7/13

中国基督徒常面临从不信主家庭成员而来的巨大反对。年轻信徒害怕被父母发现他们是基督徒，成年基督徒也面临年迈父母甚至自己孩子的抵制。传统中国 强大的家庭关系对归信基督的人非常不利，尤其是那些来自佛教家庭的人。 （佛教现在中国十分壮大）让我们为那些必须在耶稣和家人之间作出选择的弟兄姊妹祷告，求神赐他们坚强的信心能在逆境中成长，也有勇气大胆地向家人分享基督 的信仰。

In China believers face great opposition from non-believing family members. Many young people are afraid their parents will find out they are believers and adults face pressure from their elderly parents or even their own children. Traditionally strong family ties work against those who convert to Christianity, especially those from Buddhist families. ( Buddhism is going very strong in China now.)We pray for strong faith for all believers who must choose between Jesus and their families. May the Lord comfort them, help their faith to grow in adversity, and even give them the courage to boldly share their relationship with God.

7/12

在中国，自杀现已成为人口第五大死因。每年约有25万人死于自杀，还有更多的人自杀未遂。导致自杀最常见的原因来自家庭和婚姻问题，其次是失业和 金钱问题。中国的基督徒往往认为选择自杀的人是弱者，以至于对意图自杀者缺乏怜悯之心。求神帮助中国的教会能以神的恩慈同情并积极向正为生活问题绝望无助 的人伸出援手。

Suicide is now the fifth leading cause of death in China. Every year 250,000 die of suicide and just as many more attempt kill themselves. The most common reason for committing suicide is family and marriage problems with loss of jobs and money running a close second. Since Chinese Christians tend to feel that those who turn to suicide are basically weak, they tend not to feel pity for them. Let us pray for people in the churches to have compassion and a willingness to help those who are desperately seeking solutions and answers for problems in their lives.

7/11

中国一向南涝北旱，「南水北调」是自三峡工程后，中国近期展开的庞大水利工程，以缓解北方水资源严重短缺问题。受工程影响，单是河南段，便有 21.1万人口需重新迁配。中国农村教会一向受困于贫穷，需倚赖外来支援。许多河南教会受到异端邪教攻击，教会分裂及年轻人转往城市打工等问题困扰，灵性 变得软弱。让我们特别在祷告中记念他们的困境。

Following the Three Gorges Dam project, China has embarked on the ambitious undertaking of diverting the water from the Yellow River to a drought-prone province up north. In Henan province alone, 210,000 people will be relocated. Historically, Chinese rural churches are impoverished and are supported externally. We put all the churches in Henan into the Lord's hands. Many have been weakened by attacks of cults, divisions within the church, or the exodus of young people to cities to find jobs.

7/10

中国的教会没有足够的牧者，许多教会正努力寻找教牧同工是众所皆知的事。然而，许多基督徒对神的仆人并不尊重，反而以世俗的眼光去看待他们，也有 基督徒曾受过不良牧者的伤害。中国教会不仅在数量上需要更多的教牧同工，且要质量上要求优越，有明确的呼召并受过充足装备的牧者。求主将敬虔的工人供给他 的教会，并让他们因着向神的委身和敬虔而嬴得会众充分敬重与爱戴。

It is a well-known fact that churches in China do not have enough shepherds and many are desperately looking for workers. However, many Christians instead of respecting God's servants hold a cynical view of them and some have even been hurt by bad shepherds. China needs more workers in the churches, not only in numbers but also in quality, a clear calling, and adequate training. May the Lord supply His church with faithful workers that will be respected for their dedication and sincerity.

7/9

在中国若要办事成功、职场升迁，必须靠关系，不然就是要行贿送礼。很多人不得不向黑暗的现实低头，要在这样的环境下坚守属灵原则是个大挑战。让我 们为中国主内的肢体祷告，求主使他们在领导与同事眼前蒙恩，得到友善公平的对待，并赐他们智慧，行事为人能纯良而灵巧，荣神益人。

In order to be promote in China, more than good performance is needed. A person needs good "guanxi" (good relationship) or giving gifts to gain favor (open bribery). Many find these frustrating but accept them as the dark reality in China. For Christians in China, often it is a challenge to live out the Biblical principle. Let us pray for wisdom, favor from their superiors and all who try to model Jesus in their work place.

