Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Prayer Request 7/20 - 7/26

Tuesday
A famous forty-three year old Chinese actor who had had a film based on his drug addiction jumped to his death in Beijing. Prior to his death, he had posted two articles entitled "Are You Living a Meaningful Life? and "What Do You Live For?" under his own name in his blog, hoping to get feedback. In China there are so many who are seeking the meaning of life but have no one to tell them about Jesus. Believers tend not to have contacts with these people in their daily lives. Again we pray for the numbers of people who are addicted to drugs, depressed, and have never heard of the salvation of Jesus Christ.
Wednesday
In many urban centers there are pockets where there is a lack of infrastructure and the residents are substantially poor. These places are called "urban villages" and they attract migrants. The city of Beijing has 231 of these centers which present a big challenge to the police there. Although the work is not easy and they tend to attract scrutiny from the local police, there are Christians who purposely visit and try to share the gospel in these neighborhoods. We thank the Lord for those who are willing to get out of their comfort zone and reach out to the poor in their own city.
Thursday
There are 3.05 million families of the only-child generation in Shanghai and about 6.1 million households of parents with only one child. It is predicted that after 2018 there will be 240,000 to 340,000 more each year of one-child parents who become senior citizens. We pray for believers who have ailing parents or those who need assistance in daily care. It is easy to lose patience with the elderly. May the Lord remind us that He says, "Honor your father and mother (this is the first command with a promise), that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land." Eph. 6:1, 2
Friday
In the "first-tier" cities of Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou married couples feel they must have a joint monthly income of 8000 RMB ($1,200US) before they feel comfortable about having children. Experts say that many young couples have a fear of being a "slave to a child" so they postpone having one. Let us pray especially for those believers with young children. It does cost a lot to raise a child but we pray they will realize that a child is a gift from God and they as parents are His stewards to raise that child to love and serve Him.
Saturday
According to a report from the British Embassy in China, Chinese who have gone abroad for an education and then returned to work there, do not command the high salaries they would have gotten in the past. Those with no previous work experience who return with a bachelor's degree receive only 3000 to 5000 RMB a month and that casts doubt as to whether it is worth the cost to get such an education. Since it is the dream of Chinese parents to send their only child abroad to study, we pray for those Christian parents whose child is "disappointing" or unable to get into top schools. May the Lord open their eyes to see that He has a great plan for their children and they need to have faith trusting God to have a great purpoe for the life of that child.
Sunday
One reason for the popularity of "feng shui" in China is that when state-owned companies or institutions hire these "feng shui masters" the cost is counted as a business expense. They are spending taxpayers' money but they receive all the benefits generated by such "consultations" themselves. "I am spending the company's money" or "I am on the company's time" represents a prevalent mentality in China. Unfortunately, many believers have the same attitude and often display it in their use of church funds. Let us pray for integrity and the fear of God for all believers, especially when it concerns their money and time.
Monday
People who lecture about "feng shui" are well-known experts, professors, deans, retired senior government officials, or international dignitaries. These are influential people who regard these meetings as "great cultural events". They believe there is no harm in this since requesting "feng shui consultation" is a business expense. Not a few Christians also believe that "feng shui" is harmless and there is no conflict with our faith. Let us pray for discernment and wisdom for all believers. May the Lord remind us that He alone is the Creator and all things belong to Him. May God bless those who fear and worship Him alone.


