of the Chinese millennials today have spent their childhood in a boarding school. Many Chinese believer fathers feel inadequate as the spiritual leader in their homes their authority is often built upon fear. We pray for more fathers who will live out God’s unconditional love and be a godly example to their children.
Sunday
It is against nature for parents to be separated from their children, let alone sending them away to school. But, it is quite common in China and very acceptable to send children to a boarding school that offers better education, if the school is too far for a daily commute. We pray for believer parents that they will always teach their children about Jesus and help them to build a habit of prayer, even when their children live at home.
Monday
restrictions. However, all around us are Chinese people, for example students from China or new immigrants who are eager to hear the good news of Jesus Christ. There are many channels by which to share the gospel, whether it is by preaching in a church, friendship evangelism, or activities that lead to evangelism. We pray that churches in Hong Kong and elsewhere will not miss this opportunity to share the Good News.

星期二
共產黨從去年開始要求各省市政府全面關閉與改造宗教場所，先透過威逼利誘，將地下信徒強逼加入受官方掌控的三自教會。許多家庭教會在過去的幾十年裡一直在爭論是否向政府註冊, 現今看似又回到大家爭議的原點。我們相信神把祂的國度分給不同人以不同方式參與，求神幫助屬祂的人持守忠誠，所作的判斷都是來回應從神而來的感動。
星期三
現今在中國, 除了校園內，學校附近進行的宗教活動或傳教活動也都被列入非法行為，透過「全國性掃黑除惡」行動進行查懲。大學曾經是福音事工最興旺的地方，現在卻面臨嚴寒季候。我們求神安慰信徒，也求主信實供應信徒的一切需要; 並賜眾人在「無花果樹不發旺、葡萄樹不結果、橄欖樹也不效力、田地不出糧食、圈中絕了羊、棚內也沒有牛」的情況下，仍然因耶和華歡欣，因救我們的神喜樂。(哈3:17-18)
星期四
中國在1949年共產主義革命後，建立了大規模機構式育幼護理系統，來解放父母，讓他們有時間參與革命或勞動。成百上千萬中國幼兒被送往寄宿托兒所或幼兒園。中國的許多教會都不能再為孩子們製作節目了。我們祈禱信徒的父母會認真教導他們的孩子關於耶穌基督，並在他們進入無神論教育系統之前能自己閱讀聖經, 接觸真理。
星期五
這一代的中國人中, 受寄宿托兒系統影響最深的應該是在1949年年之後的前幾十年出生的人。那時寄宿系統在沒有受到任何質疑的情況下推廣開來，而今他們五六十歲，正掌管著這個國家。我們的育兒技巧通常是我們父母成長經驗的反思或拷貝副本。我們為基督徒的父母祈禱，這樣他們就會尋求上帝對我們的旨意，而不是尊重我們自己的孩子過於尊重順從上帝。
星期六
在中國，六歲以下兒童的寄宿托兒所如今已經不是那麼普遍，但仍被視為不錯的選擇。 就連千禧一代的人小時候也有可能被送進這種托兒所。 這種情況在六歲及以上的兒童中非常普遍。許多為人父親的中國信徒認為他們在家庭中扮演的精神領袖角色是不充分的，他們的權威往往建立在恐懼之上。我們為更多的父親祈禱，他們願意在生活中活出上帝無條件的愛，成為他們孩子的敬虔榜樣。
星期日
父母與孩子分開在天性上是不利親子互動的，更不用說將他們送到寄宿學校了。但是，如果學校的日常通勤距離太遠，那麼將孩子送到一所提供更好教育的寄宿學校是相對便利和非常普遍的選擇。我們來為信徒的父母祈禱，他們願意盡心盡意堅持教導他們的孩子關於耶穌和真理，並幫助他們養成禱告的習慣，即使他們的孩子在家附近生活和學習。
星期一
面對中國的宗教政策越趨收緊，福音工作遇上重重限制。可是已有不少福音對象已在我們身旁，比如來自中國的學生，又或是新來的移民，都是你我傳福音的良機。不論是公開佈道、朋輩佈道，還是福音預工的交誼活動等，也是信徒們分享福音的渠道。 求主恩領，幫助香港和海外的教會不要錯失這個福音的機遇，大家共勉: 無論得時不得時，總要救一些人。

