Prayer Request 12/7 - 12/13

Tuesday
Over the years, China's economy has depended mainly on cheap labor and the government has tolerated low wages for workers. So far, the government has mandated a "minimum hourly wage" in the coastal provinces and cities of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Guangdong, Fujian, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Shandong. The rest of the nation will follow. The church in China is rapidly shedding the image of being poor and dilapidated. We give thanks to God for this change. May the Lord bring revival to churches in these wealthy regions and stir the heart of believers there to trust in Him rather than in their wealth.
Wednesday
Doctors in China accept red packets (gifts/bribes) from patients. The city of Beijing has begun to crack down on such practices but ninety percent of the patients believe that in case of serious injury or if they need an operation, they need to give their doctors a monetary gift. Twenty years ago miraculous healing was very much a part of life in the churches in China. Many came to know Jesus because of the miracles. We continue to pray that God will revive believers who would seek His power and give Him all the glory.
Thursday
The main reason that people in China give monetary gifts to medical doctors is that they do not trust the medical system. When they enter the hospital, they feel it is necessary to bribe the doctors in order to be admitted and begin to receive tests. Chinese people want to "buy" favor or connection with their money. We pray for those believers who feel they do not have money or special connections. May the Lord give them confidence that they are important to Him and special in His church.
Friday
Patients give doctors money when they need surgery, have serious illness, or require major procedures. Over the years patients have come to feel they must give a money gift to the obstetricians so twenty-four percent of Chinese mothers have given red envelopes to doctors for the birth of their child. We remember those believers who will need surgery or to receive the diagnosis of an incurable illness. Their family will want to spend all they can afford to seek a cure for their loved one. We pray for all who might not be able to afford the care, that the Great Healer might comfort them.
Saturday
When patients go to a famous hospital or a well-known doctor, they typically will give more red envelopes than to lesser well-known places or physicians. Giving doctors a monetary gift gives the patient peace of mind and most people believe they actually receive better treatment because they have "bribed" the doctors. The greatest fear for many Chinese people is that they will not have enough money to pay for future illnesses. We pray for all believers that they will put their trust in God, give Him thanks for their present health, and most importantly desire to serve the Lord while they have good health.
Sunday
The cost of giving red envelopes to medical doctors has increased steadily over the past ten years. More than half of the patients said they give 1000-5000 yuan (US $150-$1000) or more. Many patients say they also try new and different ways to give money to doctors. We take this time to remember all the believers who have chronic illness and the expenses of medicine and follow-up which they face. We pray for continuing faith in God and trust in Him that He will not abandon them but keep them in His hands. The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. (Nah 1:7)
Monday
It is common in the churches in China not to tell their members anything about their finances. Although there usually are different people who handle the receiving of the money and the paying out of the expenses, there is often no real supervision or accountability on how the money is spent. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guard those who are in the position of overseeing the finances of the church and that all of the believers will have integrity and be faithful to the Lord. May the Lord protect each of us from pride, greed, and self-deceit.

星期二
多年以來，中國經濟發展高度依賴廉價勞力，政府容忍企業壓低勞工薪資。迄今為止已經先調整沿海各省市包括江蘇、浙江、廣東、福建、上海、天津、山東等地最低工資標準，其他省市也會陸續跟進。感謝神，中國教會的形象正在改變中，不再是貧窮和破舊。願主在這些富裕地區的教會帶來大復興，激勵信徒愛主的心志，更加信靠祂，而不是倚靠手中的財富。
星期三
中國醫生「收紅包」是十分普遍的事情。最近北京市定立新例：凡向患者索取紅包的醫生，都將在考核中定為不合格。然而，九成人覺得在家人患重病需要做手術時，該給醫生送紅包，心裡才踏實。二十年多年前，在中國教會的大復興時，神蹟與禱告治病扮演十分重要的角色，許多人因著這些奇蹟而認識耶穌。我們求神繼續興旺教會，幫助信徒更多渴慕主自己，並將祂當得的榮耀歸與祂。
星期四
中國百姓對醫療制度不大信任，進醫院時常感無奈，不知要等多久才開始檢查，或才能住院。中國人也習慣並樂意用錢來「買」點方便和關係，覺得只有送紅包、用錢買關係最有效可靠。許多信徒也為自己沒有任何人脈、或優惠而自卑。求主校正他們的目光，輕看世界得失，注目永恒。又賜他們信心，認定自己在神國中有尊貴、獨特的身份與地位，是神要使用的貴重器皿。
星期五
患者送紅包給醫生，主要因為患了重病，或需要較高醫療技術、或需要麻醉開刀等等。過去，產科也是送紅包重點地方，有調查顯示，中國有24%的產婦曾給醫生紅包。我們特別記念那些患了「不治之症」或需要做手術的信徒，尤其為那些沒有經濟能力、無法負擔照顧患者的家庭來禱告，求有醫治大能的神親自醫治安慰他們，賜下夠用的恩典。
星期六
若去設施較好醫院或想找聲望較高的醫生，病人一般送的「紅包」也較多。「紅包」送出手，除了讓人心安外，一般人也認為確實能因送紅包而得到不少實質的好處。也因此，患病卻沒有足夠金錢去治療是中國人最大的恐懼。求主賜給弟兄姊妹信心，先為神所賜的健康感恩，最重要是珍惜擁有健康身體，能常常服事主。
星期日
近年送醫生的「紅包」份量水漲船高，逾五成人表示會送一千至五千元的「紅包」，部份人更送五千元以上的巨額。不少患者說，不光是數額增加，「紅包」的花樣名目也越來越多。我們要特別為許許多多患有慢性疾病的信徒祈求，在醫療與藥物費用帶來極大的經濟壓力下，求上帝幫助他們確信：耶和華本為善，在患難的日子為人的保障，並且認得那些投靠祂的人。(鴻1:7)
星期一
不少中國的教會收的奉獻不但沒有公開，還缺乏監督。雖然教會設有會計、出納，開支需要教會負責人審批，但每次的審批許可權、金額、用途，都是審批的人說了就算。我們祈求聖靈保守所有負責監督教會財政的信徒的心懷意念，求主賜給我們每一個人有正直敬畏的忠心與行為。更願主保守我們不自傲，不貪財也不自欺。