星期二
一位43歲曾將自己吸毒的故事拍成電影的著名男演員,在北京跳樓自殺身亡。他去世前,他用本名在自己的博客網站發表「你活得有意思嗎?」和「你為什麼活著」的帖子,徵集網友對生命的看法。無數中國人正尋找生命的意義,可惜在日常生活中基督徒們卻沒有主動告訴人們主耶穌寶貴的救恩。我們要為那些濫用藥物、抑鬱病患者們禱告,懇求主將挽救靈魂的廹切感放在每個弟兄姐妹的心中,也差派合適的工人,向尚未聽聞福音的人群分享耶穌基督捨身救贖的大愛。
星期三
「城中村」即「都市裡的村莊」,指那些在城市高速發展過程中,仍未發展、生活水平較低的區域,尤其吸引外地勞工聚集。僅北京城八區就有231個這類的「城中村」,成為北京市公共安全的隱患。有些基督徒特意探訪這些居民,嘗試分享主耶穌的救恩。這樣的事工並不容易,且要低調免得引來監視。我們為肢體願意跳出自己舒適的環境,關切貧窮人的需要來感謝神,求祂繼續賜下充足的智慧與熱誠給他們,能將福音的好消息傳開。
星期四
目前上海約有305萬個家庭有獨生子女,即全市有610萬獨生子女父母;據預測,到了2018年,上海每年有24至34萬的獨生子女父母進入老年階段。我們為需要照顧年老體衰的父母的信徒禱告,這確實是很容易失去耐性的事情。求主時常提醒我們,也是第一條帶有應許的誡命-「要孝敬父母,使你得福,在世長壽。」。弗6:2
星期五
據一項調查顯示,在北京、上海和廣州等一線城市,夫妻每月收入超過八千元人民幣(一千二美金),才願意生養子女。專家更指出,許多城市年輕夫婦為怕變成「孩奴」而遲遲不敢生養子女。我們特別為那些育有孩子的主內家庭禱告,養育孩子確實所費不菲,求主賜他們信心,深信孩子是耶和華的賞賜,而父母是這份產業的忠心管家,以能為主教養出敬虔且樂於服事主的下一代為己任。
星期六
根據英國駐華大使館資料報導,海歸的身價正普遍下跌,讓一些人開始懷疑耗重金自費留學「值不值?」出國前無工作經歷及取得本科學歷的海歸們,將近一半月薪在3000元〜5000元上下。多少中國父母親的美夢就是將他們唯一的孩子送出國留學。我們特別為那些基督徒家長來禱告,尤其是他們的孩子在學業上「令人失望或無法進入重點學校」。願主打開他們屬靈的眼睛,看見神在每個子女身上的宏偉大藍圖,也賜給他們有信心,相信神在孩子的生命中有美好的目的與引領。
星期日
「風水」在中國得以流行,原因之一是國營企業的風水開支,可以納入公費報銷。這些開銷由納稅人付,但「受惠」的卻只有當事人。「可以報公費」或「反正是老板的時間」的心態在華人中間很普遍;遺憾的是許多信徒也以相同的心態使用教會的財物和資源。求主賜給信徒們一顆正直、純全的心,以敬畏神的態度管理好金錢和時間,尤其在管理教會的奉獻時,更要手潔心清,忠心負責
星期一
許多相信「風水」的人都是專家學者、大學教授、退休高官,甚至國際知名人士;這些具公眾影響力的人認為「風水」蘊含無限的智慧,是中國偉大的文化遺產。再者,可以開公費請人看「風水」,何樂而不為。不少基督徒竟相信「風水」是無傷大雅,與我們的信仰沒什麼衝突。求主賜我們屬靈的敏銳力,能分辨末世的迷惑。更求主時常提醒我們,祂是全知全能的創造主,萬物由祂所造,也都屬於祂,除祂以外別無倚靠與拯救,並樂意祝福所有敬畏和尊崇祂的人。

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Prayer Request 7/13 - 7/19

Tuesday
Why are Chinese not given the Nobel Prize in Literature? An expert said, "Modern Chinese authors not considered for the Nobel Laureate have some geopolitical reasons, most importantly there is the issue of translation, which presents an obstacle in linguistics and communication." There are few contemporary Chinese Christian authors known outside of China. We pray for the day that insights shared by Chinese theologians and authors will be appreciated by more believers n China and abroad as well as more people who can articulate God's truth and make the Scripture relevant in a Chinese cultural context.

Wednesday
During the Cultural Revolution from 1960-1970, these slogans were popular: "If you do not read Chairman Mao's writings for one day, you will have problems. If you do not read for two days, you will begin going downhill and for three days, you will die." "Submit to Chairman Mao and follow him blindly, believe in Chairman Mao to the point of being suuperstitious." Many people observe that the church grows during periods of persecution but becomes stagnant when prosperity prevails. We sincerely pray that the fire of revival comes again for all believers in China. May the Spirit of the Lord test our hearts and refine us to serve Him with utmost devotion as we treasure His word every day.