Prayer Request 1/21 - 1/27

Tuesday
China has shown signs of relaxing the hukou (residency) system. Recently, the Guangdong Public Security Bureau has replaced the Temporary Residence Permit with the Residence Permit. It is estimated that in the next five years, there will be equal numbers of people living in cities and the countryside in China. In the past, many urban churches have flourished but rural churches have generally declined. The massive exodus of young people from the villages has crippled the rural churches. We pray for the rural believers who are left disheartened and disappointed. May the Lord comfort them and renew their churches.
Wednesday
The number of rural believers has declined, but the most disheartening reality is the exodus of coworkers (e.g. volunteer preachers, choir members, youth leaders, etc.) who were the backbone of the rural churches. However, only some of them have joined churches in the cities, many were lost to the church.We praise God for everyone who has continued to serve in the local churches wherever they are. We pray specifically for those who have stopped attending churches. May the Lord lead them back.
Thursday
In the past, rural preachers used the example of Demas in the Bible to preach against young believers going to work in the cities. But, the reality is that young people work in cities, not seeking pleasures of the world, and farmland is diminishing while the cost of living continues to rise.The economic condition of rural families has improved, but family structures and relationships are in shambles. We pray for rural Christian families, especially those with parents and children who are separated, so they can find ways to make up the missing communication and bonding.
Friday
To retain people, rural churches must provide solid Biblical teaching, stir passion for rural ministry more than nostalgia, and manage to provide some solutions to social and economic issues like the rapidly rising cost of living.We pray that God will raise up an army of people who have a burden for rural churches, willing to stay and nourish the believers. We give thanks to God for those who have stayed and continue to serve in their church, even with declining attendance. May the Lord reward them for their faithful services.
Saturday
We envision a city church forming a close relationship with one or several rural churches in China, such a bond is built on friendship, rather than control or command, without a sense of disparity or superiority, but one that is of sharing the grace of God and of equality and mutual respect. We pray that urban churches in China will not forget and forsake the poor rural churches. May the Lord raise up many city believers who care deeply about rural ministry and will self-initiate ways to support churches in the countryside, especially those without a pastor.
Sunday
Programs to train pastors have been shut down or severely curtailed inside China recently. We pray that some urban churches will support those who intend to serve in the rural churches by providing them training, enabling them to return and serve, by supporting them financially initially to allow them to return and forming a partnership between the sending and receiving churches as the bond grows deeper.
Monday
Almost all young people and more than half of middle-aged people have moved from rural to urban areas in China, and the urban population has risen sharply. Rural churches face the crises of the aging population, no young people, lack of pastors and resources, these are facts with little or no solutions in sight. You might ask, “Is there still hope for the rural church in China?” Let us beseech the Lord that rural churches will at least train up their young people before they move to the cities en masse, and that they will do their very best to lay a foundation of faith so they will survive spiritually in the cities.