7/8

媒体的焦点为周森锋这位年仅29岁在湖北宜城的「中国最年轻市长」带来不少舆论压力。他因系县级市长，任期为三至五年，从毕业论文是否剽窃，别人 为他撑伞，到桌上价格不菲的香烟，一言一行都受全民审视。受到中国敬老传统影响，年轻一代想要在中国成为领袖面对重重挑战。让我们祷告年轻牧者能紧密与神 同行，相信神能透过他们行大事。我们也需提供机会给年轻信徒，运用属灵恩赐服侍上帝，并接纳他们偶会犯错或未能尽如人意的事实。

Being in the spotlight as the "youngest mayor in China" can be a nightmare for someone who is as young as one 29-year-old mayor in Hubei. He has drawn much scrutiny and been accused of plagiarism, not holding his own umbrella, and even smoking expensive cigarettes. Since he is a mayor of a county-level city, his term is limited to 3-5 years. In China it is not easy to be a young leader because of the tradition of giving respect to the elderly. We need to pray for young pastors to walk closely with God and have a vision of what God can do through them. Young believers need opportunities to use their gifts in serving others and we must accept the fact that they will make mistakes and not always come up to our expectations.

7/7

新任美国驻中国大使是一位曾经在台湾传教的摩门教徒，能说一口流利的普通话。摩门教徒特别努力向中国大学生传教，许多外籍英语教师其实是摩门教的 宣教士。不少人第一次接触基督教信仰，都是透过英语老师。我们需要迫切地祷告，求神差派基督徒英语教师到中国去，参与校园事工来帮助年轻人与耶稣建立密契 的关系。

The new American Ambassador to China was a Mormon missionary in Taiwan; he speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese. The Mormons have stepped up their effort targeting the collegians; they are taking over a lot of the English teaching positions in China. Many people first come into contact with Christianity through friendship with their English teachers. We need to pray fervently for the need for more Christian English teachers and campus ministry helping young people know what is true relationship with Jesus.

7/6

虽然中国年青人喜爱跟随西方潮流，但在音乐方面，他们仍是港、台、韩、日流行音乐的忠实「粉丝」」。卡拉OK歌厅内最热门的歌曲都是中文流行曲；虽也有少数的西方歌曲，却只限于70和80年代的旧曲．很少中国教会领袖会关注到年轻信徒的喜好或需要，教会和年轻一代常常好像陌路人．让我们求神感动更多教会能敏感于年轻一代包括信徒的需要，特别是讲坛讯息能切中这个时代的文化特质和社会脉络。

Chinese young people follow the Western trend but music wise, they are die-hard fans of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korean and Japanese pop stars. The top favorites songs in the karaoke parlors are Chinese pop songs; Western songs are limited to a few oldies of 1970 or 1980's. It is unfortunate that few leaders pay attention to the liking and the need of young Chinese believers. Chinese churches and young people are much like strangers. We pray that more churches will specifically appeal to the young people and young believers, with messages that is relevant to today's culture and social needs.

7/4

中国目前是仅次于印度和美国的世界第三大电影生产国。最近国产电影在国际屡获好评，不少电影更打入了国际市场。可是中国电影海外销售总收入仍不及一部美国的卖座巨片。有关中国基督徒的书籍文献或由中国基督徒写的著作更是少之又少。有的话亦大都是一些早年的传记。我们祈求神兴起更多有文艺恩赐的弟兄姊妹，能在神的国度里分享属灵经验和心得，将这些宝贵的属灵资产传递下去。

China is the third largest movie-producing country, behind India and America. Chinese-made movies have achieved international acclaim and global appeal; a few of these movies have reached the international market. Yet, the gross international revenue of Chinese movies is less than one American blockbuster movie. In terms of books written by or about Chinese believers, the titles are few and mostly limited to a few older biographies. We pray that in the future, Chinese believers will be able to share their spiritual experience and theological insights through out God's Kingdom.