Thursday
Recently there have been several high-profile enterprises trying to eradicate prostitiution as well as sweeping efforrts to get rid of organized crime. A Chinese poem states, "The grass cannot be burned out by a prarie fire but grows again with the spring breeze." Many are cynical about whether all the recent police efforts will be effective because they are tired to corruption in high places. Can an average Chinese believer or even a church do anything about social ills? Let us pray that the Lord will guard the hearts and minds of all believers as they walk by businesses and stores that openly feature and promote sexual temptation.

Friday
Parents who send their daughters abroad to study often worry about marriage issues. One such mother said, "She cannot marry a foreigner because there is too big a cultural difference. She cannot marry those rich (playboy) fellow students because they are not reliable. She must look for only those who had a scholarship or a fine local Chinese boy." We pray in particular for Christian parents who have daughters. We know it is very important that they date Christians but we also know that as parents we can only remind them of this. May the Lord help us to do what we should do and pray earnestly for the future mates of our children accepting their choices and never give up praying for them.

Saturday
Some of the cults ravaging the churches in China resort to dirty tricks such as threatening leaders with physical harm, kidnapping, sexual temptation, and coming in as wolves in sheep's clothing to physically hijack the entire church body(members). Every week churches are destroyed by cults and the group that is left is feeble and unable to function. Let us pray for those churches that are under attack, specifically for their safety and wisdom. We pray too, for those who are trying to regroup their ministry after the loss of their shepherd.

Sunday
There is a growing trend among the house churches to attack each other, solely on the basis of one's theology. Recently, the intensity of such attacks have escalated. What is merely difference in denominational beliefs outside of China are now causing Chinese believers to calling each other "heretic". It is sad to quickly label anyone who hold a slightly different Biblical interpretation as false teachers. May the Lord grant us humility and genuine acceptance. We pray that believers will not attack one another as enemies because they hold slightly different view in Biblical interpretation, but they can encourage us because they love the Lord.

Monday
The practice of borrowing money from friends, relatives, or neighbors is very common in China. Culturally, one is obligated to help the person in need but often unpaid or long-running debts strain relationships. Sometimes it is very difficult to decide whether the church as a body should or should not financially help a brother or sister in need. Often when the church does not help, people get hurt. Let us pray for wisdom and discernment when money for believers is involved in the churches.


星期二
為什麼諾貝爾文學獎不頒給中國人呢?一個專家說:「中國當代作家與諾貝爾獎無緣是有政治地缘上的考量,更大的是翻譯問題。語言和溝通的障礙影響甚大。」當代中國基督教作家在中國之外極少為人認識。我們禱告早一天讓更多國內外信徒可分享華人神學家和作家的見解。求主賜更多僕人,一方面忠心於上帝真理,另一方面又能把聖經融入中國文化裏。

星期三
1960-70年代文化大革命期間流行一些口號:「毛主席的著作,一天不讀問題多,兩天不讀走下坡,三天不讀沒法活。服從毛主席要服從到盲從的地步,相信毛主席要相信到迷信的地步。」現在不少人看到:「教會是在受迫害中增長,但是在富裕中萎縮。」我們誠心為中國信徒的靈命再次復興來祈求,願主的靈察驗、煉凈我們的心,好叫我們每日珍惜神的話語,以敬虔來服侍祂。

星期四
近來中國有不少大規模的掃黃與打黑的行動,黄與黑兩者是密不可分的。色情產業的興隆,其中參雜了涉黑勢力、腐敗權利。不少人帶著悲觀的態度說黃毒是「野火燒不盡,春風吹又生」。面對社會上普遍的貪腐和色情、暴力,一個普通的信徒,甚至一間社區中的教會能改變敗壞風氣嗎?讓我們彼此儆醒守望,祈求主保守所有信徒的心,尤其是經常路過一些黃色店鋪和充滿了性誘惑的地區時。

星期五
送女兒出國讀書的家長總是擔心孩子的終身大事。一位母親有這樣的提醒:一、不許找外國人,文化背景差異太大;二、不許找紈絝子弟留學生,因他們不可靠;三、要考慮優秀的公費留學生或是當地優秀華裔青年。我們特別為有女兒的基督徒父母禱告。雖然家長希望女兒們找基督徒的男朋友,但也只能提醒。願主感動父母能懇切爲兒女將來的配偶祈求,也接納孩子的選擇,絕不放棄為他們守望代禱。