星期二
去年初中國政府發佈，除13個城區人口在500萬以上的超大城市和特大城市外，其餘城市將全面放開放寬落戶限制。最近廣東省公安局把臨時居住許可証都换發成一般居住證了. 有估計再過五年，中國城鄉人口會各佔一半。過去，許多城市教會發展了，可是農村教會卻普遍衰微，農村教會出現青黃不接的危機。我們來為農村教會的弟兄姊妹禱告，願神親自安慰他們，不灰心失望，靠著主無論得時不得時，總要盡力完成神交託的使命。
星期三
農村教會人數減少，更艱難的是農村教會多年培養出的中堅力量（如義務傳道、詩班、青年會友等）也離開農村教會進到城市，部分在城市教會聚會和參與服事。我們為所有不論在何處都堅持在教會服事的信徒感恩，同時也為那些到城市後忙著生計沒有繼續參加聚會的信徒禱告，求神引領他們回到主的懷抱裡，以致能經歷主恩豐厚。
星期四
有農村傳道人用底馬貪愛世界的例子來評斷中青年一代會友，事實上農民外移是為生存而不是為享受。另外，因種種原因，農村耕地日漸減少，而農村消費卻在逐年提高。許多農村家庭經濟條件固然有了改進，但是家庭關係卻反道而行。我們為農村信徒家庭禱告，求神保守祝福父母子女分隔兩地的家庭，讓他們在有限的資源下，用其他方式來維繫感情, 鞏固親子關係的聯結。
星期五
農村教會希望信徒能留守家園，除了憑著信仰、鄉土的情感之外，還得要切實地解 決信徒生活與生存需要的問題。我們禱告神興起對農村教㑹有負担的精兵, 願意留在那里餵養信徒. 也求神親自供應農民的需要，改變人心讓嚮往與神親密的關係過於家道的豐富。我們又為農村教會同工們在聚會人數日漸下降, 仍忠心的擺上感恩，願主親自報答他們。
星期六
有建議城巿教會可以幫助農村教會，例如一間城巿教會與一個或幾個農村教會建立主內情誼，不是管轄或控制，也不是居高臨下的姿態，乃是以共同分享上帝恩典的心，盡心竭力成為「友好教會」。我們要為城市教會不忘記貧弱艱困的農村教會禱告，願主興起關心農村事工的城市信徒，願意自動自發去支援主内肢體的屬靈需要，尤其是沒有傳道人的農村教會。
星期日
近年在中國，許多屬靈領袖的培訓聚會都遭禁止，聚會點也被查封，還有信徒家屬 被勒令監督有信仰的親人，警告若再聚會就要嚴懲。我們求主興起一些城市教會支持農村教會的事奉人員 ，又幫助一些在城市務工的信徒在接受裝備後, 有負担回鄉服事， 跟城市教會形成友好的合作關係, 城市教會也願意擔負他們的生活需用。我們更要為農村教會牧者能繼續牧養，為主發光禱告。
星期一
今天中國的農村教會能為主作甚麼？幾乎全部年輕人，以及過半的中年人，從農村走向城市，令城市人口急劇上升。農村教會迅速老化，沒有年輕人的趨勢似乎近期内無法改變，教會缺少牧者與資源是不争的事實。求神額外施恩加力給農村教會，在年輕人成長離開之前，幫助他們奠定信仰基礎，以致在前面許多未可知的挑戰與試探中，能站立得住。

Prayer Request 1/7 - 1/13

Tuesday
Nearly one percent of China's population, roughly thirteen million children, are the so-called "black children" because they do not have the proof of official identity known as the hukou (household registration card) which is required to attend a school.We pray for the “black children” and their parents who are Christians, as they face a lot of red tape and few options for schooling and obtaining affordable healthcare. May God give them faith and the determination to give their children a solid foundation of faith and a godly model.
Wednesday
More than sixty percent of “black children” were born in violation of China’s one-child policy, some were abandoned children, and others were born out of wedlock. Children who are born without a birth permit or hukou will not have a birth certificate, and they literally are not considered to be in existence legally. Churches in China tend to look down on those who are lowly and despised as poor and lazy. Our Lord cares for orphans and dispossessed and churches should welcome and accept them even though they are poor and lowly.
Thursday
Children in China without a hukou (proof of residency) are not eligible for health care or government-provided education. They cannot obtain a passport or a driver’s license. They will not be able to marry or work legally. We praise God for all the middle class and intellectuals in urban churches, and we pray that none of us forgets how much our God cares for orphans and the dispossessed, and all that we have comes from the Lord.
Friday
Every parent in China knows the importance and the added value of having a good education for their children. And, they are keenly aware that good education is nearly impossible because of where they live and their inability to afford the cost. We pray for great faith for Christian parents who face the financial burden of their children’s education. May the Lord provide their needs and help them continue to do their part in teaching their children God’s way because being a parent is an act of faith.
Saturday
The age of Chinese teenagers first playing online games is getting younger, at 6 to 14 years old. Often, it is primary and secondary school students who start playing online games. Many parents use mobile phones and games to occupy their children and to keep children from disturbing them. We ask the Lord to give Christian parents wisdom, not only to provide education, but also to teach their children to read the Bible and pray on their own.
Sunday
Almost all mobile phones used by the children are registered under their parents' names. But, players can easily avoid the new restriction by simply claiming that they are adults, and the game companies cannot enforce the restriction. The long-term separation from the parents suffered by the left-behind children makes them victims of mobile game addiction. We pray for children of all rural believers, even though churches cannot replace the parental responsibilities. However, we ask God to raise up people who have a burden for the left-behind children of the believer's families.
Monday
Parents in China buy smartwatches for their children for their GPS location and social functions. Compared to allowing the children to play games on phones, smartwatches seem like a better option for parents to buy. Besides worrying for the safety of their children, believer parents also fear their children will drift away from the faith. We pray that the voice of the Holy Spirit will always be louder than "noises" from all kinds of entertainment, so they will not give in to fleshly desires and be able to overcome temptations.