7/2

看电影已成为中国最受欢迎的娱乐。2008年，中国制作了406部电影，票房收入持续保持25-30%以上的增长。虽然盗版DVD情况仍然猖獗，但有越来越多人愿意且有能力负担得起进电影院。新教会在许多城市纷纷盖起来。这些教会都安装了空调和各项设备，让会众有一个舒适的聚会环境。相对之下，较小或较旧的教会受限于设备和活动空间，要增长时就面对其它教会的「竞争」」压力。让我们为这些小教会祷告，求神使他们持守异象，有智慧合适安排设施来建立、牧养教会。

Watching movie has become the leading entertainment in China. China produced 406 movies in 2008, nationwide box office receipts have steadily increased by at least 25-30 % every year. Although DVD piracy is still rampant, more people are willing and can afford the movie theater experience. New church buildings are popping up in many cities, with air-conditioning and modern facilities and offering worshippers lot more comfort. Small or old churches face "competition" in church growth because their facilities and programs are inadequate. We pray for vision and bold decisions for the smaller congregations seeking to grow and expand.

7/1

文化大革命期间，人们惟一容许的娱乐就是观赏被认可的八部「样板戏」。毛泽东把这些样板戏变成有效的爱国宣传工具。这些经典戏剧现今再一次流行起来，甚至在年轻人的圈子里亦如是。1950至1970期间，基督教受到极度逼迫，但信徒数目仍能增长，这确实是神的工作。新一代信徒对过去的历史和认识已变得相当模糊。我们求神挑旺他们对神的热心，尤胜过去。

During the Cultural Revolution the only sanctioned entertainment was watching the eight government approved renditions of "Revolutionary Opera". Mao used it very effectively as patriotic propaganda and today these classic operas are enjoying resurgance in popularity even among young people. The way the number of Christians increased during the severe prosecution of that period from 1950 to 1970 was truly God's work. The new generation of believers has little memory or knowledge of the past. We pray that God will stir up in them a passion for Himself that will rival that of the old days.

6/30

中国最近出现了一股对毛泽东时代的怀旧潮。年轻人戴红卫兵帽蔚为一种潮流。还有一些文革主题的餐馆也出现了，它们刻意标榜简单粗糙的菜肴，馆内还有革命歌曲和革命舞蹈表演。教会界也有很多老信徒仍「缅怀」文革时期被逼迫的日子，念记往昔信众对神的热心。我们要赞美神的美善，在过去四十年保守着中国教会。求神祝福教会处在当今顺境时，也能像昔日般不断成长。

Recently China has had a resurgence of nostalgia for the Mao era. It is the fashion for young people to wear hats such as the Red Guards wore. There are some restaurants that feature Cultural Revolution style dishes that are simple and coarse. They also include revolutionary songs and dances in their entertainment. Many older Christians remember those days with nostalgia because then believers were zealous for God. We praise God for His goodness to the church in China in the past forty years. May she grow in these good times as she did in those difficult times.

6/29

每年有许多教会建筑物因老化或所属社区进行活化而需重建。由于当地经济复苏，为教会兴建新建筑筹款并不难，教会也拥有建筑物的业权。然而，教会一 旦有了新堂，会众往往转移焦点，较难全心事奉，也较易在商议过程中，如教会重建或迁址等产生分歧。让我们为所有需要乔迁新居的教会祷告，求主保守会众有合 一的心志，不因拥有新建筑物而矜夸，并善用新设备，借各项事工继续为主发光。

Every year, many existing church buildings need to be rebuilt because they are too old or the neighborhoods they belong to are being revitalized. As the local economy improves, congregations are able to give generously. Donations for a new building is usually not a problem. A great majority of these churches are registered churches who own their properties outright. Yet, it is often noted that after the new church is built, members lose focus and become less committed in serving the Lord. Division also happens whenever there is a major project , like a church relocation or rebuilding. Let us pray for all the churches who have moved into newer buildings. Pray for their ministries, unity of spirit and not being prideful to other churches.

7/5

卡拉OK歌厅不仅是娱乐场所，也是人们缓解工作压力或年轻人以歌传情示爱的地方，在中国非常的红火。由于中国人大多在表达感情方面比较含蓄保守，因此人们选择在卡拉OK歌厅的单独包间内放声高歌，藉以传情。年轻一代信徒时尚现代形式的崇拜，常导致教会新旧两代出现裂痕。让我们祈求教会领袖能敏锐察觉年轻人文化上的转变，能顾及新一代的需要。

Karaoke parlors are extremely popular in China because it is an form of entertainment, where people unwind or young lover meet in private and sing. Chinese are generally reserve people, but in the privacy of these enclosed rooms, they can belch out songs for hours. Younger generation of believers are looking for the more contemporary worship style. Many churches face the "clash" between the old and the young. Majority of Chinese churches are very traditional and conservative in worship. We pray that church leadership will be sensitive to the changing culture and the need of young believers.