星期六
中國的異端邪教極手段極為可恨。「東方閃電」用坑矇拐騙等下流手段,專以教會同工、領袖為首要擄掠對象,與披著羊皮的狐狸無異,使許多教會領袖受虧損,事工受到很大傷害。求神用大能護衛教會,賜下屬靈的洞察力給正受威脅的教會,並堅固弟兄姊妹的信心,使仇敵得不著任何擾亂的機會。也額外施恩憐憫正在療傷的教會。

星期日
近來家庭教會間出現彼此攻詰的情況,所爭的其實只是一些神學觀點,但情況卻不斷升級,甚至充滿了文革時代那種批鬥的火藥味。少數正統信仰的宗派,竟因信徒間的堅持而互指對方為異端。連不少信仰純正的傳道人也因不同的解經方法而被標籤為「假教師」。求主賜下謙卑和真誠接納的心,挪去信徒間的批判和攻擊,不要因某些非關信仰核心的分歧而視對方為仇敵,學習在主裡互相尊重,為對方也是愛主的肢體而歡喜。

星期一
在華人的觀念裡,當要金錢應急時,向親屬、朋友、鄰里借貸是理所當然的事,而身為當事人的親友,亦有所謂「道義」要借給對方,不好意思拒絕。然而當欠債不還,借錢過後卻隻字不提或逃避的情形發生時,在彼此關係上就朦上陰影。在教會裡,當弟兄姊妹經濟上有困難時,我們不易決定是否該施予援手,求神賜我們彼此相顧的心,同時亦有智慧管理好神所託管的錢財。

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Prayer Request 7/6 - 7/12

Tuesday
A string of suicides of employees in a well-known mega company grabbed headlines in China. This company is no "sweat shop" operation but boasts of one of the best employee-benefit programs. However, hundreds of thousands of young workers live in an isolated urban "factory island" and work overtime, spending their few hours of free time in internet cafe, basketball courts, living a totally monotonous daily routine. We praise the Lord that people are expending much effort to reach the workers in these large urban factories. Some are from Christian families but have not attended church for a long time. We pray that more Christians and churches will reach out to this unique group of young laborers. We pray, too, that the Holy Spirit will turn the hearts of these straying sheep back to the Chief Shepherd.
Wednesday
There is a shortage of factory workers in China, especially in the coastal provinces. Many factories must raise their salaries in order to compete for the dwindling pool of young workers. Large factories offer bigger salaries. They also afford regular payment of the salaries, good benefits, overtime bonuses, and free housing which all provide an obviously distinct advantage in attracting workers. For the same reasons younger church workers desire to serve in urban churches where there are more people who are also better educated and more affluent. The smaller and rural churches have great difficulty attracting shepherds. We know that serving God's people is a calling rather than mere employment and we pray that the need for workers among the smaller and less affluent churches will be met.
Thursday
As society has changed and the churches in China are much more diverse than in the past, many pastors fail to grasp the changes and still preach in ways that are not in sync with the real world. Many of the college-educated believers feel these sermons are not applicable or irrelevant, especially those on issues related to sex (divorce, co-habitation) morals, and work ethics. Many pastors feel inadequate when it comes to discussing issues they themselves do not understand so preaching becomes more or less the same every time and is detached from the daily lives of the people. We pray for powerful, fearless, and life-transforming preaching in every church which is not only Biblical but also applicable to the lives of the people.
Friday
Historically, the Chinese People's Liberation Army attracted many intellectuals to join its ranks back in its early days, at the beginning of the Republic, and in 1980. College graduates joining the military was, however, unheard of before. Today the minimal education for Chinese soldiers is a high school diploma.There are many faithful young people who have given their lives to God's work with a mere junior high education. Today we pray that more college graduates would answer God's call to serve as well as for wisdom for those who feel intimidated or inferior in sharing their faith because they have little education besides Bible training.
Saturday
In 2009 more than 100,000 college graduates joined the Chinese army whereas back in 2001 the number of college grads who joined the army was 2000. This is a 60-fold change in the past decade and it gives the Chinese military a substantial transformation in the quality of its recruits and the command chain.We earnestly pray that the Spirit of God will move mightily in calling college graduates to be trained as preachers for the Chinese churches. Parents in China are unwilling to let their only child become "poor" church workers and "waste" their investment on the child. May the Lord change the hearts of Christian parents who have a son or daughter who wants to serve the Lord in His harvest field.
Sunday
With the improving economy, 2010 college graduates in China can expect an average starting salary equal to that of 2008 (2036 yuan monthly). The beginning salary is much higher in Beijing and one with a PhD degree makes it twice as much as that of a college graduate.Let us pray especially for the young believers who are graduating from colleges this year that they will continue to walk closely with God and stay connected with local churches. Many Christian graduates are lost to follow-up and become so busy with their work, social life, and payments on an apartment that they feel they don't have time to go to church.
Monday
The term "city floaters" refers to college graduates who do not have office jobs and live in low-rent housing with no respect or possibility of advancement. They are often asked, "Why does a college grad do this kind of work?" followed by, "What a waste!" They also feel guilty that they are not able to support their parents financially after their parents spent so much on their college education. Being able to financially support parents is universally expected of Chinese children. We pray for parents who are believers and have children who have not turned out as they expected. May the Lord grant us the unconditional love of the Father and help us continue to pray for our children knowing God has a wonderful purpose for each one of them.