星期二
約有1300萬孩子沒有戶口，也就是俗稱的「黑戶孩子」，佔中國人口總數的1％。「黑戶」孩子無法在當地上學。我們來為「黑戶」孩子們和他們的基督徒父母禱告，因為他們面臨到很多制度上的限制，也沒有多少可選擇的學校，還要找到負擔得起的醫療保健。求神特别施恩憐憫他們，讓他們的孩子有一個堅實的信仰基礎和敬虔的榜樣。
星期三
「黑戶孩子」中有60%以上是違規「一胎化」的超生子女，其他還包括棄嬰、未婚生育等多種原因導致的無戶籍人口。教會有些信徒往往會輕看那些生活處在低下階層的人，認為他們或許是品性差劣和好逸惡勞。懇求恩主時常提醒屬祂的人，要胸懷謙卑以基督的心為心，不以貌取人. 願主幫助我們能真誠地歡迎並接納所有人，雖然他們可能是那些生活條件窮困或教育程度較低的人。
星期四
沒有戶口（居住證明）的兒童是沒有資格得到護照、醫療保健或享有政府提供教育的。將來他們亦無法取得駕駛執照、辦理結婚手續或合法的工作。我們為中國城市教會的中產階級和知識分子禱告，求神幫助信徒們更多關心社區裡的貧窮人、孤兒和寡婦等等弱勢群體。把握機會在社區中活出光和盬的好見證, 並為著自己從主所領受的一切恩惠常存感恩的心。
星期五
華人父母都深切認知到優秀學歷能帶給子女的前途光明，只是對於「黑戶」孩子的父母來說，給孩子提供良好的教育機會幾乎是不可能的，因為他們根本無力支付高昂的教育費。我們為面臨子女沉重教育費用的基督徒父母禱告，求神供應他們的需要，又賜他們智慧教導孩子走上帝的道路，這是作為父母的重大責任，也是以身教活岀自己真實的信仰。
星期六
中國青少年首次接觸網絡遊戲的年齡日趨低齡化，其中以6至14歲，也就是中小學階段是青少年接觸網絡遊戲的主要時期。許多家長為了圖得安靜不讓小孩子打擾自己，從幼小就用手機觀賞或遊戲安撫孩子。 求主賜給信徒家長智慧，不是一味的打發孩子，而是用心的教養他們，不單單是在學業方面，更重要的是教導孩子能自己讀聖經和禱告, 在靈性上扎下深根一生蒙福。
星期日
幾乎所有的手機卡都是要求中國家長用自己的身份證幫孩子辦的，玩家在註冊時只要註明自己為成年人，就可以輕易躲過這條限令，而遊戲平台也無法徹底監管。在農村長期缺乏父母陪伴的留守兒童，更易淪為手機遊戲荼毒的對象。我們為農村信二代的牧養禱告，雖然教會絕不能取代家長的督導和教養的責任，但是求神興起有心人來關心信徒家庭的留守孩子們。
星期一
兒童的智能手錶擁有定位系統及社交功能，令多數家長願意買給孩子佩戴。畢竟相比手機上遊戲的誘惑，手錶電話看起來更能討好付錢的父母。信徒家長除了擔心孩子的安全，也深怕孩子背棄信仰。我們來為孩子們禱告，盼望聖靈的聲音比其他「雜音」都要響亮，又求神幫助孩子隨從聖靈的引領而不隨從肉體，勝過各式各樣的誘惑而蒙福。