7/3

最近一项调查显示，中国人对情感表达显得「腼腆害羞」。最好的例子就是，虽然母亲的形象在中国文化中占据重要地位，但多数人觉得要向母亲表达感谢和敬爱时都会感到「很别扭」。很多教会都有合一的问题。国内的肢体或许不会公开地对抗，但他们会拒绝合作或服从。从事工的角度看，易流于各自为政不愿意顺服、同心。 求主使我们谦卑下来，愿意多表达我们对属灵领袖的感激和关爱。

A recent survey confirm that Chinese are "hesitant and reserve" in expressing their emotion. A perfect example is, Chinese mother play hugely important role culturally, but majority of people feel extremely awkward expressing their appreciation or love for their mothers. Many churches have problem with unity because Chinese believers may not express their opposition openly, but they will refuse to cooperate or follow. In terms of ministry, Chinese are non-confrontational but are too proud to follow. May the Lord give us humility and willingness to express our appreciation and love for our spiritual leaders.

6/28

中国教会不见增长有许多原因，有人归咎于会众老龄化，或教会设备简陋–只摆几张凳子，没有空调设备；新朋友难获接纳，不易融入群体。也有人认为： 讲坛不能针对知识份子的需求，也不能回应时代的需要。很多教会的同工对于不能吸引留住新朋友也感到沮丧。更新教会非一朝一夕可蹴，没有灵丹妙药。让我们祈 求上帝能按祂心意帮助教会在质和量上都增长。也与灰心的人一同仰望，愿教会能同感一灵，有同一异象，继续忠心事奉、等候神行奇妙大事。

One reason many churches are unable to grow is because their members are mostly old people. Church facilities are appalling and spartan, having simple stools on a bare floor without air conditionin g. Newcomers find it both difficult to fit in and be accepted. The preaching also does not target those with higher education; the sermons are not socioculturally relevant. Many church workers are frustrated because they are not able to attract and retain newcomers. Revitalizing old churches is not a simple task and there is no quick solution. We pray that God will answer the prayer of those who are seeking church growth. For those who feel frustrated, we pray along with them, for church unity and vision for growth, as they serve faithfully and wait upon the Lord to do great things.

6/27

在中国，每六个城市就有一个出现食水短缺。全国有400多个城市供水不足，110个严重缺水。另一危机是工业废物严重污染河道及水源的问题，政府 正尝试处理，但牵涉面复杂而成效果不彰。耶稣说：「人若喝我所赐的活水就永远不渴。」很多教会精于传讲神的话，却少有能真正连结日常生活，讲道流于形式 化。让我们特为负责讲台教导的同工祷告，愿神赐下自己的话语，带着属灵的能力权柄供应新鲜、丰盛的灵粮，推动落实生活实践，以美好见证荣耀神。

 

Saturday One in six cities in China have a fresh water supply issue. There are 400 cities that lack an adequate amount of fresh water. 110 cities have a serious chronic shortage of water supply. Pollution of water sources and rivers with industrial waste is another issue the government is trying to tackle with mixed results. Jesus said, "I am the living water. Whoever comes to me will not thirst." Many churches preach the Word of God but fail to connect the Scripture with daily life applications. Sermons are often the same and similar. Let us pray for powerful teaching of the Bible in every church. We must pray for those who preach and teach first. May the Lord give them a thirst to study and apply God's Word first, not just think that they are fulfilling an obligation.

6/26

2006年中国有接近两百万人申办离婚。据官方报导,这些离婚人士多介乎30-50岁。单单上海,便有47,000人申办离婚。构成离婚的主因包括性格不 合，感情破裂，第三者，家庭暴力，经济问题，不良生活习惯，婆媳纠纷，无子女等。对于婚姻出现裂缝的信徒,教会鲜有提供实质援助。主日讲道很少提及家庭婚姻问题,让我们记念婚姻关系处于紧张状态的基督徒夫妇。祈求他们能明白上帝的旨意，彼此相爱，彼此接纳，正如基督爱教会一样。

 

In 2006, almost 2 million people in China filed for divorce. The ages are mostly between 30 and 50, according to a goverment report. Shanghai alone had 47,000 people who filed for divorce. The grounds for divorce are mostly poor communication, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, infidelity, economic problems, bad personal habits, in-law problems, and childlessness. When it comes to helping believers with marital problems, most churches in China offer little substantive assistance. Sunday sermons usually do not address family or marriage. Let us remember all the Christian couples who are struggling in their marriage now. We pray that they will know the will of God, and learn to love and accept, as well as love one another as Christ loves the church.