星期二
一家知名企業近日發生一連串員工墮樓悲劇,引起中國社會廣泛關注。該公司擁有近百萬員工,廠房猶如一個小巿鎮。員工在這「城市孤島」每天要工作十多小時,幾無休息時間,工餘只能到網吧、籃球場調劑一下,生活單調枯燥。感謝讚美主,有不 少信徒與教會正回應此族群的福音需要。求主感動更多信徒願意接觸這群 廣大的年輕勞工,也求聖靈把一些原為基督教家庭的迷失小羊們引回。
星期三
近來中國的企業面臨工人荒,沿海省份的情況尤其嚴重,許多工廠必須提高薪金來吸引第二代的民工。大型公司能提供穩定且優厚的薪酬,更有福利和加班獎金,;工人也尋找更好待遇的工作。年輕的教會同工也期望到城市服事,因會友多,教育程度高,教會的經濟條件亦好;事奉神是一個呼召,並非一份職業,讓我們為小型和資源缺乏的教會禱告,求主引領忠心又謙卑的僕人來牧養祂的羊群。
星期四
社會急速變化,中國信徒的背景也越來越多元化,許多牧者趕不上時代變遷,也避免討論自己所不理解或不能接納的課題,講道容易與現實脫節。很多高學歷信徒認為講臺信息不切實際亦不適用,特別是涉及性(如離婚,同居)、倫理和工作道德。我們禱告主,讓每一所教會都能勇敢忠心地傳講出神要這世代聽見的真理,使人心受警誡,更能將聖經原則在生活中實際應用操練,改變生命。
星期五
回顧歷史,早期中華人民共和國啟始時和1980年代,人民解放軍曾吸引許多知識分子参與,但當時尚無大學畢業生加入。今天軍人的最低教育資格是高中畢業,然許多忠心委身做主工的年輕信徒,僅有國中畢業而已。我們禱告有更多大學畢業生願意回應神的呼召出來服事,也求神賜智慧與膽量給擔心自己除聖經外沒受過多少教育,羞怯於與人分享信仰的肢體。
星期六
在2009年,超過10萬名的中國大學生畢業生攜筆從戎、入伍當兵,而2001年大學生入伍的只有2000人,9年來大學生入伍總量擴大了近60倍。大學生入伍為部隊建設帶來根本性變化。為未來大學生獻身運動代禱,使更多知識分子傳道人產生,來幫助教會。在中國許多父母不願意讓他們的孩子去當窮傳道,也不想"浪費"他們的錢投資在孩子身上。願神改變這些中國基督徒父母的心,使他們的也願意讓孩子為主使用,成為主的禾場的工人。
星期日
調查顯示中國經濟開始穩定回升,今年各企業已將起薪點回升至2008年的水平。預計博士應屆畢業生平均月起薪為4325元,大學畢業生每月為2036元,北京的將達到2815元。我們為即將大學畢業的年輕信徒禱告,許多人畢業後,忙於事業、社交,煩惱房屋貸款,犧牲教會聚會。求主保守他們無論往何處去,都能緊緊跟隨主,不停止聚會,且點燃他們追求成長的心。
星期一
「城漂」大學生,畢業後滯留城市,無固定工作,居無定所,像無根的「浮萍」在城市中「漂」著。他們常被問道:「大學畢業怎麼做這個……這不是浪費嗎?」 其實他們亦因無法報答父母而內疚痛苦。華人子女常被期待長大後要奉養父母。當孩子達不到預期,父母除擔心晚年無依外,更憂心孩子的未來。求主記念這些信徒父母們,能以天父對我們無條件的愛,不住為孩子禱告,使每個孩子能明白神在他們一生的美好旨意。