Prayer Request 12/31 - 1/6

Tuesday
A recent Hong Kong survey shows that the main reason a believer left a church was his/her disappointment with the church and they dislike their church culture. Responses also included issues with church polity, how the church handled issues, and their church's response to political and social issues.Chinese churches rarely admit or speak about our own errors in church ministry and therefore deny ourselves the room to improve. We pray that church leaders will be more transparent and willing to talk about how we can improve the way ministries are done.
Wednesday
Respondents also complained about their churches being more like a community centers or lacking any spiritual emphasis. People who gave such responses say that they prefer to experience faith individually and have less interaction with others. Chinese churches rarely allow discussion of how to better our ministry for the fear of causing dissension. We pray for unity in all churches and genuine humility and to see that others are better than ourselves.
Thursday
Christians in Hong Kong who have left their churches also mentioned the following reasons. Their life challenges, especially the busy work and life, unable to experience God in their church, and subsequently choose to spend time on things outside the church. Even mature or strong believers can become lukewarm spiritually. We pray for ourselves that none of us will boast in our own strength just like Peter who denied Jesus three times.
Friday
Those who left their churches said in the survey that they realize a church does not equal God, and they will not abandon their faith, simply because of the problems of the church. So many churches fail to grow, not because of no newcomers, but of people leaving; both young people and frustrated coworkers. We pray that church leaders will seriously improve this gaping hole and strive to make their church healthy.
Saturday
Most of the respondents mentioned that they have less Bible reading and prayers after leaving their church, but they still claim God has an important role in life.Church life is really about people, not about projects. We all need to repent from where we have fallen and became weary and cold, and commit to walking closely with our Lord again.
Sunday
Almost all who have left their church are mature believers and many have served in their church as a leader. They all claim that they have a strong faith and are still serious Christians. We pray for God's comfort and revival for all who have left their church and even have started to doubt their faith, just like the prophet Elijah who experienced renewal in the cave.
Monday
The reasons given for Hong Kong Christians who left their churches in a survey included, church polity, poor conflict resolution, more emphasis on rules than grace, criticism, feeling hurt, lack of tolerance, hypocrisy, division, too many ministries, too social outreach programs in the church. We need to acknowledge people's disappointment, anger, helplessness and fatigue. Let us all be encouraged that "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them" (Hebrews 6:10 ).

星期二
一份香港教會調查中顯示，會眾離開堂會的主要原因是教會一些做法叫人失望，以及不喜歡該教會的文化。回應也是主要針對教會制度和處理事情手法，以及教會對社會政治議題的回應。中國教會很少承認或談論我們在教會事工中的錯誤，並且總是否認自己有改進的餘地。我們祈禱教會領袖能更加重視溝通，決策過程透明化, 並願意與會眾談論並檢討如何改進各部的工作方式。
星期三
香港教會調查中一些受訪者抱怨: 教會像社區中心，缺乏靈性上的交流，寧願在個人層面經歷信仰，不被其他人影響。中國教會較少討論如何改善既有的事工，因為害怕引起一些不同意見造成的紛爭。我們祈求所有教會能胸懷團結和真誠的謙卑，並看到別人比我們更好而受激勵見賢思齊。
星期四
香港教會調查受訪者也提及實際生活上的挑戰，特別是工作和生活忙碌，加上在教會內未能經歷上帝，所以選擇花時間在返教會以外的事情上。即使是靈性成熟或堅強的信徒，有時候在精神上也會變得冷淡。我們要時常為自己祈禱，不落入像彼得三次否認耶穌那樣, 在先前以自己的意氣誇耀。
星期五
調查中這些已離開自己教會的會友，堅持他們能清楚分辨教會不等於上帝，所以不會因為教會的問題離開上帝。如此多的教會未能成長，並不是沒有新人加入，而是因為人們離開, 包括了年輕人和受挫沮喪的同工。我們祈禱教會領袖們能認真改善, 堵住這個破口，並努力增強他們教會的健康。
星期六
大部份的受訪者都提及自己少了讀經祈禱等的信仰行為，但他們都分享到神在生命中重要和堅定的角色。離堂會後仍維持與上帝的關係。真實的教會生活是關注於人，而不是關於項目。我們都需要悔改，看看我們在哪裡墮落並變冷，就在那裡靠主恩典站起來, 並承諾再次與主密切同行。
星期日
所有受訪中離開自己教會的人都是信主多年的成熟信徒，相當多曾擔任事奉崗位和領袖角色。但在離開教會後仍然確認自己的信仰，並承認自己為基督徒。我們要為所有離開教會甚至開始懷疑他們信仰的人祈求主的安慰和復興，就像在洞穴中經歷更新的先知以利亞一樣, 走過流淚谷, 卻在將來得享豐收的歡呼。
星期一
在調查中, 人們離開教會的原因包括：教會政體不良，衝突未解決，強調規條而不是恩典，遭受批評，感到受傷，缺乏寬容，虛偽，分裂，過多的事工部委，過多的社會外展計劃。我們需要承認人們感受到的失望，憤怒，無助和疲勞。讓我們所有人都得到從上而來的安慰和鼓勵，上帝會記念我們以他的名義所做的一切善行。