6/25

近期经济衰退导致很多沿岸省份的工厂相继倒闭，政府种种优惠政策及更低廉劳动力使大量工厂往内陆迁移，形成新一轮劳工迁徙潮，促使他们更靠近家乡 或返乡劳动。对于曾流失大量转往城市打拼年轻信徒的农村教会而言，将有何转变目前尚难预测。或许新局面会为内陆地区所谓「二线城市」的教会事工带来新契 机。让我们祷告这些内陆地区及农村教会不仅能获益于经济增长，更重要的是再次经历灵性的大复兴。

The recent economic downturn has caused many factories on the coastal provinces to close. But, factories are also relocating to inland China en mass because of generous government incentives and much lower labor costs. This, in turn, creates a wave of factory laborers returning home and finding work much closer to home. We do not know how this will shape the rural churches, who have lost many of their young ones as they left for better-paying factory jobs. This will also open new opportunities for ministries in the so- called "second tier" cities in the inland provinces. We pray that churches in these inland cities and rural churches will benefit from the economic boom and, most importantly, experience spiritual revival.

6/24

中国主要刺激经济方案是利用新交通网络活化中部经济。总理温家宝曾说：「中部通，则全国通；中部活，则满盘活。」中部重点六省是湖南、湖北、江 西、河南、安徽与山西。六省中的九城又以湖北省武汉最为瞩目。河南和安徽是中国农村教会的根据地，由于年轻人到城市工作，农村教会渐趋没落。在面对交通网 络系统改善及随之而来的繁荣的同时，我们祷告农村教会不至随物质主义漂流，反能以敬虔、信德鼓舞并为其他省份树立典范。

The key piece of the Chinese economic stimulus plan is revitalizing central China with a new transportation network. "If Central China is connected, the whole country is connected; if it is revitalized, the entire nation is revitalized," said the Chinese Premier. Central China includes these 6 provinces: Hunan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Henan, Anhui and Shangxi. Nine cities are considered key development points, Wuhan, which is in Hubei, is the most prominent. Henan and Anhui are the bastion of Chinese rural churches. Churches have suffered a decline as the young people leave for work in the cities. We pray, as the prosperity comes with the improved trasportation system, that rural churches will be prepared and not be swept away by materialism, but instead be a great source of encouragement and inspiration to other provinces.

6/23

武汉市将成为中国的新地理枢纽中心，新京广高速铁路二0一二年竣工后，武汉到北京及广州等其他口岸城市将缩短至五小时，交通往返时间缩短一半。相 对于各口岸城市的发展，历年来位于中国中部的教会不仅为数不多，也较为虚弱。让我们为武汉和邻近教会的复兴祷告，特别是为神学院和圣经学校代求，愿庄稼的 主差遣更多工人到这个发白的禾场收割。

The city of Wuhan will literally be the new geographic center of China. With the completion of high speed train lines in 2012, Wuhan is only 5 hours from Beijing, Guangzhou, and all the seaports, reducing the time of travel by half. Churches in central China, which are few, are historically weak in comparison with the coastal provinces. Let us pray for the revival of churches near and in Wuhan. We pray especially for the seminary and Bible schools there; may the Lord grant us more workers for harvest in this region.

6/22/2009

中国城乡居民收入差距持续扩大至3.36比1（相当于年收入差距超过1万人民币）。政府拟提高粮食价格以增加农民收入。农村教会由于信徒收入低， 加上信心不足，使得奉献的数量和心态相当保守，对于教会的发展有不利的影响。农村信徒一直认为他们必须依赖外来的接济。我们求主除去他们自怜的态度，帮助 信徒们愿意勇敢地迈开脚步，按神所赐的信心，尽心奉献和服事主。
The economic gap between urban and rural China continues to widen. City dwellers now make 3.36 times more than farmers (about 10,000 yuan a year). The government suggests that raising the food price can increase farmers' income. Among the rural churches, believers' giving continues to be low and lack of faith in giving seriously affects the growth of rural church. Believers constantly think that only outside help can help them. Let us pray that this self-pitying attitude will cease and that believers will be willing to step up boldly in serving God with what they have.