Prayer Request 7/6 - 7/12

Tuesday
A string of suicides of employees in a well-known mega company grabbed headlines in China. This company is no "sweat shop" operation but boasts of one of the best employee-benefit programs. However, hundreds of thousands of young workers live in an isolated urban "factory island" and work overtime, spending their few hours of free time in internet cafe, basketball courts, living a totally monotonous daily routine. We praise the Lord that people are expending much effort to reach the workers in these large urban factories. Some are from Christian families but have not attended church for a long time. We pray that more Christians and churches will reach out to this unique group of young laborers. We pray, too, that the Holy Spirit will turn the hearts of these straying sheep back to the Chief Shepherd.
Wednesday
There is a shortage of factory workers in China, especially in the coastal provinces. Many factories must raise their salaries in order to compete for the dwindling pool of young workers. Large factories offer bigger salaries. They also afford regular payment of the salaries, good benefits, overtime bonuses, and free housing which all provide an obviously distinct advantage in attracting workers. For the same reasons younger church workers desire to serve in urban churches where there are more people who are also better educated and more affluent. The smaller and rural churches have great difficulty attracting shepherds. We know that serving God's people is a calling rather than mere employment and we pray that the need for workers among the smaller and less affluent churches will be met.
Thursday
As society has changed and the churches in China are much more diverse than in the past, many pastors fail to grasp the changes and still preach in ways that are not in sync with the real world. Many of the college-educated believers feel these sermons are not applicable or irrelevant, especially those on issues related to sex (divorce, co-habitation) morals, and work ethics. Many pastors feel inadequate when it comes to discussing issues they themselves do not understand so preaching becomes more or less the same every time and is detached from the daily lives of the people. We pray for powerful, fearless, and life-transforming preaching in every church which is not only Biblical but also applicable to the lives of the people.
Friday
Historically, the Chinese People's Liberation Army attracted many intellectuals to join its ranks back in its early days, at the beginning of the Republic, and in 1980. College graduates joining the military was, however, unheard of before. Today the minimal education for Chinese soldiers is a high school diploma.There are many faithful young people who have given their lives to God's work with a mere junior high education. Today we pray that more college graduates would answer God's call to serve as well as for wisdom for those who feel intimidated or inferior in sharing their faith because they have little education besides Bible training.
Saturday
In 2009 more than 100,000 college graduates joined the Chinese army whereas back in 2001 the number of college grads who joined the army was 2000. This is a 60-fold change in the past decade and it gives the Chinese military a substantial transformation in the quality of its recruits and the command chain.We earnestly pray that the Spirit of God will move mightily in calling college graduates to be trained as preachers for the Chinese churches. Parents in China are unwilling to let their only child become "poor" church workers and "waste" their investment on the child. May the Lord change the hearts of Christian parents who have a son or daughter who wants to serve the Lord in His harvest field.
Sunday
With the improving economy, 2010 college graduates in China can expect an average starting salary equal to that of 2008 (2036 yuan monthly). The beginning salary is much higher in Beijing and one with a PhD degree makes it twice as much as that of a college graduate.Let us pray especially for the young believers who are graduating from colleges this year that they will continue to walk closely with God and stay connected with local churches. Many Christian graduates are lost to follow-up and become so busy with their work, social life, and payments on an apartment that they feel they don't have time to go to church.
Monday
The term "city floaters" refers to college graduates who do not have office jobs and live in low-rent housing with no respect or possibility of advancement. They are often asked, "Why does a college grad do this kind of work?" followed by, "What a waste!" They also feel guilty that they are not able to support their parents financially after their parents spent so much on their college education. Being able to financially support parents is universally expected of Chinese children. We pray for parents who are believers and have children who have not turned out as they expected. May the Lord grant us the unconditional love of the Father and help us continue to pray for our children knowing God has a wonderful purpose for each one of them.