6/21/2009

因陷金融危机美国上海世博会参展者无法获得政府津贴，只能向私营企业赞助商筹措资金，而考虑不参加2010年的上海世博会，中国政府对此表示关 注。经济不景气使许多信徒在奉献上也畏缩了。求主使中国信徒有成熟的灵命和信心，知道神有丰富预备，能够超乎想象地信实供应个人与教会所需。

China has expressed concern if the US plans to skip the 2010 Shanghai World Expo because of the financial crisis. American participation cannot count on government funding and is solely dependent on private and corporate sponsors. With the economy in the downturn, many believers are holding off in giving to church. We pray for spiritual maturation and great faith of all Chinese believers, in what God can do for them and for their church.

6/20/2009

 

中国教会虽没有如西方教会宗派之分，其实各教会自成一派，不相往来，甚至彼此敌视。现在的中国教会有几个主要的派别：灵恩派、基要派、改革宗、浸信会等。我们恳求主，不分宗派背景，祝福所有的事工。更求主赐给弟兄姊妹谦卑的心，令各人看别人比自己强，避免骄傲、自我膨胀。

 

Although churches in China do not have denominations officially; in fact, denominations exist and those of different theological grounds would not accept each other. Some are even outright "hostile" toward one another. China's churches are now divided into camps: the Charismatic, Fundamentalist , Reformed and the Baptist. We sincerely pray for the ministries and work of all the different denominational backgrounds. May the Lord grant us all a heart to see that others are stronger than us; a heart of humility for all believers, rather than an expanding of their own turf.

6/19/2009

中国有数以百万从乡下到城市大小工厂打工的女工。她们离乡背井，没受过什么教育，自我形象低落，缺乏社会支援，多数认为「穷死就是罪」。感谢主， 各地已有向工厂女工展开的福音事工。一些人的生命已经完全改变，有些甚至接受训练，走去传福音。让我们以祷告记念所有已认识主、接受耶稣基督的女工，求圣 灵继续在她们心中动工，保守她们的灵命成长茁壮。

There are millions of factory girls in China; they came from villages to work in the factories in cities, big or small. Away from home, with little education and low self-esteem and with no social support, most think that life is summed up by the idea of "to die poor is a sin." We thank the Lord for ministries reaching out to factory girls. For some, lives have been changed completely and others have even received training to share Jesus with others. We remember all the factory girls who have come to know Jesus and we pray for their spiritual growth.

6/18/2009

新加坡成为中国官员培训基地。当地大学为这些中国官员提供严格的课程；对他们而言，学习「新加坡经验」对「个人仕途」很重要。新加坡也是许多三自 和家庭教会传道人的训练基地。他们在神学院毕业后，多会回到自己的教会服事。让我们为他们在异乡的学习祷告，求主让他们在灵性和知识上都得到造就，把祝福 透过他们带回各教会的会众当中。

Singapore has become the training ground for China Party officials. These management programs, offered jointly by local universities, are rigorous and such a "Singaporean experience" is essential for a future promotion. Singapore is also the training ground for many young Chinese pastors who will return to serve in their churches, both Three-Self and house churches. We pray for their learning and how the Lord will use them as they return to bless their congregations.

6/16/2009

电影「赤壁」在票房和影评上皆取得佳绩，开创了中国电影的新里程碑。该片是亚洲电影史上耗资最巨的影片，票房告捷，显示大陆观众态度已在转变，更 多人愿意付费钱买门票上电影院。教会中「经济和师资靠外援」的观念也该改变了，现在中国教会许多计划、事工和培训课程，已由教会和信徒亲自承担和包办。我 们为中国教会的成长和日趋成熟赞美神，也继续为体质仍虚弱的教会祷告。求主兴起更多本土的事工和计划来建造这些教会。

   The success of the epic movie "Red Cliff" both in critical acclaim and in box office was a milestone for a Chinese movie. It is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date and movie producers can stop worrying so much about not being profitable because of the illegal pirated DVD's. It also proved that Mainland Chinese are changing, more affluent and willing to pay for movie tickets. The idea of churches in China still needing foreign support whether financial or teachers is being challenged, too. Many projects, mission and training programs are now paid for and conducted by Chinese nationals themselves. We praise God for the maturing of the growing churches in China. Still many churches remain small and weak. Let us pray that more Chinese-initiated projects will benefit these small churches.