星期二
一家知名企業近日發生一連串員工墮樓悲劇,引起中國社會廣泛關注。該公司擁有近百萬員工,廠房猶如一個小巿鎮。員工在這「城市孤島」每天要工作十多小時,幾無休息時間,工餘只能到網吧、籃球場調劑一下,生活單調枯燥。感謝讚美主,有不 少信徒與教會正回應此族群的福音需要。求主感動更多信徒願意接觸這群 廣大的年輕勞工,也求聖靈把一些原為基督教家庭的迷失小羊們引回。
星期三
近來中國的企業面臨工人荒,沿海省份的情況尤其嚴重,許多工廠必須提高薪金來吸引第二代的民工。大型公司能提供穩定且優厚的薪酬,更有福利和加班獎金,;工人也尋找更好待遇的工作。年輕的教會同工也期望到城市服事,因會友多,教育程度高,教會的經濟條件亦好;事奉神是一個呼召,並非一份職業,讓我們為小型和資源缺乏的教會禱告,求主引領忠心又謙卑的僕人來牧養祂的羊群。
星期四
社會急速變化,中國信徒的背景也越來越多元化,許多牧者趕不上時代變遷,也避免討論自己所不理解或不能接納的課題,講道容易與現實脫節。很多高學歷信徒認為講臺信息不切實際亦不適用,特別是涉及性(如離婚,同居)、倫理和工作道德。我們禱告主,讓每一所教會都能勇敢忠心地傳講出神要這世代聽見的真理,使人心受警誡,更能將聖經原則在生活中實際應用操練,改變生命。
星期五
回顧歷史,早期中華人民共和國啟始時和1980年代,人民解放軍曾吸引許多知識分子参與,但當時尚無大學畢業生加入。今天軍人的最低教育資格是高中畢業,然許多忠心委身做主工的年輕信徒,僅有國中畢業而已。我們禱告有更多大學畢業生願意回應神的呼召出來服事,也求神賜智慧與膽量給擔心自己除聖經外沒受過多少教育,羞怯於與人分享信仰的肢體。
星期六
在2009年,超過10萬名的中國大學生畢業生攜筆從戎、入伍當兵,而2001年大學生入伍的只有2000人,9年來大學生入伍總量擴大了近60倍。大學生入伍為部隊建設帶來根本性變化。為未來大學生獻身運動代禱,使更多知識分子傳道人產生,來幫助教會。在中國許多父母不願意讓他們的孩子去當窮傳道,也不想"浪費"他們的錢投資在孩子身上。願神改變這些中國基督徒父母的心,使他們的也願意讓孩子為主使用,成為主的禾場的工人。
星期日
調查顯示中國經濟開始穩定回升,今年各企業已將起薪點回升至2008年的水平。預計博士應屆畢業生平均月起薪為4325元,大學畢業生每月為2036元,北京的將達到2815元。我們為即將大學畢業的年輕信徒禱告,許多人畢業後,忙於事業、社交,煩惱房屋貸款,犧牲教會聚會。求主保守他們無論往何處去,都能緊緊跟隨主,不停止聚會,且點燃他們追求成長的心。
星期一
「城漂」大學生,畢業後滯留城市,無固定工作,居無定所,像無根的「浮萍」在城市中「漂」著。他們常被問道:「大學畢業怎麼做這個……這不是浪費嗎?」 其實他們亦因無法報答父母而內疚痛苦。華人子女常被期待長大後要奉養父母。當孩子達不到預期,父母除擔心晚年無依外,更憂心孩子的未來。求主記念這些信徒父母們,能以天父對我們無條件的愛,不住為孩子禱告,使每個孩子能明白神在他們一生的美好旨意。